Signs

Before I left I reached out to some peeps and asked for their favorite pump up song. Specifically I think I asked for “something that makes you want to go to the gym for an awesome vein-popping workout, head outside for a killer run or hike, hit the dance floor or you-know...whatever you do that gets you going when you're home alone..."

I was so happy that several people played along. Thanks, I’m enjoying them all. The complete list will be published in a future installment.

One song, and one super special person (Mana-Cousin-Chrissy-Blugh-Wrerm), were the inspiration for this post though. This tune, unedited and complete with F-bombs, has always been a favorite of mine. It’s also perfectly appropriate for this transitional time. I believe in signs. I looked for signs before this journey, I’m seeing them now and I’m likely to follow them through life. Some people need God, exercise, booze or whatever to get them through each day. I guess I take some combination of all of the above and some signs to show me the way.

Signs my body is adjusting (or maybe revolting):
My fingernails are growing like weeds, nice.

My face is totally busted. Pizza face. Not a combination, but more like a half cheese and half pepperoni with a few pepp-ronis on the wrong side.

Yes, I will admit I think I put on a few pounds (no cheering Titi!, and sorry James, I´m working on it). But, it’s not for lack of exercise or too much eating. What I’m eating is just out of whack. Happy to report that I’m eating my weight in pineapple and papaya though. It’s free at snack time at school.

Signs I’m settling in:
I’m going barefoot in the house, even in the shower.

I’m leaving the toilet seat cover open and stopped checking under the seat before every visit (that snake fear has subsided).

I found a workout partner to pump some iron.

The busdriver has given me a nickname -Soy Esperanza.

I like the rain.

I didn’t panic when 3 geckos scurried across the room.

I was in the newspaper. People I barely know stopped to tell me they saw me. Celebrity!

Signs, so far, that I know I made a great decision to try something new:
Patricia, she was meant to be in my life. Two similar beings from opposite sides of the country finding their sweet spot in a place they both appreciate fully.

Nicole, she’s food for the soul, encouraging me to look inside and be brave enough to “let go of anything that is no longer useful to me.”

Rigo, a constant reminder to be unafraid of change and to live each moment in the moment, he inspired me to come here and is a breath of fresh air every time I see him.

Pipo, such a trusted friend that I know will always give me hand when I need it – in between making fun of my dance moves.

Juan Carlos, my high-spirited, nomadic landlord (he´s lived everywhere) with endless energy, discipline and determination.

When you wake up and the sun is shining bright AND it’s raining you know it’s going to be a fabulous day. JuanCa says “it’s God’s blessing when it rains and suns at the same time”.

Being away reassures you more than anything how powerful human connection is…I don’t need to feel homesick (yet) because I’m absolutely certain of who loves me, a lot. I can feel it.

I took my shorts off at the beach – HUGE hurdle. BIG sign, literally. Big ol´nalga blanca de gringa en la playa.