Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 Gmail Journal Responses Unedited

These are excepts from emails that I would like to lightly revise to record my previous ideas and thinking. They were almost all sent from a 2010 Nokia using T9 typing 

31 May 2011

There is an overlapping idea of not doing and not knowing in the Tao. But im having trouble finding any true meaning from this. "When an average man hears of the Tao, he half believes it, half doubts it." i guess that can answer my question, im just an average person. Also i cant remember if the other book was but this book has a condescending feel to the readers who does not agree. Maybe its my western influence but i still think knowledge, wisdom, purpose, and actions are a good thing. I dont believe in faith or destiny, so i cant accept not doing, for anything more than being patient. The author used words like always and only, i would say, too often. I believe that is more than one way to achieve things, maybe even an unlimited number of ways in which something can be achieved. But i still like the book a lot and will take from it what i can. I have read it probably 3 times this last week, many verses over five times. Ill let you know if i want that book. Ill see what people around here have. 

19 June 2011

Why do you (people) care to find a meaning or purpose for thinking something. Maybe something that happened earlier in the day. Maybe your upset with the way your hair looks. We use hats to also protect our face and head, maybe some symbolic or figuritive meaning. Actually the hats is pretty off the wall. But i would wonder the same thing. I have noticed myself dwelling about things the past two years. Something i never did before maybe it is a result of thinking more and trying figure out things (life). But my dad is a big time dweller. How much control of your thoughts do we actually have? I like to think a lot but sometimes im not sure. I also believe that im the captain of my soul but it is more because i dont beleive in destiny or fate. Unless you count believing i control my fate. I used to believe in fate, but why? I think people want to think their life and actions matter. Is it biological or environmental. Ok this is rambling on a lot. And from your response sounds like you believe environmental. Although now after reflecting im going to go tho buddist route and say there is some middle ground and its probably both.

14 Jul

Sustainability. The more i research and learn the more i dislike the way we, people, live. It is a constant battle in my head trying to figure out the right way to live my life. And finding that happy medium. Of course i want to do good things. But i also want to enjoy and experience life to the fullest. I think education is the key and im sticking to that as my focus, for now at least. I believe one person can make a difference and educating the youth i feel has the potential to make the most good from my efforts. Educated people are more aware and can make wiser decisions.

All of the major problems i have, i can lead back to education. The way we grow food, overpopulation, discrimination, being closed minded, and materialism. The media is very good at manipulating people and many students finish school never learning to think critically. I think most people would change their ways if they truely understood why and how things impact other things.

I cant remember what all i told you. But im living without energy in my house the school has it so i can charge things there pretty much whenever. I eat more natural foods. And almost all locally grown. People have less here so everything is reused and people share tools buckets food and many other things. We have no running water here. Not even a well. And our winters are dry, its winter now. I have been scrapping by on such small amounts of water. Today it finally rained man i was so happy. We collect rain water off the roof of the school. Then when it runs out we have to pay a guy to fetch us water from the river. We dont have a paved road either. It is a 45 mile dirt road out of town. And people take car pooling to another level. So my impact on the environment is pretty small compared to back home. And i am so much more content with my life here than back home. I feel very grateful to be here and be gaining all these experiences. 

About going crazy. I had a hard time accepting that regardless of how i feel or think you cant force friends family and others to believe care or think the same. Everyone has their own beliefs experiences and perspective from life. I try to follow what i feel is "right", but i cant expect others to follow what i think, or would i want them too. They probably have not had the same experiences i have. Be patient! Youll be suprised how much people can learn and change. My parents and Jodi are perfect examples they are composting still and doing a lot of things they never would have done if i was not so weird.

Patience. I just wrote about this in my journal because the students were driving me crazy. It is alway good to remind yourselfs to be patient and grateful. Im grateful to have constant reminders here. 


15 July 2011

I actually wrote down a bunch of ideas and things to think, reflect, and discuss. There are so many things to share, hope your not in a hurry all i got is time out here. Which is great. I love writing which is a new pass time for me. But it allows us to think, reflect, and question our thoughts more. I always feel better after a good write. And i can relate with what you are saying well.   

After being here for nine months now. My views have changed some. Life here is so different and i have been reading more than i ever have. Plus the other volunteers are a bunch of people versions of us from all over America.

My first thought. MY NAME IS EARL. One of the greatest tv shows ever. You have to watch this one episode at least. Title: Robbed a stoner blind. If you nothing about the show here is the premise. Earl is this white trash dude that decides his life is crapp because of karma and that he has ever done anything good in his life. So he makes a list of everything bad he ever did and the show is about him making up for all these things. Most episodes have a great moral message, some are just silly. But check it out!

Ashlie your going to live a long and great life. And your children and going to be extremely healthy and bright people. I truely believe this. But ill wait till we are both a hundred years old to say i told you so, haha. Also be grateful that you are and your unborn child will be American. As many problems as there are with education in the US, its amazing compared to here. I think you also learned more in school than you think. You learned to read, write, learn, and be a successful student to name a few. These are skills that have helped you become the person you are today. You probably had teachers trying to teach and reach you but maybe you were not ready or just being a teenager.

