I've always said that I'm a life-long learner, but what did that mean? I believed that the way to keep my mind "sharp", or at least "in use", would be to continue learning. Learning for me encompasses a variety of aspects. Whether I learn formally (in a classroom setting), informally (through dialogue) or generally (through using my senses consciously/subconsciously), I notice that I learn every day. My fave way to learn is from others; often I find that I learn about myself in the process. Why this entry? Well, I felt my previous post was dreary & downtrodded and while it probably echoed the sentiment of others, I wanted to post something a bit more ... hopeful this go 'round. In addition to personal finance blogs, I also enjoy reading travel writers' blogs. The Web is full of 'em, but I'm particular in my selection. I prefer writers who are ordinary folk and may not be household names, but are living my dream - getting paid (even if only on occasion) to write and travel. I love to travel. It was this love that inspired me to spend a year abroad, living, working, but also travelling (a bit). It was my life abroad that created my debt situation and I knew that would be a likely consequence. Why did I do it? For one thing, time was not on my side. I was at a "now or never" point, so if I didn't go when I did, I wouldn't ever get the chance again. For another thing, of all the reasons for me to go into debt, a chance at living abroad was a better one than most. Any regrets? Regrets. I had a few. La-dee-da. There was a hiccup in my plan that only occurred after I arrived in London. I couldn't plan well for it, because less than a week before my trip - all systems were a go. That hiccup sped things up a lot and caused the first of many shifts in the best laid plans. Do I regret going & fostering my debtor's situation? No. I wouldn't trade one experience (not even the bad) to save my credit score or decrease my debt. Travel is a priority for me. The way some people buy shoes, electronics, clothes, etc., I buy travel. It used to be my philosophy that I worked to travel. That mentality can get me through a difficult day. Before my year abroad, I spent my money on one major trip a year, usually in Autumn. There were also smaller trips as I could afford. Ideally, I'd love a job where I could travel at least 50% of the time and only have to be tied to a desk approx. 50%. During my self-employment days, I was the happiest, even before I received a payment. I set my own schedule each day, usually after conferring with my clients via e-mail or telephone. It was common for me to do my billing at a coffeehouse, or from a hotel in Vegas. It would be difficult to set up self-employment here, as I had in Los Angeles. I sketched an outline of a business plan, but I couldn't quite feel the same enthusiasm. One solution I decided returned me to my life-long learning goal. I decided to use my time, while not working a second job or earning my potential, to add to/improve my skills. I had a couple of projects on my to-do list on Thymer that required more knowledge than I had, but not that I couldn't acquire. This week, in addition to some other bits, I plan to start acquiring that knowledge, so I can move forward with my projects. But also, so I can continue my life-long learning. My "currently watching" selection is because I am feeling a touch nostalgic for solid, comedic writing/acting. It has little to do with this post, but worthy of a nod all the same. Peace, Moi  | 
