Brief update, friends! It's T-Minus 5+ weeks to babytimes and I'm very excited! Fatherhood will be bizarre and exciting and scary as shit and I'm trying to handle all of it in stride. Newborn Care class is this weekend and I foresee remarkable differences since I last helped raise my kid brother 20+ years ago. Wow - Quick flash of feeling old! 
Rainy season in PDX has started and like with most friends local, it's a welcome return. Most towns have distinct characteristics and anachronisms, and much like people, it's one of the reasons you fall in love with them. The equivalent is our town just rediscovered her favorite adorable jacket and will proceed to wear it , every now and then, for the next six months.
Lastly, Operation: New England Exodus has successfully won two more victims. Laerkai and CinderOla have moved <10 minutes away from me! Five down and dozens more to go!
Much love!
Rainy season in PDX has started and like with most friends local, it's a welcome return. Most towns have distinct characteristics and anachronisms, and much like people, it's one of the reasons you fall in love with them. The equivalent is our town just rediscovered her favorite adorable jacket and will proceed to wear it , every now and then, for the next six months.
Lastly, Operation: New England Exodus has successfully won two more victims. Laerkai and CinderOla have moved <10 minutes away from me! Five down and dozens more to go!
Much love!
Hola friends! Dropping a quick note from work. Summer in Portland continues to remind me why I moved away from the East Coast - The high this past month was 87 and un-humid at that. On average, it's been chilly in the morning, warming to a balmy 74 or so. I know, tough stuff, huh? 
Allergies are the worst in memory and now continue to cause sinus & ear infections. Good news is a trip to have nasal polyps removed. Bad news is what recovery looks like. Five words - Four inch long nose tampons! By all accounts, having those blood slugs removed is the worst part of the entire process. And yes, I hope to document the grossness in 720p!
Lastly, this Sunday is my third anniversary and the thought of it leaves me very proud. The Mrs is now 6+ months pregnant and we've settled into the needs that will emerge very soon. This weekend kick starts home office into nursery overhaul. Next week leads into the last home improvement plans we'd care to make pre-baby. I've got fingers and toes crossed that painting 2-3 rooms and some minor construction preface other good omens!
Allergies are the worst in memory and now continue to cause sinus & ear infections. Good news is a trip to have nasal polyps removed. Bad news is what recovery looks like. Five words - Four inch long nose tampons! By all accounts, having those blood slugs removed is the worst part of the entire process. And yes, I hope to document the grossness in 720p!
Lastly, this Sunday is my third anniversary and the thought of it leaves me very proud. The Mrs is now 6+ months pregnant and we've settled into the needs that will emerge very soon. This weekend kick starts home office into nursery overhaul. Next week leads into the last home improvement plans we'd care to make pre-baby. I've got fingers and toes crossed that painting 2-3 rooms and some minor construction preface other good omens!
Hello friends! This Oregonian hopes you're well. The last posting was two weeks before a nice car-totaling head-on accident. Fortunately, I was fine for the most part though, it's left me on the sidelines of things I care about - Setting up our new house, competing in the new men's roller derby league I helped start, making babies, etc. This happening now nine months ago has me hoping just to get better, let alone wait for our lawsuit to begin (or conclude for that matter).
The good news is it can always be worse, and is for many more people. Since then, I've been fortunate w/ work. They're amazed of the pace a former tri-state citizen can operate ate. I'm within a month from a large-ish promotion which I'm excited for. Basically, it's their paying me for the job I've been doing for the past 18 months. They're quick to thank me for my hard work but, not so quick to pay me what I'm worth. The exercise has me considering returning to school. More to back my 8+ years of field experience w/ the degrees to match.
I recently celebrated my wife's 30th birthday. After recovering from crippling hangovers, we reflected on how we got here, how we met and how long we've been together. The circumstances could've been better but also couldn't have happened any other way. I know that the decisions were the right ones as absolutely everyone possible involved is right where they should be. I'm proud of the life I'm forging out here and constantly reminded, at every turn, that every decision I've made by my heart has been the right one. Yay universe!
The good news is it can always be worse, and is for many more people. Since then, I've been fortunate w/ work. They're amazed of the pace a former tri-state citizen can operate ate. I'm within a month from a large-ish promotion which I'm excited for. Basically, it's their paying me for the job I've been doing for the past 18 months. They're quick to thank me for my hard work but, not so quick to pay me what I'm worth. The exercise has me considering returning to school. More to back my 8+ years of field experience w/ the degrees to match.
I recently celebrated my wife's 30th birthday. After recovering from crippling hangovers, we reflected on how we got here, how we met and how long we've been together. The circumstances could've been better but also couldn't have happened any other way. I know that the decisions were the right ones as absolutely everyone possible involved is right where they should be. I'm proud of the life I'm forging out here and constantly reminded, at every turn, that every decision I've made by my heart has been the right one. Yay universe!
Boo!
Almost literal year since last post... But, that's a good thing. Currently enjoying Week Two of Homeownership. 13 months from unemployment to buying a house is certainly bragging rights.
