The Update (2009)

Ah...Costa Rica.  What a beautiful place.  Further, what a wonderful time with Colter spent making new memories and resting from a very packed couple of years.  Rest.  Sometimes life can become so packed with events, responsibilities, and people and things demanding our attention. People experience varying degrees of stress.  Let's call it the stress "spectrum".  Stress doesn't necessarily need to be paired with unfortunate events.  In fact, "happy stress" can be just as taxing on your system.  Say, buying a house, making new friends, can all be stressful, though enjoyable.  

Considering this, I think it's fair to say that Colter and I have had a stressful year.  Not only did we move to a new coast, a new city, adjust to these and new jobs (two for me), volunteering at the aquarium,  but we also bought a house and moved into a new community within Baltimore City.  Due to a bit more financial pressure Colter worked all summer at the Department of Education full time in order to help out with expenses.  Then he rode his bike home (uphill) and worked on house projects until late into the night before starting all over again the next day.  

Needless to say, the tired set in.  I didn't realize just how tired we were until one weekend we went "shopping" for a washer and dryer.  After visiting four stores and comparing notes and costs I felt overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion.  I didn't care about the washer and dryer anymore, I realized I needed a rest from the many directions in which we were being pulled and the may decisions that needed to be made.  I needed space to gain perspective.  Once I shared this with Colter and discovered (with a little convincing) that he felt the same, we decided to forgo the washer and dryer for a little while and to take a trip, just the two of us, to a place neither of us have ever been in order to spend quality time together.  We felt the need to remove ourselves in order to take care of ourselves, and we made the right choice.  As Colter's facebook "fan" page accurately described, "Who needs a washer-dryer duet system when you have love?"

Now as we launched into a new school year, new environment, my new job dog-walking, etc., we feel rejuvenated and ready for our next steps as if to say, "OK world, bring it on!"  Actually, "on" is a good way to describe how life has been since we returned.  And we're ready for it.  :)

Costa Rica, today's highlights

• Bought fresh ceviche from a road stand and ate it at playa Dominical (Dominical Beach), there were fishing boats in the distance
  
• Picked up two German hitch-hikers who had a lot to tell us about this country
• Stopped at a roadside stand to buy fresh lychees, and a papaya that is guaranteed larger than your face. Cost: $1.50
• Drove up a mountain and through the clouds
• Had the best lunch from a little soda, overlooking the tremendous valley including fresh juice and home-made corn tortillas
• The room at our lodge overlooks a beautiful valley. We are the only guests at the lodge tonight, and we are getting first class service (all for the cost of a super 8 motel)
• Basic Spanish is coming a little easier: gracias senior, por favor, pardon, es sculpe, bueno, mucho gusto, fresca naturales por favor? Papaya. Gracias. Quantos questa dos personas?
  

Tomorrow's agenda includes a morning hunt to catch a glimpse of the quetzel, a bird of paradise; then a tour of an organic coffee plantation.

Costa Rica

I realize it´s been a while since I´ve posted! I think I´ll start where we are now and will write at a later time to ¨fill in¨the gap in time since so much has happened in the last 4 months.

About two weeks ago Colter and I were out looking at washers and dryers for our new to us house. We went back and forth on price, style etc. In short, after analyzing the cost we decided to skip the washer and dryer and instead, head to Costa Rica, from where I am writing this post.

We spent the first few days in San Jose, eating at small family restaurants called Sodas. Sodas, as it turns out, provide amazing home made meals of rice, beans, fried plantanes and many other sides. One order is the perfect size portion (if not more than you can eat) and most of the meals are under $3. The hostels are also affordable, averaging about $7 per night (dorm) and $25 for a private room. Most places have breakfast included.

In San Jose, we went to the Jade museum, the museum of art, to the central marketplace which sells an abundance of anything you need. The variety of fruit and vegetable there are unbelievable (as well as the size). Besides sight seeing, we did a lot of walking. Colter kept telling me how much this place reminds him of the Philippines.

