Of Love and New Beginnings

It has been said time and again that the best things present themselves when least expected. I am a firm believer in this notion. Recently, I was surprised by a handsome man who crossed my path. He swept me off my feet and with him took hold of my heart. Quickly, we developed a strong bond that the greatest forces of the universe could not break. Just as quickly, we both realized what we had found in one another - great comfort in realizing our compatibility - something sought after by so many but achieved by very few.

I learned from my mother that, in order to develop and maintain a strong relationship, it is important to respect someone for his or her individuality and unique character traits. At first, I didn't understand what she implied by this advice. The first few romantic relationships I had were filled with desires to achieve the unachievable and become a reflection of what someone else was looking for. After many failed attempts to fit an unsuitable mold, I started to understand the implications of my mother's words.

When I met him, I was caught off guard by his big heart and beautiful emotional core. He was stunningly handsome. I quickly came to admire him for his strength, confidence, and beauty. I knew that I had found a rare gem, and that my life was quickly taking a great turn.

It was natural for us to develop a significant emotional bond. We felt a mutual, natural emotional connection. I quickly and naturally fell in love, and let it be know to him. He returned that love to me.

Yesterday, he left Bangkok for London, England. Today, he arrived safe and sound. Hours after his arrival, I heard from him, and felt a great deal of relief. It's a new beginning for the two of us, and we're both very excited to embark on this adventure together. We've discussed many aspects of our relationship, and we're both on the same page when it comes to what we're hoping to achieve together.

We are aware that we'll have to remain physically distant much of the time for a couple of years. What is a couple of years in the grand scheme of life? In this case, I will be 24 going on 25, instead of 22. He will be 27, instead of 24 going on 25. Think about this - the average male adult in the U.S. lives to be in his 70s. In Thailand, an average adult male lives until his mid 60s. If that is the case, we are comparing about two years to between 40 and 50 years. In 40 years, I will be 62. He will be 64. In 50 years, I will be 72, and he'll be 74. In the grand scheme of life, a couple of years is but a drop in the bucket, and for a man who possesses such confidence, strength, maturity, and beauty, two years is an easy wait.

Life throws curve balls when you least expect them. C'est la vie. Our plans might undergo some revisions, but one thing will not falter - my love for him. I've found a wonderful, beautiful human being, and am forever grateful. I am never alone, nor is he. We're in this together, and will move forward as both individuals and a unit. My strength, confidence, and love for him will hold firm.

Good night and good luck, as you begin your new adventure in London! I will always be with you.

Hisashiburi

The title says it all: it has been a while. A couple of years ago, a viewer commented on one of my posts. He told me that I was quite the writer, and that I should "keep writing, until the very end". Shortly thereafter, I took a nearly two-year-long hiatus. To the viewer - I regret my decision to have taken said hiatus. Now for good news - as of 1.11.11, I have returned to blogging, and would like to take a post to reflect on the past two years, and on life.

Since I last blogged nearly two years ago, a lot has changed. Several weeks ago, I reflected on the changes that took place in this short time span. I am an advocate for change, and would not be happy if change did not occur in my life, but for goodness sake, the past two years have brought a whirlwind of change.

As the new semester approaches, I am fully aware that my undergraduate career is near completion. Forty two months ago, I entered the University at Albany as an immature freshman. Forty two months later, as I peer back at the days of relentless partying, short-lived romances, and great exploration, it's hard to recognize the young man who once dreamed of a career in television meteorology, who held no interest in Asian culture, and who could not have foreseen his life as it stands on 1.11.11.

Aside - it's purely a coincidence that I write this post on such a famed date.

Since I always do this, let's put everything into perspective.

I was born on 22 October, 1988. This fell on a Saturday, and stood as the 296th day of the year 1988. Saturday, 22 October marked the end to the 42nd week of 1988. As of 1.11.11, I was born 22 years and 20 days ago, which can also be stated as 266 months and 20 days ago. More precisely, I was born 8,116 days ago, or 8,117 days ago if you include today's date. While my birth occurred shortly after midnight, for the sake of argument, I'll say I was born at midnight on 22 October, 1988. In that case, I was born 194,784 hours ago, which is equivalent to 11,687,040 minutes, or 701,222,400 seconds (all rounded to the nearest hour, minute, and second, respectively).

At this point, you might be rolling your eyes and considering clicking the "x" on the top right-hand corner of your browser. Before doing so, I challenge you to figure out your lifespan as of today's date, and reflect on the events, big and small, that brought you to this point. I challenge you to put your life into perspective. That's what this blog is about - placing a spotlight on life and developing new perspective. Growth is coupled with perspective, much like our atmosphere is coupled with the vast oceans that cover our planet. They don't work independent of one another, but rather together. Such is the coupling of love and happiness, two of the greatest elements of life one can achieve.

Enjoy each moment - aim for the stars - soar ever upward and embrace the open sky - you're on a lifelong journey.