Anyone who follow us on twitter @themusicks or reads this blog knows that Chad and I are both disabled. Recently on twitter I saw a conversation about the difference between being disabled and being chronically ill. As a psychologist, for me disability means that it impairs your daily functions and there are chronic illnesses...
When I date, one of my most common date plans (once I’m close with the person) is to do something cool, then invite them to my house to eat dinner. My first invitation is always with me planning to cook for the girl. Usually, this leads to them offering to help me cook whatever...
Every year from November until about the end of January, I reflect and contemplate what I would like to accomplish in the next year, how I did on last year’s goals, where I am at in my three year plan, and where I am at in my five year plan. Upon reflection, last year...
At the end of November, I started at a new job. For the least 6 years, since I finished a postdoc, I’ve been working only peripherally to my degree. That’s been harder than I wanted to admit. It often felt like having my “nose pressed against the glass.” I love to write, but I...
Some of you may know, but many of you probably don’t, that I graduated college when I was 16. I skipped junior high and high school, and I entered into my bachelor’s program at the age of 12. I studied online while living here in Japan. Graduating early gave me quite a few opportunities...
I think I may have written about this before. I know we have covered it in the podcast, but today I have a new twist on things. I am an atheist, which is no surprise to anyone who listens to the podcast or follows us on twitter. In the United States, I celebrated Christmas...
With December and January, and the heart of winter, arriving in Japan, illuminations are a common and popular event. There are illumination events that get hundreds to thousands of people a year in Nagoya. I am one of the many fans of these light show events, and I have been to quite a few...
Lately, I have felt profoundly alone and on my own with everything that I am doing. I can honestly say that not a single person in the past six months has asked me what I want. No one asks me about my goals, hopes for the future, or how I make it from one...
I recently did a really thorough cleaning of my house. With help from my mother to get things really spotless, I realized that cleanliness isn’t just about cleaning up after yourself. It’s also about living in a way that makes it easy for you to not make a mess to begin with. For a...
I have a lot of pet peeves. I have been reflecting on them lately because I am wondering if it is time to learn how to deconstruct them because if one is set off, it can tank my mood for a few days. I’m thinking this is not a good thing. One of them...