Cloudy Mood

So far Portland has not lived up to its reputation as a gray, rainy city. It hasn't rained once, and isn't supposed to until August. It was also very warm today. So the city is sunny.

But my mood is not. At least it wasn't today.

I imagine readers of this blog would wonder why I'm not ecstatic about working at my dream agency and living in downtown Portland. What can possibly be outweighing all this awesomeness and causing me to feel down? Well, I'll try to convey.

First, I miss my family. I've had business trips twice as long as the time I've been away from my family, but I still miss them real bad. I miss the comfort of being with them, the comfort of our home. Chanel is coming to visit next weekend, and I can't wait for that.

In an effort to make this blog as authentic as possible I'll share this: sometimes I worry I made a mistake in taking this job. We had it so good in Colorado. Good job, nice house and neighborhood, Julia and Lauren were enjoying their school. Why am I being so greedy in taking this job? Why am I completely and unnecessarily disrupting my entire family? These thoughts really bring me down. I also feel down that we have only had a few showings of our house, and zero offers.

But then I remember that we've had similar experiences in the past. When we moved to Colorado from Vegas we left before our house was sold. It was looking like we'd have to make two monthly house payments, and that was stressful. Chanel arrived at our Castle Rock home and cried, because it didn't match what she envisioned. 

So here's what picks me up: thinking that this is temporary, and remembering God is mindful of us. While that doesn't mean we are free from going through trials, it does mean we'll be given the strength to get through them if we exercise faith.

I think if we were able to fall in love with Firestone, we'll surely be able to fall in love with Washington or Oregon. It may take a bit of time, but it will feel like home eventually.

So I don't think it was a mistake to take this job. If I work smart and hard there are lots of opportunities to advance, and come on, it's Wieden & Kennedy.

I just need to figure out where I will live from Aug. 21 until our place is ready, and we need to figure out where that place is, and we need to sell our Firestone home. Once these things happen the clouds will surely part and all will be right in the world.

I really can't wait to see Chanel and walk through houses with her. It is going to be great!

I am looking forward to day 3. Day two was just fine. I had lunch with Ryan Bolls. What a great guy. We ate outside at a small brewery. I had a Quinoa Burger that was heavier than any regular burger I have ever eaten. As per Portland's mandate, the food was incredible.