Thought:

Will there come a day
When the mailman becomes as
obsolete
as the milkman?

Thought:

How much can be done in a day.
How little can be done in a day.
Time is strange

Whatever Home Is

It's early in the morning and I'm the only one awake, (the definition of early includes anything before 9:30 nowadays). I have just a few days left before I leave on Wednesday, but I've decided to move here, so I will be back in October. It was a difficult decision to make, being half-way around the world from most of my family, but I really think Portland chose me. I haven't felt this comfortable since Burlington, and while it may be a good thing to challenge oneself, I'm ready for a comfortable home...at least for a few years. I'm sure that I will encounter all sorts of challenges here too, but it's nice to feel support from the envirionment one is in, and that's something Portland gives me. I've never been in a greener city; there is an incredible variety of plants on every lawn. Bicycles are a norm, and though it's not Amsterdam, I've never seen such bike friendliness in the United States. People are friendly and funky, as expressive in their clothing as in NYC but without the stink of self-consciousness. There seems to be a co-op in every neighborhood, stocked with beautiful bulk sections and bountiful organic produce. There are farmer's markets throughout the city. There are parks everywhere, and leaving the city for incredible hikes and views is easy in someone's car. I am amused to see signs for chiropractors on what seems like every street-corner. Everyone recycles, and there is a city-wide compost available if you don't want to make your own. People own chickens! I want chickens!

I also am looking at two schools for acupuncture, and went on a tour at the less expensive one, Oregon School of Oriental Medicine, a couple days ago. I met the director and was incredibly impressed by how friendly and easy-going he is, on a first-name basis with the guy who gave me the tour. He gave me a really good impression, as I think the director is indicative of the mood of the entire institution. Monday I'll tour NCNM and we'll see how they compare.

So, this is it, though I'd rather be on the east coast. Portland is my new home, and I can't wait to set up a space here once the fall comes around.
That's all for now.