Yes, I am really moving to Costa Rica

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."- Alan Cohen

I know when I first mentioned making a temporary move to Costa Rica a lot of you thought it was just a crazy idea and that I would not actually do it. I understand, and didn't take offense, I have had some other crazy ideas ... remember the time I talked about joining the San Francisco Adult Cheerleading Squad? I know, I know... none of you can think of anything more annoying than me in a cheerleading uniform at the ripe old age of 33...and let's be honest, most of you get sick of my peppy attitude in regular street clothes. But come on, it is not just about the basket tosses and bad remixes for dance routines, the people who are on this squad are good citizens raising money for HIV/AIDS organizations around San Francisco. Really, I wasn't trying to relive my glory days on the football field, it was my philanthropic side coming out. No really, it was.. what you don't believe me? http://www.cheersf.org/

Then there was the time I went on a month long vacation to Italy and decided that in order to create space in my suitcase for the items I purchased during my travels, I would pack all my old underwear that had holes and stretched out elastic, and would pack enough pairs for every day of my trip. That way each day I could throw a pair away after I had worn them and magically I would have all of this extra room in my suitcase for all of my purchases.

Oh wait... that wasn't me, that was my Mother, and yes, I am sorry to say, that is a true story. The scariest part of that story...aside from the fact that I am related to someone who would

1. have enough old ratted underwear to pack for a month long vacation... hasn't she heard of throwing things away?
2. have underwear big enough to create a large amount of free space in the suitcase once disposed of... I know the thong was after her time, but come on already!
3. be crazy enough to think that was a good idea

the scariest part is that she also convinced my Father, who has a PHD from Oxford University, that it was a great plan (just goes to show that brainwashing does in fact work or that after 40+ years of marriage he has learned to pick his battles). And yes, I am still checking adoption websites because that was the last piece of evidence I needed to prove I must have been adopted. I'll keep you posted on my search...

Anyway, enough about my crazy family (though I am sure it helps to explain some things)... I really do understand why some of you would think this was a ludacris idea. I don't tend to be the kind of person who quits her job and decides to move to a new country, by herself, when she doesn't know the language. But don't worry, I will be fine... I already know how to ask for water, chicken, beer and the bathroom in Spanish, that will get me through at least 2 weeks.

But really y'all, I am doing this. I am moving to Quepos (Manuel Antonio National Park) for 5 1/2 months. It is an absolutely beautiful place (voted top 100 places you must see before you die) on the Central Pacific Coast where the rain forest ends and the beach begins. I have booked/paid for my living accommodations already, so I am going baby. Or as they say in Costa Rica "Otra cerveza por favor." (At least that is what they say on freetranslation.com when you type in "one more beer please.")

I am leaving in the middle of March and am coming back at the end of August. I will be attending intensive language school 5 days a week for the first month and a half to two months (decided relying on freetranslation.com wasn't going to be enough to get me through), and will probably throw some surfing lessons in the mix (have to check out the shark situation first). I will be working virtually for a San Francisco based company who has been gracious enough to allow me to earn some money while I am enjoying my adventure. And most importantly, I will be creating a new and amazing experience for myself that I plan to share with all of you here on this blog. So check in here from time to time over the next couple months before I leave as I will be making some entries between now and the big move....but starting the middle of March, you will have something new (and hopefully exciting) to read a couple times a week and I promise to include plenty of pictures of my beautiful surroundings (and no, I am not talking about the shirtless Latin hotties on the beach, though I am sure I will "accidentally" catch a few of them in my scenic photos, so email me if you are interested).

Thanks to those of you who helped me make this dream a reality by believing that I was just crazy enough to do this... maybe I wasn't adopted after all!