City Life

It has been a warm week. I guess it has reached the 80's the last 3 days. I have been relieved that the temps haven't bothered me because I really don't care for hot weather. In NJ/NY, I probably would have been bitching because of the humidity. Here..not so much. It has really cooled off in the evenings so I am actually a little cold in the morning. I've gone on walks during my lunch break which has also been nice. This is the first year since I was basically a kid that I haven't had air conditioning. I know. I am spoiled. I have bad allergies!!

Elston is the one who needs a little more adjusting to the heat. I started taking her on a third walk close to when I crash for the night. Tonight, I decided to take her around 9 and it was just a really pleasant time to be out. People were on their stoops talking to neighbors, out watering their flowers, or walking around the neighborhood. One father was trying to get his newborn baby to fall asleep. We went by the local high school and people were coming out of a school event. Everyone said hello or commented on the little red dog. It felt like the perfect summer evening in an actual community.

Mark it Down

Several firsts have happened in the last few day (firsts for my residency in Portland).

1. I attended my first social gathering. There was a party at the apartment building for someone who is going away for awhile. It was great to meet some new people.

2. I attended the Chapel Pub (owned by the McMenamins) for the first time. It is built in a former funeral home. I found out there are other tater tot fans who live in my building. We went after the party. Mwwwwaaaahhhhh.

3. I was irritated for the first time with my neighbors. I am really, really tired of hearing their sex life. Two nights in a row is two nights too many. I found out that my upstairs and downstairs neighbors are gone a lot. I think they could be gone more often. I shouldn't complain because I only share the floor and ceiling with other people. Side walls are all mine!

4. I was cranky at work for the first time today. I tried incredibly hard not to show it. I am fighting a potential cold so I was achy and tired.

Oh and 5. It is hot here for the first time. It is still really nice without any humidity. I am about ready to take little E for an evening walk to the park.

Status

I am kinda freaked out by this somewhat scary book I am reading. Fortunately, I have two canines next to me who are tuned into every single noise. Sophie just growled at something. Not only do I feel protected, I also feel slightly paranoid.

I survived my first full week back on a job. I definitely made the right decision by taking this position. On Thursday and Friday, I found out about two new projects that I can join. They sound fun and exciting. It just reinforces why it is sometimes a nice thing to work at a smaller place.

As I said to a couple of people today, I have my good and bad days. Yesterday, was a good day. On my way to work, the radio played a Dinosaur Jr song from the late 80's and there was an amazing view of Mt Hood with a post-sunrise sky that provided a pinkish backdrop to the white capped mountain. It was one of those moments when I felt...happy. I know that sounds like a boring description of my emotions but I don't know how else to put it.

Today not so good. I woke up in a funk. I always have this weight around me...I guess it is sadness or emptiness. I sometimes lose focus of something I am working on or thinking about. Today was a day when that feeling took over. By late afternoon, I was able to shake it. I hope this goes away after time. I'm still in a better place emotionally than early February when my world collapsed. Or, I should say that my emotions are the same but my coping skills have improved. My emotions have turned more to sadness/emptiness than complete despair. I just slip into those moments of despair, like earlier today, when I have to fight my way out.

Speaking of sadness, I had a weird dream last night. I dreamt that I was giving a talk at some public forum. I was the third in a group of speakers. Before people started talking, I noticed that the room was filling up with lots of family friends, including people who have died. I went out to get a drink of water. When I returned, the first speaker was up. She was singing her talk. It was a woman who I saw at an event a few months ago (Meg will know who I am talking about...the woman who sings and does the weird pirouettes.). I was actually sitting next to Meg and trying not to giggle. I don't remember the second person. It was my turn. I was wearing my Shake Shack t-shirt and a pair of corduroys that were similar to a pair my dad always wore. I was talking about a historical analysis of race relations. I was very casual and comfortable with the crowd. I had some of the mannerisms as my dad - hands in my pocket and rocking back and forth on my heels or rubbing my hand against the back of my neck. I was conscious of this when I looked out and I noticed some of the family friends whispering to each other. I don't know. It was a weird dream and I woke up sad. I still think one of the coolest things I ever did was take my dad for two classes. I guess it is how I know what he looked like when he was lecturing.

