A Successful Transplant
I made my trip along the Oregon trail in 2009, in a search for a Venn diagram overlap between the things I love and people who also love those things (which happens to be all things Portland).
Professionally, I was a recent university graduate of the sciences, fluent in Russian, with a knack for learning systems and noticing things that are anecdotal… this generally meant that I was momentarily unemployed.
As restlessness kicked in, and the novelty of running around town solo-touring waned in excitement, I found a relationship which led me to the fulfilling pursuit of awesomeness which has given deeper purpose to every day.
As an agent, I utilize all of my favorite personal traits daily: my sense of humor, my sensitivity, my innovative nature, and an ever growing fascination with studying, what I call “The Human Biome.”
Things I love about Portland
I love the quirky business districts. I grew up in a large city where every 10 square miles boasted 3 large chain grocers, six nationally known department stores, and dilapidated storefronts for small service industries.
Visiting the Alberta Street business district, walking up and down Mississippi Street, and getting lost in Hawthorn Boulevard vintage shops has become an ever-changing variety show of treasures. Sure, there is some merit to knowing where to go to get specific items without needing to go to four streets worth of shops, but, for the creative mind, looking into every window and judging the possibility of finding what you need feels much more adventurous.
I love the natural beauty around Portland. My first exposure to the Columbia River came from the drive between Boise and Portland. I was living in Idaho at the time and maybe the lack of sun or the excessive snow made the drive along the river, under the canopy of sun-soaked trees, seem like a dream.
As I parked my car and popped around on my bicycle, I found the streets much friendlier than the streets of Salt Lake City, where I lived at that time.
Where I’ve lived
I started life as a Texan, chose to educate myself in the contrasting climate of Idaho, spent a couple years over-seas in St. Petersburg, Russia, then ran through a few more educational years in Utah.
I’ve made several difficult moves, across multiple states, across oceans, through bad weather, into larger spaces, and into smaller spaces.
All of this transition taught me an appreciation for simplifying intentions when considering a housing change.
The Wonders of The Human Biome
Excited by the intentions behind why people choose one house over another, I consider my efforts as a continuing education on learning about the human biome.
On the system level I see groomed trails to beds, tactile responses for barefoot conditions, archeological evidence of how things were used, anecdotal attempts at adapting for antiquated technology, and I love assessing areas for improvement.
Like a magnifying glass onto why we choose the way we live and what priorities exist in the subtext of our reactions to what is seen, I love learning about the people I meet. Everyone’s unique perspective fuels my curiosity for life; beyond the daily actions of life, I frequently see the artistic canvas of living itself.