In the world of “Color Code” personalities I am considered a BLUE.  Blues are all about ‘intimacy’ – connecting with others – and for the most part we tend to like to help others.  Now, I’m also just about the same amount of yellow (fun, fun and more fun) and red (power – those who get things moving forward) with just a weee bit of white (peace – ohm).  Today I was purple!

Being an artist I know if you add the 3 primary colours together you get….brown!  so yes…yellow + blue + red = brown.  White just makes it a bit lighter brown…or not. Let’s get back to the purple…

After 25 years in my chosen industry I now offer my services as a consultant.  2 of my clients use my services for reporting. They provide me with specific detail and request a summary report which includes supporting evidence.  Yesterday I received a report request which I worked on for a few hours and then another few today, gathering and confirming information in order to complete the report. Then BAM, this afternoon my client says ‘sorry’ but they requested this in error. 

I’ve had this happen a few times with this client. The first few times I was very blue – figuring it’s all part of the relationship – and sometimes I need to be a partner who understands. So those first few times I let them know no charge.  Last time this happened I was a little less blue asking them to only pay a 1/4 of the full fee even though I had done 1/2 the work. They were to check and come back to me…but they did not.  I typically work in a blue manner, confirming that I will not invoice them without their approval.  So….

Today when it happened I was a lot less blue and my red came shining through.  I responded that I understood how crazy the industry can be. On the same side though, business is business and I will be charging them for the work I did.  Blue + Red = Purple.  

Now, what really felt good was that I took a good long look at my reactions…my thoughts.  I had my typical “oh, no – what happens if they decide not to work with me anymore?” words go through my mind.  Today my answer to that question was “oh, well! their loss”.  I have worth.  I am very good at what I do.  There are very few people who have my experience or my expertise at what I do.  I am worthy of being paid for the work I do.  If I make an error, I absorb the cost. If someone else makes an error, then they should be responsible.  

I share because this entire experience was just what I needed today.  It did not feel so at the time but upon reflection this evening…perfectly timed.  I am grateful that I am able to now recognize it.   I am also grateful that I chose to spend each evening reflecting on my day with a DoWoo perspective.  I am grateful for the Master Key Experience as this course provided me with the tools to shift, to understand, to embrace and then allow life to unfold.  In the words of my mentors “It all works out in the end. If it has not worked out, it’s not the end.”  

Where would you like to be a year from now?? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

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Today started similar to most mornings since we’ve been here, a bit cloudy…but the difference I noticed as soon as I woke up – the patio outside our room was dry.  Most mornings it’s been wet.  I took this as a good sign and sure enough within 2 hours it was calm, blue skies and even was low on the humidity level.   We were all outside in the garden doing stuff – when Walter spotted an interesting bug. 

This little guy flew in and started lapping up the water on the floor of the carport where Walter was sweeping the water into the gutter.  His antennae were as long as his body. 

Gregory was to start picking up the greenery which has started to grow between the rocks.  As you can image everything grows quickly here with all the rain – so there was quite a bit.  I approached a set of larger rocks where there was quite a bit of greenery needing attention when I spotted what looked like a small plant growing out of the side of the rock. Upon closer inspection though it was another insect hanging out. 

Shortly thereafter Gregory came in asking for a container.  He found a caterpillar he wanted to put in a jar of some sort.  We explained that this may lessen his life expectancy and it is usually best to allow them to live where they are.  

Rather than a picture for this little guy, he chose to do a video.

At the end of his time outside Gregory had cleared up a good portion of the greenery in between the rocks – the results being contained within the bucket.  The bucket, photos and video – all tangible representations of a job well completed and enjoyed! 

Where would you like to be a year from now?? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  You will be one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

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Went to our weekly Spanish / English exchange lesson today.  I drove again! Woo hoo!  As I was almost there, someone in a small pickup truck coming towards me, signalled with his hand out the window and then flashed his lights.  I slowed down and rolled down my window.  He explained the bulls were on their way and to be careful.  A local man on his motorcycle stopped and seemed to be waiting to see what I was going to do.  As I pulled over towards the side of the road I caught my first glimpse of about 10 bulls trotting down the road towards me.  Behind them a man on a horse.  

As I watched them come closer, a few trotted closer to the middle of the road and when one started to veer towards my car, seemingly catching my eye, the man on the bike whistled and called out somehow – the bull kept going, getting back into line with his mates.  

