I have neglected you for over a year now :(
So - let me attempt to sum up here:
- I moved. That's right. Finally did it. Across the country to Portland. I can't say I just up'd and did it or admit to being all brazen like that, however, I did get the job I've been wanting since 2008 with the company I wanted to work for and basically had no reason to stay in Florida after getting my acceptance letter. So, I did it.
- I've gotten adjusted to Portland. Honestly, it's everything I thought it would be and more. I will post more observations on biking in this area vs biking in Florida here and more often. Plus some other tips and pointers on cycling that I have learned. But, no, even with the cold/drear/rain weather we've had since November...you couldn't PAY me to move back to Florida.
- I have been at my company officially one year as of yesterday and been in Portland for one year as well.
- Biking is definitely the way to go in Portland. Everything is so bike friendly here compared to where I was. It's still amazing to me when riding after work to downtown to meet someone for dinner, how many cyclists pass me heading that way ..I counted one day and it was something in the amount of over 57 cyclists..in only a 7 mile radius.
- At the same time, you still have people, and I don't know if they're from here and haven't experienced areas that don't have any cycling benefits at all or what, but they still don't think the cycling or roads or WHATEVER are good enough here and continue to complain. Dudes, you got it pretty cake here. Why don't you go and live where I'm from for a MONTH and tell me if it's better for your cycling adventures or ease of use to cycle here. And you won't be able to complain ever again. It's easy to live here and bike.
Anyways, that's my synopsis. I promise to write more on this blog later. I've also been too busy trying to make friends..and I've made some great ones thus far ( a great lady who has a great blog about vintage stuff and a lovely tattoo'd lady who models for Diamond Dolls Inc. just to name a few. I've met some wonderful burlesque performers, an emcee and a great band of those performers, a body paint artist who's super talented and super kind ...yea..I'm lucky to have met and hopefully make friends will all these super talented people :) It's starting to feel like home connecting with people that I enjoy supporting them in their arts and doing similar activities with. Almost like..Tampa/St Pete and it's conventions and whatnot I attended and worked in. I think because of the people I mentioned above (and a couple other's of course) Portland finally feels like home.
