So, now I sit in the San Jose airport striving to return to the gool ole U.S. of A. This multi-day attempt to return to my homeland has been full of struggle. My mother likes to think that my recent tribulations are a sign that I should not be in Costa Rica, however I like to think that it is more of a sign that I should not return to my homeland. NOT THAT I DON"T WANT TO SEE EVERYONE, in fact, that is the only motivation for my return...it is just that I truly feel like I have found a wonderful place to call home: Montezuma, Costa Rica. And, it is hard for me to feel so torn.
But, I am ready to board a plane now. I had to change my original flight, that was the first of many interesting changes for this seemingly easy trip home. So, I changed my flight and was ready to spend 11 days home. I left Montezuma yestermorn, knowing that I was cutting it close time-wise. I coughed up the money for a taxi and got more than I hoped for. About halfway through the trip from Puntarenas to the airport I was robbed by a police officer. Not a normal happening, at least I don't think. Actually I don't believe it was a "real" police officer, and I am convinced that my taxi driver was in on the deal. So, now I have no Christmas presents, no ATM card, no camera, no IPOD to return to Dad, no large sleeve shirts for the cold I am about to return to, and no backpack. Luckily it was only material items...
But, I missed my flight yesterday. That meant that I had to spend one night in the city of Alajuela, which is not a bad place to be, but surely not the beach I left yestermorn. But all of that is in the past and now I am patiently waiting to board this long-awaited flight to Dallas and then to BWI. I am keeping my fingers crossed that today is a much smoother day than yesterday.
I hope to see lots of friends and family this week. I will be bouncing around Maryland and DC, so let me know when we can play together!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pura Vida
Ok, it been long enough! I finally figured out the smartest way to keep in touch. I write at mi casa (I, thankfully, lugged my computer here with me.), save it on my portable drive, and then share here. It sure beats the time I have wasted staring at a blank internet connection while paying for it!
So, where to begin? First off, I love my new life and am striving to call this beautiful beach paradise home for a long time. I have my hands into lots of potential good jobs, but every thing is yet to be determined…, as I guess it always is. But, I mean that I don’t want to get to into job stuff, for that has been taking up quite a bit of my time lately. Instead, I want to share the fun that I have been having:
I have made some new friends. A couple of my friends I met when I first visited this area during the summer, the others are my newfound buddies. For example, Andrea is my Spanish teacher and she is wonderful. Her boyfriend is the guy that started the Spanish school where I am studying. He is from NY, but very non-New Yorker. We went out for beers the other night at this “hot” karaoke bar. Little did I know… but my new friend Andrea is quite the celebrity in Costa Rica. She was one of the winners of Costa Rica’s version of American Idol a few years ago. So, when we entered the bar, everyone knew her and she was forced (happily) to sing most of the night. It was not hard to see why she swept this country off their feet. Her voice is amazing, and besides my great friend, Kara, she dances like no one I have ever seen.
So, they are great…Oh, here is how my morning started today:
“Kerri, mi vecina, Kerri! Kerri benga…” (English in parentheses) (Kerri, my neighbor, Kerri! Come!)
Que? (What? Note: I had just heard the loudest and strangest animal-like yell from right above my house.)
“VAMOS!” (Let’s go!)
“Si, si, pero porque? (Yes, yes, but why?)
And then, not only did I know what my neighbor was so excited about, but I witnessed one of the coolest things I have ever seen. On our roof there were three holler monkeys eating almonds (Well, the people here call them almonds, but it is not what you are picturing. Imagine the seed that an almond grows inside, hard for me to describe, but more like a very large chestnut than an almond…) Anyway, we stood on our front steps (our steps are “sort of” made out of the earth) and watched in awe. The monkeys clearly saw us, but never seemed to care that they now had an audience. We watched them in silence for a long time, until the largest one decided to have some fun and threw his snack straight at us. Yup, he reached back and launched one of the large almond seeds straight at us. My reaction was very different from my neighbor’s. I was amused, she was startled. She told grabbed my hand and we ran into her house (our houses are separated by a wall, but connected). She explained that they can get really mean and that our “pelicula de la manana” (morning movie) was over. I thanked her for getting me and she offered me some of the juiciest pineapple I have ever had.
