Tag: Minnesota

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 27, 2015 – Crosslake, Minnesota

Finally. My first “napkin number” as a server. It’s sad to admit, but yeah, it just now happened. I’m 29, and I’ve been in the industry off and on for about ten years. Must be the arm hair. …

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 …

May 18, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

“I wish you’d park in front of your own %&$#ing house…” …the neighbor across the street says to me earlier in the year. We have to park on the street due to limited alley space, and it never …

May 14, 2015 – Somewhere in Southern Minnesota

Wow, my interviewing skills are terrible. I’m sitting across from two lovely women I met through my preferred hosting website, conducting my first interview ever. They tell me about their decision to host travelers. Their outlook on life. …

April 29, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

Superior Hiking Trail? Yes. Mississippi River headwaters? Definitely. Split Rock Lighthouse? Please. Since the weather is warming, I’ve begun making a list of places to go during my time in Minnesota. This state has much to offer, including …

April 23, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

“We decided we would rather trim all of the superficial garbage because not only is it emotionally freeing, but it frees you financially to live the way you want.” Words of wisdom from my younger, smarter, and stronger …

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 …