Just be Happy to Have a Glass

I find it very interesting that while touring through foreign countries, I overhear "Americans" complaining about the culture and lifestyles of the places that they are visiting. I find it intriguing at best to listen in on these conversations. Often people complain about the social skills of others, or living conditions. The most common complaint is the driving skills of others. However; if you are visiting a country that had no formal driver training courses until 2 years ago - you'll have a lot to complain about if that is your goal. Sure it is frustrating, sure it can feel very dangerous to be sharing the road with some of these drivers and you're right, no one can ever drive better then you, ever.
I'm not saying you shouldn't drive (although it may be a good suggestion) instead what I ask is that you change you're attitude before you go into cardiac arrest. Bare in mind, some of these countries do not have formal driver training, others have recently implemented such training and others rely on the family to teach their children and themselves through the process of trial and error. Instead of being upset by the fact that the guy in the left lane decided to turn right, be excited that they used their turn signal to do so, because they typically don't use their turn signals, for anything. Instead of criticizing the cold showers and lack of air conditioning appreciate the simplicity of living within your means, even if that means a house with no doors and a long clothesline draped across the yard. Instead of looking at someone with downcast eyes because they do not speak English, realize that you are in their world and welcome their smile into your life.
You will not always be the majority, and sometimes things will happen that will knock you down to your knees, understand in your heart, that others have been there and conquered their demons (like you will), often by beginning to appreciate the small things and the simple beauty of life its self.
Some people see the glass as half full, some people see the glass is half empty, and some are just as happy to have a glass at all; strive to be like the last one.

Centroamerican Adventuring

I have been in Central America for 5 days now, with the lucky opportunity of visiting Panama and Costa Rica. I am here for the mostly for the purpose of visiting my Mom, whom is receiving amazing care at the Villa Alegria in Alajuela. The people that take care of her, care so much about her you can see it in their eyes. They are simply wonderful with my Mom. My Dad and my Uncle Larry are also here, my dad is her for 90 days at a time with vacations after each 90 due to the requirement to leave the country for 72 hours every 90 days. My uncle is held to the same rules, only he spends Costa Rica's winter (which is summertime to those of us in the northern hemisphere) in the US usually, Dad would do this if Mom was able to go each time also, but at this point her care is more important.
Panama is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, we went to Chiriqui - David and also spent several hours exploring Chiriqui - Boquete. The people are friendly and there is no currency exchange required. In Costa Rica, there is a need for currency exchange and most of the people are friendly but it's a whole new adventure to drive here...some of these pot-hole could easily consume a Volkswagen Beetle. The flora and fauna of this part of Central America (Costa Rica & Panama) is unexplainable. The smell of the forests and the greenness of the surrounding is indescribable, and some of the roadways to these views seem impassable at 45+degree angles with approximately 10 foot wide paved roads.

I consider myself very lucky to have been able to make this trip and arrive only to be greeted by family that is excited to see me and ready to show me some of the wonders that Central America has to offer.

On the job front - I received an email congratulating me on my offer from the school district...now I need my University to get my verification form back to me so I can complete my CDE application in-timely fashion to sign an offer letter by August 5, so that I can start my new career August 7.