Adventures in Costa Rica

I’ve thought a lot about what I could write to describe my trip to Costa Rica. It wasn’t just any trip. I have only been outside the borders of the United States once before going there, and even then, I only went to Bermuda. I had no idea what to expect from Costa Rica. I had no concept of what it felt like to be in a place where I was in the minority when it came to some pretty fundamental things. I wasn’t Central American. I didn’t speak the language and I had absolutely no clue about the culture. I was just some crazy American on a trip. I went there for a destination wedding. I met many new people and had a few adventures. I didn’t push myself as much as I would have liked. Maybe I’m just not the daredevil type, and maybe that’s ok…..I certainly have the travel bug now. My mind is racing about which culture I can explore next….And for those who know me, I am an impulsive and impatient type. I already have trips to Tokyo, Sicily and South Africa planned (in my head at least).
All in all, I hope my pictures say what I can’t say in written words. I hope the smile on my face as I am telling stories about my trip truly conveys the joy I felt during the moments I am describing. I hope I can always keep the memories I made while I was there.

Spring Awakening

For my first "official" post, since the last was only an introduction, I've chosen to highlight my love of "Spring Awakening." It's a new musical on Broadway with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater. The truth is, I don't know that I expected this musical to have the affect on my life that it has. I must say in my defense that this is something that is not within my control, and I am not ashamed that I have seen it three times since it opened this last December ;)

I originally heard about it from my friend Joey, who I count as my one friend who is at the cutting edge of what is happening in musical theater. He's not always right...well, I should say that I don't always agree with him, but in this instance, I am so thankful that he put the idea to see "Spring Awakening" in my head. He was actually supposed to go with me to see it on my birthday, but plans changed and I decided to go see it by myself. I spent the entire day by myself, and despite that, it just might have been the best birthday I've ever had.

The show is, essentially, about adolescence. It's about the confusion and ecstacy of beginning to find out about who you are. However, it is not without conflict. Instead, it realistically explores what it is like to enter that stage in life where you realize that things are really deeper than you think they are. Adolescence is, after all, a journey, isn't it ? Into what makes you who you are ? And discovering that our connections to each other are more than what they seem ? And it's about the fear that accompanies these realizations....

I don't want to give away too much about the show, but I will say this: It can be counted in that category of things which have changed my life. "Spring Awakening" has brought about an awakening in myself...one that is much needed for a girl who is on the cusp of turning 30.