Back from the Oregon Trail

[peregrinus236]

Returned from Portland, Oregon, this past Monday - late - arrived at the airport at 11:04 pm, then waited for the SuperShuttle van for about 30 more - and was home around midnight. Thankfully I didn't have to go to work on Tuesday. In fact, I'm off for the rest of the week. Had thought about some day trips - to the San Antonio area - but with

Comments

[fivecats]

dealing with family is a weird thing sometimes. when i see my family these days bonn and i have a hotel of our own and we meet up with them for specific events like A Dinner. things tend to work out much better for all involved that way.

it's a shame your family felt they had to entertain you. (double that on the dumping of fliers for entertainments in your lap) still, you all seemed to have worked out a balance of sorts that left everyone more relaxed and happy to be with one another.

and thinking you might have stayed longer? that's a good way to leave things. :)

(that kate hepburn. she sure had a way about her, didn't she?)

...

[peregrinus236]

My family always has anxiety over simple communication. We never learned how. But somehow, as you said, we "seemed to have worked out a balance of sorts..." There are days when I wish it were otherwise, but don't have any expectations of the dynamic changing. I just accept it as is for now, but I do watch to see how things are going.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

[kishenehn]

Yeah, visiting relatives can be that way ... but all in all it sounds pretty good. With my family I usually want to run away screaming after two or three days.

Glad that (overall, at least) you had a enjoyable time!

[peregrinus236]

I was actually surprised that I did. Glad I stayed around to let the scenario evolve.

[theatresumthing]

Ken and I frequently run into the opposite problem, where plans have already been made before we arrived, and we gently have to explain that we have come with a specific agenda of our own. More than once I've been told that stealing from family time will not be tolerated. In the end, it works out best when Ken and I have an escape hatch to get away from the family dynamic, as it usually starts to get tense after some hours.

[peregrinus236]

At first I feared that was happening, but once everyone relaxed, I, at least thought it was better. Possible they felt cheated of their "dynamics," but no one complained. It's the first time I wasn't chomping at the bit to get away.

I must come back to Chicago soon and see what our dynamics are like in our advancing years.

[italiangm]

Ahhh. The coolness of the coast. :) We be roasting in Dallas. :(

Glad to hear the overall trip was a pleasant success and you were able to brush-off the anticipated stressors.

Oh! BTW... I start a fulltime temp job working on the internet catalog of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) on Mon 7/13/09. It barely pays the bills, but I suspect I'll move into a higher-paying, fulltime regular AAFES job in 6 months.

[peregrinus236]

I heard somewhere that last year was hotter. According to who? I don't think my memory is that bad.

Glad to hear about the job. Temp jobs can lead to all sorts of surprises. Are you working from home? Hope all goes well.

[italiangm]

The peaks are hotter this year. I don't remember 105 degrees last year. Your memory is fine.

I'll be working at their facility near Ledbetter and S Loop 12. It's a 20 mi drive one-way from my place in N Dallas. Hope gas prices keep dropping.

[peregrinus236]

I don't think I remember 105 F ever - certainly not several days in a row. I almost bought a new (to me) car last year. It's a toss up - no car payments for another year vs. air conditioned comfort. I think I can stand the no car payments better.

[brendamom]

A true traveler knows the experience is enough. I never need entertainment either. But I am a sucker for a pretty place to walk.
Sounds like a nice trip, all in all.

[peregrinus236]

Thanks. Portland and Lake Oswego have really great places to walk or drive or just be. It really was a good trip.