The Beach

This will be my 15th summer at the beach.  The beach.  The clothing-optional beach, that is.  We have two of them -- in fact, we had the nation's very first one.  Here's a map that I created a few years ago.   And, may I say, that in 1998 when I made my first visit, I was scared to death.  Petrified is more like it.  Suffice it to say that those feelings have passed away.

It's always a little game each year.  The first time.  The first day.  Is the (Columbia River) water too high?  Last year the water was so high, for so long, that I actually had to wade through several feet of water holding my sand chair and backpack up above my head while traversing the Columbia River waters.  This year, we apparently haven't had quite as much water.  The path is already dry.

And you just never know what you'll see, hear, or find out there.  Some days, you see people you know.  Other times, a bunch of doggies.  Sometimes a whole pile of younger people scared to death to ditch their panties so they flounce around in their $100 designer swim suits.  Sometimes families with kids.  Or just a man and wife.  It's all over the map.  I've seen bald eagles dive for fish right in front of my face.  I've watched giant ocean-going ships pass by on their way from the Port of Portland to/from the Pacific Ocean.  I've been scared to death more than once by little tiny black and green snakes and rabbits.

I've been hit on.  I've heard people talk about being released from jail.  I've heard conversations about being kicked out of the house.....or school.  I've listened while a guy ventured on about his tale of being kicked out of "every bar in Portland....except for one......nobody likes me in this town."  Oh brother.  I've watched plenty of people smoke dope.  And the alcohol flows freely most times.  I had a pretty young kid ask me if I wanted to meet his dog.  Well, you don't have to ask me twice!  Of course I do.  And while he was introducing me to a cute little Bichon-Poodle mix, he proceeded to ask me if I wanted to see his vagina.  Pardon me?  Your vagina?  Yes, he said.  I've had a tattoo of a vagina put on my penis.  By golly, he sure had.  "Because I like both men and women," he tells me.  This is the same guy that had been kicked out of house and school, by the way.

I've overheard plenty of conversations about current affairs, politics, the latest gadgets, iPhones and iPads, cars, the long drive to and from the beach, the cops who patrol the parking lots like flies, and music.  Music.  You see, a Billy Ocean song came on.  And the guy yells to his buddy, "Hey, turn that off....that's a song for old guys.  My dad would like that."  I about decked him.  And then there is the fairly clear sign "End of the Nude Beach" that delineates the marker past which point one must cover up their bits.  And tits.

I like to go early.  And I like to go during the week.  Weekends are terrible.  The 27 mile drive is packed with families in minivans headed out to "the family section" of the beach.  People double park their cars.  Traffic comes to a standstill.  And the roadways are dotted with bicyclists vying for space on the concrete.  I like the quiet of weekday mornings.  I've been the first one out there more than once.  And I've been the only one more than once.  I go early, I leave early.  I like to walk up and down the river's edge.  Sometimes I massage the muscle in my feet on a rock or log.  And I pick up rocks and carry them around.  I wonder how old they are, how they got on that particular beach, and where they've been in their lives.  Sometimes I do a few easy yoga stretches which always feel amazing.  I've got a sand chair that has been with me for years.  And I usually take a peanut butter sandwich.  Or some fruit.  And water.  Always water.  I like to chat with people and stare.  At the river, the airplanes coming and going into the Portland airport.  And the hawks and eagles circling overhead.

It's a part of my life that I don't typically advertise.  I simply say that I'm going to "The Beach" and leave it at that.  No need for embellishment.  But if pressed, I'm not afraid to say where I'm headed.  Some folks say, "That's cool."  And others can't even imagine being in public without their clothing.  I remember those feelings and days.  They're gone now.

It Could Happen to You

You never know about tomorrow.  In fact, you don't even know about today.  Tragedy strikes whenever it wants to.  This could happen to you.  Stand up and fight.  Be heard. 

Where Did It Go ??

MOTIVATION.....Where did it go?  Is it hiding under the bed next to your running shoes?

Why is it that I continue to pay my gym membership and yet never, ever go?  Why is it that I glance up at the yoga room every single time I drive by and wish, and wonder?  Why is it that every time I look at my gym clothes in the drawer and get sad?  Every time I hear this commercial, I wonder.

QUESTION:  What is the one thing that you wish you had in your life that you don't currently have?  What is missing? 

Forward! Onward! Upward!

