Tforia

I didn't plan or expect to have such a wonderful Saturday morning. From the moment I work up, feeling a fresh breeze from the window, I made my way up for coffee in a place I once neglected. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/a-comfortable-morning/

I learned something new: I am not my work. Perhaps it's more of an unlearning than a learning. Growing up, I was accustomed to others evaluating me based on how good/poor I can do something. Original Post: http://tforia.com/journal/personal-value/

Imagine if you could actually be matched with a network of people who are just like you. I believe I know the perfect way...a way that captures everyone's inconsistencies and perhaps a lot of information they'd be unwilling to share. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/like-minded-people/

I am perplexed how unfocused life got. I had all the answers back in high school when I first came across my passion. Before I got lost. Original post: http://tforia.com/history/my-first-zine/

When the choice to be a 'different' person comes up, chances are, I'm trying to be someone else. An unexpected person on the street gets me thinking I should be 'better' than I naturally am. Post: http://tforia.com/journal/should-i-be/

The people you meet, the stuff you do, the stuff they do...is that what is actually happening? Or are the emotional reactions the real thing that's going on? It's so easily to tangibly describe a day on the surface level, and never come close to what's it's actually like. Post: http://tforia.com/journal/how-was-your-day/

When something makes 'perfect sense', it has control over me. I'll stop asking any questions, obey in a way that I wouldn't if things didn't perfectly make sense. Trying to calibrate how I assess my world. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/the-nonsense-of-sense/

Do you feel comfortable in your skin? I don't. But it's because I feel like a completely different creature than the body I'm physically in. It's very confusing, especially when interacting with people. They interact with the physical me, which I have very little knowledge about. Original post: http:/tforia.com/journal/creature-non-conforming/

I talk about Big Little Lies and my trip to the ocean. Both helped me realize how true happiness is without obligation. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/contingent-happiness/

To be in your element...I was inspired by an architect's home. No paint was used but every material represented the ideas and principles of the owner: sustainability and craftsmanship. It's an approach to home design that is more genuine than making things look pretty. This story makes more sense with the corresponding post: http://tforia.com/home/the-philosophy-of-a-home/

Imagine the perfect workout: one that gets things you need done. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/sustainable-fitness/

By making observations on my own behavior, I've discovered that I orchestrate scenarios to surprise and delight myself. Of course, I'm rarely conscious about it. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/my-muse/

I've never traveled to Turin, Italy, but my failure to get there is a reminder of who I was once upon a time. Original post: http://tforia.com/travel/turin/

"The movie shoots in Paris. There’s no script." "We want to build the character with you. It’s a process." - La La Land There's a new definition of success and it's defined by how much you're getting paid to be yourself. This type of success, driven by reality tv and social media celebs, says a lot more than owning expensive items. It's a kind of status that can't be bought. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/a-successful-career/

When the emptiness might be full.... This might not be the most invigorating story about the wisdom I discovered in waiting. It's about choosing the option to not fill a space of time. I even sound jet lagged, which I am. Original post with photos here: http://tforia.com/journal/the-zen-of-waiting-in-line/

Sometimes I fall into a cycle of feeling bad. I can't stay away from certain things, like sweets, despite how terrible desserts make me feel. I don't understand the feedback loop. The worse I feel the more compelled I'll be to try it again the next day. It's strangely difficult to break the cycle. Original post here: http://tforia.com/journal/sundae-regrets/

This story makes more sense with a visual. Take a look at my dream bathroom concept here: http://tforia.com/home/unbounded-possibilities/ This is part of my ongoing quest to design a home the way I like it. I am way behind in ever achieving this (no background in design whatsoever) but I feel compelled to make an attempt.

I was anticipating a bad stay but I was surprised, both reluctant and relieved, that the discount motel I booked was far from the experience described by review sites. As someone with a limited budget, sometimes there's no better option than to brace for a bad stay. Although it's not a travel experience most would want, the location and lack of perks was more than perfect for someone like me. View photos here: http://tforia.com/journal/super8-austin/

I hope one day I can buy products made by people who actually wanted to make them. It'd be similar to the equivalent of drinking milk from happy cows. Most of what I own today are mass produced. I doubt the makers were 'excited' about making them. Original post: http://tforia.com/journal/surrounded-by-monday-blues/

Architecture ages well. Even the most ugly, most brutal. Will the McMansion architecture of today be admired in the coming decades? I ponder these thoughts while at the Pacific Science Center, a relic of mid century architecture. Photos here: http://tforia.com/travel/pacific-science-center-arch/