Portland... finally...

I have almost been in Portland for 2 weeks. Hard to believe!

Pretty cool! Its been a long wait.

So, I got moved into my new place and found that I have two really cool roommates. Kaci and her brother Korey. They have welcomed me into their house and I have gotten settled well. The house is great and their two dogs keep Kutya busy. We have been cooking like crazy and seems we all have a fancy for wine and beer. :)

I have set up my desk and computers and am for the most part capable of working without problems. Except that I lack a desk chair and currently use my bed to sit on. I might have found myself a chair I can borrow for a bit until I buy a nicer one.

Its good to run into my old friends. I have seen most of them but a few are missing.

And went on my first hike in Forest Park in western Portland (the photo at top). Its amazing... even in the city! I can not wait to get out of the city though and do a real hike. Kutya is ready too!

Also, last night I took my first bikram yoga class. Thats where they heat the room to 105°F and you do yoga for an hour and a half. Very excited about the class, but I was completely unprepared for it physically. Not to mention I met my old roommate Serge for a late lunch and had 2 beers. So, I nearly fainted from the heat. Going back tonight in hopes that I do better.

Also had big news with the family yesterday. My brother and his fiance have found out they are pregnant! Its a bit unexpected but exciting and wonderful news nonetheless. :)

Overall, it is good to be settled. I feel grounded... It is nice to have a bed after about 2 months of homelessness and I am happy to be where I am at.

On the road... Arrive Portland tomorrow.

This morning I left my sister's in Denver.

13 hours of driving later, I am in Boise at Hotel 8. Room 234.



Snow on the ground almost the whole drive, but the day was always sunny. Really enjoyed the drive. Great sites almost the whole way.



I must admit, that after being away from Portland for 4+ years I am VERY excited to get there. I look forward to seeing my friends there, I look forward to walking Kutya in the park (Laurelhurst or Tabor) and viewing Mt. Hood. Hit the bars and have some Henry Weinhard's and other thick beers. Possibly in a McMenamins. On a slow night, a movie at the Baghdad with a beer and pizza. Some book browsing at Powells. All that...

So, I have 7 hours of driving left and should arrive in Portland tomorrow around 4 pm.

Pretty exciting. :)