Its Wednesday night. I'm sitting in Peters house with my computer and my bags of items that will get me through the next 4 weeks. In my bedroom there remains a lamp, a little side table and a bed (not mine) and so I stare at the wall. Nothing on it. I just finished, with the help of my good friend Cary, a trip to the charity shop to donate what my father couldn't fit into his car today.
So lets recap. My dad drove over here from Idaho Tuesday yesterday, we loaded the car up this morning and off he went. The car was filled to the brim! Not an ounce of room left in it! So much stuff! So, to get rid of the stuff I left behind Cary had to hook up a trailer to his SUV and I still managed to fill both the trailer and the car. Amazing!
When I checked the mail today I had gotten my two Netflix movies. Well, dad took the DVD player and the TV just went to goodwill. Whoops! So I'll be watching a movie on Netflix online tonight.
Tomorrow I take whats left to Jaci's where I'll spend the next two weeks before I leave for California. My goodness! I'm tired of packing and unpacking!
I will say that being left with two bags is almost a relief because life just got infinitely simpler! Now to finish moving it all around!
So my goal in the next couple of weeks is to buy the little things I can't find in Idaho and mail them home. To tide me over until I can get back here.
Big Bear isn't home yet tonight and Peter doesn't return from his vacation until late tonight so won't he be surprised. I was busy unpacking when he left and he'll return to an almost empty house again. Wow!
So, much more to come I'm sure. I haven't even seen where I'm moving to yet. I have no idea what to expect!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
All in a days work
Monday~ can't say I usually look forward to that day but after this last weekend I sure couldn't wait! So here's how my day went. After a quick phone call to the school in San Francisco I got moved into the April class. Then my coworker Jaci said it would be okay to crash at her place until I go which will really help out!
I gave my 2 weeks notice at work, bought my train ticket to California (Coast Starlight, here I come) and bought my plane ticket back to Idaho from California. I booked my hostel bed in the city and finished packing up all of my stuff at Peters house. And I even had time to sit and watch my favorite show on TV last night. Phew! What a day. Can you believe how quickly it can happen that you undo all that you've done. I mean, I just moved up my timeline by 2 months.
The next couple of days my furniture heads off to Goodwill (from whence it came) and my dad will be here this afternoon to pack up the few remaining things I'm keeping (why am I keeping any of it?) who knows when I will set up a full kitchen again or fill a bookcase. Wow! My life is going to change for a while I think!
Now, as I've gotten a little carried away and packed everything I own I must run and find something to wear to work. Wish me luck! I'll have more undoing to do today!
I gave my 2 weeks notice at work, bought my train ticket to California (Coast Starlight, here I come) and bought my plane ticket back to Idaho from California. I booked my hostel bed in the city and finished packing up all of my stuff at Peters house. And I even had time to sit and watch my favorite show on TV last night. Phew! What a day. Can you believe how quickly it can happen that you undo all that you've done. I mean, I just moved up my timeline by 2 months.
The next couple of days my furniture heads off to Goodwill (from whence it came) and my dad will be here this afternoon to pack up the few remaining things I'm keeping (why am I keeping any of it?) who knows when I will set up a full kitchen again or fill a bookcase. Wow! My life is going to change for a while I think!
Now, as I've gotten a little carried away and packed everything I own I must run and find something to wear to work. Wish me luck! I'll have more undoing to do today!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The rugs been pulled
After writing that great blog about my getting all settled in, I got a phone call from my roommates in Idaho and they are moving out. That means everything will be changing. And who knows what that will look like? I had a plan and was working toward fulfilling it and then I got the call.
I'm totally stumped. What do I do now? Move, quit my job, pack, go to class early, find more roommates for the Idaho house? Move back to Idaho? Sell the house?
