These pictures are from the 2008 opening ceremony...I adore these gray robes and headdresses. Won't you know the Chinese would do it big, powerful, artistic, dazzling, awesome, unique, post-modern and ancient all at the same time. What a culture! It was a once in a lifetime experience to have seen this ceremony with my dear family, LDH...I pray that the entire olympics are problem free. You go "The People of the Water, Mountains, and Air" They even invented paper which is no small feat.
My life today started with A HUGE PILE OF LAUNDRY...it took a grocery cart to carry it all to their laundry room. Rugs, rugs, more rugs....spent the day with Charlotte..last week was all people most of the time so I spent today with CG...l,h.d had me over for dinner and to watch the Olympics...I was so taken back with it all I almost started to cry...it was so moving...so to speak, historical, symbolic, beautiful, exotic, and the fire works. They invented paper, fireworks, and so many more treasures...so I loved it...got to meet one of L's oldest friends and her family. They are all so nice..did not do any work related stuff today...let my brain rest and recovery. my knee is still hurting so that is no fun. had a doc appointment on Monday so lets see what they say...good nite...
Getting a new BASW program underway sure requires tons of paper, emails, meetings, new contacts, meeting students, new agencies, etc. Yes, I did agree to be the Director. I really like it...I need to "Leave time for you to play and laugh"...ok...got lost tonight and was so off the track I just drove home after an hour...As someone else told me "I saw the highway but could not figure how to get there and just drove around and around" yep that was me...I tried to park downtown and that was a big waste of time...so came home and walked around the marina and had dinner at one of the little eateries. So, had a good day. The picture is of the poster in Arizona re voting down the anti-marriage amendment in the constitution...it was voted down last year but it was re-introduced...I will vote against it for sure....at least in spirit since I am already registered in Oregon. nite nite
hi everyone....pretty good day except when I have to walk (I decided not use my support) and I paid for it all day...just walked to the bookstore and went down some stairs...my my, I could barely get up. darn it...met someone new re potential teaching in our program; so many neat social workers. so did not sleep at all due to my bedroom being SO HOT...I relocated into the living room and fell asleep and then got up and went back to my bed at 3:00am....so, not sleeping very well and that gets crazy with my system; what time is it and what am I doing so early in the morning and can't i go to sleep? fear, anxiety, pain, root less, transplanted and culture shock and on top of all of this A NEW JOB. thank goddess for l! all at once. having fun yet? no. of course my self talk is: it just takes time, Char and I know that but going thorough it is so hard....what was good today? met another woman who moved here from Phx area and she is enrolled in the PHD program...we talked so much about AZ and mutual friends...gots lots done at the office and stayed until 7:20 pm....good nite
was up at 5:15 am yesterday to go to the kp re my knee...it actually opened about 7:00 am...so I just went and got some bkfast...it is quite a place....my meds were a 1.00 each..(he basically said it will just take time to heal--gave me a knee support made in china; i wore it yesterday and it did make it feel better; how cool is that! so all my walking in june caused this...so much for walking and of course, my role is that I WALKED TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH. So now I hope I don't have to talk about my physical condition any more...
Meds at kf were only 1.00 a piece....I can never retire that's for sure....spent most of the rest of the day at my office trying to get my stuff in order; I have been putting more and more on the walls; it is looking more and more like I like it there..plus I am getting ready to actually see students this week! sure hope I know what to say to them...yikes....it is suppose to be 90 degrees today in portland...my my...almost like, shall i say....ARIZONA. l1 gave me some excellent advice yesterday about my 'BODY/MIND/SPIRIT" so I called today re what she suggested....so, off to work at my real office and see what is happening there..
