Why Couchsurfing is frugal...

So CouchSurfing was been making the rounds in the media lately. I thought I would put in my two cents about my experience of CouchSurfing (CS). I have been a member for about 5 years now. I don't surf much I've done it only a handful of times in the US. Nevertheless, I have used as a social outlet after college to meet like minded people in that we like to travel. Since these people like to travel, they have the desire to save money, while having a good time. Last week, Cappy and I hosted this 7 person Aussie gypsy punk band for two days. They stayed on our couches, futon, and floor, but they were just happy to have hot water and washing machine (although they didn't use the dryer, instead they line dried their clothes). We got to check them out at the infamous Stag Night in St. Louis for free. Also that same weekend, we went with a CS friend who had old study abroad friends in town ziplining and since we had a group of 10 we got the group discount. Also the local CS group has a monthly happy hour that moves around the city and so not only do we get to try new bars, but sometimes we can get the happy hour specials extended to our group due to our size. So I get to save money by hanging out with these crazy traveler types while we are working our regular jobs and feel special showing my version of St. Louis.

New start in the Lou

So this is a renewed start at writing a blog. Let's start with a little about me at this juncture in my life versus when I started this venture a year and a half ago. I have since moved into a house my boyfriend owns with another roommate instead of the studio apartment I rented in Seattle. Oh and yes, I moved to the Midwest, St. Louis to be exact. Life is so different. It is amazing how stark the difference. I brought one of my old canvas reusable bags to the store and the cashier gave me the "what the heck am I supposed to do with this" look and then hesitatingly put my purchases in the bag. In Seattle, I had been charged extra because I forgot to bring a bag. So it has been an uphill battle to live frugally and eco-friendly, but the choice to live more simply is now a conscious one. I hope my presence will make a bigger difference here than Seattle because I will be an example to those that have not known any better and maybe for you my readers. Or at least you guys, can laugh and judge me while I make the many mistakes I am destined to make. It's going to be shenanigans!