Arman's Antics (#038)
The latest from introverted socialite Arman Khodadoost
Hey everyone!
Coming to you live from (a different part of) Austin, Texas. Here’s your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics. A recap of what I’ve been creating and exploring that will either make you think, laugh, cry (or a nasty combination of the three).
Welcome to the three new subscribers receiving this for the first time (270 total). I respect your inbox and don’t take your attention lightly.
Essay I wrote last week
The Internet is both an introverts worst nightmare and favorite dream.
Worst because now you and I never have to leave our home for pretty much anything.
Favorite because now you and I never have to leave our home for pretty much anything!
It boils down to how we choose to exist in this new Internet reality. We can (try to) completely disconnect and avoid all social interaction. Or we can become hyper-social by connecting with cool people with interesting ideas who we’d never meet otherwise.
But now you and I can do it from the comfort of our living room, and most importantly, we get to choose when we want to be an:
Introverted socialite (#056)
For the past twenty years, I’ve interacted with thousands of people from dozens of countries — and I’m a card-carrying member of introverts anonymous. All thanks to this funny little invention called the Internet. Or as I like to call it — introverts paradise.
Moving to a new home
Renting is both a gift and a curse:
The best part is getting to move to a new place every year.
The worst part is having to move to a new place every year. Mainly because of the manual labor required.
After moving a back-breaking couch, I thought, “Is there a worse job than a professional mover?” I couldn’t come up with one.
If I had a dollar for every time I told myself, “Next time, I’m hiring professionals.”, I’d have enough money to hire professionals.
Side note — you find out who your real friends are when you ask who’s free on moving day.
“Ah, sorry man. It’s my…second cousins cat’s 9th birthday.”
“I would but I’ve gotta count every blade of grass in my yard.”
Staying in touch with old friends
One of the hardest parts of moving far away is leaving friends behind.
It’s easy to forget how hard it can be to make new friends in a new city. Especially when you’re above the age of five.
But four of my best friends came up with a brilliant way of staying in touch.
They bought us a Nintendo switch. So we can hop online for weekly Mario Party matches. I’m a Luigi guy. What are you?
It’s not as good as seeing them face to face. But it’s close.
Book I finished reading (again)
Awareness by Anthony de Mello.
I make it a point to read a few pages of de Mello every morning. There’s certain books that deserve to be read slowly and reflected upon deeply. This is one of them. Which is why I included it on my new Book Notes page.
His message is simple but it’s the perfect combination of clarity and humor — self-observation (not self-absorption) is the key to this serious business of living.
My favorite parable he shares:
Random thought
Science and technology have become our new religion. “Studies show…” or “The computer model proves…” are the modern equivalent of “It is God’s will…”.
That’s it for the 38th edition of Arman’s Antics. Thank you for joining me today while sipping your coffee or tea. Now please, get back to your regularly scheduled nonstop scrolling!
Have a terrific Tuesday.
Cheers,
Arman
Likes and comments below.
Dude I got to say; your friends have some of the funniest reasons to not help out on moving day XD
I'm curious to know how you interpreted the parable you shared from "Awareness by Anthony de Mello."
Well now your moving is done, you can relax, and enjoy! I love the internet. I hate the internet.
That is one good looking pup!