Dodging Bullets: Dating a Moroccan

Insistence does not always pay off. Dating an on-again, off-again online relationship with a Moroccan.

My 5 Year Journey to Better Looking Skin

I began struggling with my skin in 2013. I was standing in the restroom putting eyeliner on when I noticed how red and cracked my cheeks were. It was as if by acknowledging the redness that I also suddenly felt the intense heat. I did a quick body check and realized that aside from my...

The History of Food

Food has always found its way into the center of my life. From the time I was a young child attempting to lick an ice cream cone that kept rolling off, to making quesadillas in college, food has been a major influencer in my life and later, my health. When I was young my choices...

Light and Dark

For the first time in my life I am disgusted with myself. Standing in front of the full-length mirror of the mediocre hotel and condo, there is no denying it, no looking away. The last four months have not been kind to me. My once toned body has become soft and flabby. Deep skin folds,...

I Travel, Therefore I Am

When I say to myself, “I could live here,” I know I am in trouble.  A soft tingle starts in my heart and slowly spreads throughout my body. It is the electric buzz of anticipation at what is to come. It may not happen for a few months or even a few years, but it...

Intestinal Troubles

Every day like clockwork, I’d quickly stride to the bathroom to empty the contents of my intestines in a rather undignified way. Each time I stepped foot into the bathroom I’d crouch down to see if there were feet under any of the stalls and then make my way to the last one in hopes...

What to Consider When Moving Abroad

As an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher who has spent half of her career abroad, I have been fortunate to have had mostly good living and working experiences. The more a person travels, the more ‘street wise’ they become and although there is always something to learn, when considering a job overseas, there are some things to...

Taking The Plunge

My first move happened in 2007 from the U.S. to a Podunk town in South Korea. It was my own fault for moving to the middle of nowhere and I have since learned my lesson. My next move was going back to the U.S. a year later, but I couldn't stop myself from hopping back...

Running

When I was a child I loved to run. I have memories of bare feet touching smooth grass as I raced around the barn, across the field and along the driveway; my father chasing me with energy that to my young self, felt boundless. Feeling the warm breeze of summer against my skin fueled my...

My Struggles with Food

I'm a foodie. Throughout my life I've enjoyed the varying flavors that food brings but I've also struggled with good food habits and weight.