As of April 1, I will no longer be living in Eugene. When I leave, I hope to have a diploma in my hand but am allowing for the possibility that I may fail a class — no sense in setting myself up for disappointment. Either way though, I’m out of here.
I can’t imagine what my life would be like right now had I not gone to the University of Oregon. I’ve been blessed to be around a number of amazing people in both my school and work lives, including brilliant professors, from whom I’ve learned so much.
I feel fortunate that I have had the chance to attend this school.
Of course, in the four and a half years that I’ve lived in Eugene, there are still things about the city that have annoyed me. I was going to keep my final column on the positive side, but anyone who knows me knows that the positive stuff doesn’t generally last too long. So, just a short list of the top four things that annoyed me about Eugene.
1. All of the hype surrounding the University football program: It wasn’t so bad this year during football season (because we sucked) but when Joey Harrington was still here I almost disliked the guy simply because I heard his name so damn much. It doesn’t help that even after he’s moved to Detroit, he’s still starring in a television commercial — selling cars, no less, to the folks of Eugene. Give it up, people. He’s not even from Eugene; he just spent a few years here to attend school. And now he’s gone. Mourn, move to Detroit, do what you have to do. He’s gone — get over it.
2. The smell of patchouli oil: I’m not attributing this foul smelling product to any one group or type of person. I’ve smelled it on people sporting J.Crew and Banana Republic clothing just as much as on people wearing patchwork pants and tie-dyed dresses. Either way, the stuff reeks. If you’re into scented oils, there are a number available that aren’t abrasive — check them out.
3. Landlords — or slumlords: It’s a shame that the landlords in this community prey so heavily on the college-age population. I’ve lived in a couple of dumps in my years in Eugene. The rent has been high, things have lived in our walls, the plumbing hasn’t worked, and ceilings leaked. Everyone has one story or another about crappy houses and landlords. I’m sure that this has gone on forever too. But, why has nothing changed? Why? Because Eugene, with a lack of renters’ rights, operates in such a way to encourage these scumbags to continue to do business in the manner that they see fit. It sucks.
4. LTD bus drivers. I think that public transportation is a great idea. I just don’t understand why the drivers of these massive buses feel the need to test the limits of their capabilities by taking corners at 60 miles an hour. I have been a witness on two different occasions to see an LTD bus tear down 19th Street and wipe out a side mirror on both a car and a truck. It’s just not right. I fear for my life when I’m driving beside one of the monstrous buses — and heaven forbid trying to cross the street in front of one, even if you have the right-of-way — unless you have a death wish.
OK, I’m done. I feel good that I can leave Eugene with nothing bad left to say. It’s all out in the open and, maybe, Eugene and I can make up and eventually see eye-to-eye again. We were a good couple for a number of years. I learned a lot about myself, thanks to Eugene. We had some really good times. I love Eugene, I really do. I just feel that we’ve grown apart; my life is headed in a different direction now.
Sometimes Eugene and I disagree on ideas and politics, but that’s all right — it keeps things interesting. Maybe sometime in the future we will get back together, who knows. As for now, thanks, Eugene, for everything. I’ll call you, I promise.
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Her views do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald.