The fact of the matter is that it would be cool to be interviewed by a well-read newspaper or magazine, but I think I've figured out why the Times or Newsweek hasn't sent anyone my way yet. They don't know where to find me. Therefore, I am going to interview myself and aid them in the process.
Influential Reporter: Tell me about you.
Weston: Let's see. The food that I'm confidnet I would enjoy if I gave them a try, but I avoid on purpose, include coffee, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
Influential Reporter: Logical, yet odd. Maybe a topic other than food?
Weston: Hmmm…I believe there is an indirect correlation between one's likelihood of imagining and the magnitude of their vocabulary. As the latter goes up, the former decreases.
Influential Reporter: You're kind of weird. What else you got?
Weston: I find it interesting that when two people either bump hands or feet when sitting, often times neither person occupies that space after the physical contact has been made.
Influential Reporter: Interesting. Anything actually worth writing about?
Weston: I love life, and I think that three piece bathing suits will soon be all the rage.
Influential Reporter: Hold on there, can you explain that last part?
Weston: Water proof socks. I believe that WPSs will soon be a part of bathings suits because…
Influential Reporter: No, I mean the former statement. You said, "I love life." Explain.
Weston: Well, I was riding back to our temporary home in Ukraine on public transportation, I was sweating from the heat, the road was bumpier than those Adidas flip flops they claimed massaged the foot, my bed was still a twenty minute walk once we reached the bus station, and I had one of those, I'd-like-to-be-home-right-now moments when this adorable old woman with sunken eyes, a head band and a dress that was probaby actually a skirt sat down next to me. I couldn't help but think, "I love life."
Influential Reporter: You mean to say that you love this life. This World Race life of travel, service, glitz, and grammar.
Weston: It's glamour.
Influential Reporter: Right, good catch.
Weston: No, I mean life, as in the compilation of 24 hour time periods that accumulate and include experiences, events, emotions, and eating. See, months ago there were days I wanted to be home just to be done with the Race. Now, I can't help but be excited about the after. I believe this is healthy and fine, but I also don't want to fall into the "grass is greener" mindset. I've witnessed this perspective on at least four different continents. I'm realizing more and more what I already kew, that not only is the grass rarely actually greener, but the old yard was a lush garden I didn't take enough time to look down at and enjoy. I love the opportunity that is "life" to spend my hours learning, discovering, and pursuing. Every moment is significant.
Influential Reporter: So do you do anything in particular when you feel this "return home" mindset coming on? Maybe read something in particular?
Weston: Perfect question influential reporter. I've actually brought myself to read straight through Philippians whenever I feel this way, because it speaks the truth about how my attitude should be the same as that of Jesus, in humility considering others interests, pressing on toward the goal, and being content in all circumstances.
Influential Reporter: So you pretty much have everything you want?
Weston: Hell no. Wait, don't publish that.
Influential Reporter: Don't worry. I doubt this will ever go to print.
Weston: Ouch, ok then. Anyways, I'm realizing that what I think will make life better, probably actually won't. I want to be able to say, "I love life," no matter the circumstances.
Influential Reporter: Right, I've heard this "simplify," "be content with what you have," and "focus on what truly brings joy," story before.
Weston: But have you ever actually put it into practice?
Influential Reporter: Here and there, but not habitually. I don't really have the opportunity to, though. I mean, wife, kids, mortgage, and car payments need to be taken care of, right? I'll enjoy life on weekends, holidays, and during retirement. You're young, not yet overly cynical, have good health, are dashingly good-looking, and use words from the days of black and white movies to build up your self-esteem.
Weston: Although, aren't we talking about something far more than merely enjoying parts of a greater whole?
Influential Reporter: I dont know. You're the one asking and answering the questions.
PS: The night after I finished writing this, I was up for hours with, I'll keep it PG, food coming out both ends. While sitting there I had to laugh thinking about what I had just written. I love life.
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