Pura Vida! Costa Rica 2012

So on December 1st Irene Wilson and I went to Costa Rica.  We both wanted an adventure over Christmas break so we began planning this fall.  Since Irene already had a plane ticket to San Jose I decided to join her.  We spent 2 weeks in Samara, Costa Rica learning Spanish.  We first arrived in San Jose and after we got our backpacks from baggage claim we were bombarded with taxi drivers. We found signs with our names on them with our host mothers for the night.  We were separated and hoped we would see each other the next day. It was instant spanish immersion considering no one spoke English.  The next day we went to Samara in a 9 passenger van and then arrived at our new host families. I stayed with Marilyn and her 5 year old son Selvestion in their quaint house. It was 90 degrees everyday we were there.  We would wake up in the morning and just start sweating. We had language classes for 4 hours a day and then other activities.  Irene and I surfed, laid on the beach, took salsa dancing lessons, cooked typical Costa Rican food in cooking class, had yoga on the beach, and went for nightly sunset walks.  It was a gorgeous place to study spanish.  In the states we take foreign language classes, but you never really have to apply your conversational skills so this was a way to be forced to speak.  Every morning I had fresh fruit for breakfast and at night a typical Costa Rican meal with my mamatica (host mom).  We had lots of conversations even though she couldn't speak any English. My favorite part of meal time was when we would pray; she would first say a prayer in Spanish and then I would say a prayer in English. Pretty powerful. Most nights we would walk around the little town.  Samara was really poor but it was also a tourist destination so most of the bars and restaurants were crowded at night.  The drinking age in Costa Rica is 18, but they don't adhere to it much so you'd see young people with drinks. Every bar was outdoors and people would come in with no shoes and their dogs. Little bit different then in the states.  ha It was fun to meet a bunch of new people and have conversations with people from around the world. My favorite part of being in Samara was meeting everyone and hearing their stories. There were 19 year olds from Germany taking a gap year before university, 3 American college boys from New York on vacation, grandparents from Canada taking a break and escaping the cold, Australians taking a sabbatical for a year traveling the world and people from all walks of life from around the world. The best way to learn about culture is to talk to people from other regions and I'm thankful I had the opportunity.   We traveled around Costa Rica and went bungee jumping from the highest jump in Latin America (150meters), went down water slides at the largest hot springs, climbed inside a 50 foot tree, ziplined and pretended to be Tarzan, hiked a volcano, took a ferry across Lake Arenal, stayed in Hostels, hiked through mud and pouring rain to a crystal blue waterfall, hitchiked and climbed a mountain to watch the sunset, jumped off a rope swing into a river, and danced with the Native Costa Ricans. Talk about a whirlwind adventure. We cooked in an outdoor kitchen and showered with cold water when there were scorpions in shower. We survived driving a manual car up the worst dirt roads I've ever seen and through busy streets with no street signs or directions. We got to bar tend and then make sure crazy drunks didn't pour margaritas on their bleeding faces.  For the first time in my life I saw people sleeping on the streets in cardboard boxes.  Coming back to America, especially around Christmas time, I realized how much we have.  Living in a first world country we can take hot showers, drive huge cars around, have multiple story houses, watch cable television and use dishwashers.  Once again I was reminded how fortunate I am. I'm grateful to have had the adventure in Costa Rica.  Irene was a great travel partner.  I made a dozen new friends around the world that I'm excited to stay in contact with.  Pura Vida! 

Thanksgiving

This may be after the Thanksgiving holiday but every day we have so much to be thankful for. I haven't written since I left Cooperstown.  Since then I have finished the first quarter of my sophomore year, lived with 3 roommates in an apartment style dorm, skied Snowbird with my dad, carved pumpkins, surprised my brother in Phoenix to watch him play baseball, competed at Tiger Challenge, volunteered at the Presidential Debate, acted as Co-President of the lacrosse team, voted for my first time and continued to grow as a person.  This last quarter was a learning experience and I've become more faithful. It was a lot different than freshmen year. Some things that used to seem so excited weren't so this year, not to say things weren't a lot of fun. I'm excited to see what the next two quarters bring.

    Thanksgiving was spent in Spokane, WA.  Uncle Kevin received a new kidney from Uncle Rob on November 13.  It is a beautiful thing to see my uncles both healthy. Uncle Kevin will no longer need dialysis which is such a blessing since he had to go in a few times a week and his life was limited. I thank God for allowing this transplant to go so smoothly. It was great to be surrounded by family for a week; to see everyone come together in support of my uncles.  We also celebrate Aunt Nancy's recovery from breast cancer. What a strong lady she is. We had 19 people at Aunt Miki&Uncle Rob's house for Thanksgiving dinner including my grandparents.  I haven't seen extended family in over a year so it was great to be together!  While in Spokane I got to hang out with friends whom I haven't seen in a while.  God continues to put people in my life for a reason and I'm eternally grateful.
          Tomorrow morning I set out on an adventure with Irene to Costa Rica for 20 days. We're studying Spanish and then just traveling around.  I can't believe that it's finally here.  I'm really excited to go, see and do!  Bon Voyage!!

