My Days in Taiwan (Part 4)

The first part of my trip to Taiwan was spent in Taipei with my friends from grad school, Simon and Amanda, and Becky, Amanda's mother. The last part of my trip was spent with a former student, Ken Ning, whom I advised while working at my previous institution of employment in the US. Ken also… Continue reading My Days in Taiwan (Part 4)

My Days in Taiwan (Part 3)

you had better not appear -you, superfluous moonthe sky already is too crowdedtruth is I'd rather be aloneon the nightest nightthe night without a starlooking at you looking at mewe don't really exist [cont.] everything can and cannot be seenon a night like thiswhat I'm touching is not you -I can almost feel- is that… Continue reading My Days in Taiwan (Part 3)

My Days in Taiwan (Part 2)

Attachment is the source of all suffering.Buddha During the third day of my trip to Taiwan, I continued to spend time with Amanda, Simon, and Becky (Amanda's mother). Like I mentioned in my previous blog post, Amanda and Simon are my old friends from graduate school. They are leaving Taiwan on June 14th in order… Continue reading My Days in Taiwan (Part 2)

My Days in Taiwan (Part 1)

Located off the southeastern coast of China, Taiwan is about the same size as Belgium and was named Formosa Island by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century due to its stunning natural beauty. [...] Due to its historical mixture of influences, Taiwan has its own distinct culture."23 reasons why you should book your next trip to… Continue reading My Days in Taiwan (Part 1)

Subject: Safety Tips before Leaving for Summer Vacation (A Sonnet)

Lock all doors, double-check if OCDShut off gas to keep stove from explodingClose all windows and latch them properlyRemove all food to keep from decomposingSwitch off lights, fan, pump, and generatorRemove electronics from every socketShut down breakers—except the fridgerator'sStore your treasures in a safe and lock itDo not leave garbage inside your dwelling Pay your bills… Continue reading Subject: Safety Tips before Leaving for Summer Vacation (A Sonnet)

30 Days of Ramadan: New Understandings and Challenges

Image source Ramadan Kareem! Today marks the fifth day of #Ramadan2019. In my last blog post, I wrote about the onset of Ramadan here in Qatar. This is only my second Ramadan in a Muslim country, so I am still learning quite a bit every day about the traditions and practices of the ninth month… Continue reading 30 Days of Ramadan: New Understandings and Challenges

INFO: Congratulations! Your Student Loan Is Paid Off!

Dear CONAN, We are happy to report you have successfully completed full repayment of the student loan(s) listed above. Congratulations on reaching this exciting goal! We will now release you from your financial fitted yoke. Please keep this notification for your records. Details about your loan will remain in your online account for 13 months.… Continue reading INFO: Congratulations! Your Student Loan Is Paid Off!