If it hadn't occurred to me before, returning to my home stomping grounds in Southern Idaho for my 30 year High School reunion helped me understand ~ enough water has flowed under the bridge now for me to be happy.

I graduated from Minico High School in 1979. And then promptly high tailed it out of town. All that occurred after that is a story for another time.

I didn't attend either our 10th or 20th reunions. And until recently had no intention of attending the 30th. But something changed. I can't even pinpoint what it was. I just decided to go back.

I had offered to help the Reunion Organizing Committee find old classmates, post announcements on social networking sites, and later compile a book of pictures and alum contact information. I'm working on that project now. I'm so glad I did offer my help. Not because I was particularly successful at finding people, but because it gave me an opportunity to connect with former classmates, some of whom I probably never spoke a word to in school.

The involvement with the committee also most likely sealed my fate for actually following through and ATTENDING the reunion. I could feel my resistence as the date to get on the plane drew near. There just seemed to be too many other things going on. Fire season was coming. I wasn't packed. I...uh...needed to change the oil in my car. Whatever...I could tell my excuses were pretty weak.

I'm so glad I did get on that plane. It meant so much to me to look through the portal into my past and discover my memories had been a bit warped. It meant SO MUCH to me to be able to wrap my arms around friends I hadn't seen in over 30 years, to find my best friend in Grade School, my best friend in High School and the first boy I ever really loved. Now HOW can you beat that for a successful trip back to a place that always caused me to break into a nervous sweat before?

You just can't. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Costa Rica ~ Considering the Possibilities

My husband and I are considering the possibility of purchasing land in Costa Rica. I would have never thought of such a thing only a few short years ago. But now, after traveling more extensively - most recently to South America and Panama - it's become clear to me that there is so much out there in there world yet to experience.

In the process of researching Costa Rica and her regions, I've come across some great people - expats or expatriots - who have moved there from all over the world, including the U.S. It's enlightening to hear what they say about the process of moving there...and staying there. Particularly with children. And PARTICULARLY if Spanish is not your strong point (it's not yet for me.)

One of the intriguing people I've met via her website blog Mother Jungle is Susan, a single mother of two. Mother Jungle has just been recognized by GlobalPost.com as one of the best blog sites not only in Costa Rica, but the world. Why? Because Susan dishes out reality with a heart, not just a window.