Strike

Bleecker + Lafayette
Originally uploaded by ten safe frogs.

My Commute Sucks

NYC Transit Strike 2005
Originally uploaded by Caviar.

I thank the NYC Mass Transit strike for my beautiful commute. That's why I've been working from home the last 2 days. Gridlock is a wonderful thing. It turned me back from my aborted trip to work this morning. We'll see if it will do the same to me tomorrow.

Now that’s the Oregon spirit

December 2005
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Evan and Suzy live in New York (four hours away) but they’re definitely Oregonians (even if Evan was born in New York). They came down for the weekend. We cruised over to midtown, checked out Nolita, walked through Central Park, hiked in upstate, discussed the pros and cons of Gabe’s look sans facial hair and evaluated the state of East Coast beer.

“Man the beer here sucks.” Evan said.

“You’re right. That’s why I always make sure one of my bags for the plane has extra room for some Northwest microbrews.” I quickly replied.

We all agreed that this was a great strategy. I tried to get Evan and Suzy to come out to Bend with us for the New Year’s celebration, but I don’t think it worked. It was great to see them.

A Little Christmas Tree

December 2005
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

It’s small. But what do you expect? It fits our little NYC apartment. Christmas is here. Michelle and I had to decorate. And we had to have a tree. It’s in our souls. Don’t you know, Estacada Oregon is the Christmas Tree capital of the world.

There's been a Farah Sighting

December 2005
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Farah dropped by and stayed over a night while she was visiting friends in NYC. That makes her our 68th Portland visitor since we've been here. We love it. Keep 'em coming.

Snow is falling

December 2005
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Must ski soon. Our first snow. We watch it fall. We walk through it in the park. We get excited. We realize that there is no place within 2 hours to go skiing. We book a trip to Portland. We bring our skis (and snowboard). See you soon.

Dad's Sister is a Grandma

IMG_1938
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Aunt Diane is a Grandma, and this little cutie is the proof!

Family

IMG_1935
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

I swear, he's not Eli's dad.

Work

IMG_1896
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

A little glimpse into my world. I got back from LA about 2 weeks ago. We did a photoshoot for American Express. Arduous, tough, exhausting work. I loved it. In this picture, we’re about 15 hours into our 2nd day, with 3 more hours to go. Joao is setting up the shot ad I’m behind the camera… my camera. The shoot went on for three weeks. I did the first week in LA and then stayed for an extra day to see family. The rest of the team went on to shoot in Turkey and Brazil.

NYC Graffiti

December 2005
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Took this picture in Nolita. Looks like the artist understands our president’s policies.

A Voice

Occasionally you come across something that tweaks your perspective. An ad, perhaps. Maybe an ad for a cause. Or maybe some artwork for a cause. Because ads are messages, concepts and communications for the masses and they are art. I just happened to stumble across such “ads”. They come from a graffiti artist named Banksy. He operates in London England and I love his stuff. I read about it in the latest Esquire magazine after a friend, Joao, told me about the article. Banksy was voted Esquire's Artist of the Year. There’s some of this kind of activist art in NYC. But this stuff is more intrieguing than anything I’ve seen yet. Enjoy it. It’s thought provoking stuff.

An Orphan Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

David, our friend, took a hodgepodge of familyless New York City urbanites and invited them togother for a tasty Thanksgiving celebration at his uncle's vacant spot. We all gathered in the huge place on the 5th floor of an Manhattan highrise. Food was served and good times were had by all. But, it was no Michalowski feast. The mad scientest cook, dad, hadn't been cooking for 3 days straight. So we didn't get to enjoy thanksgiving Estacada style: 5 different types of cookies, a ham, turkey, smoked salmon, 8 different types of salad, baked french bread, pumpernickel bread, sour dough bread, mango chutney salsa and whatever else dad usually cooks up. We missed it, but we did the best we could in NYC. At least we had friends and family (Autumn and Eric) to share the holiday with. See everyone soon for the Christmas and New Years holidays.

More Visitors... Yeah!

Rockefeller Center
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Autumn and Eric showed up. Well didn't really just show up. It was kind of expected for about 6 or 7 months. It looks like NYC has suited them and they've suited NYC well. They've taken advantage of the food, plays, subway, culture and East Coast Time Zone (everyone stays up here until about 2 in the morning). Enjoy the pictures.

