While cold weather isn't really my thing, this season is absolutely my favorite...fall.
It's cold enough to need a sweater, but not a coat.
Cold enough to wear socks, but not slippers.
You appreciate more coming into a warm house.
Sleeping in under the covers when it's cold outside is much better than sleeping in and feeling like you are missing out on great weather.
Drinking hot chocolate, and warming your hands around the mug.
The colors of the trees and how the earth and leaves smell when you rake the front yard.
Pumpkin EVERYTHING! : )
Anticipating the first frost...and then the first snow.
And breakfast today was a fall classic...cinnamon and honey oatmeal with a mug of tea. YUM.
Pura Vida
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
one month down...two to go
It's official...I have been here for one month!
Hard to believe that four short weeks ago I was sitting in the airport, blogging about my final moments in CR before my journey home. Two more months to go, and I hope they go fast.
Today I feel like my energy has just run out...maybe it has something to do with my gym regimen, or working six days a week. All I know is that I want a hug from my hubby and a couple extra hours of sleep. Especially in this season! The last thing I need is to get sick or burned out before Christmas (my favorite holiday!).
Cuidado.
Pura VIda
Hard to believe that four short weeks ago I was sitting in the airport, blogging about my final moments in CR before my journey home. Two more months to go, and I hope they go fast.
Today I feel like my energy has just run out...maybe it has something to do with my gym regimen, or working six days a week. All I know is that I want a hug from my hubby and a couple extra hours of sleep. Especially in this season! The last thing I need is to get sick or burned out before Christmas (my favorite holiday!).
Cuidado.
Pura VIda
Monday, October 24, 2011
hitting the wall
While I enjoy being back in my hometown, I think the pura vida essence of my beloved Costa Rica has worn off. After being home for a month, I am reaching the point where all the funny, quirky things my parents and siblings do are no longer funny nor quirky, but the most irritating things in the world. I find that I am constantly bad tempered, easily annoyed and more impatient. Instead of taking the things and people in stride, I react with bad humor.
Most of the difficulty I think comes from separation anxiety. I miss my husband, and I am more than little torn between trying to enjoy my time with my family and longing at the same time to be back home (home being where my husband is). The key I think is to maximize my time here, and also to maintain contact and continue my relationship with my hubby.
Oh the joys and complications of having two homes, two families, two countries...
I hope to get all my documents in order to begin successfully with the process of applying for citizenship asap. There are so many little details to take care of... I can do it!
Pura Vida...Costa Rica : )
Most of the difficulty I think comes from separation anxiety. I miss my husband, and I am more than little torn between trying to enjoy my time with my family and longing at the same time to be back home (home being where my husband is). The key I think is to maximize my time here, and also to maintain contact and continue my relationship with my hubby.
Oh the joys and complications of having two homes, two families, two countries...
I hope to get all my documents in order to begin successfully with the process of applying for citizenship asap. There are so many little details to take care of... I can do it!
Pura Vida...Costa Rica : )
Thursday, October 20, 2011
winter weather
While it is only October, I feel like we are well into winter. A Costa Rican winter, that is.
The last few days have been wet and cold, very reminiscent of Monteverde just at this time of year! It's like I am back on the mountain, bundling up to walk outside in the cold and rain.
The only thing is, I know it will get worse. SNOW is on the way! And while I love the white stuff, it brings the temps down quite a bit. How lucky that I have a little heater in my room, which is right over the cold garage. Any day now Dad will turn on the heat, I'm sure. In the meantime I am sleeping in socks.
Bring it on, Ohio weather!
Pura Vida
The last few days have been wet and cold, very reminiscent of Monteverde just at this time of year! It's like I am back on the mountain, bundling up to walk outside in the cold and rain.
The only thing is, I know it will get worse. SNOW is on the way! And while I love the white stuff, it brings the temps down quite a bit. How lucky that I have a little heater in my room, which is right over the cold garage. Any day now Dad will turn on the heat, I'm sure. In the meantime I am sleeping in socks.
Bring it on, Ohio weather!
Pura Vida
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
long distance travel in the USA
Today began an 11-hour roadtrip from Ohio to New Jersey. Needless to say, it was a long day.
Some things I noticed about this travel experience:
-There are very few buses on the highways. I saw a couple Greyhounds, and one bus that I think was a Mega Bus, but that was all. In CR there are buses every 100 meters on a road.
- Four lane highways are normal. In CR it's usually two lane.
- Gas stations are shopping meccas. In CR there are locations that are restaurant and souvenir combos, some gas stations may have a few food items, but none of them will sell electronic equipment or children's toys or clothing! I was overwhelmed by all the variety in a simple gas station.
- Tunnels. I know of only one tunnel in all of CR...and today we must have driven through four.
