Gresham/East Side Write Ins

I'm just west of 205, but certainly East side... (82nd, still in the same place as last year... really do need to move next summer... hate neighbors).

My schedule is wonky, as I'm now doing two PT jobs, one Thursday through Saturday in Sherwood and then two days at Fabric Depot, Sunday and Monday (still, yes. must escape, though proud I've lasted in a retail job for a year... but I have enough fabric... er... anyway. Working on the escaping thing... keep fingers and toes crossed for me, eh?).

So my days off are Tuesday and Wednesday. I have most evenings free after the Sherwood job as well, since it's only until 3pm. Mid month will be a bad weekend as I'm part of programming for OryCon. WEll, I'm doing pocket programs, so it's really all pre-con stuff, but I also want to actually ATTEND the con too...

All that said... in order for me and my barely trusty laptop to attend write-ins, the location must have outlets. The battery just laughs at me if I try to power up without being plugged in. (then it wheezes and coughs and turns back off, maniacal laughter fading as the ancient hard drive powers down)

So, outlets are key, location isn't terribly important. A way to find others is good too. (if I'm earliest, I'm easy to spot, as the top of the computer is painted to say NaNoWriMo Writing Machine.) I'm not big on doing too much driving on my days off... I like to not have to drive 7 days a week if possible.

Dang, I talk too much. The Chinese food delivery guy better hurry up with my food.. my stomach is starting to drown out the meows of the cats...

I'll shut up now...

Amanda

Anyone else?

Hi there you two!

I'm so glad to hear there are a few of you down on my end of town! There seem to be so many Nano's on the West side......grr....

Anyway, that aside, I would love to find a place for write in's to happen on the East side/Gresham. Any suggestions? I would rather not have to use Trimet and go REALLY far. I do that too much these days anyway. I need outlets as well. My laptop can be real picky about using the battery.

Night Silver

Starbucks is the only place I know of that typically has outlets. I don't know if places like Denny's or other diners offer those, because having more space and being able to sit close enough to chat and turn notebooks around would be nice, too.

Where are you at, NightSilver? Amanda's down on 82nd, and I'm out on Orient Drive (or 257th, down the road from MHCC). Trying to think of a middle point for us to get together at, but I want it to be convenient for as many of us as possible!

There are two of us near Mall 205, so that's two more!

Let's see, there's a sandwich-coffee place in the antique mall along Stark and 87th called Monty's - they have several tables in amongst shelves of old books, so it's a nice laid-back 'bookish, literate' atmosphere, and I can see if they have outlets.

Bipartisan Cafe on Stark and like 79th is another option, it's a relaxed, friendly place (food's really good, too), I'll call them and see if they are set up for us.

I'm in Rockwood. Not the smartest place to move into if you haven't live in Portland for like 10 years. I live by a Max and love taking the bus (call me crazy) So I'll go almost anywhere as long as someone knows how to get there on TriMet. I hate the trip planner. It lies to me.

@ Phoenix: Yes, the trip planner is a horrible liar. It claims that no buses ever exist near my house, even though there's a stop about two blocks up the street. Are there any places in Rockwood that would be set up for a meet up? Any medium to large sized starbucks, or anywhere you know of with outlets?

@ unchangeling: both places sound interesting, and if you could find out if they could accommodate laptop lugging writers, that would be great! Also, how long they'd like us to stick around if we bought a coffee, or how much longer if we bought dinner, etc.

I'm glad that everyone is having such great ideas!

Wow! More and more people are joining this. I'm so glad there are this many of us at this end of the Oregon world!

Anyway, I live on 182nd, near Division, to answer what somebody asked me earlier. I enjoy riding the bus, (I guess I'm also crazy) so wouldn't mind traveling a little bit.

You guy's sound like you have a lot of great ideas flowing, so here's one of mine too. What about the Borders bookstore in Gresham Station? It has bus and Max stops for those of who don't drive. I'm not sure how many outlets they have though, and they are often busy.