It feels so good to finally, at last, be headed in a positive direction.  So much left to do.  But the ship has turned. 

Easter Dinner

Breaded Chicken Tenderloins Atop Brown Lentils Covered with Thin Sliced Fresh Lemons and Oranges Coated With a Rich, Spicy Citrus Glaze and Crunchy Almonds

• Boil brown lentils in water until done.  I used 1 1/2 cups (dry) which made 4 1/2 cups cooked.  Recipe on the back of the lentil bag.  My amounts above required 6 cups water in saucepan, added 1 1/2 cups lentils, brought to boil, reduce to low and cook for 12-15 minutes.  Drain. 
• Tossed chicken tenderloins in bowl with bit of flour, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder.  
• Thinly slice one lemon and one orange, remove seeds.  You'll squeeze just a small amount of both in the glaze.  
• Make a spicy citrus glaze from olive oil, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, dash of each ground cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and allspice.  Add black pepper, dash chili powder, garlic powder.  Bit of water.  

1. Spray 13X9 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cooked and drained lentils go in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Top lentils with breaded chicken tenderloins.
4. Top chicken with thin slices of lemon and oranges across the whole dish.
5. Pour spicy citrus glaze evenly over the top of the entire dish.  
6. Top dish with chopped/sliced almonds.  
7. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. 
8. Remove cover and reduce heat to 300-325 and continue baking for another 45 minutes.  

I served this dish alongside asparagus spears roasted on a baking sheet in the oven.  Season the way you'd like to.  I'm thinking simple....sea salt and coarse ground black pepper.  Happy Easter-y Spring-y weekend.

I'm Hideous......

I'm hideous.  Don't look, please don't.  I'll never be a model.  My closeups for the Abercrombie calendar will never look the same.  Photoshop will now become my middle name. 

At 50 an Old Jewish Woman Arises

I just need a bowl of soup.  Chicken soup with broth.  Kosher chicken.  Kosher broth.  And a shawl, parasol and poodle.  Oh, wait, I've already got the poodle.  So, yeah, this will be easier than I had thought.  I just need a shawl and parasol.  And then I can be the old Jewish woman that I think I'm becoming.  Mouthy, opinionated and wanting to stay within my comfort zone. 

In spite of thinking that I harbor an adventurous spirit, the older I get, I'm not so sure.  I'd like to think that I'm the backpacking type.  The kind that could travel through Europe with just me, a backpack, and a crapload of Euros.  That's a lot of Euros, in case you're wondering.  My alter ego would like to be open to sleeping in hostels instead of fancy 2 1/2 star hotels with thin towels and coffee stains on the drapes.  I'd like to believe that I'm open minded and up for anything.  Available.  Looking for new opportunities and chances to take.  But I'm not so sure. 

Chatting over Indian food with a good friend last night, this topic of conversation came up.  I'm not sure how it turned to me but it did.  I don't know if it's age.  Or even my job.  The more I fly, the more I want to be home.  Settled.  Comfortable.  I like a schedule and routine.  I want to do tasks one time.  Not two.  Doing things right the first time.  I'd like to think that I'm flexible and always say "Yes" to change and whatever others ask of me. 

But the truth is that I think I'm quite the opposite.  Or am I?  I'm not sure.  Who knows.  Is it a middle-age sort of quandary?  I find that being flexible and willing to negotiate or do things that I don't want to do is getting harder and harder.  I'd be more than happy with my iPad, a recliner, and my coffee.  Oh, and the poodle. 

Tallinn, Estonia -- Reflections on the Old and New

The summer of 1986 found me in Tallinn, Estonia, which was part of the U.S.S.R. at that particular time.  I wrote about my encounters with the KGB and smuggling Bibles and other items into the former Iron Curtain city several years ago and being followed by the local police.   You know, just normal everyday things!  I'd go back and read this former article if you haven't already.  It has so much to do with this current, particular post.

A few days back, I opened the New York Times travel article to discover that it was calling Tallinn "A European capital of culture....a sense of optimism in the air.....it's citizens are among the continent's most cheerful people."  Holy smokes.  That's just something else.  Who would have ever thought.  The article continues on to describe a scant 36 hour whirlwind tour through Tallinn.  Eating, touring, visiting, browsing, fashion and, of course, the past.  The dark past riddled with watch towers, KGB, underground activities and such.  Those are the days I remember.  These new days that the New York Times is describing I'm not familiar with.