I'd like to say more, as always but, I've got a couple of projects (dinner) before the Mrs comes home...
When the system renewed my membership a couple of days ago, I was glad and proud of some of my friends out there really carrying the torch of posting proper. I was really excited to see how you're doing and I hope I'm able to stop by and say 'hi' to you all in time.
Almost literal year since last post... But, that's a good thing. Currently enjoying Week Two of Homeownership. 13 months from unemployment to buying a house is certainly bragging rights.
I'd like to say more, as always but, I've got a couple of projects (dinner) before the Mrs comes home...
When the system renewed my membership a couple of days ago, I was glad and proud of some of my friends out there really carrying the torch of posting proper. I was really excited to see how you're doing and I hope I'm able to stop by and say 'hi' to you all in time.
A brief post to let you all know I'm still alive and things are well.
1) I'm working and well! I was picked up by a mental health agency that runs group homes in the Northwest, w/ populations primarily schizophrenic. They liked me so much that I received two promotions before I even started working, a third now that they see me on the job. I'm running my own place, one client and a staff of <10.
2) Married life is bliss. The most difficult arguments are who loves who more. Yes, I know, disgusting but, wanted.
3) We adopted a 2 yr 8lb mutt who has hearts come out of his eyes when I walk into the room. Everyone makes fun of it because everyone is jealous!
4) You can find me most not here. I'd say in real life, observing rss syndications, on skype or on twitter (@ThePaul) & in that order.
5) Life keeps me running, mostly towards things...like now.
1) I'm working and well! I was picked up by a mental health agency that runs group homes in the Northwest, w/ populations primarily schizophrenic. They liked me so much that I received two promotions before I even started working, a third now that they see me on the job. I'm running my own place, one client and a staff of <10.
2) Married life is bliss. The most difficult arguments are who loves who more. Yes, I know, disgusting but, wanted.
3) We adopted a 2 yr 8lb mutt who has hearts come out of his eyes when I walk into the room. Everyone makes fun of it because everyone is jealous!
4) You can find me most not here. I'd say in real life, observing rss syndications, on skype or on twitter (@ThePaul) & in that order.
5) Life keeps me running, mostly towards things...like now.
Turkey Day was wonderful! For both Lyle and Lili, it was perhaps their very first Thanksgiving away from their families. Amanda Rae and I had long known that those people whom you dread to see twice a year don't have to be the family you spend holidays with. All in all, it was just the four of us. I cooked my first bird and felt like complicating the whole thing by following an unconventional recipe. Of course, everything turned out perfect. It already has me plotting out roasting a couple more (though much smaller) within the weeks to come. BTW - Thank you Bridge and Tracy for those wedding present Pottery Barn treasures...amazement!
So, we've moved again. When I last posted, we were in the Woodstock neighborhood, pondering where our house rental would lead as our landlord was an utter disappointment of a human being - He failed at keeping us even barely abreast of his plans on selling the property. Because of this, within a week of our moving in, he gave us informal notice. Yes, this was against the terms of our lease. Yes, this could've been communicated when we signed the lease, whilst in Connecticut, let alone when we took possession. Yes, we were forced to generate capital enough for another security and deposit at a likely more expensive apartment.
Ironically, the unit we found and fell in love with was in the apartment community we'd eyed back in Connecticut. Had we just gone for this one from the start, we could have saved a number of grey hairs and fits of swearing. Anyhow, we were able to explain (read: write our in single syllable, large-type words) to the landlord how this reversal effected our bottom line, how his douche move forced us into a lease at a more expensive locale. Over the next couple of days, I was able to get him to understand the following: 1) We aren't looking kindly at being forced to move for the third time in less than a month; 2) We have found somewhere (more expense though now priced in our budget) to go within the terms of our initially agreed notice; 3) In order to quit possession even sooner, we would lose that unit and be forced to lease a more expense one and that would require "assistance".
Happily, he was nervous at the prospect of losing the house sale and cut us a check to cover the price difference over the next year (read: more than $1000). He and his circle of sketchy friends provided the man power & logistics to deliver a three-hour move and we happily haven't heard from any of them since.
Life since has been performing the nesting and settling we had been looking forward to all along. Lili found a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic about a mile away from our flat. It's happily everything her old job was not. Examples: There - Phonecalls on her day off asking her trivial questions and yelling at her for not accomplishing an unimportant goal the day prior. Here - Calling her on her day off to comment that her hard work hasn't gone unnoticed over the previous weeks, that the entire staff is abuzz at her drive and friendliness and how they felt it was very important that they let her know this as soon as possible (note: they even apologized at calling her on her day off in the first place).