Another Starbucks that I know about in the Gresham-ish area, would be the one on 122nd, if one of you haven't already mentioned that one! (sorry if I'm repeating then)

My biggest suggestion would be this one though. It's totally my favorite. It's cute, the people are wonderful, and it's easy to get to from Trimet buses. (not sure what line to take though) It's called Jazzy Bagels. It's got a cafa, as well as bagels and other stuff. (For you odd people who don't like bagels.....argh on you!)
Anyway, I'm not sure how many outlets it has. It has comfy chairs, a fireplace that is often going, its large, and has many tables.
Has anybody else been there that knows about outlets for our laptops? (I have to have an outlet) It would be a great place for us to meet I think.

Night Silver

Wow! More and more people are joining this. I'm so glad there are this many of us at this end of the Oregon world!

Anyway, I live on 182nd, near Division, to answer what somebody asked me earlier. I enjoy riding the bus, (I guess I'm also crazy) so wouldn't mind traveling a little bit.

You guy's sound like you have a lot of great ideas flowing, so here's one of mine too. What about the Borders bookstore in Gresham Station? It has bus and Max stops for those of who don't drive. I'm not sure how many outlets they have though, and they are often busy.

Another Starbucks that I know about in the Gresham-ish area, would be the one on 122nd, if one of you haven't already mentioned that one! (sorry if I'm repeating then)

My biggest suggestion would be this one though. It's totally my favorite. It's cute, the people are wonderful, and it's easy to get to from Trimet buses. (not sure what line to take though) It's called Jazzy Bagels. It's got a cafa, as well as bagels and other stuff. (For you odd people who don't like bagels.....argh on you!)
Anyway, I'm not sure how many outlets it has. It has comfy chairs, a fireplace that is often going, its large, and has many tables.
It's on Main, just after Powell Street.
Has anybody else been there that knows about outlets for our laptops? (I have to have an outlet) It would be a great place for us to meet I think.

Night Silver

Map of Jazzy Bagels. You can get driving or transit directions from this.

I'm not sure if Borders has outlets, but I know they have a lot of events that go on. I'll double check to see if Borders has outlets, could you check Jazzy Bagels out, Night Silver?

Also, what nights work for most of us? The only day off I have guaranteed is Mondays, and since I work the morning, Sunday evenings. Amanda has Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. How about the rest? Is your work schedule remotely stable enough to predict when you'll be free? Or are you blessed enough to request a day off each week?

Oh great! Thanks for the map. I will surely use it.

And of course. I'll get down to Jazzy Bagel's tomorrow morning, and check out how many outlets they have available for us. Have you been there Khelessindarae?

Day's I'm free? Well, it probably depends most on what time of day. (That would drastically change my answers) I would prefer mornings or afternoons, since I don't like riding Trimet in the dark.
If we decide on evenings, which it sounds like you said we were Khelessindare, I can't do Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Any other day would be fine, if we did evenings. I would prefer, as I said though, not to pick that time of day because I don't do nightly Trimet.
Do morning's or afternoon's work? If we met in the late afternoon, that would work too I imagine.

At this time, I don't have a job that would make NaNo complicated. This is lucky for me I imagine. Last year, my November was so jam-packed, I didn't make a single darned Write-In. I finished my NaNo no trouble though. I think that's because, like a lot of other people on the Forums have said, is because I function better when I am UTTERY busy to the point of insanity. When I have to MAKE time, it's more likely I'll actually do what I'm supposed to, than if I have plenty of time. I end up putting things off to the last minute.....which most homeschoolers do anyway though...

Okay, I'll stop rambling. Somebody's else's turn to talk.
Night Silver

I was actually thinking late afternoon/early evening. Weekdays, I start work at 4, but that's in Sandy. So that would mean mornings could work for me. Sundays I work 7-4, meaning I'm free in the late afternoon. I took night classes at MHCC, I know well the fear/hatred of trimet after dark.

