Writer's Block in Downtown Pdx

So, writer's block is not a fun thing, especially when you started off writing your blog when you were full of steam and lots of new ideas. As I start writing this particular blog, I'm still not quite sure what it will be about, but I wanted to get a little something up for my loyal followers who have been very diligent about wondering when they would see my next post.
They say that Portland is such a great city because there's so much to do here, and so much accessibility to lots of different places. True, you can get to the coast or the desert or the mountain in a little under two hours, but it's hard to do these things every weekend, especially when you work as much as I do. So although there is much to do and see here, I haven't been doing it lately and have found myself running out of things to write about. Hence this hastily posted blog basically about nothing.
A friend of mine suggested I write a story about the Veritable Quandary, a quaint and comfy bar where my co-workers and I spend a good amount of our time, but I can't quite wrap my head around what to say. It seems that only those that are present at the VQ on a given night can truly understand the hilarity of the things that go on there. Though I surely give a shout out to my favorite bartender and ex-landlord, Kyle, for always putting up with our crazy antics and sheepish approach when we show up the next night asking, "Are you sure I closed out with you last night?". Yes, the VQ is a home away from home for all of us Harborsiders, who once decided we should be allowed to have a group room at the Marriott across the street in order to avoid driving home, or just so we could have a place to nap in between our doubles. The VQ is a welcoming bar with tasty beverages and lots of good food (if you've been there and haven't tried the duck confit spring rolls, you should), but I don't feel that it's a topic worthy enough to support this entire post so...
Keep me in your thoughts and if you have any ideas about any interesting and exciting things happening around Portland, let me know. If you know me, you know I'm a perfectionist, and can probably assume that I'm not super thrilled about posting a blog about a topic I can't seem to come up with. Still I just thought you all should know where I'm at with Pdxepectations. I'm not abandoning it, I'm just, literally, at a loss for words.
Thanks to all who visit my site, and look forward to hearing from me. Visit the VQ if you haven't been there, and try one of their best summer drinks, the John Daly. Just be careful, they've been known to cause blackouts.
Check out the link to the VQ under My Favorite Portland Places.

Music Makes My Heart Sing

It's been quite a while since I've been to a live show here in Portland. Going to concerts was something I did a lot in my early 20's and kind of seemed to fade out of my life for a bit. Last October, when I decided that graduate school wasn't going to work for me, I also decided that I had to go back to my roots and start doing the things that really make me happy. Sound familiar? It's the same vow I made just recently on my 29th birthday. Well one thing that has always made me incredibly and utterly happy is music. Now, there is a lot of different music out there, and I love almost all of it. In fact, I'll even admit that I used to adore country music, and have held on to a little bit of my high school hick girl obsession as an adult. Yes, country is a fun genre of music, as are reggae, rock, jazz, folk, and even bluegrass (although I do kind of draw the line at heavy metal), but it's more than specific genres that actually draws me to some of my most favorite music.
For me, it's all about lyrics, and the amazing vocalists and songwriters behind those lyrics. Enter Tori Amos, probably one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our generation, not to mention a brilliant pianist. I first met Tori in 1992, riding in the back seat of a hunter green mini van. I can still remember that hot summer day in Virginia Beach, heading to the beach for a picnic lunch with my Mom and 9 year old brother. The three of us busting out to Tori's first hit "Crucify" must have been quite the sight for those passing by. After all, anyone who knows Tori's music also knows that you wouldn't quite classify it as "family". Then again, we are talking about my family, so...
It's 17 years later, and I'm about to see Tori live for the fourth time, this will be the second time I've seen her here in Portland. Much has happened over the course of these years, it's the beginning of the Sinful Attraction Tour to promote Tori's tenth album 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin". Portland is the second stop on the tour, and the venue, The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, is perfect for Tori's soaring vocals and intricate melodies. I can't believe I am just as giddy as I was when I saw her for the first time on my 16th birthday. I also can't believe this is her tenth album and that her songs have served as the soundtrack to my life for so long. I am seeing the show with a friend and his friend. The friend-of-a-friend thinks I'm a groupie, and keeps looking at me like I've totally lost my marbles. I tell him to be prepared for the screaming that is going to take place once "She" appears on stage. I don't think he understands mine and Tori's relationship one bit.
The opening band, One Eskimo, was entertaining, but the audience only has eyes for Tori. Finally, it is time. The crowd at the Schnitz erupts into thunderous applause and screams of excitement, "everyone else's girl" is here, and she looks amazing. The show, as always, is kind of a blur. This time I brought a pad of paper and a pen so I could write down each song, but as usual Tori decided to improvise. For die hard fans that want names, highlights include, Little Amsterdam, Black Dove, Little Earthquakes, Carbon (first time seeing it live!!!!!), Icicle (played live with a band for the second time ever), and the most beautiful version of Winter I have ever heard (almost brought tears to my eyes). Of course, my camera decided to die during the second song, otherwise I would have video and lots more pictures. I did manage to get a few pics though, the view from our seats in the first balcony was pretty amazing.
The show ended too soon, just like it always does, and left me wanting more. There are just too many wonderful songs and not enough time in one concert. Looks like I'm going to have to start going to more concerts to get my fix. For anyone reading this blog that doesn't know Tori, I suggest you check her out. She is a truly amazing artist and performer.

Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy

Well, it's July and officially Summer in Portland. Needless to say there are a lot of smiley happy Portland people holding hands around here. For me, summer means a reason to be outside everyday and an excuse to soak up all that highly valuable sun that we don't get enough of here in the Northwest. From working in the garden to hanging clothes out on the line, summer makes it incredibly easy for me to be outdoorsy, not to mention very happy.
Another benefit of all this sunny weather is that it motivates me to be more active, and to find ways to get a great workout, outside of the gym. Those of you that know me can easily predict what I will say next. It always amazes me that there are so many beautiful places to walk, hike, bike and explore right here within the Portland city limits. I'm a long-time fan of Mt. Tabor, and this year there's already been a few days when I've gone walking and gotten lost up there for hours. Forest Park and Washington Park are also gorgeous spots with lots of trails and foliage to explore.
This year there's a new favorite on my list that's right around the corner from my house which is always a plus. Better known as a bicycle path, the Spring Water Trail and Corridor is a 40 mile multi-use path that now has a special place in my heart.
Yesterday, Shawn, Royce and I embarked on an absolutely gorgeous 6 mile walk down the corridor. We met the trail just around the corner from our house (on SE 88th Ave), followed it across SE 82nd Ave., and then headed all the way down Johnson Creek to end up at the Tideman Johnson Nature Park (which I didn't even know existed). Due to a tired puppy and the 90 degree weather, we decided to stop there and headed off the trail at SE 39th, which we then followed to meet SE Woodstock Blvd. Before the last leg of our trek, we stopped at Otto's Sausage Kitchen, one of our favorite spots on Woodstock, where everyone, including Royce, gained some energy from deliciously cooked sausages right off the grill.
This excursion is only a small part of what the Spring Water Trail has to offer. Following the trail in other directions or starting from different points could lead you to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge or Powell Butte Nature Park, as well as the Leach Botanical Gardens. The trail is paved and easily accessible, but still highlights lots of Portland's natural beauty. Walking along Johnson Creek, stopping for Royce to have a drink or get splashed in the creek in order to cool down, it was easy to forget we were still in Portland and not out in the middle of the forest.
The Spring Water Trail is extensive and has an interesting history that is too much to include in this post. If you want to learn more about the trail I suggest visiting www.40mileloop.org/trail_springwatercooridor.htm. This site includes history, maps and more. If you are like me and love exploring all the natural beauty that Portland has to offer, this is definitely a spot worth checking out; especially if you need to tire out your dog, or your boyfriend.

Blame it on the Rain

Ok, so why is www.weather.com now one of the most visited sites on my computer? You might say, now that’s a silly question Emily, you live in Portland, Oregon. Yes, we all know that Portland has some of the most unpredictable weather ever, but honestly, this year has been worse than some. I guess it also doesn’t help that I work at a restaurant with an outdoor patio, where summer is the season to make money, and winter turns the waterfront into a desolate barren no-mans-land. That really puts the pressure on summer weather to deliver. I mean seriously, we only get three months of sunny weather per year round these parts.

