Minnesota is so freakin... I can't think of the word. It's not hick. However, it's similar to hick, with better people. It's so... wilderness or something. See, everytime I go to Chicago I think, "Des Moines is so small town." Then on the drive to Mankato, and up 169 to the cities, I think, "Where do these people shop? eat? go out?" and then I realize that Des Moines is actually a big city compared to a lot. Everywhere I've been in Minnesota is so small town, with smart and friendly people. Then when I get back to Des Moines I appreciate my "big city." Shortly after this roadside pondering I reached rush hour traffic just outside of Minneapolis on 494. Then I saw the skyline off in the distance and went back to thinking Des Moines is a pretty small town. Stupid bigger cities. Minneapolis isn't even that big.

Anyway. That was a weird tangeant. So. Wednesday we got to Mankato and ate at Pub 500 where I had the perfect meal: a chicken sandwich, homemade chips, and Schell Caramel Bock on tap. Man that was good. Kari's spicy black bean burger may have rivaled my sandwich though...

So, Thursday morning we woke up and went snowboarding at Mount Kato, which was much nicer than I'd planned. It's still a midwest bump in the ground, but it's much much better than the resorts closer to Des Moines. Plus, Mankato is a college town so it has some cool night spots. I'll probably return, however next I might hit up Afton Alps... or maybe get back to Colorado. or maybe Lutsen?

After snowboarding we drove up to the cities - I pondered city sizes, Kari napped. Then on arrival we checked into the Hilton Marquette downtown (nice hotel, btw). However, once I found out they didn't have a hot tub I got suckered into buying internet access for a few minutes. Stupid internet. Always suckering. sux0ring. heh.

Kari and I had dinner at Morton's. It came highly recommended from a few fine diners, and highly discouraged from people who prefer cheaper food.. so we checked it out. It was expensive for sure, but definitely a great meal with unbelievable service. It's really fun to spend ridiculous amounts of money on dinner sometimes. So after dinner we went to Gluek's, where I planned to buy that huge beer that they offer... but food was taking up too much space so I could only order a pint before heading back to the hotel.

Today, we woke up and went to Ikea, which is just ridiculous. It's so organized, so awesome, and so cheap. It's really confusing. They practically force you to look at every product they offer, and for some reason, you're ok with that. wtf. So yeah, we have a bunch of new lighting now.

And I'm back in Ankeny. After not being at work for 8 days... i still haven't had one day to relax at home alone. Stupid. Maybe Monday.