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…

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.)

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...

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!

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!

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...

Beauties on the Beach

Salted Hair and Sunkissed Skin on Assateague Island

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.

Costa Rica!

Oh yippee!

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?

Oh yippee!

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!

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.

Summer Storm

Rain pouring, was just snoring as great plans were forming.
Saturday's are my favorite.

Keba is healing nicely. He will have all of his stitches removed by Monday, that will ease our stratching woes. There is more swelling now, but that is to be expected. The pit bull owner dropped off a check for half of the vet bills, that was nice.

Not sure what else...going to stare at some raindrops and listen to some thunder booms.

Scary Day Update (see post below prior to reading this)

Last night, as I chatted with one of my favorite aunts, A. interrupted to share some great news with me. The owner (the woman) of the TWO pitbulls (see below) informed us that she was bringing a check over! Wow, what a relief!

Since this horrific event I have been in quite an emotional funk. We spent a week at the hospital, report daily to a stressful environment hoping to evoke a bit of change but oftentimes end up feeling disgruntled, watched our dog be attacked, spent a night without our puppy, then were truly convinced that there was no such thing as human dignity and/or responsibility. Then, early last night, one phone call reinvigorated me with humankind. Despite this noticeable and incredibly large knot in my upper back, I am reinvigorated with this world and human beings.

But, I do need some help with this massive knot on my back.(I even put in long hard miles yesterday and it still won't loosen...)

Strange & Fantastic Commuters

It really is the little things! Life has supplied a few unexpected curve balls lately, but in the midst of hardship came a wonderful surprise. As you may know, we commute daily on the MARC for our round-trip journey from Charm City to Chocolate City. You probably don't know, but for my birthday A. created a book of "coupons" for me to use over the course of this year. These coupons are colorfully illustrated and thoughtfully represent how well he knows me. Some coupon examples: Organic Homecooked Ethnic Meal; Day Hike with Keba; Explor-a-bike Day and so on...

These coupons tickled me so much that I pulled out my coupon collection recently on the train to ponder when and which one I would use first. As we made our way home, I decided to cash in my Day Hike coupon for that weekend. I reached into the depths of my backpack and...what...no way...WHERE ARE MY COUPONS?...no way, they have to be here, I just had them...NO!...(emptied bag onto floor) THEY ARE GONE.. NoooooOOOOO!

A. is so smart. These were nontransferable and couldn't be redeemed without the actual coupon. He smiled mischievously at my dismay as I tried to convince him to recreate, he denied me, and I sank my shoulders with self-disappointment. BOOHOO for me, right?

THEN, about two weeks later, our school secretary told me that I had a phone message in my mailslot. This is not uncommon, so I slowly made my way to my mailslot to see who I owed a return call. The message read, "Theresa called about those coupon."

Ummm, what? I don't know a Theresa, not sure what "those coupon" would/could be, so I disregarded this message by telling myself there must have been an error. (Not once did A.'s coupons cross my mind, but I do usually call people back.)THEN, last week, the same wonderful secretary informed me of a letter that recently arrived for me. This too was placed in my mailslot. I sauntered that way and began to open the letter. This envelope was handwritten and the return address was from Glen Burnie.

I opened this mystery package to find...MY COUPONS!!

Theresa Arney from Glen Burnie mailed my coupons back to me! This incredibly persistent woman sought me out to return what most would have considered trash. She jotted a short note about how she tried to contact me at work but I never returned her call, so she just mailed them to me. Well, jeeze, I sure felt awful for not calling her back, but my Thank You note to her was mailed today.

Oftentimes I find myself disgruntled by human misbehavior. I find people rude, brash and inappropriate (especially those from my Mid-Atlantic region). Sometimes I can shrug these feelings away by looking at the amazing people I surround myself with, for they fill me with reassurance and sanity, but sometimes those yucky people stick with me so deeply I can't sleep. This seemingly simple gesture-Theresa's persistence- made my week, well actually my year. I feel warm and fuzzy inside, smile with ease and don't care about those stupid passive aggressive, rude, inappropriate people out there. Those people can't hold down the Theresa's of the world!

THANKS TO MY FELLOW MARC TRAIN COMMUTER FOR BRINGING BACK HOPE!

Do you agree with this projection of happiness?

Challenge!

Decide, Commit, then Put in Many Miles...

