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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Texas,Christmas Eve,Christmas,Boxing Day,My Birthday and New Years Eve

Well I am now back safely in Bogota after my three week visit to Texas. I had a great time seeing my family and friends over the Christmas holidays. This marks two times in one year that I have been back home for a visit. It is much easier to get home from South America than it is from Asia or Australia/NZ. Unfortunately I had to fly out at 6am on Christmas morning but I couldn't pass up the good deal that I got on my airfare. I did have a great Christmas Eve with all my family though. Got to spend some quality time with all of them which was nice.

Unfortunately Colombians celebrate Christmas at midnight on the 24th so I also missed Colombian Christmas but I still had a good time. I will be here in Colombia for New Years Eve which is always a good time. Three weeks was plenty of time to visit most of my friends and I got to a concert with my dad and another concert with my friends. My dad just recently had back surgery so he now on the mend but its looking like he will pull thru just fine. My visit home was uneventful other than getting to see everyone and eat all the food that I wanted to eat. There was a big ice storm in our area of Texas though. That was unusual for sure and I was stuck inside for a good week or so but I got to spend more time with my family so that was nice.

My flight(s) home to Texas and back to Bogota were also uneventful other than screaming children and such. But, on the way back to Bogota I got upgraded to what used to be free but now costs money exit row and I sat next to a really cool guy who was from close to my hometown back in Texas. So now 2013 chugs along and we approach my (gasp!) 29th birthday! and also New Years. Should be a good time had by all I hope. Most of my friends here in Bogota are outside of the city at the moment on vacations and such but hopefully they will be back for my birthday. All of my roommates have now moved out and I am looking for new ones. It is an odd feeling being all alone in this house. There is also a decent possibility that I will be moving from Bogota in March/April to a new city in Colombia called Medellin Colombia I am pretty ready for a change in scenery and weather!

Well that is all I have for yall for now. Merry Christmas,Happy Hanukkah,Happy Kwanza or whatever else it is you may celebrate. Happy Boxing Day (for those in the British Commonwealth) and Happy almost New Years Eve/Day.- Tyler

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Extraordinary

ex·traor·di·nar·y
ikˈstrôrdnˌerē,ˌekstrəˈôrdn-/
adjective
adjective: extraordinary; adjective: extra-ordinary
1.
very unusual or remarkable.
"the extraordinary plumage of the male". Synonyms: remarkable, exceptional, amazing, astonishing, astounding, sensational, stunning, incredible, unbelievable, phenomenal;
out of the ordinary, unusual, uncommon, rare, surprising;
literarywondrous
"an extraordinary coincidence"
 
I think about this all the time. I have wanted to do something extraordinary my whole life. I have wanted to live an extraordinary life for as long as I can remember. I have wanted to make a difference and be remembered. Now that I am almost 30 years old and after almost five years of constant travel I have a little better perspective on this. Have I lived an extraordinary life? I guess that depends on your definition of extraordinary. That will be different for everyone. Before the age of 30 I have seen more of this world then most people will see in a lifetime. I have been to places and done things that many people only dream about. I have had the honor and privilege and knowing what it is like to experience poverty and Western World Standards. I have literally lived the rags to riches scenario. 
 
I no longer take things for granted because I know that most things that many people have that are "common" are luxuries in many places around the world. I have been blessed over and over to meet so many amazing people from around the world that I cannot even keep track of them all. They are of all ages,shapes,sizes,cultures,backgrounds and languages. I have kept some as friends for a day, some for a week,some for a year and some for a lifetime. Everyone I have met in my travels has had something to offer me, whether it be good or bad it has helped shape me into who I am today. I have only been able to do what I do with the love and support of my family and friends back home in Texas. I would not be who am I today without my loving parents and family and friends.

But the question still remains in my mind. I have done many great things that make me a happy and fulfilled person but what have I really done with my life? What have I done to leave a legacy? Who have I truly helped? What will be left behind when I am gone? Do I have a few regrets in life? Sure. Everyone does. Do I have a ton of regrets? No. I have been very lucky and blessed to do what I do. My life is not perfect but it certainly isn't horrible. I guess it will just take more time to figure out what my actual legacy is. But I hope it is a good one. I try and do the right thing and be a decent person. I want to be remembered for more than just "passing through" this life. 

Tyler