After a few days, we took a bus ride to the Pacific coast, to Manuel Antonio, a beatuful beach town and National Park. A four hour ride for $7. No problema. Windy as hell but well worth it. I looked out of the window at one point and I kind you not, two dogs were standing on a hill facing the freeway, side by side, with the same legs lifted taking a pee. A rooster stood there and watched, awquardly. He he. In Manuel Antonio we took a guided tour through the rain forest and saw various moneys (howlers, white faced, squirrel). Colter asked how our guide was so good at finding animals, and the guide said, jokingly, ¨Vibrations¨. He was really funny. We concluded our stay at the park by soaked sun on the beautiful beaches.

Today was awesome! We went on a sailboat with 6 other people. The hosts served us fresh fruit and made us a home made meal right there on the boat. We sailed around the Manuel Antonio point and hopped out for a swim. So far, the worst that has happened on this trip is that we´ve been stung by jellies a few times but hey, no problem! I am certified CPR and marine life injury certified. Yes friends, the patch that has the octopus hugging a heart. he he I know that´s your favorite. The boat also stopped at a place where we all jumped out to snorkle and I have to say, I am very impressed with Colter´s snorkeling skills. He swam and dove so easily, whereas I felt like a bobbing bouye. We got some sweet pictures as well (thanks Chiara for letting us borrow your camera!) I´ll post pics later.

Tomorrow the adventure continues as we head into the forst. The loose itinerary includes possible bird watching, hiking, and we are definitely going to tour an organic coffee plantation.

Right now I am suuuper hungry so we´re gonna head off to the Soda across the street.

Jordana

The Mother

It was sometime in High School, over ten years ago, when I first read a poem by Maya Angelou. From the beginning her works have moved me deeply and I would say in many ways have taken a place in shaping the type of woman I have become.   Her works validated my life, growing up the daughter of a single mom on welfare, medi-cal, and food stamps.  There was hardship but there was much joy.  Additionally, her works helped me to understand many of the hardships women in poverty face on a daily basis. 

When Colter came home from work and asked me if I would be an additional chaperone for an event, and that this event was to go see Maya Angelou speak at the Lyric Opera House, I didn't hesitate for a second.  You see, Ms. Angelou has had such a profound influence on my life, it has always been a dream to see her speak.  Somewhere in my subconscience I had a mental list of things to do before I die, and seeing Ms. Angelou was definitely one of them.  

We took a group of 9 kids from Colter's school who were (besides being 9th graders) incredibly well-behaved and timmering with excitement.  Once Ms. Angelou came out onto the stage there was a roaring applause, no one hesitated to stand up and clap as hard as they could-as if attempting to be the one clap that stood out in Ms. Angelou's ears.  

And there she was.  Little Maya Angelou sitting in a chair on an enormous stage.  She began to sing, "Sometimes, I feel like a motherless child..." and spoke to us about some of the women who most influenced her life...she told stories, some hilarious (like that she does not travel well by plane because people always bother her by handing her babies, taking pictures against her will etc., her explanation: "...you see, I look just like Maya Angelou") yet all empowering stories. 

Then she began to read maybe her most famous poem, "Phenomenal Woman" (please read it!) As she read it, I could hear the whisper of many other women, reciting it from memory, whispering it along with Ms. Angelou as she recited.  Tears were flowing from many eyes, including mine.  And I thought of all the phenomenal women in my life, starting with my mother, Camilla, who is the most phenomenal woman I know.  Then I thought of all the other women who have made an impact in my development: my grandmother Inge, aunties, teachers, Ms. Angelou and other poets, writers, dear friends, and complete strangers.  

A few of many wonderful lessons from my Mami have been to love fiercely, to have unshakable faith, to fight for justice, and to persevere.  

From my Omi (grandmother) I learned that "Dein laetzten Hemd traegt keine Tasche." Translation: "Your last shirt will not have pockets", meaning that one cannot take possessions to the grave.  If you have something which makes someone else happy, give it freely to give joy to one another.  I also learned to enjoy life and please, eat a little chocolate because most likely you deserve it.

I would also like to honor the following women for the impact they have made on my personal and spiritual development: Eileen Banghart, Lia Dimill0-Gray, Sofia Whitehead, Cornelia Gloeckner, Marion Wuerfel, Shelly Gibbs, Grethe Klose, Toni Morrison, Anne Lamott, Dorothy Day, Mother Theresa, Kristi Diehl, all my lovely lady friends, and possibly you.

