The Time is Now. Pain is Temporary!

Hey! So, nothing huge, but, I've decided to change my entire current lifestyle. Enough talk, more walk. And by walk, I mean run.

Last night was the first time I have ever attempted a) an intensity workout and b) working out at home. I got my inspiration from this girl, and these folks. What amazing creatures. I used to look at these people as some sort of super-human-type-folk and then it dawned on me. Maybe I can do this too.

I have never considered myself overweight or unattractive in the body department, but I also never really considered myself happy with the way I feel all the time. Tired, lazy, bored, unmotivated. Well. Eff-That! All it takes is the first jump, kick, or sprint and there you have it. I'm alive again!

So let's talk about the work out: I have no plan really, I am still trying to get used to this whole idea of coming home and putting running shoes on, rather than slippers. All I know is I am going to be active EVERY DAY. If I skip a day, I know I'll want to skip another, that's just me knowing me. So stopping is not an option. Doesn't mean I'll never take a lax day, of course, but it just means I'll go out for a long walk with mom, rather than a BodyRocker interval sesh. I also want to give a shout out to those closest to me: you know who you are. I need your help. I need you all to help me stay on track. Ask me how its going, or what my work out is today/tonight/tomorrow. I really want to keep this going. For me, and for future me! (And for you too, I will be a much happier and humbler person around you!)


I'm going to try and keep a log of what I do, so that I can monitor progress and keep track of work-outs. I am always going to be looking for new workouts and new recipes, so if you have links, friends, or ideas, bring 'em on down! I'll be happy to try them out. I need to get a few things too, especially one of these:) Word, Sabrina!

So, yesterday, Sunday morning, I went to my first Yoga class at the new studio and it was great. What a way to start a Sunday. So relaxing, I really tried to focus on my breath this time. Its so hard especially when you're wondering if you're positioning correctly, etc. The studio is gorgeous. Reminds me of back when I was in Costa Rica, Maria took me to this wonderful yoga studio, great atmosphere, vegan food out front, the works. But this place has a tea room, a vegan raw food restaurant, a waterfall on the hot room wall, and the list goes on. Can't wait to go back (Wednesday's workout!)

Last night, 1st day on: I attempted a half-100 workout inspired by RAR, with a few changes since I don't own a TRX (yet)!
50 jumping jacks
40 squats
30 step lunges
50 crunches
20 push ups (mostly on knees)
50 jumping jacks
? (20?) tricep push ups
20 plank side-steps (out then in)
10 push ups on knees
20 jumping jacks

Okay, so it isn't a perfect 100 work out. But as I mentioned, I'm working my way up and I tell you: If I'd gone the full-out 100 I wouldn't be walking today. I also made sure I had some wicked tunes going - that always helps push it-just a bit harder, especially since I'm working out alone! I started with Reverse-by Arty (*heart*)

I should mention, that Maya, our 2.5 yr-old retreiver/mix didn't know what was going on and took every chance to get in on mommy's work out. Especially during crunch-time!! LOL What a girl :)
Tonight after a day of sitting and only sitting, I went for a run around the block for about 20 mins. Took Maya with me and she loved it. It was raining and cold and windy but we pushed through it. Came home to stretch it out and my legs felt (feel) like lead. (I hope I can get up off the couch after this post!!) The work out from yesterday really left me sore. But, as Tara, my old Goodlife BodyCombat instructor used to say: PAIN IS TEMPORARY!!

Made Pad Thai tonight for dinner. YUM. First time in a while I cooked with tofu. So good.

Talk soon!
M

It's been a while...

Wow, long time no see. I can't explain the neglect to the blog as of late but I can say I'm prepared to catch up.

I read a lot of blogs these days and they mainly have a theme or bigger idea behind them. This one my fave. Sabrina is so inspiring with her ecclectic workout/foodie self, and better yet, we're from the same neck of the woods! It really is amazingly awesome to see and watch what your friends are capable of. Inspiring me is on the top of that list!

So should I share a specific theme for this blog? I started it out in Costa Rica as a travel diary but since then its mostly a diary fix. I guess thats okay.

I've been slacking HARD on the workout regiment lately :(. Being sick and getting sick again are certainy some excuses! I had re-started Yoga which, while still difficult at times, is probably one of my most favourite ways to de-stress and come back to myself. Sometimes I do Hot-Yoga and it is just SUCH a great sweat. Towel-please!

