I believe in change

This is not a political post... But instead a reflection on humanity and what my role is as an educational leader in society--- and what leverage I have to make positive change on our world.

Ughh. Post election has been hard for so many. As an assistant principal of a school with a high population of immigrant families, we are affected, our students are affected. It hurts. It hurts in a way that I have never felt pain nor grief before.

I'm white. I sit in my own white guilt.  I'm privileged, I've grown up that way , but only recently have I become aware and learned to recognize my own white privilege.

So I sit here and reflect on what my role as an education leader is to improve humanity. How do we teach our children to be kind, teach our children right from wrong and teach our children to prioritize kindness and equity?

I'm grieving. I've lost faith in our humanity and our population. Our countries population decided that racism, bigotry, and hatred was more important than human rights. My beliefs and hope about kindness, love and acceptance have felt shattered. I believed that we were moving towards a country of unconditional acceptance and love-- I feel as though I was wrong. On a daily basis I believe I made an impact on our students in teaching them kindness.  Every day I reflect on how I can work to make our community, city, country and world a better place for not only Kora to grow up in, but ALL students of ALL backgrounds.

It's so easy to say this is not my burden-- I can blow it off-- I'm white. The system has worked and benefited me, my daughter and my family. But I'm choosing not to take that way out.
I'm choosing to use my whiteness & my privilege to make a change.

My local and immediate agent of change is the school. The school system at large.  But, I wonder why we must be constrained within our system that has proven over and over again to not be successful for all students. Why must all students conform to the white system that has been put into place. My goal and my vision is to build anew, create a system that works for all. So I continue to question myself on ways that I can use what I have to build and create a new system?

I'm grieving and will continue to grieve the difference of my perception of humanity and the reality of humanity-- I will continue to live in disbelief.  But, I will not continue to live in a world full of hate, bigotry, racism and un-acceptance.  I will work to be the change and will use the agent I have to make a better place-- Because I believe, I truly believe in a better world. For Kora and for all my children (all children of MPS). I believe we can make a change-- this change needs to be at a systemic level and at an individual level.

So I ask you today-- What are you doing to stand up for change?  A safety pin is not enough--
Be the change--
Change will not happen with out a coalition--
Join the coalition--
Be Brave--
Speak your truth--

Let us stand together for LOVE. Kindness.. and most importantly for ALL our children.

Having an Adult Relationship With Your Body

 “Adulting” is a term I hear thrown around a lot these days, and in a negative way. It’s hard to be an adult. One thing that I have noticed the most beside responsibilities changing as we become adults are the relationships we have. We have human relationships, and as human beings, if we do not grow and work to strengthen our adult relationships they fall apart, they resist, they go in different directions and at times can leave you feeling lost. I’ve experienced this with friends who we did not end up on the same path and it is truly heartbreaking.  

As I reflect on what it means to have a relationship with your body and your soul, I’ve had to dig quite deep to respond to this writing prompt. I look at Kora and how she’s discovering her body— she thinks it’s silly, she runs around naked and at times has even told me not to touch her foot because it’s “private” . 

I work hard to teach Kora how to respect her body, respect others limits, and be a healthy role model. 

—side note— how could anyone for one moment who is a woman, or who has a daughter, even think for a split second that electing Donald Trump is in her best interest. Let’s teach our daughters worth and not to brush off comments that are made about her or any other woman— This is not who we want as a leader of our country. ——— 

Growing up I was engrossed in dance 5 days a week, even to the extent of installing a barre (or having dad install one) in my room so I could practice. I started to have a love hate relationship with my body- there were a lot of ups and downs, but when I reflect on my middle years, one thing is for sure: I did not treat my body with respect nor did I care for it the way I should have. I recall eating crap food day in and day out and not understanding how much food affects the body. I took for granted the fact that I was active 5 days a week with dancing and didn’t realize what it meant to not be active.  

Later in High school and early years of college I smoked a lot of cigarettes and continued to not understand what having healthy relationship with your body means. I always wanted to ‘look better’ and truly never felt comfortable in my skin and my body— I didn’t want to work for it. 

Through early ears of college I realized I had horrible stomach issues, but never made the connection to my food & diet with my gut. 

It wasn’t until I became pregnant with Kora that I started to love the way I felt. I finally enjoyed looking in the mirror at myself, I started to read more about my own health and how to best support myself and my baby through my pregnancy.  After Kora was born it took me a whole year to start looking at my food choices and getting on track. 