New Moma Exhibit

A couple weeks ago Michelle and I checked out the Museum of Moder Art newest show, SAFE: Design That Takes on Risk. It was great, and lucky for you (and me) it's all online. Check it out. It's all about crazy and everyday things that humans use for for safety. Think steel shark suit, breathing mask and a bike that breaks in half if it's stolen. I especially liked the Tsunami signs that were from the Oregon Coast.

Vermont. Just like Oregon.

Rainy Hike
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Did we bring Oregon to Vermont or did Vermont bring Oregon to us? Either way, we got rain. Lots and lots of glorious, beautiful, wet rain. And we loved it.

That being said, rain on the East Coast is a bit different than the rain on the West coast. Rain is rain here. It comes down like waterfalls. It feels like movie rain… looks. And our rainstorm didn’t stop for over a week. Elijah and Chamille swam through the first day of it and then left. I just kept swimming. Swimming to work. Swimming to class. And then swimming to Vermont.

The famous Vermont colors had been knocked down by the pounding rain, so instead of looking at them in the trees, Michelle and I walked over them in our hike. The ground was ablaze in yellows, reds, oranges and a constant coating of moisture that brought a glint to everything.

The creeks busted their banks and we were washed out of two hikes. But on the third hike, a beautiful spot outside of Danby Vermont, Michelle and I trekked a couple miles to a small pond in the Green Mountains. On the hike we ran into one man and two dogs. And we soaked it all up.

It’s amazing what life weather can bring to a place. Everything explodes with energy. It changes colors, moves and transforms places from the beginning of the storm to the end. City, country or forest—anywhere a storm happens to touch, transformations are made. Keep the weather coming. I love the fall. I can’t wait for the winter. I’ll just keep taking it all in.

Urban Planning

Perfect
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

The perfect place to begin and end a night in New York.

Brooklyn, it's got it all.

P.S. There’s nothing like storefront churches.

Katrina Crab Feed

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 036
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

We all went out on Saturday to a crab feed fundraiser for the victims of Katrina.

Guess Who Just Got Married?

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 085
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

If you said Brad and Angelina, you'd be wrong. But if you said Senator Wieden, you'd be right. And he decided to have his wedding pictures done in Central Park. Camille just happened to notice him and ran up for a quick handshake. I snapped a few pictures and ask her if she'd questioned the senator about his vote to confirm Judge Roberts. She didn't. Nice of her, seeing it's the guys wedding pictures... but that was shitty vote on his part.

Us in Central Park

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 113
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Elijah and Camille in Central Park

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 111
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Central Park on a Beautiful Sunday

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 096
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Central park was going off today. Elijah, Camille, Michelle and myself took a stroll through the park today. We saw sand volleyball, skaters dancing to music, acrobatic performers, classical music, boats, painters, kids, adults, grandparents and everyone else of every color enjoying the park the day and NYC. Wish you could have been here with us.

Look Who Showed Up

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 123
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Trekking 3000 miles across the country, a few friendly faces made it into my place. Elijah, Camille, Gabe and Sarah all showed up this weekend. Unfortunately, I've been sick, but I've tried not to let that slow me down. Fortunately, Gabe had some college friends to go hang out with on Saturday night, so I was able to conserve myself for a night and try to heal.

Elijah and Camille came in Saturday night and Sarah and Gabe showed up Friday night. It's great to have some Portland in this town. Michelle and I can't always be the only ones representing out here for all the Oregonians. Keep coming out. We love the company.

A Sign

October 2 2005 (Eli and Gabe Visits) 001
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Another entry into my "Signs of NYC", except this picture was taken in Brooklyn.

Suzy and Evan Explore the World

P9051521
Originally uploaded by geisthaus.

Keep up with our traveling friends. After sea kayaking to Australia, Suzy and Evan decided to run 389 miles and then take a 700 mile jaunt on a bmx bikes. That was Monday. Tomorrow they'll be traveling up to the top of Mt. Cook in New Zealand by skateboard.

Check out there blog.

I've also got a link to Evan's blog on the right side of my HELLOPORTLAND.

The Jersey Shore

Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Two hours outside of NYC down the New Jersey shore is a place called LBI (Long Beach Island). Pet and Gen invited us to there beach house on the island this weekend. Very nice. If you live in this city (NYC) you need to escape sometimes. NYC is a great place, but it's so dense and so populated that sometimes you just need to get out and breath. Michelle and I are enjoying the city and we're also enjoying having a car. Great weekend. Now it's time to tackle NYC again.

