y'all I am stressed about McPhee's first day tomorrow.

I am afraid I don't have enough for her to do because I am not organized enough yet. Maybe if I write up a note to leave her it will clarify things in my mind. make sense? I feel crazy.

Don't worry about it. You will settle into a rhythm. Tell her you're concerned about it, and that you hope to get her established once it's clearer what you'll need and what she can do. Tell her to expect some initial downtime, and that it will fill in as you go.

She'll be anxious to make sure she's doing enough, too, so if you express your concerns at the outset, you can both relax and find your pace.

What Liese said, and a note will definitely help clarify it for you both.

I can't deal with the name Paleo. I don't care how healthy it is to eat fresh whole foods all the time, you cannot with a straight face tell me that your kale and quinoa pilaf with bacon on the side in any way resembles something a caveman would have eaten.

(My sister cut out bread and cheese from her diet and describes it as "Like Paleo but without the bullshit.")

Writing a note sounds like a great idea, msbelle. And, Liese is right, it will be easier to figure out as you go along. You don't have to have it all worked out now.

Bread and cheese are two of my main reasons to get up the morning. I don't see a paleo or even faux-paleo diet in my future.

Oh msbelle, I love that you call her McPhee!

Who has suggestions of awesome places to see/shop at/eat at in Portland, OR?

There's Powell's, obviously (say hi to the Horror section for me!). You could go to Sock Dreams! Genie's has a fantastic brunch menu, and is home to the perfect bacon Bloody Mary.

still have power so far.

I feel like I should stay up as long as I have it, but that's probably a dumb idea.

What Liese and the others said. I imagine she'll be looking for ways to prove herself valuable. You can even solicit her ideas.