Some of the problems here. Many students never learn to read and write properly. School is not free and lots of people cant afford to buy food, so how can they pay for their child to go to school. There are many problems with corruption. Paying for grades and sex for grades are two of the worst. The teachers are uneducated, irresponsible, and very authoritative. Teachers miss class all the and there are such thing as subs. Classes are packed with students and there few to no resources. Lessons are poor, there is little to no student interactions, all students cheat (even the bright ones), and expectations are ridiculous. Funding is paid by international agencies that require standards that are similar to developed European countries.The combination of these things pass students through the system and they really never learn to think, study, or learn for themselves. This is my new struggle. This is also just my perspective from my very rural site. But i think its fair to say these are also problems that the other volunteers see and face everywhere is this country. We have it great. We have the internet. Your right about not investing in our youth, our future. But things could be much worse.

Two more things for now. Things are getting better. People are becoming more and more aware. Change is not easy. Patience,

19 July 

I love to write! It is very cheap and productive therapy. I get a lot out of it. Writing emails can be the same.

I think its difficult to know what we will do in life. Things change. I want to continue to grow as a person and realize that my beliefs and  what i want can and probably will change. I always think about what is the purpose of life. What should i do? What do i want? For some reason it kinda became more clear the other night. And for trying to simplify things is allowing me to evaluate what i really want. But my American ness, wants it all! I find one word that can include (represent in my mind) all things i want into it. So i can say all i want from life is fulfillment, but really im just saying that i want everything. 

Astronomy and geology changed my point of view a lot last year. And science in general has changed my beliefs so much. But philosophy, sometimes i feel like i could actually end up going crazy.   

Im so burnt out. I didnt sleep well last night then had a long day with school and packing/getting ready to travel. I need to rest my brain now

20 Jul

Learning about how old and big the universe is crazy to imagine. It made me realize how insignificant not only my life is but life on Earth is. Most people wouldnt understand why i act and care about the things i do if they knew my beliefs. But i still do care about life on Earth. Who am i or we as humans to be so wasteful destructive. But then again maybe our race is just taking advantage of its evolutionary gift. Because all life, pending a incredible Noas Arc spaceship, shares the same faith. The sun will run out of energy and all life will be extinct. There have also been a number of instances in Earth's history that have killed 95% of life on Earth. From meteors, super volcanic blast, or the Earth freezing over. So does it really matter if it ends now because we want more stuff and luxuries? Well to me it does. I dont think im special just because i was lucky enough to be born a human in America in 1983. I love the beauty of the great outdoors. I love the views, peacefulness, and feelings of being out in nature and away from the cities. So yeah i agree with you. I just dont lose sleep over it anymore. I lose sleep over other stuff now. Life is a struggle! The fittest will survive.
 

9 Aug 2011

I just got home yesterday. Two weeks of traveling and six were long days on the road. But it was well worth it. Just what i needed or maybe didnt need. Because now i just want to hit the road and travel even more. But back to my life here with water struggles, no energy, cold bucket showers, and pooping in a hole in the ground. You know, just living the dream.

I met a Canadian on my trip and we hiked to the highest mountain in Mozambique together. He has been traveling Asia and Africa for almost a year. He dropped out of school and took off to learn about life. Its funny because i think and have thought about that same thing a lot. He has gained valuable experiences that most people will never have but what he told me he learned is that he doesn't know shit. I know exactly how he feels, out looking for something and the more you learn the more you realize that you really dont know anything. How ironic!

My perspective on life is always changing. After reading Jack London and specifically White Fang and this Paulo Coelho book the Fifth Mountain i thought about how brutal people are, were, and can be. Animals too. Then i remembered something my geology teacher said. Life is a struggle and nature is very cruel. So my current conclusion is the purpose of our lives is simple, to live. The problem is we, humans, have conscious thought and so much control and choices in our lives. The question then becomes how to choose to live my life? I also have many ideas and options on what to do next. And i know i could enjoy doing anything. I'm sure you would too. I have been making relatively short term commitments to learn more and avoid any long term commitment since i turned eighteen. What am i looking and waiting for? This older volunteer here Barbara called me an experience junkie. Pretty much nailed me on the head with that one. Maybe i am a junkie out here trying to get his fix. I want to help others but im very selfish also. Or maybe im just being patient, haha.

This phone texting email is so difficult to stay on track. Being indecisive is ok, or i think/hope it is. It allows us to question and reflect about our ideas, thoughts, and goals in life.

Happiness: this is a big question i often ask myself. What do you think happiness is? Are you happy? If your not reading anything go to the library and take a look at WHAT THE DOG SAW. I think it is a great book and full of new and different perspectives

11 August 2011

I don't know what happiness is, i want to know it and i know a lot of things that i feel are not happiness. I feel very content with my life now and where i am in life but i still feel that something is missing. I thought that that something was love and a companion but i dont know if that is it. I think there is a difference between temporary enjoyment and happiness. I feel happy watching stupid tv shows and reading Star Wars. But i wouldn't consider that happiness. And how many people do you know who really are happy. I dont know too many back home. People here, and other volunteers agree, are much happier than Americans. Even though Americans have so much more, things that are supposed to make their lives easier and more enjoyable. But people here with next to nothing appear to possess that genuine smile. I think there is something to be said about the simple life.

