Time to Boast

I love my life.

I love my life because everyday is an adventure.

I truly believe that you can control your environment. There are many subtle different ways to view a single event. If you try to take the most positive but yet realistically grounded view, you will find yourself happier. Humor helps. Laughing at yourself helps. Humility helps.

Happiness for me is the experience.

I love that no matter how scared or nervous of things I am, big or small, rational or irrational, I still try. And usually succeed.

When I do not succeed, or see no clear sign of success, things work themselves out in wonderful ways. This never fails. (Please notice the usage of "When I do not succeed..." as opposed to "When I fail..." Life is all about perspective.)

Life should always, ALWAYS, be cross-pollinating. I do not care if you are Ghandi preaching civil disobedience, Mozart writing music, or a mathematical genius like Einstein...you can always learn something new. People have something to offer if you give them a chance. The moment you stop and think you know it all is when life smacks you in the face and you realize how foolish you are. Arguably, I have acquired more knowledge about English simply through the act of teaching than the amount I have bequeathed upon my students. A net positive for Alan.

I think kindergarten-ers brains are so absorbent because they do not have to worry about social cues or other social pressures. For them, it is all about learning. Everything is new to them relative to us. Environment is huge. With this being said, I think it is possible, to a degree, for adults--as I guess I can call myself--to have an absorbent mind. As absorbent as when we were younger? No. But, I do feel that I can quickly adapt to new locations and new situations...even new languages to a decent degree. Maybe it is because my brain operates on patterns. I say this because I have been complemented multiple times on my Korean and chopstick skills--by Koreans nonetheless--despite only knowing a handful of phrases. Phrases that can get me in and out of a conversation quickly. I learn something new, I hear it in context, and I adapt it into my vocabulary. Language is just one giant puzzle for me. Perhaps the Koreans are just being nice, though, and I should get off my soap box.

I have no idea what the cashier is saying to me but I know when they are asking me if I want a bag (sans hand motion). Also, plastic grocery bags are an additional cost here, like Europe. America needs to take note.

Bedtime.