Tag: family

November 29, 2015 – Lutsen, Minnesota

Another holiday sacrificed to humanity in the books. I’m utilizing the resort’s swimming pool, reflecting on the recent Thanksgiving week. As per usual in the food service industry, I had to work the holiday. It’s only half bad …

November 3, 2015 – Lutsen, Minnesota

Change is hard. Even for me. This time is different though. Different in a way that’s much too familiar. Too easy. Due to that, I can sense a level of depression building inside. I attribute this feeling to …

October 6, 2015 – Finland, Minnesota

Sober October is so much easier in the middle of the woods. It was a year ago when I stumbled upon the cause, riding through the London Underground in late September. Oddly enough, I saw the ad for …

October 5, 2015 – Finland, Minnesota

I can’t believe people do this. I’m being chauffeured up the most ridiculous “road” I’ve ever encountered – an old logging road that hasn’t been maintained in years. My driver is a friend of my new hosts; he …

July 18, 2015 – Crosslake, Minnesota

Well, this takes me back. I feel much too old to be hanging out with these college-aged co-workers of mine at a bonfire-turned-house party, but how could I possibly say no? They’re young, attractive, and Minnesota nice. Did …

July 4, 2015 – Crosslake, Minnesota

It’s moments like these that can make a man question everything. Syr is laying on the dock next to her uncle Theo (Mari’s brother), watching the fireworks exploding all around the lake. Mari is there, along with her …

July 2, 2015 – Crosslake, Minnesota

Better the devil you know… …or is it? I’m fully enthralled in conversation between Dallin, Kaia, and myself. We’ve taken a slight break from a lazy afternoon boating on the surrounding lakes. Cocktails flowing, we get into a …

June 1, 2015 – Crosslake, Minnesota

What a beautiful place. Kaia (Mari’s mother) is driving me around town, giving me a tour of the area and their properties. Crosslake is a town amongst the Whitefish chain of lakes, so there are stunning views everywhere. …

May 31, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

Has it been five months already? Tonight is my last with my first hosts, and the feeling is bittersweet. I’m afraid Mari and Syr have set the bar a bit too high. They’ve shown me the undeniable strength …

April 7, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

“Yeah, I have way too much stuff…” It’s 2013, and that’s what comes out of my mouth as a few friends are helping me move out of my two bedroom apartment. That’s right; I had my own two …