Posts

“You start lying so much you become an honest man” — Me, just now. I think I might be some sort of genius with this paradoxical statement. Has it been said before? Whatever, I’m going to post it on my burner Twitter account. It reminds me of that time I asked my stand-up comedy professor what to do when a genius idea strikes and I want to quote myself. She told me it’s easy nowadays—just go ahead and post on Twitter. This was my professor for my stand-up comedy class, by the way. ...

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting Japan on a school trip, where I immersed myself in the culture through the lens of its elite class—the families who own and operate some of the largest institutions in the country. Much like the chaebols in Korea, Japan has powerful families at the top that control its largest conglomerates. While a similar dynamic exists in the U.S., it is often less publicly acknowledged or accepted. Whether this is due to secrecy or ignorance is for you to decide. Now, before I embark on one of my legendary tangents, this journey opened my eyes to the stark contrasts between Japan and the Philippines—two nations that, despite their geographical proximity, present vastly different societal landscapes shaped by their unique histories, cultures, and economic conditions. ...

In the dim light of a college café on a crisp autumn afternoon, I first encountered Sam. He introduced himself simply as Sam, a name stripped of its complexity, ready for the world. Later, I would learn he was Samir, a name that bore the weight of history and expectation, woven into the vibrant tapestry of India. He stepped into this new life with a fervor that was both intoxicating and naive, eager to immerse himself in the American dream, particularly the glamorous life he had observed through the glowing screen of television. ...

I sit in the dark The screen is so damn bright I am awake now

Back in high school, a good friend of mine shared how his father had a nightly ritual of taking Ambien mixed with alcohol to sleep. One night, when he ran out, he tore the whole house down in a frantic search for more and called anyone he thought might have some. His dependency on the drug became painfully evident when he ultimately resorted to obtaining some from a suspicious doctor for an exorbitant sum. I thought about how terrifying it must be to need something so desperately just to find rest. I imagined that if I were in his position, I would likely stockpile several bottles as a precaution, ensuring I would never run out or have a backup in case I misplaced one. At that moment, I resolved to seek better ways to improve my sleep—perhaps journaling could help clear my mind and prepare me for rest, I thought. ...