The past few days

The past few days I have not been home much. The landlord left for a few days giving me total peace, with out the screaming child, and the wife he returned very peacefull and nice. He repaired my camera but it is still in the shop and should be back soon. So that is a relief. It started out I was working some 5 hours at Amapola for this tour, transcribing. I met these people in the lobby and began talking to them. They asked me all sorts of questions and were thrilled that I spoke English.

From that point on until today I was accompaning them around town, a sort of personal guide you might say. We walked rode taxis, ate, went to the beach, and yesterday we went to the Canopy Tour. It was waterfall tour canopy tour. Where you wear cables, a sort of climbing gear with pulley's and come alongs. A hard hat and double straps that are then hooked to cables strung some hundred feet in the jungle canopy. This is common here. My friend Tina and Chris some years ago experienced it and they showed me the photos...



I got an opportunity this week to do just that, I had seen, heard, and know much about this tour but never personally did it. Yesterday I took the jump with these tourists and I experienced something that was not only great for the eye, the spirit and the soul but a rush for the blood stream and the heart!

It was the Waterfall Canopy tour. It is just north of Jaco about some 3 kilometers off Costa Neara, From the Costa Neara 2 more kilometers inside. It is nestled back against the mountain with a private entrance to the Tour.

This Canopy tour was originated by a biologist woman from Canada some 8 years ago. It was her property then, she decided it would be a great eco tour, and that it is.. Yes there are others but this one is very good. Now It is under a new owner who is from the USA, and I was told there will be some changes, but frankly it was a very fun and good tour.

The cable lines were all hand strung into the tree’s. Each one at different levels. Using climbing harnesses, and come alongs, they installed all the platforms and lines one by one.

I am sure that was a tedious job, trying to find the perfect tree and the perfect tension on the all the cables. The platforms are also made out of a wood that is nearly indestructible. It is called Nistero. I was told that the insects, and termites do not like it so it is not hampered by there destruction. It is great for using in posts or in this case the platforms that surrounds the trees They were also incased with a mesh wire, like pig wire. Small grids so that nothing can penetrate it, and it also act’s as a reinforcement.



This tour was man made, but allows you to view the rain forest canopy at a level that most people have never seen. The entrance has many trees and plants that were brought in to produce for the people who once lived there. The history told by the guide itself is very interesting. Our Guide yesterday was A young tico named Eric, very cheerful and informed.

His pleasant way of telling the story of the tour was enjoyed by the 7 of us who went on this morning excursion. He and other guides strapped us into our climbing gear, mind you I am not a climber, so I was intrigued by all the pulley’s and straps and safety devices.

He walked us through the entrance, near a rippling stream. Up a small grade into the jungle we went. It was crossing over this same stream several times over crude wood bridges covered with wire. The farther we entered the cooler and more humid it became because of the vegetation, and the water that surrounds this tour.

It was interesting to hear him explain the plant life that is in existence in the entrance of the tour, me being a landscape designer as well have read and used many of the plants that are naturally growing here introduced by nature or introduced by people who were visitors to the country.

The use of plants for medicinal reason, for health, and just for pleasure was shared with us by Eric. The others were really impressed with the information that was given, some of it or I should say most of it I was already aware of. Being that I love nature, plant life. The one thing that interest me is the bio culture here in Costa Rica. This was one of the main reason’s, for my decision to live here. So this was a affirmation of my life in Costa Rica. The fact that he knew, and was sharing with these foreigners, was an inspiration to me.
Now were walking more upward, to scaled steps its not difficult or steep in this part and you can use normal sandals or thongs. I had thongs on and I was completely fine with the hike. It is a clean path, kept by workers so there is nothing to harm your legs or feet. Tennis or Sandals work for this hike perfectly. It was warm so wearing shorts I recommended. All along the path you see and hear the stream.

We saw some small birds and a great variety of plant life. There were many types of ferns, flowers, trees, and parasite plants. Soon we came to a huge set of very vertical stairs cut into the ground and banked with wood called Nistero. To our left was a tree house with two rooms. You have to see it! It’s very cool!