Oh saw "Mama Mia" on Sat p.m. with L,D, H, J, and her sister...what fun that was; D was such a good sport...definitely a "gals" movie....so i just wonder around don't i...no comments allowed since this is my blog. (photo from dooce site-her dog, chuck--just love his face...I really don't feel like that today; just like the pix).
went to b house for an all day work retreat; i enjoyed hearing everyone re their program and what they are proposing to do re the "diversity" issue. i talked a bit re the basw program and just want it to get started; so many unknowns still. it has not even been a month since I started and much of it i was sick....so still in orientation and observation part of my entry phase. lots of support for it to be successful which is good. i still need to get my feet on the ground and learn more and more. also, i need to work on my class which i have not taught before....so, tomorrow i am going to the market and the library and get a book then off to look for some stuff to hang in my office then to l,d,h re "MOVIE WATCHING" and some r & r. a big meeting i thought i was having is Tuesday and not Monday so that helps me a bunch with my weekend planning....will be getting my first pay check from psu next week so that will be a check on reality and what and how i can manage that new part of my life of being paid once in the month...this move was a lot more expensive that i had ever anticipated so that is going to take awhile to recover from.... thanks that many activities in Portland are free or pretty inexpensive. happy fishing d. guess who that cute girl is...??? she is a sweetie.
In the last couple of days I have been meeting new people at various events. NA professional network group last night with k, was introduced to about 15 new people, some individuals from nicwa...a couple men from the Dine rez....today I visited an elementary school west of here (about 40 minutes) and went into several classrooms from kindergarden to fourth grade, primarily Latino/as children...I loved being there and even sat next to a fourth grader who was reading Spanish. I told him I had to repeat the 4th grade when I was a child; then he said "that's why I am going to summer school"---I even remembered some of the Spanish I learned in my class in the spring semester. Went with another professor from the university and he took me to a Latino grocery store with a Mexican deli...so good to eat real Mexican food, reminded me of Flag...then surprised d and l this evening with a "social worker home visit"---they are leaving tomorrow for Wyoming for a week. We all had dinner at Village Inn...just love them all. I am so lucky to have their friendship and love. I bought a RED hat at Walgreens this afternoon...sure fun to wear....because I can! ....tomorrow kc is giving a little dinner for me at her house with about 8-10 people ...and yesterday at lunch went to another function to meet child welfare workers from around the state; talked about the new BASW program...so busy getting connected to the Portland area from all directions. I am certainly feeling welcomed but I am starting to get homesick too. so..l2 called tonight and will not be here until next Thursday, so hoping we can get together but that may not work out. I am the one in the blue outfit in the pix...if you forgot what I look like these days....
Had a good day at work; first day back for sometime; so happy to be feeling better; afterwards I decided to just ride the streetcar for some "viewing experiences" of Portland...teenagers, tourists, business people, "little ole ladies", couples of various sorts; a man got on who was listening to his ipod and was dancing to his tunes (actually a really good dancer):dancing to a different drummer"; so, it takes all kinds...green, yellow, blue, & purple hair and so many tattoos; kids; the novel readers; and me just watching it all happen...I wonder what category they put me into? Miss u l1 if u are reading this....happy travels. good nite....
I can see a Full Moon outside my east facing door overlooking the river, bridges, sparking lights....and listening to some new music from Pandora radio....what a wonderful end of the day....new beginnings tomorrow....starting with health this time. I pray that anyway...looking at the moon with my binoculars and can see the ridges, valleys, etc...what a gift from outer space and our universe...we are all related! Good wishes to my friends in Flag....and now Portland.
What a dreamy site to behold...a gold full moon, venus the planet, and the river outside my window in Portland. We are all related; just remember we are all pieces of star dust millions of years old. (So, even if you don't want to be related we are, so there!)...my new mantra is "ok cold it is time to go somewhere else now go!)( I forgot to say a bridge too.) Nice photo of me too....what a site I am! What are they doing to you in Portland, Char? Ok, I know I need a bit of photoshop help but...guess my humor is coming back and that is a good sign.
I bet none of you have seen me in this outfit. No I am not going into outer space just getting my hair done.
This week went quickly between being at the office learning all about my job and continuing to be sick and getting worse...now it is bronchitis. I hope when this is all over I will be feeling much better and can get some energy. Very lovely people and lots of support. Everyday I am meeting new people and I know this will continue. This place is huge is so many ways. Staying home today because I have a doctor's appointment re my continuing cold stuff. So enough about my physical condition. Hopefully I will feel better so I can do some fun stuff over the weekend. On top of all this my office at work has been really hot and I actually can't really be in there even with a fan so I have migrated to the prior acting director's office where it is much cooler. Also there are many files I have to review there anyway so it worked out for me. L1 miss u. Saw 2 eposides of JA last night. Loved being with your kitty cats again.
my cold symptoms are getting worse...darn it. tomorrow is my big day and I don't want to feel under the weather....l called this am and it was nice hearing her voice. just had my first inr in portland...almost late cuz i used the wrong bridge to go across the river....so that was fun. the lady was very nice and they understood my situation so they took my GALLON (not really) of blood. hope the levels are ok so i don't have to do something different with my meds...enough information...i agree. so got my groceries at the closet Safeway on Hawthorne and now i am home...can't wait to take a nap....i feel like i am starting school all over again...and in away that is what i am doing...now i need to get some new shoes, oh, i already did! nap time. kinda like the little shelton pony from yesterday...just cute...it was actually sat. more from the aquamarine. the view from the condo..my picture of the bridge and a sailboat....yummy.
Strawberries to die for.....miniature horse (it was only one week old)....and fish markets..(I have another pix of this one)....Oregon is so rich with so many new places, people, animals, plants, fruits...etc. etc....my goodness what a place this is and I have only been here less than one month. I left Flag on June 1. I will be sharing some of my photos later when I get them downloaded from my camera. I have a new quote now: "Sometimes our only available transportation is a leap of faith"...I guess that is what I did!
I was invited to spend the weekend at Newport Beach on the coast in the middle of Oregon...a new friend invited me to go with her and what a sweet person she was to ask me to begin with and then be able to accept my complaints re my feet and then getting a cold...I felt so badly about this but I still had a wonderful time..It was beautiful and the weather was outstanding....cool, breezy, fog, clear skies, and so peaceful. Lots of rest, reading, watching the tube, looking at the beach, seeing new places like the jellyfish at the aquarium and an exhibit which had hand blown glass representing fish, plants, and you could barely tell what was real or not. New food including outstanding crab soup, crab patties, halibut (so tender), new drinks, and wine tasting....and plus went to a craft store that is going out of business so that was great fun....oh I forgot, fresh berries, art galleries...what a treat this was, thank you so very much, r. The pictures are of the bridge at Newport Beach, art deco on top of all of it! A wonderful pre work vacation plus! thanks again. Even saw a famous photographer at Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. Got back to my apartment and it was over 100 degrees inside so it took a long time to get it cool so I could even stand inside. Then a big thunder storm...sorry l re not going to the movie, I know you wanted to; just could not do it tonight. So sad of course to learn about the horrible accident in Flag; prayers for all those who died and have family who were impacted.
Yes, I changed my e-mail and it has actually been pretty harmless...I guess that is why they have the word "forward"....the picture is of d and i the other day....he is just a wonderful person!!!!!!!!!!! Must say i look really relaxed. I got up feeling pretty tired due to my deciding to walk at least 10 miles in downtown Portland...I really need to learn the words MODERATION AND BALANCE. Spent the am basically walking around my carpeted apartment and cleaning....then dear L1 called and we made plans to go to the mall with h and s. I bought a new leather purse...!!!!!!!!!!!!! and a HARD BACK BOOK. Yummy...went to wf and signed some papers....I think I will use the services near the mall, like Safeway, Pier Imports...banking...bookstore...and I can take my car to get there like other people do to get around and like I used to do in Flag....I don't know what I was trying to prove that I have to WALK everywhere or it does not count!...oh well...it is my learning curve with lots of hugs and smiles form L1. Off to the beach tomorrow with a new friend. Sure hope we like each other or I will have to take a bus home if it is not fun; I am not expecting that to happen but she is a new friend....very sweet of her to ask me to go with her...I am excited about seeing the ocean...it has been a long time. I don't have a laptop computer so I will not be ON MY COMPUTER for a few days....I hope I can survive. Wish me luck.....saw some jewelry today at Macy's named "Lucky"...cute.
