The people (specifically, two people) have spoken, and as a result I bring you this non-sports related update. After all, this isn’t a sports blog, it’s supposed to be about my life, and a clearinghouse for my thoughts, adventures, misstatements and awkward encounters. It just so happens that the last several posts have been about sports… well, this one will bring us current on my life and times.
With a new year comes reflection on the past year - so with that, I will bring you a look back at my 2008, and a brief look to the future…
The Texas Schoolbook Depository
The year began like many others - in January. At the beginning of the month I was asked to travel to Dallas, Texas by work to attend a series of meetings aimed at improving the way large loss property claims were handled. The meetings were successful, and resulted in the creation of a position I would assume in March, however the real story is that I got to explore the city of Dallas, including the former Texas Schoolbook Depository - the site of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. As a history and politics geek, and as a kid who grew up idolizing Kennedy, this was a very special trip for me. What’s strange is that through all the television shows and movies documenting the assassination, it seemed as though I’d already been there. They’ve done a masterful job of creating a museum documenting the President’s trip to Dallas, the events leading up to it, and of course, the events of November 22, 1963. I was surprised at the impact that the visit had on me, and I’m very thankful for having gone.
Nothing happened in February. Literally. March saw my second trip to Arizona for Spring Training. This has already been documented, and it’s sports-related, so never mind.
April saw the first full month in my new position at work. This was significant because it meant I was no longer traveling for work - everything (in theory) was now being handled from my desk, and specifically, from my dining room. I still have mixed feelings on this transition, as I really enjoyed seeing the western US on the company’s dime, but I felt a responsibility to take the position that was offered to me, as I was instrumental in its creation. I took the position after I was assured that I would still get to travel on occasion and would still have the ability to go into the field on my old claims, which I was keeping.
President Bill Clinton in McMinnville, OR
April also saw the visit of former President Bill Clinton to my former high school to campaign for his wife, then-Senator Hillary Clinton. Although I was already an avowed supporter of Barack Obama, the prospect of seeing a President in the McMinnville High School gymnasium was too much to pass up. I attended with my mom and seemingly the rest of the town. As a liberal who grew up in a rather conservative area of Oregon, it was very encouraging to see a line wrapping around the entire school waiting patiently to be led into the gym. It was during this campaign rally that it really began to sink in that the Democrats may actually win the election in November (foreshadowing!!!). It was also encouraging to see that although the rally was a Hillary Clinton event, it became clear through talking to most of those in attendance, they planned to support the Democratic candidate - whether it was Clinton or Obama. It was also encouraging to hear the little girl in front of me chant “O-Bam-A” when the crowd was instructed to chant the name of Hillary Clinton.
Sen. Barack Obama in Portland, 5/18/08
May saw another campaign visit - this one almost epic in scope, as Barack Obama packed an estimated 72,000 supporters into and around Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. I attended with Wells and his family, and braved the sun and 90 degree temperatures (as well as the horrible sunburn I picked up the previous day during a cleanup of the Willamette River with my dad) to be among the throngs welcoming Senator Obama to Portland. The crowd was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in person - literally people filling every possible area, including the boats on the Willamette. The official estimates were that 60,000 people were actually in the bowl area watching Obama, and another 12,000 filled the streets around the park. It was here where I became certain Obama would easily carry the Oregon primary election two days later, which he did. The future President did not disappoint, delivering the standard campaign speech, punctuated by exclamations of “wow” when face to face with the crowd. The biggest takeaway from the event wasn’t in anything Obama said, but rather the enthusiasm for the candidate, and for the democratic process as a whole. Never in my life had I experienced anything like this in a political campaign, and it is doubtful that this type of enthusiasm will be matched in the near future (now that the inauguration has passed). More than anything, it was extremely refreshing to see the type of hope and promise for the future that was encapsulated by crowd - especially after the last eight years.
