Choo Choo

I’m into motivational and mushy quotes – everything from Hallmark cards to magnets to email sign offs saying something inspirational. They can be from family, friends or famous literaries. However, one that most recently stuck in my head was from a person I met on a solo trip. I was talking to an employee at the hotel where I was staying, a simple guy with a simple life. The conversation was oddly deep going from politics to life, love and the pursuit of happiness. He said “Don’t miss the train Karen”.

I know, not really so profound, not any big words. But, for me it was a big message. It reminded me that although sometimes fast and sometimes slow…life is moving. I realized that I wanted to move along with it, seeing what I find along the way. Don’t get me wrong my life is fabulous and blessed with many things that bring me happiness, but I didn’t want to be afraid of change anymore.

I am a believer that a portion of our lives is within our control and we need to take actionable steps to achieve and get what we want. Other parts of life are just going to happen, and you manage it as you go. I’m going to take a journey and just see how it goes. It’s just an alternative to going to work everyday and trying to mold it to be what I want it to be.

So, this train is leaving the station - first stop Costa Rica. Next stop, who knows? The ride thus far has been great, I just need a little more variety and unplanned stops before I settle into a new chapter of life that might include more permanent features. Yes, there will be a man for me and grandkids for my parents at some point. Till then it’s time to try some new things.

A colleague recently asked “what are you going to be doing there?” My answer with a shrug of the shoulders, “just living.” Nothing ground breaking here. I want to try to order dinner and buy groceries in another language, I want to enjoy the outdoors using the two wheels at the end of my walking sticks to get around. I want to see if I can live without laundry in the basement, a watch for every outfit, A/C, 5 closets and 3 bureaus of clothing.

Indeed I am also a realist. Before I know it I’ll be right back here, or somewhere, working, writing to-do lists, squeezing as much as I can into each day, spending Saturdays running errands and planning for the future. For now, I’m just riding a different train and living day to day. Chuggin’ along…

Everyone’s got a certain something that makes them tick, makes them smile or brings them inner peace. Chuggin’ along on a simple choo-choo is what’s right for me at the moment. In my opinion, this is a very reasonable replacement for that pair of Jimmy "Choos" that seem to make other women go all aflutter (not really sure if that’s a word, but I like it and since I’m the Conductor of this train I’m sticking with it).

Depart to Logan 5:30am Sunday 7/6.

Leave Logan to Charlotte 8am. Arrive San Jose 1:30pm.

Bus to coast departs 3pm, arrive Quepos 7pm.

Check door locks, do snake detail then hit my new biscuit for some shuteye, yahoo!

School starts Mon. 7/7, 7:30am.

Thank you so much to everyone who came by 31 Glover today!  The gifts, the hugs, the support from family and my hometown crew means more than I can tell you.  I'm so excited for this new step and all it may bring, but I'm equally as thrilled to know I have such a place to call home.   xoxo