The office is moved. We had movers come in on Friday and move us, Saturday the IT guys came in and set up all of our computers and printers, and Monday we waded into the war zone. Furniture was in the wrong place, printers were hooked up to the wrong computers, items were lost in transition. It was stressful.
I came home and took a long nap. Then I pulled out my pastels and sketched a little. And then I went to bed.
Today was the first real full work day for me. Other people spent the day hanging pictures and personalizing their space. I haven’t had time to do that and I’m not certain yet what I can fit into the tiny space allotted me. Right now, my little fountain (that has graced my desk for many years) is still in a paper bag awaiting a decision on its destination. Right now – unless I can fit a small book case into my office space – I have no room for my fountain.
My co-worker and roommate managed to get her artwork up in place. Anything I bring in will clash. We’ll just have to agree to have separate and very diverse tastes in art. I like the idea of a room that harmonizes but we’re going to have to throw Feng Shui out the window. She likes art work that is loud and in your face and very extroverted. I like a more muted style. Something quiet and peaceful.
Speaking of quiet and peaceful, the new parking lot is… sadly lacking. No ponds to look at, no wandering geese, no established trees and landscaping. The view to the north of us is of the parking garage at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital. Nice. There’s no view east or west: an ugly hedge to the east but you cannot park there. An empty lot to the west, full of construction discards and maybe a couple small fir trees.
This is the view to the south:
That’s the Sunset Highway (U.S. Highway 26 to the Oregon Coast). Between that fence and the concrete barrier lie the tracks to Portland’s Light Rail line, MAX.
I tried to get a photo of MAX. It comes by every ten to fifteen minutes.
It comes by at a pretty good clip and I didn’t think to pan. My camera decided to focus on the rain on the windshield instead. I kind of like the effect and may have to try several more MAX train photos like this.
And, yes, that is how close the MAX line is to the parking lot.
It was raining hard. I tried to get a photo of the paltry landscaping attempt. Apparently, there are roses planted all along the chain link fence. There are some skinny, young trees, too. All added as an afterthought.
Well, MAYBE we will have roses to look at when the weather gets better. But probably not if other people park like this guy did.
<sigh>
So I came home and I got out the pastels again.
I used to be better with pastels, back in high school. (The photo is mine – one of my many Band-Tailed Pigeon visitors to the bird feeder).
Maybe the plus side to the move is I am coming home and playing with art…?
Jaci Dawn 
Even with the upside, it sounds pretty dreadful to me. I worked under the most horrendous work conditions I ever had last winter and I’m still recuperating from it. I truly hope you can find a way to have peace and beauty where you are at. It makes such a huge difference!
PS The painting is beautiful! I so wish I had that talent. Since I do not, I’m grateful that you share yours with us.
Oh Jaci, oh , oh , oh. . .I almost feel like I should be sending you condolences. I have worked in the area of your new office. And so has Sarah. And my sister-in-law works at St V’s. That area I consider the Bermuda Triangle. I can tell you where there is a park to escape to for lunches, if you haven’t found it already. and there is a poor Joann’s down the road. But sadly you will need to pack your own peaceful bubble, I’m afraid. I know you have to share a window but I wonder if one of those professional window clings that could mask the bottom part of the window so you don’t immediately see the MAX but you do see the top of the trees and the sky, would help. Good luck