Ah, AZ—thank you for this. It means a lot that you asked–and I don’t take that kind of care for granted.
The truth is that I’m a single guy out here. Been that way for a bit now. I had a serious relationship that ended a few years back—easily the most intense and traumatic of my life. It knocked the wind out of me, and for a long time, it also knocked the hope out of me. My hopeless romantic ass took a beating. Took me a while to find my footing again, and even now, I’d say I’m still learning how to walk open-hearted. But I’m getting there. That said, I trust that I'll meet her when I'm meant to.
So for now, my dog is the one who greets me at the door–she's been through it all with me, traveling with me from Taiwan > USA > NZ > Taiwan–and my cat occasionally acknowledges my existence (on his terms, of course :D). They’re my little family here in Taiwan. My folks are separated—pops is down in southern New Mexico, and ma is in southern Arizona. Big bro is up near Salt Lake with his crew & my baby sis just packed up for Ecuador with her fiancé. So yeah, we’re kind of scattered—but I talk to each one of them most days throughout the week & the family remains strong.
As for the state of education back home–whew. I feel your words deep in my bones. It breaks my heart to see what’s happening—not just in Texas, but across the board. The system’s being stripped bare, and somehow it’s always the kids who pay the highest price. It’s both infuriating and exhausting. I feel for every parent, every teacher and every student caught in the collateral damage.
But I also know you, AZ. And I’ve seen your stance—here on Hive, in the Splinterlands trenches, everywhere you plant your flag. You don’t back down. You fight with love & principle and you lead from the front. I admire the hell out of that. (And yes, I may have noticed your presence over the years. Once or twice ;) )
One day, our paths will cross. I’m sure of it. And when that day comes, I’d be honored to host you & the whole Familia Azircon here. Seriously—doors open, guest room ready.
We’ve got a growing little school that would love a guest lecture or two from Dr. Az! For a week. A semester. Tenure. Earth science Geology. Critical thinking. Debate & logic–you name it & we’re here for it.
Appreciate you amigo!
BJ: thank you for writing this. I hope this helps. I have always felt writing something out takes it off the chest. For me at least it is therapeutic.
Relationships are hard man! They were always hard and they are only getting harder. Especially during and post Covid times I have seen so many close friends going through this.
Thanks for the kind words. Taiwan will happen for sure. Let us talk live soon on air and we will vent more :)
And I'm glad you asked!
Yes, let's make it happen soon! Lookin forward to it, Az :)