Knee Deep In Slush As An Intern on Christmas

It's Christmas Eve — the year's third most exciting day (after my birthday and St. Patrick's Day) — and what better way for an intern such as myself to spend it than driving to WW's world headquarters in NW Portland.

As I navigated through huge ruts, terrible drivers and broken snow chains-I wondered what would await me in the office. Would it be bustling with reporters tracking down sources? Or colleagues face down and ear deep in a bathtub-sized bowl of eggnog? Or, would it be quiet as people are surely finishing up their holiday shopping? Unfortunately there was nobody swimming in eggnog-although the contents of our news editor's mug has yet to be determined.

As a new intern, I am obviously-and rightly so-entrusted with the most hard-hitting assignments and vital duties (think picking up pizzas). So today our news editor Hank Stern handed me another breaking story to report on: how the snow is affecting Christmas Eve shoppers and the shops they choose.

I bolted out the front of WW and hit the ground running. Actually since the ground is covered with 10 inches of ice, snow and slush, I daintily sauntered out the door and down the unshoveled sidewalks of NW 23rd.

My first stop of this exposé was Luv' n Stuff Flowers & Gifts, (1037 NW 23rd Ave). Inside I spoke with co-owner, Jodi Iverson. Iverson says the snow has in fact hurt her business. “Our walk-in business has been down. And, we've had to refuse some deliveries due to the weather.” Luv'n Stuff does a large portion of their business over the web. Iverson added, “this year would've been awesome if it hadn't snowed.” My shoes and socks agreed.

I also went to Signature Imports, (920 NW 23rd Ave). At the counter with pretty violet glasses was Chelsea Badding. I noticed a lot of people perusing the shop's wares.

“We've been pretty busy actually,” said Badding. “Even with the snow, there hasn't been a drop off in business between this year and last.” In fact, Badding welcomes the frigid weather and attributes the steady business to the fact they have a lot of sweaters, jewelry and wooden animals. I'm guessing it's the animals that are bringing ‘em in.

And then there was MammaRo (940 NW 23rd Ave.). Owner George Palmer greeted me warmly. Which, considering my soggy shoes, was great! Palmer says the snow has taken the wind out of their sails. “We're down a little bit, but our chins are still up.” Palmer is optimistic he'll be busier after Christmas when more people will be able to get around. “We're staying real positive.” The one curiosity he's noticed this Christmas Eve morn was the influx of men to his store. Which reminds me I should probably start my holiday shopping. Sorry mom…