Allez

I woke up this morning feeling a bit tired from a softball game played at the local park just yards away from the JV house. It was the first time I had played since baseball at Saint Bernard's in 2006. I thought I had lost my glove before going to college, but found it in the basement days before heading out West. It felt great to get back into the swing of a sport that defined my entire childhood. I was surprised that the memories and old skill of playing baseball came back so easily, something that people generally referred to as 'like riding a bike'. Speaking of bicycles, I have been riding to work everyday on a mountain bike. It's a beast compared to my road bike at home, but it does its job. Feeling a bit of nostalgia from days on the Allez, I sought out to get my hands on a used roadster to putt around the city on. I hadn't had any luck on craigslist, and was tight on other options. Then, a few days ago, I met a dude at a bar who rode up on a bike that grabbed my eye. I asked him where he had acquired it, and then found out that he was selling another of similar style. We made a deal and the rest is history. A French frame, something that I will definitely take back East when my time here is done.

So, with a dependable set of wheels underneath my feet, and a city that continues to produce gems, whether a cool bar, eatery or park, I am becoming more comfortable as the days progress. I continue to meet new faces and gain more knowledge of my surroundings, both culturally and geographically. I cannot write that I am comfortable at my placement, considering our understanding of the word. I can say that I feel more accepted, as I get to know the ins and outs of the House of Charity, and as I become more familiar with the many clients who come through the doors. The nature of the position doesn't allow one to be comfortable, as every day is different. There are highs and lows, defined by my mood of the day, and of the happenings at the shelter. It has only been two weeks, yet it seems like it has been much longer. That attitude may change when four new AmeriCorps volunteers begin on Wednesday. It will be a regression back into training, back to square one in a sense. I am fortunate that I got a head start so that things may come a tad easier. Who really knows though until it happens.

Besides getting out on the bike, I haven't had much time to explore the natural world outside of the city. Myself and another JV traveled to Riverside State Park last Sunday to scope out possible hiking trails. I never did make it up Mt. Spokane or her neighbor Mt. Kit Carson to the East, as I felt company necessary for the virgin ascent of a new peak. My housemates and I do have plans to go camping on Labor Day weekend, either to Northern Idaho or North Central Washington.

Entertainment has been consistent. I am reading Second Nature by Michael Pollan, author of The Botany of Desire. It is quite good so far, a necessary read for the gardening enthusiast and conscious stewards of the environment. I have been searching out opportunities to go see live music, but most is in Portland and/or Seattle. Arcade Fire's new album The Suburbs has been on repeat, followed close by The Black Keys Brothers. Any fans of alternative and blues rock will enjoy. Consider giving them a listen. Also, a fun tune off of Ra Ra Riot's latest release The Orchard is "Massachusetts", reminiscent of Cape Cod lovers Vampire Weekend. It is a nice reminder of beach days and sailing in the sunfish during the warm summer months. It might be a bit poppy for some, but keeping an open mind, one will find him/herself involuntary taping foot and finger.

It is strange not going back to college, highlighted by the many move-ins by GU students in the neighborhood. Though different it may be, I am very happy to be here, experiencing a true change of pace. I do miss New England and the brilliant Fall season that is soon to come. Know that you are all on my mind, and know that your attention to this is reassuring.

Be Well.