The Homo Hobo

I spent 9 nights in Vegas. That’s right…9 nights. This wasn’t like the Vegas days of 2011 - 2015 when a group of us was going for bachelor parties about once every 9 months on average. Back then, we barely survived three-day trips. After a Hangover-esque weekend in 2015, we vowed to take a break–and we have actually stuck to it to this day! This time was different because I was alone, working, and staying off the Strip a little. I stayed at the Virgin Hotel (the old Hard Rock) because it's a Hilton property and the price was right. It’s a smaller hotel/casino compared to most on the strip and seems to be geared toward conferences. I liked how small it was because it’s easy to get lost in some of those casinos! While small, I still had a lot of the usual hotel/casino amenities - like a pizza place that’s open until 2 a.m. everyday! The music throughout the casino was always a vibe and whatever smells they had pumping in the elevators always made me happy. They have multiple pools on...

I haven’t figured out how to get a different picture to display if it’s not the first one on here so we’re getting Michelle off the bat!  As I visit different cities, I am on the hunt for things that would draw me to want to settle in that city. I don’t have a particular timeline in mind (it won’t be any time soon if all goes well) but I also haven’t developed any specific criteria while courting a new home (except no winter)! I do know San Francisco is not on that list. This was my second visit to SF in the last year. I have enjoyed both times, but know the city is not a future home. I chose to spend 7 nights in SF because my good friend Laura from Des Moines was out there for an extended period for different projects. If you don’t know Laura, she is an amazing artist and has most recently been rocking the mural scene in the SF Bay Area along with other places around the US!  She works with schools to  turn blank walls into vibrant murals and works with the kids at the s...

After SLC, I made a stop in Phoenix. My girl Kylie always says her place is mine, so I took her up on that.  Kylie and I met in 2009 when we both were in a new hire class at Sammons in Des Moines. They did a 3 day offsite kumbaya for all new hires and Kylie and I were in the same class. Going into sessions like that, you know you have to find someone to become at least "three day besties" with. Here we are 15 years later (gross) and I couldn't love her more. Kylie and her family went off to Vegas for the weekend so I got to spend time with her on the front and back end of the trip. I didn't know I needed it, but I told Kylie on my way out of town that the alone time that weekend in the comfort of her place was just what I needed. I got in late on Thursday and Kylie took off Friday morning. I think I worked a 16 hour day on Friday but it was necessary and I slept well that night! On Saturday, I hiked Piestewa Peak Summit Trail on Satruday. And by hiked, I mean rock c...