All the Livelong Day

It's funny what you can get used to. Everything seems so normal to us now that sometimes we forget we are in Costa Rica: the 1.5 mile walk in to town, the bananas ripening on the clothes line, the fact that we use a clothes line instead of a dryer, the calls of "Hola!" and "Buenas dias!" to our neighbors as we pass by. It only took about three months, but we have acclimated to this culture fairly well. 

Occasionally we have to remind ourselves that we are doing something amazing. Lately it feels a little, I don't know... too normal? Like we are not having many "adventures." But then we discover a new trail, or make a new friend, and we look at each other and smile. We are doing what we set out to do. And although it looks different than we expected, we are making it work. 

Wherever you live can seem too normal, or boring, or frustrating at times. But here's what we are learning: perspective makes all the difference. You can be in the most beautiful place in the world and be miserable if you focus on the parts that drive you crazy (the bugs everywhere, the tiny apartment [wait till you see the pictures, LOL], the outrageous cost of food....)  Or you can be happy and content if you take stock of what is important. We are together as a family, exploring new places, learning a new language, getting out of a consumer mentality, and pursuing our dreams. 

We are learning that if there is something you don't like about your life you can either change it or come to a place of acceptance and peace about it. Let's face it, you can't always escape to paradise when life gets rough. Because when you get to paradise you realize that life is rough there too. It's your attitude and perspective that will make your everyday life into the adventure that it really is. Some people in Costa Rica would love to spend their vacation in Dallas, Texas. That is their idea of paradise.  And you know what? Where you live? That is paradise, if you have the perspective to see it.

Ok, I'm done... just had to share that with you!  We're off to walk into town for groceries, diapers, and tacos. Yummm. I hope you enjoy your slice of paradise today. Oh, and if you can get any of this syrup where you are, do it! It's available in the States, and it is my new favorite food item in Costa Rica. Put it on your french toast, or over yogurt, and you'll see what I mean. 
Adios!