notes from behind the coffee counter

Well another year is come and gone and now is the obligatory time to reflect on one’s past. Fortunately, my birthday falls between Christmas and New Years so my self reflection seems more timely (then again I really don’t know any other way.) 2008 was a good year for Jen and I. The both of us have decided that Portland, OR is going top be our next home. This is after spending two weeks in that state.

I must say that the two of us have become more home bodies than anything else. We go out less and spend more quality time together now than we ever had, even when we were dating. With our four crazy cats life is really settled for us. Jesus, we rarely go to the movies any more, and I have a degree in film studies. It must a function of the net and Netflix. When we do go out its to spend time with friends and sometimes family. But mostly friends. Looking back at this year our relationship with a couple across town has become closer (you know who you are). They are our best friends because we share the same values in life. Jen and I are thankful for them. OK, enough of the wishy washy stuff.

Speaking of home, we’ve done some work to the house that we are sure will help its value when the time comes, if it comes. In fact the idea of parting with this place doesn’t really please me so it might end up being a rental. Living in a college town has its advantages.

Jen is busy working on her PHd, while I’ve been busy working on, well just working and playing. But that doesn’t mean I’ve haven’t come closer to things I want to pursue once Jen graduates. I rediscovered photography again finally moving into the digital age (kicking and screaming I might add.) I’m hoping that a MFA in photography is my future, but nothing is in my planned outlook.

What a crazy year its been here. The election simply galvanized this town and became a major part of my life all fall. I can’t remember where the month of October went. I think I literally spent from Labor day to election day online. It was fucking insane. I actually got into email discussions that lasted all day like chat rooms. I think I can say that this was the first election in internet time. Really. I’m looking forward to the next administration, and I wish him (and by extension the rest of the country) good luck. We’re gonna need it. But I feel for the first time in my life I voted for the right guy. I know he’s gonna fuck up here and there but I trust him. That’s all that matters.

The other big story for America has been the economy. Well needless to say its the same here. But I must say this: I still have a job and I’m thankful for that. And I must add that I’m probably one of a very few Americans who doesn’t have anxiety about getting laid off. By sheer luck or what, I’ve been at UPS now 13 years. Even as a part time employee (my only job I might add) I’m doing fine. Bills are paid one time and we’re not starving. UPS, as of right now anyway, seems to be chugging along fine as the economy implodes around us. There are probably plenty of reasons for this but who knows why anything works anyway. Peak (the official UPS term for “The Christmas Season”) was as busy as it has been since I transfered here. If it wasn’t on the news I would have never known that the Christmas sale season was off this year. Looks like I picked the right company thirteen and a half years ago. It helps that Jen and I refuse to live beyond our means. With the exception of my love for a certain computer company’s toys I never really over spend my money.

So what’s on the list for next year? Well another two week trip to Portland. More time with our friends, especially when the next season of Mad Men starts. Definitely, new windows for the house in the spring and some landscaping work (maybe redoing the living room, too.) Jen will be done with all her course work and heading into her quals. Oh yeah, one of those unibody MacBook Pros and maybe a home server to boot. I can dream can’t I?