September 28, 2003

I was in Washington State, heading down 90. It was right at that time of the day when the sun is a blazing ball of nuclear fire bearing down with all of its might on those foolish enough to be trying to drive west at the time. Like me. So I guess it's no suprise that I missed my turn off (or rather failed to miss the wrong turn off) in Spokane. So I lost time, I was Tired and Despairing and I lost my resolve to go to the juggling convention in Portland, OR.

So, I called up Yoshi and tried to find out if it would be OK to show up early. But he wasn't there and I ended up RENTING A HOTEL ROOM for the evening. I am so ashamed - I almost made it living in the rough 100% of my trip. But the hot bath sure was nice.

So the next day I woke up refreshed and got to Portland around 2pm (Pacific time). And I had a blast. I had literally forgotten how freakin' awesome some of these people were. I am inspired.

I also met some new friends. Or, I suspect, members of my Karass. The first group comprised Jeff (a Marine Biologist who gave me some tips on laundering research grants), Thomas (who calls Jeff "Jefe") and Panelope (rhymes with Cantaloupe). They live in Northern Cali, and of course, were introduced to each other by Sawyer (who was introduced earlier). So now I know more people to go horseback riding with.

I had decided a day before that when I return to Baltimore I'm going to try to start an alternative art space/garage where we would work on art cars, enviro-upgrades and dance parties. This is one of those strangely brilliant impulses that continues to fit in with various aspects of my reality. Mahmoud. Arash. Tim. Panelope used to work for mutato somethin' or other, a now defunct (I think) art car garage space.

Right. The other group is from Seattle. They are also cool. One of them, John, scored me a place to sleep. Another day of bathing like a normal person. I can't handle it! John also had an excellent response to my vague "I don't really live anywhere specific now, and I don't have a job" schpiel. "Wow, we don't get those often at juggling conventions."

I have driven over 8000 miles since I left Boston. I have yet to visit only Mississippi, Alabama, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan in the Continental United States. Gotta catch 'em all!