So Far, So Good

Costa Rica quickly become my home away from home. But, nothing can compare to your first home. It wasn’t till the plane stopped at the gate that I opened my eyes and looked at the stranger next to me, whom I hadn’t spoken to for the whole flight, that I grinned a big grin and said, with a nice stretch, “oh boy, I haven’t been home in 4 months!”

Twenty one hours of travel was made even longer thanks to one of my favorite Ticos, Rigo, by keeping me out till 2:30 in the morning before my 6 am departure. But, it worked out OK since apparently the flight from Miami to Boston was horrible. I passed out hard, but awoke to people puking and suffering from dizziness. Good deal for me.

Although I didn’t feel the turbulence in the air I did feel it in my head and heart. Leaving Costa Rica was sad even though I know I’m going back. Coming home is heartwarming and also stressful knowing that I will be faced with many questions and the sadness of leaving again. Yes, I’m choosing to leave again, but even voluntary and temporary goodbyes are tough.

Anyhoo, back to the fun stuff. I’ve barely been home for two days and it’s been fantastic. Some of the highlights so far:

I putzed for a bit and felt a little disoriented in my own home for a little bit, but then I went to sleep in my very own biscuit! Clean, cool, crispy sheets and FOUR pillows! I’ll say that again…FOUR pillows! I’m a queen! And, they’re good pillows, the kind where your head doesn’t fall right back to the mattress. Good sleep…yum.

I awoke exactly 8 hours later to a fine friend on the other end of my tele…Jactor! It’s nice to know that people want to catch up with you ASAP. We also got in a a good pumping iron session at the gym. Big chest. Now, next time pick me up at the airport, too!

Only minutes later Jen and Giz popped in...hugs were so welcomed! And what better way to wake up than with Jen’s F-bombs and trucker talk and Giz’s laugh. Thanks for being right there ladies.

Of course P-Pod was there, too. I sat on the floor and drilled him with questions. Just like old times he loves it when I talk a lot☺ Note: I sat on the floor sin hormigas (i.e. that means there’s no ants on the floor!)

Next…my wheels! Black Betty needed a jump from my boy Master P, who I know missed me mucho, but then she was off for a smooth ride to the Bridge. She never let’s me down. Nothing like cruise control, a sunny, fall day in New England and a RADIO! Carrie Underwood never sounded so good….Waaaaaaaasted! Oh how I missed my car radio and my living room stereo. I’ve got the iPOD in Costa Rica, but with the iTunes budget in lockdown this station-changer needs more variety.

I arrived home to a tearful Mommy, Paul and my gorgeous Nana awaiting my arrival. I barely had time to pee and fill a glass of water before my Daddy appeared. I was really home now.

Next stop, my Bridge girls. Dinner with Liz, Court, Mary and Tina and some of their babies was the perfect afternoon. These types of friends are a reminder of how full my life is…they love me and miss me no matter what. So many years together and there’s no judging, just a circle of friendship and understanding that will never go away. Thanks to my ladies for coming out to hang, thanks to Mrs. Det-ar-andooooo for hosting. The lake views in the fall could compete with views in Costa Rica.

After pulled pork and pumpkin cheesecake (a la cheesecake factoria!) I was off to the pink house. More open arms, and food, awaited me. Titi, Tio, Leebo, Mana, Ella…life is good. But boy, what a shock to see how my boy had changed. Leebo, my little Leebo, here I was feeling like I never left and then he walked in. What did Titi miss? He’s a giant! His face, voice and clothes are different. I quickly engaged the voice in my head “don’t feel guilty for leaving Titi. Just be happy that he’s growing into a fine young man.”

I didn’t dare lay on Nana’s couch knowing how tired I was. I would have been a goner for sure. That thing eats me up every time. But, it was a comforting feeling just knowing it was there for the taking. So, we all chatted for hours. My bro Eric and his ‘thang’ Heather arrived. More hugs and relief for me to see good people happy together.

Seth, my favorite rocker, was on the local TV station. His recent concert has been airing over and over. We kept one eye on the screen waiting for my song. Yup, 17 years of friendship, I finally got my song. He dedicated it to me at ‘The Concert on the Common.’ He introduced it with, “This is a song I wrote for my friend Karen L’Ecuyer, she’s on a journey.” It’s called ‘New Day’. The title and his chorus words, ‘She is right like rain’ are so suitable. Indeed, I am on a journey and every day is new, and I am sure, right as rain actually, that I am on the path that is meant for me. Muchas gracias mi amigo.




Other notables:
-Good water pressure in the shower, sink and toilet (fewer double downs!).
-Nana’s always got neat crackers and other snacks.
-Piela’s now into canning. He’s got 16 gallons of Cider brewing downstairs AND he’s getting his online degree. He can do it all!
-Piela moved the big screen upstairs.
-Grampy’s recliner rocks.
-Web access at home is soooo convenient. But, dangerous for anyone that’s easily distracted by Facebook.
-Being greeted by pictures of Dena in the morning is a sure way to start the day off right.
-Whole Foods – I almost forgot how to get there, needed to think about the shortest route for a minute, but, I made it and the first item in my line of sight – BERRIES, BERRIES and more BERRIES.
-My schedule is jam packed. I stink people like me. I’ve got lunches, dinners and drinks planned up the wa-zoo.
-freebeez at the dentist – paste, floss, brushes, yeah!
-it’s my lucky day…free parking at the hospital garage today! Mil quinientos is a cab ride to Bambu Jam for a night of dancing.
-Garbage disposal, way cool.
-Seth treated me to breakfast…I had bacon.

It’s only Tuesday!