First Day of Work

I had my first full day of work last Friday so I thought I should write down some of the memories. For those who have not heard, I'm working as a financial representative with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in downtown Portland. Who wants some more life insurance?
I'll do it in bullet format, even though I'll still probably write in paragraphs...

• So I planned to go in Thursday for my first day, but it didn't work out the way you want your first day to go. As I pulled into downtown, the street lights were not working. I didn't really think anything of it. I find a parking lot and pay the $8.50 to park all day. Ouch. I then walked into the building where there were about 20 people just standing in the lobby. Power was out in our grid due to the wind storm the night before. I don't recognize anyone but I stand around and wait for about 10 minutes to see if I will find a familiar face. Nope. So I head back out to my car and wait inside to wait and see if it comes back. At 9:00 I decide to call Jim and see what the story is. He forgot that I was going to start that day so I was not included on the call list. He told me to head home. So much for my $8.50.

• Friday I decide to try out the MAX line that starts just down the road at the Clackamas Town Center and goes all the way into downtown. I just missed the 7:45 train so I sat down and took the 8:00 one. I sat there reading the book that Jeri recommended, the Hunger Games. I was enveloped in the book when someone came and sat next to me, asking, "pretty good book?" My initial thought was I can't believe someone is engaging me in conversation this early in the morning. I looked up and to my surprise it was Joel. He left the house after I did but because I barely missed the previous train, we ended up riding in together. It's a good thing too because I honestly had no idea where to get off and he helped guide me when we arrived.

• For lunch I decided to try the taco stand out in the parking lot because I had heard good things. I ordered my burrito and as she was about to hand me my bag, she asked if I wanted hot sauce. I said yes and then she wanted to know if I wanted the green or red sauce, as she was just about to put the green sauce in the bag anyway. I said red and then she gave me a look that I recognized. It was a look I had been given while I was in Mexico as a teenager. I had asked for hot sauce when we were at a restaurant and the guy looked me up and down, trying to get a confirmation of what I had just asked. I figured I could handle "Del Scorcho", why couldn't I handle this hot sauce at this taqueria. He asked if I really wanted it and I said yes and then he just kind of laughed and put it in my tacos. My mouth burned for about an hour. Nothing could extinguish the pain. Anyways, this lady gave me a similar look when I asked for the red sauce. When I got back, I put it on a few bites and it was definitely very strong, although not as strong as the prior incident.

• As I waited for the MAX on my way home, I moved off of the sidewalk to get closer to a few stores that were partially underground, so they had an overhang. This way, I could avoid the rain. I made contact with a guy walking up on the sidewalk, big trench coat and carrying a big bag. He said hello and so did I. He took a few more steps, looked at me, then back tracked so he could get around the fence and come stand next to me. It made me a little nervous because it's always hard dealing with crazies. He stood right next to me for a second, then looked over and said hello again. After a few seconds of pure awkwardness, he began to speak up.
  
• He proceeded to tell me that he worked for a church, was trying to put together some money for a mission trip, and then straight up asked me if I had $1,000 that I could give him. As you can imagine, I was completely shocked by his initial asking price. Usually they'll ask for a few bucks, but not this guy. My next thought was that I was actually a little flattered. I mean, I did look like a million bucks, with my new suit and all, why wouldn't this guy ask for a grand. I then told him straight up that I didn't have any money, that it was actually my first day at a job that strictly pays on commission. He then asked what I did and I told him. We stood there for a moment and he broke the silence by asking if I didn't have like 5 bucks or anything.
  
• I then asked him where he wanted to take his mission trip. He said the United States, but there were also a few international ones. I asked where those were. He mumbled for a little bit and then said there was one in Japan. I told him that my Dad was a missionary in Japan for a little bit. He asked with what church and I told him The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He thought for about two seconds and then it clicked. He rambled on for the next three minutes, hitting these points: well, your Dad has probably done a lot for you, but you know, there is God, you know, and Jesus, he's the way, truth, and the life, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and there is the Bible and you should read it, and follow Jesus, you know you can repent..I'm sure your Dad is a good guy but you know I think you should join a good Baptist church and don't ever read the Book of Mormon!
• I was about to give him the quarter in my pocket because he quoted a scripture but then he just had to throw in that last part. I learned though that he was actually coherent and he recognized the name of the church when I said it. The train was pulling up so I told him I had to go and he wished me well on the way, asking that I remember the principle of repentance.
• UPDATE: I actually saw this guy again today while I was on my way home. He was hanging out at one of the stops and I noticed him. I waited for the doors to close before I waved. He gave me a confused look and then he at least pretended to remember who I was and he waved back. Kind of fun.

On a complete side note, we went to Target tonight to register for the baby shower. I have honestly never felt more lost than when we first started looking at the stuff we needed. I have no idea what to get so I was very little help.