The problem is this; May’s weather was extremely unseasonably warm. For three weeks it was almost 90 degrees and gorgeous, and now it’s back to typical June weather in Portland; overcast, rainy and cool. But, do the people that write my work schedule consider this, oh no, not for a second. For the last two weeks I was scheduled outside four out of my five night shifts. Now that’s pushing it. Luckily, I’ve found a way to weasel my way into scoring shifts, just like I always do, but it’s a major pain in the you-know-what.

So, I’m blaming it on the rain. All my problems, worries and woes are now the fault of the weather alone. I’ve come to really like this philosophy. It takes a lot of pressure off of me, and I’m not so bitter towards my managers. I suggest others start blaming it on the rain as well, or the snow, or the humidity, or whichever other weather conditions you might have to live with. I might just start blaming it all on Zeus, and that way we can put a face to a name. Or we could blame it all on Milli Vanilli for “performing” such a brainless but addicting song that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since I thought of the title for this post. Either way, don’t blame it on me, and don’t always trust the 10 day forecast. Even the internet gods are wrong sometimes.

Soon to Come...Blame it On the Rain...

The Curious Case of the Portland Waterfront

It’s an absolutely gorgeous day. The sun is shining, a light breeze ruffles the wind through the trees, birds are singing softly while boats rock gently against the little waves of the Willamette River. Mount Hood stands proudly in the background, peaking his pointy white head out from behind a building. The bridges, tall and sturdy, are the backdrop to the city, spreading out as far as the eye can see in both directions. The air is clear and crisp and clean, and sitting there taking it all in you almost feel like you are off in paradise somewhere, away from Portland and the hustle and bustle of city life.

Then, the shrill chirp of a bicycle bell breaks the peaceful calm as bikers zoom by on tandem bikes of all shapes and sizes. Four very loud animated men cruise by in a large cart that they all must pedal to keep from crashing. I watch them ride down the sidewalk as a path clears for them involuntarily. It is a bachelor party on wheels. The groom has a huge ball and chain attached to his waist; it hangs down grazing the sidewalk, resounding with a clunk, clunk, clunk.

There are children running, skating and dancing everywhere, some with ice cream melting down their sticky chins, others who are screaming bloody murder. Their parents look tired and sweaty, in dire need of an ice cold drink. They also look shocked as black-faced homeless men who possess very little clothing, or balance, stumble down the patio, digging in trash cans for discarded food and empty bottles that they can add to the collections building up in their homemade carts. Some have dirty dogs that they drag along with them, or carry in their arms because it is too hot. Some of these dogs stop to lap up cool water from the bowls set up along the sidewalk. Others are too timid to stray from their masters.

There are masses of other clean, not so timid, sometimes overly confident dogs as well. They come in all shapes and sizes, some seem to match the appearance of their owners, and others are just mutts who still fit nicely into the scene. The dogs have a language all their own as they bark hellos, and sniff each other until they are satisfied with the unspoken agreement they have come to. Of course the inevitable scuffle breaks out about every twenty minutes, as little dogs scream at big dogs, and big dogs meet each other in stately challenges. They block the paths of the countless joggers and walkers streaming down the esplanade and nearly pull their owners to the ground.

Yes, the Portland waterfront is quite a curious place, and amidst all this activity and excitement is me, trying to find some sanity and a sense of organization inside the chaos. It’s the kick off of the Rose Festival, not to mention the best weather Portland has seen over Memorial Day weekend in years, and most importantly the start of summer. For me, this means I need to get ready to run my butt off for the next three months, and find a way to drown out all the distractions happening around me. My top priority being to deliver minty mojitos and highly sought after Alaskan King Salmon to patrons galore, and to forget the sweat pouring down my brow and the never ending circus music playing in the back of my head. It’s my money making time as a waitress on the Portland waterfront, and make money is exactly what I plan to do. Besides that I’ll probably lose five pounds and have a chance to work on my tan while I’m at it. So, if you can’t find me, haven’t heard from me, or think I’ve fallen off the face of the earth, don’t fret my dear friends. If you come to the Waterfront, I’m sure you’ll see me there. Just don’t ride your bike please. Those bells drive me crazy.
Check out the bike I would ride as a circus performing server on the Waterfront!