I ran the Mississauga 10K back in May and am certainly planning to do it again this coming year. It was a lovely run, and training for it wasn't bad. My goal is to do a 1/2-marathon before I turn 27. Woah! I just typed that out and seriously, thats the first time I've said it! Well, here we go!

In terms of work -- I am working... that is to say my day job pays the bills, but its truly unfulfilling.. I am back at the tree farm and we're working now to move the business down the road. What I am so happy about is that I am currently working my way into the teaching profession and will hopefully be full time soon. I love teaching. I went to the STAO Conference this past Friday and found that it is just so nice how passionate people are about the profession, how many new ways of doing traditional things in the classroom... always learning we are, always growing - Not just as professionals but as people too.

On another note, I've been working hard to eat better and cook healthier meals. The biggest challenge so far has been eating a fulfilling breakfast! I am so used to eating maybe an english muffin, but this week I started preparing ahead of time. I've got smoothies in the fridge, individually portioned and some prepared hardboiled eggs for some quick morning protein. (all of this with my traditional english muffin. I don't know how mi novio does it, he makes the same breakfast every morning, its full of nutrition and energy and he gets up early enough to do all of that! He is something else, but he is pretty amazing too.

Even though I am eating better, I did mention that I've been sick. I had a kidney infection diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and the anti-biotics the doctor gave me were not only wrong, but they restricted my diet! I couldn't handle it! The restriction was "no dairy two hours before and after taking". AGH!! If you know me you know I love dairy.. especially ice cream later at night.. and youghurt in the morning... and milk in my cereal... and.. and.. the list goes on. I don't know if I could EVER be lactose-intolerant. Poor Pam. I truly feel for you!! You really don't know how much you love something until its gone! So now I'm on new anti-biotics because the other ones were incorrect for my diagnosis, but these are making me sick!! Headach, nausea, you name it. But I can eat dairy :)

I think thats a good update for now. I hope if you are reading this you are well and happy and as excited for Christmas as I am!

Until Later..
SmallTownGirl

(Not) to the Point of Exhaustion

So, long time since I wrote last. Summer is practically here and I am pretty excited for the nice weather!

This past weekend was Mi Novio's birthday and we went to Buckwallow to go mountain biking with some of the Defiant crew. I had NO idea these trails would be so crazy! We started the day off with a short jaunt around a moderately easy trail and swung back around to wait for the rest of the guys to show up. On our way back, somehow, some way, I managed to ride right in to Mi Novio's bike and fall down brutally, breaking my fall with my right knee and a solid ground. Mike, the ownerm kindly patched me up and Brad, one of the riders kindly leant me some pads for my shins/knees -- Alas, we were on our way.

The first course was intimidating to say the least -- a "4 hooves out of 6" had us riding over what the canadian shield has created as "whale-backs" and some knotty root systems. I was of course trying my best to ride it out and exhausting myself in the meantime. The guys were sweating too, if I may say... It wasn't too easy! When we got out, Wayne the leader said, "You think that was hard? Just wait!"

Next trail: 6. Fuck. Let's just say all that energy I spent up trying to conquer while avoiding to kill myself all came out in a spurt of tears once finished (walking my bike) out the trail. I was so upset.

The rest of the day was easier, with some tough do-able climbs and a much needed detour around some harder trails, but then lunch came and the other girl (Yes there was only one other in our group) asked if I'd like to ride again, but on the easier trails. I was game.

During our "easy" ride, I still managed to become breathless and exhausted. I thought "Why the heck am I so winded and she is hardly showing her exhaustion? We're doing the same trails!"
And then I asked her, and she replied: "Well, you do go very fast". And it hit me: I exhaust myself. The trail doesn't, the bike doesn't. Me! Just me.

So my self-realization this weekend: Take it easy! Why, oh why, do I push myself to the point of exhaustion? I become negative, tired, and outrageously bitchy. I am normally the first to say how much I hate complainers, but man, HELLOoo--!! So, I've decided to pass on the tough ones and ride with people more my level -- and -- to not care that I'm taking it easy! Who the eff am I trying to impress? Certainly not Mi Novio, as he utterly hates my negativity on the trail. Why ruin something for someone who loves it so much? Define: Bitch! Well, no more. I am taking a bike-riding break from the boys and finally going to enjoy riding like a girl.