It’s a whole different world here! 

Spanish today consisted of revisiting the alphabet.  We had worked with a page of words last week based upon Claudia’s prior English study paperwork.  During the week it was recommended that we start the way kids start – learning the pronunciation of the alphabet.  

Back in Canada I had taken French classes from about grade 6 to grade 8 – not enough it seemed to help with any kind of conversation (je mange, tu manges, il mange, nous mangeons – does not really support a serious talk).  What I do know how to say (I’ve been told) I pronounce well. At this stage I probably have just as much, or more, Spanish words in my vocabulary as I have French. 

Today I noticed a huge similarity in the pronunciation of the alphabet.  Especially when we got to the “w” – In English it it “double u” but in French and Spanish it is “double v”.  

Recently I’ve even caught myself responding with French words without thinking. Maybe that’s a sign that my brain is starting to make a language connection.   I look forward to learning more.  

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They day prior to our departure from Canada an envelope arrived in the mail from Costa Rica. Our landlord had been kind enough to send us a pre-paid SIM card from Kolbi – a local carrier here – with US$20.  We had already unlocked my phone but did not actually put the SIM card in until we landed.  

Now US$20.00 is approximately 10,670 Costa Rican colones. One of the rules of thumbs we were taught when shopping here is to basically just take the amount in thousands and multiply by 2 and we have an estimate in dollars.  The trick is that takes you to US dollars and then there is another conversion (in my head) to take it to the Canadian dollar which is about 27 cents extra on each dollar – so say a quarter.  Therefore US$20.00 is now Canadian approximately $25. 

I’ve never had a pre-paid card on an unlocked phone before – I’ve never gone to another country and used anything other than my home phone plan.  This has resulted in some major “Whoa!”s. The roaming charges can certainly shock your pocket book if you are not careful. More recently, when we travelled more often to the US, we added on a $25 to $45 package for a 30 day period in the US (on top of what we were already paying).  This typically allowed us a set # of texts and some data – but nothing significant.  

We were blessed to have someone explain to us (THANKS Debbie) how to access our pre-paid balance.  All we need to do is dial *1150# and allow it to connect.  Within moments a text comes in from 8888 (love that they use my lucky number) stating the balance remaining.  

I’ve had my Costa Rican SIM card active for 26 days and my balance is 7,030.21 colones, which translates to just over US$13 or Canadian $16.70.  This means I’ve used approximately under $9 Canadian in just under a month.  I feel like I should be doing a happy dance!  Anyone feel like joining me?  

Where would you like to be using your phone a year from now?? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

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Quite a bit of interaction with the expat community today – both at the Feria and then one lady’s “Jungalow” house party. What is a Jungalow you ask? It is a bungalow situated in the jungle. Love this explanation!   I digress…the main thing I wanted to write about today was about the law of substitution and our eyes.

We were on our way back from the Jungalow party – which was around the other side of the lake where the clouds touch the hill tops – when we decided to stop at a new restaurant for dinner. During dinner Gregory chose to answer a question I posed with his eyeballs – moving up and down was yes and moving side to side was a no. We discussed that while it is possible to move our eyeballs inwards (cross-eyed) we cannot move them outwards, in different directions at the same time (at least I could find no serious evidence of this online).

I credit the next observation to Walter who commented that this is because our eyes may only focus on one thing at a time – so when they move inwards together they are focussing on one thing – whereas to have them focus left and right simultaneously would require the ability to focus on two separate things at the same time. Just like we cannot successfully focus our thoughts on two things at the same time…hence the law of substitution!

Do you wish to understand how to maximize your thoughts???

…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

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Today was a day of interaction. Last night our new friends had us over for home made pizza and a visit out on their covered porch (lanai for our friends in Kauai). I was invited over to paint today, while she painted panels on the side of her house. We had the tunes going, stories being shared, her husband making French onion soup from scratch, and doggies being petted – all while we both painted. My canvas is in the early stages but at least I found something which resonated with me enough to want to paint! I’ll share when it is complete.

Meanwhile Walter and Gregory went for a bit of a hike around where we live (I had our car) and on the way back they spotted 3 boys about Gregory’s age playing in the property located across the street from ours.  Gregory knows a few words in Spanish and they knew a few words in English – but as is typical all the boys managed to understand each other.  They playing together for about 2 hours (until the rain became stead) – soccer, tree climbing, threw fruit at each other, swung on the tires hung from trees, rolled down the hill…(boy stuff).  Gregory’s comment was they “played not too rough” – his face was all smiles. His clothes needed to be washed! All in all a perfect day for a 10 year old. 