This flight of stairs is a test of your shape, if your in good shape you still have a heart rate, and if your not you may want to take a rest at the landings that are provided in two areas. I rested once, to take a look around and breathe deep.
At the top is a great view, there is decking with a view point looking at the huge waterfall on the back side of the deck. Here they give you very fast, brief instructions on how to do the zip line. I was listening but I was nervous and really didn’t catch all of it. I remember about the brakes, but the rest shot in one ear and out the other.

Soon where walking up another steep grade of stairs. But this one turned went round a bend and ended at the very first zip line.

My eyes were big, I could hear my heart pounding, and for one minute though ok RUN FOR IT GO THE OTHER WAY BACK!!!!


I began thinking of a dear friend of mine who visited this some eight years ago and she explained to me then with photos how cool it really was. I thought about TINA, but was nervous. The other Tour guide tall thin dark haired English speaking, instructed everyone very quietly. I was beginning to tremble a little. Then it was my turn. He told me to hold on, put your legs in a sitting position, feet up and go. Never touch the cable on top in front of you only in the back! Well that was only part I remembered in earlier instructions.

He had me slide off this small tin slide, and I though oh no what If I let go??? But it went so fast and near the end I though oh that was fun?

Then a second and I relaxed completely breathed really deep and enjoyed the tree tops as I whizzed by.
Wow this was really exhilarating! What a rush! Now I knew I needed to look around and not worry about the line but to see this in a perspective as a real thrill, a treat and a way to see the treetops and wild life. I did just that and spotted for the crowd a couple of Toucans, which were in flight, a turkey vulture and some colorful little birds. My friend had his camera and took some incredible shots that I am sure will be a part of his history in visiting Costa Rica.

The canopy is beautiful, peaceful, Tranquillo!

We were nearing the end I thought, then we came to the tree house. This was just like Swiss Family Robinson, maybe smaller but similar. You enter the top platform and there she was… the biggest and longest stretch of line. I gulped and thought!! This one is going to be the best! IT WAS.. I screamed bloody murder all the way , but not a scared scream but a scream of thrill and excitement. But then something happened! I wasn’t heavy enough to carry me to the final end. It stopped. But I didn’t panic for some reason I remembered that they said to turn your self around and pull on the cable backwards towards the platform. I did it for a way but Eric, Jumped on with a rope and towed me the short four feet to the platform.

It was fun! I wanted to try my best to pull myself to the platform with out help. But it was nice that he jumped right there and helped! It wasn’t frightful at all it was a blast. When I got to the landing, three guys from Canada where there laughing and teasing saying wow your great! Then we had one more small one, and drop down that you must repel.

The guides made it so easy for everyone. At the end we had a little refreshment, some fruit and water and we all talked.

They photographed everyone on the Swiss line, so if you like you can have a photo of yourself flying through the air.

I didn't buy it but all the tourist's did, but this month it will be in Jaco guide so I will scan the copy of me waving hello on the cable some hundred or more feet up.

This was so cool I was so happy, then later that evening one of the tourists paid for me to get my hair done, and believe me it was so badly needed! We laughed because the idea of dieing your hair and cutting it blow drying at the cost of $22.00 was less than a quarter of what you would pay for one person. So paying for both of us was still a deal for her.

Yes its strange, but things are coming to me through believeing it will happen, not knowing how but I believe! Now the camera being fixed!! THe next thing is the car... I NEED A TRUCK I NEED TO SELL THE CAR, and tomorrow two people are suppose to be coming I believe its going to be good news!
Rosie and I enjoyed this group, they loved the food there and ate there three times treating me too!

Later we all went and salsa danced... so its been a nice week so far. Only bad thing was the owner of Century 21 forgot to pay the power bill so I have not been able to go there get anu documents, for business. Because Los Suenos called and wants to begin on the remodle, but I need a contract and car to begin the job.

Tonight should be fun we might go see the bull fights!

Sunday beach

First having a biscuit at KFC, with a sandia and walking to the beach. The beach was crowded, lots of people enjoying the sun and surf. The water is perect warm yet refreshing. I stayed for two hours, laid slept a little, and contemplated on a stradegy for coming up with money this week. I do have proposal's for jobs. But those take time and collecting or getting deposits could be days if not weeks.
I need money now! The baking for Rosie is not... which in my oppinion is really good. I love baking My products are good. But I can not produce them cheap enough for her, and They are not familiar with them. So the girls don't really know how to promote. I told her have them eat them, explain what it is and that makes it simple.
There are other places of course, but have to have the money to produce. So that is out for now. Too much trouble with the stove, the getting to the stores to buy the product. The prices are really outrageous for Cream cheese it was over $4.85 cents for a package. So in thinking about this idea... NIX.. it was fun and helped a little. She doesn't want to pay the price. It was over ten bucks for one cheese cake, claiming it was yellow with the explaination it has a lot of eggs.