M

Working -- For Free. This is not an AD people!!

Since I've been volunteering (and when volunteering, I do a lot observing) I've done a lot of people watching. I've also noticed a lot about people, and myself.

Here's what I've noticed about students at the school:

They love technology --- Not just when a teacher uses it to enhance their lesson, or emphasize a concept, but they love the colour, the features, the apps, the case it comes with, and most of all, they love their friends' version, and they'll do anything to get one, even if it means cracking the face on theirs, just to say they can't use their old grubby one anymore. They love it so much that they attach their hands and eyes to it via invisible force fields that actually make it semi-possible to hear and speak, but not exactly listen and converse with whomever is nearby.
Sometimes, in the midst of a lesson one will yell out "OMG I totally love this song!" with no concern for the learners and teachers in their midst.

Can I express any further how this love for the new technology era makes me feel as someone who is still trying to get a point across? Sure, I'm "blogging" about it, but it doesn't mean I want you to drop everything you're doing, and everyone you're with just so that you can re-tape your eyes to your "conveniently hand-held" screens. What I'm really concerned about is when someone is constantly involved with their phone and they're around friends or other people. This may be a shot in the dark, but I think at some point in your journey to be with the people you are currently with, you were actually texting or phoning one of them to arrange this so-called 'get together'. Am I wrong? Am I wrong to say that we're merely magnifying the idea that the grass is greener on the other side? And the idea that, I may be talking to you face-to-face right here, but the person in my phone is going to take precedence over you because when my phone dingles, they are now a sense of entertainment for me. Also, you'll still be standing there waiting for me to talk to you (or checking in on your own phone) and the person in my phone may be in serious distress! Or worse, not replying!

I just miss the days where people would come together and hold a nice conversation without either a) checking their phone every 2 minutes, or b) speaking in txt -- where they are holding two or more conversations with different people, you and their significant other across the room, who checks their phone every other 2 minutes. *Thanksgiving, point taken.

I can't wait for the day people start laughing about something and accidently (or not) yell out "[the letters] O.M.G, L.O.L!" I WANT to be there when that happens.

So, that's me volunteering at the school. But I also recently volunteered to collect food donations with the local food share program. Here's what I noticed about people while I was doing this:

1) If you're standing at the entrance across from a display of $2.99 windshield washer fluid, and someone is walking towards you and they notice you're going to try and tell them something about how they can make a difference in the lives of other people, who do you think is going to get their attention? I've never understood what is so impressive about windshield washer fluid until now: $2.99?! like come on, seriously? That's so cheap!!

2) People see you, volunteering, being all good and such, and they know that they want to say no to you, since they're exhausted with Christmas already, so, instead of being rude and saying no (or doing the obvious: "I'm not ignoring you, I just really like the way the Washer Fluid looks in this lighting, $2.99 oh Wow!!") they revert to verbally deficating each and every single event of recent donating or volunteering they've done for your cause or other causes "just so you know I'm not really a bad person, but I don't want to do the pussy thing and ignore you by checking out the latest $2.99 special across the way".

I think it's sweet, because really, it's my volunteer duty to ask you to donate (whether your looking at me or my blue friends), that's why I'm here, so if you've already done your thing, THANK YOU!!! :) But if you haven't, you definitely should. Because it may be sooner or later that that person asking you to donate to a worthy cause, actually becomes that worthy cause. Just sayin'.

I did mention I'd noticed a couple things about myself as a volunteer, like, Why the heck am I begging people for donations when I could be donating or working for money?
Well, if you know me, and I know me, I am volunteering at the school to get experience, so that I can get that donation-funding job. I volunteer with the food share because I need to give more at Christmas, as so many of the volunteers realize about themselves at this time of year.

I've also realized that, I do love helping, but something's gotta give. And soon. I have been out of school with two degrees for 6 months now (I only remembered 6 because OSAP recently never lets me forget!) and I can't even get a job at Subway! (Hellooo-ooo I have experience!!) LAUGH OUT LOUD.