Jen Visits

Jen Visits
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Jen dropped by last week. She was here for about 4 days. Museums, shopping, food, Time's Square (see picture above) and of course, for Jen, a Sex in the City tour. It was a great time. So far we've had Christen, Ryan, Ginger and David Stewart (not to mention Rose)in NYC. Next weekend Elijah, Chamille, Gabe and Sarah show up. We can't wait. Maybe Gabe and Elijah will want a Human Hair Cut.

NY Signs

Signs
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

I'm going to try to start a new series of entries on signs. Here's my first one. The sign speaks for itself.

It's nice to know that a place about 4 blocks away from my house cuts human hair.

Four Years Ago, Today

Four years ago today, Michelle and I wed. It was a beautiful day full of friends and family. Since that time we’ve met many new friends, experienced growth and pain and love and everything in between. We’ve purchased a home, sold a home, moved across the country, changed jobs, had parties and pretty much experienced a ton of life. And yet, that day seems like yesterday. I sat in the car, air-conditioning blasting (who would’ve known it was going to be so hot on Mt. Hood in late September), waiting for Michelle to get to the wedding. Little did I know, she was waiting for her mom who had been waiting for my mom (or something like that). But, to be truthful, I wasn’t even aware of my late bride. I was to busy trying to psyche myself out. No crying. I know myself and my emotions (thanks dad for the crying gene) and so I needed to make sure I didn’t let go. Didn’t cry. I had vows to say. Composure was key.

Finally Michelle showed up. The guitarist started playing and we began walking down the isle. Somewhere between walking down the isle and seeing Michelle in her dress for the first time, it kicked in. By “it”, I mean the crying gene. Uncontrollable. Thank God I was hydrated or I might have collapsed. As much as I tried to stop, I just couldn’t. It just kept coming (my groomsmen were crying too. Eli, Colin, Steve, Chris and Stephen don’t even try to say you weren’t. We’ve got you on film). But eventually we got through the ceremony. It was beautiful ceremony, and by the end, I stopped crying.

We took pictures as the guest made their way up to the lodge. Manny was working his magic, snapping away, and we were just basking in the moment, because, when you get married, that’s about all you can do. Take it all in. Bask in the moment. Moments come and go fast, so try to experience them in all their fullness, because before you know it, they’ll be gone.

Finished with pictures, we cruised up to the lodge. Party on. Food on. Kegs on. And a secret hard alcohol bar downstairs that someone had also set up (Dan) was on. Oh, my. It went off. It was a great party and in the end, Michelle and I didn’t want it to end. We wanted to throw another party just like it. But the wedding party did end, and our marriage began.

So, as anyone who knows me at all can attest to, unlike my wedding date, I’m always the one late our marriage. And just like always, I forgot to put a card out for Michelle this morning. Truthfully, I didn’t forget, I just couldn’t find the right card. They all seemed canned. Not real. Not big enough or small enough to express my true feelings. I couldn’t find anything that could do justice to the last four years with Michelle. It’s been a complicated journey. And we’ve both grown an immense amount. So here’s the message I would have put on card for her this morning if I would’ve found the right card.

Michelle, I love you. Happy anniversary. Let’s keep growing together and see were it takes us. And one more thing.

I do.

Labor Day Weekend

September 10 2005 (Labor Day Weekend) 052
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Michelle and I packed up the backpacks and headed up north... to Vermont over the Labor Day weekend. It was beautiful. The fall colors are on the verge of showing themselves. We'll be up there again in a little less than a month to enjoy the changing seasons.

Gas was... ouch!!! But we don't drive much, so we broke out the credit card and filled up the tank. Good thing we're not driving a H2.

We went on a day long hike, visited small quaint villages and enjoyed the country. Very Oregon of us.

hello mt. hood

McNeil Point Trail

We visited Oregon. We went on a hike. Amazing, but true. And all though Michelle and I have been on many, many, many hikes on Mt. Hood, we both agree, this might be one of the best--McNeil Point Trail. Beautiful weather, blooming wildflowers, sub-alpine wonders, glacier fed creeks, gnarled boulders and 10 miles to take it all in. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.

