Words of the Wise

Be safe.
Make me proud.
Call if you'll be late.

Grandpa (my mom's dad) spoke these words often while my mom was growing up. The fact that I'm aware of these words show what an impact they had on my mom.

These three instructions were consistently given when my grandpa's children left the house. They were to be safe (i.e. do safe activities). They were to make him proud (i.e. act in a way that my grandpa would be proud of). They were to call if they'll be late (i.e. if something unexpected prevented them from coming home at curfew, they should call so my grandparents wouldn't worry).

I like these words of the wise. I like these instructions for departure. They show that the one leaving the house is cared about.

What is the best advice you have been given?

Things that Change, Things that Stay the Same

            Well, we’ve been in Costa Rica just over ten months now. I got to thinking (all the time) about these past months and how it’s affected me.

Things That Have Changed:

1. I am less time conscious as I go to sleep when I’m tired (typically 8 or 8:30pm) and wake up when I’m done sleeping (typically 5:30 or 6 am). My day is not dictated by alarms or bells.

2. I am the early riser in our household. I’m getting up at least an hour (if not more) before Lucas each day and he’s staying up at least an hour than me each night.

3. My speaking has slowed down. I have trouble fully expressing myself as my sentences have more errors, more mispronunciations, and more stammering. Many times, I know the words I want to say, but I can’t express them with my “gringo-mouth.”
4. Our meals are centered around rice, beans, chicken, and fresh fruits & veggies.
5. I stopped making menus (since I am keeping the basic staples well stocked).

            Things That Have Stayed the Same:

1. I make lists & follow them.

2. I learn best through seeing words & studying the books.

3. Lucas is still the more social one of the two of us. 
4. I plan for the future & try to maintain routines.

While some of my behaviors & patterns have changed, my core personality has stayed the same. It's hard to believe that we've been here so long & that we only have two months left.