Life in "The Aso"

Old traditions die hard, and so do places in faraway countries that we inhabit for a year. The farewell parties have just start rolling full speed. It's exhausting; it makes putting together the pieces of my time here (and my time after) so much harder.

Someday, in less than a month, I will find myself back on my home island of Maui. Someday after that I may find myself somewhere else in the states. The mystery continues....

Last night I found myself eating organic, home-grown Japanese food at home of the Otanis. After the usual conversations during dinner and so on, I decided to spice up the conversation. We then discussed karma, reincarnation, morality, etc. I agreed that the concept of reincarnation, on the most practical level, can be a simple way of creating a more positive outlook on life and death. Mr. Otani then argued that perhaps 50% of life is determined by outside factors of which we have no control over. Then it is up to us to believe in the other 50% if we want to make our lives better. I am glad we spoke of these things; as I head into a new era of my life after this I want to do everything I can to maneuver my boat into wonderful waters.