Grinds my Gears: PDX Edition

There's nothing better than the comment page of the Oregonian on Facebook. Seriously. I think there are people who post on there who not only just learned how to turn on the computer, but also how to type. Oregonians are the complaining type often times. Maybe it's the dreary weather that often gives up this pessimistic view on life. Not only that, but I find we are quite opinionated about... pretty much everything.

Just wanted to make some friendly observations.

Let's talk reusable bags.

Firstly, can people stop complaining about the measly five cent charge for not using reusable bags? There are so many reasons why we could not use plastic or paper bags but not limited to this thing called the environment certainly tops my list. Additionally, another big reason I buy them is they are incredibly sturdy. I've had one too many bags break on me in the past. Nothing worse (ya know, other than contributing to killing the environment)!

I think the fuss people make over five cents is funny because what else are you going to be buy for five cents? Literally I cannot think of anything. I doubt supermarkets are vastly profiting from this new law.

The best part is when people didn't bat an eye when Fred Meyers/ Krogers placed a minimum 50 cent charge for cash back.... SMH.

Local businesses closing

2019 saw some doors that shut forever. One of our friends had a modest wine bar that had to close. Our bar across the street from us suddenly closed recently without notice. Many others have cited rising rent as a primary reason to stop the show. Some people do go into owning a restaurant to make money, but most love food, beer and all other things that nurture our tummies and mouths.

The part that blows my mind is when these spaces are vacant for months, years on end (I mean, have you been to Mall 205?) with no one renting the space all because owners had to get greedy and want to hike the costs. It's a lose, lose situation.

People who don't wave out of kindness

I know this sounds horrible but don't judge. We all make mistakes when driving, often times we need to be let through traffic, we accidently get in the wrong lane, we're trying to pass a truck, whatever. So we turn on that turn signal, check our rearview mirror and hope someone can understand the predicament and let you sneak in. I'm often kind (but sometimes in a hurry!) and I'll signal to someone, go on ahead.... AND THEY DON'T WAVE BACK! Hey, Buddy, I'm doing you a solid! Mr. blue Subaru Outback with the "eARTh", "Coexist", "New York, London, Paris, Estacada", probably "My other car is a Tardis" stickers too, let's be honest. Jerk...

I have a theory they aren't from around here but please, learn the common respect we have around these parts*.

*And to clarify I mean out of staters when I say "not from around here", don't get it twisted.

More gear grinding complaining from the lady on a mission to civilize, just you wait!

Yours truly,

Annoyed

#Oregonian #Oregonlive