Different directions
For about a month now, I’ve simply been writing to put words down on the proverbial page. I’ve started using it as an outlet, a reason to continue practicing this skill and a welcome break from both my day job and a novel I’ve been writing in spurts of fervor and stagnation. I’ve been checking the numbers of hits I’ve received following a post and tried to determine how best to fashion and grow this blog based on my own interests and expertise (since apparently I’ve decided I have some at age 25). This blog will contain posts about healthcare and science (the two topics I have at least rudimentary knowledge about), as well as thoughts and opinions. I prefer not to muddle the focus of themes but don’t have a good way to do that beyond the categories section so it’ll be your job to determine what sections you prefer to read.
To the twenty(+) followers that have decided I have some worth as a writer (and to my wonderful wife who has graciously agreed to be my informal editor), I hope that you will check out my other sections and subscribe or forward as you feel driven. Beyond that, enjoy.
Of Oregon
So to explain the name of this blog (which holds a bit more meaning than a simple play on words) I must first explain my own history. Growing up in a suburb of Portland certainly shaped my worldview. Okay, technically the capital of Oregon (Salem, for those of you geographically-challenged—and not the witch-related one) is far from being a suburb but if we’re going to be honest, Portland is the heart and lungs of the state. There’s even a nature documentary on television where scientists attempt to catch Portlandians in their natural habitat.
Being transplanted into another state (successfully, thanks to my wife who’s from Oregon’s northward cousin) held more changes than I had seriously considered. The driving is faster: my hypothesis is that this is due to the tranquil blue writing on a standard Oregon license plate versus the abrasive and harsh red lettering on a Washington one. Hmm…come to think of it, California also has red lettering (further study required). You also have to pump the gas in this state yourself, how archaic! You’re saying that’s the way the rest of the country works? Well Oregon has professionals that take care of such a complicated and hazardous process (gas can catch fire you know). And a final but crucial change from Oregon to Washington is that the listed price of an item is a complete and utter lie. This state (and a few others, I’m told) expects you to not only do math but also know which arbitrary county demands more of your money than the previous one you visited; the “Dollar-Ten” store certainly has a bit less appeal than the Dollar Tree. Don’t even get me started on how they figure out the tax on a bottle of gin (or whiskey if you’re so inclined).
There are good parts about this state, the reason I still reside here I suppose. The first reason being that my family has made a home here. I found a job that allows my wife to stay home with our daughter and I’ve even begun to enjoy the inevitable 1-1.5 hour commute by bus that allows me to write for at least 90 minutes a work day (where I’m sitting to ‘pen’ this very post). I begrudgingly admit that Mt. Rainier is superior to Mt. Hood in both girth and beauty and Seattle has the craziest fans. The state of Washington has become a resting place for this transplant and without an obvious call from God, I don’t see myself parting with it anytime soon.
In Words 