While Gregory played with the 3 boys, Walter chatted with the one boy’s father and grandfather. The father’s English was good but when Walter said he was learning Spanish, he replied by saying “let’s start now” and switched back to Spanish!   A comment was made by them that many people have lived here for years without learning the language to which Walter replied “When you learn the language you learn the soul of the people.” to which both the father and grandfather nodded their agreement.  

On my way home I stopped at the Little Longhorn burger place in San Luis just before our road home and ordered “tres hamburgesas con papas fritas” and used my translator app to introduce myself and ask the owner her name.  I explained (in Spanish) that I was learning to speak the language to which I received smiles from both the owner and her son.  

Un gran dia que pasmos con amigos! 

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I experienced a day of struggle. I struggled with myself as to which way to remain true to myself – my truth.  I waffled and drove, drove and stalled, then waffled some more.  All the while experiencing a range of emotions as to which way I was leaning.  I had to remind myself that it does not matter what anyone else thinks…I must maintain my truth. 

The challenge in THAT is I’m not always sure what my truth is.   

I THINK I know and then I chat with a friend or Walter (also a friend!) and they share something which I start to think about, something which seems logical and BAM, I’m shifting gears OR taking a slightly different route. 

I asked myself why I allow others to influence my direction – my truth?

I realized I was over analysing things (and I have never heard that one before – LOL).  I was trying to keep everyone in a nicey nicey space.  If what I wish to do is done within my truth – truth to myself and my direction – than why would it matter how anyone else perceives my actions?  If I have no intent of offence to anyone and someone takes offence, why should I feel I am responsible for their perspective? 

We all have a choice in how we think.  We all have a choice in how we act.  If I think good thoughts and I act in a good manner, then why would anything other than good come of it? And if it is not the good I anticipated (possibly because I was not allowing) then I will await the next good – because ultimately there is always a good thing which comes of every good thought and good action.

I maintainI will allow this to unfold and then will let you know.
Stay tuned...

What truth do you wish to implement?? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream – your truth…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! 

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We have what could be called a ‘unique’ relationship with the people who purchased our house back in Canada.  Once the offer became firm, we had tea, shared ideas, discussed life, shared our dreams, hugged, blessed each other – in essence a friendship was born.  

Today, I had the pleasure of working with Toyin McArthur as a coach.  It was a most pleasurable experience and a significant realignment of my thoughts (something I needed). Not that I have gained full clarity as yet…but because of the questions Toyin asked, I was able to look at things differently today.  

Is THIS not the crux of what we need to do?
Look at things differently in order for them to look different? 

I recognize we all have 24 hours in a day.  If I fill my days with 1 thing, how can I do other things? If I want to do more of X but I spend my day doing mostly Y – then how do I make enough time to do more of X?  

The big question came when she asked me to have a sit down with myself.  I had never done this in quite the way she led me to this conversation.  And I will admit, I did not go altogether willingly – but I went there nonetheless!  And what I had to say to myself….well, it was not a surprise.  Although it did make me take pause. 

I must find a way to post “The Guy (Gal) in the Glass” in our bathroom here  – as I left it when we put most of our belongings into storage.  This reminder of being true to yourself – to be purposeful – is key to moving forward.  While a small snippet of the Master Key Experience – so integral. 

Where would you like to be a year from now?? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

Thanks for sharing!

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Being as it was Canada Day, the 3 of us decided to put on our ‘Canada’ T-Shirts and go on an adventure.  We’ve been here for 21 days and have not gone all the way through to the other side of the lake – only part way.  

We started out with a breakfast at Casa Delagua where Gregory was able to have his requested smoothie – banana, strawberry with ‘leche’. We then hit the road for the balance of the trip – with the end being Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna.  

After about 30 minutes on the road, Walter observed there were a lot of “winding road ahead” signs.  Why?  Now, I have to admit I’m with Walter on this.  When you are driving on a road for over 68 kilometers and there are approximately 68 signs (counting both sides of the road) for winding roads….what is the point?  Walter commented they may be able to save funds if they just notified drivers when there is a straight away – since there were only a few of these.  