Any ideas? And since its the weekend I can't do much until Monday morning. So now I wait. And wait and wait. This panic I'm feeling is pretty hilarious because usually things like this are okay for me. Packing up and changing everything is exactly what I did last year at this time. I guess feeling alone here in Portland makes it a little bigger to me. No family to help me here and no friends with a couch so to speak. Boy this is a tough town!
Well, tomorrow I'll have most of the answers to the problems coming up. I'm sure this is being sorted out by a much higher power and I'll just need to pay attention.
I'm totally stumped. What do I do now? Move, quit my job, pack, go to class early, find more roommates for the Idaho house? Move back to Idaho? Sell the house?
Any ideas? And since its the weekend I can't do much until Monday morning. So now I wait. And wait and wait. This panic I'm feeling is pretty hilarious because usually things like this are okay for me. Packing up and changing everything is exactly what I did last year at this time. I guess feeling alone here in Portland makes it a little bigger to me. No family to help me here and no friends with a couch so to speak. Boy this is a tough town!
Well, tomorrow I'll have most of the answers to the problems coming up. I'm sure this is being sorted out by a much higher power and I'll just need to pay attention.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
3 Layers
The kitchen grime was grim. The germs made me squirm. At one point I bumped the stove and a bug crawled out, I let out a SHOUT! Ew! At that point Peter showed up with rubber gloves on and helped me scrub. He couldn't figure out why I wanted to clean the kitchen. After all he was replacing the counter-tops. In a year! I just shook my head. One more year of grime would have given the counter-tops and its bugs a life of their own, an entire eco-system. So I put an end to that! I scrubbed the stove and counters and then demonstrated to Peter what the true color of his antique mustard sink really was. I feel much better now, its been a few days since then and I've finally been inspired to go into the kitchen and cook a real meal. Phew! I was hoping it would be like that.
My big bear (Nate) is still sleeping through the evenings each day and then up all night.
Thursday night Peter mentioned that Nate has decided not to give me rides in his car if I need them...I wasn't planning to ask but being refused before I've even asked was pretty sad. Its okay. I'll just live according to the train schedule. Luckily where I catch the train 3 train lines run and there is always a train in a couple of minutes!
Last night I discovered something really funny. See, Peter left yesterday (Friday morning) for a week of vacation. Leaving me with Big Sleepy Bear. And I was worried a little bit because so far any communication with me and Nate has gone through Peter for some reason. Usually because sleepy bear is well, sleeping. Peter has all of these theories on Nate and his funny habits and Peter makes it seem that he is taking care of Nate and on and on. Its been funny, all this time I wasn't quite sure what to make of Nate.
Last night when Nate awoke and came out to be among the living (room) we started talking! And it turns out that Nate thinks Peter isn't rational! Peter has alot of funny hang ups that bug Nate! I couldn't believe it! And Nate's concerns were legit too! Oh so funny! I had a big inward chuckle about that! Two totally neurotic boys thinking they are looking out for the other and each thinking the other is irrational! Oh man, this is going to be good!
Nate is actually a pretty interesting guy and easy to talk to when he's around. I think we'll do just fine this week. I told him he was keeping me up with his late night wanderings and we discovered his door has a bad squeak so we're going to work on that.
On another note...I got a hair cut! Its fantastic! And what an adventure to find the place too! I love this city, always full of surprises! I had to take a new bus like to get close to where I was going, the 220 Salon. This new bus dropped me off a few blocks away and I was forced to wander by Voodoo Donuts (oh that place is magic!) Not voodoo magic but you know what I mean! There was a line around the corner to get into that place, I couldn't figure it out! That was 1 pm in the afternoon! So after I managed to get past the crowd I come a sign on the sidewalk pointing towards the 220 Salon. So I open a door and its just a big stairway up. I decided to see where it led me, at the top of the stairs I found another sign and then at the next hallway another sign and finally the hallway ended and I had 3 doors to choose from (no I'm not making that up). No sign on the door just a sign in the hallway. So I chose door number 3 and it opened into a huge loft apartment full of bustling hair dressers.Viola! I've never seen anything like it! It was fantastic! Everyone in there was a perfect example of all the different styles around this city. Hair, clothes, shoes, accessories. I love this city!
