Building the Life You Want

Expats in the USA – Why I’m considering going vegan and you should, too

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:09:21 +0000

In the below video, you’ll hear for 18 and a half chilling minutes why an organic plant-based diet might be a healthful choice, at least while you’re living in the States. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. I share information that appeals to my common sense, and I do hope to give you an incentive to start asking more questions of your own.

Video player not working? Click the link: TEDxAustin Robyn O’Brien 2011

Further Resources:

The China Study

Forks over Knives

The complete idiot’s guide to plant-based nutrition

Happy Holidays, and help with research, please!

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:30:06 +0000

2011 is coming to a close, 2012 is upon us…

I’m sure you’ve read enough “year in review” and “how to plan” posts by now that I’m not going to add to the clutter. You know what you want, you know what you have to do, now go out and do it.

What you may not know yet is that I need your help with my research project into how our Type preferences influence cultural adaptation. The premise is the assumption that preparing for an expatriate assignment positively effects the success of the same. With the research I’m hoping to find examples and patterns of how different Types prepare for – and eventually deal with – challenges in international assignments.

I do NOT believe one type is more apt to adapting abroad than another, I do NOT believe one type is more resilient or less prejudiced than another. I do hope to find examples of how we best use our strengths abroad, and gain contextual insights into how different nationalities express their Type preferences.

If you’d like to help, please visit www.expatsmbti.com and follow the link to the 5-question survey. If you give me permission, I’ll email you for follow-up interviews in the second half of 2012. This survey will remain open for at least one year, my goal is to set up a database with thousands of entries to have statistical significance.

Thank you, please share, leave comments, and get involved. And do enjoy this week between the years, it’s a lovely time to relax, isn’t it. Except if you’re a tax-person, I guess. In which case: cheers! Hope it all adds up.

Thanks to digitalart for the free pic.

Third Culture Kids Resources

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:39:57 +0000

Following a great article that Maria Foley, aka @IWasAnExpatWife, shared on Twitter, I found some more of her writing on TCKs. At the same time, someone asked me about TCK resources, so below for your reading pleasure, a collection of links:

Ruth van Reken and David C Pollock wrote TCK World, and FIGT has a scholarship in his honor. She started it, and I met her, she’s awesome.

Wikipedia’s entry – don’t judge, I love it, with a list of 20+ more resources and links.

TCKs require Care and Support during the Repatriation Process – by Maria Foley

The negative side of growing up abroad as a TCK – by Maria Foley

The positives of growing up abroad as a TCK – by Maria Foley

Expat Life effects on TCKs – by Maria Foley

Brats – Our Journey Home – by Donna Musil, especially for military “brats.” Another one I met at FIGt and fell in like with. Find her groups on Facebook to join the conversation.

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

Which links do you have to share?

Thanks Salvatore for the free pic!