[[ room ]] It's been a strange day already today. The fog was very thick this morning; the train ride to over the river to downtown was just plain creeeee-py! I hope Halloween night is like that. People had been telling me about Stumptown Coffee so I went there. Of course I got off at the wrong place and had to walk 6 extra blocks. The place was bohemian and kitschy and, as I learned, very popular indeed. One needs to get there early to beat the very long lines. They had good, cheap, strong coffee that isn't over-roasted like charbucks. I had to go to a temp service several blocks away to see about the transfer of my paperwork afterward, so I hoofed it. On the way back I stumbled onto Portland's World Trade Center. There were world flags all over, and to the right of the US flag was the blue and yellow flag with the trident on it from guess where. If I see that that flag change you'll hear me yelling from Portland to Salem!! I discovered that there is a huge Asian market in Beaverton, where I am now, so I will bus there and see what kind of goodies they have. Then I will go back downtown and log on from there. All kidding aside, I am beginning to feel a little better. I know the process will take time and there is still much hurt left to process and healing to be done. There is still much to learn. The forecast for the weekend is rainy so a change of plans is in order. Instead of drivin to the coast for the seafood festival, it looks like I'll be taking a new bus or two. If it gets me additional resources so much the better. Sometimes "playin with a purpose" is a good thing :) infinite gratitude to all... haxi

I had so been hoping that the adjustment to the Pacific Northwest would agree with you, I am up in Washington. I have lived in Eastern Washington, the Philliphines, and Florida, but had to return home to Washington. I never realized how very naturally beautiful it was here until I didn't live here. I especially love having green trees year 'round. The summers are not "too hot: and the winters are not "too cold" Our weather is so similar to Oregon. Hugs Mary

oh Hax, i miss Seattle....even those many rainy days can be fun

great that you have come so far

Gives me hope for that new life just around the corner

yours in alanon,

toto