I am officially rambling and now tired enough to go to sleep.

What is New?

I am walking disaster is what is new. My knee is getting worse. I spent most of last weekend holed up in the apartment with ice, drugs and being crashed out on the couch. It is a little better this week but I can't walk up or down stairs without my right leg being sideways. At least I am not limping as much when I just walking at a slower pace. It limited everything I wanted to accomplish last weekend and any major fun planned for the coming weekend. My health insurance kicks in June 1st so I hope to schedule an appointment just in case it doesn't get better.

My latest medical crisis happened this morning. I am house and dog sitting for B&A (don't freak when you read this!!!). I had my usual bowl of Cocoa Pebbles with some of their soy milk. Apparently, I've never had soy milk before (I thought I had but whatever). Right after eating my cereal, I felt the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Fortunately, I had benadryl in my work bag so everything returned to normal. I do have this fear that it is something weird with this brand new box of Cocoa Pebbles. That would be tragic. I'll play it safe with a bagel tomorrow morning.

I have nervous Elston who has turned into a very needy dog in the last week with a very mellow Sophie who misses her humans. We are all hanging out on the bed.

My second week of work is going well. I am feeling more engaged in things. I had this realization today that I really enjoy working in this type of environment rather than a super duper large space. I have an opportunity to branch out and do some cool things because of our size that I never would have been able to do at the former place.

I am still recovering from the last season episode of Heroes, the last two weeks of Soprano episodes and the news of the Tintin movies.

Sunday morning clip

I really needed this for a good laugh - worst movie scenes ever

First Week

I survived the return to worklife.

My commute isn't bad. I take one bus which is considered lucky for many commuters to this place. My morning ride is much more pleasant because there is less traffic and people aren't very chatty. I do ride the bus with two co-workers but we have respected our morning moods. The afternoon bus ride is something I am still trying to figure out. The first day was the ride from hell. It took forever to even get down the hill (the workplace is at the top of a hill). The second day was much better because I left 20 minutes earlier. I definitely have to wear my iPod for the afternoon ride because I can't even think it is so loud. Everyone is on their cell phones. There was this family on the bus and one of the kids talked non-stop. He kept yelling to his mom that he wanted to go to church this Sunday. Finally, he yelled to her "we are Christian and Christians are supposed to go to church." I couldn't hear her response because the guy next to me kept calling people because he is apartment hunting. Every conversation started off with "yo." Towards the end, I wanted to shove his head against the window. Clearly, I don't fall in line with the rest of cheery Portland people. I am the angry commuter.

Belated Shout Out

Studs Terkel turned 95 this week. On my list of people I admire in this world, Studs is right at the top of the list. May he live many, many more years.

Scary

Since today is my last day to take care of things during the week, I thought I should go get my driver's license. Last night, I reviewed the Oregon rules of the road because I remember getting stumped when I took the written test in Eugene. Yes, I know how to drive. I am bad at multiple choice and they asked the most obscure questions.

I made it to the DMV and there were about 25 people ahead of me. I filled out my application form and picked up all of the forms for license and registration that I'll start working on next week or so. I suddenly realized that I forgot to bring along proof of residence. I remembered all of the other documents like social security card and birth certificate. I had about 18 people in front of me at this point so I ran to my car. I am sure I broke many traffic laws to/from my apartment. I arrived back at the DMV and I had missed my number by 2 people. Back to 15 people in front of me. I also had a minor freak out when I realized I've been driving for almost 21 years.

There was absolutely no privacy at this DMV. This woman went up to the counter and said that her house had burned down so she only had one piece of identification. The employee told her it wasn't sufficient. He had no sympathy for her at all. She asked to speak to a manager. He said he was the manager. She ended up walking out and yelling at him, "I hope your house never burns down and you lose everything." I thought he seemed a little unsympathetic but the next 3 people had the exact same story. Apparently, this is a common excuse unless there has been a rash of fires in Portland.