I haven't been as lucky... Even though I've pounded the pavement (literal and on Craigslist, Monster, etc.) and applied to dozens of positions, I've haven't landed anything yet. Last month, I knocked an interview out of the park for a case management position providing services for foster families. Even though I've followed up in polite due diligence, to date I haven't heard back from this agency. My amazing wife is quick to frame this setback as, "Well, if they're treating you like that now, it's probably all the better it didn't work out." Perhaps but, it's still really defeating. Some of it is job market stuff but, some of it is also education minimums. I've found that a number of agencies refuse to take experience into account, especially if they're contracted by state entities that enforce their own guidelines. The good news is there's a type of certification in Oregon that I'm eligible for that replaced the overwhelming need for a Bachelor's. Once I'm hired somewhere, I'll likely be able to receive it and have the employer cover the bill. The bad news is of course, I don't have it yet.
I'm waiting to hear back from a recent interview for a position within a group home based agency. The interview was very comfortable - I was able to present that I'm overwhelmingly qualified and had seven years of experience to prove it. They asked the usual questions and responded very well to the answers and discussions that arose because of them. At this point, I've followed up with the contact person and she's promised that everything's moving along & will be in close contact. Unfortunately at this stage if I'm not hired, I'll be forced to take anything that comes my way, whether drawing on old job experience (UPS package handling, slinging coffee, retail mall life) or settling for a minimum-wage gig. Time and this blog will tell.
As a complete aside, as a measure of keeping in contact w/ loved ones on the East coast, I'm going to be on Skype, a lot. We purchased one of the top of the line Logitech webcams for HD conversatin'. If you have something similar sitting on top of your monitor or built into your laptop, consider dropping more than the standard line. My handle is picatar and I believe you can otherwise look me up through my MySpace page.
So, we've moved again. When I last posted, we were in the Woodstock neighborhood, pondering where our house rental would lead as our landlord was an utter disappointment of a human being - He failed at keeping us even barely abreast of his plans on selling the property. Because of this, within a week of our moving in, he gave us informal notice. Yes, this was against the terms of our lease. Yes, this could've been communicated when we signed the lease, whilst in Connecticut, let alone when we took possession. Yes, we were forced to generate capital enough for another security and deposit at a likely more expensive apartment.
Ironically, the unit we found and fell in love with was in the apartment community we'd eyed back in Connecticut. Had we just gone for this one from the start, we could have saved a number of grey hairs and fits of swearing. Anyhow, we were able to explain (read: write our in single syllable, large-type words) to the landlord how this reversal effected our bottom line, how his douche move forced us into a lease at a more expensive locale. Over the next couple of days, I was able to get him to understand the following: 1) We aren't looking kindly at being forced to move for the third time in less than a month; 2) We have found somewhere (more expense though now priced in our budget) to go within the terms of our initially agreed notice; 3) In order to quit possession even sooner, we would lose that unit and be forced to lease a more expense one and that would require "assistance".
Happily, he was nervous at the prospect of losing the house sale and cut us a check to cover the price difference over the next year (read: more than $1000). He and his circle of sketchy friends provided the man power & logistics to deliver a three-hour move and we happily haven't heard from any of them since.
Life since has been performing the nesting and settling we had been looking forward to all along. Lili found a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic about a mile away from our flat. It's happily everything her old job was not. Examples: There - Phonecalls on her day off asking her trivial questions and yelling at her for not accomplishing an unimportant goal the day prior. Here - Calling her on her day off to comment that her hard work hasn't gone unnoticed over the previous weeks, that the entire staff is abuzz at her drive and friendliness and how they felt it was very important that they let her know this as soon as possible (note: they even apologized at calling her on her day off in the first place).
I haven't been as lucky... Even though I've pounded the pavement (literal and on Craigslist, Monster, etc.) and applied to dozens of positions, I've haven't landed anything yet. Last month, I knocked an interview out of the park for a case management position providing services for foster families. Even though I've followed up in polite due diligence, to date I haven't heard back from this agency. My amazing wife is quick to frame this setback as, "Well, if they're treating you like that now, it's probably all the better it didn't work out." Perhaps but, it's still really defeating. Some of it is job market stuff but, some of it is also education minimums. I've found that a number of agencies refuse to take experience into account, especially if they're contracted by state entities that enforce their own guidelines. The good news is there's a type of certification in Oregon that I'm eligible for that replaced the overwhelming need for a Bachelor's. Once I'm hired somewhere, I'll likely be able to receive it and have the employer cover the bill. The bad news is of course, I don't have it yet.
I'm waiting to hear back from a recent interview for a position within a group home based agency. The interview was very comfortable - I was able to present that I'm overwhelmingly qualified and had seven years of experience to prove it. They asked the usual questions and responded very well to the answers and discussions that arose because of them. At this point, I've followed up with the contact person and she's promised that everything's moving along & will be in close contact. Unfortunately at this stage if I'm not hired, I'll be forced to take anything that comes my way, whether drawing on old job experience (UPS package handling, slinging coffee, retail mall life) or settling for a minimum-wage gig. Time and this blog will tell.
As a complete aside, as a measure of keeping in contact w/ loved ones on the East coast, I'm going to be on Skype, a lot. We purchased one of the top of the line Logitech webcams for HD conversatin'. If you have something similar sitting on top of your monitor or built into your laptop, consider dropping more than the standard line. My handle is picatar and I believe you can otherwise look me up through my MySpace page.
