Yea, another move

It is my last night in my apartment. I've decided that moving really brings lots of emotions to the forefront. I think I have relived the last few years of my life in a matter of weeks. I can't say that I have been the most stable person for the last week. At least this move isn't so far away.

A certain dog is starting to exhibit signs of moving stress. Itchy belly? Check. Acting weird towards other dogs? Check. Insisting on more treats? Check. Connected to my body? Check.

On a positive note, the new place is shaping up. We've had some friends help out painting the dining room. We are going on a great trip next week with some of our closest friends. Mary is now on the same coast. Money saving days are ahead of me. And we will have two BBQs. Heh.

Bad news? A new spider issue. Stay tuned.

Spring

One of my least favorite things about living in the Northwest is that we rarely get to enjoy a thunderstorm. Tonight, I am watching from my window (I know...safety) a true Spring thunderstorm. The sky is this amazing purple/gray color with one of the tallest rainbows I have ever seen. I can hear thunder in the distance. It is so appropriate because I have been so homesick today. I should clarify - homesick for Chicago combined with some nostalgia for New Jersey days.

I just realized that I am in the tallest building around.

Everyone is busy

Yea, the title refers to all of the people I know who feel overwhelmed or just crazy busy. Is there something in the air? Even though I was at a conference for 3 days, I was glad to get away from the packing. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones. My big accomplishment? Finally going on the chairlift (Magic Mile). Two people twisted my arm to go along for the ride. I am so scared of heights that I would never go on the jungle gym in elementary school. Yet, I survived. On the way up the mountain, I thought I was going to throw up especially when the lift would stop. Fortunately, my chair mates were patient and didn't mock my shaky hands. The entire time we were going up, I kept commenting on how the ride down would be even scarier. Not true at all. I am not sure if it was the amazing view of Mt Jefferson but the ride down was a piece of cake.

Going up

Coming down

Apparently, a certain dog misbehaved while I was away. Brian notified me that a red dog was hatching a plan with a neighbor's dog to hijack a Greenie truck in Southwest Portland. Brian caught them in the act.
Sophie is the innocent one in this photo

Meanwhile, I became a Great Aunt when my nephew and his wife welcomed a little girl into the family.


Many good things to divert my attention from all of the mixed thoughts swirling around my head.

And another thing

I don't want to hear anymore comments on my Elston posing for group therapy after watching this video. What does it say about me that I laughed hysterically at the "bad" dog when it was laughing as it walked across the room?

Birthday wishes

Studs Terkel turned 96 today. May he live many more years.

Hotter than hell

Busy. Oh, so busy. Why the title? It was at least 95 degrees today in Portland. I would argue that was around 25 degrees too hot. We had temperatures in the 40's earlier in the week. I can't say that I am thrilled with the transition from May to August temperatures.

Tomorrow I head to a conference on Mt Hood. Right now the snow sounds very appealing as I have every fan in the metro area blowing on my face. The timing of the conference couldn't be worse as I try to move and catch up on everything else at work/home. On the other hand, I am looking forward to staying at Timberline Lodge and relaxing with colleagues. It is one of the best venues for a conference. It will be the first time in 3 years that I have attended so it is good to be back.

Moving. It is happening. We picked up the keys on Wednesday and have started moving things in. My mom was here this week and packed up my entire living room and kitchen. I can't believe how we lucked out with this place. My apartment has already rented to the first person who looked at it.

Overall, I had a really busy week with my mom's visit and the whole move thing. It was a really nice week. We did get out a little - a day trip to Astoria, Oregon, celebrated a friend's birthday, had dinner with a college friend (one of the coolest guys I've ever known), celebrated a new place and a friend's new job, a concert (Girlyman) and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. I hope to post some pictures when I get back from the conference.

Crisis in the Northwest

I haven't enjoyed the taste of coffee for about two weeks. I had a cup at dinner last night that was really good but that is it. I am worried that I will be exiled from Portland or from my circle of friends. I thought about faking it but they are too smart for any deception.

I should really have some Dutch Brothers to see how deep this distaste is growing. I am screwed if this turns to beer.

What I've Been Up To

I am behind in email so I haven't been sending much to all of you.

But, I did get a place with my friend, BP. Photos are on the right hand side (picasa link). It is a great 3 bedroom, two bathroom place in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood of Portland. My commute will suck but the place is really nice and perfect for all of the animals. Yes, animals. I am going to live with cats for the first time in my life. I am sure Dr. Seuss and Parnell will love Elston and she will be nice to the boys. We are crossing my fingers on my allergies.

We get the keys on the 14th and I need to be out of my apartment at the end of the month. I am going to start packing today. At least I am not moving cross-country so I can be a little more sloppy to prevent breakage. Stressed? A little.

It is also a little sad packing up this place. This apartment was such a great place for me to land when I first arrived in Portland. My friends have moved out of the building so the dorm atmosphere changed and my view of Mt Hood is disappearing with the building of a Whole Foods a few blocks away.