And yes, we do need to wait for someone else to talk. The last five posts have been just us. XD

I know the zoo has plugs in the Penguin house. I'm free everyday after about 9:30 am to about 6:00 pm. There are always Libraries. I'd love to go o the bagel place. Doesn't seem to hard to get too. AHHHH!Two Weeks Left! (that is my internet half scream. just so you know)

Dropping back by here again.

I am calling the Bagel place, (Jazzy bagels) today about places to plug in. I am pretty sure they have plenty though. It's pretty easy to get too, your right. I'm pretty sure a bus can drop a person off within a block of it, if not right in front of it.

Another note: I looked at my schedule, and Wednesday's and Tuesday's work fine for me, as long as its not in the evening. I'm available any other time of the day. Do either of these two for you guys?

On a slightly different note: What do you all think of trying to meet once the week "before" November starts? That way we could make sure we like the place we chose for meeting, and maybe even just chat with each other about our NaNo plans. Any takers?

Night Silver

Sorry for posting twice in a row here, but what does everybody think of meeting next Tuesday morning, maybe at 10:30? Make sure we like the place we meet, and get to know each other and each other's novels before November even starts. We might even help inspire each other right?

How about it?
Night Silver

Lessee, Gresham, at 10:30... I can be there a little earlier... I'm 'promised' in Troutdale at 11, so I'd rather take a little more time, plus my travel time to the other commitment. I volunteer at the county animal shelter on Tuesdays... and i take it seriously... so I don't flake over something else (although I have called in because I needed the rest and a cold was threatening to come a-callin')

For tuesday write-ins, Gresham is fine with me, but i prefer staying a little closer to home, more central to the East side on my other day off, which is Wednesday. I drive to Sherwood three days a week... I don't want to drive a lot on my one full day off. God knows I use enough gas in my guzzler vehicle.

Amanda

I'd be interested in an evening meet up, maybe somewhere around 122nd? Did we ever find anything out about Monty's? I wouldn't mind having two meet ups, since it sounds like we've got two different corners of east side being discussed here.

10 would work for me. I'm willing to get up a bit early to walk down there. Work up an appetite for bagels!

EDIT: Found Bipartisan's website, and got an address. Here's a map of the location, also with driving/trimet directions available from wherever you're at!

Map

I work right by the MAX stop at 102nd and Burnside. I still don't know the area well so it's great to see all these tips for good hangouts. I hope I can join you, especially any early-evening writes. :)

All right, I looked into some Gresham Starbucks, and found the one that stayed open latest (10-11 each night) is located here. If you know of one that stays open all night, please contradict me! I get off at midnight on the 31st, so I'd love to have a local place to get my head start.

I looked into some wi-fi spots, and Cafe Delirium doesn't stay open late, but a couple of people have mentioned wanting morning or afternoon meet ups. Here's a map. Both Jazzy Bagels and Delirium are located in old town Gresham, easily accessible by the #9 Powell bus.

@ grrlpup: There's a Starbucks just down the street from you, on Glisan or Halsey. Do you know the one I'm talking about? I think that might be a nice place to meet up for the people closer to the center of Portland. I don't know the exact address, though. Otherwise I would have called them, too!

If any of my links don't work, let me know, and I'll list names and addresses instead! I just thought easy access to a map and/or phone numbers would be most helpful.

Are we still on for Tuesday at ten, Gresham friends?

EDIT: This may be the place, and they are open until 11 Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

@ AmandaWolfe: Hopefully 102nd is a closer drive for one of your days off? I remember that was a concern, what with commuting to Sherwood frequently.

Hi one and all: Sorry I haven't been about this forum for the last couple of days. I was out with my Search and Rescue team, training in the mountains.

So, if we are still planning for Tuesday morning at 10? If so, what location should we meet at?

I like the idea of meeting more than once, and at different locations. It's easier this way for people to attend from different areas, as well as to find out what the best and most comfortable places for writers are.

