After two weeks at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in the redwoods of California, I find myself disconnected from the world. Not the real world, mind you – not the one filled with green fields, snow-capped mountains, and blue rivers – but the one in which everyone is obsessed with getting the fastest wifi and burying...
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Working in the customer service industry and being a white face abroad (in most countries, anyway) have a lot in common. I’ve already done my share of ranting over my superficial treatment in Asia: for as many benefits as there are in being a foreigner – e.g. not expected to know or necessarily conform...
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I can’t explain why autumn has this affect on me. For as long as I can remember – and we’re talking as far back as 5-6 years old – I’ve always associated sunny weather, chilly winds, and brown leaves with being at peace. I can remember walking to my father’s office from school on...
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I’ve been having a lot of latent thoughts since my return from Canada, the only bit of international travel I’ve had since the Philippines… ok, even that makes me sound a little spoiled. My worldview and my definition of happiness and success are changing all the time for the better. If you had asked...
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As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to change my definition of success more times than I could count. If you had asked me what that word meant at fifteen, I probably would have said a mansion in LA, an acting career, and a supermodel on my arm. In college, I would have settled for...
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I try to remember when I was at my happiest. I distinctly remember my parents asking me in 2009 about which year of my life had been the best, and I answered “this one”; at that point, things had just improved by the moment. Being in New Zealand can have that effect. Though I...
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I feel ashamed. Like a failure. Broke, though I have some money in the bank. Inept, though I’m qualified to do many jobs. Lazy, though my routine isn’t really too different than that when I’m living in my own apartment. Unattractive to women, a source of mockery. Shorter, smaller. Sheltered. Mollycoddled. It’s only been...
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While I’m a little late on the ball with this entry, I’m just trying to get myself out of this slump and write something personal. North Korea is in the news making more idle threats; nothing will happen, as Kim Jong Un is a spoiled, immature brat. I’m dealing with some personal issues as...
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It’s difficult to write. I’m only going through these words just to get my fingers moving and the thoughts slowly put down on paper. I don’t know how this will end. The truth is, I don’t think I’m ever going to find a career I consider satisfying. Even some of the jobs considered the...
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Despite my best efforts, I gage the value of my life more by others’ perceptions than my own. In this sense, I’m a walking, talking contradiction. For you see, many people believe I’m living the dream, as a free spirit, traveling the world. But just as many, myself included, find this lifestyle wanting. I...
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