Smoked out

Yesterday I posted some pictures of the fire that happened here in Kalama. The building that burned down was built in 1896 and was one of the oldest structures in town, I am told. This pictures was taken a little later than the last ones, and just before flames started shooting out of the roof. The building is totaled from what I understand. There will be some aftermath photos later today.

Kalama On Fire Part Deux

Kalama On Fire

For the Kids?

Today I find myself wondering about people who stay together for the "sake of their children". I remember hearing it several times as a kid. I remember long drawn out conversations about it with kids in a not so serene home life. Is it really better for two people to be unhappy and try to fake it. Are our children really that stupid? Were we? Is the woman who stays with someone who may love her, but is definitely not in love with her, a martyr, or just stupid. Is the man who sees his wife as awesome to hang out with, but not very kissable, really doing anybody any favors? I remember watching my parents fight. A lot. I remember wondering if they would be happier apart. Don't get me wrong, they have never stepped out on each other. It just seemed like sometimes they really didn't want to be friends. I remember thinking they were stuck with each other. Stuck with each other because of me. Not my brothers, because they came later. Me. I was the accident. I was the first thing that forever bonded them. I hated myself for it. I've spent a lifetime wondering if my parents loved me. I have always wanted to ask them. Each for different reasons. Strange how something parents tried to do "for" their child, resulted in a lifetime of self doubt for that child.
So I have to wonder, is it that the thought of starting over is too hard? Is it that you like this person well enough as a friend that you think you can just ride it out? I always thought, the day my brother turned 18, my parents were done. Oddly, they seem to get along better now that we are all out of the house. Still, I find myself asking why they bother sometimes. It definitely has nothing to do with us.
Consider, if you know you get along as friends now, why wouldn't you want to end on good terms. Sure, everybody gets down. But do you really want to wait until you get into a blow out, and leave hating each other? Just some thoughts. Excuse me if they meander a little.

Awesome Sauce

Two days ago I met my neighbors. They're dope. Two hours after meeting one of them, he invited us to dinner... and we went. I know what you're thinking, 'did she eat?' The answer is yes, and it was awesome. I can't remember the last time I ate with people I didn't know for more than a year. Any one who grew up with me can attest to my sometimes taking up to five years before eating in front of someone new. The inability to break bread with others is a bit on the constricting side sometimes. It was insane. He asked, and I, for the first time since moving to the vortex, felt myself wanting to go. Wanting to meet his roommates, and wanting to eat with them. I do believe in our first encounter, the three of us talked for like four hours. That's another thing, Hermit Mchermitson liked him too. In fact, all three of us went over there for dinner. It was beyond refreshing. A welcome break in the crazy that has been my life lately. Meandering back to what I was saying, all three of them were way chill. One of them is moving this week. That part sucks, but on the bright side, we did get to meet him. The girl who lives there is great too. Super into being creative... and makes really good fish too. The owner, I only met for a minute, he was really nice too. I think he looks like someone I know, because I can't shake the familiar feeling I get when I talk to him.
Wow, this is turning into a book. Catch you on the flip side.

Dallas ignores me too.

On the Oregon Trail