- Rest areas. I love them...stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, run around in an area designated just for people to pull of the highway and take a travel break. Those do not exist in CR! But they need them, for sure.
Something I noticed about me too...that now I don't like driving as much as I did before. I get tired more easily, I cannot concentrate for very long, my vision has gotten worse. I have been spoiled by having a chofer and being able to take the bus anywhere and everywhere. I miss the bus, honestly. I admit that having a car is more convenient in some ways, in MANY ways, but I like the simplicity of taking a bus...and the cost.
Ah well...now in about 48 hours we will be heading back. Wonder who will be driving then?
We will see.
Pura Vida
Some things I noticed about this travel experience:
-There are very few buses on the highways. I saw a couple Greyhounds, and one bus that I think was a Mega Bus, but that was all. In CR there are buses every 100 meters on a road.
- Four lane highways are normal. In CR it's usually two lane.
- Gas stations are shopping meccas. In CR there are locations that are restaurant and souvenir combos, some gas stations may have a few food items, but none of them will sell electronic equipment or children's toys or clothing! I was overwhelmed by all the variety in a simple gas station.
- Tunnels. I know of only one tunnel in all of CR...and today we must have driven through four.
- Rest areas. I love them...stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, run around in an area designated just for people to pull of the highway and take a travel break. Those do not exist in CR! But they need them, for sure.
Something I noticed about me too...that now I don't like driving as much as I did before. I get tired more easily, I cannot concentrate for very long, my vision has gotten worse. I have been spoiled by having a chofer and being able to take the bus anywhere and everywhere. I miss the bus, honestly. I admit that having a car is more convenient in some ways, in MANY ways, but I like the simplicity of taking a bus...and the cost.
Ah well...now in about 48 hours we will be heading back. Wonder who will be driving then?
We will see.
Pura Vida
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
excuse me while i translate that...
Today sped by at the speed of light. I went to work and to the gym after, and my mission to get my booty in shape continues with mild success.
I want to stop and write about what happened to me today though.
While in conversation at work, I found myself not understanding a question asked of me, and automatically wanting to respond "como?" instead of "what?" It took some mental effort to get my tongue to spit out the English response, because my brain was in Spanish mode.
At another point later in the day, some co-workers and I were discussing cranberries and sugar beets. For the life of me, I couldn't remember what sugar beets were, because in my head I know them as "remolacha" and nothing else! I could picture the object in my head, but attached to it was the Spanish word, and the English word just got stuck somewhere between my eyebrows.
Again during the day, instead of saying "i'm sorry" I found myself saying "lo siento" and then quickly correcting myself...again, responding in the wrong language. Shouldn't I be switched back over by now?
Though I find this to be potentially embarrassing, it just goes to show how deeply ingrained the Spanish language as become for me. Initially I was afraid that returning to the USA I would lose what fluency I had, but two weeks in and I am still doing ok!
I am partially relieved. Also very encouraged, to keep speaking to my mom in Spanish and in general speak in Spanish whenever possible. Now if I could only get my languages sorted out for the right people in the right situations...maybe I could say I am bilingual.
Pura Vida!
I want to stop and write about what happened to me today though.
While in conversation at work, I found myself not understanding a question asked of me, and automatically wanting to respond "como?" instead of "what?" It took some mental effort to get my tongue to spit out the English response, because my brain was in Spanish mode.
At another point later in the day, some co-workers and I were discussing cranberries and sugar beets. For the life of me, I couldn't remember what sugar beets were, because in my head I know them as "remolacha" and nothing else! I could picture the object in my head, but attached to it was the Spanish word, and the English word just got stuck somewhere between my eyebrows.
Again during the day, instead of saying "i'm sorry" I found myself saying "lo siento" and then quickly correcting myself...again, responding in the wrong language. Shouldn't I be switched back over by now?
Though I find this to be potentially embarrassing, it just goes to show how deeply ingrained the Spanish language as become for me. Initially I was afraid that returning to the USA I would lose what fluency I had, but two weeks in and I am still doing ok!
I am partially relieved. Also very encouraged, to keep speaking to my mom in Spanish and in general speak in Spanish whenever possible. Now if I could only get my languages sorted out for the right people in the right situations...maybe I could say I am bilingual.
Pura Vida!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
rice and beans
Buen provecho!
Pura Vida
Saturday, October 8, 2011
my tan is fading
The sun here is definitely not as strong as it is in Costa Rica...being closer to the equator has both dangers and perks, and one perk I miss right now is the easy tan that comes from simply walking down the street. The danger is...laying out for more than 20 minutes and burning!
All the color I got over the last few days while in Esparza has started to peel or fade, and my bronzed look is fading away. Yesterday, not having to work, I took full advantage of the 70+ degree weather we are having (a very late Indian Summer, according to Mom) and tanned sitting in my backyard for about 2 hours. 2 HOURS! No, I do not look like a lobster, or a tomato, or Rudolph. My color is just a hint deeper, and I was amazed that I had no burn to show for my relaxing morning in the sun. Maybe I will sit out again tomorrow! Now if only I hadn't left all my bikinis in Esparza....