Its ok really, I am trying that is all I can say.

I still have transcribing but that is basically food money, not base money for the apt.
Talking to people over the weekend, found a place that needed an administrator for a hotel. I am going to try find out what the name is today and talk to them.

The car, nothing yet. The man felix who is an attorney said Tuesday.
I am calling another person today.

So after all that thinking at the beach, no lie I was tired. Racking my brain. No one to talk to, laying and thinking only. I fell asleep for just a moment and some Tico walked by me saying HEY PRECIOUSA... woke me up scared me. He laughed.

I then walked over to Rosie, she pulled up the same time I did. She had a date last night with and ol friend. American guy of course with money. They were going out to dinner and I don't know what else but she was happy. But hungry, she invited me to eat with her popcorn chicken.
Athough I really don't like it I ate it she treated. I didn't want the biscuit I had that for Breakfast.
So I got the cabbage salad they make here. We chatted, didn't talk about problems only fun things. She told me she enjoys me, I told her I love her. We have a very good relationship.

She left with Lonnie, and I sat and talked to Muscle Man David, and Mark from Arizona. We watched some woman almost get her purse ripped off, talked with her for a while. And talked about the night before.

Getting ready for the day, Don't know what it is yet. Didn't talk to anyone really over the weekend, no one from the states, Friends or Family. But this is normal .

The owner of Tabacone

Friday I had a date with this Hair dresser, he had bought me lunch during the afternoon and invited me out for the evening. My friend Cristina, from the dominican republic was wanting to go dancing with me also. But earlier in the day we talked and I explained that it may be possible that I would be with Gorge.
Pronounced Horhay, Gorge called after I was completely ready to say he was having a couple of beers with a friend. So I said that was fine and I would be going into town. I was fine with that, since My friend was really wanting to spend time with me and talk and then go and dance some.

I took off walking back into town.( By the way walking is a great for your health and I have decided, when the car situation gets solved, I will continue walking)

I got about five blocks and he was standing on the side of the road talking with this friend drinking a beer. He called out my name, I stopped and chatted with him.

He told his friend to go and that he had made promise to me. I already knew this would never happen, he and I.

I began walking into town and when I walked off he walked right with me.

Iagreed to have a glass of wine, We chatted and I saw a few people I knew. The owner of one restuarant Called Champs, and few business people in town.

It lasted for about two hours, when I said I wanted to go and thank you very much. He was busy talking with one of his clients most of the entire time. Which was fine, I went and talk to people I knew said hello and asked how business was and what was going on.

All in Spanish!

When I began to leave of course he followed. He saw another woman he knew. They were signaling to each other her from the balcony and he from the ground where we stood. I told him go ahead I don't care. Said my good byes, and began walking normal To nowhere elses place but Rosie's. He yelled and said get back here folded his arms. I knew right away this wasn't going to be working with me... a short moment of his time, interrupted but first his pal, then a client, then another woman. Its not like you think... he was very immature. But I was flattered by the invitation.

I kept walking seeing many people in the street in the evening. Life in an area where it is warm all the time, you have a community of people who walk, ride bikes, scooters, and many cars. So its a busy little town.

People enjoy being out and about. This is one thing that I have learned from the car being smashed. Is that I see so much more walking, and I enjoy the time that I walk. If my feet weren't so tender it would super enjoyable. I ignore the pain,as much as I can. I don't have a choice right now walking is how it is. Aside from all the bad things here, I am sorry I still love it.

I got to Rosies, he followed we didn't talk much on the 7 block aproximately walk.

I ordered a Sandia, with Splenda. This is fresh watermelon with water ice and splenda. Other people use sugar. It refreshes you when you hot, and it has the best taste. One of my very favorites.
Here you can eat watermelon all year round. There is no season here for it. Or pinapple , its the sweetest of sweet.
He Gorge was drunk already talking loud being embarrasing to me in front of Rosie.