But life is a struggle right. Maybe even if that struggle is to own a bigger house and drive a bigger faster ridiculous car. Or am i trying to find some underlining principle for Americans greediness. I don't know. I would love to understand life better. I read a little about Zen today and it is founded on the principle of experiential wisdom. Which i agree a lot with. Although i feel i can still learn a lot from others and formal teaching. There is probably more than one way to achieve wisdom also.

So i am still looking for happiness and trying to find the way. But i'm content with my path so far.

22 Aug 2011

I try to avoid killing things as much as possible. I don't kill insects or even the rat that comes into my house and runs wild when i teach at night. I just don't think i'm special because i'm a human. I'm not a god so who am i to decide who lives and dies. I do kill the occasional mosquito, but they are full of Malaria here.

Back to happiness. I didn't mean happy all the time, as in every second of the day. Just in general, who has that genuine smile? I even think there is a difference between being content and happiness. Content i think is more being satisfied. And happiness is something more. Like the feeling you have when you're in love or just accomplished something challenging. For me hiking or running up to a peak that has a great view. That feeling is so rewarding. I think that feeling and sensations are possible to feel all the time, in general or most of the time. Like an older person who is always smiling and happy to see you and share things with you, my Uncle Johnny comes to my mind. Or Morrie from Tuesday With Morrie. I want that.

I don't feel like i'm missing out right now by not having someone. If had a companion i may not be here gaining these experiences. I just think i'm missing something that is possible to find. The reason i thought it was love, is because the one time i thought i was in love it felt so good to love someone and think that they feel the same. But i don't know, because i don't know if those feeling last. I read some research on love and some studies suggest that the
endorphins or feel good hormones released when we fall in love and have lust go away with time. We get high and then people need other commitments like marriage and children to stay together. This is the reason i'm not sure if love is what i'm missing or looking for. I think love leads many people to suffering. Why is that? Why does it hurt so much when we lose someone or cant be with someone? Is it selfishness? That is why im all about love for all! That is the love i want to attain currently. Like Siddartha, even know he is a fictional character. But that is difficult also. To love the
dirt, flies, rats, murders, and ect.

Before i get off subject much more. Happiness i also think has to be different than just feeling high. That is why i said i know a lot of things that happiness is not. Well i'll let you when i find it! But it probably won't be a model i can pass on to you or others. It's a personal search, i really believe this. Reflecting and thinking about happiness today was really productive for me. I feel pretty good right now about my quest for happiness. I actually feel that i have a better understanding than i did last week. Thanks for the conversation Ashlie. And of course im interested in your opinions and ideas. What are you going to school for now? And where? I have class soon. So enjoy your day

6 Sep 2011

The Peace Corps is a joke. It is all what you put into it. There is no direct supervision. So you can pretty much do whatever you want. It is a cultural exchange. I do not spread the American way of life and democracy. If people ask i tell them what i think and explain how there are so many different types of people that it is difficult to generalize. You should apply if you are interested. You could always change your mind for or against it. It is at least a year of processing. It has it's benefits. Health care and living expenses being the two main ones. Also in country training prior to placements. The set backs are you have to follow rules and don't pick were they send you. You're serving your country just like the ignorant military men, who i have to defend later! Haha. The purpose of the Peace Corps is not to help people or spread peace. It is to improve America's international affairs and image. But it is truely your service once you get out here. So it becomes whatever you make of it. If i had the money or skills i would have joined a different organization.

7 Sep 2011

I was just thinking about happiness and what you wrote while i was getting ready for bed. I don't think the pain scale is a good example, because i feel no physical pain right now. I would say a 0, and i feel that way normally. So why can't i with happiness? Just because someone has felt very depressed why should they settle for than happiness. The things you said about that book, having control over ourselves and not giving up, i agree with. Actually i feel strongly about these ideas, I think of Neo from the Matrix haha (am i living in a fantasy land? My favorite references are mostly fiction). So why should we give up on being happy. I think some people are happy most of the time, and carry that genuine smile most of the day. Like Siddhartha (i bet Herman Hesse believed this was possible if not felt it himself) and Morrie. Happiness is a state of mind. If you can love everything and find beauty in everything what is there not to be happy about? I'm not suggesting maintaining the happiest moment of your life at all times or escaping all sad or bad feelings but maybe being able to see past them and move on. 

My happiest moment in life, by far, was driving off base when i got out of the military. My memory is not as vivid as your story you told me. But i was so happy my cheeks hurt from the grin that couldn't be whipped from my face. Why was i so happy? Because after four years i was free. I have been just as free everyday since that moment but now i realize or believe that other things besides freedom are missing, valuable, or attainable. I hope you are not limiting yourself. You would probably agree most of our suffering and problems we create for ourselves. Dan's advice is perfect, absorb it and move on. I think we are capable of doing something similar for our happiness.  