Then, I took a shower as the monkeys crashed about our metal roof, and got ready for my morning stroll on the beach. I have made it a habit of waking early (Seeing la amenecer (the sunrise) here is out-of-this-world, but it happens at 5 am, so I have only made it to one so far. Lame, I know!) and heading straight to the beach or to the waterfall. Since it is Sunday I don’t have my Spanish class, or my English classes (which happens around 10:30 and 2:00 every weekday) I took my time and strolled further down the beach this morning. The long walk was worth the buena vista (great view) I found after about a thirty minute stroll. I finished my book, The DaVinci Code. (I have never seen the movie or read the book, and it was the best option at the local book swap. It is a good read, but I bet the movie leaves a lot to be desired.) After staring at the sea for a long time, I swam a bit when the tide calmed down. The sea here is POWERFUL! From my apartment I have a gorgeous view of the sea, and am constantly pulled out of slumber due to the forceful sound of the waves. I don’t usually swim in the ocean here, for I have spent enough time near the sea to know that this area of the Pacific is a force to be reckoned with. And, I like my current life too much to end up lost at sea! But, almost every day I do hike up to the waterfall and swim there. There are three connected waterfalls here, and the bottom one is the most easily accessible, of course. The waterfall is about 50 feet and the pool it creates is a swimmer’s dream-come-true. The force of the down-falling water creates a strong current. When you swim against this current it is hard to make progress but it creates the ideal swimming tank. So, that is my new favorite source of expending energy.
Well, let’s see, what else? Everything is PURA VIDA here so far. I not only feel like I made the right decision, but for the first time in a long time I feel like I found a place to happily call home for quite some time…
So, where to begin? First off, I love my new life and am striving to call this beautiful beach paradise home for a long time. I have my hands into lots of potential good jobs, but every thing is yet to be determined…, as I guess it always is. But, I mean that I don’t want to get to into job stuff, for that has been taking up quite a bit of my time lately. Instead, I want to share the fun that I have been having:
I have made some new friends. A couple of my friends I met when I first visited this area during the summer, the others are my newfound buddies. For example, Andrea is my Spanish teacher and she is wonderful. Her boyfriend is the guy that started the Spanish school where I am studying. He is from NY, but very non-New Yorker. We went out for beers the other night at this “hot” karaoke bar. Little did I know… but my new friend Andrea is quite the celebrity in Costa Rica. She was one of the winners of Costa Rica’s version of American Idol a few years ago. So, when we entered the bar, everyone knew her and she was forced (happily) to sing most of the night. It was not hard to see why she swept this country off their feet. Her voice is amazing, and besides my great friend, Kara, she dances like no one I have ever seen.
So, they are great…Oh, here is how my morning started today:
“Kerri, mi vecina, Kerri! Kerri benga…” (English in parentheses) (Kerri, my neighbor, Kerri! Come!)
Que? (What? Note: I had just heard the loudest and strangest animal-like yell from right above my house.)
“VAMOS!” (Let’s go!)
“Si, si, pero porque? (Yes, yes, but why?)
And then, not only did I know what my neighbor was so excited about, but I witnessed one of the coolest things I have ever seen. On our roof there were three holler monkeys eating almonds (Well, the people here call them almonds, but it is not what you are picturing. Imagine the seed that an almond grows inside, hard for me to describe, but more like a very large chestnut than an almond…) Anyway, we stood on our front steps (our steps are “sort of” made out of the earth) and watched in awe. The monkeys clearly saw us, but never seemed to care that they now had an audience. We watched them in silence for a long time, until the largest one decided to have some fun and threw his snack straight at us. Yup, he reached back and launched one of the large almond seeds straight at us. My reaction was very different from my neighbor’s. I was amused, she was startled. She told grabbed my hand and we ran into her house (our houses are separated by a wall, but connected). She explained that they can get really mean and that our “pelicula de la manana” (morning movie) was over. I thanked her for getting me and she offered me some of the juiciest pineapple I have ever had.