I started to run (walk/run) it took me a long time, but all of a sudden I realized my body needed activity, and consistent activity, daily—I then started to take care of myself. Made healthier food choices and looked in the mirror in a positive way.  Our bodies are amazing and they can do so much, but learning to have a respectful relationship with them is hard. 

So I sit here at 31 years old, still pondering the idea of a healthy relationship with myself; with my mind, with my physical appearance and with my health. I’ve started down a path of clean eating, I’m not 100% but I can tell I feel better. I continue to have the internal struggle of working out and finding the energy. Since 2013 I’ve run 3 half marathons, and many other races and continue to work on my physical health, yet this is the hardest of all for me.  One thing I do know however is, if my relationship with my body is off balance, the rest of my world is off balance, it is necessary.   

My most recent addition to maintaining a healthy body & appearance has been starting to take care of my skin with R+F— Yes, Rodan and Fields is great! However, I have never taken care of my skin, so while this has to do with my appearance, deep down it is so much more. It is another step in furthering a deeper, stronger, and more confident sense of self. 

So, I ask you, what are you doing right now to improve your relationship with your body and with yourself? How have you strengthened your adult relationship with yourself?

Fall Is In the Air

Fall is my favorite seasonal change. The brisk air, wearing boots, sweaters and scarves, and being able to spend the whole day outside without being too cold or too hot.
Fall also means soups and more soups. Something I have become quite passionate about over the years has been cooking, I've found that soups rock my world.
Today I made this awesome butternut squash soup with balsamic caramelized onions and apples. Delicious! While I'm still not amazing at taking pictures of food-- I couldn't resist. I started this delicious soup with roasting the squash and onions, then I added coconut milk and broth. To finish it off, I pureed it into creamy goodness with my favorite kitchen toy-- the Breville Immersion Blender (thanks to dad).

I cook because I love to eat good food. However, cooking becomes so much more than that for me. It's a way to start a task and complete it, there are no rules, and I've become pretty good at it.  I also want to show Kora just how important it is to eat good food, and to make your own food. When I don't cook I realize something is missing in my life. I can spend hours in the kitchen making a good meal and not get bored. Cleaning up my mess on the other hand is a different story!   My hope is that cooking with Kora will be something that lasts through the years and builds on our relationship.  I remember cooking with my Dad a lot.  I have very fond memories of being in the kitchen with him and I hope this is something I can give to Kora as well.

Outside your comfort zone

Something I've come to realize is if I'm too comfortable I continue to seek things that push me outside my comfort zone. I truly believe this is where growth happens, personal and professional. I continue to seek out new things and new ways to reach goals.

A quick reminder: Last year, I was an intern all year with completing school on the side. I tend to stay busy.  Starting this year with only one thing to focus on, I started to feel lost--- And then I saw my friends Rebekah's post (I had been watching them for over a year, I've seen her growth and excitement) I decided to just try it.

With that being said, direct sales is hard! However, there is something about it that is so calming to me. I'm loving having something to focus on that is completely something I never thought I'd do.  The best part is, it's easy on my mind. I can work when I want, and I truly feel it's just for me. Yes, this is extremely selfish, I get this! But, I need it. I love setting goals for myself and hopefully meeting them. So with me saying how hard this is, does anyone want to help me? Any advice for me from the direct sales gurus-- I'm struggling with figuring this out but in no way am I giving up! I see what the business has done for friends of mine and am ready to get rolling! Again, all advice accepted:)

It's been years--- New life to the blog

So, as I sit in my car on my mini commute day in and day out... I reflect. I reflect in ways of sayings and funny memes for Facebook, in things to write in a journal, in phrases to tell Adam--but, I just don't seem to have any place to put my thoughts. With all of that being said, it is time for me to start a blog again.

I have things and thoughts going on in my life that I need to reflect outwardly on. However, I don't believe Facebook is always the way to do that. So with that being said, I'm working on committing to this blog as a place for me to reflect on parenting, education, life in general, and of course the newest adventure Rodan and Fields.


Adults-- Sometimes I wonder as adults why it can be so difficult to have empathy for one another, and at times I also wonder if empathy is really necessary.Is it that we have not been taught to have enough empathy for one another, or is it the flip side where we have not been taught to 'suck it up' deal with it, and move forward.

I wonder what it is about me that doesn't allow me to be empathetic about every single thing.. Is it that I wasn't born and raised in MN? (raised mostly yes:) is it that I assume everyone is resilient and can just 'handle it'--

Those are my reflections for tonight--- as I get back into the blogging, I promise it will improve. One of my biggest goals with the blog is to improve in my writing skills, so bear with me as I get in the groove once again.