9 Sep 2011

In Mozambique, I think talking care of your family is very important. There is high unemployment, so most people do not make money. So the people with actual jobs end up supporting a lot of people in their family, not just their immediate family either. So big families are common and students go live with there brothers, sisters, uncles, ect. Then HIV is a huge, many of my students have parents who are dead and some both. Family is really important here. But the relationships are different than ours. Children are much more obedient and have to work at home. They have a lot more responsibilities. People here in general are closed minded in the manner that they don't realize there are many ways to do something. They think there is only one way to cook rice for example. So people do not think critically very well. People love to be in charge. There are all these "chefes" (bosses) in the community and work places and people listen to them and take it serious. It is a man's world here. Many men have multiple parterns and even families. Women are not treated equally and end up having children early and never finishing school. It's very sexist here. Women are to cook clean get water and take care of the kids. They work hard around the house. The country is about a third Christian, muslim, and other. I think the religion is a way to give hope for many people here. The more rural you get the more rituals and probably other religions too. But i cant really say. The culture and people are very friendly and hospitable. To a fault. If someone has money they spend it and share with others. They do not plan for the future well. A lot of men are huge drunks, there is no concept of social drinking. Ok hope i didn't bash Mozambican's too much. People here are very nice, generous and helpful. If you read over my blog there are many examples. Ok that was a ramble.

As a former ignorant young military man, i share a lot of compassion for these men. Young men join the military at a impressionable age. For many of them college is not an option. Recruiters and the government market the pride and glory of being a solder well. Mix that with America's blind patriotism. And then they are brain washed and broken down during bootcamp. Because a good solder is obedient to orders. The troops don't know why we are there or even care. All those responses i had used with people questioning the war. Old crusty politicians that have never been to war make decisions and send our youth to go fight. Then they believe that America is the good guy and that we are fighting terrorist and "bad guys". They are trained to kill and in a culture were war movies and killing is cool. Then they go overseas and find out there are rules of engagement and they should not kill. Even though people are trying to kill them, maybe they watch their best friend die, kill an innocent child, or countless other acts. After that they come back home and feel like no one appreciates them "fighting for America" or our ideals. I was very lucky. I didn't have to shoot my gun or witness anything crazy. And i got out to go to college. But i went to college to party and have fun not to learn or because i was open minded. Learning and opening my mind was a result. Don't be so hard on the dummies that joined the military. I don't think it is that voluntary. How many rich kids and children from well educated parents join? Sorry if that is too much of a rant but it's like we only know what they tell us and they only tells us what they want us to know. And people never learn to question and really think. Even educated people hear what they want to hear. We plant these seeds in our head or they get planted somehow. Ok haha, Im done for now. I wasn't planning on such a long response. Enjoy your weekend! 

11 Oct 2011

There are many ideas running through my head. Why and how? Why do you think you are the way you are and Justin is the way he is? How much control do we actually have over the way we think and develope? I just read about the butterfly effect, im reading a book on math currently and i actually enjoy it. Anyways, "evan the tiniest alteration to the initial settings will cause the long term behavior of a sequence to change beyond recognition". The actions of a butterfly in Asia, while you read this, can "totally change" the outcome of the weather in Eagle Point years from. Crazy to think what little things in our early childhood, infant or even fetal developement could have completely changed the person we grew up to be. 

I just read Tom Sawyer last week. And now i'm craving adventure. I want to run off without telling anyone and just live in the moment. The school year is almost done here. I am ready for this break, i feel burnt out and the students are a lot worse than i am. First chance i get i'm hitting the beach to go surf.

No worries about the military. But i have a question, why is ignorance not an excuss? How can someone care about something if they don't know or understand it? I was ignorant to so many things most of my life. And i can imagine how ignorant i may appear at this moment when i look back years from now.

14 Oct 2011 Influential Quotes

"I don't want to not live because of my fear of what could happen" Laird Hamilton

"A true grinder. I learned how to win a little at a time. But finally i learned this, if you're too carefull your whole life can become a grind," Rounders

"All you can do is play along in life and hope sometimes you get it right" Dexter 

"Words will always retain their power. Words are for the means to meaning and for those who will listen the annunciation of truth. There is something terribly wrong with this country... If you are looking for the guilty you need only look in the mirror." V for Vendetta

"Although i can not move and i have to speak through a computer in my mind i am free." Stephen Hawkins

"Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power." Tao Te Ching

"The master doesnt try to be powerful, thus he is truly powerful. The ordinary man keeps reaching for power, thus he never has enough." Tao Te Ching

"All things have their backs facing to the female and stand facing the male. When male and female combine, all things achieve harmony." Tao Te Ching

"Ordinary men hate solitude. But the master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe." Tao Te Ching

"Some travel into the mountains accompanied by experienced guides who know the best and least dangerous routes by which they arrive at thier destination. Still others, inexperienced and untrusting, attemp to make thier own routes. Few of these are successful, but occasionally some by sheer will and luck and grace, do make it. Once there they become more aware than any of the others that there's no single or fixed number of routes. There are as many routes as there are individual souls." ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE 

"The search for happiness is a personal search and not a model we can pass on to others". Paulo Coelho The Pilgrimage.  