By the time I get back, I will be as pale as a sheet of paper.
The weather here has been exceptionally warm for fall, and I think I have just gotten lucky. I desperately need to buy closed shoes still, since the ones I took with me over the last year have suffered mold and wetness and mud. I have yet to wear socks outside of the gym and work, and I like it that way...though I know it can't last much longer.
My parents and I even ate dinner outside this evening, until the mosquitoes started getting too friendly. Soon it will be much to cold for that.
While fall is a beautiful season, I sorely miss the sun, heat, humidity of Costa Rica. It was balmy, never too cold. And for someone who catches cold as easy as I do, I need a warm climate. Of course, I come back to Dayton just in time to experience the coldest season of the year. Good thing I didn't get rid of any socks.
Work has been going well. I need all the hours I can get, and there are plenty of shifts for me to fill in, between all of the new responsibilities of Catering and all of the new students. Luckily in the last year not too much has slipped away... though it's hard to forget skills and habits accumulated over the last 6 years of working in the same place. I am just glad to be busy, and to be making a little money.
Pura Vida
All the color I got over the last few days while in Esparza has started to peel or fade, and my bronzed look is fading away. Yesterday, not having to work, I took full advantage of the 70+ degree weather we are having (a very late Indian Summer, according to Mom) and tanned sitting in my backyard for about 2 hours. 2 HOURS! No, I do not look like a lobster, or a tomato, or Rudolph. My color is just a hint deeper, and I was amazed that I had no burn to show for my relaxing morning in the sun. Maybe I will sit out again tomorrow! Now if only I hadn't left all my bikinis in Esparza....
By the time I get back, I will be as pale as a sheet of paper.
The weather here has been exceptionally warm for fall, and I think I have just gotten lucky. I desperately need to buy closed shoes still, since the ones I took with me over the last year have suffered mold and wetness and mud. I have yet to wear socks outside of the gym and work, and I like it that way...though I know it can't last much longer.
My parents and I even ate dinner outside this evening, until the mosquitoes started getting too friendly. Soon it will be much to cold for that.
While fall is a beautiful season, I sorely miss the sun, heat, humidity of Costa Rica. It was balmy, never too cold. And for someone who catches cold as easy as I do, I need a warm climate. Of course, I come back to Dayton just in time to experience the coldest season of the year. Good thing I didn't get rid of any socks.
Work has been going well. I need all the hours I can get, and there are plenty of shifts for me to fill in, between all of the new responsibilities of Catering and all of the new students. Luckily in the last year not too much has slipped away... though it's hard to forget skills and habits accumulated over the last 6 years of working in the same place. I am just glad to be busy, and to be making a little money.
Pura Vida
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
week one
It has officially been one week since I arrived back in the USA, back in Ohio.
Is it pathetic that I spent some of today investigating how much it would be to change my ticket? Right now I am missing intensely the heat and beauty of Costa Rica, and the warmth of my husband. Not sure how much longer I will last here!
Despite how much I love my family, my home is where Elliott is.
Only 86 more days to go...
Pura Vida
Is it pathetic that I spent some of today investigating how much it would be to change my ticket? Right now I am missing intensely the heat and beauty of Costa Rica, and the warmth of my husband. Not sure how much longer I will last here!
Despite how much I love my family, my home is where Elliott is.
Only 86 more days to go...
Pura Vida
Monday, October 3, 2011
working girl
It's been a while since I have been out of the kitchen back at Catering, but today went very well...my first day back! There were lots of hugs and smiles, and I felt so welcomed. If only I could remember everyone's name! There are lots of new faces too, including new supervisors (one of which is 22, not sure what to make of that!).
I feel invigorated instead of tired, after serving a HUGE March of Dimes fundraiser event downtown, with a team of just 4 people. The 6 hours I worked didn't feel like work...it was fun! Hope that I can go back soon.
The idea while I am here is to work as much as I can, to get a big jump on repaying my pesky student loans... Luckily there is plenty going on in Catering, so we will see where they fit me in.
It feels great to be back in action! If you know of any extra work around the DYT throw it my way ; )
Pura Vida
I feel invigorated instead of tired, after serving a HUGE March of Dimes fundraiser event downtown, with a team of just 4 people. The 6 hours I worked didn't feel like work...it was fun! Hope that I can go back soon.
The idea while I am here is to work as much as I can, to get a big jump on repaying my pesky student loans... Luckily there is plenty going on in Catering, so we will see where they fit me in.
It feels great to be back in action! If you know of any extra work around the DYT throw it my way ; )
Pura Vida
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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