But seriously, I'm really looking forward to that first pay check again, even if its not because I've landed a teaching job. That's the best case scenario of course. But, right now, this barrel is empty and I'm at the bottom of it. I've never been here before, but I want to get out and never come back!

Hopefully Christmas will "Bring good reason for Cheer"!

Keep smilin'. :)

The List

So I’ve been thinking a lot lately.. But really, who doesn’t?

I’ve recently (and by recently I mean about month ago) decided to change up my entire life. I’ve quit a great paying job where everyone, even those I can’t stand, don’t want to see me go, and have decided to pick up and move all my things to Peterborough to live with mi novio. I have no job and no money to go to, and no friends. My thinking lately has been spurred on by the fact that only this summer (after 3 years of being in Milton) have I made real friends. You know, the kind you can actually count on, and have a wicked time with.. most if not all of the time? Yah, shit is right. This has got to be the hardest and least selfish decision I have ever made in my life and I am scared out my mind. That’s why I’ve been thinking alot.

So, I run. I run and run and run until I have to stop albeit running by and by a future I can’t stand to pass by every night. I live in one of the most young-family populated metropolitans of the GTA and I must pass a mere 30 stroller-dog combos every night I go out to escape from it all. There’s something about the leash tangled up in the stroller and the screaming kids that make this sort of lifestyle unattractive to me, to say the least, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I don’t think I want kids, but then there are some days I wish I had 4 or 5... So when do I make a decision there?

All of these questions run through my head everyday and all I can think of is how the hell do I get out of here!? I run, but we all know how well that goes; mind you I am totally refreshed and rejuvenated when I return, which is always a nice feeling. But talk about unsatisfying.

The other night my new friends invited me out on the town (don’t get excited, it’s Burlington – no offense) and we had a wicked time. And for the first time in my life I was blindsided by a question I’d never been asked before. What are your goals? What are my goals?? Like when has that ever been important? Isn’t getting by a goal? I guess that’s why we go to school. I’m not a pessimist, I’ve just never put it on to paper I guess. I have ambition and I want to do things, but I’ve never really had to supply a plan of action or even a rough draft.

When he turned thirty this year, mi novio made a list of his goals before hitting 40. I don’t know why I never thought to do the same.. I was likely scared of not accomplishing any or all of them. Get married, be trilingual, etc etc, were his, and good on him for making a list like that but MAN! I don’t know what it is about writing stuff down.. I seem to enjoy writing things down (hence blogging and blabbing on here) but it’s like writing what’s most important to you – so what if they don’t happen or you don’t accomplish them? Then those things that are most important to you are gone. Okay, so I’m being pessimistic after all, but hey, I’m a realist too.

So what are my goals? Long term or short term? Are they to be accomplished by myself or will I need help? I guess I should figure out what I want outta life first before I answer those questions.

Another question I was asked recently by my boss – So what do you see for the future? At first I thought, my future? But he meant in general.. I guess he was probing to see how my views had changed over the past 4 years. Not sure what they were back at the beginning of 07 but I guess they’ve changed dramatically because my answer was pretty sad now that I think of it..

My first thought was, “Who asks this kind of question?” and then “Why does my opinion matter to this man?” and then “I have no f$#%@^ clue.” All of these questions remind me on TES class where, in 8 hours, we’d tackle the most thought provoking questions our brains ever had and then they’d blow up at around 2 pm.

So for the future of the world: I see much of the same, of course, not everything can change in such a short lifetime. But some things will. I have a positive outlook that the Green War will win, either by hippie-power or by default (LISTEN TO THE SCIENTISTS!!). I don’t believe we will solve the problem to world hunger so as long as people require money to survive. I do know that there are some amazing teachers entering their profession that will change the lives of a few kids in the near future. And lastly I believe that if we take the time to learn a little about each other then we’d get a lot farther in things like peace keeping and empathy for the other. I’m talking out of my ass a little as it does sound super corny, but it was just today that I met the most spunky and hilarious woman at the farm. She had a major speech impediment; it was to the point that before she even said hello, she felt she needed to tell me about it. I thought, wow, why? I don’t care about that; we communicated just fine. Hilarious woman – she just loved every tree and ran around the entire place trying to pick one out in 10 minutes.. I was laughing with her of course.