I decided to check out the hotel that we stayed in while we were there.  (Again, read the above article first...)  It was the only hotel where tourists could stay at the time.  Operated by Intourist, the government agency who oversaw every single person coming into the USSR for tourism purposes.  We were only permitted to be in certain places, at certain times, with our assigned tour guide.  What I didn't know until today, was that the Viru Hotel actually housed the areas KGB listening post.  They used a secured area on the 23rd floor of this hotel for their purposes.  I can't remember which floor my room was on.  But I remember the warnings about telephones being bugged, two-way mirrors, housekeeping staff who weren't really "housekeeping staff."  Check out this article.  I was so happy to find it.  I also discovered that one of the churches we sang in housed a KGB listening tower in its spire.  Fascinating! 

I'd love to make a trip back there someday.  To reflect and remember.  And to enjoy the newfound fortune of fashion and food as well.   Oh, and I could even go and stay at the newly refurbished Hotel Viru.  I'm assuming that they have removed the listening devices from the lamps and vases.

My Ignorance Is Just As Great As Your Knowledge

"The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant threat winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as great as your knowledge."  -- Isaac Asimov

Do you realize that there are people who will read the above quote and not even get it?  Not even be able to comprehend it or understand what it means?  And then I read that "In Mississippi, 52% of GOP respondents say Obama is Muslim...12% believe he is a Christian and 36% are unsure.  In Alabama, 45% of Republicans say Obama is Muslim....14% believe he is a Christian and 41% are unsure."  Dare I say that Alabama is smarter than Mississippi?  And what about all of the others -- Louisiana, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, Utah....shall I go on?  


We live in a nation who no longer forms opinions based on fact, the truth.  We no longer think.  We feel.  We believe our ignorance, our sources!, are more important than actual knowledge.  And that will be our demise.

Six Degrees of Separation

They say there are six.  Degrees of separation, that is.  Sometimes I don't think there are that many.  And other days, I think there are about a thousand.  Today, the degrees of separation were not even in existence. 

I was working a San Francisco to Seattle 9:20am departure.  I was at the L1 forward boarding door welcoming 124 lovely folks on board.  (And their numerous oversized bags as well....did I mention "numerous"?)  When what to my wondering eye should appear but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.  No, wait, that's not right.  I'm thinking something else......  But what was coming through the door was a very nice gentleman smiling at me and pointing.  "Hey, I know you!"  He went on with "I was wondering if I was ever going to be on one of your flights......I read your blog!"  He was as excited as I was.  And I think we were both quite surprised.  Irony.  Out of the blue.  Complete happenstance. 

And the story is made even more random because neither of us live in the Bay Area nor in Seattle.  He lives way out in the Northeast United States.  Visiting family.  Working.  But, wow, what a morning.  I was able to feed and water Bill.  A Bailey's Irish Cream and a snack.  It's the least I could do.  Bill, I loved meeting you.  You made my day!

March Madness

I've taken the plunge. I needed just one more Apple product. That's the way they operate, you know....."You just have to have it."  And on that note, I will be getting it -- my very first iPad.  The New iPad Third Generation arrives at my house this next Friday.  I'm hoping it's the right choice.  For traveling.  I'll leave my laptop at home.  But the lack of a full-size keyboard on the iPad is concerning me a little.  We'll see.  I am very excited, though.  And I've done a nice job of tempting LoverBoy as well.  He's all of a twitter and going down the "Well, I can't find a decent cover for my iPad 1 so maybe I should sell my old one and get a new one so that I can find a cover for it" trail.  Because all of that makes perfect sense.  In the Apple world it does. 

My new glasses have arrived.  My first progressives -- yeah yeah yeah, I know it takes some time to get used to them.  Btu I'n huving a ibt of a difiucullt tyme seying throussh thenm.  I think they look pretty good but you'll have to be the judge of that.  It is my first online glasses ordering.  I used a company called Lookmatic.  Great customer service.  More than happy to do whatever it takes to make it right.  I'd recommend them.  The top half for distance is great....especially at night....much more crisp and clear.  But the bottom reading half is a mess....I'm not sure if it's a matter of me getting used to them or not.  But my older straight reading specs were much better. 

