It's been 2 weeks...

            The last time I posted (which was waaay to long ago) it was my master plan. I regret to inform you though…the master plan still hasn’t been completed…or even attempted. Ok well, last Saturday I made an effort to start. I made a rough budget and downloaded some worksheets to plan out projects for this summer or life. But that’s as far as I got. I think I should stop trying to mulit-task. Just focus on one thing, even if it’s quiet. Quiet is good. Hey I think I found something I might need to try!!

            Now you understand how I work. As much as I hate to admit it, the theme of saying I’m going to do something but then it not happening is recurring in my life. You would think that over Spring Break I’d be able to accomplish this one task right? Ha. Apparently not. Distraction rules in my life. Then when school started again, I knew that blogging was going to be put on the way backburner. Boy was I correct. Not until today (2 weeks later) am I updating again.

            It is really frustrating to be so motivated to do something one day and the next, you find yourself too absorbed in Netflix or some other random thing to lift a finger toward a project. Or the fact that I have devote time to homework and school before I even think about blogging/fun projects to blog about. Should I devote time to this “hobby” I feel guilty for not studying for a test that’s 5 days away or avoiding the 2 research papers I have coming up at the end of the semester. Or the Advanced Organic Lab synthesis I’ve been putting off. Did I ever say I was a PROcrastinator? This year has been better for getting things accomplished but still I want to do more.

            By thinking about wanting to do more I fall into a trap, that I may have mentioned. I want to do SO much that I feel I’m already behind. As I’m typing this pressure is welling up and freaking me out! These are the times I need to remember to relax, take some time from working hard this week to do something enjoyable/fun. Otherwise, I’ll turn into a crab and not my normal optimistic self. Yet, when there are 3 things I could name on my desk that constantly remind me of what I want to get accomplished and the time I’ve already wasted today, I get that tension feeling again. Gosh. What am I to do?

            I’ll be honest. I haven’t figured it out yet. Lists always help. But even lists don’t help me get things done! I need to approach it differently. When school is killing me slowly, I need to come up with a plan of attack. One that works effectively and efficiently, yet includes homework time, social time, working out, and whatever else I have going on that day. Um what!? Some days I barely get by as is! My challenge? A schedule/plan that is easily accessible, is easily seen to remind me, is set in stone but can be manipulated for day to day, doesn’t make me want to tear my hair out, and includes reminders of what the big picture is/what I want to do in the future/how awesome I am and can accomplish because I’m still so young.

            Soooo anyone got ideas for me? Ha. I have the best of intentions but actually DOING everything? Whoa. Now that’s something I beg to be able to say. Basically, I’ll say it. I want to do it all. But is that actually possible? I think so. God willing, I know I can be successful. But it doesn’t come without putting nose to the grindstone. And this doesn’t exclude homework. It’s so much more fun to focus on extra-curriculars for me, but school is one of those things that I need to make sure I finish first. Boo-hiss!

            Maybe this is pointless for others and only a ramble of the things no one cares about, about my life. But maybe I’m on to something for myself so I can help others or be inspirational. Whatever you take it as, thanks for reading ;)

Olive juice amor,

Allie

My Master Plan

            After addressing or defining a problem, the next step for me is to actually do something about it. And that means creating a plan. However, therein lies part of the problem! These grand master “plans” in my head, never seem to come out the way I would like them! I’ll sit down to make a picture/list/drawing of them, but my lack of artistic ability stalls my progress because I don’t like the way the picture/list (or literally anything involving drawing) “looks.” Oh it is so infuriating. Come on! Can’t I just make it through one plan without being such a perfectionist? Can’t I just for once make something look cute without scrutinizing? But AH! I have found part of the problem I can fix. Realizing as I just keep moving forward, I will get better; and the “artsy” part of me will come if I just let my creativity flow. Maybe something I need to realize is not everything has to be “perfect.” Because, let’s be honest, my work is a reflection of me and I am far from perfection! Anyways, getting sidetracked...imagine that!

            Funny thing is though, getting sidetracked is yet another problem I have! That and getting impatient or bored with my project. I’ll be in the middle of a project and suddenly it is two hours later and said project is sitting half done because some element distracted me. Then as time goes on, it never gets done. I’ll spare you the details of half-done projects around my room and house-the number is scary. So what’s different about this time? What could possibly motivate me to stay motivated, focused, and finish all my projects? I have a few ideas in mind!