The line went fast because barely anyone had the correct paperwork. The clerk almost wept when I came up to the counter and I had all of my documentation. Guess what? My former Oregon license had not expired so I didn't have to take the written or vision tests. I also didn't have to pay $64. I only had to pay $21. Unfortunately, I had to get a new photo taken. My previous Oregon photo was the best driver's license photo I've ever had. This one? It is by far the scariest photo I have ever had taken of me. Ever. Worst photo ever. You name it - school, id, or candid photo. I actually said, "Oh my God" when they handed it to me. I look like death. Worse than death. I would try to take a photo of the id to show all of you but I think it would break my camera lens.

That was the most productive thing I did on my last day before work starts. Oh and I also switched over my car and rental insurance. They are mailing me everything so I don't how much cheaper my insurance will be from NJ. I am hoping a lot.

Work?

I am all set. I now have cable and true Internet service. I really don't watch too much tv but this is a crucial time period with the end of Soprano's and the season of Heroes ending soon. I just watched the last two weeks of Soprano's. The lack of Internet service was a pain because I was stealing weak wireless signals. Now I have no excuse to finish some professional committee responsibilities.

Yesterday was kinda my first day of work. I had a day of orientation type things. I still don't want to talk too much about work or what I do so I can remain somewhat anonymous on the web. I'll just say a few vague things. I had to take 2 computer module classes before I could get my id badge. One of them was on respect in the workplace. I couldn't help think that a few people at my former place of employment could have benefited from the 30 minute computer class. I appreciate the fact that this place takes this stuff seriously. I am still amazed that a place as large and diverse as the former place didn't have a required class or something on respect/diversity/legal stuff.

I had an afternoon of a human resources sponsored class on the mission of the place. I picked up stuff on public transportation, wellness, benefits and so on.

I have the next few days off so I can finish up some things like utilities, driver's license, and sleeping. Old E would have already been logging on to the work email and setting everything up. New E refuses. I have enough turmoil in my brain.

Oh and the dog survived. She was sound asleep when I came home.

Nice day until....

I decided to spend the morning in the neighborhood. After walking Elston, I went to a neighborhood garage sale. A nearby block was holding a neighborhood garage sale as a fundraiser to save their elm trees. I bought a book and some baked goods. Mostly, I enjoyed watching the dynamics of a neighborhood coming together for a cause. I dropped off my purchases and walked to the local farmer's market. Wow. This will definitely become part of my Saturday morning routine. Mary would have been proud of me. I bought green things! I came home and took a two hour nap. Again...perfect morning.

Later, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things to supplement dinner. My knee went out. I have been having off and on knee pain since I was packing things in NJ. I wore a knee brace for a few weeks to help with all of the lifting and moving around. This is different. I felt something give. I had to sit down in the store. I came home and took some drugs. I did make a nice dinner with my early morning purchases so the evening wasn't wasted.

The knee is a little better today but the knee brace isn't helping like it did before. I am taking it easy today since I have to be mobile tomorrow.

Unpack or Play?

It has been a busy few days. I am starting to see less boxes in the living room. The other bedroom is a box factory that probably won't be tackled for awhile. I know that most of those boxes are books so they can wait until after the weekend.

I've managed to get out a little and enjoy some of Portland. On Thursday night, Brian and Abby invited me to go hear Will Shortz. It was a lot of fun. I also realized that I can be really stupid when it comes to puzzles. The best part of the talk was when he divided the audience into two teams and had us compete against each other with word games. That is when I realized that I would never become a master puzzler. Actually, a puzzler of any kind.

