Travel, Doggy Joy, and Paying It Forward for November

I am sitting on a couch and looking out of the window at the gray drizzle and the rain says, "Welcome to Portland, Oregon." My flight to Oregon from New York was delayed by two hours but the actual flight was comfortable and quick. The plane was half empty and thanks to Gabe's generosity I had a seat with "extra legroom".
I was so happy to land and see my friends after such a long time. We visited local cafe's, coffee shops, and stores. I saw my friend's university campus and have generally enjoyed viewing every changing leaf in the state. I did have an issue where I almost over heated on the streetcar and felt like I was going to faint.  But so far, I am loving the whole city. More on Portland later.
I had a moment of Pure Joy this morning when I was lying on a deflating air mattress on the wooden floor of my friend's apartment. Her dog came tumbling out of the bedroom and just ran to me and licked my face and cuddled with me. I laughed and I realized it was just pure goodness spewing forth.
Next month, Paying it forward. Giving in response to everything I have received.

Leaving This Week

I leave in just five days for New York. I have a very busy week of preparations and events. One of the reasons people dislike travel is because of the work that has to be done before leaving work. I am no exception.

As a teacher, I must make my plans before I leave and make sure it is enough work to fill the entire class period. I also teach seven classes a day with no breaks so I must plan very well because my substitute will have no opportunity for a break until lunch.

I also have more work to do as the quarter is ending this week and my grades must be in on time. I also have club events and as Junior Class Sponsor I must get everything in line for homecoming the week before I go as Homecoming week begins when I get back.

I am incredibly excited to get away especially after all of the work I must do to prepare to leave!

Moving On To Step Three

Though I've certainly not managed to work this happiness project the way I wanted to I think it would be a mistake to avoid my third task. This month I am focused on traveling for pleasure.

Over the summer I traveled for the first time in a few years; for personal reasons anyway. I went to Tennessee to visit a college roommate I had not seen in many years. Since her wedding in Virginia in fact. I also managed to squeeze a long weekend in St. Augustine into my summer. Though I travel frugally I did manage to squeeze in two nights at a Bed and Breakfast. (www.castlegarden.com) I have always had a hard time finding the money for traveling when teaching pays so little. This time, I figured I would just go for it!


I purchased a multi-city ticket on JetBlue (www.jetblue.com) to travel to New York and Oregon. I will be in New York to support my uncle at the unveiling of my aunt's headstone. My aunt passed away a year ago and his transition to widow has not been easy. I know my presence will be beneficial to him. My brother is also attending. I am flying up early on a Friday and spending Shabbat with my uncle. The unveiling is on Sunday and I will see my other uncle (my aunt's brother) at that time. I will be staying until Tuesday to run errands, pick up things, and just be a general help to him.

While I know that most of this portion of the trip will be sad I am excited about one aspect of the trip. I know of a very good Jewish book store in my uncle's area and I was quite upset not to get there last time. I plan on spending a good chunk of time at the bookstore this trip and locating materials that have been on my wish list for some time. I am also hoping to spend some time walking around the neighborhoods enjoying the Long Island architecture and watching Fall do its thing.

My trip to Oregon is all pleasure. I will be flying into Portland and staying with my friend and her husband. She moved out to Portland from Vero Beach three years ago and I miss her terribly. I admit that she has invited me before but for many reasons I was unable to go. Now, with the Jane Austen Annual Meeting going on in the City of Roses I have two great reasons to visit. Christina and Jane are bringing me to Portland!

I purchased an Oregon travel book and I have spoken with a lovely lady named Angela at The Travel Portland Center (www.travelportland.com). Angela is sending me a travel magazine for the city and a map so I can finish my planning. I also have a promise from Christina that I will get to see the Pacific Ocean and the astounding rocky seaside. I can hardly wait to see where she has been living and enjoy her city.

I will be attending a portion of the Jane Austen Annual Convention while I am in Portland. I am most excited by the idea of the vendors. What JA merchandise will they have for sale? Last year, a woman in my local JASNA (www.JASNA.org) chapter purchased a handmade straw bonnet. It is precisely the kind of thing I am looking for. I would also love to find something to decorate my classroom.

I am very excited about the prospects of my travel and I can hardly wait to see what happens on my trips!