Do they even make a sign for that?

On our way back we received a text from a friend letting us know the howler monkeys were in her yard. Since we had not seen any as yet, we decided it was a great way to wrap up our Canada Day Adventure.  

When we arrived, you could see a few in the far tree but as we watched..an entire group of them came towards us – playing in the trees immediately in front of our look out.  There was even a baby!  

We are living our dream! 

Where would you like to be ? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering this September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

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This evening I am going to share my observations on something which is near and dear to my hear.  I am seriously excited about what is coming down the pipe.  Walter and I took this class a year and a half ago, then we joined as Certified Guides during last years class…and NOW, this coming class (Fall 2015) it is looking like records are going to be broken – the 2015/16 class is going to blow everything else we’ve seen out of the ball park.  

Listen to this…it may just change YOUR life.  It did ours!   

What I personally wish to share about Mark…

In business and in life we meet many people who touch our hearts, inspire us to be all that we can be, allow us to see ourselves for the true beauty we are meant to share and then there are those who can show us how to be all that we aspire to be.  Mark is both of these people.

“We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.”  E. O. Wilson

Mark understands his energetic footprint and chooses to SHARE the tools he has developed to implement vision…not just towards the objective of his own vision…but truly share so that anyone can grasp their dream into existence. 

He reflected back to me the message to step it up and be true to myself. This reflection is now something I can hold up for myself.  This man has inspired me to recognize and accept what I see in the mirror without judgment.

“Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who’ll argue with you.” John Wooden

Mark is a man who puts together the right information at the right time, thinks critically about it, and makes important choices wisely.   He surrounds himself with those of like mind and heart, those who wish to help others to make the world we live in a better place for our children and theirs. Mark is someone whose actions have a positive impact on many. 

Mark is someone you may wish to align yourself with. I did and I am forever grateful.

Where would you like to be a year and half from now?? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your name and email below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering this September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

Thanks for sharing!

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Started Spanish / English lessons today.  Last week I was introduced to Claudia.  Based upon my efforts to learn Spanish and help her with her English and the person who introduced us – her similar interaction – we all agreed to get together (starting one time per week) to help each other with English and Spanish. 

Claudia arrived with lessons of words – the English word with Spanish phonetics in parentheses, the Spanish equivalent word and then a sentence using the word – both in English and Spanish. 

We learned easily, slowly, carefully, simply, happily and naturally – fácilmente, lentamente , cuidadosamente, simplemente , felizmente , naturalmente.  There were a few others and then we bopped around with other pages and the flashcards I brought with me.  

I was able to share with my English speaking friend one of the things I learned this past weekend when interacting and learning Spanish from the locals.  When you respond to the question Cómo estás? (how are you)  one may choose to respond “muy bien” (translates to very well – even though I always thought it meant ‘good’).  However, when you are responding to how the food is, the weather its, etc…then one may choose to answer “muy bueno” (very good). 

When we were just about wrapped up and running through the flashcards, Claudia pronounced a Spanish word which started with 2 Ls, as the sound “sh”.  Walter had recently reminded me this double l in a word is pronounced with the “yu” sound. I asked for a pause and with Claudia’s son’s help, we realized that in Argentina (where Claudia is from) their Spanish uses the “sh” sound.  As it turns out some Spanish countries pronounce it with a “ju” sound.  In looking this detail up this evening one explanation noted that in central and northern Spain, LL is pronounced as the LL in the English “million”. 

For my English speaking friends out there..Did you know you were using a “yu” sound when pronouncing the double l in million?  

What language do you want to learn in which country? 

If not a language, what else do you see yourself taking part in because you can?

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your details below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  We are!  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! Wanna see how? 

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We are getting into the training for the Master Key Experience Guides and all the aspects I’ve not been as focused on are coming back to me…quickly! I’m just wrapping up my new DMP – a description of my Definite Major Purpose which will provide me consistent and daily motivation as we move through the next chapter of our lives.

Two key components to have in place in order to move yourself to where you wish to be….focus and motivation. 

I concentrate on these 2 aspect this evening due to an observation Gregory shared with me… somewhat out of the blue it seemed.  I take this as a sign.  He has consistently told me the straight goods on things he understands to be true.  He does not let me do the “do as I say; not what I do” program.  And he observes…almost on a level beyond what seems plausible.