Dear Costa Rica

The time has come for me to say goodbye. It seems bittersweet to leave as I am sad to leave my new friends, and so excited to be back in Minnesota continuing with my life as a teacher.  The goodbyes here have seemed to last a life time, as I have left part of my heart with all my new children at Jardin Central and with all the wonderful teachers and staff there.
Thank you for all the beaches; puerto viejo, carillo, punta uva, manzanillo, samara, manuel antonio, jaco, punta leona.  Thank you for the excitement of riverrafting in the tenorio river and sharing it with my mom, what an exciting time.  Thank you for the volcanos; Arenal and Irazu they were full of beauty, I was so happy I was able to share the experience of Arenal with Adam.  Thank you for reminding me that I do not like little dogs, and I love DJ, my big dog at home.  Thank you for showing me an experience of a different world of education and pushing me to realize it is not wrong just different. Thank you for all the teachers at Jardin Central who were oh so caring and welcoming every single day, even if at times I didn't understand a word they were saying. Thank you for all the Spanish, the new words, the naughty words, and of course the awful subjunctive that continues to haunt me in my sleep.  Thank you for the sun, so hot that it bite's your skin every time you walk into it and colors your skin red or a deep chocolate brown. Thank you for my Costa Rican Family, Flor, Rafa, Kathy even though it has been hard for me you have gone above and beyond in making me feel part of the family, you have shown me the way you live your everyday lives and accepted me into your own as your hija.  Thank you for reminding me I do not want a life that does not include my love, Adam.  It is time for me to go. Thank you for all the experiences, good, bad, difficult, and wonderful.  Thank you for teaching me Pura Vida.
Con Mucho Mucho Amor,
Pura Vida
Breanna

*Minnesota here I come*

Last Weekend

This has been my last weekend here in Tres Rios.  I was contemplating traveling, but decided to stay here to get some stuff done and ready to go for the big trip home on Thursday.  We had a three day weekend as there was no school on Friday.  I am starting to feel like I will be quite sad to leave all of my students this week as a lot of them seem to really love me!!!
My friend Carmen and I have been walking at a track everyday to keep busy, as well as running errands around Tres Rios.  Yesterday I paid my exit tax so I don't have to do it at the airport, I also found gifts for my co-operating teacher, and we saw a move, Horrible Bosses or in Spanish "Quiero matar mi jefe".  It was a pretty funny movie, it was nice to see something light hearted.  
This evening I am heading over to Carmen's home to help her make Sopa Azteca, it similar to tomato soup but with Chicken and cheese and tortilla chips, it's quite delicous but takes a couple hours to make. 
This week my computer died so I have no photos to share with you, and I have been slacking on the blog posts. 
I have finished the actual teaching part of my student teaching and start to re-observe for my last three days in the school starting tomorrow.  It feels pretty good to keep checking things off my list. 
I hope this finds you all well!
See you soon Minnesota :)

Los Romeros

(Just a little more Umbrella Culture for you)

Today I have reached single digits in counting down to go home. Can you tell I'm ready?  I feel like I have had a lot going on the last week or so to share with you.
I had my final observation from Educators Abroad/ Hamline. Everything went great, the kids acted a bit different having someone else in the room, they were doing things like screaming randomly etc. It definitely threw me off gaurd, but that is what teaching is all about right?  In the end I received an outstanding job and great work from my observer and am now wrapping up my final steps of Student Teaching.   Hamline has already sent in my licensure papers and submitted my final passing grades, so needless to say I'm feeling pretty good about becoming a teacher.

In Costa Rica I have realized they have a lot of holidays, many holidays are ones surrounding the catholic religion.  Today, August 2nd, Is "Day of the Virgin of the Angels".  This is what I believe to be the largest religous holiday here in Costa Rica, and here is why;  people walk to Cartago, from ALL OVER. People fill the streets, they are called romeros and they walk.  Some say they walk from Panama and from Nicaragua and from all over Costa Rica. It is really quite amazing that someones faith and belief leads them to do this.  The romeros have come in all different sizes, shapes, and ages.  I have been lucky enough to see the main road where everyone walks as it goes directly through Tres Rios.   So everyone walks to this big church, kneels up to the alter and asks the Black Virgin for something.  Then they turn around and I would guess take public transportation back to their homes. This is a huge deal, the schools are closed today, to honor the holiday. 