I found my gal, Andrea and I told her to make me a city dweller and she did, I let her decide! I got a short cut and bangs! Oh man! Its fantastic! What fun!
When I got home last night I got my sewing room all set up downstairs complete with stereo and now I can work on my travel clothes and dresses for my next new adventures! Yeah!
We'll see what today brings. So far Big Bear Sleeps.
My big bear (Nate) is still sleeping through the evenings each day and then up all night.
Thursday night Peter mentioned that Nate has decided not to give me rides in his car if I need them...I wasn't planning to ask but being refused before I've even asked was pretty sad. Its okay. I'll just live according to the train schedule. Luckily where I catch the train 3 train lines run and there is always a train in a couple of minutes!
Last night I discovered something really funny. See, Peter left yesterday (Friday morning) for a week of vacation. Leaving me with Big Sleepy Bear. And I was worried a little bit because so far any communication with me and Nate has gone through Peter for some reason. Usually because sleepy bear is well, sleeping. Peter has all of these theories on Nate and his funny habits and Peter makes it seem that he is taking care of Nate and on and on. Its been funny, all this time I wasn't quite sure what to make of Nate.
Last night when Nate awoke and came out to be among the living (room) we started talking! And it turns out that Nate thinks Peter isn't rational! Peter has alot of funny hang ups that bug Nate! I couldn't believe it! And Nate's concerns were legit too! Oh so funny! I had a big inward chuckle about that! Two totally neurotic boys thinking they are looking out for the other and each thinking the other is irrational! Oh man, this is going to be good!
Nate is actually a pretty interesting guy and easy to talk to when he's around. I think we'll do just fine this week. I told him he was keeping me up with his late night wanderings and we discovered his door has a bad squeak so we're going to work on that.
On another note...I got a hair cut! Its fantastic! And what an adventure to find the place too! I love this city, always full of surprises! I had to take a new bus like to get close to where I was going, the 220 Salon. This new bus dropped me off a few blocks away and I was forced to wander by Voodoo Donuts (oh that place is magic!) Not voodoo magic but you know what I mean! There was a line around the corner to get into that place, I couldn't figure it out! That was 1 pm in the afternoon! So after I managed to get past the crowd I come a sign on the sidewalk pointing towards the 220 Salon. So I open a door and its just a big stairway up. I decided to see where it led me, at the top of the stairs I found another sign and then at the next hallway another sign and finally the hallway ended and I had 3 doors to choose from (no I'm not making that up). No sign on the door just a sign in the hallway. So I chose door number 3 and it opened into a huge loft apartment full of bustling hair dressers.Viola! I've never seen anything like it! It was fantastic! Everyone in there was a perfect example of all the different styles around this city. Hair, clothes, shoes, accessories. I love this city!
I found my gal, Andrea and I told her to make me a city dweller and she did, I let her decide! I got a short cut and bangs! Oh man! Its fantastic! What fun!
When I got home last night I got my sewing room all set up downstairs complete with stereo and now I can work on my travel clothes and dresses for my next new adventures! Yeah!
We'll see what today brings. So far Big Bear Sleeps.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I traded European (downtown) for Oakland (NE)
Today, I left Europe. Downtown Portland has always felt very european to me. Pretty buildings, lots of hustle and bustle and things like that. Taking the train out to my new house is like leaving Europe and heading right into the heart of International Boulevard in Oakland California. Everyone nationality is represented and its pretty gross. Totally different feel, even from going to St. Johns its different. Today the train was crowded and as more and more groups got on the train it hit me. I've been around this crowd before.Though in California they usually weren't all friendly to one another.
I of course was jamming to some international music I'd copied in Valencia Spain so I was trying really hard to hang on to the mood! It wasn't easy.