One other mentionable thing that I’ve learned in the last little while: We can accomplish more and be more satisfied with life if we take the negative people out of our lives. I have my share of negative things to say, but I’ve heard worse. And if you’re like me, and you finally hear what it sounds like on the other end of a constant complaint, you’d start changing your tune too.

So how bout we start on that list now that I’ve gone through a few things I’d expect for the future:

- Give more

- Take/use less

- Learn how to take care of someone else

- Learn how to let someone take care of me

- Start using my degree(s)

- Make friends everywhere I go (even Peterborough)

- Exercise more often (‘cause even if I don’t like tripping over the leash, at least my eyes are wider when I get home)

- Walk away from negative people – but consider and embrace their realistic relevant points of view

I may not have any hardcore goals there, but I’m sure if I start with that list then other things will fall into place. I really want to work on my Spanish – and take sign language classes. So there – how’s that for a list?

Wonderment

I wonder alot these days...

I wonder about my choices in life and how things will turn out for me. I've been working back at the tree farm for three weeks now and everyday reminds me about how much I want to be a teacher, in a classroom, with my own students. Albeit, teaching isn't all blue skies and butterflies, thanks to mr. harris back in the 90s. Admin seems to often make life hellish for teachers, and then all they can do is bitch about it; nothing more.

I may go off on rants this post as I haven't written in a long while and I have a bit on my mind.

Like, Sharks. Why sharks? Why has this mysterious creature, and the ocean life in general, so recently captivated me? I watched a sad sad overview of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexicoand it just got me thinking about them again. Events like this should never happen; I'm sure you'd agree. But they do, not as often and as tragic as this but I've tried to pay attention to the little things lately and things are changing. Like the weather. Hail, rain, sunshine, tornados, earthquakes and wind. Can somebody (and not an optomist or a pessimist but a realist) tell me whats going on? As a scientist I would appreciate to know and to understand.. As a human being I'm scared to be scared for my life and the future and the people in it.

Oh and the job search. How's that going? Hmmm well, it's not. What do I need to do to get a phone call? Can somebody tell me? Do I make an individual cover letter for each position, call the school to bug them about the position and then go there to bug them some more? Is it unusual that I am not getting any feedback on a job or am I just super lazy compared to everyone else and not trying hard enough?

What else.. Keeping up with the Spanish, thank goodness for the Mexicans at work. I'm also going to learn a third language, Sign Language. I am currently living with a lady who is deaf and her daughter who is hearing. I rarely see her daughter, but her and I often struggle through a conversation or two when we're home together. All new for me, as I have never tried to converse with the deaf. But you know, it's not all that bad. It's like when you're talking to someone who doesn't speak your language; really, they might as well not hear you at all right? Apart from the tone of your voice, you often have to signal for what you want right? Cool. Tri-lingual by 30.. Sorry mi novio, I'm sharing your goal!

I also want to creat another Bucket List. Alex and I made one in highschool which I have yet to source out and find again. All I remember is "Go skydiving" and "Fly to Paris and eat Crepes" check and check. Any thoughts?

Can't stand being away from the novio. Driving us both nuts not having our own place. Everyday we cry (not with tears) to eachother wishing we could be together. I mean, we're only 2 hours apart but come on, once a week is not enough. However, on the plus, being apart has kept us one of the only couple this crazy for eachother after 3 years that I know. Maybe I just notice that more though, cause I am in the relationship....

Been trying to keep myself busy on the weeknights. Playing Frisbee with friends of a friend on Wednesdays and trying to keep up with the mtbn (mountain biking).. Went tonight, fell on my side again bagh! Then went down snake and ladders again (by myself) and freaked right out. Made it though, without killing myself! Phew! You know I am such a talker; tomorrow I'll be like "Ya, snakes and ladders, that shit got nothin' o'me." Baaagh loser! I am a chicken, no doubt, but I did realize something and I think I'm pretty sure I knew this before: As soon as you start freaking out and doubting your results, you're done. I was lucky just to keep control! Keep the confidence, believe you're gunna do it, and ya, you're gunna do it. And then you can brag about it.

Mom's off to Paris. Au revoir mama! A bien to^t! Bon voyage! Thats about all the Francais I;ve got right about now. I hope she and her sister have a wicked time. What a beautiful city. I loved mostly the cheap good wine and the food. Oh man.