COMING SOON....The Curious Case of the Portland Waterfront

Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees, or Does It?

Yesterday I just happened to get stuck watching the news. Ugh! These days, I rarely watch any news anymore, (except BBC) because to me it’s all a bunch of scare tactics that I don’t really want to buy into. However, on yesterday’s broadcast, the mention of Oregon’s rising unemployment rate caught my attention, so I decided to do a little research of my own. Did you know that since September 2008 our unemployment rate has risen from 6.2 to a startling 12.9? No wonder I can’t find a job in this damn city!

Anyway, everyone knows that money is tight right now. It’s especially frustrating for my boyfriend and me, as I’m sure it is to other young homeowners, who want to put a lot of work into our house this summer. The plan has been to finish with most of the landscaping and gardening while the weather is nice, as the place has long needed a little bit of help with its curb appeal. But, surprise, surprise, these improvements can cost quite a bit of money. Between soil, seeds, plants, trellises, cages, etc., things can really add up, not to mention put a damper on our spirits.

So, yesterday as we were browsing the plant section in Bimart on Se Woodstock, (which has a great garden center by the way) it hit me! Let’s make our own tomato cages instead of buying pieces of metal for $13 a pop. It worked out perfectly since the side of our house is already overgrown with bamboo from our neighbor’s yard. What a fun project it turned out to be, and it also lead to the beginning of our next project, clearing out the side yard. Anyhow, my point is this; it’s amazing the ways you can save money when you think outside the box, and let some of your creativity take over. I know we are super proud of our bamboo tee pee tomato cages, and I’m pretty sure the neighbors are starting to get jealous over the progress of our yard. Check ‘em out!

Twenty-Something Blues

Last week I turned twenty-nine. This year's birthday crept up on me fast, and honestly I was not looking forward to being another year closer to shh, dare I say it ...thirty. Much like my birthdays over the past few years, my main focus has been on how quickly the fateful day is approaching, the ever present haunting of forehead wrinkles and crows feet appearing more frequently each time I look in the mirror, and to put it bluntly, the fact that my life is almost over.
So, when did thirty become the new fifty? I have had many intelligent (not to mention wrinkle-free) people tell me that your thirties are the best years of your life. Apparently in your thirties, the drama of your twenties is officially over, you are more comfortable and confident in yourself than you’ve ever been and miraculously you suddenly have money. As much as I think these praises of your thirties are meant to be reassuring, just a few weeks ago the mere thought of them sent me into a downward spiraling anxiety attack. All this is supposed to happen for me over the next year?! How? When? Why? For what reason...
There I was, sitting in my car with a few minutes to spare before entering my workplace, on the brink of hyperventilating, scrutinizing a tiny laugh line sprouting on the corner of my mouth, a small tear welling up along the edge of my left eye, when it suddenly hit me, I'm only turning twenty-nine!!
Instantaneously a whole new perspective had crept in alongside the doubts and fears of my mini quarter-life crisis. This was the beginning of the last year of my twenties, not the end of an era leading to my impending old age and wrinkledom. Twenty-seven and twenty-eight had, at the time, seemed like my path toward doom, but twenty-nine had unexpectedly taken on a whole new meaning.

My mission was clear. I had to start living my life like I did in my early twenties, when my mind was open to all sorts of new possibilities and it seemed like the entire world was at my doorstep for me to explore. I had to take on twenty-nine with a new found enthusiasm and zest for life, and for the next year eliminate the word thirty from my vocabulary. Once it dawned on me, I realized it was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had. I would set out to make the last year of my twenties one of the most memorable and exciting years of my life.

So, with that in mind, and a little prompting from my best friend, Pdxpectations was born. I’m getting back to my roots and my love of writing, and letting you all into my head even though it’s a little bit scary and overwhelming. I hope that anyone who reads these posts enjoys what I have to say, and gets a laugh out of my zany ideas. After all, you’re only twenty-nine once, so here I go.