                                                                                  This last weekend I headed to Jaco beach to try and

 keep myself busy.  It really is the hottest place I have ever been. I don't know why it get's so hot, but it is HOT all the time.  I stayed in a hostel and really enjoyed myself. It was nice to not be running on anyone elses schedule.  I met up with friends who are also part of the program, DJ and Janelle, on Sat. night for a couple of cocktails and a beautiful sunset (the only sunset I have seen while I've been here).  I soacked up a bit of sun, just to make sure I am tan for my return to the states.

I have been continuing with my private Spanish Lessons, working on the subjunctive. It has been going really well, the problem is, the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know. It can get quite frustrating at times.

Five weeks from today is the first day of school, so I am really trying to wrap my head around everything and start preparing.  Soon enough I will be back on Minnesota ground, and am more then excited to get back to my life back in the States, and start the next chapter.

Untitled

I have realized that it has been a week since my last post and I know you are all sitting on the edge of your chairs wondering what adventures I have been in to. Well sorry to burst your bubble but not too many. 
Last Tuesday I went to a yoga class in Spanish and survived, I definitely had a hard time understanding what was going on, but was able to get the main Idea, it was good but nothing like the classes I take in the states. While at the yoga studio I saw a poster for a yoga festival in Cartago (a town about 30 min. away) so my friend Maggie and I ventured there on Saturday. There were a lot of people around and the classes were very inexpensive.  We tried Tai Chi, which was quite interesting and I enjoyed it a lot, we then did a yoga class from a studio called Yoga Sol.  Once again at the end of the class I felt great, but during it wasn't my favorite thing. To me I feel like yoga in Spanish has a flowing disconnect but after thinking about it, I am sure it is that I am not grasping all of the words so I am not feeling the same flow as other fluent speakers are.  In the end it was a great experience and made me very happy to see that they are really trying to promote the yoga culture here in Costa Rica. 
 I have been doing some private tutoring to help me with some of my grammar, in the end it has become a subjunctive tense class, which is great but quite difficult!  I went once last week, this week I am able to go twice, and I think I will go four times next week as long as it fit's into my schedule.  He send's homework with me so it gives me a little something extra to do.  
I have been feeling like time has been inching a long as I count the day's to go home. I am definitely ready to be home and start getting things together for next year.  I have less than 3 weeks now so it must be in the home stretch, but someday's it seems like it is so far away.  This Friday we are taking the kids on a field trip to the basilica in Cartago because there is a national holiday here in Costa Rica on the 2nd, so somehow the field trip is corresponding with that.  After the field trip I am hoping to get to the beach to work on my tan one last time before I head home.  
This week I am being observed at the school, I am nervous but I feel that even if it doesn't go well my whole student teaching can't ride on the one observation so everything should be just fine.  I have come to the realization recently that 6 weeks from today is the first day of the new school year, and I am not feeling very prepared, so if anyone is interested in helping me put together a classroom when I return let me know :).
I hope this finds you all well, and happy reading. 
*Oh one last thing, I apologize for any spelling errors in this post, as my computer is being finniky and not letting me use the mouse/curser etc.

Umbrella Culture

When I first arrived I didn't understand why Flor would tell me to bring my umbrella when there wasn't a cloud in the sky. But then as I would walk to school in the morning I would notice everyone else had an umbrella in hand; so I thought, they must know what they are doing.  It's true, they did.  It rains, it rains in the afternoon and without warning, but sometimes in the morning. And if it doesn't rain the day before it rain's harder, and when you don't think it can rain any harder it does.  An umbrella protects you from I would say level one rain, the drops, and maybe a little heavier.  Once the rain starts moving sideways, it really only becomes an accessory, it's time to face the facts:  you will get soaked.   An umbrella is part of your accessories, and little did I know it should really match the color of your shoes and handbag and any other accessories you can find to match it.  I have realized umbrellas are quite useful, from using them as a cane to being able to pull the bus "ding" cord with the handle end so you don't have to get up out of your seat. They even have umbrella lockers at the National Theater.  So if you are traveling to Costa Rica make sure you bring your umbrella along with any other accessories that may match it. 




Today is a morning off, with school at noon. Before vacation, I was pretty much teaching full day's but the student's had a lot of other things going on that there was not too much time for lessons.  The next few weeks are a bit more calm and I am excited to really be managing and teaching the whole class.

I have found a yoga studio near the University so I am heading there for a class at 6:15 tonight.  I am very excited! I am not sure what to expect, I think it will be quite interesting as the class is done in Spanish, I have never taken a Spanish spoken Yoga class before. I believe I will understand some of it, as the original terms for poses are Sanskrit.  I think it will be a good experience either way. 

So as I had mentioned I have many pictures from the last two weeks, I will post them little by little so you get an Idea. They are all on Facebook so feel free to browse the album there as well.   here are a few......


