From the outside, a restaurant seems like a lawless place. There’s a 13-year-old kid bussing tables, ex-convicts working in the kitchen and a server crying in the walk-in refrigerator. But this chaos, combined with the constant love-hate dichotomy of serving the general public, provides the strongest sense of community I’ve ever worked in.

Tipping has shifted from an appreciation of a job well done to leaving an expected percentage, and customers are allowing businesses to take advantage of their generosity. According to a 2023 report from the Pew Research Center, 29% of Americans see tipping as an obligation rather than a choice. Customers feel guilty not tipping, and the number of places asking for tips has gotten out of control.

Colorado’s attractiveness for out-of-staters is largely due to outdoor access and activities like skiing and hiking that come with it. As a Coloradan, I can attest that in these communities, outdoor activities and status symbol are deeply correlated.

Living with a roommate is challenging. Maybe they are messy or always blasting music until the early morning hours, but what if they have a pet?