3 Nov 2011

In response to AJ asking about the joining the Peace Corps:

Hurry up and finish the application. Because it can take a long time to hear back. I left about a year after i finished my online app. Some people waited two years. Depends on what you want to do or where you want to go. I was willing to go anywhere and do anything. I teach English in Mozambique and i love it here. I'm very lucky because i'm learning Portuguese a language i can use after this. Also this country is full of beautiful beaches and nice people. There are many problems with AIDS, poverty, health, and corruption. But my time here has been full of great experiences. I have a lot of free time, sometimes too much. You know all those things you want to learn or read but cant find the time? Well i have time for them now. I play music and read a lot. I have been writing more, the things i was usually too busy to do.  I only teach 18 hours a week. When i applied I wanted to learn more about life, the world, and myself. So far so good. Plus i want to teach after and i'm learning a lot about teaching too. I have a blog with random stuff if you want to check it out. 

I really enjoy the downfalls. It makes me feel like more of a badass. Things like not having energy and water. The education system is horrible here so that brings challenges. Seeing people who need help and not being able to do much. Downfalls for average Americans are the food, transportation, living conditions, no AC, having to dress or art a certain way. Especially women, lots of these undeveloped countries are still sexist. Safety too, some places are not safe. Personally i have never felt unsafe once since a arrived but i'm lucky.

In general the Peace Corps is a joke. It is what you put in. There is little to no supervision. Some people are really busy others or most are really bored. Every country is probably a little different. And it would also depend on your job. But you will be thrown into a new and different place. Just express what you want from your experience. And keep getting other experience and doing volunteer work while your application processes. There are lots of people applying because of the problems finding jobs now. Please feel free to ask whatever questions you have. If you're adventurous, open minded, and whiling to live the lifestyle of an undeveloped country then this is perfect. The US tax payers will support your experiences well. Peace and do good things

31 Dec 2011

I have been traveling. I'm heading to what they say is Mozambique's most beautiful beach, Pemba. I just finished reading Sophie's World, an intro to philosophy with a story. It was ok. Actually i really liked it but the ending was weak. I think i might look into getting a philosophy degree. I have a kindle with over a thousand books and no clue what to start reading now. There are too many great books out there to read. I'm writing a character letter for one of my friends from the Marines. He was charged with two felonies. But he already has a history of problems with drinking and violence. I don't think anything i can say will help him. Two volunteers died in a car accident and three others were injured pretty bad.

I'm pondering the usual philosophical questions about life. No significant breakthroughs but i'm very grateful to be alive, healthy, and at least feel free. I might not be as free as i thought but i need to ponder that more. But i'm getting my travel and adventure fix maybe i can gain some insight from up north in Moz. Because it's about time to move on. Don't tell anyone but i'm going to look into staying another year here. I think i need more time to see Africa and learn Portuguese. 

You're becoming a big timer! That is awesome i'm proud of you. You are following your passion and i'm sure you're doing good things too. I wouldn't ask more of a person.

Do you think i'm missing out on part of life being single for almost my entire life? I feel like i am sometimes but then i also like my freedom and missing someone doesn't feel good either. I have been getting a lot of little crushes lately. I don't know why, maybe i'm desperate and trying to fill something that i might be missing. But i'm not acting on them either. Part of it could be this Peace Corps social network everybody finds out everything about everyone. At what point does patients become a cop out for not acting?  

Maybe this is where male hormones take over but your family should be happy that you have the ability to do the things you want. See, i am selfish. I cause suffering to my parents and i feel Johnny could have benefitted from me being around more in our early adulthood. Me, I cant stay and live the way people do back home. I would never be happy. Honestly i have never felt home sickness. I missed my nephews a little when i first joined the military. Other than that i have only missed one person in my life. This girl i met in Europe and thought i feel in love with. Like many guys i never showed or expressed my feelings, didn't even feel them. Then it felt awesome to have someone to love and express my feelings and thoughts with. So maybe this is why i think something is missing. I read RUIZ's FOUR AGREEMENTS, it was ok. I don't have the mastery of love on my kindle i'll try to download it. The love theme is everywhere. You're right about not needing someone. I don't want that. I want someone to share and experience life with. I have romantic dreams of traveling the world with someone i love and who wants something similar from life. But i know people and things change.

I don't think everyone should do the same things i do or think like me. I don't know what you should do either, leave your family and life in the US or buy a house and join the rat race. But fear should not make decisions in our life. Fear oppresses us. We cant be afraid to live. 

 

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Seeking (June 2011)

I hate wasting so much time on facebook. I have a long meaningless discussion going with my close friends from the military. It is crazy how much people and things can change. But then how easy it is to revert back to an old self. I find myself laughing at all our stupid and crazy stories. How much should it being in the pass matter? If someone I didn't know told a similar story and they were laughing, I would think they were idiots.

Time is going so fast. I will be finishing my service before I know it. I  can and should be doing more with my free time, which I am full of. I'm sleeping and playing on my phone too much. I want to start writing more. I'm not really friends with any of the other professors. I should try to reach out to them more.  The neighbor kid annoys me so much that I'm constantly hiding out from him.   

