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“The courage to change the things i *can*”” part of the Serenity Prayer is the part of that prayer that I am really going to experience.
I have taken the steps (done the footwork) to change my environment and get out of this June Gloom and get into a Hot, Humid, Sunny and AWESOME. Read as: I’m getting on a plane and going to Cabo San Lucas, specifically San Jose del Cabo neighborhood.

Looking forward to sharing it with you. PLEASE let me know if you have any suggestions on “non-Gringo” things to do!

Have an AMAZING day.
~mikes

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I am happy to report that about 24/36 hours later, I’m indeed feeling better. I’m not so much reporting on my emotional status BUT on the simple success of pausing and taking the time to do a quick gratitude list. Life is indeed about many things, BUT perspective is one of the factors that car really determine how happy I am (this may not apply to you, I’m not you). The act of reflecting on all the many things I have to be grateful for had TREMENDOUS R.O.I.

Secondly, I ended up selling my Unicycle on Craigslist. This may seem like a fairly uneventful thing but, as it turns out, reflecting back to when, why and how I was able to afford a Unicycle at age 11 was a great trip down memory lane. A story that was revisited by my Mum. Its great when Mum tells me of scenarios in my childhood ; times when I can once again, reflect fondly on, as well as obtain even more gratitude.

It’s a very blessed life! I’m honored to be alive and experience it for one more day.
Thanks God – I owe you a smoothie.

Hope you enjoy.

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A long time ago I was given a recommendation that whenever I am feeling a bit down or sad or “meh” or having a pity party or feeling overwhelmed or …. I should stop and write out a gratitude list. So, as I make these videos as somewhat of a video-journal I thought doing a bit of a stream of conscientiousness discussion might get me out of my funk. So far, so good…

It is important to remember that 99% of the world wants my “problems”… I really am the “luckiest guy in the world”, if i get out of my head and just pause for a moment and reflect on just like 7 of the 1000’s of blessings I have in a life i GET to live.

…thanks for watching.

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I have a huge interest in Thailand which began around 2013.. about the same time I started this channel. In the past 2 years I’ve been doing a LOT more research on the business-aspects of Thailand which brings me to Thailand 4.0

That discussion will begin now.

Here’s some more general info on ASEAN:
http://www.asean.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_states_of_the_Association_of_Southeast_Asian_Nations

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I prefer Hot and Sunny weather. Some people don’t. I have discovered that I am *very* photon-driven. I indeed get fueled by an environment that is “warmer” and “sunnier”. Your mileage may very. HOWEVER, I’m always curious how YOU discover if the place/area/country/city you want to vacation in or move to has “ideal” conditions… Do you Google it? Ask one of your buddies that’s been there for at least 13 months (i.e. a full cycle of weather)? or watch YouTube Videos from other expats who travel from place to place?
I find that the best data I seem to get is from friends who have “been there, done that”. This data transfer usually takes place over coffee or a smoothie.

So, if you are ever in San Diego, let me know, I’d be honored to buy your a smoothie and learn about where You have been and what the environment was like.

Live the Dream!
~mikes

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I tried doing the “fasting during the day” part of Ramadan. I started fasting at the prescribed time as listed here: https://hamariweb.com/islam/san-diego_ramadan-timing178789.aspx
(4:23am)

And I ate my big meal after 7:50pm. I actually gorged at a new Thai restaurant, and then had like 2 apple turnovers afterward. Yeh… this is NOT a good weight loss program. HA!

I will say though, I do indeed have respect for those who practice.
BUT, for me, I need to be very cautious about behaviors that produce a headache… For me, the chances of a migraine (a *real* migraine) producing undesirable results is a bit higher than the after person… and possibly the average Muslim, practicing Ramadan…
If I get a bad migraine, I end up in the ER.. if it gets worse, I end up in ICU…. NOT HAPPENING!!! Plus, I know exactly what would happen: The doctor would ask, “what have you had to eat or drink in the last 12 hours…??”
If i answer, “nothing.. i’m fasting…”
He/She would simply sigh, roll their eyes and write down on a prescription: Eat food. Drink water… BOZO!

Here is a great, simple article I liked about the ceremony and how to respect those friends and colleagues who practice:
https://www.vox.com/2017/5/25/11851766/what-is-ramadan-2017-muslim-islam-about

For those practicing, i wish you a blessed and rewarding experience. ..:: Ramadan Kareem ::..

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I wanted to share about the Balikbayan Boxes that I just shipped to the Philippines. If you are not familiar with it a Balikbayan Box used for shipping goods from the US to the Philippines. It is about $100 for a box that is about 6 cu.ft. in volume. Its a similar paradigm as “if it fits, its ships” that the USPS has. Meaning: the weight is irrelevant. HOWEVER, the downside is, you cannot ship electronics or phones.. Grrrr… i have about 4 phones I need to ship to Gracie but unfortunately This will not be the solution for that.. Oh well.

Also, while the cost could be considered reasonable, it takes at least a month for the box to get there and in my case, the boxes are going to Aklan so it will be taking 2 months.
Oh well, its nothing critical, just household goods, bedsheets, etc. that I would want to have when I get over there… Well, actually, I am really most interested to see how long it really Does take to get there and if it really is “door to door” as advertised.

I was a bit bummed that they only take cash or checks… kinda lame but whatever.

I’ll keep you updated to on the progress!
Thanks for watching.

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I heard some great thoughts about “magic” and how our life is propelled by some crazy amount of magically force, or science, or just place dumb luck. I don’t know HOW or WHY it all works quite frankly but as I reflect on today – an anniversary for me, celebrating 25 years clean and sober, free from drugs and alcohol – I thought I’d share about how grateful i am to NOT Know… but be blessed with the ability to experience such love and joy.

Its a gift! and I have No Plans of returning it : -)

Hope you’re Living the Dream!!!

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As of 5/28/2017 I am blessed to be able to celebrate 25 years of not drinking any alcohol or doing any drugs. For some of you, you might respond, “well, DUH!!, Why would anyone do drugs, dude!!??”
My story is that I am a recovering alcoholic. If I drink, I cannot stop. This is a disease. Like depression, it’s often understood – usually by the people that don’t have it!! 😉
I don’t have cancer (thanks God!, btw) but I’m told that having cancer is like alcoholism: it’s not something you signed up for but the affects and experiences are truly horrible..

So, today, I am HUGELY grateful. And, like many things and experiences, unless you’ve been here, you probably cannot relate.
So, I thought I would share some of my thighs and emotions and hope that you get to feel as grateful to be alive and healthy as I do.

Life Is Awesome .. especially when you know there is no guarantee you’ll get another day of it.

Live the Dream!!