Then, I took a shower as the monkeys crashed about our metal roof, and got ready for my morning stroll on the beach. I have made it a habit of waking early (Seeing la amenecer (the sunrise) here is out-of-this-world, but it happens at 5 am, so I have only made it to one so far. Lame, I know!) and heading straight to the beach or to the waterfall. Since it is Sunday I don’t have my Spanish class, or my English classes (which happens around 10:30 and 2:00 every weekday) I took my time and strolled further down the beach this morning. The long walk was worth the buena vista (great view) I found after about a thirty minute stroll. I finished my book, The DaVinci Code. (I have never seen the movie or read the book, and it was the best option at the local book swap. It is a good read, but I bet the movie leaves a lot to be desired.) After staring at the sea for a long time, I swam a bit when the tide calmed down. The sea here is POWERFUL! From my apartment I have a gorgeous view of the sea, and am constantly pulled out of slumber due to the forceful sound of the waves. I don’t usually swim in the ocean here, for I have spent enough time near the sea to know that this area of the Pacific is a force to be reckoned with. And, I like my current life too much to end up lost at sea! But, almost every day I do hike up to the waterfall and swim there. There are three connected waterfalls here, and the bottom one is the most easily accessible, of course. The waterfall is about 50 feet and the pool it creates is a swimmer’s dream-come-true. The force of the down-falling water creates a strong current. When you swim against this current it is hard to make progress but it creates the ideal swimming tank. So, that is my new favorite source of expending energy.
Well, let’s see, what else? Everything is PURA VIDA here so far. I not only feel like I made the right decision, but for the first time in a long time I feel like I found a place to happily call home for quite some time…
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Ok, maybe not the end
I love sitting at my parents' house in Ocean City surrounded by my beach-loving clan. Yesterday, as I drove with my cousin to pick up our carry-out dinner, I thought about how different our thoughts must be as we sit and sing the newest hit pop song that bellows from my mom's car radio.
She (an eighth grader) and me (an almost 30 year old woman) certainly have different thoughts running through our minds. But, surprisingly (or maybe not if you know me well) we utterly enjoyed each other's company as we build sandcastles on the beach and talk about life under sunbeams. We even came home and ended a glorious beach day with some abdominal work, stretching, laughing and more talking.
I don't feel that much older than an eighth grader some days, but then reality strikes hard. Reality hit hard this morning as I heard myself conversing with my uncles and father about "refinancing" and "interest rates". As this conversation took place I couldn't resist glancing at my eighth grade cousin to see what she was doing during that "adult" conversation. Not to my surprise, she was juggling a soccer ball in the grass as my dog stared at her longingly.
It is weird to be me these days, for large parts of me long to go back to juggling soccer balls in the grass. But, then again there is another large part of me that wants to hang with the "adult" conversation about money, real estate and love. I am stuck in the middle now, but know that reality won't let me turn back into an eighth grader. I will only get older and will only continue with those adult conversations...that is inevitable.
What I don't believe is inevitable is how I feel about reality. I can easily be a part of those adult conversations that take place on the deck as I juggle a soccer ball from the grass. And, I want to be that "girl" for many more years!
She (an eighth grader) and me (an almost 30 year old woman) certainly have different thoughts running through our minds. But, surprisingly (or maybe not if you know me well) we utterly enjoyed each other's company as we build sandcastles on the beach and talk about life under sunbeams. We even came home and ended a glorious beach day with some abdominal work, stretching, laughing and more talking.
I don't feel that much older than an eighth grader some days, but then reality strikes hard. Reality hit hard this morning as I heard myself conversing with my uncles and father about "refinancing" and "interest rates". As this conversation took place I couldn't resist glancing at my eighth grade cousin to see what she was doing during that "adult" conversation. Not to my surprise, she was juggling a soccer ball in the grass as my dog stared at her longingly.
It is weird to be me these days, for large parts of me long to go back to juggling soccer balls in the grass. But, then again there is another large part of me that wants to hang with the "adult" conversation about money, real estate and love. I am stuck in the middle now, but know that reality won't let me turn back into an eighth grader. I will only get older and will only continue with those adult conversations...that is inevitable.
What I don't believe is inevitable is how I feel about reality. I can easily be a part of those adult conversations that take place on the deck as I juggle a soccer ball from the grass. And, I want to be that "girl" for many more years!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Not anymore
This is the last post of IBeKB.
