HLTW: Mission Statement

Hello devoted readers!  Yes, I’m talking to the 2.5 of you out there who still visit this page in the hope that I might eventually post something.  Anything.  Perhaps even just a mention that once, this week, I ate.  And found it satisfactory.  And that is all.

Well, I have so much more in store.

As all (or most of you) know, I’m packing my bags and running away from home.  I am fulfilling my teenage dream of immersing myself in Asian culture (um, to my high school friends – I know what you’re thinking.  So you don’t really need to say it, ‘k?).  I suppose I could have actually learned about these languages and cultures before throwing myself into the deep end, but no matter.  It’s happening.  On Monday, as a matter of fact. I have a ticket and a passport, and I’m not afraid to use it.

Of course, I’m afraid of just about everything else.  These days I’m afraid of everything, all the time.  I had a conversation with a 22 year old recent college graduate who’s still living with her parents.  She was considering taking this plunge as well, but she passed it up because she was too scared and, frankly, the idea is kind of absurd to begin with.  So apparently this is the kind of thing you do at 34, not 22.  But really, let’s be honest.  You only do this kind of thing at 34 when you’re blonde, thin, and have a book deal.  And swear a “vow of celibacy”, of course.  And then magically find a husband!!!  Because you weren’t looking!  And that’s when it happens!  Because you have to love yourself first!  And lots of other clichéd affirmations!  Or some garbage like that. 

Yeah, this isn’t that kind of story.  Definitely not Eat Pray Love.  More like Eat, Drink, Eat.  Or just Eat, Eat, Eat.  But just know up front, there will be no religious revelations.  And no marriage.  And no book deal.  Just a crazy woman spending four months in Asia.

Oh, and there are also going to pictures.  Really this time.

So here’s the deal:  My computer, my magical backpack and I will be embarking on this adventure in just a few days.  My plan is to post a couple of times a week, assuming that I don’t get kidnapped by pirates (in that case I’ll have to limit my posts to once a week.)  I would love it if you would all stop by.  Read up, leave comments, tell me you think I’m ridiculous, whatever.  But I would like the next four months to be more dialogue, less soliloquy. 

Did I mention that I’m heading to Taipei, home of soup dumplings and tasty night markets?  And then traveling through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam?  Yeah.  I’m doing that.  So sit back and get hungry.