The Flight Path Debrief program for flight attendants is on a roller coaster ride at this particular point.  You remember...the program the took me to Seattle for 69 nights last year.  That I devoted hundreds of hours to helping design.  Along with 23 others.  Thousands of hours and dollars to develop a top-notch grade A program is now in flux.  Do we want it?  Should we revise it?  Let's just say that I'm tired of corporate politics.  Let's just say that I'm tired of non-flight attendants thinking that they know what's best for flight attendants.  I know, I know....be flexible, nimble, open minded.  I'm trying.  But I'm more than definitely happy to be back flying full time.  Away from the office.  Away from the fray of office and corporate life. 

There's a new girl in town....and she's sitting on top of our condominium...up on the roof.  She's a Davis Vantage Vue weather system.  You can now see the weather for our area...our building!....right on the internet.  You'll see the new badge on my blog...upper right-hand side.  That's the weather for our building.  Sort of fun.  And the internet link to it is here:  http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KORPORTL191.

We're putting together details of our upcoming trip to Ogunquit, Maine, at the end of April.  We'll be staying in a B&B in Ogunquit and then visiting our friends Wil and Fritz for a couple of nights.  We're also working on details for Bear Week in Provincetown in July.....year four!  And I see a road trip maybe next week to Boise for just me and Mason....to see the parents and sister.  And maybe help sis get a new laptop up and running.   We saw The Descendents last night.  Great movie.  I had no clue what it was about or even who was in it.  That's the third Academy Award nominee that we've seen -- in addition to The Help and The Iron Lady.  Sounds like all movies have to begin with the word "The" nowadays. 

Meet My Virtual Friend Maureen Walsh

I'd like you to meet my virtual friend Maureen Walsh.  She lives in Walla Walla, Washington.  The delicious, sweet onion place.  Known for their increasing wine country as well.  I say "virtual" friend because we've never met.  But by golly, we've been awfully awfully close.  Last night for example.

We had finished a 14-day of training new flight attendants at our Flight Operations and Training Center near the SeaTac Airport and were back at the airport for our flight to Portland.  We had an extra hour so headed to the Pacific Marketplace for some delicious pasta.  Sat down.  Enjoying. And I'm staring across the table and right over to the neighboring table.  At this woman.  I knew her.  I just knew I did.  I stared and stared at her.  I think she knew it.  Man, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out where.  But more than even knowing her, I knew some story about her.  Something personal.....something about her family, crying or a heartfelt story of some sort.  But I couldn't place her.  A passenger of mine?  Neighbor?  TV personality?  Gosh.  I just kept staring and even followed behind her as she headed toward the gate areas.  It really bothered me until about halfway home, inflight.  THAT'S IT!

Maureen Walsh is a Republican congresswoman from Walla Walla, Washington.  About three hours drive to the east of us.  And I knew her story because I'd heard her story.  Recently.  A few weeks ago.  And you'll hear her story below.  She is one of those folks that I admire.  She is well deserving of honor and recognition.  For her ability to come to beautiful conclusions in her life.  For looking out for the equal rights of others.

So, I've never meet Maureen Walsh from Walla Walla, Washington.  But gosh, I was damned close.  Really, really close in fact.  I'm disappointed that I didn't take the step to walk six feet over to her and say hi.  I really would like to have given her a big old hug and thanked her.  For her life.  Her dedication.  And love.  Oh, and her inspiration too.  And her dedication to people over the task. 

Afterglow

Good lord.  Who would have known that turning 50 would be such a crazy time.  It started out with almost 20 folks at Happy Hour on last Thursday evening.  Migrated to a quieter 6-person coffee on Friday morning.  An even more quiet and lovely 3-person dinner and 5-person movie ("The Iron Lady" which I loved).  And a 32-person bash on Saturday night hosted by our good friend Alan.  And concluded on Sunday with a 12-person brunch and a 25-person Pizza and Piano evening at our condominium.  I had phone calls, text messages, emails, "likes" on FB, and wall posts on FB (truly, about 150 of them!) -- from so many of you...and from England, South Africa, and Paris.  And I was able to have my very first, live phone call with a longtime reader of my site....the infamous Anne Marie in Philly.  She made me feel so good about turning 50!  The picture speaks for itself.  Cards, cards and more cards.  With sentiments.  And thoughts.  And reflections.  And memories.  Really good stuff.  Thanks to you all.  My friends.  I appreciated all of your attention so much.