 

My Mami                                               My Omi                        

"Sometimes, I feel like a motherless child...."  Maybe sometimes we do feel like motherless children--lo, we are not.  We have many mothers and sisters in this world who have influenced us positively with a kind word or action and love, whether they are aware of this or not.  Please take time today to think of these women in your life and if you are able, honor them for their part in creating whom you have become.  

The Inauguration

  

Almost three years ago, Colter and our good friend Matt Will were talking about this guy they had heard a lot about.  Who is this Barack Obama character?  

After the election we immediately began to make plans to attend his Inauguration.  I wrote to at least a half a dozen said ticket providers which led me on a wild goose chase that ultimately led no-where.  Who needs tickets anyway?  I mean, it would have been very nice however we were planning on going, ticket or null.   We managed to purchase tickets on the first train out to D.C., which was scheduled to leave at 5:16 am yes, A.M.   

3:45 am-woke up and proceeded to put on more layers than I have ever worn (we looked like the Michelin man times 5, or the kid from the Christmas story who couldn't put his arms down).  My snowboarding socks, hiking boots, silk long johns, leg warmers, pants, tank top, long-sleeve shirt, fleece, winter jacket, scarf, hat, two pairs of gloves.  Grabbed a water bottle and stuffed our pockets with as many Odwalla bars as we could hold.  

4:30 am-picked up Matt & Jen and drove to Penn Station to catch our 5:16 am train into D.C.  

6ish am-arrived at Union Station and proceeded to follow a sea of people to the National Mall where we would be watching the Inauguration and its events.  The city shut down just about all auto-traffic and closed down a four lane tunnel.  Volunteers were directing us while other folks were handing out freebies like buttons and vitamins.  All around there were masses of people.  Yet, everyone was cheerful, even giddy in anticipation.  

7ish am-we arrived at the mall, attempted to get as close as possible, which ended up impossible, as we participated in a thousand+ strong group of people all trying to push their way forward.  This was the only part where I thought it was possible that I could die.  So we backed up a bit to a more open spot and decided to stay there, no matter what.  Now, it was time to wait.  Time to wait for 4 hours in high teens temperature.  At one point I couldn't feel my toes.  The Hardy's (always prepared) brought hand and toe warmers to put inside your boots, and still, we were all freezing.  But it was worth it!  

11ish am-Aretha Franklin.  Need I say more?  

11:30 am-the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.  

Highlights: 

I spoke earlier of a collective anticipation.  It felt like we were all at church because on any other day these strangers would probably not even acknowledge our existence.  But this day, I saw only smiles, helpfulness, and a lot of people with a good sense of humor about the lines and masses of people.  

• First off, my really good friend Jesse Siess flew all the way from Palm Springs, CA to attend Inauguration with us!  I loved having her here even though her visit was much too brief (and cried a little when she left).  
• On the train to D.C. the bathroom door was broken (wouldn't stay shut).  So the people in line took turns holding the door shut for each other.  I don't know that on any other day I would have trusted a complete stranger with the task of saving me from utter embarrassment.  
• While walking through the tunnel to the National Mall it was very dark and I (being a short-legged person and trying to keep up with 4 long-legged people) looked down briefly to watch out for the many urban obstacles (sidewalks ending, street signs, trees, and feet), and NAILED a guy in front of me.  I mean nailed.  I mean full speed-walking force nailed this guy.  On any other day, I wouldn't have just received a "No worries".  I'm sure I would have heard much more than that.  After I recovered from the shock we had a good laugh.  
• I think you're supposed to keep your eyes closed during prayer, but during Rick Warren's prayer I was looking around and was humbled at what I saw: many people lifting their arms up to the lord, praying for this country and for our president.  There were tears.  There were Alleluias. There was swaying.  
• As the Obama family arrived, we heard this loud roaring, as if there was a helicopter hovering right above us, but there weren't any around.  I mean, we could feel the vibration in our chest and in the ground.  A neighboring person told us that this was in fact the roar of the crowd which extended back to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial echoing off of the buildings.  Incredible.  
• After President Obama was sworn in, there were embraces and tears and shouts of joy like I have never seen before (live).  
• Having the opportunity to take part of such a historic event.  I still sometimes cannot wrap my head around the magnitude of these few hours on American history.