Note from a Nomad

Yes! I'm finally in my element. A vodka martini, and burger washed
down with some Norwegian beer. Perfect. The lustre of travel is in
doing things you know you won't likely get a chance to again. That's
why I love it. Do it, live it just once. But with abandon - and with
all your heart.

Sent from my iPhone

Trip Next Week!

For those of you who have been reading my blog since the early days - you might recall that I had wanted to visit Norway. Well, it's about to happen.

Next Thursday I'll be flying out to Stockholm and starting my 19-day vacation in Scandinavia. Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark. Not the best time of the year to visit, of course, but I'm excited!

Tourist tips much appreciated.

Free Will: Happiness and the Foundations of Morality

Hi Ruby

Hi Ruby, thanks for the kind note. Frankly, it surprised me that anyone would even read this particular post, let alone comment on it. I really appreciate it.

Sorry your surgery was delayed. I hope they find a suitable date soon. As far as nerves - think positive thoughts, and relinquish control. Sure it's scary to go under the knife. But stressing out doesn't help. I remember before my surgery a colleague of mine asked - "Aren't you nervous?". I said - "No - all I have to do is pass out. I think if anyone, my SURGEON should be nervous!" :)

All jokes aside, I hope everything goes well for you. All this will become a distant memory in the near future. Trust me.

Along Came Charlie

I was - am - heartbroken.

Highly functional by day, and highly dysfunctional by night, I didn't want to go home after work. Didn't want to be home alone, drowning in tears and dark thoughts. Smoking cigarettes and sipping Scotch. Struggling to forget when it hurts to remember. - To no avail.

Then in my occasional, 2-year-long search for a canine companion, I found Charlie. A fully grown, 1-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Beagle mix who weighs 25 lbs. He needed a loving home and I needed affection. Perfect win-win situation.

As with any commitment, a lot of work is required. But I'm ready - and actually looking forward to it. Training classes, walks on the beach, sunny afternoons in the park, etc. Perhaps commitment breeds love - I don't know.

A friend of mine just wished me "Maitri & Karuna" on Facebook.

Maitri = friendliness, pleasantness, lovingness
Karuna = compassion, mercy

How very kind of him. Now - let the healing begin.

23 Vs. 33

I just had my 33rd birthday this weekend.

For those of you who are considering jaw surgery - but hesitating because you think you might be too old - you're NEVER too old.

The picture on the right was taken when I was 23. The picture on the left was taken on my 33rd birthday, just a couple of days ago.

I'm so glad I decided to get braces at age 30 and subsequently undergo jaw surgery. I'm not advocating doing it for purely cosmetic reasons. But, if there are cosmetic benefits in addition to medical ones - then why not?

Random Things I've Learned

1. Don't be a narcissist, but love yourself.
2. Think positive.
3. Keep an open mind.
4. Be kind.
   
5. See as much of the world as possible. Travel.
6. Have class.
7. Vocalize praise and appreciation.
   
8. Stay curious.
9. Take interest in things other than just yourself.
10. Create win-win situations. Don't build your happiness upon someone else's misery, nor their happiness yours. Neither would be justified or sustainable.
    

Hey Emily

Sorry it took me so long to get get back to you, Emily, but here you go:

Q: How long was your recovery?
A: Define recovery. I took 5 weeks off post-surgery.

Q: Were people amazed by the change after the swelling had gone done? I kind of want a total transformation because my underbite is very apparent; will the change be totally different? (I'll send you photos).
A: "Amazed"? Maybe not. Mostly people tell me I look younger and my face is rounder. I'm the only person I wanted to "amaze" - and quite frankly, I'm very happy with the results.

Q: What was the most difficult part of recovery?
A: Breathing problems. See http://bracemyself.blogspot.com/2007/02/breathing-through-wet-sponge.html.

Q: My upper jaw is really flat and concave, but they haven't brought up the fact that I need it shortened and advanced a little, should I insist for the best results? I am also, having my jaw set back.
A: Consult your surgeon. I can't give you any professional opinions.

Q: Was there any permanent numbness upper or lower? Any paralysis?
A: About a third of my lower lip still feels somewhat numb, but it's not enough to bother me.

New Year's Resolution

Did you make a New Year's resolution?

 

I didn't.  Haven't in a long time.  But I want to, even at the risk of failing flat on my face.  So here it goes:

1. Be more patient.
2. Take a photography class. 
3. Quit sugar.

Now, #2 and 3 are easy to measure.  Either I did it or I didn't.  But #1?  How can I keep track of that?