We built this city

Last week for work, I went to an event to celebrate the Carlyle condominiums in Minneapols, a new high rise that should be finished in December. Even on an overcast day, the spectacular views from the 35th floor penthouse will take your breath away. The pictures really give you the feeling that you're in a big city, but I've gotta say, Minneapolis doesn't feel that big to me. I've been to both NYC and Chicago this year and Minneapolis in fact, is rather quaint. It never feels overwhelming and no, life is not fast-paced here unless you make it that way. In fact, the main reason I bought my house was because of its location. I feel safe here, it's close to downtown and the river. One of my pre-req's when I was house hunting was that it had to be in the city. I couldn't live in the suburbs and drive in traffic everyday. Hell no! Will I always live in the city? I don't know the answer to that. But for now, it's home sweet home.

Don't mind my silly hard hat. We were in a construction zone! But you'll notice that I tilted it to one side for a more fashion forward look. Always thinking! I thought of stealing it for my Grandma Elsie (she likes to wear hard hats when she's boating) but then I remembered I was at work. ;)

Free stuff

Mom and Dad's house


Going to Mom and Dad's house is the best, especially in the summer. Not only do I get to hang with my family, but my parents usually load me up with free stuff.

Actually, I should clarify. It usually begins with me asking, "Hey, are you guys gonna use that? Do you have any extra ...? Do you know where I can find ...?



It was about 100 degrees, so after a day in the pontoon as usual, Dad pulled through and brought Tyler and I to a gravel pit near the house. The owner of the gravel pit is one of Dad's neighbors. Dad usually has the inside track on just about anything and isn't afraid to ask. GO DAD!

When we got there you'd think I had found a gold mine, because I was exuding with excitement. We loaded up the car with rocks and they have a new home bordering my flower beds. You can't go wrong with free and I'm all about using natural elements on my house. Next time I go home I'll head back to the gravel pit and load up the car again.



What else did Mom and Dad hook me up with? Mulch and a drill. Merry Christmas to me! I forgot to grab the antique wagon wheel they said I could have, but there's always next time.

Does anyone have any stories about finding free stuff?