Relish the challenge of overcoming difficulties that would crush ordinary men...learn to suffer.

I scavenged for sensation, sought myself in the rewards of being out there, across the Border.

Sometimes you must sacrifice yourself on the altar of effort to be reminded of what and who you could become if you applied yourself.

Modern man is conditioned to expect instant gratification, but any success or triumph realized quickly, with only marginal effort, is necessarily shallow. Meaningful achievement takes time, hard work, persistence, patience, proper intent and self-awareness. The path to success is punctuated by failure, consolidation, and renewed effort.

Ultimately, I wanted to own a big truck, exercise my second Amendment rights, listen to hardcore music, and let my congressman know how poorly he represents me. None of this could occur in France.

Some of us wake up. Others roll over.

The simple fact is this: when you goto Alaska, you get your ass kicked.