This weekend, a carefully orchestrated plan came together and I emerged forever changed. It started with an innocent pancake breakfast and a walk on the beach at low tide. Then, I asked my girlfriend, Stephanie, to marry me. I did it the old fashioned way, with a ring. People have given rings to symbolize theirContinue reading “The Writer Pops The Question. The Engineer Says “Yes.””
Tag Archives: 2014
Solo Writer’s Retreat
Some writers spend hundreds of dollars for a few days of seclusion in the wilderness. Far from Internet connections and cellphone reception, writers at retreats try to rekindle the spark of inspiration. Authors have always found isolation to be rejuvenating and beneficial to their work. Some checked into hotels in strange cities; others venture outContinue reading “Solo Writer’s Retreat”
Can You Have A Spoiler-Free World Cup?
I had one simple goal: I wanted to watch the U.S.-Ghana match in the first round of the 2014 World Cup. I also had one giant, glaring, fifteen-story problem: I couldn’t watch the game until 3 hours after it was over. Somehow, I would have to avoid learning anything about the game for an entireContinue reading “Can You Have A Spoiler-Free World Cup?”
Fun With Taxes: Freelance Writer Edition
When most of us set out to write freelance, we don’t anticipate the work required to actually run the business side of things. Jumping into freelance work comes with a veritable mountain of practical considerations — Where will I work? How will I find clients? How will I be able to pay my utility bills?Continue reading “Fun With Taxes: Freelance Writer Edition”
In Search of Monkeyshine
I’d never heard of Monkeyshine before that day. I don’t even think I knew that the Chinese New Year had dawned. But a text message from my girlfriend’s father got me interested. “Look up Monkeyshine Tacoma,” he said. Within 15 minutes I was out the door; on a modern day hunt for buried treasure. MonkeyshinesContinue reading “In Search of Monkeyshine”
Words Upon the Stage
I have always been drawn to the theatre. From my earliest performance as Robert E. Lee in a kindergarten production of “What’s More American Than Cornflakes?” to playing the protagonist in George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” to my college years performing with Theatrikos Theatre Company (often in silent roles), I have loved beingContinue reading “Words Upon the Stage”
The Birthday Resolutions Strike Back
I don’t like New Year’s Resolutions. They’re so mainstream. Years ago, I decided to make birthday resolutions instead. Last year, my list of birthday resolutions was one of my highest viewed blog posts. A tradition was born. The Hubble Telescope, the Republic of Namibia, Jennifer Lawrence, Seinfeld, Dances With Wolves, Jurassic Park (the book, not theContinue reading “The Birthday Resolutions Strike Back”
How Mickey Mouse Killed the Public Domain
On January 1, 2014, hundreds of works of art, literature and film were supposed to enter the public domain — to be used and modified by anyone for any purpose. Classic books like The Cat in the Hat, From Russia With Love, and On the Road; and landmark films like The Bridge on the RiverContinue reading “How Mickey Mouse Killed the Public Domain”
Lucky Thirteen
When I eventually retell the story of my life, I think that I’ll say that 2013 was the year that everything changed. The funny thing about stories is how the details vary with the telling. The exact words are misquoted, the specifics are glossed over, timelines are stretched or squeezed and the wrinkles in theContinue reading “Lucky Thirteen”
