16 January 2011

Sprinkling of Cows on the Velvety Green Hills

Driving down through the Central Coast counties back to Ventura sure puts me in a happy place. With all the rains we have had since the 2011 new year, the hills are populated with happy cows of all colors roaming up and down the slopes. A reflection of life makes me think of a bucket list; I have done and seen lots of places that I wanted to but will need to keep that list for details before time runs out.

1. Hang gliding or motor sailing (?) along the beach
2. Drive a fancy European car and speed on the Audobon
3. Go back to Australia for a visit at least one more time
4. One more trip back to Korea
5. Tour into Grand Canyon
6. New Year's Eve in Time Square

Today I realized that I can survive very well by myself in USA - familiar settings, culture, etc. But when it comes to survival and independence living in a foreign and desireable country, I cannot survive on my own. Others that do enjoy the foreign lifestyle experience have a partner and thus support each other in the process. My journey was a loner attempt. Such a paradox but it proves to me how countries treat "foreigners". They will take care of their own before anyone else - you have to be a special case to make it big in a 'foreign' country. The Beatles, Australian actors, Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow; I think you got the picture. Little old me - trying to make it in a small software provider organization, and a minority at that - WTF? And I am not as young as I used to be for all the stress that goes into changes.

Well, things do happen for a reason - I gained the opportunity to live in the paradise where there is sprinkling of cows in the velvetry green hills. Being in this small cowboy town I seem to meet different people easier. I hang out at Louisa's place for breakfast and Firestone Grill for Monday Night Football. These places are where the college kids hang out. Thus my symbol of youth and exposure to college life. Louisa's is always busy so I eat at the counter. Last weekend I sat next to a Psychology Professor who has gone back to limited technology in his life, then a wild swinger party owner; in the same seat! What a contrast. It's facinating how much I would have missed if I tried to stay as 'foreigner' in a country that didn't really want me anyway. Guess I have to take care of and support myself in friendly territories. Thank you happy cows!

Note: I know anonynous readers are seeing this - identify yourself or else find your own happy cows!