Encouragement in a Civic

For the last eight years I've been talking about moving away from Southern California. I've made very loose lists of places I would like to go, but it never really mattered how they were ranked. Now I'm reaching the point where I almost have a date set, and while it's still over a year away, it somehow seems real. I still need to research some more, but a phone call from the cuz (barrettbenson.blogspot.com) moved Portland, OR from a nice idea cracking the top ten to the top of the list. I've only spent two weekends in Portland, but it rubs me right. I have more acquaintances than friends there, but it has loads of potential. I am encouraged that I can handle the rain by it's inclusion on frequent Best Places to Live lists, as well as the testimonials from past and present residents. A couple of weeks ago I got to put a mark in the plus column that is not open to the subjective interpretation of others. Driving on the 215 I see an Oregon license plate gracing a Honda Civic, the frame from Beaverton, which is essentially Portland. As I pass, I am pleased to see that the female behind the wheel is attractive, lacking all of the traits of the stereotyped Portland Granola Girl. I am not concerned that she was not in Portland. I am not concerned that there was a dude in the passenger seat. I am perfectly content to rationalize my desire to move to a place I know little about, whether the reasons are legitimate or imagined. I see the glass as half full. I don't have a lot marks in the minus column for Portland, but the one that most people point out first is the rain. But there is a silver lining on even that cloud -- I like wet girls. Viva Portland!