We were just wrapping up our evening meal when Gregory turned to me and said “When I have a shower and I’m focused, I get it done quickly.  When I have a shower and I’m motivated, I get it done quickly.  When I am focused and motivated I get it done twice as fast.”  

They (and you know how much I love what they have to say) say “out of the mouths of babes” apparently to remind us that our children have the straight goods on what is happening…and we should seriously consider listening to them.  I do.  

I am focused and motivated!
Look out world…here I come! 

Where do YOU want to be 1-2 years from now? 

If you too wish to explore what it takes to reach your dream…whatever that may be…then share your details below.  I will make sure you are one of the first people to hear about the next Master Key Experience offering in September 2015.  Imagine…sitting wherever it is you want to be?  

Living your dream is TOTALLY up to you! I’d love to show you how!

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Last night we had a play date scheduled for another local English speaking mom and her 2 boys – 1 around Gregory’s age and another a few years younger.  Speaking with Gregory about his new friends today he commented they talked a lot about killing and shooting and stuff. He said they even made the game of tag into “stabbing” the person when you caught up with them. 

At a young age, when a number of the other boys at school were playing with toy guns and such, I explained to Gregory that I personally felt sad around these types of games because they remind me that real people get killed with real guns.  I was careful not to forbid him from playing with these toys – letting him know he had a choice – allowing him to make that choice.  

I remember him telling me about playing on a friend’s DS game, making sure he explained “but they don’t die mommy”.  Even now he plays Minecraft and tells me that in his version his character doesn’t die – he just respawns. Through the last few years Gregory has exhibited his own aversion to aspects of the game world or even TV shows which include killing.  

He is now playing with kids who may have a different set of ground rules – or understanding of real and play time.  We believe Gregory needs to learn avoiding exposure at all costs may not always be possible. 

We sat down and explained to him that we are confident he has developed his own core values as to what certain games mean and do not mean. We explained that sometimes you can play with someone and just allow them to have a different perspective.  By no means do we want him to run around believing his perspective is right and someone else’s is wrong.  Differences make the world go around.  Strong values though can, and do, influence others – this is life. 

So while we understand he could possibly influence them to see his perspective, there is also the chance they may influence him to think differently than what he does right now. Ultimately it’s all about choice for what he believes to be right for himself. 

Gregory turned to us and said  it’s like a magnet and metal – that one attracts the other – and 2 magnets repel each other.  He then said “I’d rather be the magnet than the metal.” 

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We are back at our rental…and what an ADVENTURE we had.  2 days at the beach. Our little man turned 10.  Great food. Fun location.  Boogie boards for all 3 of us this morning!  

When you think about Costa Rica…what is the first thing which comes to mind?   My answer has always been ‘rain forest’.  My impression has now changed dramatically based upon the last 36 hours.

In driving back and forth from San Luis to Playa Grande (approximately 2.5 hours each way) we must have gone through at least 4 different temperatures/humidity ranges and types of vegetation. The last portion, closest to the ocean was very hot and dry.  Currently they are having a water shortage with the water not being used for a few hours during the day and a good portion of the night.  We passed more than 6 river beds which were bone dry.   Very different from where we are right now – it had rained constantly last week and shortly after we arrived home today it started to rain….and it’s been raining on and off now for hours.  

I admit a good portion of our reasons for choosing Costa Rica was it “felt like home”.  When Walter and I looked at property here 8 years ago – we looked at each other and  said this is it. We stopped searching for where we were going to go – and this became our dream.  Did I research? Yep! Did I diligently research everything?  Nope!   Do I have concerns?  Nope!   I still believe we are exactly where we are meant to be.  

Interestingly, Gregory advised when we got back to our rental that he prefers rain over the heat. We’ve all agreed hot and dry with the ocean to play in – is a great space to visit for a weekend or a vacation, but to live here, we much prefer the more moderate temperatures here.

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Today started early with the house sitter coming for 6am so we could leave for the coast.  We promised Gregory for his 10^th birthday we would spend it at the beach.  And what a beach we were headed to – Playa Grande! 

The car we purchased handled well on the road and we made good time. We checked into the hotel we booked – RipJacks – and gave Gregory his birthday present – a Fuji digital camera which is shock and water proof.  His face was priceless.