Feels good to be back, you know, to the blog. I know it's not much now that the Costa Rican adventure is done, but even if no one is reading, I'm feeling much better now that I've written a bit.

Until next time

M

Seeing Monkeys and Gettin' Crazy

Hola!

This will be my last Costa Rican entry. :( So Sad, I leave this beautiful country tomorrow.

As I sit here in my kitchen listening to the pounding sounds of the harsh rain, I think about the past six weeks and all that has happened.

I arrived, excited, enchanted and enthrawled in this new and exciting place, and then a week later or so I turned a bit jaded, due to a somewhat poopy experience. And then, somehow, 4 weeks of work flew by, kind of how it does back home, with a few weekend getaways in the mix-up.

I leave the country with a more excited mind, a mind that wants to return and explore all that it hasn't. This past weekend friends and I took a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, where we were guaranteed to see and experience beautiful wildlife. Graham and I took the bus from San Jose on Saturday morning and we met Ingrid (one of my English teachers) and her family at the park. When we arrived Graham and I tried to first get a hold of Ingrid, to no avail, and we on our way to get food when a car passed by and it was Ingrid's mother yelling my name. Phew!
Ingrid had booked us a cabin (which considering what we paid, I would have been just as happy in the hostel across the road!) Graham and I were outrageously famished, so after we met Ingird we went for a big-truck-stop breakfast capped off nicely with a beer. (Beer for breakfast, a new thing to me, but a great invention! Reminds me of when we'd go camping with dad's ball team and beer for breakfast was not only a staple, it was a necessity to avoid a hangover!)

In terms of wildlife, I wasn't disappointed! We paid our outrageous $10+ to get in to the park and I was going to hire a guide but they wanted $20 a person! F&&* that! So instead, we followed closely behind a group with a guide and peered over their shoulders. We took the hike along the beach and then did the loop around the penninsula. The beach in Manuel Antonio, if you can picture it, is soft white sand with warm water, no rocks except for the big ones that jut out of the ocean farther out. What a beautiful beach. Much nice than Jaco. ( Not that I have favourites!)

Our walk was an interesting one. It was Graham, myself and Ingrid. Graham and I wore our Merrils, thinking we were going for a hike, it seems appropriate, and Ingrid wore thong flip flops. Well, turns out we were right about the shoes. The path was muddy, slippery and overall hard to walk, and she did it! In thong flip flops! Wow... Ingrid also suffers a little from Vertigo so I helped her along the bridges and edges. I felt like such a gentleman.. hahah women. ;)
As for wildlife, we weren't disappointed! We saw white tailed deer, birds of all colours, rainbow colours, and my favourite --- Monkeys!! We saw a whole bunch of white faced monkeys playing in the jungle and then we saw a couple of the orange/black/white monkeys in the trees near the bar where we had happy-hour.

Happy-hour was awesome. We got two drinks at a time and they were amazing. Graham had some mean pina coladas and I had mohitos. Mmmm.

We slept in the cabins and woke early on Sunday morning. We took a 9 am bus ride back to SJ and bought our tickets for Puerto Viejo. The walk to the Limon bus station from the central bus station is worth mentioning. Quite possibly the sketchiest place I'd ever walked, this part of SJ was aweful. Even in the middle of the day I was a little afraid for my life. Homeless men lined the streets sleeping in cardboard boxes or just hanging out hollering and hooting at the passerbys. And the smell. Oh God, the smell. Imagine putrid rotting food mixed with human feces and garbage. Add the exhaust (as usual) and you've got it. Yah. Nasty as shit.

Sunday afternoon I went to say farewell to the family. I met Fabian at the Plaza america and we went to mi novio's grandmothers house. I was met with warmth and love and saying good bye was hard. We had some amazing bread and played a few games of Bingo. Then Fabian, Priscilla, Ronald and I all went out for a few beers and laughs. We spent the evening making jokes and teaching eachother the bad words of each of our languages. It was hilarious! It was tough to say good-bye, but it's comforting to know it was just "see you later".

On Monday Jake, Graham and I left for Puerto Viejo. The 4.5 hour busride took 3 hours, as our busdriver literally risekd our lives to get there. It was nice though, as our ride home was 4 hours. Boo.

