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Day 350: Why I Blog

Hellooooo!

A mere 15 days until my 1 year anniversary of this blog!

Time does not stand still.

I am so thankful that I have stuck with it. Some days it was difficult. But now, it is one of the highlights of my day.  I am often out and about, walking to students houses and something will occur to me or catch my eye. And I think, "I cannot wait to blog about this!"

I have found purpose.

It's funny, I do not even really know who is reading this. I know some people do. I have a few friends who tell me so.

It always surprises me. That I type what is going on in my head, and click "publish" and then send it out into the atmosphere. And soon others can read what was going on in my head.

I don't know what my outlet would have been if the internet had not been discovered!

I am planning on continuing after year 1. I don't know if I will call the day after "Day 366" or Year 2, Day 1.  I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

It is interesting to my how the focus of this blog has changed.  I do keep coming back to my physical health, especially my eating and exercise.  I would like to set some new goals, as usual.

But I have also found that I enjoy blogging about my spirituality. I especially like blogging about my Bible readings. I would like to continue studying the Psalms.

I also would like to return to my study of hymns. And classical music to do yoga to.

With the presidential election looming, I have started pondering my political leanings. I especially am thinking about social justice and in particular ways to help ease the problem of homelessness in Portland while respecting each person without a home and seeing them as individuals.

Speaking of which-I was sitting at the Max station yesterday, on my way to the gym.  A woman sat down beside me and sighed. I looked up from my book. She asked me if the Max to Clackamas was due soon. I told her she had just missed it.  She said she and her son were just going down one stop to Flavel. She said they usually walked along the bike path, especially when it was a nice day such as today.

"But we don't do that anymore", she said shaking her head sadly.

"Why not?" I asked.

"So many homeless people are camping along the path now.  I almost got bitten by one of their pit bulls that chased after me the other day."

I told her how I used to walk on the Springwater Trail daily, but am wary about it now. I told her that we have a problem in Portland, and I want to be compassionate.  But on the other hand, there has been trouble.

She said that we should convert some of the empty buildings into housing. I agreed with her. I know of a middle school that had been closed years ago.  A very large brick building that could house so many people, just sitting there vacant.

Housing is an issue, we agreed.  But now that many people without homes are occupying public land, the authorities and the general public is starting to wake up.  Maybe some of the money that goes into our government from the Oregon State Lottery should be used to help fund research and solutions for housing and necessary programs for people in need?

Just then the Max pulled up.  I wished her a happy day.

And I wish you a Happy Saturday!

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