I finished the big clean up of my wonderful downtown apartment. Oh how I miss it! And tomorrow I turn in the keys and say goodbye to it. Really sad. I'm really going to miss it. But this new place has its benefits...can't think of any off hand but some day I'll be able to. I do get to stand in close quarters to humanity and that is never dull. Anything goes in this city and that is true of the east side as well. They play by different rules but its still a free for all.
The weather is about perfect right now. I can hear birds chirping! Wow how I've missed that! I'm sitting outside on my uncomfortable chair reminiscing about the little terrace at Terramar in Majorca where I'd sit on my little chair at my little table and tell everyone about my day at the beach. Oh, those were the days!! This yard here is really quiet and I think once I find my own little table and chair I'll really have it made!
Now to find some dinner...or first to scrub the counter and then find some dinner. I'm not sure how many layers of grime one countertop can hold but I'll keep count and let you know. Ew!!
I of course was jamming to some international music I'd copied in Valencia Spain so I was trying really hard to hang on to the mood! It wasn't easy.
I finished the big clean up of my wonderful downtown apartment. Oh how I miss it! And tomorrow I turn in the keys and say goodbye to it. Really sad. I'm really going to miss it. But this new place has its benefits...can't think of any off hand but some day I'll be able to. I do get to stand in close quarters to humanity and that is never dull. Anything goes in this city and that is true of the east side as well. They play by different rules but its still a free for all.
The weather is about perfect right now. I can hear birds chirping! Wow how I've missed that! I'm sitting outside on my uncomfortable chair reminiscing about the little terrace at Terramar in Majorca where I'd sit on my little chair at my little table and tell everyone about my day at the beach. Oh, those were the days!! This yard here is really quiet and I think once I find my own little table and chair I'll really have it made!
Now to find some dinner...or first to scrub the counter and then find some dinner. I'm not sure how many layers of grime one countertop can hold but I'll keep count and let you know. Ew!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
First East Side Adventure
Tonight I cleaned up my old apartment (does 3 months make it old?) and my friend Sacha helped me move the last of the furniture. Once we were done with that we went over to the east side and checked out her apartment and her new garden boxes and said hi to Puddles the Cat. After that we hit a great dinner spot on Hawthorne Street called Por Que No? So good! Its basically a bunch of tables and a kitchen. You get in line and order your tacos and then go find a seat. Its fantastic!
After dinner we took drive to a place called Belmont Station. Its full of beer. 1000's of beers! There was a tasting tonight and so I finally got to ask a brewer my beer questions. We hit Fred Meyer on the way home and I got some groceries bought and then she dropped me off. It was great. Sacha didn't get to meet Nate because he went and hid. Nate is one of my roommates. He is a fascinating guy, does things very different. But is a nice guy.
I'm still getting used to my new place. I've only been here a few days.
I'm sure things will be different now. I've just started taking the train to work and have alot of exploring to do. Its a totally different day than it has been up to now. Even though I commuted from St. Johns in North Portland before, this is totally different. I have a 5 minute walk to the train station and then I walk or catch the train to work and then I do the reverse coming home. Its great. A totally different view again!
After dinner we took drive to a place called Belmont Station. Its full of beer. 1000's of beers! There was a tasting tonight and so I finally got to ask a brewer my beer questions. We hit Fred Meyer on the way home and I got some groceries bought and then she dropped me off. It was great. Sacha didn't get to meet Nate because he went and hid. Nate is one of my roommates. He is a fascinating guy, does things very different. But is a nice guy.
I'm still getting used to my new place. I've only been here a few days.
I'm sure things will be different now. I've just started taking the train to work and have alot of exploring to do. Its a totally different day than it has been up to now. Even though I commuted from St. Johns in North Portland before, this is totally different. I have a 5 minute walk to the train station and then I walk or catch the train to work and then I do the reverse coming home. Its great. A totally different view again!
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