14 Day Gratitude Challenge! Day 1

I subscribe to a daily email newsletter titled "Personal Excellence," and although I have to confess I don't always read it, I decided to participate in this particular challenge. 

A dear friend of mine died a few days ago, and she was one of the most loving people you could ever know. Her motto was "Love, Joy, Peace and Understanding." During her life celebration last night I couldn't help but think that there are so many things to be grateful for and I found this challenge in my inbox this morning. Seeing this as a sign, here goes. 

Day number one of the challenge is to list ten things you are grateful for. 

I am grateful for: 

1) The health and well being of my three beautiful children. (Che, Logan and Scarlett)

2) My health and well being. 

3) The fact that I have a warm bed to sleep in. (Someone once said to me that things may not be perfect, but she would notice if she didn't have sheets on her bed tomorrow.) 

4) Healthy food and drinking water

5) My freedom

6) The fact that I am able to continue my education no matter what stage of life I may be in. :-)

7) My vehicle to get from point A to point B

8) The fact that I was able to travel and study in Costa Rica twice in one year and bring my daughter along. 

9) That I can see the gorgeous sky and hear the wonders of nature. Yes, I do think about this! ;-)

10)My singing voice. 

Wow! I could go on and on. Okay, I'm not wealthy, and I don't have that "perfect" relationship that everyone talks about in those fabulous romantic comedies, but I am pretty well adjusted! My life is in a continuous stage of progression, and that is another thing to be grateful about!

Adiós Costa Rica....

As I was taking my last walk to the pier and ATM, I began reflecting on the events of the past three weeks in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

There was so much activity and new experiences that I feel as if I've been here for five weeks instead of three. That is a good thing.  I visited four beaches in my time here, went horseback riding in the mountains, rode a jet ski in the ocean of Costa Rica, snorkeled, zip-lined and made some new friends. All in all, I would say I had a very eventful trip. 

The one regret I have is that I am not coming away from this speaking nearly as much Spanish as I initially hoped. For me, it is going to take more time, but I know that when I actually "get it" it will be amazing and I will wonder why it was ever so hard. I can say that I understand a lot more when I listen, and my Spanglish is pretty darn good.

It finally hit me that I was actually leaving when my madre tica (host mom) gave me a departing gift of leather sandals and a T-Shirt with words "Costa Rica Pura Vida" accompanied by a heart-felt card. I got tears in my eyes at this gesture because yes, I will miss the family that welcomed me with open arms so willingly from the beginning. 

My madre tica is a warm and kind lady, and when I visit Costa Rica again, I will be paying her a visit. That is if I am not living with her again. That would be amazing, but circumstances may not happen that way. 

While walking, the streets didn't seem as busy for some reason and I welcomed this opportunity to relish every little thing about this city. The aromas both good and bad, and the people who greet you with a short "buenas" or "buenos" were among the things I was soaking up today. 

The smoothie shop where I spent so much time was closed unfortunately. There is something about a smoothie made with the freshest fruit available that makes it taste so much better. I have never had smoothies this good in the states. I became friends with the owner, and we shared photos of our families. He helped me with Spanish, and that was always a plus here! I wanted to tell him goodbye, but as I said, it was closed today. That is the good thing about Facebook!

Next door to the smoothie shop is "Casa de Helado" and they served one of my most purchased items in Costa Rica. The Granizado Con Leche Condensada y Pinito. (The Churchill) This is a drink that is shaved ice, syrup, pinito (which basically tastes like Carnation instant creamer) and condensed milk on the top. Sounds strange, but it is AMAZING! I couldn't get enough of those, and it will be missed. 

Iguanas/geckos just randomly walk in the street and on the sidewalks in several different sizes. I will miss that as well. Every time I saw one out in the open like that I was so fascinated. 

My body seemed to adjust to the lack of air-conditioning in the hot tropical weather, but I would say that is one thing I won't miss so much. Of course I say that until I return to the winter weather in Nashville! 

I will miss this country and so many things about it, but I miss my children more. It will be so nice to hug them! I will be back...the next time with mi hija in tow. 

Costa Rica, ¡hasta luego!