A Little About Me and This Crazy Journey
About Me
I grew up in mid-Missouri, moved away the first chance I got, and believed I would only be back for visits. I lived in several places during college and after landing in NYC for my first "real job," the most prolonged stay in one spot, and the first "Grand Adventure" of my adult life.
NYC was a "Grand Adventure," as my Dad would say, and probably one of the best life choices I have made (my daughter, however, takes the prize as the best life choice). I thoroughly enjoyed city life, but in the chaos of 9/11, I reevaluated my belief that Columbia, Missouri, was not enough and moved back to my hometown to begin a new chapter.
After relocating, life happened quickly. I married, began a new career, started a company, invested in the rental market, divorced, had a baby, worked endlessly, was certified to teach yoga, created the perfect home, separated, reunited, and traveled whenever possible, primarily to where there was sun and sand. Most things happened in that order; some did not, a few were omitted, and there were many other curves along the road.
I have always looked for boxes to check where the task will bring me closer to success and happily ever after, which I am fortunate to have had many times. However, I have also found loss and disappointment along that same path. At some point, we all figure out that life isn't always rainbows and butterflies and that how we show up for those life events is what matters most. So, I do my best to adjust when necessary, seeking to do the next right, thing while still learning who I am and what makes me happy.
I have learned that I, too, am important; it is necessary to be selfish sometimes, I cannot do everything by myself, asking for help is acceptable, and I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, but it's nice to be taken care of too.
Today looks a lot different; a lot has changed. I actively participate in my faith and spirituality and have found valuable guidance and reassurance in my daily life. I still practice yoga (not as much), but for the reasons that I should, the grounded quiet and calm that it provides me. I am finally taking time to smell the roses, watch the sunset, stare at the stars, listen to and enjoy music, make art, and write. I have learned to be more decerning of who I call my people, increasing the quality and reducing the quantity of those I allow to influence my heart, mind, and life.
I am currently living in Costa Rica and hope to stay here (or the vicinity thereof), until the next "Grand Aventure" crosses my path.
The Epic Journey
Departing on August 24th of 2024 (a very significant date to be identified another time) myself, Scooter (a 7 lb 11-year-old Pomeranian), who has not left my side since the day that I got him, and Rover (a magnificently capable, Ford Bronco), who will forever live in my heart, set off on a mostly, thoroughly planned, epic journey of self-discovery, traveling the Pan-American Highway (not to be thought of as we see I-70 back home) from Columbia, Missouri to Atenas, Costa Rica, where I arrived on October 23rd of 2024, just shy of 60 day's from "Go-Time".
We drove approximately 4000 miles (zig-zagging the continent), stayed in 25 hotel rooms (some lovely, others questionable, and one I will never forget), navigated through 14 nerve-racking border crossings (I'll explain), crossed over six countries (some of which I'd prefer not to go back to), packing as much as could fit from floorboard to roof-top bag (which became the never-ending game of Tetris), listening to loud music while loudly singing along, guided by multiple platforms of GPS directions (when available), but often guided by a cop-pilot/guardian angel from afar (another plot twist you'll have to stay tuned to learn).
NOW!!! I am not recommending you take on a journey like this without serious consideration. There were times that I considered turning around and driving back; other times, I considered storing Rover and just flying home; mostly, I would just hunker down somewhere until the fear subsided, and I could press forward. I was pulled over 8 times by the police; a village surrounded my car, not allowing me to pass until I paid; I got lost every day; I didn't speak Spanish, and I could not easily communicate with anyone; at times, it was very lonely.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to take this journey and humbled by the blessings bestowed upon me along the way. I knew that this would be the trip of a lifetime, but I had no idea the impact it would have on me and my life. Knowing everything I know now, I don't regret one mile or minute and would do it all over again.
I saw the most amazing shorelines from up in the clouds above, massive, majestic mountains that made me feel as tiny as a pea, and sunsets that brought tears to my eyes. Through language barriers, I met kind people, people who helped me without any expectation in return, AND BEST OF ALL, I saw the most fantastical parade of animals every day, which warmed my heart beyond measure.
The Next Chapter
I had a name, phone number, and address for a place to land if I made it to Costa Rica. Near the end, without any communication with the person or details about the place, my destination became a beacon of light.
I arrived in the town of Atenas, Costa Rica, in the late afternoon. It was raining like mad; I could barely see the road. My GPS was in and out of range, telling me I had passed my destination. Being lost was not a new scenario, so I texted the number I was given, and very quickly, a woman named Angela came to guide me home.
As it turned out, I wasn’t lost; I just hadn’t driven far enough up the mountain. As Angela led me up, up, and up, I was in awe of the majesty surrounding me. We drove through a large, black, iron gate to the most beautiful place I had ever seen, which was enough to make my heart smile, but then, to add a cherry on top, it was apparent that Angela, too, was something very special.
It took some time to get here, and it has taken some time to settle in. One day at a time, I am learning the Costa Rican / Pura Vita way of life, and there is much to learn.
I miraculously made it here without knowing Spanish (not recommended), but I contend that “No Habla Espanol” was the phrase that carried me through many difficult situations. Now, with the help of Duo Lingo and a few pushy friends, I am learning more words every day.
I have many ideas and preliminary plans but zero intentions of rushing what comes next. The next “Grand Adventure” starts with traveling Costa Rica, exploring each area, learning about their unique culture, in search of my next place to call home. Along the way, I will share my experiences with the people, places, animals, foods, and whatever else comes along.