Oregon Trail: Ames Edition

04.12.26

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It’s definitely been an adventure these past couple weeks. I’m two weeks into the new job and while it’s incredibly different in a lot of ways, there’s also plenty that’s still the same.

I do appreciate the break from the daily chaos that was my old job. While I thrived in that chaos, I don’t think I realized how burnt out I was until it suddenly wasn’t there anymore.

That being said there’s still roof leaks, power outages, public restroom challenges, and … attack turkeys? 🦃 🔪

Okay. That last one is a new addition that is thankfully not plaguing my location but is apparently a very real threat to much of the area.

What I do have that’s new are cats. Lots and lots of cats that are barely feral and have made their home at my new library. And they are ADORABLE.

They are very quick to make their presence known when someone arrives, mostly because they’d like to be fed. And if you don’t immediately feed them they will crowd the back deck by the break room. They also enjoy the railing outside my office and frequently stop by during the work day.

As much as I’d love/hate it, they’re not allowed inside.

These cats were marketed to me as being feral but they are far from it. They’re also spoiled by staff and the neighborhood and as you can tell, most of them are absolute chonks and units. There are a few I’m still trying to get pictures of — mostly the three or four void kitties (black cats 🐈‍⬛) and tuxedo kitties. I’m also working on names — though most already have them.

Switching gears, something else that’s incredibly new is 1) using a laundromat and 2) purchasing tamales from these enchanting little kiddos who sell them in said laundromat. Normally I’d be concerned about laundromat tamales but honestly, I took a chance and I can never look back. They were pepper and cheese tamales and they were the best. There’s no shortage of Central American and South American options here including an AMAZING empanada place.

The weather has been pretty great overall. I appreciate how mild it’s been so far, albeit a little rainy the past couple days. But the payoff has been the sunset every time.

And again, just … fuggin’ mountains. I love these snowy peaks.

I can’t believe I get to look at these mountains every day now.

I’m sure one day they’ll just be old news and fade into the background for me, but for right now I’m in love and no I will not shut up about them.

Tomorrow morning I have an appointment to (hopefully) get my Oregon drivers license and figure out the next step in getting Oregon plates for the Batmobile. The less amazing part of moving across the country, but alas, here we are.

Never fast, always furious,

Ames