Yesterday, I went to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens. I took plenty of photos of the flowers but also the ducks that hang out in the garden. It was a beautiful spot. Lots of people were hanging out reading or eating a picnic lunch. Later, I went to the Hawthorne neighborhood to a Powell's outlet. I am limiting myself to one book a month. I bought two so I can't buy another until July. (yea, we'll see how long that lasts). I had my first McMenamins since moving to Portland at the Bagdad Pub across the street. I followed all of this up with a Stumptown coffee and a nap. While I was eating my tots and drinking my beer (not Terminator but Black Rabbit Porter which I really liked), I listened to a new employee get the entire rundown on things from the manager. It was pretty cool to hear that they are a progressive company that seem to treat their employees fairly. They do have to take a quiz on McMenamins history.

We've been going on long walks around the neighborhood. Elston continues to shove her entire face into flowers and plants. I just hope she doesn't get stung by a bee because I don't think I could handle another incident when she goes into shock. We have gone to the local dog park. The park is really nice. We live in the neighborhood where Beverly Cleary grew up and where the Ramona books took place. There is a statue garden in the park of Ramona and Henry. What else? The other day we had to pull over while a high school marching band practiced walking down the street in formation and playing their instruments. I can't imagine that happening in NJ.

I start work next week. I have an orientation on Monday and my first full day is either Thursday or Friday. I will probably make it Thursday. If it wasn't for $$, I would try to push it back another week.

Oh and I got my library card.

Fatigue

Movers have come and gone. We are surrounded by boxes even though the kitchen is completely unpacked. I am not sure what to tackle next. I have hit an extreme lack of motivation today with a mountain of things to do.

After the movers left, I brought Elston to the new apartment. She seems to have settled in now that she has all of her sleeping spots back. As I write this, she is passed out on the bed. She can see outside from two good spots and a third if she stands on the couch. I've been training her to sit on the elevator and she is getting a little better. She has already found her way from the elevator to our apartment door. Brilliant! The walks are fun because she smells every frikkin flower. I love Oregon in the Spring and apparently so does Elston. Today we are going to head to the neighborhood dog park. The one thing that she still does is perk up when she hears someone set their car alarm. She thinks it is Mary so she goes to look out the window. I don't know how to explain it to her unless she thinks she can hear several thousand miles away.

Keys

I have the keys to the apartment! Everything is official as I took possession of the apartment. It is much nicer and larger than I remembered. I received a call late in the day that the movers are coming tomorrow. This is great news since the last I heard was that they weren't going to arrive for another week.

So, I went on a major run to Target and unloaded the car. Abby came to help which was much appreciated. Photos of the place are now on the Picasa site. What I couldn't really capture was all of the different views, the lighting and how much space there is in different spots. There is a view of Mt Hood from the living room if you look between some trees. The other windows have a nice view overlooking the neighborhood. From the apartment website, my apartment is on the third floor directly above the library entrance.

Elston had a nice day lounging around and playing outside. Hopefully, she will like the new spot.

Portland

We are safe and sound with friends in Portland. I think Elston was relieved to get out of the car but is wondering why we aren't back in NJ. She definitely remembered Brian, Abby and her dog pal, Sophie.

More later...going back to bed.

In MT

I am in Missoula. I really lucked out with the weather. South Dakota along I-90 now has tornado warnings and the area around Sheridan is getting hit with a foot of snow. I drove through snow during the first hour of my drive. It was a little hairy going down a 7% grade with ice on the road. I had to remind myself to breathe.

Honestly, I wasn't in a very cheery mood today. I barely stopped or entertained myself with photos. I stopped at the site of the Battle of Bighorn but turned around without entering the park. I might have a few photos to load. I'll have to see what actually turned out. I'm in a funk.

I will admit that about the only time I smiled today was when I saw a sign for a testicle festival.

SD-WY

First, we had an uneventful morning. As someone said, I bet we had to cross the Mississippi to get rid of the bad mornings. Here are some random thoughts from the day.

- We passed up the opportunity to see the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Fatima Family Shrine, and the Corn Palace (we did look at the outside)

- It rained for the first hour of our drive. The rest of the day was beautiful. I enjoyed the South Dakota landscape. I love looking at all of the farms (ranches as I continued heading west). This part of Wyoming is also beautiful with the rolling hills and wide open landscape.