There is something on my mind, but I'm not sure what it is. I'm looking for something in life. I told a friend recently that I'm a lot more content with my life here than I was back home. I have experienced a lot here and learned more about life and the world we live in. But I'm still looking for something. I want to be a part of something big and meaningful. But I also want to wonder around and try to see everything. "The more you know, the less you understand." This is so true for me. I thought I was so happy as a 22 year old getting drunk and eating delicious steaks all the time

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Hormones vs Morals

I have been feeling a little emotionally lonely. And then I have been really horny lately. There is a girl I'm flirting with, but I don't really like her. She is cool, but just doesn't have that something. I'm over the previous girl. She was actually really inconsiderate. I was just blinded by something. There is another girl. She is cool and has a little something about her. But I'm not sure if she likes me like that. Maybe that is the "something," the challenge or whatever. Do I fulfill my hormonal desire or maintain my moral code? I feel like it is wrong to use a person for a physical need, and maybe it is too mean to be so explicit. I'm already leading her on. She wants me to visit her this weekend, but I'm not going. Too far, it is a nine hour travel at best. Well, my problem is extremely minor.

I'm very lucky to only have this to complain about. I feel very fortunate to be able to be here (Mozambique) and get a different perspective of life here. I have all this time to think, reflect, and read. I remember dad always saying Gramma Bobbie used to say, "You think you have problems? look around." I'm not sure where all this is going. I keep coming across this principle of love in the books I'm reading. Not just being in love, but having love for all people, life, or even abstract things. We have to follow our passion to be happy [1]. Change, growth, and developing more as a person is part of life, finding ourselves and THE WAY is no easy task. One thing I don't want is regrets in life.

[1]11 Mar 2023 Reflection- following one's passion is a terrible cliche. Depending on how that idea is interpreted, I think it is a potentially terrible idea. If follow your passion means be healthy and stable enough to enjoy hobbies and free time, then sure. If follow your passions means getting a graduate degree in an over-saturated field or struggling for decades to be an artist, then no!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

My Life and Happiness

I wrote this for my girlfriend at the time on 21 October 2009. I removed her presence to focus on my ideas. Otherwise, as any reader will notice, I didn't edit or revise. I've grown a lot as a writer and thinker. Anyone viewing this blog for the first time, find a newer post!

How I live in the US

In one word “simple”. I live a really simple life. I do not go out very much, spend, or make very much money. Im really good at saving money, I have to be to be able to do the things I want. I value my time so I do not buy very much stuff. I own more clothes than anyone needs. So I really do not need anything. I have only spent about $50 in the last.

I do not like eating out. For me most times I enjoy my own cooking better. I do not really enjoy going to bars or clubs anymore. I would rather go drink beer and play beer pong at Johnny’s with friends. I do act different with my friends. My friends are not really like me though. My brother is more like I am. And Will and I are similar in many ways.

Im working with my dad. We work about 6 hours a day, and it takes 45 minutes to get to and from work. When we get home I usually run and workout, shower, cook, and chill after all that. Watch some TV, play online, or play some music.

Happiness

I'm not really sure. I know I feel it when I am with you. I really feel how happy you make when I see at the train stations. To see your smile and your causal look, this makes me very happy. To walk around town holding your hand, to lay down at night with you by my side, to kiss you, to make love to you, all these things make me feel so great. Happier than I ever thought I would be. So happy that when you leave me it hurts and I feel sick. You make me feel so happy that I am completely clueless on what I want to do in life. All I can think about is that I want to be with you. I want to learn German so I can go to school or find a job near you. Or become an English teacher so I can teach English somewhere close to you. If I could find a job and get a work visa I would go now. Or after you came to visit. All these question I have about life, our purpose, happiness, I don’t know about. I try to keep an open mind, And just do what I think is right.

I say I want to help others, and I do. But this is also difficult. I just want to help people think for themselves. So many people are so blind or are slaves to this cycle of life. All they know is what they are told. They believe whatever the media tells them with out any evidence or proof. Or they want more from life but do not know how to achieve or take advantage of possible options.

I use to feel that just being happy in life was maybe selfish. Because I could be happy very easy and without being productive. But I think true happiness is more than just doing something fun. I

If asked everyday what is happiness? And I would probably tell something different each time. Im always thinking of different ideas and thoughts. I think happiness is hard to explain or easy to explain. We learn from our parents, school, and TV. But I know many people that have these things and are still not happy. I can tell you many things that make me happy. Achievement, sports, exercise, music, comedy, friends & family, eating, being on top of a mountain, the views of nature, sunsets and rises, at the beach, outdoors, being far away from the city/people/society, helping people with anything (directions, opening a door, carrying something), making other laugh, and there is more.

I used to never understand when people would say happiness is finding the person who is perfect for you. I understand why people think that. I think about what is the purpose in life and sometimes I think maybe there is not one. I would like to think that there is.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Short Autobio

I wrote this for my girlfriend at the time on 4 October 2009. I took out the parts where I was directly speaking to her and switched the pronouns when I addressed her as you. Otherwise, as any reader will notice, I didn't edit or revise. I've grown a lot as a writer and thinker. Anyone viewing this blog for the first time, find a newer post!

Short Autobio

I dont think I remember my childhood as well as most. I do not remember learning to read, spell, or any basic skills in school. I remember some things from playing at school like fighting and playing sports. I was always really good at math and horrible at reading, spelling, and grammar. I use to stutter a lot to as a kid. I still stutter today, not as bad. I was born in San Jose, California and lived there till I was 5. Im not sure why we moved exactly, probably because of money. But then we moved to Tracy, California. This is the town my mother was raised and lived most of her life. We lived on my mom's cousins ranch. In a very poor house next to the river and tomato fields. I liked living here as a kid. But you would not believe this house. The shower had a hole that went to outside, big enough to fall into. We had a drum set in your living room. My dad was on drugs, I guess he always was but not now. My mom had to drive over a hour to work and back everyday. She worked at a bank. And my dad drove truck.

