Oregon begins

So, I kind of kept the following news to myself until I had something more solid to tell. The last day in Alaska, I got an email blast advertising a job doing educational interpreting on the Oregon coast. I had no idea how they read my mind (apparently I had sent this company my information TWO YEARS ago), but I immediately replied with my resumé and contact info. 10 minutes later I got a call from a head hunter trying to set up an interview. Well, the interview was last Friday and I was offered the job on the spot! It's a full time gig (with benefits!) and seems to be pretty grand. The setting is a bit smaller and slower pace (read: closer to the wilderness), but it is perfectly lovely and we're both pretty excited. Nick also has a lead on a travel job there and we already reserved a spot at a quiet little RV park beside a river. It's also only 1 hour and a half outside Portland, so we plan to visit regularly. Best of both worlds. Win!

Since we got back from Alaska, we've been sweltering in Portland (it's been in the 90s everyday) just trying to take care of business and spend time together. We were parking in front of my friend Goose's house (my last roommate here) for about 3 days, but felt a bit sketchy about it (and longed for hook ups! read: water and AC) so we headed back out to Sauvie Island again to Reeder beach. We've done dinner with Nick's brother Lincoln, a movie in the Park with my friend Zech, and dinner and a dude kyaking trip out on Sauvie with Goose. I got my haircut by Jen (goddess. master. super awesome lady.) I've been a bit hesitant to contact friends here because it's kind of "Hey, I'm kind of here and then I'm leaving again but I'll be close by-ish so let's hang out?" But I have been enjoying showing Nick around and sharing some of my favorite things with him. 

As far as Harvey news: he's great. We love our home. We learn something new everyday, and the space is just lovely. I love that no matter where we park, we're home. I know that sounds like something you would see cross stitched on a pot holder, but it actually feels true. The dogs are doing great (they are getting so many walks these days!) In short, we're adjusting to being full-time RVers swimmingly. 

In terms of learning something new about the RV, we'd been struggling a bit to figure out the propane and how it worked with the refridgerator and hot water heater. It seemed that no matter how many youtube videos we watched or people we asked, we just couldn't figure it out. Then, we were on the coast after my interview, and I kid you not, the EXACT same rig pulled right in behind us! We were in the car, so there was no way this sister ship would know, but Nick looked over and said he was going to knock on the door and ask them about propane. I was like, um no. Then, unfortunately, there was a 3 car accident just behind the scenic pull out where we were parked. We weren't involved thankfully, but we got out and were chatting with some of the other drivers, one of whom just happened to be the capitan of Harvey's cousin (I stand corrected, it was a 1995 not a 1994.) He was this precious geriatric cowboy from Idaho, and was only too happy to not only answer Nick's questions but show him exactly how everything worked! One of my favorite parts of RV life is other RV folks. They're gold. 

That pretty much sums it up. Love to all from Oregon!