Culture. You cannot go anywhere without interacting with it, and no matter what there are always very slight differences. Here in the Great North West, or more specifically Portland, we have noticed there has always been a lack of or poorly executed use of the vehicular blinker. I know what you may think "well that happens everywhere," which it does. But, believe it or not there is an abundance of turns we have noticed that really make it stand out. No problems, as of yet, have been caused, but it is sort of inconsiderate when people are zooming all over the road around you without giving you a simple flick of the wrist heads up. Well, problems arise when people decide to disregard the laws created to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Caitlin and I were exiting John's Marketplace (actually there really is not any market at all this store only sells a few items and then has a selection of 1000 beers and hundreds of wines) on Barbur Blvd with our beer of choice. As we approach the cross walk and press the button we realize only too soon we were seconds too late. As we pressed the button the light turned yellow dooming us to waiting for another round of cross traffic blocking our path to go home and experience the fermented goodness our brew has to offer. Lucky for us the traffic going parallel with us had no blinkers turning our way, so we assumed it would be safe to cross even with the red hand of stoppage telling us not to go. As we begin to cross the car opposite us decides then is a great time to turn his blinker on and make a move for the left turn. As we walked he did the whole 'I'm half way through my turn and these inconsiderate pedestrians are hindering my progress.' Well it turns out he was a cop and I immediately start thinking 'OH NO, I will be a victim of the infamous J walking ticket.' I was in for a surprise. As he drove by us he stuck his head out the window and says in a snotty I'm a pre-teen sassing back to my parents tone "Yeah, don't worry about the walk signals because they aren't for you or anything" and speeds off. Nothing too crazy I know, but a police officer giving us sassy attitude? Isn't he supposed to uphold all that is good, just, and civilized? I hope this is not an institutional alteration in conduct, and maybe some wittle baby officer having a rough day enforcing trivial traffic laws he struggle to follow himself.
Perplexed and dumbfounded we arrived home and discussed the encounter over a Laurelwood Brewery Stingy Jack Pumpkin ale, which I found quite a treat, where someone else instead said "Meh, it's not my favorite." Bah, go figure I picked it out. I'm sure whatever she chose will be the beer that revolutionized her enjoyment of beer. And that's how life goes.
So here I am doing as I often do preparing myself for a big day tomorrow of activities along the lines of mindlessly sifting through job ads. But then it's ok. Because I was employed this last week and am proud to say I am now a professional mover. Be Proud everyone, and feel all your accomplishments in life be insignificant to what I have aspired to become! I did have fun though. Its rough sitting around attempting to discover my "passion" or some profession which will justify my existence on this world when I am just so darn good at doing labor. In reality what's the one thing I excel at over most others I know? Oh, just my ability and desire to activity myself to death. Seriously I have thought if someday the newest renewable energy source was a person on a bike or running in a mouse wheel I could have some really great job prospects. Until then I suppose I can enjoy my company of one. Caitlin.
It is hard because she's pretty much the only person I have to talk to for days straight, but I don't think she wants to here it most of the time. Hence the long blog posts, rambling sentences, and writing about stuff that really isn't interesting, funny, insightful, or much worth ever being written down. But thank you for being my abstract friend so I may have a unspecified number of "friends" to talk to. I also take comfort knowing at least one person will laugh reading this... My Mom. And just to let you know I hold my head high when I say that, so don't shame me. I also think I just enjoy writing. Probably because it could definitely make me sound pretty darn impressive as long as the person I am talking to does not know my fan base is nearly non existent. Oh well! Until the next rant, please take care of yourselves. And have a lovely day.
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