Log20: Thank you

At the risk of reading like a speech at the Academy Awards...just a quick note...

Thank you!

Whether you have left comments or not, and to whatever extent you may have read my blog, I want to say that to simply know that you are somewhere in the world and curious enough to care about what I have to say regarding my journey has been indispensable to my welfare and livelihood.  Though if only in the metaphysical sense that the internet seems to embody, you are all with me here in Korea.  Your continued support, even in just your readership, is something I am extremely grateful for and without which I couldn't possibly be where I am today.*  I am flattered and truly humbled by the courage and inspiration you give me, and I cannot be more thankful to all of you.**  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

*Okay, so the cynic may say that this staying-in-touch-though-the-internet-while-abroad exercise may somehow be a crutch to my experience, robbing me from fully immersing myself here.  I will say this is a most pessimistic view, and reiterate my gratitude.


**Also, I'm really not trying to pump myself up here into some grandly important figure who owes thanks to many of his supporters.  No, please give me the benefit of the doubt.  

RECAPITULATION: I just want you to know that I really appreciate you right now sitting in the chair taking the five minutes out of your busy and personal day to process these very words through your visual cortex for no other reason that curiosity and compassion.  I think it's basic kindness, even altruism; things so simple and profound, yet sadly so easily overlooked today.

APPENDIX ("SHOUT-OUT"s): To those who have commented, however...

Megan: Thanks so much for your comments!  I hope you're playing a lot, and taking in as much music as you can for me.  That map of yours, I will say, really was flattering. :)  How is orchestra?  Hopefully you've found somebody else you can make fun of all the time... :P No but I do miss that, and I miss you!  How is school?  How are classes and all?  Thank you, though, for all the support and encouragements you've been providing me. I really appreciate them.  Man I hope there's a chance we can catch up!

Julia: Thank you for your kind words!  Readers like you make writing this stuff easy.  :)  And thanks for that quotation; I do like Oscar Wilde, and I always appreciate instances when one can draw from the words of others.  How is junior year?  Are you still dancing?  Hopefully we can catch up soon...somehow!  Skype?

morekimchiplease: Thanks, "kimchi-please"r (winkwink), for being such a good listener and being there for me.  More to come, right?  I look forward to seeing you soon.  And of course, I've been following your blog too, know that.. :)

Eco: Ugh, of all people I should be staying in touch with!  Eco, sorry I haven't been in touch with you more, especially when during orientation we agreed we would and really actively seek out the music ventures.  Admittedly I have only found limited success thus far...but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be more proactive.  Thanks for being there for me though, and continuing to share your experiences.  I'm sorry we haven't spoken to each other more, I hope that time comes soon...right?!  :)

D.K.: D.K.!  Thanks for your advice and help, which I've taken to heart.  I have a feeling I will be seeking more of your guidance in days/weeks/months to come...see you soon! 

Nick: Dude.  Where are you?  When are we going to Skype?  I miss you.  Hope you're well.


Chiehkuo: Miss, where are you?!  It seems like it's been too long...and yet, you're still staying in touch with me.  I'm really grateful, chiehkuo.  I know I haven't been the best in staying in touch, but it's really touching that after so many years someone so valuable would still want to be a part of my life.  So thank you.  Skype hopefully?


Paulina: !!!!!  Okay, I miss dancing so much.  Social dancing is a small niche here, and let me tell you the 5C scene was bumpin' compared to Korea.  Come dance with me, haha!  Where are you?  How are you?  Thanks for checking in and being so supportive.  I really appreciate it.  When can we talk?!

jimgoestokorea: I've heard, sir, that you have been quite adventurous.  Thanks for your kind words, and really...take care of yourself, haha.  See you in just a bit.


HBK: Thank you, thank you, thank you.  And...thank you.  Talk to you soon. :)