Went to UU by the streetcar and two women (who I had met earlier in the week) welcomed me and I sat with them at UU...then I walked downtown to THE MALL...somethings never change...then I decided to go to my new office start the UNPACKING OF THOUSANDS OF BOXES. (Actually not that many!). Got into the building and my new office and was happy that my new keys worked...started to look around and of course turn on my computer...not sure if this one is the one but probalbly so...anyway, basically minding my own business---or I thought...no one here. Then I heard a noise and quickly turned around...TWO PSU officers were standing at my door. Apparently, I had not turned off the social work alarm and motion indicators...so, ---they were very nice and I explained who I was and they saw all my boxes...they did ask to see my new PSU id....so...I am suppose to call them when I leave so they can turn the alarm back on...so...I was officially welcomed! It made me certainly feel safe and now I know what I am suppose to do even though I don't know how to do it...
My new office has two windows, the ceiling has three holes in it with the pipes showing through...hopefully they will get this fixed before I actually start on July 1...so...I can see a tree on the left and a large multistory building off in the distance (it is round); variuos construction items on the street...see students below on the street; I am on the fourth floor. Also, I hurt my left foot pretty badly; sure hope I have not broken it by all the walking I have been doing...finding some boxes with home stuff in them...vcr...art books, bathroom rugs...ok...too much information...so, adios and back to unpacking....maybe---l1, your photos are making me home sick...for the sunny southwest...but I hear it is HOT. See you next week sometime.
Basically I spent the day trying to find stores with no luck in spite of my new gps and fancy laminated map....I was so confused..so I stopped at Safeway and asked for help (directions) and tried to follow them...I continued to be lost...oh well, the gas I was trying to save by my quick trip to get office supplies turned into a long, expensive trip without getting to the store I actually wanted....oh well...another learning experience. So finally I gave up and went to Fred Myers and got the stupid file folders!
I think it is getting time for me to start my new job and spend less time in the car...I almost had a very serious accident which would have been my fault so I thank HP over and over again....it was really stupid what I did and I cannot go into it anymore....just really glad I did not hurt someone else or myself....be gentle with yourself c. (Does anyone know why I took this picture and where it is?)....good nite
Artistic stuff re my recent move and some cool paper....or how to really mess up some pictures--you decide. Or too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing or.....ok. time to go to bed and get some sleep. all right already I really like blue and pink.
I still can't believe I actually live here now....truly amazing if I do say so myself. Had a sweet lunch with d and l at a nearby restaurant; (across the street!) overlooking the RIVER. Like l said...it is like a live in a resort! and that is true. I took a short nap on my new bed this afternoon---cool breeze and kayaks in the view. Getting closer to being unpacked at home; just need to start thinking of my new office at psu...I walked way too much yesterday so I am staying close to home today....my right leg is hurting. Well, off to do something or not! Later, L1 have a wonderful time in your travels to ARIZONA and dc. A big hug to d for putting in my new shower head with instructions for the future...I actually had some "plumbers tape"--he was pretty impressed by that...so z rubbed off on me a bit plus the class I took last year on "women and home repairs". ...and don't get too wet in the river....