- South Dakota has the best billboards. The signs for Wall Drug, Reptile Gardens, some frontier town and all of the other tacky sights made for fun reading. The billboards definitely changed after Rapid City since we left most of those things behind us.

- Other interesting signs: "We Dakotans reject animal activists" (Elston shuddered at this one but I told her she was safe with me), "Toe Service" instead of "Tow Service", "No Hunting at Rest Area", and "Wonderland Cafe. Millions of Years Old". I was really disappointed that I couldn't hunt at the rest area. It took all of the fun away.

- The family themed ones were especially interesting. "Family - the Anti-Drug" and something about families that eat breakfast together are happier or something like that. The billboard was for the Holiday Inn that I happen to be staying at tonight.

- I used to study Native American history. At one point, I was interested in the images of the frontier and Native Americans in popular culture. One billboard that could have been included in an exhibit that the Newberry Library had a long time ago on this subject was for Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns. It showed white children with stupid, goofy grins with some catch phrase like "we are so happy" and "this is so much fun."

- A few more interesting things about South Dakota. They have casinos everywhere. Seriously. They have casinos in gas stations. I would see signs that would say "gas and casino." You know how people place roadside memorials where someone has died? They usually have a wreath or some handmade sign. In South Dakota, they have a sign, "Think Drive Safely" or something like that. In Wyoming, they also have a sign but it looks like a bleeding heart. I don't think that is the message they are trying to send. I was reading the USA Today from the hotel and they actually referred to the Wyoming sign as a broken heart with a dove. I should tell them it is a bleeding, broken heart with a dove. I liked the South Dakota signs.

- Wyoming. They have warning signs for deer like most other states. Their signs will say "Deer next 15 miles" and in 15 miles there will be another sign that will say "Deer next 8 miles" and so on. I think they should just put a sign that says "Deer the entire fucking state." I saw hundreds and hundreds of deer hanging out. Explain to me why they have to put up the signs for specific miles if they continually run together???

- I really, really want to go to Yellowstone. I might plan a trip for the summer of 2008 to check out Yellowstone and the rest of the area south of Sheridan.

- Wall Drug was overwhelming. Thank God it wasn't crowded. Pedro picked up a new friend (see photos) and I bought a fantastic gift for my friend, Meg. Heh..heh.

I think that is enough for today. We are supposed to have a bad thunderstorm tonight and then snow in the morning! Most of the snow will be south of us but they still expect 3-4 inches in Sheridan. I am glad I decided not to take the I-80 route since they are expecting significant snowfall in that area. I should be okay. I guess we will expect a windy, snowy morning as we head to Missoula. The weather in Montana looks fine.

Starting late

It is raining. I am tired. We are going to get a late start this morning.

IL to SD

Clearly my mornings are going to be difficult for me on this trip. I had an alarm snafu so I woke up at 5 instead of 6. On a normal day, I could roll with it. On a day when I have a long day ahead of me? Not so great. Remember my comment about quality family time? I guess not everyone felt the same way since my mom called to tell me that I am now dead to her. The trip can officially be called "Road of Failed Relationships." I wonder what new adventures will happen tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait.

The trip. I should mention that on my other drives between Chicago-Eugene and Eugene to New Jersey, I took I-80 most of the way. I decided to mix it up a little on this drive so I am taking I-90. I have never been west of Rochester, MN, on I-90, so I am looking forward to new scenery.

Wisconsin-Minnesota. I saw a car painted as a Green Bay Packer. It only made me drive faster. I saw my first buffalo and hitchhiker of the trip. I also saw a 60 foot statue of the Jolly Green Giant. With a little more warning, I would have pulled over to grab a photo. Instead, I almost swerved off the road. If only...

