inspiration

I am back home now, and i will eventually finish the tale of the rest of my time in SF, but for now this is on my mind and has been for a few days so here we go...

Things my cousin has inspired for me
(now before you read this and think i am weird just keep in mind that things have not exactly been easy for me and i had hit quite a slump)

1. Brush your teeth twice a day - i know, every dentist tells you this and i should know better, but honestly when you are depressed, personal hygiene sometimes takes a back seat. What is impressive about my cuz is that he does it even if he comes home at 4am completely wasted, now that is dedication

2. fold my laundry after every load...once again, i know i know, but to me this is big

3. keep the house simple and clean

4. buy fresh groceries and make delicious meals for myself. - the revelation here is that though my cousin could easily be the average boy and live off pizza and frozen food because he lives alone and also has the funds to support a lifestyle of eating out every meal, he does not do it. By watching him shop frugally but intelligently and make wonderful creations almost every night I was impressed with both his ability and the do-ability of the task. If my cousin who works full time can do this every day, then i who is unemployed can life off of something other than frozen/instant food.

5. being active, staying healthy - my cousin is in amazing shape (granted he is asian). He drinks quite a bit but man there is no hint of beer belly on this guy. He goes for 3 hours rock climbing sessions after a full day of work and he still has energy! I personally have no interest in rock climbing but i can at least walk for an hour a day and do a few crunches

6. my cousin has a life out side of work - when i was working i was so miserable that i felt like it consumed my life. by the time i got home after work and put my stuff down i felt like the whole day was over and that i had no time before going to bed. then i would putter around and dink on the computer or something else inane before going to bed way too late anyways all the time feeling like i did not have time. My cousin on the other hand works full time and still has a very full and fulfilling social life. He goes out, sees friends, has them over, exercises, participates in community and cultural events all the while being able to work and do good. This i find to be perhaps the most inspirational aspect of his life as i observed it. I gave me hope that one day i too will find a job i love that i can do good at and ALSO have a life outside of work. In my life up to this point there always felt like there were not enough hours in a day and that i was not doing enough of what i wanted to do with my life. My cousin has shown me that it is an issue of perception and attitude and he has given me hope.

7. Finally, my cousin shows me that there are men out there who are grown up, mature, sophisticated, fun, caring, successful, CLEANS UP AFTER THEMSELVES, and giving. Though this one is related, spending time with him and his friends gives me hope of meeting one such as them in time