Puerto Viejo is like no other town in this country. As a matter of fact, the Caribbean side of the country is all different. Mostly populated my rastafarians, the town of PV is just the definition of chill. Everyone is totally relaxed (and high, or because their high) and everyone is so helpful and happy. Jake said it was nothing like the Pacific Coast, and we all preferred this place over anywhere else we'd been. (GO!!)

We arrived in the town about 10 am or so, bought our return tickets for Wednesday and set out for Rockin' J's, the hostel that Jake had read about and really wanted to go to. We walked and walked, and finally about 1 k out of town we made it to J's. What a place!!!
If you like Mosaic art, you would orgasm over Rockin' J's. The place is about an acre in size, completely decked out in mosaic art. We could stay in hammocks, camp out, take a dorm, or rent a treehouse. Really awesome place. We opted for the Hammocks and stayed for two nights. For a hostel, it was alright. The kitchen was kind of small for the size of the hostel, but there was never a line for either it nor the bathrooms which was great.

On Monday night we just hung out, walked around town and got some dinner at a cute little Caribbean place. Graham had Arroz con Pollo, Jake had the Red Snapper and I had chicken in Caribbean sauce. All amazing!! Plus it was happy hour - again. Mmm.

Tuesday was cool, we rented bikes and rode to Manzanillo about 45 minutes south of PV. The beaches south of PV are incredible. White(ish) sand, clear water and warm warm water. I felt like I was in a bath! That sort of made it less refeshing but comfortable. We played around in the water with the frisbee and then went to grab some snacks. Jake lost his bike-lock key and we were stuck for about 45 minutes trying to find it in the ocean. A man in a tourvan passed by and Jake asked him for a lift with the bikes. He said he wouldn't be able to fit the bikes in the van but gave us some advice and told us to look in town for some wire cutters. We said thanks and then attempted the feat of asking in town. 10 minutes later we saw the van return and the man (now known as Delroy) got out with a pair of cutters. He rescued us and to thank him he gave us the name of a restaurant him and his wife own back in PV. It is called Veronica's Place, and all natural organic restaurant. (*GO* if you can) On the ride back to PV we stopped in Punta Uva, a coast lined with some incredible reef. Two of the guys with us had brought some snorkel gear and they went snorkelling. I had never gone before because I am deathly afraid of dorwning, and can't imagine breathing under water. Well, THAT fear is gone! I threw on those goggles and snorkel and I was out there for a while. I forgot all about the breathing and my tired legs and just explored the reef. I saw tons of colourful fish, just like on Discovery Channel!! It was life-changing.

Our ride back to PV was strenuous on our minds, legs and butts! I have monkey butt, but at least I am getting ready for the season! The bikes we rented were old-fashioned, but big fat seats and easy-rider handlebars. It was fun, but the set up was hard on the legs and back. I miss Bijou (my bike)!

Last night I called it quits pretty quick. We had gone to Veronica's Place and had some herbal juices, which just ended up putting us in a daze. Calm, quiet and relaxed. I went to bed early (9pm) and woke up for the sun to rise. Since we were on the Carribean side, we had the pleasure of watching the beautiful sunrise. A cute black lab graced our presence during the watch and I took some pictures. The dogs in CR are sooo sweet. They are mangy rascals, but all they want is some lovin! On Monday night we had a chocolate female (lab?) follow us back to the hostel. She was so sweet, she even sat and waited for us to have dinner. Everyone asked us if she was ours, but of course we said no. Graham wanted her to go away and I stopped him from destroying the poor dog's soul. Graham is a cat-lover. We don't understand eachother. ;)

Today we returned to SJ and I slept most of the way on the bus. It started raining and the girl in the seat in front of me decided to leave her window open. I managed to stay dry... for the most part.

I packed most of my stuff and I have mentally prepared myself for home tomorrow. I am not really looking forward to a 3:45 am wake up but the pot-of-gold at the end of the rainbow is definitely worth it. Mi novio is picking me up at the airport and we are going to drive together for that long haul back to Woodstock. Friday is Alex and & Evan's Buck and Doe which should be good fun, and the rest of the week I will be working on some Exercise, catching-up with the family, and working on getting rid of these tan lines in time for the wedding next week! Ah!

Hope to write about more adventures in the future. Perhaps in Woodstock? We'll see.