The American Flag Is Not an Object of Worship

i decided to walk to work this morning. it's been really cold the last couple of days (high around 45 degrees), but it's been clear and bright and sunny and gorgeous... so why not? besides, i'd been feeling a bit guilty about driving to work lately. i could use the exercise.

the frigid air felt like it was ripping through my throat, and when i finally arrived at work my nose was running from the cold and my voice sounded raw. i dressed warmly, but apparently not warmly enough. i can see now that i'll probably be driving to work quite a bit this winter, whether it's rainy or not... i need to protect my money maker. :)

so, my commute takes me through the mall, which was entertaining to see at 7:30am. usually i'm pretty much in the mall by myself at that hour, but not today. shoppers were already lined up in the halls, waiting for stores to open for their after-thanksgiving sales.

after work i had an appointment at my bank, and i walked through the mall again. insanity. i wanted to walk directly through the building, but it was a maddening experience. too much humanity making sudden stops and weaving about.

the appointment at the bank was to apply for a mortgage. i was approved for $250k, but after looking at the numbers i probably can't afford to spend that much, even with the honkin' big down-payment i've got saved up. i've been keeping my eye on the housing market here, and i have to say there's not much available for $250k. at least in the neighborhoods i'm interested in. i don't yet know exactly where i'd want to live, which is to my detriment, though with the market the way it is right now i don't know if i should really wait much longer. i can probably get some sweet deals if i act soon.

anyway, after the bank i walked through the mall AGAIN, on my way back to the train. (i can't believe i was in the mall 3 times today and didn't buy a thing.) i went downtown to the portland art museum. the guy who comes on the air after me at the jazz station happens to work as a security guard at the museum, and he offered to show me around for free.

he & i spent 2 full hours there tonight, basically careening through gallery after gallery. we didn't stop much, but rather he focused on giving me the broad overview of the museum. i was overwhelmed... it's huge, and they have some *amazing* works. i can't wait to go back and explore at a more leisurely pace. i really loved this museum a lot.

i then walked a couple of blocks over to pioneer square, where a couple of hours earlier they had just lit the big christmas tree. my friend april (roller girl) met me there and we ducked into an italian restaurant for soup & wine.


a pretty amazing day, all told.

(the subject line is the title of a richard serra painting i saw a the museum today.)