Adam and I on our "Planet Dolphin" cruise in Manuel Antonio. The central pacific. We saw only a couple dolphins but it was still a great time!

The storm rolling in in Manuel Antonio

Mom and I caught Blue Tuna unexpectedly on our Ocean/Dolphin/Turtle/Snorkle everything rolled into one cruise in Sámara.  It was quite an experience.  Don't we look so proud and strong!!!

A awesome spider Adam and I saw in Manuel Antonio park, I think it's missing a leg or even two for that matter!

They come and they go...

Well I feel like it has been so long since I have written.  I didn't want to take the time to write a blog when I was with Mom or Adam, so now it has built up.  There are so many things to talk about, but I will not overstimulate you too much. I have the next 26 days (but who's counting) to catch you all up on all the adventures and fun that was had.

This morning I left Adam at the Airport.  I was planning on going in with him and helping him navigate his way through the foreign language mess, but only passengers allowed. We had an abrupt goodbye, which was better for me, so I didn't lose it completely. I went back to our hotel and slept for the rest of the morning
I found over the past two weeks airports are a great place.  I really enjoyed watching all the different facial expresions as everyone tried to find their "other" when walking out of the baggage claim area, and the best part was, when they did. Their whole face would light up, grandparents, children, lovers, mothers, fathers, and friends.  It was a very happy to place to be, in the baggage claim that is.  The whole drop off is another story, goodbyes and sadness seem to go hand in hand, yet somewhere a traveler is normally excited to get to their destination and has a spark of happiness.  So if you are looking for a good people watching spot I would highly suggest the airport! I personally prefer to be in the arrival section, or be the one getting on the plane.
Adam and I had a few adventures while he was here. We went with a tour bus to the Arenal Volcano and the hot springs, it was quite beautiful but a very long trip to do in just one day.  It is a bummer there was no activity with the volcano but I got over it.

The next day we went to Manuel Antonio National Park, we saw many active animals, enjoyed the beaches and just enjoyed being together.  Unfortunately the weather god's were not on our side for the week and we had a fair amount of rain. However when you are in the rain forest, rain seems to happen frequently. 


I have re-numbered my calendar that sits on my wall and I can see today's date as well as the date that I will be at home. That is quite exciting. I have plans for the next 4 weeks to keep me busy so hopefully the time will fly by.
I will hopefully be updating my blog frequently. Look at Facebook for the newest photos from the trip!

rafting and so on...

I just put mom in a cab at Cafe' Mundo and ventured back to my hotel in barrio Aranjuez (part of San Jose).  I knew that it would be hard for me when she left, but I didn't know it would be this hard.  I guess I'm learning lots of those lessons on this trip. 

So mom and I have had quite the adventure, yesterday on our way back to San Jose we stopped and did rafting on the tenorio river in the Gunacaste region of Costa Rica.  It was definitely a rush...  Between mom smacking the paddles so hard against the ground to scare away the snakes, and me falling out of the boat we were quite the crew.  The photos are priceless; well not so much as the tour company does charge for them. If you have not looked on facebook and seen them yet I would highly recommend it.  I will try to post a few on this blog as well.

Adam comes in in about 4 hours so I am eagerly waiting at the hotel to pass the time. 

Sámara and Playa Carillo

It has been a busy few days and I have been putting off writing a blog!  But I have decided to sit down because if I don´t start writing about it now, when I return from this two week adventure I, nor you may not have the attention span for it. 

Mom and I have been having a great time, she stayed with me at Flor´s house and experienced all the in´s and out´s of my busy (not busy) life here in Costa Rica.  Last Wednesday we headed to the famous church here in Cartago, Costa Rica. It is the church of the black virgin, it is very beautiful, it is the church which many from all around the country walk to on August 2nd.  When August roll´s around (not too far away) I will post pictures of that. 

Friday we ventured into San Jose (by taxi).As much as I think public transportation is great, it is incredibly easier to stick with taxi´s and shuttles, it really makes life less stressful and just easier all around.  We stayed at a great little hotel, which I will be frequenting in the next couple of weeks still with Adam here. We had a yummy dinner and ventured to Sámara beach on Saturday morning.  We have been pretty busy here between, beach, coffee, wine, and massage we have barely found time for yoga.

