Bleu, Blanc, Rouge

Since coming to terms with the reality that my daily routine is about to turn upside-down, the stress that everybody had been anticipating has finally struck. I've been feeling manic lately. One day I'll be terrified of leaving behind everyone and everything I know, and the next day I'll feel elated that I'm taking a calculated risk that could turn out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

I've been studying Michael Swan's 'Practical English Usage' in preparation for becoming a teacher of English to speakers of other languages, and it has humbled me. It has made me realize how utterly inept I am at speaking about the grammatical underpinnings of my language. I'm making progress, but the obvious reality that one does not simply become a teacher overnight is really striking me. As a rapidly aging man I need a constant reminder to pace myself...

Riding the Red Horse In Thailand

Somebody once said to me that it's only when you open yourself to new possibilities that true opportunities come. It's an easy thing to become complacent in the status quo and then miss out on some of the world's greatness. So many of my fondest memories have happened while travelling, and although discomfort, fear, cost and loneliness are very real, true wonder will not be found by forever remaining in your hometown and staying comfortable. I distinctly recall my brother asking me years ago why I always put such a high priority on comfort, and I think that at the time, I didn't quite realize the scope of his point.