            Number one - My master plan

                        No seriously. Tomorrow (and mark my words-this is GOING to happen) I will have my plans written out, or somehow on paper. I get super exicted to do projects but soon lose interest because I don’t give myself a time frame. Daily reminders (on paper) are a must if I hope to accomplish anything. I’m very list, goal, and timeline oriented. Knowing that is extremely helpful when trying to undertake anything.

            Number two - Stop getting caught up in details or thinking too much

                        I think. A LOT. That’s why I don’t DO many times. Too much time spent on thinking or “planning” out details. Yes, details will be something I take into account with number one but what is changing is my need for things to be perfect RIGHT away. What falls to the wayside is the realization that I can go back and change something if I need to.

            Number three - JUST START

                        I had a conversation with my mom today about how much time we spend thinking (the last point) and that’s it. Just think-no action. I’m 21 years old and obviously I have tons of life before me but knowing you have “time” can sometimes inhibit rather than motivate. And that’s exactly what happens to me. I’m SO sick of saying “oh I have time to do it; I’ll do it at some point.” NO! That some point is now for me, and every moment in the future.

            I won’t lie, writing this and just writing it while I was thinking of the words was really hard! Because of the details with formatting. The way you see my numbered points was not how they were originally written. I had to go back and format them after I got the thoughts out of my head (working on not letting my mind be a trap-success!). Originally I was going to format as I went but had to stop myself and say, hey, you can go BACK and do the formatting. WHEW, what a relief. Progress? I guess we’ll see!

            This blog is another example of me starting my ACTION lifestyle. Writing is like a release. Whether 500 people read what I wrote or none at all, I’m getting all that is in my head, out! Ever notice how sometimes courses of action, or problems can solve themselves if you talk or write about it? If you haven’t, try it. Go on. I’ve talked/written myself into solutions because it’s a different way of processing. Plus, by keeping a blog updated, it encourages the whole time concept but in like a fun and inspiring kind of way!

            And now that I’ve written about action, I suppose real action is required if I’m going to keep this up! Which I assure you, I will do. After tonight, my master plan will be complete! Muahahahahaha! ;)

Olive juice amor,

Allie

I have a problem...let's fix that!

         It’s the classic thinker’s (or dreamer’s) problem. In the shower, while half asleep, while daydreaming in class. You know what I’m talking about right? Well if not, my problem is the “I have sensational ideas/plans/dreams, but every single time I try to sit down and write them out, I stare at a blank page…blankly.” Whether it be writing a list, or wanting to blog, this happens on a regular basis. Kid you not; it happened to me not a half hour before I sat down to write! Shower time had opened up the creative juices in my brain, elegant words flowed from my synapses and dreams I would surely make into reality puffed from the clouds in which they had been encased. Plans about my life being more productive and organized seemed to form a neatly compiled list and started to pin images on the bulletin board that is my conscious. Thousands of these scenarios enter my thoughts during the day and before my long-term memory can snag them by the tail, they poof from existence. This is almost happening as I write. My problem of not being able to get out my “elegant” words and onto paper is frustrating. In my head these words are beautiful and dripping with award winning material but face the brutal fate of being forever imprisoned in my mind, just bouncing around, without ever reaching my fingers and eventually paper.

            Well I have finally had enough of it! Have I had enough of it more than once? You betcha. This could arguably be the thousandth time I’ve had enough of my own mind holding my own mind back (haha). This self-encapsulating but constantly dreaming mind is opening the gates and letting go. I decided that when better than the present (as so many have said) to just go for what you have wanted to do, been contemplating, or have dreamed about? So instead of being my own worst enemy, I’m being my own cheerleader. I mean, I’ve got a bigger cheerleader in my life but He might need a little help from Allie herself! 

            All in all, these words may not have been the dazzling elegance of the words of which I spoke before, but I think for the first time they are pretty decent start for needing to work on my mind relinquishing hold on everything stuck inside! Perhaps as I keep this practice going, it will become a matter of habit to make words/plans/ideas/dreams come to fruition without force. And that, would definitely be an accomplishment to check off my list of dreams and ideas and plans J

Olive juice amor,

Allie

Just working on something new!

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Olive juice amor,

Allie

Recordando Costa Rica

It has almost been a month now that I've been back in Minnesota. And heavens is it COLD! Not that I'm complaining! I made a promise to myself to never again complain about the cold because I missed it while in Costa Rica. Crazy how lack of Minnesota seasons warped my sense of time!

Now that I'm back, I wanted to post one last time about being home, my families, my schools, and anything else I decide to throw in there!
Just a reflection for you!

