What’s one thing you own that holds deep sentimental value?
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When we got our household storage back after 12+ years abroad, I discovered all sorts of items with tremendous sentimental value that I’d forgotten had existed. That’s how sentimental I am.
What’s the worst travel experience you’ve ever had?
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My “worst travel experience” is like my “worst sexual experience;” it still beats the hell out of sitting at home alone on the couch. (Also, worst travel experiences make the best travel stories — given enough distance in the rearview to see the humor.)
Do you set personal goals for yourself?
It’s better than having them set for me… and also better than having to set personnel goals.
What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you could?
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I slouch more towards overestimation than underestimation.
Besides, it’s generally true that if one thinks one can’t, one is right — i.e. self-fulfilling prophecy has great sway.
What’s something you’ve done that your past self would be proud of?
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Still be alive? I don’t know. The little shit was underawed by virtue of great expectations.
What’s one thing you know now that would have saved your younger self a lot of pain?
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I believe the distinction between knowledge and wisdom is that one merely needs to be able to understand knowledge, but one must be able to live wisdom. For example, one can teach a five-year-old Jesus’ lesson about turning the other cheek, and they may understand every word but still be struggling to live it sixty years later.
My point is that I’m doubtful that knowing anything would have saved me pain because I would have had to live it, and that takes time, experience, and struggle.
My bar for a place to feel like home is that I don’t have to think every time about where I will eat or do my laundry. So, I’ve had this a number of times in a number of countries in which I had access to a kitchen(ette) and a washing machine.
Change your relationship to sensation.
Feel it all but stop assigning it meaning and value judgements.
What’s something you do completely differently from how you were raised?
Travel.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever found randomly on the street?
I’d like to say common courtesy, but – honestly – a hundred dollar bill.