My older brother was my idol, probably Jon's too. We were always playing sports. Baseball was my favorite. We played everyday. Justin, my older brother, never lived with us. But we always wanted him to stay the night. But we had a lot of fun at this house. We use to shoot birds, throw tomatoes at each other, play sports, and video games. We always had a lot of toys too. I didnt know any better about our home because most of my dad's family lived like this too.

My fathers family is full of druggies and crazy people. But I love them a lot. They are great people, very loving. But They all grew up in poor conditions. All of my cousins have had better lives then my aunts and uncles. Maybe because there are so many messed up people in my family, this could be one reason why I want to help others. My uncle Greg died from drugs. And he was always one of my favorite people. He was so funny and awesome to be around. Same with everyone in my dads family, they are very fun.

My mom had a better life. Her family is far more normal. Just very load and always yelling. My Nana is the most caring person I have ever met. She prays for everyone, remembers everyones birthday and sends them cards, and she is always giving her money to charity and anyone else who needs it. Even now and she is an old lady with no money. My mother and aunts get so mad at her for giving her money to all these people.

Both my parents smoked cigarettes and weed when I was growing up. I always hated smoking cigarettes since I was a kid. I never really knew the difference till I was older. And my parents were always fighting. Not physically but verbally. He seemed like every morning I woke up to my parents cursing and yelling at each other. Probably because me dad was on drugs. But my dad ws such a cool dad for a little kid. He always went to yard sales and brought us home toys. He was interested in everything we were. We liked comics and my dad would go out and buy all these comics. Baseball cards, whatever it was. We always got so much stuff.

We moved to Oregon when I was about 11. My older brother had just had his first child Jacob. We use to drive up to Oregon a lot to visit. And eventually my dad got my mom to move up to Oregon. She left all her family for us to be close to my brother Justin. We did everything with Justin and his family. Then my brother Justin moved back to San Jose. And we were all alone in Oregon. We dont really have any family here. My cousin Greg and some more distant relatives. Our home in Eagle Point was far from the city. Jon and I rode the bus to and from school. After school we hung out and played sports at our house. But there were not any kids to play with. Just us two. I think I missed out on a lot of stuff like riding bikes around town. Having girl friends and little things like this being so far away. We couldnt play school sports at times because of not having rides.

I was not a good student in elementary school. But for some reason in high school I was. I had never gotten less than a B. I had really good grades and always went to class. I only drank beer once before my 18th birthday. I fell in love with running when I was 16. My friend got me to go out from Cross Country(trail running). I was not any good and I hated racing. But for some reason I loved training and running. Every race I was so nervous, because I was unsure if I would be last or not. I was on the first team because out school did not have enough runners for the lower level race. I really hated racing. But I got better each race. I was never any good though.

About this time I fell in love with running I also knew I wanted to join the military. I loved America and one of my teachers taught me to be patriotic. Once I started looking at my options I knew that the Marines was for me. It was the hardest and the best, so they say. Many people told me not to join the Marines but there was no changing my mind. My pride was to much. I had to be the best and do the hardest training. The day I finished boot camp and was officially a Marine was a very proud day for. Over the next year plus I realized that everything I was told was lies. That it is not like what people think, or was on TV. I hated it more everyday. There is no freedom and so hypocritical. There are so many stupid little rules and you find out how pointless they are.

I went to Okinawa, Japan at 19 year old. I didnt like it. I missed the states. Not home sick but just having Americans and girls around. The war in Iraq started and we did not get to come home. This sucked for us. We had all been wanting to go home and then ended up staying an extra 5 months. When the war started I was watching it on TV and wanted to be there. At the time I wanted to go fight and kill “bad guys”. When we got home, we already had orders to go to Iraq. I was excited to go there. We trained and worked a lot and 6 months later I was overseas again. I read some books there and started changing how I thought. I was lucky to not have to kill anyone or see anyone die. Some of my good friends were not that lucky. And I have seen them have problems with drinking and dealing with these things. I could go on a lot talking about the war in Iraq. Im against it and any war. I dont violence is the answer for peace.

When I came back from Okinawa I had a lot of money saved. Others were going out, drinking, and having sex with prostitutes. And I was going to the gym and chillin in my room. I read the Lance Armstrong book and this inspired half my tatoo. I loved what Lance was all about. He beat cancer, never gave up on anything, and was a bad ass. I realized I needed purpose in my life. I didnt know what but I know I needed something. I was not very educated about life or the world. I came home bought a house and went back overseas.