He wanted to go to the Casino, I encouraged him to go. There was no way I was going to the Casino. I remember the last time when I had gone with some millionare, who threw down money like it was tollet paper. I became disgusted. Sorry I don't like to Gamble in Casinos. Life is a big gamble yeah, in the casinos' no.

I left in a taxi he came along the Taxi driver dropped him off then me. I was happy to be honest. But I plan on going to his Shop and talking with him, as a friend. He was super sweet before all the drinks. I think talking to him when he is sober the right thing to do.

Then in the morning, it was so peacefull. The landlord and his wife and screaming baby had all gone away for the weekend. So it was quiet and I could hear the birds waking me up. YES THE BIRDS SING LOUD HERE. When Clint was here he was amazed how they sing. Its very nice one of my joys of living here.

My normal breakfast lately at the soda, but more olive oil today. I read that good fats burn fat. I knew this already it is one of the things I have been doing just naturally. Eating some olive oil on veggies, tomatos, salads, with lemon. Avocados which I adore, are the best for cutting fat, which

I eat often I especially like these Japanese peanuts they sell here? ? of all things Japonese. This is how they spell it, Pronouced HAPONASA.. and olives. Ok on to the rest just sharing a bit of information about wieght loss. Eating these things help burn fat. Especially if you eat them earlier on in the day.

Going into town nothing differerent today, I talked to one person and went right to the office. Thinking about a new plan, and working on the bids.

I stayed till about 4:00 right before sunset, Walked to Rosies, saw Mark, this guy from Arizona who lives here three to five months out of the year. He owns a couple of bars in the states. Super cool guy. And I saw David, this huge bulky musclely Canadian, White as a ghost and body covered with Tatoos.

I tell you there are very interesting characters here. Cristina came we all sat drank coffee and talked. We decided to go out again and dance tonight.

Cris and I walked and talked most of the way to her condo, and I continued walking to my place in the dark about more than a mile I would say?

We had a very nice night, Lots of people in the real estate companies, all of my office people. Lots of friends were out and about. We had to pay to get in, Cristina covered it for me. I danced so much in the first hour I was sweating like crazy. Lots of the people from the office where shocked at my dancing abilities. They all complemented me and said TEACH US!! most are Americans, one Canadian and four Ticos.

We met Rosie, Mark, Migalito,David, and bunch of Rosies employees at Monkeys and continued the dance. I don't know but I was hot I had so many dances, with lots of men. IT WAS FUN.. No drinking, didn't matter. My motive always is to DANCE!!! it takes my mind off everything. I am free My spirit is happy. I go to a zone that is super high.

Concentrating on The moves, the steps when it comes to merenge, Salsa, Cumbia. Rumba,or just hip hop dancing. YES HIP HOP!! I had at one time four young guys dancing with me last night. Its common here that more than one guy dances with a girl. I watch the Americans they find it strange. Its fun everyone dances with everyone. Girls included. sometimes Rosie and I dance close and together. All my girlfriends here dance with me they love it! ME TOO..

Well Cristina wanted to go home it was about 2:00 me too. My feet were tired, blistered, and wow I was soaked. But happy!
When I was walking on the sidewalk I past the Trabacone. It is one of the nice restuarants, bar, in town. It had bars in the front at night. I didn't see anyone there at all when I heard a deep voice SAY MARIANNA... YOU WANNA JOIN US?

I looked into the dark restuarant and there was Jonathan the owner and another friend of mine from Sunami sushi.
They invited me in to chat and have a beer.
It was fun because so many people were walking down the street right in front of the place and they would yell out and people would look around then realize who it was.

A couple of other people joined in, we sat in the dark on tall stools facing the street on this food bar. Talking about all the strange characters and some of my experiences here. They were very sympathetic, and The owner invited me today to come and talk with him. He is sweet. He paid for a taxi to take me home.
It was late night conversation, no one was drunk. It was profound, and informing. And I learned about two new people that I see often but never talk to. TICOS the conversation was interesting all right.

Half in English they all speak it and half in Spanish. They were suprised at my Spanish. I made them Laugh at the way I would express my self, Both Jonathan and Mada said Marianna you have a way with words. I knew the right expression for the right situations. Learning it little by little.