Brittany and I near Sedona, AZ
June passed by like an old man in his slumber as I waited for my July vacation, a second trip to Arizona for 2008 - this one to spend time with Brittany, who I reconnected with during my Spring Training visit. Most of the trip was spent just going around town. We visited with Vanessa, Eddy, and North, and went to her brother’s place for the 4th of July. While attempting to jump into a swimming pool that evening I managed to knock my leg against a submerged rung of a pool ladder, causing a massive gash in my right leg, just below the knee. As a result, I spent about 6 hours in the ER, received eight stitches, and now sport a wicked scar. Following the debacle with my leg, Brittany and I took off for the cooler climate of beautiful northern Arizona, specifically Sedona. I was able to find a timeshare that provided us with a deeply discounted room and dinner (we only had to pretend that we were a young about to be married couple interested in a timeshare… the ruse worked perfectly - we are apparently good actors), and the rest of the time was spent hiking a few trails around Sedona and visiting shops - all the while trying to keep my bandage clean. Despite the leg debacle, it was a great trip and one that made me realize I could in fact live in Arizona, if I wanted to. I later decided that was probably a vacation high, but then again, housing prices are great near Phoenix…
Me and the Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago
In early August I visited Kayla in Chicago, however much of this visit was centered around various baseball road-tripping, so I will briefly cover where that aspect of the visit took us - Wrigley Field and US Cellular (New Comiskey) Park in Chicago to see the Cubs play the Astros and the White Sox host the Tigers respectively, Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva, Il where we saw the Kane County Cougars play the Beloit Snappers, Alexian Field in Schaumburg, Il to see the Schaumburg Flyers play the Kansas City T-Bones, and Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI to see the Brewers play the Nationals.
We also spent time enjoying some of the other things the city had to offer. For instance, we took in our first day at the races at Arlington Downs, where we won about $20 combined on the ponies. A day was also spent wandering the city, specifically the loop, Millennium Park and the generally everything that downtown had to offer. This included, of course, pizza followed by drinks at Harry Carey’s. If it weren’t for the extreme humidity in the summer, and the extreme cold in the winter, I would love to live in Chicago.
Just prior to my trip to Chicago, Miller arrived in Portland. As such, he was allowed to “house sit” my apartment - basically, move in for a month. It was great - we went to games, hung out like we did in college, and I got to witness a budding romance between he and Meredith (otherwise known as “Team Wilt”). Unfortunately, he had to return to New York for the start of the school year, but if everything goes according to plan, he’ll be coming back permanently sometime later this year.
Las Vegas Strip (file photo)
With September came MusicFest NW, and four days of live music at various venues throughout Portland. During the event, I was able to see Norfolk & Western, the Old 97s, Britt Daniel, Built to Spill, Nick Jaina, the Builders and the Butchers, Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes, and many other less impressive bands. I was also able to spend some quality time with my pal Sarah, and reconnect with Julie as well as meet a few new people. September also saw a trip to Las Vegas with Derek, Esther, and Patrick during which I won $200 playing War (who knew that was a casino game?), $250 on a slot machine, and about $50 on college football games. In short, I became a gambling degenerate.
The end of October saw the return of Peter from his six months spent wandering Europe and Africa, so a lot of time was spent hanging out with him and hearing stories of the adventures he experienced. It also brought the beginning of the Blazers season and the heart of the Ducks football season, but again, this is not a post about sports. The fall was actually quite relaxing - most of my vacation was spent with my earlier travels, so the daily routine really took hold during this time… in other words, I spent a lot of time working. When I wasn’t working, I was either at a Blazers or Ducks game, a concert, or hanging out with Peter, for the most part. There were a few hikes, a few short road trips to see Wells or go to the coast, but aside from those, and the election of Barack Obama, it really was the dog days of fall. One definite plus what that I was once again promoted at work, attaining the level of Large Loss Property Claims Specialist, which is pretty much as high as I can get for the foreseeable future (or unless I go for a management position) - this is assuming we all still have jobs in the foreseeable future, since the company was recently purchased by Liberty Mutual. I’m not too concerned though.
My car, buried.
December brought the holidays and a MASSIVE (6-8 inches) of snow and ice in the Portland area. I spent the time wandering around the town, taking photos, and thinking of how to dislodge my car from its wintry, plowed-in grave. For a while it looked as though I wouldn’t be able to make it home for Christmas due tot he fact that my car was still buried under a foot of snow and ice, however my dad came to the rescue and helped me big out the car. Maddie the dog even came along for moral support. Although the car eventually got stuck several more times in my parents’ neighborhood, at the end of the day, I was able to spend Christmas with the family, eat too much ham, and make it back home safely.
So that was 2008 - hopefully 2009 will be as eventful, but I have the distinct feeling it will involve much less travel. Check back soon - this should be the last massive update, as I’ll be making more frequent contributions now that the site is re-designed and more user friendly.