I don't want to be so public with my feelings and thoughts anymore.
I will email regularly, please do the same.
I don't want to be so public with my feelings and thoughts anymore.
I will email regularly, please do the same.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Change is good...Right?
I am not sure what to call it or even what to think about it yet, but I have been dodging and chucking some wicked curve balls this week. I usually enjoy dancing in that line of fire, but one too many of those swirly curve balls have struck square onto my vulnerable heart. Others are joyfully dancing in the air just waiting for me to catch them. Plus, there are a few that I have launched into the universe, and I have had the pleasure of watching those soar to unimaginable heights.
Luckily, I am a good catcher and thrower!
I thought I wanted to write more here, but I don't (or can't) yet.
I do know that I depart for Costa Rica on September 5th, and that seems like eons from now.
Let's play "Name That Tune":
"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again..."
(I would like to know who is the original singer, so share if you happen to know.)
Luckily, I am a good catcher and thrower!
I thought I wanted to write more here, but I don't (or can't) yet.
I do know that I depart for Costa Rica on September 5th, and that seems like eons from now.
Let's play "Name That Tune":
"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again..."
(I would like to know who is the original singer, so share if you happen to know.)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Perfect Timing
My friend Gwendolyn is a gorgeous dancer living in China. She sent me an e-mail today that hit the spot. Read on...
MAYA ANGELOU'S
BEST POEM EVER
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the widt h of h er hips, or the nature of her parents.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...
MAYA ANGELOU'S
BEST POEM EVER
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the widt h of h er hips, or the nature of her parents.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Montezuma y mi corazon
Entonces, possiblemente de idioma de ingles es mejor ahora...
I am in love with Montezuma and may not be returning home as planned. For the past week I have swam, ran, hiked and laid in the most impressive jungle beach in the world. I am feeling some strange connections here and just can't imagine leaving anytime soon. There are many reasons and stories to share, but know that right now I am staring at the Pacific Ocean watching beautiful Tico children leave school and I just know that there are many reasons for me to stay here a bit longer. I don't know what that means, but I just know that it is how I feel now.
Look up Montezuma and tell me what you think I should do with my life!
I am in love with Montezuma and may not be returning home as planned. For the past week I have swam, ran, hiked and laid in the most impressive jungle beach in the world. I am feeling some strange connections here and just can't imagine leaving anytime soon. There are many reasons and stories to share, but know that right now I am staring at the Pacific Ocean watching beautiful Tico children leave school and I just know that there are many reasons for me to stay here a bit longer. I don't know what that means, but I just know that it is how I feel now.
Look up Montezuma and tell me what you think I should do with my life!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Solamente mi en San Jose
Hola de San Jose!
Traveling alone is now my equivalent of a worthwhile therapy session. I like to think of myself as an independent woman (and I am!), but my life is so full of moments with others that I freak out slightly when faced with alone time. In fact, even when I am home alone I have a dog who provides my sounding board, a phone that connects to whomever will answer and this blog that...well, whatever it is that this blog does.
Since arriving in San Jose, I have impressed gringos with my Spanish (which is far from impressive to those that speak Spanish), traveled both successfully and unsuccessfully by taxi (the unsuccessful story will come soon), and have been staying at the BEST hostel in town. My hostel has not only provided me with a safe place to stay, but more importantly with knowledgable Ticos willing to share their culture and knowledge con una gringa.
Yesterday, I walked around town alone after having desayuno with a couple of new friends here. I did want to lure my new friends into spending the day with me (see the sentence # 3 above), but knew that that was imposing and contrary to my purpose of solo travel. So, I ventured around town alone and was constantly reminded how pretty my eyes are...but, Ticos are much smoother than most men. Nobody touched me, made me feel uncomfortable, or copped a feel. I can't say that about most places I know (including home!).
So, I ventured about and found a great vegetarian restaurant and coffee house. The coffee here is truly to die for, plus the meal I had for cena was worth way more than US$2! The veggie restaurant is named Vishnu, if you are ever here.
Now I am about to embark on another fun solo morning. I have been convinced to take the local bus to the airport to meet Liz and Kristen. The hostel owner and a couple of new friends have told me numerous times how to accomplish this mission and we have even done a few role plays over cervecas! So, I am empowered, ready to speak more Spanish and ready to have some familiar faces by my side!