My First Yankee Game

Me
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

There are a few places that baseball fans would like to visit sometime during there fandom. First on that list is Fenway Park. A close second is Wrigley Field. And little bit further down the list is Yankee Stadium. At least that's my list (and it's been my list since I was 5 or 6 years old). I was lucky enough to mark off the Yankee Stadium experience on Monday night. David gave me a call. He had an extra ticket... 12 rows up from home plate. It was a great game. The stadium is a somewhat of a dump and I absolutely hate the Yankees. But, it was still great. I watched one All Star after another get up for the Yankees. Each one a potential hall of famer. The 50,000 fans went crazy when they were happy with there team and even crazier when they were unhappy with them. (Maybe they were just unhappy because they had to pay $6 for a coke). It was hot, it was sweaty and it was great. The game ended, we jumped in the subway car and went home along with the thousands of other fans. And I left with something I didn't bring with me that night... the experience of going to a Yankee game. The worst part was that the Yankees won. Man I hate the Yankees.

Fire Island

ocean wave
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

The quest for a nice beach continues. And this weekend it involved an ocean ferry, friends and an Island 30 minutes off of Long Island. We hit pay dirt on Saturday at Ocean Beach on Fire Island. The beach was crowded, but clean. The water was warm and the sunset came down over the sand. It's the Atlantic Ocean and it's the first time I've ever jumped into its water. The waves fell over us and the Manhattan heat washed away. It's great to explore. Even greater to have finally found what we’ve been looking for.

Ouch

ouch
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Good thing we don't drive much anymore.

Amazingly I've got nothing political to say about the war. I think this photo speaks for itself.

Wait a minute. That was kind of political.

The Beach

public beach
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

2 weeks ago, we decided to go to the beach... oops. We struck out. Cruising up and down Long Island, we kept running into roadblocks. Most beaches are private. If they're not private, you have to pay to get into them. Fuck that. Certain things shouldn't be exclusive... like beaches and mountains and the beauty that is our (all citizens) country. And when we finally got on the “public beach” (that cost $8 dollars to park at), this is what we found. Pebbles and seaweed. Not exactly Cannon Beach.

Luckily we had better luck last weekend.

A First

a first
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

Here in NY, this never happens. You never ever see this. It's a 1 in a million shot. And so, I took it. Yes, your eyes are not decieving you. It says NO CHARGE. Enjoy.

One Stressed Out Cat

Chill'in
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

As you can see, Cirrus made the 3,000 mile journey out to NY sans psycho. I don't know why. I don't know how. And I don't know for how long, but I'm happy about it. Hopefully she'll keep doing what she's doing (or smoking or taking or whatever). Keep chill'in Cirrus. Keep chill'in.

A Weekend in the Gunks

Us
Originally uploaded by Polish Carpetlayer.

On our quest to get away from the hot/humid/unending sweat inducing repressive summer we jumped in the car and headed upstate. We ended up in the Gunks, a climbing Mecca about 2 hours upstate. It was beautiful (and still a little humid). We had to pay $8 each to hike. It's a private reserve and they charge private prices. Damn NY.

We found a little (actually kind of big) brew pub in New Paltz. It's a town right outside of the Gunks. Great food, good atmosphere and Blueberry Summer Ale. Quite tasty and perfectly refreshing in hot weather.

The humidity in the city is absolutely brutal. It's like living in a steam room. Today, 95 degrees but they say the humidity is going to make it feel like 105. Fuck! I'm not having any problems with dry skin. I'd take Oregon rain over this any day. We've been told that this heat/humidity wave is unusual. Unfortunately for us, it's been very usual. Every day the same weather.

Praise be to the incredible soul that created the air conditioner. Now if can we just get one of those amazing devices strapped onto the earth. Or at least turn back the clock on this global warming thing. The freckles on my skin and the beads of sweat on my forehead say it's just TO DAMN HOT.

Time for work. I better put on another layer of deodorant before I step out into the non-air-conditioned New York air. I’m going to need that extra protection.

Free Ozomatli concert across the street

A block and a half away from our place Brooklyn puts on a series of free summer park concerts. Tonight it was Ozomatli, a world fusion latin group from East LA. Michelle's hips couldn't stop moving as the 10 piece band delivered latin jams into the air. We hung out with Tommy and DiEtt (I know I mispelled her name. Damn). The food was good, the wine we snuck in even better and the micro-brewed whiskey Tommy added was smooth (with a bite... a good bite). We danced through the humid night with a large crowd and enjoyed our Thursday evening.

