Since June, every week is a new adventure for me. When I was attending college, there was a weekly routine; when I was working any job, despite the newish experiences in the environment, it was still close to a routine. This summer has been the opposite. Situations present themselves in such various shapes and sizes, even if they do resemble a past experience—it’s in a completely new environment, with unique characters. This week, I’ve been bashed with the choice between fear an...

As I approach the Eastern part of the country, I notice a change in the vibe. Of course, throughout Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio I was cruising through mostly farm regions. It lacked the comfort level I was used to in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I can’t tell whether I was just stepping out of my own personal comfort zone of the upper Midwest or if it was truly a different tone in the local personalities. I’ve now lost count the number of times people have met me on my travels and asked if I...