Wish me luck!
Traveling alone is now my equivalent of a worthwhile therapy session. I like to think of myself as an independent woman (and I am!), but my life is so full of moments with others that I freak out slightly when faced with alone time. In fact, even when I am home alone I have a dog who provides my sounding board, a phone that connects to whomever will answer and this blog that...well, whatever it is that this blog does.
Since arriving in San Jose, I have impressed gringos with my Spanish (which is far from impressive to those that speak Spanish), traveled both successfully and unsuccessfully by taxi (the unsuccessful story will come soon), and have been staying at the BEST hostel in town. My hostel has not only provided me with a safe place to stay, but more importantly with knowledgable Ticos willing to share their culture and knowledge con una gringa.
Yesterday, I walked around town alone after having desayuno with a couple of new friends here. I did want to lure my new friends into spending the day with me (see the sentence # 3 above), but knew that that was imposing and contrary to my purpose of solo travel. So, I ventured around town alone and was constantly reminded how pretty my eyes are...but, Ticos are much smoother than most men. Nobody touched me, made me feel uncomfortable, or copped a feel. I can't say that about most places I know (including home!).
So, I ventured about and found a great vegetarian restaurant and coffee house. The coffee here is truly to die for, plus the meal I had for cena was worth way more than US$2! The veggie restaurant is named Vishnu, if you are ever here.
Now I am about to embark on another fun solo morning. I have been convinced to take the local bus to the airport to meet Liz and Kristen. The hostel owner and a couple of new friends have told me numerous times how to accomplish this mission and we have even done a few role plays over cervecas! So, I am empowered, ready to speak more Spanish and ready to have some familiar faces by my side!
Wish me luck!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Up, Up & Away!
With nerves and a new pair of shoes, I am flying away for the rest of the summer. My first stop is here to present at this, then back to this spot for 25 hours of girlfriend-time, and finally off to here for weeks.
That will be a bit stressful, but the type of stress I thrive on. Then, this place with three of my closest friends will be the exact opposite of stress. Ahhh...
That will be a bit stressful, but the type of stress I thrive on. Then, this place with three of my closest friends will be the exact opposite of stress. Ahhh...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Beauties on the Beach
This has been one of my favorite places in the world since I can remember. If you ever find yourself close to Ocean City, MD stop by this gem of a shoreline and say "Hi!" to my mom. She quit her stressful job and now works in the Camp Store at Assateague. And on Assateague, the biggest stress is whether to hike with the wild ponies or go jump in the waves.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Before Breakfast, After Long Run
At the beginning of the m..o..r..p..h.. process, I lose focus and the ability to form sentences, begin to stare while biting my fingernails, then comes the sudden and consuming thoughts of fried tofu or fresh fruit. (Easy to see where my vitamin deficiencies linger, eh?). In spite of the force of the m..o..r..p..h.. and with age, I have learned to avoid the quick fix of sugar, value local organic goodness and love slow five course meals with my friends.
My attention to organic living renders me a quizzical and serious eater. I am a borderline-vegan (thanks to Inga Muscio for legitimizing this term). Meaning I am a strict lactose-intolerant vegetarian, but am not always in-the-know enough (or with enough minutes to spare) to know about every morsel entering my digestive tract. Thus, I do not claim to be vegan. My wonderfully wacky vegan friends like to debate the validity of someone like me joining their clan, but regardless of who wins the argument that day, I abstain. But, like my vegan friends, I actively learn more about my body and diet every day.
For example, here is info illustrating an obstacle I face (and calling this an "obstacle" is weak on my part, no doubt) when it comes to committing to a true vegan lifestyle.
Check out the vegan-friendliness:
Beers
Wine
Liquor
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Costa Rica!
I will be heading south soon, but I won't be sitting alone on any Spanish-speaking beaches this summer...
Nope, I will be sitting there with Dizzie Lizzie and K-dog for the first week and A-rod for the remaining weeks. Tickets have been purchased and plans are forming!
Great friends, beaches, bus trips, who knows what else...Don't you want to join the fun?