Yesterday we went on a boat tour and saw dolphins, a turtle, marlin, and mom went snorkeling.  The two men that were leading the tour, had both put a fishing line in the water and when it came time for the fish to bite they quickly handed us the fishing poles and told us to reel in the fish. It was so difficult my arm muscle must have grown from how much work it was, I thought I was getting a 200 lb fish.  I didn´t. But we both caught (blue tuna about the size of my lower leg) it was quite an unexpected adrenaline rush. One of the best part´s about the tour was that it was just mom and I and the two guides.  It seemed they were happy to get any business during the low season.  Yesterday afternoon we found a massage school and relaxed with a very inexpensive massage. We finished off the evening with a game of cribbage (which I won of course) and a CSI.  

Today and tomorrow we are taking a few Spanish lessons at a language school here in Sámara then we head back to San Jose  Thurs. afternoon.  All in all the trip has been great and of course great to be spending time with mom.  Adam will be here Friday and we head to another beach on Sunday, I will try to post again before the trip is over.  Happy 4th everyone!

Mom!!!

Mom will be here in mere hours, so as I am sitting on my bed working on passing the slow moving time. I've once again decided to jot down my thoughts. Unfortunately nothing extremely exciting has happened in the last few days to tell you about but hopefully my writing will still be interesting enough to keep your attention for a short amount of time.

I still have yet to set foot into a yoga studio, but I have seen one, so now it's figuring out getting off the bus at the correct stop to be able to make it to the studio, I am quite happy about this. 

Sunday was a very interesting day. Flor had asked me if I would be willing to help one of my house mates friends with speaking English because he had an interview in English or something along those lines.  I thought, why not, so my assumption was: he would come over, have me ask him some interview questions or something, we would chat for an hour or so and he would leave. Oh no, that was not the case. I am not sure if something was lost in translation, language or cultural, but apparently I was going on a bind date.  Well that's what it felt like, they all know that I'm married and weren't setting me up but WOW was it awkward. (It is okay for you all to start laughing now)
(Imagine a 40 year old man, maybe older, chemical engineer, really liking to talk about dynamite and books that had talking animals, needless to say not my cup of tea. )
He wanted to take me all over San Jose.  We went to the children's museum (children's museum.. wierd right), the zoo, and then had lunch. After lunch he wanted to go have coffee, I said I had to lesson plan. Yes it was nice to get out of the house, but, with a random 40 year old man, not so much! It was so awkward because we had to find random things to talk about, now I know when they ask me to practice English with someone, I will have other plans.  Maybe that's what dates would feel like if I would have tried eharmony.com or  hotornot.com. (No offense to those who use it)

In other news, I still love my school. Maybe it's my special ed background or the fact that I have come to the conclusion that we are all on the Autism spectrum, but, I have found new ASD friend's within almost every class.  It's hard for me not to jump back into my Special Ed para position and start trying to find every way to get the one student to have success.  There is something about the student's who need extra love; sometimes I find it so easy to give it to them, but sometimes, so hard. 
And lastly, I still miss Adam a lot. He really is my favorite person ever.  I can't wait to see him in 10 days.

Until next time! (I'm so boring I don't even have any pictures for you, soon enough my friends, soon enough!)

35 days and counting...

Wow, I have been gone for 35 days. It's amazing to think of everything  I've done in that small amount of time. Yet, some days, 35 days seems like it has been forever. I am not quite half way through the trip, but soon enough I will be. 
I think this time around traveling has been more difficult for a variety of reasons. Of course, reason number one is, I am married and I have been so comfortable in my life with Adam in it every day, so to not have him around has been much more difficult then ever imagined. He is my best friend who I tell everything to. So to not be able to share each individual experience with him has been difficult.

I also think that with the loss's that we had this winter and spring with both of our families, we spent a lot of time with our families, so in my eyes seeing everyone more often made us all a little bit closer.  So not only do I miss my immediate family but also the extended.  It is quite a test on the mind to be strong enough some days to not give up and go home! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying myself and loving the experience of being in another culture, experiences are what make people who they are, and wouldn't change this experience one way or another. 

This weekend has been fairly relaxing.  Friday I ventured to Wal-Mart.  I never go to Wal-Mart in the states, it's a company that I choose to not support. Awkwardly there was something comforting about being there.  I don't think it was Wal-Mart itself that was comforting but the set up of the store. The idea that it was clean, air-conditioned, accessible to all needs. Here you need to venture to 8 different stores to find what you are looking for.  I don't know if I will go back to there, but I have to say, shamefully, it wasn't that bad.  I also searched out a yoga studio with no luck.

