Almost every day I am amazed with how different Portland really, really is from Salt Lake City. (Some days this is worthy of three “reallys.”) This amazing insight occurs to me as I’ve begun doing the everyday mundane things that one does when settling into a new community – you know, the extremely exciting things like finding the closest post office, local bank, a place to get hair cuts, etc. The post office wasn’t such a big difference – after all, it is a federal establishment, although here people leave their newspapers so that others can enjoy them (just like at the fast food joint! How “green”…).
The biggest discovery in “differences” came when I was wondering where to get my short, short hair cut even shorter on a frequent, almost neurotic, basis. I was looking through the newspaper when an article caught my eye. It was featuring the local barbershop-about-to-franchise-because-they’re-so-popular, Bishops Barbershops. Can you picture this anywhere in Utah? “Bishops is a new kind of barbershop for Generations X, Y and Z that delivers high-end salon quality at affordable prices in a casual, fun environment that includes edgy artwork and music, and trend-setting stylists. Clients are taken on a walk-in only basis, and choose from an a la carte menu of services that includes style, shampoo, blow dry, a variety of cut and color options, or even a hot towel shave, and a free bottle of cold Miller High Life is offered to those who are 21 and older… People come in to Bishops to hang out, talk, have a good time and get high-end salon quality service without the pretentiousness or expensive prices…’We care about being part of the community and making it better... Our philosophy of building community is demonstrated by our support of local artists, musicians and fashion designers, as well as our participation in events that contribute to local charities and non-profit organizations.’” Not to be a snob (well, just a little...), but I would pass on the MHL, preferring a microbrew, which Portland is known for, after all. But still, what an amazing offer -- shampoo, cut, some highlights, a beer? Definitely worth checking out, just as soon as my short hair is long enough to cut again! And BTW, are Boomers included in Generations X, Y and Z or do I fall off beyond the “Z” and am considered too old? What if I still have childish behavior – does that count?
Another difference is the “regular” inventory the Fred Meyer grocery store stocks. I found “milk” made from hemp seeds. Yep, hemp – touted as being “cholesterol free, vegan, full of essential amino acids, omega 3 and 6” so, of course, I had to try it – and it’s legal! ;-0 After drinking a gallon of it, I have to admit I felt nothing. Just kidding. I know you aren’t suppose to “feel” anything but I was thinking the omega 3 and omega 6 would kick in? …. it’s actually pretty yucky. But maybe it was just the chocolate flavor? Perhaps I will try the vanilla-flavored stuff.
On a somewhat related subject, during one of my trips to Fred Meyers I saw a cute little family of “dreads” going into the store. The mother had dread locks, their little boy (maybe 7 or 8 yrs. old) had dreads, and the daddy had dreads too! He was holding their baby and since it was raining, I couldn’t tell if the baby had a little headful of dreads too since the jacket hood was hiding her hair, but they were a very colorful and cute family! It led me to wonder, though, if, like tattoos or piercings, there should be some guidelines about when a minor could sport dreads? Definitely questions that never came to my mind in SLC! Oh, and I noticed the carts at FM also have cup holders; I did mention that Portlanders are known for their coffee shops and microbrew, didn’t I? Even Oregon’s corporations take their drinks seriously! Wow…
So, speaking of another neurotic behavior besides my hair-cutting tendencies, I always wake up to NPR. Even before I had a cup of coffee I was laughing, not at Steve Inskeep or Renee Montagne, but at the local news – they were talking about how this year, Oregon was fortunate enough to have experienced a “fairy tale season” for grapes (warm days, warm nights) and the vineyards are expecting fabulous wine from this year’s crop. I think they mentioned “well-hung grapes” but I hadn’t had my cup of coffee yet so I wouldn’t swear to that… Of course, the wine won’t be ready till about 2010, but apparently this year’s grapes are something to celebrate (and I don’t think they are waiting till 2010 either)….
And, the Oregonian reported that “test crabs have proven plump” enough to give Oregonians yet another reason to be happy in spite of the rain! Apparently they test Dungeness crabs for their “meat recovery rate.” It sounds very scientific but I bet it’s just a bunch of guys capturing some Dungeness crab, cooking them up and then weighing the crab meat they are going to feast on before they chomp it down! Hmm… doesn’t sound like a bad job to have – all the Dungeness crab you can eat, scientifically, of course. Wonder if they hire temps?
I was lucky enough to go to a local, small town Halloween party, which was a lot of fun – friendly, welcoming locals, very good music, and the usual array of Halloween costumes but one guy went as a “hoppy” guy – he was carrying a staff of real hops. Very Oregon….
Okay, enough of my feeble little musings. If you care to write and tell me about your neuroses, I would really appreciate it! Still miss you-all.
