So. Less than two weeks until I visit Portland. Everyone I meet keeps saying how much they love the place, but I am such a small-town boy that I'm nervous. I mean, I know how most cities work: you live in a neighborhood, hopefully close to your job, and largely ignore the rest of the city, yes?
Anyway, I keep looking at some of the fringe towns outside of Portland proper: Tigard, Sherwood, places like that. And on paper, they look wonderful: nice apartments, coffeeshop lifestyle, arts, etc.
But I can't stop being a bundle of nerves. I barely slept last night. Well, part of that was the fact that it was freaking hot and we had 40 mph winds all night, so everything was howling.
So, here are the things I hope happen as a result of me moving:
1: drag my ass out of my rut
2: meet new people, including single women who don't consider "education" to be a curse word
3: Get Published...a lot
That's it, really.
Anyway, I keep looking at some of the fringe towns outside of Portland proper: Tigard, Sherwood, places like that. And on paper, they look wonderful: nice apartments, coffeeshop lifestyle, arts, etc.
But I can't stop being a bundle of nerves. I barely slept last night. Well, part of that was the fact that it was freaking hot and we had 40 mph winds all night, so everything was howling.
So, here are the things I hope happen as a result of me moving:
1: drag my ass out of my rut
2: meet new people, including single women who don't consider "education" to be a curse word
3: Get Published...a lot
That's it, really.
When I've had a bit of sleep, I will post about just what this last weekend meant to me. But I'm exhausted, and my emotions are a bit too close to the surface right now (I don't want to start crying again), so I will just leave it at this: though the time was short, I have been changed for the better.
And so I come to the end of my time as a teacher, my time as a student, and my time as a Nebraskan. Over the next several months, my life is going to change like crazy. And, while I am the sort that really prefers calm and certainty, I cannot continue living like that.
Today, though, was a minor step. One of the things I need to do is ship my thesis to the MFA program office in Omaha.
Now, we are not allowed to send just one copy; we have to send 4.
Uhoh, it doesn't fit tight. And with such an important bunch of documents, I don't want to take any chances. I need something to cushion the copies while in transit. Wait! I know!!
With just a slight alteration...
And now, just need to pack it all in...
Aaaaand...
...it's ready to go!!
WOOHOO!!!!
*EDIT*
For those showing concern, I deliberately purchased a used copy of Twilight for the singular purpose of shredding it for packing material.
Today, though, was a minor step. One of the things I need to do is ship my thesis to the MFA program office in Omaha.
Now, we are not allowed to send just one copy; we have to send 4.
Uhoh, it doesn't fit tight. And with such an important bunch of documents, I don't want to take any chances. I need something to cushion the copies while in transit. Wait! I know!!
With just a slight alteration...
And now, just need to pack it all in...
Aaaaand...
...it's ready to go!!
WOOHOO!!!!
*EDIT*
For those showing concern, I deliberately purchased a used copy of Twilight for the singular purpose of shredding it for packing material.
Went to a Titanic-themed party last night at my Dept. Chair's house. We had a full, 7 course dinner, most of which came from recovered Titanic menus. And, while I was there, I announced that this is my last semester of teaching. Everyone is very supportive, and all seem to think I'm doing the right thing. Everyone seems to think I'll be able to make it as a writer. I hope they're right 
So, I guess it's official: I'm leaving teaching, and leaving Nebraska. It may take me a little while to come to grips with what this means.
So, I guess it's official: I'm leaving teaching, and leaving Nebraska. It may take me a little while to come to grips with what this means.
So close to the end, so ready for it. In 19 days, I will no longer be a teacher. I'll just be a writer.
One week to my final Spring Break. I kinda want to just phone this week in. But I'll make it.
It is looking more and more like I have a gluten/wheat sensitivity. Not a full blown allergy, but a sensitivity. I've suspected for a while. Today, for the first time is who-knows-how-long, I've eaten zero wheat. Breakfast was a two egg omelet, done Julia Child style. Lunch was some corn tortillas, cheese, and chocolate pudding. Dinner is going to be beans and rice. And, for the first time in a long damn time, I've had zero intestinal pain or bloating. No stabbing feelings; no dashes to the bathroom; no uncontrolled belching. Sorry for being graphic, but this is pretty fucking odd for me. Is this how normal people feel all the time? Weird. I know I will miss bread, but no pain is better.
It is looking more and more like I have a gluten/wheat sensitivity. Not a full blown allergy, but a sensitivity. I've suspected for a while. Today, for the first time is who-knows-how-long, I've eaten zero wheat. Breakfast was a two egg omelet, done Julia Child style. Lunch was some corn tortillas, cheese, and chocolate pudding. Dinner is going to be beans and rice. And, for the first time in a long damn time, I've had zero intestinal pain or bloating. No stabbing feelings; no dashes to the bathroom; no uncontrolled belching. Sorry for being graphic, but this is pretty fucking odd for me. Is this how normal people feel all the time? Weird. I know I will miss bread, but no pain is better.
