Just had a conversation with my sister about politics (see above post, re: wonk and gossip). hahaha I love my sister. She's bananas and she drives me crazy and I'm sure the feeling is mutual, but I love her. She's smart as hell and she doesn't put up with anybody's BS.

So, without actually GOING to either city, the Dude and I are now thinking more seriously about moving to Portland, OR than Detroit. It's a cool place with good weather and, more importantly, we each already know people there. Plus I think there are one or two Buffistas there, too, right?

It's more expensive, but the gamble on whether the house will lose value after we buy it is not there, plus when we decide to retire, we have always talked about living on the Oregon Coast. This way, we'd just be starting a decade early.

Portland is a great city, I've been there two or three times. It's on the short list of places I'd be happy to move to if I left here.

Mike Pence looks like a Star Wars villain. Not a Sith Lord; one of the generic British dudes with pinched faces on the bridge of a Star Destroyer.

Super-boring home buying news: Our homeowner's insurance is going to be a third of what it is with the current house.

Also, our mortgage guy is seriously pissing me off. We've asked about five times for him to get a comprehensive list of what documents he needs from us. Instead, we get one or two emails each day, asking for something else. He's approaching dentist-levels of hate for me.

For a second there I thought Pence was going to break into a Journey song.

I now have a new spare room mattress, thank to Nanita's rec. Even fit in my egg car! The frame might be another story, as at least one piece might be longer than the cabin. But I still might be able to manage it if I unbox certain things. Saves a delivery fee or rental/zipcar. Of course now I have to unburden myself of the old mattress and boxspring and all the full sized sheet sets. I can probably give some to the parents for the full guestbeds they have.

One thing down on countdown to the parents!

Mike Pence looks like a Star Wars villain. Not a Sith Lord; one of the generic British dudes with pinched faces on the bridge of a Star Destroyer.

Definitely Empire. I think it's the too perfect hair.

I actually turned the debate off when Tim Kaine listed the 5 points of the 5-point plan. Someone tell me if it turns into a harmonica jamboree.

Scrappy - I live in Portland and would be happy to answer questions or find information for you - my profile addy is good (and I picked up and moved here from Texas about six years ago so I encourage the impulse!)