I feel like Mrs. Rich Bitch right now with my state and federal tax returns plus our company's annual performance payout.  I've asked for it all in rolls of pennies.  It has already been nearly spent.  On things like Mason's teeth cleaning, a new home printer, and setting aside some for our annual trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts, this July for Bear Week. 

I'm heading to Seattle tomorrow for a day of helping out in yet another brand new class of flight attendants.  I help teach the Services Training day -- food, beverages, carts, how to pour drinks and be nice to people day.  It's always a lot of fun....but oh so tiring.  And the perception is always so strange -- turning into classroom training what I have spent 17 years of my life actually doing in flight.  Strange.

The month of March will return me to overnight trips at work.  I've been mainly doing turns...where I go out and right back home instead of staying overnight somewhere.  I haven't done an overnight away in months -- probably since last November or so.  That's one of the great things about my job -- the flexibility, the change, the variety.

February is truly one of my favorite times of year.  For more reasons that just my birthday.  I love the gentle edging up of temperatures -- we hit 62 yesterday.  The crocus are already up and blooming.  And the daffodils and tulips will follow shortly.  The pink of the flowering cherry trees has been around for about two weeks already.  I really dig our temperate climate without giant extremes of hot or cold.

The Big 5-0

Good lord.  50 years old.  Today at 6:20pm (Mountain time since I was born in Boise, Idaho).  I can't believe it.  But like my mother told me recently, "If you can't believe it, think about me and what it feels like to have a son who is 50!"  She's right.

The good.  And the bad.  The ups and the downs.  Happy and sad times.  Like everyone else.  I have more aches and pains than I used to.  Tummy upset from coffee or creamer or something....more than I used to.  I don't sleep as well.  I get irritated with stupidity and slow drivers.  I used to go to yoga but haven't for a while.  But I want to.  Does that count?  I'm out.  And happy.  And those certainly count for something.  I've learned that some of my ideals early in life were pretty shallow.  And I've allowed myself to age pretty gracefully, I guess.  There has been a family filled with cancers, Lou Gehrig's disease, alcoholism and drug abuse, suicide, fights and the like.  But we're still a pretty tight knit group.  I've hated a few times and I've loved a lot.  There are friends.  Facebook, virtual, and real ones in life.  I love nearly all of them.  I'm pretty simple.  Things that turn me on are the sky, trees, leaves, green grass, rivers and oceans.  Things that mean next to nothing to me are sports, big star entertainment, staying out late, partying, and being loud.  I'm far more irritated than I used to be and will be glad to tell you exactly the things I will put up with and those that I won't.  I can see those things hidden somewhere ahead of me in life that I know I need to connect with but struggle to put into practice.  My connection to technology, the internet, and the iPhone has grown.  My connection to earth, sky and trees has waned.  I don't like it.   I know it.  I've discovered what I like and what I don't like.  I'm pleased with that. Mostly. 

And I've got a partner of nearly 15 years who loves me, cares for me, and has allowed us to create a beautiful, successful life together.  He's far more than I could have ever asked for.  And there's a dog.  A mutt.  A pooch.  Mason.  He's a cutie boy.  To these two things, I say thank you.  For being there for me.  For believing in me.  Today, at 50.  And tomorrow, at 80.

Happy Birthday to me.

The Festivities Are About to Begin .........

The festivities are beginning.  I've finished an early morning SJC turn and I'm now on vacation.  Tonight kicks off an entire weekend of The Big 5-0 Birthday activities.  The cards have already begun to roll in.  And the chocolate too.  The carpets are cleaned (and they match the drapes) for the finale Pizza and Piano Party on Sunday evening.  Here's the lineup:

Thursday PM -- Happy Hour at Local Lounge a local gay-owned place that we love hanging at.

Friday AM -- Coffee hour at Three Friends Coffee House in S.E. Portland.

Friday PM -- Dinner at the Daily Grill and then "The Iron Lady" which I've been wanting to see. 

Saturday PM -- The Big Bash -- Hosted by my good friend Alan at his beautiful home.  He insisted on hosting.  I'm blessed.

Sunday AM -- Brunch!  At Hob Nob Grille....owned by a fellow flight attendant and her husband. 

Sunday PM -- Pizza and Piano Finale at our condo.  I've put together a long song list, handed it to my LoverBoy, and demanding that he play his new grand piano for me.  The whole evening. 

And that's it.  That's precisely how my 50th birthday weekend will play out.  I mean, for one on his way to middle age (ahem...) it should be a grand celebration.  Right?