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Friday, July 4, 2008

July 4th, 08: Portland, OR

O Say can you see....

Ick.

I usually have shitty Fourth of July's. This one? Not so bad. Got up late, about 11, and went with Dave to pick up his new iMac, then returned to the Marina to do some temp- job hunting and supposedly begin the forthcoming mass- update on this. Have pictures to upload etc., but just as I was getting started on that Dave came outside to let me know that his 20-year old daughter was experiencing 20-year old's drama. Problems with the boyfriend. So, I needed to "give them some privacy". He offered me the use of his laptop and shuffled me off to Anna Banana's, a coffee shop in St. Johns, so I could presumably spend the next however- long updating this. However since it's the 4th, they close early. May have to hike to Starbucks across the street when they do... we'll see.

Today's been rather weird. I thought I'd enjoy being in Portland more. I enjoy the city; love it, but BEING here is a bit of a letdown. Dave's been great, but he's expecting me to be more of a tourist I believe. I really have little interest in seeing anything that expects my money in return for 'experiencing' it.

Going to talk with Laina later today about the future of the trip. The budget problems persist, and I need to figure out how to fix that. Obviously need to generate some money. Hard thing to do though when you'll be living out of a tent.

Also, not sure I'll be staying w/ Dave past tonight. He's a great guy, and I enjoy the discussions and he's a terrific tour guide, but I've been domesticated for a week now and am feeling the urge to get back on the road. No car... no couch... just out there. Plus, though I cover more ground, I spend WAY too much money in the company of others.

Dave's made plans to have a cookout at his place tonight, so that should be fun. I'll try to update that later...

UPDATE 7/5: That was one hell of a cookout. Had a great time with Dave, his daughter Alanah, and his friends Bree, Greg, Aaron and Tara. LOTS of beer, cigarettes, hot dogs, slaw... a very 4th of July cookout with a lot of fun conversation. So fun in fact that we stayed up until 4:30 in the morning playing YouTube clips, talking politics & sociology, and I even played my radio production stuff surrounding the war etc. They suggested I submit them to KBOO, a public station here. I'm a bit intrigued. Also, I believe Bree may be the first person I've met in a long time who's passions are as inflamed as mine. Poor girl!

Went to bed when the birds were waking. The best 4th of July I've had in a number of years!