I’m down in Brookings, OR for a few days to do some insurance work with Colonial. This is my first time on the southern coast and I was blown away by its beauty. I’ve been to the central coast several times and that is beautiful in its own right. But this area is even nicer! Today was a postcard-perfect day and I had the privilege of driving along the ocean at sunset. The area between Bandon and Brookings featured the giant rocks and bluffs I had imagined when others described the rugged coastal beauty of Oregon. I could’ve admired the views all night and would’ve been tempted to continue on to California had I not been impeded by the darkness and the need to be in Brookings tomorrow morning. Sorry I don’t have any pictures as I was under time constraints. I will be back with a camera in hand!
Days like today add to my divided opinion of my home area. On one hand, I miss the Midwestern people, their values, and the work ethic. It’s nice to live in a place where you don’t have to lock your doors. On the other hand, it’s flat, freezing cold, and winter lasts waaaaaay too long. Conversely, Oregon’s people are very different than what I’m used to and much of the culture is strongly at odds with my beliefs. However, I love how we can see the ocean or the mountains by driving 2 hours or less! Why can’t the people and the landscape go hand in hand?!
Last month I went to the offices of Colonial Life to follow up on a possible job lead my dad had initiated. They were interested in talking to me further about working with them on employee enrollment. The reason they gave me this opportunity was due to my Spanish abilities. Having someone who could speak directly to native Spanish speakers and guide them through the enrollment process could be quite valuable. This would fit perfectly and give me the flexibility to work on our photography business at the same time.
When I walk by the downtown bus stop on any given weekday, it’s sad to see what this “freedom” has done to young kids who don’t go to school, are trying too hard to express themselves, and are set on rebellion against the traditions that have given them the luxury of living a hippie lifestyle. They’ve been lied to and have bought into it hook, line, and sinker. There are other groups of people that my heart breaks for, but I will admit it doesn’t break for the hippies. Maybe it should, but it doesn’t. Perhaps my attitude is unbiblical. If it is, I’m not sure what to do because I’m finding it extremely difficult to have compassion for people so bent on complaining, obstruction, and destroying much of what I believe in.
Congratulations to Meredee on getting her first DSLR camera! She had been contemplating what to do with her annual bonus check and even offered to put it toward paying bills. But I told her it should be used for something that she wanted and would enjoy because she had been so sacrificial with other money we’d be given. When she told me she was thinking about buying a camera, I was rather surprised. I didn’t even know she had been contemplating purchasing one! She must trust my judgment, because as soon as I recommended the Nikon D90, she decided that would be her camera.
by Kyle
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