The End.

   If has come time to leave the dream park.  It is somewhat hard to  believe that it's already over. Don't get me wrong there were plenty of times when I thought the end couldn't get here any sooner but there were also plenty of times when things were flying by.  The past 4 weeks have definitely been the best of the season. I think it's because I've become more comfortable.  I no longer missed the little things in civilization but now rather just let it be.  I didn't care anymore that I seemed to be missing summer. I met some really cool people these last few weeks.  There were a few really fun coaches that were great to hang out with. I love being able to watch a coach interact with a player because I know that it really impacts the player's performance.  There have also been quite a few players that played here earlier in the summer and now have come back. TJ and Aaron were here, Jack and Derrick too. Then the Gallagher Select team that won week 10 came back for week 12.  Week 10 was when we had a really terrible ran delaying the game until 10:30 that night, but they ended up winning 9-1. They won again week 12 so it was fun to see them again.  I hung out with Frankie more too and he's just such a funny guy to be around.  

   I know that because of this summer I've become a better person. I've grown a lot. I guess sometimes all you need to do is leave everything and move 2000+ miles to the middle of nowhere in order to grow. I have no regrets from this summer.  My confidence has definitely changed. Having to deal with ridiculous comments from coaches, umpires and players you learn to be a rock.  I've learned to understand when someone is genuine and real though.  I've learned how much a smile and a hug help someone feel better.  I love to laugh and smile and there are people who love me because of that, even when I snort :)  I remember thinking back in January sitting in class looking into things I wanted to do for the summer. My only criteria….1) make money 2) have an adventure 3) not be in Utah. Well all of those were accomplished and then some. I did make lots of money, had more than an adventure and I definitely wasn't anywhere close to Utah.  I would encourage everyone to have an experience similar to what I had.  I learned a great deal about people.  As crazy as it sounds, only being 19, I know that I will be a better mother, friend, wife and civilian after this summer.  I saw the good, the bad and the ugly.  I saw 3000+ people every single day for 90 days coming from all over the place holding different beliefs, wearing different types of clothing and talking with different accents.  Not many careers allow you to interact with that many people that often.  I know that some of the people I met will become great friends and the conversations I shared with people will be remembered for a lifetime.  I'm grateful to everyone who contributed to this adventurous summer. From the kitchen staff who made me gluten free food, to those who drove me to pick up berries from the grocery store, to those who worked out with me, and those whom I got to celebrate birthdays with thank you.  Thank you to all those from home and school that sent letters, care packages, made phone calls and sent texts. I have incredible friends and they really become apparent when you are so far away.  

       I'm SO incredibly happy to be back in the West where you can see for miles and the weather is hot and dry, where the crickets chirp out my bedroom window and people wave as you drive by.  Especially after just spending a weekend in Hell's Canyon camping and boating with no cell reception I had a chance to recollect the summer.  I'm so grateful I got to go this past weekend.  Hell's Canyon on Labor Day reminds me of my childhood since I've gone there for 17 years.  I love being able to wakeboard, ski, surf, eat cookies, play cards, fish and lay on the boat late at night watching shooting stars and the full moon raise over the mountain tops. This world is truly beautiful.  This summer taught me how to really appreciate the little things and to slow down and enjoy the beauty of God's great earth and it's people. 

West Coast Best Coast

Since being here I've definitely gained a great appreciation of the west.  I've always been told how much the two sides of the country differ but after living here and being exposed to people from both sides I've gained a great understanding.  People from the west just seem happier.  Go with the flow might not necessarily be the best term but they at least take life more as it comes.  If this park was in the west I'm pretty sure games wouldn't start on time because everyone would be chit chatting.  People are more friendly in the west.  Don't get me wrong there are plenty of friendly people from the east but there seem to be  a great deal more out west. Here people are more direct and harsh with they're tone.  I've had to adjust to that.  Most of the fights and tension caused by teams have been by teams from the east coast.  I know that east coast people are great too but I'm just saying I've gained a deeper appreciation of the west since being here.   Surrounding us here are a bunch of hills. People out here call them mountains but really their just hills.  They aren't even that tall. I'm glad I didn't choose to come out here for school. I don't know if I'm ever going to want to permanently live here. It's very pretty and some people are extremely lot but unfortunately there's a few that ruin the reputation.  

