I haven't updated this in a while not because I don't have anything to write about, but because I'm overwhelmed by how much there is to say. Every day since I've moved in I've done something, and all of those somethings have felt amazing. Tonight I took the streetcar down to Powell's and bought a book. When I came home I set up an area near the sliding glass door to the porch to sit and read. A small folding tray, a lamp and a reclining chair setup next to my view of tall trees and taller towers of steel and light. The last few hours have been spent reading and it's been nice.
Life has changed, and with the changes come fear and hope. I'm managing to not get swept away in my fear, or foolishly cling to my hopes. I'm moving slowly, and waiting to see what happens next. I've found a donut shop other than Voodoo that is more convenient to reach, and cheaper. Arguably better, but they don't do the wild and crazy donuts that make Voodoo what it is. But when I want a $.80 chocolate bar donut I can hop on the street car and be there in 5 minutes instead of trying to hike over to Voodoo and back.
On a similar note, when I want groceries I don't have to either walk for an hour or wait for someone to give me a ride. I walk downstairs and across the street and suddenly I have food again. The same with a Chipotle burrito, or some really good Chinese food. All within easy reach.
Of course this is a city, and it is full of all sorts of different people. It's the crazies that always stand out, and in the four days I've been riding the trains around I've seen a fair number of crazies. Old men who talk to themselves, young men who start fights with anyone who makes eye contact, middle aged women talking to anybody who will listen. Although now I'm living alone I have more contact with the outside world than I've had... maybe ever. At least since I lived in Hollywood, and that was 15 years ago.
It's funny that this is what I moved to Portland for. To live this dream. When I visited d23 back when he lived just up the street from here, this is what I wanted. This is where I wanted to be. It's taken me 4 years to get here but I did it.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Life has changed, and with the changes come fear and hope. I'm managing to not get swept away in my fear, or foolishly cling to my hopes. I'm moving slowly, and waiting to see what happens next. I've found a donut shop other than Voodoo that is more convenient to reach, and cheaper. Arguably better, but they don't do the wild and crazy donuts that make Voodoo what it is. But when I want a $.80 chocolate bar donut I can hop on the street car and be there in 5 minutes instead of trying to hike over to Voodoo and back.
On a similar note, when I want groceries I don't have to either walk for an hour or wait for someone to give me a ride. I walk downstairs and across the street and suddenly I have food again. The same with a Chipotle burrito, or some really good Chinese food. All within easy reach.
Of course this is a city, and it is full of all sorts of different people. It's the crazies that always stand out, and in the four days I've been riding the trains around I've seen a fair number of crazies. Old men who talk to themselves, young men who start fights with anyone who makes eye contact, middle aged women talking to anybody who will listen. Although now I'm living alone I have more contact with the outside world than I've had... maybe ever. At least since I lived in Hollywood, and that was 15 years ago.
It's funny that this is what I moved to Portland for. To live this dream. When I visited d23 back when he lived just up the street from here, this is what I wanted. This is where I wanted to be. It's taken me 4 years to get here but I did it.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
toothpickmoe:
So happy for you, man. Live the dream.