what I want is to live the kind of life that I will be able to look back on at the end (hoping that I have that luxury) and think, I'm proud of the work that I did, because I did my best to help other people.

I think THAT's the same thing I'm trying to get at. I tend to want to bring in external judges/trust other people more than myself, but yeah, the goal is to live so that I am happy and proud at the end. I'm not sure I could say that now, if I got hit by a bus tomorrow.

(And I'm probably almost a third of the way through my life. Gyah. Need to work on this.)

it really drove home the point that "all that matters is what we do".

Kate, that's the way I see it, too. For me, of course, it's also about G*d and religion, but in the value of the things, in themselves, not because of any other thing. I'm not sur eI'm making any sort of sense. I remember thinking about this a lot after watching "Objects in Space" for the first time.

but have I seen you in the Bitches board? No. No, I have not.

I've read it! I didn't post there, it feels sort of like invading to someody else's playground, but I've read it! How can I prove it? Hmm. The word that comes to mind is "important".

I'm so happy that you're at this lovely stage of "in like", of getting to know that great new person, and feeling good about how that person gets to know you.

ita, um, khagora khooma! That said, is it possible to skip the running tomorrow, for the "day off" sake of it?

it would take all the mystery out of life.

There's always the discovery and invention of new things. [Edit: ita and I continue to share a brain regarding this.]

Oh, and I am on a quest to know everything, as well as planning on doing Something Useful in my life. FYI.

I think it's a lot easier to up sticks and go to a job in another country than it would have been to move to another city in the UK where I didn't know anyone, and start over.

Provided you're not prevented by commitments like spouse/children/dog/being the only one Chosen girl in your generation who can fight to stop the powers of darkness taking over the world via a Hellmouth just round the corner from your house, I think it's pretty easy to accept a job in another country. Easier than accepting a job in another city (where you don't have any acquaintances/a support network). 'Cause going to accept a job in another country, your colleagues are in the same boat, which automatically gives you socialising opportunities. You're interesting to locals by virtue of being from an exotic locale, but equally the other expat people who are in the same boat are liable to be friendly and enjoy the chance to talk to you on the basis of shared points of reference. Whereas if you just move to another town, you don't get any shiny glow of being exotic, and nobody's going to be all "You're from such-and-such! Me too!" So that whole business of starting afresh and building yourself a social life? Harder and scarier.

I'm with Fay. I like being an expat.

Kate, that's the way I see it, too. For me, of course, it's also about G*d and religion, but in the value of the things, in themselves, not because of any other thing. I'm not sur eI'm making any sort of sense.

Actually, I would love to see you explain this idea further. Religion has so little to do with my life, and I'm really curious about how it impacts yours.

Oh, and I am on a quest to know everything, as well as planning on doing Something Useful in my life. FYI.

Jesse, you're my hero. FYI.

I've read it! I didn't post there, it feels sort of like invading to someody else's playground, but I've read it!

Hey, this is me. And may I just add... so sweet, and yay for billytea. I join in the swooning.

Also agreeing with Fay. Moving to a different country can be a harder decision to make, for various reasons--there's a lot more to take into consideration--but it does seem like it can be much easier once you actually do it.

Jesse, you're my hero. FYI.

It's easy! Just google everything at all times, and resign yourself to making less money than your friends!

(PS: aww, thanks.)

Damn! I just got an email from The Boy I Had A Crush On At School, and he's transferring to NYU! At least he's still in the city, but STILL. Bah. If there's one person I never mind hugging (besides ita, of course), it's him.