One week to go!

Hello and Happy New Year to one and all!

It's getting down to the wire now.  We leave for Costa Rica in about a week.  I'm starting to feel the pressure of all the last minute things that need to get done - finish the packing, make the house ready for our house/dog sitter, make sure I have what I want on the laptop I'll take with me, not to mention making sure things at work are ship shape.  At the same time, I am starting to feel just how much I need to thaw out.  As the New Year starts, like many, I find it a time of reflection on the last year and a time of thoughts about the future and what the new year may bring.  2011 had its challenges for me.   There were many good things in my life and those continue.  However, the loss of my sister to Leukemia changed the balance of my life forever.  As I continue to grieve and search for a new balance, I try to let that process ebb and flow as naturally as possible.  This trip couldn't come at a better time!  I can't wait to really unplug and find my center again, my new center.  It's so close I can taste it!

To continue with the outline of our plan, we spend the first month in Nosara.  I am looking forward to walking on the beach every day, taking some surf lessons, getting comfortable with the boogie board we are trying to take with us, perhaps doing some yoga, and generally "getting our slack on".  Michael will be surfing most days.  We'll explore on foot and on bike, make friends, play dominos, eat lots of fresh fish and enjoy whatever else comes our way.  And of course we'll wear lots of sunscreen!  The second half of our trip is much less defined.  We are supposed to meet up with some friends on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in Puerto Viejo, but the exact dates and duration of that are not set.  I wouldn't mind seeing the area around the Arenal volcano and/or the cloud forest.  There are also many, many other beaches we could visit.  We might even try to go to Bocas del Toro in Panama if that fits in.  We'll just have to see!  I really like the fact that it's not all planned out.  Spontaneity is good and it leaves room for discovery and keeps you in the moment.

Well, I've got to keep going with the "To Do" list so I'll sign off here.  This time next week we'll be on the plane!  Yahooo!

Sojourner Sarah