"After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on - have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear - what remains? Nature remains"
I’ve been home for about 10 days now. It has only been 10 short days since my last out-of-country adventure, but it seems as if I had never left or perhaps it seems as if it’s been months since I’ve returned. For some reason it’s hard for me to remember how it feels like to be away, abroad, in Australia. Perhaps I’m caught up in the moment here at home, or perhaps I’m just so used to the feeling of home (after living here for the majority of my life) that it sinks into my state of mind weather I want it or not. Don’t get me wrong, things have definitely changed around here. Most of my friends are already away at school, people are different, and I’m busier than I used to be. Regardless of the changes or strange and familiar feelings that experience from being home in Oregon, I’m having a great time.
I arrived in Los Angeles on America’s December 27th 2008. I spent the night showing pictures to my Aunt’s family and hanging out with my cousin. The next day I flew out of the Long Beach airport to PDX. As we descended through the thick clouds, the surroundings became instantly darker, wetter, and green. Portland was coming down from a huge snowstorm and I was lucky enough for our plane to land. Meeting up with the family for the first time in a long time was great as well as seeing my ol’ doggy Rusty. That day I met up with my friend Baker and bought some books at Powell’s Books. That night I called my old friends Randy and Jared, we went over to Rachelle’s house n went hot-tubbing, then drove to Mandi’s house to see other people, started playing phone tag with Morgan, then finally met Baker at Randy’s house n had a great old session. It was this night where I legally bought my first beer in the United States. The next day we drove to my grandparent’s house in La Pine (out in the boonies) and celebrated a late Christmas with the rest of my family. It was a great time. Now that I’m 21, I was able to drink comfortably with the family without any awkwardness…especially around my grandparents.
New years eve was interesting. My whole family went to this nice place in the Sun River lodge and ordered the most intense Northwest dinner I’ve ever had. There was Northwest Salmon, Cod…I ordered Eastern Oregon Elk and Duck…it was great. After dinner my sister and I peaced to meet up with her friend from school (whom is originally from Washington) in downtown Bend. We drank three bottles of champagne in his hotel room before we made the cold snowy walk from his hotel in the Old Mill District to the Bars and parties in OldTown. First we walked into a McMinimum’s where a local Bluegrass band was playing. The place was packed with young to middle aged folkies who wanted to get their new years eve hoe-down groove on. We decided wtf, and got a round of Long Island’s (the strongest they had) to start the night off, headed to the front of the stage and danced the night away. I can recall a lot of knee slapping, skipping, and other form of Northwest/Central Oregon boogie action going on. After the clock struck 12, and 2009 was in full effect, we bounced to another place where we couldn’t get in because it was too crowded…however, we met these girls outside the bar and we all decided to walk to a place called Seven’s together. It was snowing and the girls were wearing sleeveless tops… talk about a freakin’ cold ass walk. Seven’s was alright, but the crowd was a majority of older folk so after a while and another Long Island, we decided to walk back through the snow to the hotel and call it a night. Once we arrived in the hotel we instantly made some coco, popped open the last champagne bottle and fell asleep. I’d say it was a fabulous and well spent New Years Eve to say the least.
The next day we celebrated official Hangover Day, sleeping in till 12 while ordering room service from Red Robin. I finally gained energy to drive my sister and I 40 minutes back to my Gparent’s house back in La Pine.
The remainder of the days in La Pine were spent soaking up with some good old fashion family time. Cuban cigar smoking, drunken grandparents, presents, and snow-shoeing briefly summarized what went on for the remainder of the trip. After the 4.5 hour drive back to Portland, I met up with my friends because they were leaving for school the next day. Once again, I only was able to spend about two nights with my best friends who had to leave for school in early January. After everybody left, I’ve spent my time reading, playing the guitar, piano, and drums, surfing the net more than I should, and eating a lot of food. It’s been really relaxing and I love it for the time being. Today I had my first piano lesson in about three years and tonight I went out with my buddy Scherman, Eddie, and Even to some bars downtown. Tuesday night isn’t Portland’s biggest night but it sure was great to reunite with the friends that are still around. Tomorrow night is going to be the same deal, and this weekend I plan to make a trip down to the Oregon schools to visit with my friends and get a taste of public university socialization. As for now, if you got through this long ass blog, take care, and keep on keepin’ on. Peace
