In a week(!!!), one final train to Bangkok with my bags, leaving behind much more than I can carry. So much time was absolutely wasted, squandered fantasizing about this day. Now that it is approaching, nothing feels right. Nope nope nope nope nope. Shit. Expectation of this transition: me, blubbering on a whim, inconsolable mess.… Read More Hi, I’m emotionally constipated
I. Lately, I’ve been attempting to discern how I feel about my service coming to an end. After so many months of thinking I would be (could be) ready for this moment, I suddenly feel immobilized by fear. I’ll spare you the litany of questions that keep me up at night but in summary, I’m… Read More OWHEMA* redux
I recently celebrated another birthday here and have been taking this milestone to mull over the greatest, most terrible part of being alive: transformation. My journey here has taken me to some otherworldly places as of late– beaches, national parks, jungles– but perhaps none quite so mysterious as the depths of my own self-reflection. I’ve… Read More 25
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how difficult it is to stay in contact with people I love back home, how on again/off again it all seems to go. “Oh, you’re free this weekend but only at 3 AM my time? Dang, okay, let’s touch base next week.” Inevitably, next week rolls around and one or… Read More To the people who once stayed close but have since fallen off
A lot of people wanted to see how I’m livin’ and here you have it. I’ve been here nearly 2 years and I love the home I’ve made for myself. Enjoy!
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” –Groucho Marx MaddAddam – Margaret Atwood The last book in the MaddAddam trilogy, this finale offers an ending to a series that has given me nothing but nightmares. I’m not crazy about the excessive violence towards… Read More The last 6 months in books
Life in Thailand generally discourages PDA as I think of it in the West and this has been a difficult adjustment for me– for reference, one of my friends recently described me as the “most physical person” they know. I love cuddles and heads-on-shoulders and hand holding. All of it. Upon meeting a new person,… Read More Public displays of affection
A reflection in four parts: I. The novelties that once excited me have lost their luster. And at the same time, the petty things that once drove me wild with irritation no longer creep under my skin. I have reached a point in my life here where nothing surprises or disappoints me any longer. A… Read More When the honeymoon’s over
Recently I found myself reflecting on my year of service with a former PCV on the phone. We were musing about how funny we both find it when people attempt to give one another advice in the Peace Corps. Not funny in the “haha hilarious” sense, but funny in the sense that advice that is… Read More Me, @me
Two Years of Trying My Best 