A Taste of Our 4th of July

(BBQ in front of David's)


(Boats waiting for the show)


(Crowd gathered on David's roof)








(Shows over)

Christen and Ryan decided to show up for the holiday weekend. It was great to have our first NW visitors. For the 4th, we BBQ's at David's and ended up on the roof watching fireworks explode over the river with Manhattan in all it's glory as the background. An immense amount of people went on the roof with us. They had a bouncer checking the roof door and only let friends of the buildings tenants up to the top. On the left we could see the Empire State building and just to the left of the fireworks we could see the Chrysler building. Boats lined the shore and people yelled and clapped and shouted for the best fireworks. After the show, the streets were filled with people walking to there homes and cars and places of rest. It was a beautiful night, in the low 70's, filled with new backdrops, interesting people and the fireworks that fill the skies of every small and big town from here to Estacada Oregon. We took pictures. Enjoy.

I Love Air Conditioners

Ok, when the weather person (notice, non-gender specific. I learned that is Portland) says it's going to be in the mid 80's, I can hang with that. But what you don't get told is it's going to be in the mid 80's at 2pm and 2am. You also don't get told that's it's going to be accompanied by humidity in the mid 80's. Thank god for deodorant and air conditioning (I can thankfully say that Michelle and I have stocked up on both. A 12000 BTU AC works away in our living room while a much smaller one keeps us company in the bedroom).

Christen and Ryan are showing up this weekend. Should be fun. We'll see what tomorrow brings us. But I think we're going to go to a free concert at Battery Park on Monday and then watch the firework show over Manhattan from David's riverside roof. Pictures of the weekend should be up soon (after the weekend).

Portland on Loan

The reality of moving across the country, is that you’re moving across the country. We’re talking over 3,000 miles. And just because you move your physical self, doesn’t mean that you move your home. Home is Portland. And so we bring a little of that Portland to NYC. Michelle’s granola/environmental/organic/beautiful/crunchy self and my ski crazy/chill/organic/environmental/freckled self. But what we can’t bring with us is friends and family. It’s a bit difficult. But if we’re lucky (and we know that we are) we’ll have those friends and family bring themselves to this big, crazy, interesting city, and while there here, give NYC a little more of the Portland spirit. We’ll use the Portland airport like a library, periodically and often checking out a great piece of the Northwest, sharing it with this city, and returning it to it’s rightful place after a week or two. And we can’t wait to have our first visitors from Glisan or Skidmore or Lakeshore or Stanton or 15th street or Macadam or any of the other places you (and we) call home. Unfortunately (and fortunately) Michelle and I are on extended lone to this metropolis. We’re excited and we’re also excited to share it with you. Here’s to Portland, to NYC, to family, to friends, to seeing you soon.

A Few Pictures and Thoughts for Tonight

I guess it’s my turn to write as we burn down the road. 10:45 at night. Michelle at the wheel. And I pound away at this keyboard. Mirah’s playing on the radio and Ohio’s draped in black. Next stop, Cleveland… maybe, if the caffeine holds up and the CD player keeps us company. The trip has been an exercise in newness, interesting places, endurance, bad food in a great I’m eating sushi in Idaho sort of way and gas stations.

Today we stopped in South Bend and saw Notre Dame. Beautiful town. Maybe the pope will come back as a football in this little football crazy town. That way, he could enjoy all the enthusiasm and greenery and good old fashion mid-American fanaticism, strong Catholicism, nice looking coeds (and fraternity brothers if he swings that way), without having to eat the food.

Cue camera. You see two locals out the side of the window.

Michelle: Hi. We’re not from around here. Is there anyplace you’d recommend to eat at?

Local 1 (late 20’s, slim woman): There’s a Denny’s down the road.

Caspian: Where do the college students eat?

Local 2 (late 20’s, portly woman): Between Two Buns. It a sports bar on campus. They’ve got great buns!

Local 1: Or you could go to Chili’s or Applebees.

Local 2: I love those places.

Failure. But it was a cultural experience. And we did end up eating Thai food in Indiana. Not great, but it was Indiana.

A few things I’ve learned on this trip. America is beautiful. There are many helpful and friendly souls in this country. Toll roads suck ass, unless you don’t have to pay for them. Chicago is big… I mean really big. Nothing taste better than time with a wonderful friend, a laugh and an experience that will be remembered for the rest of memory.

We drive on. Mirah keeps singing. We’ll talk again tomorrow.