Spirit vs. Soul

 I just got back from the Yellow Deli in Oneonta with Marina.  It was quite the experience that really got me thinking.  The Yellow Deli is a delicious restaurant ran by members of the Twelve Tribes Community.  After eating our delicious completely homemade meal I asked our waiter to explain what exactly the Twelve Tribes are.  He proceeded to tell me about their beliefs as a group of people that live and work together all loving one another and God.  He talked about how there is such a divide between doctrine and love now days.  Before there was doctrine there was just love, what has happened now?  THere's such a divide and it's unfortunate.  He was so happy to talk about "his people" and his beliefs.  He is so happy with where he is in his life and you can just tell that he loves life because of his love of God.  One comment that really struck me was when he discussed the difference between soul and spirit.  "Spirit is what we all want and want to have with God. Our soul is what we do without thinking out our spirit." I really liked what he said because I think that's true.  I've always lived my life thinking that the basis to understanding people is first understanding their spirituality.  Your spirit is everywhere. It's what connects you to something greater than yourself.  

    People listen to music these days that isn't healthy for our souls or spirits.  It's harmful and unhealthy. I'm now definitely going to be more conscious of my spirit and what I do to have a good spirit. 

Another Week

Week 12 has just begun at the Dreams Park. It's crazy to think how many times I've counted out team's uniforms, told people where the bathrooms are, done the YMCA in front of a couple thousand people, and how many baseballs I've given umpires to use in games.  It's become so routine now that I don't really notice anything else.  The routine is good though I guess.  My mom asked me if time passes quickly while working to which I replied "ya because I never really feel like I'm working". If I didn't live here it'd probably feel more like work but it really doesn't.  This past week was a good week.  There were some nice coaches and umpires that remembered me throughout the week and were nice.  It makes everything more fun when I get to know the kids and coaches.  I brought out a football yesterday during work (yep, football at a baseball tournament) and people just gravitated toward it.  There were a couple of teams that would mess with me and make funny comments.  I love being able to get to know them and some of the coaches.  One thing that's been hard here is how temporary everything is.  I'll meet coaches and talk with them some but then they're gone in a flash and I'll never see them again.  Some with some of the players.  Just when you start to get to know someone it's like they're completely gone and there's nothing I can do about it.  A couple of boys were back this week that had been here before this year and I knew them so it was great to see them.  TJ is 6'4'' tall and is from Florida and this is his third trip here this summer.  He's awesome.  And Aaron plays for Florida teams but lives in New Jersey and is a big kid too.  It's great to see some familiar faces.  There are a few returning players and coaches this week that are here too so that should be nice.
   We're getting to the end of the season which means a lot of interns have left.  Trevor and Kyle left today. Chelsea, Phil and CJ left last Friday and a lot of the interns from other departments left this last week.  Starting tomorrow I'll be the only one in my room.  That will be nice, weird but nice I think.  It's basically just me, Frankie and Logan here now and then they've hired some locals to work with us.
    Cheers to 2 more weeks of Livin the Dream! 

It's the little things

Nothing beats a spoonful of peanut butter and raisins after a 15 hour work day.  That seems to be my go-to lately.  Too bad I'm out of raisins now. Nothing like putting on a pair of sweats, my headphones in listening to country and eating peanut butter.  I don't have to talk to ANYONE which is a rare occurrence at this place. Usually I'm always answering the usual questions "where's the bathroom", "what's the record for home runs in a game", "are you a local or just here for the summer?", "what goes on at this place in the winter?", "what time is closing ceremonies?", "the umpire needs more baseballs on field 4", "can we start the game yet?", "is it a warning or automatic out if the batter throws the bat?" Finally some peace at night! I should probably lay off the peanut butter though.  Thank God for Megan who sent me a jar of my favorite Skippy Natural peanut butter :) It's the real little things I've learned to really appreciate.

Currently I'm listening to "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks.  You better believe this song will be played at my wedding and one day I WILL sing this karaoke.

People here ask me all the time if I'm a local, or in college, or if this is just a summer job.  I give them the same schpeal I've giving 300 other times about how I wanted an adventure this summer so I moved 2000 miles from home and here I am.  The look on people's faces (usually moms) is priceless especially when they find out I live in the barracks.  But then they realize how much money I'll be making and what kind of experience I'm having.  I don't regret being here in any way.  I've learned a ton! I can definitely say that after this summer I'll be a better coach, friend, community citizen and later in life mom and wife.  You learn a lot by observing thousands of people daily.  Last week I saw what I thought was some of the best coaching I've seen here.  It was on Wednesday (single elimination tournament begins) and there was a team from northern California.  This low-seeded team had three coaches each in his twenties.  They played their first game at 10am and won which meant they played the next game and won that, played again and won that and then played their FOURTH game of the day at 5:30pm.  They never once complained about playing so many games.  Their coaches let the boys coach themselves. They stepped back and let the boys captain the team.  No boy ever cried (unusual for 12 year old boys especially when they strike out). Their parents were always positive and constantly cheering.  The coaches never stomped the ground or hit anything; their voices only raised to give positive comments.  It's the little things that really make a big difference in a team's performance. It's times like these when I really like my job.