My Trip

The first part of this is a reply to my cousin’s question but for the most part I guess everyone ought to know.

Sadly no: The plan right now is I'm leaving Squarebanks on the 15 and heading to A-Town (that's Fairbanks and Anchorage respectively to all the cool kids; whatever). I'll be in Anchorage for a week working a conference and I'll be leaving Anchorage either the 22 or the 24, depending on whether or not I'm sober!

Kidding. Maybe.

From Anchorage I'll be heading through the wilds of Canada! Don't know where I'll stop but I have a few places I'd like to see. Depending how long that takes (3-5 days), I'll eventually arrive at Tranquility Place (I think that’s what we’re calling the Lake House). Correct me if I’m wrong.

I’ll be staying with the Grandparents to help out for a little while but as soon as their sick of me making pancakes; I’ll be leaving for Portland.

Which way will I be taking to Portland? Don’t know ‘cause it’s an adventure!

He's at it again.

Responsibility

This was a little amusing to be honest.

If you have read my back blogs you would know I was in a car accident a while back. The 18 year-old girl that hit me had no insurance. The deductible was $250 and the car rental was $427ish bringing the grand total to $677ish.

Now I waited a good six weeks just to get my car back. During this time I was juggling the phone with the girl and my insurance company. Six weeks is a hell of a long time to wait for anything especially money. So the first thing I did when I did get my car back was drive straight to the local court house to fill out small claims paper work. My friends were telling me to do this several weeks prior but I didn’t because I wanted to give the girl the chance to come clean.

I’m too nice, I know. It’s a curse.

Before my trip to New York I was given $200 (two days later than she said) by the girl. I think the whole court thing finally scarred it out of her. When she gave me the money she told me she would have $500 for me by Thursday after I got back. Thursday rolled around and no phone call. I didn’t call her because I still had court papers; I didn’t have to.

A week past before I got a call. She claimed to be having trouble at work and her automatic deposit not working. I told her just to keep me informed and get back to me soon. I guess I should have been a little more specific as to how soon. Three weeks go by without a word.

I get a call on Monday and I was already in a poor mood. She told me she been in and out of the hospital for surgery and I would have liked to have said something nice but I didn’t care. I cut her short and told her, “I don’t care about your personal life, you still owe me money.” She quickly changed her tone and told me she would call me back later and she did.

The Tuesday morning meeting didn’t go very smoothly. The girl’s mother came along and proceeded to insult me as soon as we stepped out of the coffee shop we meet in. Apparently I’m a “prick” and a “bastard” for not being understanding of what her daughter is going through. I was smiling through this part. She even brought up my job at the University I’m guessing implying that I didn’t need the money. She has no idea how little I’m paid at this job.

The mother handed me $480 and when I questioned the amount they both got upset. Rightfully so since the paper work from the court system didn’t add in the court fees but those fees were $50 plus. I accepted the $500 offer because I wanted to close this chapter in my life without adding more stress. It was funny when the mother said, “If you want the rest just sue me!” I responded with a chuckle saying that I was already suing.

After more insults which I ignored; the mother said she was “…glad to hear you’re moving away. We could use less ass holes in this state.” That pissed me off.

The daughter was very nice to me and besides delaying everything; I hold no ill will towards her. But now I’m at a fork in the road of this situation. Do I let it all slide since I’ve been paid what’s owed to me or do I continue this battle and get the court fees since the mother was such a bitch?

The Move

“You must be crazy.” That’s what I keep hearing from those I’ve told that I’ll be moving to Portland.

I’m done with Fairbanks is the basic reason. There are a few other reasons but being done with Fairbanks should be sufficient enough. As of now I have no job when I get there but I do have a place to stay. I’m not too worried about the job situation besides I have about two months before I get there.

My journey there should be an interesting one that I intend on documenting as best I can. My first stop is Anchorage, Alaska where I will be spending a week. I’ve planned this trip around a conference for my current job during that week. Right now the details are a little fuzzy as to how to pull this off smoothly. Quitting a job while not in the town you work in is apparently a “bureaucratic nightmare,” so says the administrative assistant in my office. She’ll figure something out.

From Anchorage I will travel thorough Canada to Flathead Lake, Montana where my grandparents live to visit for the end of summer. Should be the beginning of fall when I get there though. After that I’ll be heading to Portland. The whole trip will no doubt ably be littered with detours and sidetracks. After all what’s the rush. I’ve got camping gear, a mountain bike and a kayak to play with!