Lessons from the Couch: January 18th

In 2010 Lessons from the Couch will take on a slightly new look. The Harrington's will offer readers a more insightful look as how the spend time with each individual guest and hopefully be able to share with readers more about the story or stories of the guests who come to rest their heads on Clark St.

To ring in the new year of CouchSurfing, Mike and Melissa welcomed Jake from New Hampshire. Jake found himself in Laramie on a quest for the best in the west! The best being a PhD. program, the west being Colorado and Wyoming schools. Because Jake is taking a serious look at living in this region he posed a question never before brought to the Harrington's couch: What is your least favorite part of Laramie? Mike and Melissa faithfully commented on the extreme cold as well as the altitude. Melissa however made the distinction that the high altitude often provides a perfect excuse for many everyday activities: I'm not running like I used to, must be the altitude. My bread didn't rise like it should have, must be the altitude. Cowboy football sure is lookin' good, must be the altitude. I'm not as polite as I should be, must be the altitude. Of course, the Harrington's were also given an opportunity to talk about the many things they so dearly love about Laramie: small town feel, more cultural opportunities than in most of Wyoming, long season of snow sports and winter comformt foods, and most importantly the many people they've come to love so dearly.


As is to be expected when hosting a stranger on your couch, the Harrington's were able to collect an entertaining story from this week's guest. Jake told our faithful hosts of a hunting adventure in the heavily forested mountains of his homestate, New Hampshire. After spending a day in a tree-stand it was time for Jake to head back home. Before making his way safely out of the tree stand he spotted a large mass of muscle and golden fur stalking through the forest. Hoping to get a better look, and determine how safe his walk out of the forest would be, Jake continued to watch. Moments later, he spotted the creature again, still impressed by the creatures size Jake noticed what appeared to be a tuft of hair encircling the creatures head, much as is showcased in this picture:
Understanding that New Hampshire forests are not the home of lion's, Jake also had to justify and understandy why exactly he was seeing something that so clearly had a mane. Fortunately, local papers and town-gossipers were ready to provide some answers. A local zoo had recently closed down because of financial irresponsibility, but word on the street was, the owner's were also irresponsible when it came to keeping confined large cats that generally live in Africa.


With stories such as this, the Harringtons, their friend Mark and their guest Jake finally made it to the dinner table to enjoy Altitude Brews, Catfish Cakes, Twice-Baked Potatos, Dumpster Salad and Orangies. The meal was nothing-short-of enjoyed and was followed by a surprisingly interesting movie: District 9.


And that dear readers, is how the Harrington's brought in the CouchSurfing new year!