I had booked the week of vacation without much thought beside racing to schedule it before I got staffed.
I had booked the flight to Portland, OR without much thought beside glorying in the fact it cost about $130 (which actually ended up costing $250 lol).
I had contacted a good friend, Ben, without much thought besides catching up with an awesome human.
I had arrived in Portland without much thought except eating good food, drinking in some greenery, eating some donuts, and visiting a couple waterfalls.
Then everything happened.
A hike that turned into a fight for life – hahaha but seriously. Ben’s and my final thought about that day is that I became very close to God that day. More in another post.
A chill afternoon at a cafe that turned into a melding of three minds hungry to do good and bring our creativity to life in the world.
A kayaking adventure that turned into a ride in a haunted amusement park, irresolute search for river otters, more laughter than paddling sometimes, docking our kayaks on the wrong deck, getting back in and re-docking, and, of course, amazing conversation.
An uncertainty of walking into the Apple store that turned into a purchase that solidifies commitment and belief in what I envision for myself.
An attempt to get a drink at a rooftop bar that ended up inside due to rain that turned into an indescribably amazing conversation with a stranger, no longer a stranger.
This week has been something else. I never would have imagined or even hoped for what it has been and given.
I come away with 5 things:
- Buy hiking boots
- Cafes are not a bad place to hang out when exploring
- Check the dock before getting off the damn kayak
- Forge steel nerves resistant to sales tactics before walking into any retail store
- Stay open to all possibilities and connections. Stay hungry and foolish – always.
All in all – Portland has a special part in my heart and memory. I went at a time of the year that doesn’t invite many visitors; all week the forecast was rain, snow, rain, and rain. I went with nothing planned. I went – I just went and that was enough.
Thanks, Portlandia.