Saturday I went with a group to San Jose to run some errands and do some shopping.  Before when I was in San Jose we just walked around a little bit and didn't go into any markets or stores. Yesterday we found the places to shop for gifts etc. We also ate on a balcony above the central avenue, it was quite fun to watch all the people.  The central avenue is a walking street, it doesn't allow any traffic but there are TONS of people. While in San Jose I ventured off by myself for a while and came across the national library, a metal school, and a lot of parks, it was quite beautiful.  I also tried to find another yoga studio yesterday with once again no luck. I'm determined that tomorrow will be the day so keep your fingers crossed for me. 

Saturday, also would have been Harry's (my father in-laws) 60th birthday. So happy birthday to a wonderful man. I hope he is still partying in the world or heaven that he ventured on to.

Today I have been hanging out with coffee and my computer thinking about cleaning my room.   I can't believe that mom will be here in only 2 days and Adam will be here in 12 days. I am very excited to travel with both of them and see amazing things. I'm also excited to get to see more places in Costa Rica of course! 

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller

Surprise.... There's tuna inside......

Well, we all know what Michael Scott would say to that!  

Sometimes you don't know what you are eating here. Today I tried my luck with a beautiful looking puff pastry, sitting on a tray with other cookies. I thought it looks so good that I can handle that it's not gluten free.  I bit into it, and it was definitely not what I thought. There was Tuna inside, but then I was sitting with a table of teachers and couldn't spit it out. I had to eat the whole thing.  I now know to ask before I eat.  

Today was the Father's day celebration at the school. The kids came all ready to perform for their dads, only the dads were invited, no moms. They were all so excited.  To my surprise at   least 95% of dad's showed up. I was absolutely amazed. I feel like at times at schools in the U.S. it is really difficult to get that much family support, what a great thing.  I had no Idea that there were as many dads out there who are almost as proud of their children as my dad is (we all know he set's a pretty high standard).  The kids that I work with sang a song, others did dances, and a little theater production, everything turned out very cute. 

I am really enjoying the new school, I am very happy that I made a switch.  Here are photos of the new classroom and a little from the production today.

The group with the white shirts on and the blue shorts is the group that I work with.

A Breath of Fresh Air

So once again, another morning where I don't have obligations, I have decided to sit down and write another post. 

I went to my new school yesterday for the first time. It was like a breath of fresh air.  The classrooms had a couple of tables and a carpet and many areas that seemed conducive to learning.  One of the hard things about the schools here is that when there are 30 desks and chairs moving around on tile floors it gets extremely loud! It was very difficult for me to hear the students and hear myself think. I think this will make it easier.  My co-operating teachers name is Nazhira she is in her 40's or 50's and seems very experienced, she also brings a great energy to her classroom.  I will be doing my first lesson at this school on Thursday, I am very excited.  Friday there is no school due to....... well, I'm never quite sure why school get's canceled :).  The classroom has 24 students, they are all very sweet! 

Mom get's here a week from today we are planning on going to beaches on the North Pacific coast, I can't wait, then when she leaves Mr. Adam comes, hurray!

This evening I'm meeting up with my friend Beth form Eagle Heights to indulge in some seafood, I'm excited to see a friendly face.

I'm off to hang out with the little munchkins. Enjoy your day. I will post photos soon of the new school.

Beach # 3

This weekend I headed to Beach #3, Jaco. Jaco is a 2 1/2 hour bus ride outside of San Jose, I believe if you went by car however it would only take a little over an hour.  It was my least favorite out of the beaches so far. It had a lot of people hanging out and it was very tourist driven.  I definitely enjoyed soaking in the sun and getting the nice fresh ocean air.  We arrived back to Tres Rios this afternoon and I was very happy arrive. 
 Traveling in groups of more than two can be such a test on my patience. I think part of it is that I would much rather sit at a nice restaurant and drink a glass of wine instead of go out and party. I must be getting old, or maybe it's mature, or both.  I think I will try to stick to smaller groups from now on.

And a spin off on group travel..............
Today I have been thinking a lot about how one persons actions affect others in both positive and negative ways. Sometimes we become too selfish and don't see what effect our choices have on others. So this week I am going to try to think about the things that I can do that can have positive effects on people and think before I act. 