Well, being home wasn't as much of a culture shock as I thought. Adjusting was pretty easy! Yes it felt weird to be in my house again but it was all so familiar and I had missed it! There were times when it felt surreal but being gone for so long makes you appreciate things you took for granted. My family was one of them. I spent so much time with them when I got back...well it was Christmastime too so I was kind of obligated ;) The first couple days was hard too because I missed my family from CR!

Here we are eating out on our last night together

From left to right: Manuela, Alejandra, Gabriela, Valeria, me, Mama Tica (Vanessa), and Papa Tico (Tyrone)

While I was there they truly became my family and I would not trade them for the world. Now I can say I have two families! And of course, can't forget our dog..Tito!

I wanted to show some pictures of my school as well but I never posted about it. I attended Universidad Veritas...and man was it beautiful! I met so many wonderful friends (American and Costa Rican) and professors there. Truly some of the most caring, talented, and wonderful people in the world. I learned how to speak Spanish, dance latino, and get a sunburn during school! 

Here is what the plaza looks like where we would take breaks during our intensive Spanish classes. It's a little different than the snow covered "green" I have here at BLC right now! And thank you to one of my best friend Hilary for being my model!

I could probably go on for days and days....and days. But I will stop now. Reminiscing has actually gotten me really sentimental and sad. While being home is the greatest feeling ever, knowing I accomplished my goal of studying abroad and made all the EXTRAORDINARY memories I did.....well that is a feeling I will never be able to replace, nor do I want to. 

Studying abroad. Hands down the best experience of my life thus far. I miss Costa Rica everyday. Not many people can say they have two home...I, however, can say it with utmost confidence...so long Costa Rica, see you again soon :)

Thanks for following along with me in my crazy adventures in CR..it was more than I ever imagined. 

Olive juice amor, xo :)

Allie

For the Turtles

For some time I had wanted to see and help sea turtles. In Costa Rica there are many efforts to protect them and their eggs from poachers. As it turns out, many of us gringos were excited to help in this effort!

This past weekend 8 of us made the trek to a place called Ostional in Guanacaste. It is a truly interesting story. We were a little put off after we found out they harvested some of the eggs to eat. After finding out more about how their community works made us more comfortable, though. They only harvest in a small section of the beach and they use the proceeds to help the community. Many of their buildings are there because of the profit from selling the eggs. Families native to Ostional also get benefits from the proceeds. It is a unique program that obviously works because the turtle population there is ever increasing! And pretty much everywhere else the turtle population is decreasing.

It was a little bit of work to get there with figuring out transportation and the journey but it was sooo worth it! The food we got fed was amazing, we met new friends from Australia....and we got to see baby turtles and help them into the ocean! I personally saved two babies from the jaws of vultures! Granted we had to get up and walk the beach at 4 on Sunday morning to see them. But saving turtles while watching the sun rise was worth it! The only problem? We didn't have our cameras...ugh. Good thing we met a girl who took our pictures for us and will hopefully remember to email us the pictures! They're SO cute and tiny!

While the weekend was tiring, it was so worth being tired to see and hold baby turtles! As well as bond with friends over the weekend :) Oh, and the bio-luminescence! Gorgeous!
Also, you wouldn't think that walking the beach down and back three times would make you sore..but it does!

Unfortunately I was unable to upload the picture of our little friend...or the scorpion that stung poor Jordan! Needless to say after that we were hesitant to go into our room. Even though we killed it before we went to sleep that night, it didn't stop another one from getting stuck in our sink..ugh. Bad experiences with scorpions!
Other than that though, it was a fantastic weekend!

Olive juice amor, xo :)

Allie

Guess I'll Try This Again!

Something weird happened with one of my previous posts, "Algunas Cosas." We're going to try this again because that one had a lot of pictures and info about my November adventures. (It also involved about 3 hours of work, but you know, that's whatever...ha)

Entonces, here is what I have done since my last SUPER long post...

~Went out to try Hooters in Costa Rica...best burger I'd had in a while!

~Had my house decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving..that was interesting to say the least!

~Visited the Huetiri Tribe (Indigenous of Costa Rica) with my Tropical Medicine class

~Fuimos a Punta Uva with the same class! Sand massages on the beach anyone? Relaxing.

~Took a trip to a school for blind and deaf students...very interesting!

~Helped my mama tica celebrate her birthday..complete with a surprise mariachi band!

~Went to my favorite place in Costa Rica...MONTEZUMA. This place was beautiful..

~Visited the children's museum with my Basic Spanish Conversation class

~Spent my first Thanksgiving away from home...that was a little rough!

~Visited a snake sanctuary (which had HUGE spiders everywhere..gross) and ate too much sushi with my class!