Mainly stayed home this am then went to the Pearl district for lunch then "the hunt" for a new place that I saw a couple of weeks ago that sold furniture...well, I took the streetcar and basically was lost but eventually found it with the help of some kind person; leather chairs and more leather chairs...too much for my small apartment so the hunt continues. Spent most of the day with h yesterday and we went to t and i....she is fun person to be around. L1 made me dinner at her house then I went home. I am getting most of my stuff put away....OH my new queen size bed arrived. It is wonderful and to actually sleep in it is great too; it is very high so I have to jump to get into it...not that bad but kinda high. Just trying to figure out what kind of headboard I really want. so I have been piling up the steps that's for sure....so that will help me with sleeping better and more balance in my life re other issues I am dealing with...I mainly need a desk first then a chair...had an all day orientation at psu re my benefits on Monday...need more time to decide which is the best plan. so that is it for right now. happy trip to l with her dad in Az. a may be moving to here or up north...will be nice to have her closer. The pix are from my trip to Portland and walking around....funny
I have been a busy bee today....Portland Farmer's Market this morning then Gay Pride this afternoon.....on a specular day, bright blue skies, Mt. Hood, and dykes. I am so close to Tom McCall Waterfront Parkway, where the majority of summer events are located...about 15 minutes walking....it is like living downtown in Flag and walking to hertiage square....what a place this is; I just hope I don't forget to go to work on July 1....
This is the streetcar I will be using to get to work....just up the hill to psu.....Just happy to be here! so many choices...i feel like i am in a candy store and can't decide what to do (if that has ever been a problem)...be patient it will all be wonderful; my new job is going require me to be very active and visible so this will be a change; just be patient with yourself charchar...my new Internet is so much faster---it goes! new keyboard---to help me with my hands and give me some ease...getting already for my new life at psu. used my new microwave and had a good bkfts...coffee was wonderful too. So, off to do more unpacking at home then my new office....what fun this is! I wanted a new life and now I am getting into my new life....thank you to everyone who has helped me get here...lov u all....
yes, today is the day I had my cable/Internet installed; he even set up my computer with the help of h. it is sunny today and i can see the moon and Mt. Hood; I mainly see the base because the top is obscured by the bridge...clear blue sky; how these days will be treasured in the coming years/months. l took me shopping at target for home stuff; it was fun being with her; she is so supportive and loving...accepts me totally. my computer is set up on the wall facing the north and on my right is the east doorway out to the balcony. can see all types of activity from this view point. little kids playing in the pond with gold fish; walking dogs; aroma of steak from a restaurant downstairs; lots of people out for a walk. I walked 9453 steps yesterday so my feet are really hurting today; i need to take care of my feet because I will be doing a lot of walking here; the positive side effect is that i slept really good last night until 8:00 am....h helped my unpack today and we got all the drawers lined with fancy paper; she was a big help then l joined us later and we went to her house for some late afternoon treats (cheese, crackers, apple and lemonade); i would generally agree i live in a paradise outside of my apartment and the inside is beautiful too; got a lot unpacked last night and today with help of h. what a treat to come home to every night...I can't believe it. and target was very happy i came by today! i feel like i am living next to a "movie" "on the river front"---watching all the changes each minute; each time i look it is different; light, river colors, shades of green, temperature....what a treat.....thank hp.
This is an insider story....ok, ok, ok, I got it. signed "the kitty cats of 44th Ave".
The Dragon Boats can be seen from my balcony...did not see the race but have seen them practicing....about Sunday in Portland:
The following discussion is basically all over the place; as you will find out yourself....enjoy.
Well the movers will be at my new apartment between 9:00 and 9:30 am...so my life will be changing even more. The first item I have to purchase is a bed...a comfy one! Measured my bedroom and living room and d made a computer drawing of the two rooms and now to try to fit all that I brought into this floor space...went to my new home this morning and it was the first day of SUN AND BLUE SKIES..I feel like I came out from underneath a pretty soft green leaf all week...from my balcony I could see Mt. Hood, the River, all the bikes, kids, Lily pond, flowers and boats...so it will be beautiful each morning; spent about an hour lost between downtown and The Other Side of the River plus lots of closed streets due to the Rose Festival events...thousands of people everywhere...so, where I was reading my map, looking at the GPS and hearing The women's voice try to give me directions plus going over the river; not sure why this is such a big event for me I guess because I never have lived near WATER. So I just let it be "me lost"....and driving around aimlessly. (is that a word?); went to my first UU service this morning--whew that was an event of hundreds...they honored 4 seniors who have graduated from high school; the sermon was about "disappointments and new paths"---change was the theme and it certainly hit home for me right now. I stood up when they asked for "visitors" to stand..the woman next to me said hi...sang a song and it made me cry...for joy. so I will be finding my little niche in this large community after awhile; it will all just take time and patience....missed our little uu. It is a week since I left flag...I have been in between all week but tomorrow that will change due to getting my furniture and boxes...b called this evening and said I was missed at uu; thanks b...spoke with a this afternoon; and l1 left for dc...this is about the first Sunday I did not have my session with L2...8:00 am like clock work...miss her lots...so today was the day of THE SUN COMING OUT. Maybe summer has come to Portland now??!!??? So, good nite charchar....be patient with yourself and be gentle....and be loving...it will all be ok....