Another note to mention: Khelessindarae, it sounded like you were suggesting perhaps a meeting on the night of the 31st. I know that there is the Fireside Kick off. Are you perhaps thinking something along the same lines, but closer so we don't have to travel so far?
The party I was attending is off, so I would be able to attend. What coffee shop would be best for that? It would have to be an all night one, so us Gresham people can stay as late as we want. Any suggestions?

Off to bed now. I've been up since 6:30 this morning, when one of the staff came by and started knocking on the girls tent, "GET UP! GET UP! The boy's can't eat until you gets your arses out here! GET UP!" Ever since that "fantastic and wonderful" wake up call, it's been a long day.

Time for sleep....
zzzzzz....
Night Silver

Let's stick with Jazzy Bagels, in case anyone wants to meet up with us and hasn't checked the forum for a day or so. Not everyone's as obsessive as we are!

I would love to have an east side meet up that night, since I'll be in Sandy until midnight, but I'm having trouble finding a place that's open past 11 on a Wednesday night. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm ready to jump on them!

Okay... Tomorrow morning, I'll be there wearing my Multnomah Co. Animal Services Volunteer shirt. It's blue with white lettering... hard to miss with the big logo on the back. Geek girl with glasses. If I'm early, I'll find a table... won't be able to stay too terribly long, as I'm expected at the shelter at 11.

Amanda
~must get some sewing done... argh!

I'll be there, 9:45 ish, with a folded notebook paper sign declaring a NaNoWriMo table. See you in the morning!

You bet! Don't know what time exactly I'll swing in, but it'll be around 10. Sounds like we have a few people! wheeee!

Oh! If either of you have a power cord, I would strongly recommend bringing it tomorrow morning. On the off chance there aren't a lot of outlets, it's busy there, or more of us show up than we thought....if you have one, I suggest bringing it!

See you in the early morrow!
Night Silver

Ugh. I'm having transportation issues this morning. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it, as I'd be walking. Still trying to get mapquest to stop sticking my route on the highway.

So are we doing any other ones? So I can make one Or should we talk about it on Saturday? I'm think Saturday at the kickoff. That way we all can talk face to face and then go on from there. Like plan the next on at the one we're at.
XD I'm so excited!

Hi there all!

I went to the meeting at Jazzy Bagels this morning. I was there for three hours, and met up with Amandawolf. It's sad that the rest of you couldn't come. It was a nice sit.

Now to the details: Jazzy Bagels has brick walls, something I didn't think of, meaning they have almost no wall sockets. However, there is one by the fireplace. We could easily bring a power strip, along with several extension cords, and take up several nearby tables.
On the other hand, we can also meet somewhere else.....any opinions?
Night Silver

Thanks, Khelessindarae, I do know where that Starbucks is, and the hours are better than I'd dared to hope. yay! There's also an inexpensive 24-hour Mexican restaurant in the same strip mall for any night owls... they have drip coffee, but probably no wi-fi.

I'd love for all of us to have a place to write in, feel free to create your own ideas, phoenix!

Sorry I couldn't make it this morning. What I'm really sorry about is that I didn't get up at two to post when I found out. my husband didn't realize I had plans, and I didn't realize he needed to be in to work at ten. Conflict car issue there. This shouldn't happen again.

Grrlpup, what's the name of the restaurant? I vaguely remember the one you're talking about.

Does Tuesday work for everyone in Gresham for a morning meet up?

For a late afternoon/evening meet up, does Sunday or Monday work for anyone in the Gateway district (Possibly the Starbucks on Halsey & 102nd, or the unknown mexican restaurant) ? If not, what days do you have available?

I have a couple days to dither with my November availability before I have to turn it in, and if another day works for everyone, I can write it in.

Hi there. Sorry I haven't been creeping around this forum for a couple days...

Anyway, Tuesday mornings work good for me. What location are we planning on for the Gresham meet-ups? What time, do you think? And do we want to continue with this date for Write-In's every week until the end of the month?

(Oh, and Khelessindarae, I've been wondering for three days.....how do you pronounce your screen name? Is it Japanese?)

Night Silver