Erik’s Blog

No phone service means no dial-up, which in turn means no Internet access at the townhouse. I have to go to Starbucks and use a T-Mobile Hotspot account to get online.

I’ll be soooooo happy when we finally have a house.

[Update: I made a really bad video of the apartment using my Macbook’s built-in camera and mic. Really, folks, it sucks. It’s also boring. If you like video that’s sucky and boring, feel free to give it a whirl.]

‘Kay, M’sF went on a short hiatus (who am I kidding? It’ll probably go on another one after today). Recent events have made it necessary to pull M’sF out of semi-retirement.

McSweeney’s seems to be in a bit of a pickle. Their distributor went bankrupt a number of months ago, forcing them (and all the other small presses that used the distributor’s services) to switch to a new distributor. The news guys seem to be working out well. However, the bankruptcy enabled the defunct distributor to simply cancel profits that it owed the presses. That sucks.

For some odd reason the financial loss is hitting McSweeney’s now. That’s why now more than ever they need money. This is a temporary setback, one that was 100% out of their control, and once the storm blows over it’ll be business as usual. To help the storm blow over, please consider popping by the McSweeney’s store and buying something.

I’ll recommend the McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern bundles, particularly the #11/#12 bundle and the #13/#14 bundle. I’ll also recommend two books: The Better of McSweeney’s and Ben Greenman’s Superbad. You actually can’t go wrong with most of their stuff. I will say Samuel Johnson is Indignant by Lydia Davis and McSweeney’s Outlaws, Noisy Blobs, etc. book didn’t impress me, though. You can’t win ‘em all.

[UPDATE: It looks like those two bundles are sold out. Individual copies of the books are available.]

If you don’t wanna help, no biggie. I just figured I’d bring this up. (Note to my Utah friends: McSweeney’s publications tend to be Rated R. You’ve been warned.)

When I first read the headline on Yahoo–”Putin suggests new site for US missile shield“–I immediately assumed the new site was anatomical in nature.

I swear, my mind’s in the gutter sometimes.

…I can honestly say I officially don’t give one quarter of one half of one rat’s ass about the iPhone. I used to care, I really did. Those days are over.

G’way.

Too…many…comments…overload…overload…SNAP

Cinco de Mayo Portland Style, originally uploaded by Krisspy.

Lots of people know this already, some just found out a few days ago, even more just found out yesterday: We’re breaking camp and relocating to Portland, Oregon.

Why? Because it’s time, that’s why. Salt Lake City has been good to us, but after living here for over a decade we’re jonesin’ for a different lifestyle, a different atmosphere, and a slightly more urban existence. There’s no getting around the fact that life in Utah is similiar to life in high school: a strong focus on youth and an odd parental vibe. At 41, I’m ready to get back to the adult living that I left behind when I moved here from Alexandria, VA.

Portland has a lot going for it. When you look at the other (close to) west coast cities in the lower 48, Portland is one of the last cities left that’s still somewhat affordable while being desirable. The “affordable” part is changing rapidly, though. When B and I visited Portland four or so years ago for the annual brew festival, we got a local paper and checked out houses for sale. At the time, we balked at the ~$180k price tags for what were essentially bungalows like ours. Those same houses are now selling in the $350k-$400k range. And they’re still going up in value.

Before Utahns see that and say “Portland is outrageously expensive,” keep in mind that bungalows in our area (Sugarhouse) are selling for around $250k-$300k. Housing is expensive everywhere.

Our house here in Utah is currently “pending,” meaning we have accepted a bid and we’re now in the finishing stages of the sale. We’re now looking for a temporary living situation in Portland, something that’ll last a few months and then go away. Memorial Day weekend was spent in Portland driving around with a very knowledgeable real estate agent, so we have a decent idea of the neighborhoods and what we can get for the money we’re willing to spend. Buying a house will be much easier when we’re up there and ready to write a check.

It’s going to be an adventure. Moving to a different state always is.

So there you go. Our days in Utah are numbered. We’ll be coming back to visit.

Oh, and never, ever pronounce the “o” between the “g” and the “n.” Ever.