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Career's Twisted Path
As many of you know, I often equate my job with an abusive relationship. But, I have been rethinking this erroneous analogy, and even though I have yet to conjure the perfect comparison, I know this is an unfair judgment. I won't ever say that again. Promise.I mean, that photo up above showing water quality testing happening on the Anacostia River is how I spent last Friday. Worlds collided for me as we boarded the Half Shell with Living Classrooms Foundation DC. There are many days when I long for some gettin' dirty outdoor work, such as my old job on that Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat...
...enough dreaming of previous lives, back to my current job. A few months ago I decided to accept a new position at my school and since have felt a resurgence of passion for teaching at this school. Those other photos up there illustrate one of my school's proudest days so far. Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy had its first graduation! Chavez only accepted ninth and tenth graders the first year, and 15 scholars made it all the way to the diploma. As I sat at graduation donning a black robe, I remembered (around March I was wondering...) why I care about Chavez scholars enough to put up with this incredibly stressful and time-consuming career. Next year will be monumental for not only the 2nd senior class, but selfishly for me too, for that class consists of the scholars I worked with when I began working at Chavez. Watching those crazy kids walk and shake on the fact that they broke down numerous stereotypes will produce tears of joy. Lots of tears.
Classes end this Friday and only a few meetings happen next week. And then...
...Summer Fun:
I'm flying to Denver to present at this conference with Simon. This excursion will foster professional and spiritual growth-- for, we will spend 5 days breathing in Colorado air, will present for 2 hours, then will head to Rocky National Park for hiking with Mario. Great.
Then, I am heading south for the rest of the summer. A few months ago I was spending oodles of time researching and applying for "things" to do over the summer weeks off. Coulda spent 6 weeks with rich high school kids in Egypt, coulda volunteered with Ashoka, coulda taught summer school...but, I finally turned all of those coulda's down for some time on a Spanish-speaking beach. I cashed in my travel voucher with Taca Airlines for a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. I only know that I am flying into San Jose, attending my great friend's and cousin's wedding on August 11th, and flying out of San Jose. The rest is to be determined...
...So, do tell! If you were about to board a plane that would land in Costa Rica, what would you do? I have four weeks and am seeking your first-hand experiences!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Car-heads!
With a bit of nostalgia, a newfound fear, plus time to kill, I stumbled
upon this interesting experiment and story. It has been almost 8 years since I owned a car--without a longing to go back to those gas-pumping days-- and biking is
my preferred means of transport. But, city-living and me-on-a-bike
don't always mix. My adult years (worthy of distinguishing from my childhood years, for I am sure there were many more spills back in the day...) on a bike have landed me with an uncountable amount of bruises, painful stitches, a bumpy-lumpy nose, an irrational fear of SUV's driver-side doors, and a love for clearly marked Bike Lanes. I do like
to "put the fun between my legs" as my comrade likes to jest, but there really should be an easier way to please all road-based travelers. I once thought DC took the cake for the Worst Biking City, but after today, Baltimore wins this prize!
upon this interesting experiment and story. It has been almost 8 years since I owned a car--without a longing to go back to those gas-pumping days-- and biking is
my preferred means of transport. But, city-living and me-on-a-bike
don't always mix. My adult years (worthy of distinguishing from my childhood years, for I am sure there were many more spills back in the day...) on a bike have landed me with an uncountable amount of bruises, painful stitches, a bumpy-lumpy nose, an irrational fear of SUV's driver-side doors, and a love for clearly marked Bike Lanes. I do like
to "put the fun between my legs" as my comrade likes to jest, but there really should be an easier way to please all road-based travelers. I once thought DC took the cake for the Worst Biking City, but after today, Baltimore wins this prize!
Veggie Garden Delight
Our green thumbs have been protruding as of late. Been busy in the front and back yards, as you can see. Next up, churning the earth in the back and making it a yard. Plus, building more raised beds for the front. Even the composter exists happily.
Photo Opportunities
This Sunday morn affords one time to do purposeless chores. For example, uploading photos to Flickr and Blogger.
Recent Haps:
Dindin for the Birthday Boy:
School's been fun:
Recent Haps:
Dindin for the Birthday Boy:
School's been fun:
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