It’s been a while. I figured I’d shoot you an email and give you an update on what my current life looks like. I also have a few medical questions for you.

Ok, so I moved out of my apt at the end of December. Stayed with my friends in Newark for a couple weeks at the beginning of the new year, traveled back to Mpls to have the screws removed and then got in my car and drove to Chicago, then DC and ultimately landed back in Newark. Newark will be home base going forward. I started a sketch comedy writing class at UCB. It’s really fun and I’m really good at it!

So my only real commitment of a time and place at this point is my UCB class in Manhattan on Mondays from 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm. Aside from that I can be wherever I want, doing what I want, whenever I want. To be honest, I feel kind of tied down because of this class, but that’s ok because it’s only temporary. I’ve decided my new job will be “Professional Traveler.” I no longer feel compelled to live within the social structure that was created by people before me. I’d much rather do what I want, when I want. Anyway, I digress. The point of that was there will be no more shitty, soul crushing corporate jobs for me, ever. That much has been decided.

I’m in Istanbul! I love this place. It’s so remarkable! I woke up on Tuesday with a hankering to go somewhere…. Was on a flight to Istanbul less than 24 hours later. I found a flight for $477 dollars and figured I’d be an idiot not to take advantage of that. The hostel I’m staying in is a dump, but $11/night so I can handle that. Oh, and I met a guy in Newark. He’s a flight attendant and meeting me here tomorrow and flying back with me on the 2/21. He’s great.

So it dawned on me that I’m in Istanbul and they have some medical tourism in this country. I’m planning on seeing a plastic surgeon on Monday. It’s nothing I would do on this trip, but I want to check out the facility and get a feel for the doctor, etc. I’d be more than willing to come back for a procedure. I also figure being on the ground, face to face, will give me some haggling power over price. I could never buy a package in the states and get on a plane and fly here with the intention of having a procedure without having first checked out the facility and getting a feel for the doctor. Do you have any advice for me on that? Like what questions to ask. Since I met with a few in Minneapolis I generally know what I’m looking for and have a pretty good idea of what to ask, but any thoughts would be appreciated. It will be easy for me to travel back here and totally something I’d do if I could have the same procedure done here for less than half the cost. I’m pretty sure I’ll find that to be the case.

2/15 marked a year off all psychotropic medication. I couldn’t be happier, but not in a bad way! My parents flipped the fuck out when I told them about Istanbul, but they’re my parents so I get that. I figure the best way to assuage any concerns they may have that I’m manic or headed that way is to continue living my life and show them, through the passage of time, that my life, and that I, have changed. They’ll eventually figure it out… I hope. Just as I had to go through a period of tremendous growth to be able to start trusting that my thoughts and actions are of sound mind and body, they will too. I’m just a little ahead of them on that front.

How are things in Minneapolis? Sorry I didn’t get to really say goodbye, but on a positive note, pretty soon I’ll be able to be your tour guide to the world. How cool is that?

Ok, it’s my 3rd day in Istanbul. It’s dreary and pretty cold here (40’s). I just finished breakfast and have a super busy day ahead of me. I hope this note finds you well. Here is my view from breakfast. Pretty great, huh?

Love,