Industrial Backstreets of PDX

Mike navigates Portland’s industrial backstreets to avoid heavy highway traffic. While joking about his "passenger" (a stuffed Mickey Mouse) in the HOV lane, he reflects on his recent focus on mental health and expresses genuine excitement about starting a new job and a fresh chapter in the city.

Good evening, this is Mike George coming at you from the middle of some heavy traffic here in Portland, Oregon. It’s a beautiful, crisp Friday evening, and I see we’ve already got a few of you joining the stream… Hi Tom, Derek, and Amy!

I’m currently stuck, just crawling along. Portland traffic is a funny creature; it doesn’t behave quite how you’d expect, though it has its nuances, much like back in Pittsburgh. Speaking of which, let’s not talk about Pittsburgh traffic — I’d rather focus on how yens are doing tonight!

We’ve actually got a record number of viewers on the clock now. If I keep this up, I’ll have everyone else stuck in traffic with me on the line too! Don't worry, Amy, I'm driving safely. I’m keeping an eye on everything around me. Honestly, Portland traffic is pretty chill today, even if my car's clock is completely out of whack.

I need to get out of this HOV lane, since I’m a solo driver right now. There we go, someone’s letting me over. People are so nice here as long as you use your signal. I’m navigating through the regular lanes now, passing Alberta Street and Interstate Avenue. This industrial area is interesting; it feels like a perfect setting for a 'boss stage' in a video game.

My speed is averaging about 7 mph, occasionally peaking at 11 mph. It’s a bit sad, but I’m making my way. I even spotted a Gary Johnson sticker on a car back there—a real fiscal conservative, that one.

I’ve decided to ditch the highway and take a creative alternate route through the surface streets. I'm not even bothering with Google Maps; I'm using my own noggin for this one. I’ve got Mickey Mouse here with me too. He wasn't buckled in at first—thanks for the safety catch, Britney—but I’ve got him in my hands now. It makes me feel a little less alone, even if I wish my ex-boyfriend Matthew were here holding me instead.

I’m feeling pretty good tonight. I just got a fresh haircut at Great Clips—nothing fancy, just staying on budget. I'm passing some oil tankers and train tracks now. This city is confusing in a way that reminds me of home, but my natural sense of navigation seems to be winning.

I’m making a much-needed stop at Taco Bell. I’m going for a #4 - a Mexican Pizza and two Crunchy Tacos Supreme, plus a Strawberry Freezy since they’re out of cherry. It’s the little things that make an exciting night!

I think I’m going to sit here in the parking lot, eat my food, and wait for the traffic to clear. It’s a good chance to catch up with all of you. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, including a recent eight-day hospital stay for my mental health. It was a learning experience, honestly. It’s given me a lot to think about regarding how my brain works.

On a more personal note, I’m actually homeless at the moment, but I’m not letting it get me down. It’s a chance to unravel and start fresh here in Portland. I’m putting a lot of hope into a job lead at the BPA, and once that lands, things will be looking up.

Anyway, I’ve been doing all the talking — don’t want to 'man-splain' too much! I’ll take a break now to enjoy my tacos in some quiet. Coming at you live from the Taco Bell parking lot in Portland, this has been Mike George flying solo. Catch y’all later tonight!