~Visited the Basilica and Ruins of Cartago

~Spent time with my host sisters and friends from church, ate at MickyDs for the first time here, and visited  Hospital Catolica.

I suppose that's enough for this post..just so many things happening and trying to get them all into one post is like impossible!

As of right now I have 11 days left here. It is so crazy how these 4 months flew by. Now I'm just trying to make sure I have all my gifts purchased for people back home and cherish this last bit of time in Costa Rica.

Now that I have seen so many sights and explored, I am ready to go home to my collection of sweats, my dog, my family & friends, and THE SNOW. I didn't realize how much I loved where I live until now. 

I talked about how I spent Thanksgiving here. Most of the gringos were depressed that day because we were away from our families (some for the first time ever) and didn't get our typical food. Plus it was rainy and icky that day! BOO! However, now (at least I am) we're ready for Christmas and much more cheery! For me though, it's hard to imagine a Christmas without snow. Hence, I'm actually looking forward to it! And all of the Christmas-y things I get to do at home.

However, living here for 4 months and then just all of the sudden going home, is something I can't really fathom. It will be odd but at least I have a family here if it gets to the point where reverse culture shock is too strong ;)

Olive juice amor, xo :)

Allie

Esta Vez-Video!

Tonight, decided to try video :)

Don't mind my "brainfarts" I was camera shy! Ha first time..just call me Jenna Marbles...

Allie :)

#1month

As you can see from the title..I have one month left in the beautiful country of Costa Rica! With this fact comes some super bittersweet feelings. I'm sad to be able to count down my time without using months as a reference point. It's weird that this place that I've called home for three months and the friends I have.made be so far away. But it's exciting that I get to go home to my family, my friends, my school, and my teams that I have missed for so long.
I find myself getting caught up in emotions and becoming introspective a lot of the time.
How will I feel when I get home? Will I be completely ok? Will I miss everything here? Will I carry these feelings of hyperawareness with me?
I am doing everything I can do BE HERE..but it's a struggle when I get so excited knowing that I'm in the homestretch! One thing I do know though...this experience has changed my life. And it is shaping me every single day. From the thoughts I have during the day, the people I encounter, the relationships I have, to the experiences and adventures I still have yet to take on...everything is making me answer the questions I have.
Who am I..truly?
What do I want to do with my life and do I want out of it?
Most importantly..How is my relationship with God? How can I live out His will for me? What plans does He have for me?
This last month I feel will be great because I have time for once. But it will also dictate how I function when I get back...because I am making myself be productive and organized yet "tranquila."

Although this isn't much about explaining my awesome adventures here, I felt like sharing some of my thoughts/struggles/feelings. Time away from home really makes me introspective!! Maybe too much ;)

Olive juice amor, xo :)

Allie

...Post...

...Continued from Manuel Antonio...
Finally! On the last leg of this post! This one is a combination of Volcan Arenal and Playa Tamarindo.
The reason I combined them is because I don't have many pictures of either (I will be grabbing from my friends who took pics!) As you know from my previous post, my camera was in the backpack that was stolen from me...and my phone is broken. Allie, for the win!
Another reason I don't have many pictures is I didn't do much at either place.
I need you all to not freak out, but I got assaulted again the night before going to Volcan Arenal. It was traumatic and I'm working the best I can to recover..but I am still kicking people! I'm a fighter and I'm brave. And I have many stories to tell..good ones of course :)
Here goes!
Volcan Arenal was beautiful. We stayed at Hotel Los Lagos..and again, major gringo fest! The hotel was very spread out and had like 5 different pools..some normal..and some very, VERY warm! Hot springs!! I spent about 90% of my time there..and eating at the buffet! All I needed was right there!

We also visited La Fortuna waterfall. It was incredible! It was kinda cold and rainy but that didn't stop us..we swam! After walking down over 400 steps, it was necessary.

I apologize for the lack of pictures...it was gorgeous I swear! Guess it's just something I'll get to remember in my mind ;)

NEXT UP: Tamarindo!

And with this one I apologize as well for the lack of pictures. Tamarindo was beautiful and probably the most relaxing time I have had here. I literally did nothing all weekend. Well, besides eat, sleep, swim, and hang out with my friend Kalina. Honestly, it was incredible! Our hotel was right on the ocean and had three pools. Heaven (have I said that before?) 

Sometimes I have moments where I wish I would have explored more. But I enjoyed the time that I spent in both places and I get to keep those memories for life. So no regrets :)

Thanks for putting up with my three posts today!

I will be better at keeping you updated!

Olive juice amor, xo :)

Allie