Last I went to a support group mtg. in Portland, Or. Portland is a pretty good sized city and if you not a regular commuter there, you can get very, very lost.

I grew up in a very small town so I didn't get used to driving in the big city until I was older. I had the directions for the mtg. site printed from the computer. As I've found out from past experience, these computer directions often lie. What ended up happening was me driving all over creation for awhile. At one point I just wanted to get back I-205 and find the exit for street I need. That wasn't easy. Eventually I made it back to I-205 and after a couple wrong turns and some back tracking, I made to a mini mart where I asked a nice man where the hospital was(where the mtg. was taking place). He did and gave me very simple and direct directions to the hospital. If only the computer directions could of been as clear. I thanked him and I was on my way. If want to know how to get somewhere, ask a local. Even though I would be very late for the mtg. I was determined to get there. I made it for the last half hour of the mtg. Some mtg. is better than no mtg. I got hear people talking about there experiences, was able to introduce myself and talk to a nice man after the mtg.

I was able to accomplish what I set out to do and I didn't freak out and start crying. I also know how to get there for the next mtg.

More about Portland and it's traffic grid I think it's called. This is a lot of oneway streets, streets that don't match to their other end sometimes, lots of bridges, very hilly in places, a few street signs that don't make sense, etc. My theory is the locals go out every night and switch around the signs to throw other people off. I'm not the only one whose had problems driving around Portland. My brother had to take someone who know the area if he has to go there. If you want to check it out, put up a map of Portland, Or and you'll see what I mean.

A popular slogan is, "Keep Portland Weird". The Grid alone will do that.