In Iraq I started planning what I was going to do. I was really looking forward to college. And started looking up schools. I found Oregon State University was right for me. I got back from Iraq and had a lot of money again. This time I spent a lot. I got back with $16,000. I was making about $1,600 a month. 9 months later I got out of the military. I have never been so happy. My cheeks hurt I was smiling so much. Over the next year and a half I was partying a lot and enjoying being a free man. Didnt have to shave, cut my hair, do, or go anywhere. I grew my hair out for 18 months then I cut it and got a job. The two plus years after Iraq I spent all my money partying. I did travel around the states for 6 weeks and lived on my own. But looking back I wasted a lot of money. I t was fun at the time, but I still could have had fun without spending all that money like I did.

When I was low on money I started eating cheap, stopped going out as much, and was in great shape. I really enjoyed being fit and I started falling in love with the outdoors. I was hiking, riding bikes, and changing my beliefs more. Actually there was a lot of stuff going on. I was learning about things I was interested in but knew nothing about. I was learing a lot of basic science, psychology, and philosophy. I started thinking about my impact and what I want to do in life.

I always loved sports and exercise. That is why I wanted to study exercise and sports science. But I was figuring out this was not what I wanted to do in life. Athletes got it made already, I dont want to help them. I want to help people that need it. Try to prevent people from ending up like members of my family and friends. Most of my friends back home are stuck in the societies cycle, or Im not sure how to say it. They work just to get by. I make less money then each of my friends but I do more then all of them put together. I dont waste my money on things I dont need. I try not to waste my time. I realize life is short and I got a lot I want to do.

I have only had one girl friend before. We dated for maybe 2 months, I broke up with her because she just wasnt right for me. I knew it and I told her I didnt want a girl friend. I have had a few one night stands. But I was always drunk and the next day I always felt dirty and didnt like it. I didnt care about meeting and kissing girls. But sometimes I would be so drunk and horney and hook up with someone. I never really liked it. I would panic about what if they were pregnant or if they were dirty(diseases). Finally after this one women, I decided I was not going to sleep with anyone again that I wasnt dating or knew well. When I went to Europe I was not sure if I would hook up with someone or not. I didnt carry any condoms because I didnt really want to. But it had been 2.5 years since I had sex and only kissed one drunk girl.

Then I met a special girl on a cruise ship in Norway. I really felt something strong for you that night. But felt so stupid for getting rejected for a kiss. I was thinking about her all day after she left, but wanting to forget her because I thought I would never see her again. Then I got this SMS that changed my life, it really did. Because ever since then I have not wanted to stop thinking about her. Before we ever met in Praha I was already thinking about if I fell in love with her or staying longer in Europe to be with her. Thinking about our first kiss and if/when we would have sex. I didnt know what to think but I already had very strong feeling for her. After our 12 days well, I knew I.

I really feel like she are perfect for me. I wouldnt have changed anything about her. Every second with her had been very special for me. Now Im missing her a lot. I know we will see each other soon. And it is a difficult situation between us.

If I had never met her I would probably just work with my dad until I had enough money to move down to Southern California, surf, try to teach or volunteer with kids, and wait to join the Peace Corps. Maybe not exactly that, but something close.

Jon and I are a lot a like. He is my best friend and I have spent more time with him that any other person. Jodi is great to. She has improved my brothers life a lot. But they do not have a great relationship. Jodi is really bossy and Johnny (Jon, I call him both. It depends) does not communicate well. He complains to me about certain things all the time and is always telling me he thinks there are going to break up. I dont think they will tho. But Jon wants to do a lot of things in life too. And I dont think is has gotten closer to any of them since meeting Jodi, but that is his fault. He doesn't tell Jodi what he is thinking, or at least not the stuff he tells me. And they argue a lot at time too. But they do love each other, so I dont know.

My parents... Im not sure if they even love each other. They always are fighting. My dad is very lucky to have my mom. She is perfect for him. Not to many people would put up with my dad for all these years. He is an awesome father, even as a druggie. But he could be a better husband. My mom fights and yells too. But she is not as verbally offensive. And both always have to have the last word.

I argue a lot with my parents too. But not like they do. Im really critical of everything. Even my parents, so sometimes I can not believe the way they think. Or how my dad can be such a dick to my mom after all she does. And how my mom can be such a bias person after all she does for people. I try not to argue with them. But sometimes my emotions get the best of me. This is where I really like the eastern philosophy. I use these techniques I have learned to change my behaviors and I really think it helps. I believe we are creatures of habits. And bad habits are hard to break. So preventing these habits and behaviors are important for me. Whenever I get upset with my parents and say something I shouldnt it bothers me for a while. Maybe weeks, and Im always thinking about it and practicing not to do it again.

I think maybe Im too critical of Americans sometimes. I just hate how so many people are so rude and closed minded. My family too. I think people in Europe people are more aware of not saying things that may offend others. Americans will say like “Jewish people are so...” with out even knowing or caring if anyone could be Jewish for example. Or say whatever they think. Not everyone and maybe more Europeans are too. I mainly only met travelers and did not know any native language anywhere I went. So maybe I didnt get a real feel for the people.

After a football game when my brother was driving me home home. I told him how I never noticed before how offensive out family really is. I told him, “Im always thinking what Siria would think if she was here with me now.” He told me dude, you should have told her you were an orphan and dont have any family. It was really funny, we were both laughing pretty hard. Haha. My family is good people, they just do not know how to think before they speak.

There is a lot more about me too. I could probably write about this much for each of the last 10 years of my life.