What’s your definition of romantic?
A hand gently resting against your cheek as if it is holding something precious and fragile. Arms affectionately wrapped around you as if you protect you, wanting to hold you close as they rest. Being inside a heart and treated as if you are the extension of someone’s own skin. A small note of kindness. Being reminded you are on their mind throughout the day. A smile when your eyes meet.
Asking me what the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten is a daunting task for a foodie, but I would have to say the strongest emotional response of “this is heaven” was my first meal at a restaurant in Italy. I remember just being in shock after trying the food, and there was this kindly old man behind the counter who smiled over in my direction like he could sense the customer appreciation. I knew instantly that this country had something special going on in its culinary traditions.
My belief in God and Jesus Christ are a big part of my life and identity. Although physical and mental health are topics often spoken of, I think it is also important to develop our spiritual health. I suggest doing this by seeking after truth and always working on yourself, growing towards a deeper understanding of wisdom and love.
How do you practice self-care?
I have a page on my site where I delve into many methods I’ve developed overtime to handle stress, and those largely roll into forms of self-care.
How do you waste the most time every day?
I seem to spend the most time driving (usually during my commute) or quietly pondering life in mediation, staring out the window at nature, or going for walks where I tend to call people to catch up. I wouldn’t consider quiet moments as wasteful but necessary decompressing from the day.
Write about your first crush.
My first real crush was l freshman year in college. I sat behind him in Western Religions class and nicknamed him Bluejay. He had curly brown hair and his kind and reflective way of speaking was always a joy. We conversed a little and I also saw him at Wednesday night church services. Unfortunately, a couple of months into my crush I noticed he had a girlfriend with him at church. Of course he was already taken, all of the good ones were. I was emotionally distraught and cried for hours realizing I would most likely always be alone. Eventually I came to terms with it and decided friendship would need to be good enough for the rest of my life. It has been about 17 years since then, and this year for the first time in my life I have found someone who loves me and whom I love. I know how hard it was when couples would forget me, so I plan to keep time for my friends so they don’t have to feel the isolation of singlehood.
What countries do you want to visit?
I have traveled to other countries in Europe and Asia, but I think my priorities have changed from where I’d like to visit to whom I would like to spend time with and our mutual interests. Solo trips are nice, I am just ready for doing something with more intent than my own whims. My next trip to France for example is to stay with a friend and attend their wedding. I kept the travel itinerary simple to reduce stress.
How do you want to retire?
While stepping away from grinding work sounds nice, I would love to have the time to get involved in helping people in other capacities that I currently don’t have time for due to work. it would also entail time in nature and finding involvement in community and connections.
What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?
Good quality food is something no good substitute exists for. You can’t put junk food in the tank and expect the same results.
What’s a job you would like to do for just one day?
I would love to do a new job everyday for at least 3 months. I could work with a cozy chef, garden in a paradise, design a landscape, help construct a home, perform with musicians, try various office jobs, be an athletic trainer, help people who just need someone to listen, teach a class to adults, work on a luxury cruise ship, be a tour guide, help arrange a wedding party, design jewelry, learn traditional crafting skills from around the world that maintain a preservation of the past, be a storyteller, take care of animals, and whatever other odd jobs that come up.
Mauron Kur 