If you believe you are brave enough, strong enough and weather-proof enough, commit to the 2007 Seagull Century. (Note: I did not say the 50 miler, or that we are so sweet we melt in water, but I said we commit.)

I will do it!
And you?

Biking Theme Ringing On

Paris = City of Bikes?

Explor-a-bike Part 2

Explor-a-bike day faced a detour when the words "hot springs" summoned my soul.
Steamy bathing was needed, good, and worth another trip. So not too much dirty spray on the butt today, but rain (and, what, SNOW!) is in our forecast, so hope for dirty dirty butt lingers.


Restless. Restless. Restless...Incredibly RestLESS.
Lately, full of unrest.

Maybe it is the moon and its almost-fullness. Maybe it is the fact that I need to start something new. Maybe I miss someone. Maybe there is a void or a craving I am missing. (Like when I just want some chocolate and think a cup of tea will suffice, yet it never suffices. Sometimes a girl just needs a bit of dark chocolate...)

Yep. Something new. I think I want to write a zine.

Explor-a-bike day

It rained a lot last evening. I learned this when I sauntered onto the back deck this morn, it was drenched, but strangely I didn't hear the slightest rain drop during dreamy time last night. A drenched deck means there are puddles all over the city! And, riding over, through and in puddles while perched on my bike is one of my favorite energy burners. I also really enjoy getting my butt covered with mud from that dirty spray from the back tire. Oh, and I hope one of the puddles ends up drizzling on my face. Needless to say...

I am eagerly heading out for an explor-a-bike day. Oh, and I just purchased a snazzy new helmet. And, helmets equal confidence and smarts on a bike.
Plus, I want to check out this spot!, and they are open today.

FUN.
Explora-bike-day.

Anthology of Foliage

Like a mother with her first-born's baby album, I want to watch our plants mature and discover the world.

Palm (donated by Mom Bowers):
This beauty fawns the dining room. Its sinewy green fingers long to be caressed while bubbles of growth are sprouting.

Baby Coffee Plant:
With waxy leaves shimmerring in the sun and a soft fragrance, this baby keeps our current vino from Mendoza company.

Rubber Tree:
Both of our childhood homes contained a massive rubber tree, with time Keba will be able to say the same.

Kitchen Crew (from left to right): Spider, Dwarf Plant, Philodendron:
This spider has been through the past four years with me, and looks it. But, its buddies are thriving. The dwarf likes medium light, but the philodendron is a climbing sun-bather. Even with their differences, these three seem to get along just fine.

Aloe:
When you are as accident-prone as me, you quickly learn of this wonder. To use it, is to love it.

Philodendrons:
In this pot you will find two varietals of philodendrons: colorful, air-filtering wonders! I want the yellow to drape downward and red/green to spread, spread spread.

Poppop Philodendron:
This is our majestic beast. Sometimes this plant shares war stories from back in the day (just like my daddy).

Living Room Crew (from top to bottom): Prayer Plant, Exotic Angel, Mandarin Orange:
This trio requires the most attention of them all. The fickle Prayer Plant curls and hides, the Angel is difficult to keep happy and moist, and the Mandarin's tips brown regardless of repeated efforts. Despite our trials and tribulations, this crew seems pleasant enough in the living room.

Ficus Tree (donated by Mom Pintzuk):
I love reading in this corner! The only way this corner could bring more pleasure is if the ficus fingers would turn the pages of my read.

Buddha Hoya Rope and Jade:
For some reason, our easy-to-please jade makes me want to dive into a lilypad covered lake (childhood flashbacks of East Lake, but no idea why). Buddha Hoya is loving the radiating heat. Along with the philodendrons, this climber will soon belong to our living wall.

Mixed Climbers: Philodendrons + Buddha Hoya:
This group of three longs to hear bedtime stories and wake with the early sun.

Orchid Surprise (donated by Mom Bowers):
We are trying to nurture a glorious Orchid, keep your fingers crossed. My parents have unsurpassed luck with orchids...just trying to live up to my family's green thumb.

Diffenbachia (donated by Mom Bowers):
This beauty likes a breathe of fresh air every now and again. Its curled arms are very curious.

Our soon-to-be NEIGHBOR's birthday bash!

*See two posts below for what we did to the house during the recent snow storm.*
Here is the birthday girl, and she just bought a house in Baltimore too!
J & I had only a lil bit o'fun during the birthday surprise...

Good Green News- Go Aussies

Aussies are setting the pace...Will the rest of the globe keep up?