I listened to Prince and The Replacements as I drove through Minnesota. Weird thing? I didn't plan it. I am doing a blind grab from 2 boxes of cd's and it is what I grabbed. I don't think I will have that happen as I drive through South Dakota except I do have a Shawn Colvin cd with me.
I entertained myself today by counting dead pheasants on the side of the road. I made it up to 9. As I hit South Dakota, I decided I would also count the number of references to Mount Rushmore. Within 15 miles, I already reached 2. "Great Faces. Great Places" and "Heads above the rest"

What else? I had some Culvers which always makes me happy. We had a nice stop along the Mississippi River. We are staying at a Residence Inn tonight. They offer a free social hour with food and drinks. Tonight was beef macaroni and Miller High Life. If only I was here for chef salad, chili dog or hot hamburger night. I hope that hot refers to spiciness and not temperature. If so, I can't imagine cold hamburger night.

Oh the photos. I need to explain Pedro. He was purchased on a Charleston road trip with one of my former co-workers. We bought a few others for two of our co-workers. They gave me a great going away present of the three Pedro dogs touring NYC. Now Pedro is showing off to the others what he is seeing. I was forced to add someone else to our drive. Honey Onion, my stuffed nemesis, was forced on me by my brother-in-law (we have a long running joke about this stuffed onion). It wants to go by Walla Walla, WA. Honey is stuck in the back window. What does all of this say about me? I think Elston is relieved she is sedated.

IL

This will be brief because it is late and I really need to get some sleep. We made it safe to my sister's house for an evening filled with food, children playing and quality family time.

The day didn't start off so great. As I finished loading things in the car, I locked myself out. Elston was in the car. Windows up. Doors locked. After I finished loading up the back seat, I threw my keys onto the front seat and shut the back door. I heard the sound of the doors locking. She must have leaned against the auto door lock. Locksmith came within 10 minutes. I had a mini-breakdown before we could hit the highway. Little rattled.

The drive seemed really long today. Indiana and Ohio really don't make for exciting drives.

I think the best part of this entire trip will be seeing my niece and nephew (not to mention other family and friends). Elston and I are wiped out. I'll load photos tomorrow when I get to SD.

PA

Well, I made it to Clarion, PA. A day from hell.

The movers: They were supposed to load the truck from 8-10. At 8, two guys from the local agency arrive. No truck. They get a call from the driver who says he is stuck in traffic on the GW Bridge. They move all of the boxes outside. They can't do anything with the furniture because the driver has all of the blankets. We wait. Wait some more. Driver went the wrong way on our street. We tell him to turn around. He drives up and has to turn around to be on the right side of the street. 18 wheeler. He has been tearing down wires throughout UC and Jersey City because they are hanging too low above the street. He finally pulls up. He is with another guy who has his head buried in his hands. Driver is pissed. He gives me attitude about the local office not recommending a shuttle truck because of the wires. I said they didn't think there would be a problem and I didn't have a problem the last time an 18 wheeler delivered my stuff. I am also confused because I contracted with Mayflower so why is United Van Lines at my doorstep? United owns Mayflower. Funny since I was debating between both companies for the move.

He gets out of his snit with me and everyone starts wrapping up the furniture and loading the truck. At one point, I am standing outside and I hear the driver yelling at this other guy. I start to feel uncomfortable so I go back inside. He continues to yell at him...loud enough for me to hear at the back of our apartment. Nice. They finish around 2. They were supposed to be down at 10. I tipped extra nice because I felt bad for the guys working with this driver. It will be interesting to see what he is like in Portland. He did loan me a book on CD.

Clean a little. Load the car. Say goodbye. I can't think of another moment in my life when I felt so horrible.

Elston is in the passenger seat and is glassy eyed from the sedative. The car could have been filled with treats, toys and her dog friends and she wouldn't have blinked. We crawl through NJ because of traffic.

As I started driving through Pennsylvania, I decided to entertain myself by counting dead deer. I was up to 8 when it started raining. Yea, it started raining so hard that I could barely see the lines on the highway. It was this way for 3 hours. I found out later that the area was under watch/warnings for severe thunderstorms and possible funnel cloud sightings.

We arrived at our hotel around 9:30. I feel wrecked. Elston is asleep and I am going to follow her lead.

No funny stories today. Just one drugged up dog and one really sad human.