James in a Nutshell

I was born in the City of Angels, on the shore of the Peaceful Ocean. Yup, L.A. BABY! On the Pacific.

I grew up in the suburb of Rosemead, where my older brothers, my younger sister, and I all attended the same elementary, intermediate, and high schools.

After that, I took degrees at Pasadena City College (liberal arts), California State University at Los Angeles (B.A. in English and philosophy, two majors), and Loyola Marymount University (Master of Education).

Meanwhile, I became a "born-again" Christian; got married; became a high school teacher and dean (Chaminade College Preparatory), and then an elementary school principal (St. Martin-in-the-Fields School, Canoga Park), and then a junior high and high school teacher again (Campbell Hall School); went to Anglican seminary for a couple of years; got divorced; began exploring other religions; moved to Japan; and finally, in 2001, returned to Rosemead, where I studied for a PhD in Buddhism (but did not finish my dissertation).

Leaving my studies in 2004, I moved to China, where I live now. For three years I taught in a polytechnic college in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong; then I went to Yangzhou, Jiangsu (between Nanjing and Shanghai) for a year to live in a temple and teach monks; then back to Shenzhen and the polytechnic, where I work now.

In 2005, the best thing that ever happened to me...um...happened to me: I met Lila Jose, a smart, funny, spiritual, beautiful Filipina. We got married in 2007, and dream of someday relocating to the Philippines. This homepage will, hopefully, be of some help in making that possible.

Read this one for a more in-depth look at my life. Then, browse the various posts (maybe use the tags) for more on "The Life and Times of...Me."

Everything on these pages is © 2009 by James Baquet.