After a day boogey boarding, sunning on the beach and the pool, we took Gregory to an Italian restaurant – Cafe de Pueblo – which was only 5 minutes away.  He loves his pasta! Walter and I ordered the ‘tenderloin’ special.  It melted in our mouths!  Another complaint we’ve heard is that you can’t get a good steak here.  Walter and I both agreed we will certainly mark this down has great!

At one point I was in the pool and met a lady from Arizona.  She asked me where we were from.  I paused and answered, originally Canada but now from here.  It felt good. 

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  . . . 

When I said this to Walter this evening he immediately asked if I meant “awed” to which I admitted no…I meant “odd”.  I’m doing my best to try and understand why (there’s that question again) but can’t really seem to put my finger on anything definitive.  Alot of things happened today. 

I spoke to someone I had not spoken with in quite some time.  While it was great to catch up with all the wonderful personal news she had to share, the portion of our conversation which touched on what was going on in the corporate world of the company I used to work for…for which I am now a provider of services….it felt .  

Today we confirmed the funds (a good chunk of our savings) had been successfully deposited into the account of the seller of the car, we signed the paperwork with the lawyer to transfer ownership, we paid for 6 months of insurance and we now own a vehicle in Costa Rica.   I felt . 

We went out to meet up with a group of expats who gather at the local pup in San Louis on Wednesdays.  We chatted with people in a way which was different from any conversations I recall having had in years.  The group were unique and all had their personal stories to share. This whole interaction felt a bit .  Not them…just how I fit into this space with them.  

My siblings gathered this evening approximately 3,700 km (as the crow flies) or 6,200 km driving distance away – with 4 countries in between us, to distribute the items from my mom’s will and her remaining possessions.  About 25 years ago I had a conversation with my mother, letting her know that I would not be “there” when her belongs were divided ups – and voila I am nowhere close to my siblings as this event takes place.  Talk about thoughts becoming real! Even though I did not want much of anything, and had released a good part of my portion to my siblings, not being there felt a bit to me. 

It may just be that I am in a different space than I am used to – financially, emotionally, physically, intellectually.  While I’m loving the space…it just feels a bit .  

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Wonderful experience today.  I was introduced to Claudia Graciela Agnoletto – a Naturopata (Terapia Alternativa) Masajista Terapeuta – translated a Naturopath (Alternative Therapy) Massage Therapist.   Her business card read “Namaste”.  I felt drawn to her.  Claudia’s practice is located a small town, Tronadora, about diez minutos away from where we are renting.  Her husband and diecinueve year old son operate a restaurant next door.  

Claudia (pronounced Cloud-e-a) is originally from Argentina.  Her husband is French.  She had double the amount of English words as I do Spanish so communication was fun!  It was fun to have to be inventive when one person is on the massage table and another is doing the massaging and you are trying to have a conversation, give direction, ask questions, explain technique.  

We managed to work on a bit of each other’s language. She said that I was her teacher of English and she was my teacher of Spanish. We agreed this was a great idea.  

At the end of our session, I pulled out my phone, opened the app “Talking Translator” and voila we were able to translate some of the things we had not been able to figure out between us. She appeared giddy (as did I) with the technology – the quality of the response when you speak into in one language and then once it translates to the other language it actually says it for you. Truly wonderful!  CLICK the picture to get the app for Android! 

We then had lunch at her husband’s place. Gregory and Walter played foosball, we ate and then went home to finish up our transfer of the funds for the vehicle.  

While I was working this afternoon, Debbie – the person who introduced me to Claudia – suggested the 3 of us get together to work on each other’s language ability.  We are now scheduled for Monday afternoon!  An hour of sharing each other’s knowledge – teaching communication to other person – what a wonderful way to learn. 

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It was different experience today being back at my “desk” – working.  What I do as a consultant makes my brain work in a way which keeps me challenged – even after 25 years. The information is gathered and reported in a way which requires a logical overview and summary. It felt good and yet still surreal being here and doing that.  

Meanwhile we confirmed proceeding with the purchase of the vehicle – hopefully to be wrapped up by Wednesday. We’ve organized for a house sitter to take care of the house on Thursday and Friday while we head to the beach. We’ve booked a hotel room close to Playa Grande on the Pacific Coast.  While Walter and I always aimed to be here for Gregory’s birthday – we gave him the option to choose how he wanted to spend it.  His choice – the ocean and a fruity ‘refreshing’ drink on the beach.  We aim to please. 