Tomorrow I start at the kindergarten central center in Tres Rios.  I have switched schools (after a little bit of drama) and I am excited about starting another experience.  I feel that I have been starting to accept the education system here in Costa Rica more and so I am ready to see what the Kindergarten center has to offer! I feel it will be a good experience as I do not have a lot of experience in Kinder so no matter what I should learn something.  Things here are so different, especially with the literacy, it is so difficult to see what I feel are kids just falling through the cracks without the right tools to fill the missing pieces.
There are a few kids in the school that I had been at, La Cima, that had a hard time copying a word off the board and were obviously in need of help. It breaks my heart to hear the teacher say things like, he doesn't know anything, he will definitely be repeating.  This is such a different system than what my experience is with special education and exceptional learners. I feel that the kids can learn, we just need to set them up for success, scaffolding and difernetiation.  It is difficult for me to observe these things when I have such strong opinions about it (I know your thinking, who Breanna? Have strong opinons? No Way :) )
Mom arrives in 8 days (not that I'm counting). I am very excited to see her and travel with her as well as show her where I've been the last month (already 4 weeks!!!).  I'm excited to see the north Pacific Coast as well as spend time with her avoiding any possibility of coming across a snake. 
A few pictures of the last adventure.

procrastination

Sun salutations can energize and warm you, even on the darkest, coldest winter day.  ~Carol Krucoff

I'm sitting here on another Tuesday morning thinking about what to do for the next two hours as I don't have many obligations.  I've chosen to write another blog post to put off my sun salutations a bit longer while I ponder what should be my yoga soundtrack for the day.  I am not feeling too energetic so I'm thinking along the lines of Michael Jackson or M.I.A to get me moving.  
I had a couple visitors in my room this morning, a large spider which unfortunately it's life ended quite abruptly by my shoe, and a cockroach. Little did I know cockroach's are quite quick and it outran me. It was probably scared after it saw what happened to it's eight legged spider friend.  
I've also decided to change it up a little bit and change the font on the blog, I know "dangerous".  
This weekend I am thinking about heading to the Pacific Coast. It's only about 1 1/2 hours outside of San Jose. I'm thinking of leaving early Saturday and coming back Sunday Evening.  I think my skin is ready for a little more sun and some fresh ocean air. I may even try a bit of surfing but secretly I'm scared my arm will be eaten by a shark.  
Next Tuesday I will be visiting a different school with the possibilities of changing schools.  My program has been great in listening to my concerns about not receiving feedback etc.  I am going to check out another school to see if I feel it will be a better fit for me. If not, I'm determined to make something work and get the best out of my experience.   
No Doubt is the soundtrack winner. I'm off to do 33 sun salutations before I head to school for the day.  

Challenges!

Well to say the least teaching here and working with the co-operating teacher is quite challenging.  I don't think I can ever get used to dis-organization but I guess it is a good challenge as I will have to work people who aren't as organized as I am throughout life.  For example: tomorrow I am teaching a social studies lesson, I asked what was the topic, she said how to organize your life and why it is important. She said that she has materials for it and she will give them to me right before the lesson, so I guess that means all planning is out the window. 
Wednesday I am teaching about, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to first graders.  I am supposed to ask the kids to tell me about experiences they have etc. definitely putting me in an awkward situation.  I am still trying to find the positive in the days, but this whole teaching in a different country thing is definitely difficult for me. Especially when everything seems so in the moment and not prepared ahead of time.  I have taught two lessons and not yet received feedback from my co-operating teaching, not sure if that is good or bad.  The kids just want positive re-inforcement, when you tell them they did a good job etc. they get so happy and excited.  The nice things about the schools here is that you can hug the children and give them lots of love there aren't those boundaries like there are in the US.  The school I'm teaching at is located in a poorer community and the teachers say that it is some of the only affection they get all day, as well as the lunch served at the school many times is the only food the kids get all day.  
Mom is coming down in 2 weeks or so and is planning on bringing a few materials.  If anyone has any school materials they would like to donate to the school, let her know and she can get them from you. dohnoy@boreal.org.
The school needs things like: markers, pencils, small pencil sharpeners, small composition notebooks, rulers, scissors, tape, dry erase markers.  


Sunday I went on a bit of an adventure with my friend Maggie and her "friend" Isaac.  Isaac is from Costa Rica so he took us all over Cartago.  We went to the volcano Írazu (I lied before, it is not active),  an old tuberculosis hospital, a mini carnival, and at the end of the day we hung out at a bar to watch Costa Rica get their butt's kicked my Mexico in fútbol.  Unfortunately my camera died after the hospital, so I will have to go back and get photos of the ruin's and the church that we saw as well.
Driving up to the volcano was really cool as we were above some clouds, pretty un-real. 

I got to talk to the whole family on Skype tonight that was fun.  My cousin Tara convinced me to call family of friends of hers.  So I did, hoping they will call back soon so I can experience more of Costa Rica. Here are more photos. I won't put all of them on here but, you should go to my facebook to see more I happen to think (humbly) that I did a pretty good job at amateur photography!