I crossed my first bridge in Portland today about 5:00 pm...made it to the other side...without any incident...whew...
Living it up in Style---what a pure delight to celebrate my first night in Oregon...refined, soft, pleasure, peach, bubble bath...yes, I am here now.
From their website: "Today, the Ashland Springs Hotel continues to offer first-class hospitality to those who are drawn by business, the arts or the area’s natural beauty. Ashland Springs Hotel combines the charm of a bed and breakfast, the friendliness of a small inn, the feel of a spa resort and the safety and convenience of a hotel. This beautifully restored hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located in the heart of downtown Ashland just steps from the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Other nearby attractions include the Oregon Cabaret Theater, Lithia Park, wine tastings and gallery tours, skiing, golf, fishing, river-rafting, tax-free shopping, dining and pampering at the nearby Blue Giraffe Spa".
The Clay Cart...a bit of mid afternoon delight....musical with a stage of 20 plus actors...in the round! funny, joyful, playful, laughter, dancing, silly, good throughout the ages...and just pure entertainment.
Othello---in Ashland
An opulent production of Shakespeare’s larger-than-life tragedy
The Moor Othello, a celebrated general but also an outsider, shares a boundless love with Desdemona, a Venetian aristocrat. Defying her family and social convention, they marry. Enter Othello’s military aide, who nurses a vengeful hate for his commander. The deceitful Iago plants seeds of envy that lead to catastrophe for Othello and Desdemona, and their perfect union comes tragically unraveled. Lisa Peterson’s muscular Shakespeare interpretation boils over with fury, sexual heat and consuming passions.
Well, I made it today. I arrived in Portland at 3:30 pm after 1,337 miles from Flag. What a trip. First night in Las Vegas, next day drove from LV to Susanville, CA via Reno...600 miles! The third day I drove from Susanville to Ashland, Or. Crossed into Oregon at 1:00pm. Saw sea gulls in the morning, fog at noon, and a play at night...while in Ashland I saw two plays and two mini concerts on the "green"...first night stayed at the Ashland Spring Hotel (historic hotel, was the first sky scrapper between Portland and San Fran in the 20's); I was on the 6th floor in a corner room; walked to the theatre one night; called a and k the next morning and stayed with them the second night in Ashland. So much fun with them; went to another play that afternoon;...so getting off on the right foot; seeing plays and listening to music...what a wondrous welcome to Oregon. Got to Portland today and got my keys to my new apartment...went to dinner with l,d, and h then we came over to see my new place and we all got wowed...with the view of the river...tried to image my furniture in the two rooms; it is bigger than I remember; the accent color in the lr is a rust/reddish (very southwestern hue)...then we went to the floating restaurant and had dessert..saw the Chinese boats practicing for the celebration mid June. Saw geese and ducks, a Lilly pond from my windows..what a fun place this is going to be with my dear friends, l1, d, and h. So my stuff is arriving early Monday morning and i will be staying with ldh until that time. sunset and tiny lights all over the bridges and river, and boats...it feels so special...then came back over to their house at 44th place. this is going to be such a treat in my life....yea char. lov to all in flag who made this possible...I am doing really well...the first night in my new home, Portland. I don't have to leave this time...so, off to bed with sugar plums dancing in my head and dreams...nite nite. thanks to l, d, and h for being so special and lov to you three forever!