Walter and I have heard a lot of opinions since we arrived here – and some even before we got here.  We made an observation today that while one person’s comments about something not being good (bread) may not be the case, and what one person says is expensive (ink cartridges) may also not be the case.  We agreed we will make our own decisions based upon what we  personally experience. 

I did ask for someone else’s perspective today and she gladly related that she has lots of opinions to share. She and I agreed I may tap into these – ultimately making my own decision but I can feel free to including her perspective. Sometimes I find I need someone who has ‘been there, done that’ to bounce ideas off of – to get additional feedback to consider prior to proceeding.  It felt good to have her in our corner today. 

When we moved in, the owner asked if we were OK with geckos? I said sure.  Someone informed me they are good to have around as they eat all the bugs in the house.  We saw one the first few nights we were here.  We named it Fred.  No idea if it is a he or a she but we figure Fred could be both.  As I type Fred is chirping away.  Have not seen Fred since those first few nights but the large spider in Greg’s room is gone and Walter swears he heard a burp at some point last night. 

Greg is enjoying the nuances of cat interaction.  Harry seems to be enjoying Gregory’s company …even chewed his crocks earlier today. 

Another day of settling in.  

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Since we arrived we’ve been told about the local farmers market which happens to be about 1/2 mile away from our rental.  It’s held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month.  Everyone speaks highly of it and the local fundraising group (Ladies of the Lake – LOL) have a booth to help raise funds for their causes.  It starts at 10 am and goes till around 1ish (depending on weather). 

Walter purchased something which looked like a ringed pastry – something which looked like it may have been baked in the bottom of an angel food cake pan.  I asked him what it was – he said he had no idea but it looked good AND it was heavy! Turns out it was a custard pastry of some sort.  When Walter bit into it his eyes rolled back in sheer food ecstasy. 

One booth was serving ‘sliders’ on homemade buns.   The setup included a flat griddle, to which they would scoop a round amount of the meat, a flat press was used (covering 2 patties at a time) and spices were added at some point during the cooking process.   There was a significant line up and based upon my taste test, well worth the time waiting your turn.  

One of the ladies I had chatted with at the LOL gathering came over and introduced Gregory to a young man a few years older. The family had 5 children and were originally from upstate New York.  They were selling fresh squeezed lemonade and fresh whole chicken.  We purchased both.  Gregory managed to get in a good visit with their boy who was able to talk about all the things Gregory likes – minecraft, pokemon and paper airplanes.  The young boy’s mom and I exchanged #s so we could connect our sons at another time.  

With garlic bread, chips made from some type of root, a whole chicken, sweets and fresh fruit in our bags, a full tummy from sliders, cinnamon buns and pie, we headed to the local store to pick up a can of beer to cook the chicken with.  On the way back from San Luis we took the gravel road up to the house.  Typically we’ve been on the main roads out to either Tilaran or Piedras – so we are usually using the upper portion of our road.  Based upon what I saw today, the upper portion appears to be more evenly graded.  Added to our fun we completing this trek with our short term rental vehicle – a hiked up Jeep using low 4.  

Below is a share of our trip up! Walter said I managed to keep the phone pretty steady.  Please feel free to let me know what you think!

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I’ve spent the last 6 months using the bit of Spanish I do know.  We are all working towards learning the language and have a few leads on local lessons to supplement what we are doing ourselves.

Over the last few days I have met a large portion of expats within the Lake Arenal community. The majority of the people we have met are either originally from the US or Canada with a few from other locals.  What I observed today was they appear to prefer their English greeting to the Spanish.  

Whenever I have said ‘Hola’ the response is ‘Hello’. When I say ‘Gracias’ they look at me and then say ‘you’re welcome’.   There is a portion of the group who do speak the local language – and when they are talking with a Tico (Costa Rican native) they speak Spanish.  

Canada has two official languages but my exposure to the French speaking portion was never significant.  Since I’ve never been in a situation of living with two languages, I had just assumed it would be similar to what we were doing.  You know a word – you use it all the time.  If you did not, then you would revert back to English. I realized I had not considered it would be Spanish for one situation and English for another. 

I’m thinking it may be considered to be a welcome space to be with people speaking your mother tongue.  I will continue to observe this pattern and see how this progresses as Walter, Gregory and I learn more Spanish. 

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