Play (My Personal Life)
jak koke play

"Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn't taste good."  —Lucia Capocchione

I am shy, diplomatic, and incurably optimistic. In person, I am invariably likeable, moderately phlegmatic, and militantly non-confrontational. This doesn't mean, however, that I am malleable or have no opinions. I just usually avoid verbal debate, expressing myself far more accurately and with more force through writing.

I am honest and have been told I'm easy to talk to. However, I abhor superficiality, and in all the important relationships in my life, I strive for a real and intimate connection.

I was incredibly fortunate to grow up in a liberal household. My parents instilled in me a drive to pursue my dreams, to never stop learning and to think critically about the world and the people in it. Perhaps because of this I have developed a passion for global sustainability, and more recently an interest in alternative communities (both of which I plan to post more about in the future).

jakBeing a writer makes me an extremely critical reader. I read a lot of books. However, for pleasure I invariably gravitate to speculative fiction novels. I also love to watch movies, and am a good deal less discriminating about that medium. I enjoy action, drama, and comedy equally well, the only unwavering criterion being that the movie must be smartly written. And when it comes to music, I like all sorts, including rock, alternative, folk, pop, big band, and metal. I can't, however, abide country.

For those of you still interested in knowing more about me, you can read a disorganized list of Jak Facts, and soon you'll be able to peruse some photos of people, places and events in my life.

For a more up-to-date look at the ins and outs of my life, I invite you to read my journal, Mandala.