Although a day late, I thought I would make my first post a sort of “thanks” to Portland in the name of Thanksgiving. A quick note before I get started:

My wife, beagles, and I recently (5 months ago) moved to Portland to seek a new life and new adventures. I was born and raised in Oklahoma. I will save the rants on the troubles I have with this state for my upcoming posts. I promise to not make them too painful, but they will provide a nice contrast with this great city of Portland.

So, let me list/explain some things that I am thankful for relating to PDX…

Location:
I cannot think of a better placement of a city. The coast, mountains, rivers, and beautiful valleys are all within an hour’s drive. I still get a little chill seeing Mt. Hood on a clear day. The geographical placement of Portland also gives it its great weather. Some may argue that I have not experienced the famous rainy winter yet, but the summer here alone was enough for me to accept any amount of gloom this winter will offer. Oklahoma summers are a terrible and oppressive experience. Unimaginable heat combined with tons of humidity, makes for a summer where you can not go outside for 3 minutes without beginning to sweat profusely. I could rant on about how ugly most of Oklahoma is (Oklahoma City I am talking to you), but just understand me when I say it is as boring as most of the people there are. Thank you Portland for being where you are.

Transit:
What can be said about Portland’s Public Transit except for, best in the United States? My wife and I were able to unload one of our two cars before we moved. I take Tri-Met to and from work, and we also are able to use it on weekends for most of our outings. Again this can be greatly contrasted to my former places of residence. In OKC they just added bike racks to the buses 1 year ago! Taking Oklahoma Transit meant an additional 2 hours of travel or waiting early at your destination. Thank you Portland for great urban planning and execution.

Entertainment:
My wife and I have seen more concerts and performances of bands and comedians in the past 5 months than we had seen in the past 3 years. Everyone seems to make a stop in Portland. Bands we had pined to see for over 10 years have been performing within 10 minutes from our home here. Although our checking account took a beating, we have had more fun here because we had the option to. Oklahoma was not a popular stop, unless they were passing through for the South by Southwest Festival in Austin. In our younger days it was not uncommon for us to drive 3.5 hours to Dallas, see a show, drive back 3.5 hours, and then go to work the next morning. Ugh, it hurts thinking about it. Thank you Portland for your great plethora of entertainment.

Community:
Last but most important, is the community of people that makes up Portland. Never have I been somewhere so forward thinking and so open to all ways of life than in Portland. Things as simple as being a vegetarian were socially unaccepted in my previous state. It feels like people here are living together as opposed to living for themselves. I really get the feeling that I am part of a Community. Not just a bunch of people racing around only thinking of themselves. One of the best examples is on the roads. People drive the speed limit, let people change lanes, don’t tailgate, and generally seem to understand that there are others on the road and we must all get to our destinations safely and efficiently. Thank you Portland for your great social environment.

Now sure, there are always going to be exceptions to what I have stated above. But for only living here for 5 months, these are my true feelings of this city. Not a day goes by that I don’t take notice of what a truly great place we live in. I think my wife is starting to tire of hearing me say, “What a city!” But I truly mean it.

Thank you Portland.

Related posts:

1. Where are the numbers, TriMet?
2. Portland Art Museum at a turning point
3. Affordable condos? Easier commute? a puzzle
4. Allen buys Garden?
5. Go Ducks (or Get Over It, Sooners)!