I came home read the comments on the blog, and thought Wow there are some real haters out there. I laughed hysterically at one of the comments. But I have to admitt, I agree with the smell the flowers statement. I know its a man that wrote that, I think I know who it is too...( Maybe) He is right to the average person it doesn't add up, It wouldn't make sense to a person who doesn't live here. How you can accept the garbage, the sewage, the problems and yet find things that are simple that makes you happy.

To each there own, and yes I find pleasure in simple things.. Healthy yes, the food is clean here.. they eat much more fresh produce, fish, very little meat. The climate for me has made me healther. No more bronchitus, only when I return from the states. Or Asthma, colds, I haven't had many. My skin is clear now. My heart is so much better. My wieght is really down!

I have all my teeth fixed here which I could never afford in the states not even with insurance!
Of course I had a surgery I wanted for some 28 years. It was needed. I had a pouch that hung down below my pelvis and was super embarrassing. All the work outs in the world could not cure it.
Superficial, yes but I feel healther, I actually like wearing clothes now, which as improved my metal additude towards myself IT MAKES ME HAPPY!!!!

In saying that I still hope the day brings something special.

Angry comments

I guess someone got angry for me on the comments. It wasn't me that put that just so to say. I had to laugh though because I was a little upset when I first read the pathetic comment.. But in thinking I responded the way I did. Most Times I don't repsond to the comments. But What I am dealing with is real here. Maybe some people have never gotten to a point of despair? EVEN WILLIE NELSEN and many other famous people have experienced despair, I love the comment about mistakes, its true that strong people laugh and go on and that is what makes them strong. But its not all about mistakes here. It is about incidents, living in this country or any where mind you things happen. Things that we can not control, It so happens that I have had a stinking tornado swirling around my head here for months!!! I think it has past!! I hope(Cyndy) I use that in referrence because those things of nature cause destruction, and you have no control when they hit. They just sweep and wipe out a path with out regard to persons. Then you see the results when it passes...

Exactly this,

I am still believing in a miracle, And I may have something on the burner here.... something I dreamed about long time ago when I first decided to come here. But how? is the question, Need investments, need income need to get the clean up crew now and start all over after this tornado hit!

Yesterday was productive, no news on the car, but I did get to Herradura for the landscape job, Hugo a man I know gave me a ride there and back.. I did manage to work out all the details on the villa and have the bid together for today. I had a nice lunch with a new friend, he treated me so I ate!! that amazingly made me happy. You can not imagine really what it is like to know you have not enough money to eat. I am so grateful for the things that are happening now. Simple but I am grateful.

I have hope, although most of my hope was dashed, and my dreams became nightmares.. But as I said I wake up everyday and try my best to be happy and have faith that something GOOD IS COMING AROUND THE CORNER...

It is a very pretty day, the hummingbirds just paid me a personal visit right now, they came in close in the little patio and looked right at me.. there so big and cute! they sing and fight and wiz around so fast.. but wow to see them close up like that with out a camera, DANG!
THe landlord left for the weekend, THANK GOD!! no screaming baby day and night, and they tromping around upstairs so it should be a very peacefull weekend..

I guess I will find out?

I just want to Comment AGAIN I honestly don't like to comment on comments. In saying that Who ever writes these is either having fun trying to knock me down, or really has alot of bitterness amd hate inside. I am doing the best I can to live, I don't harm people. I try my best not to hurt people. Although we all hurt others because not all of us know what is in the hearts of people. My heart is hurt, I am survivng daily as of now. But still I try to be happy, and find some sort of joy. I need to send you a copy of this months Jaco guide and you can read the aritcle I wrote about the country. If you live here you need to come talk to me face to face.
If you have never been here. then your comments are null. There are more than outsiders here that have money.
I believe, and in my belief in a number of cases, I have made things HAPPEN!!! I will change this situation, I will succeed once again, I do see my dreams, and they have become reality before. So why is it different now? Riches are not everything, I am rich in much more than money.. Money is essential, I need it to survive but I know inside I have many gifts, and in reality I have never been rich.. I am not alone here in issues, nor is the rest of the world. I don't ask for help, I help myself, the only way I can!

So go on, be hatefull but don't infect me with it. I AM NOT A HATER...

A very good day yesterday

I believe in Miracles, some people don't but at this moment it is the one thing I have to hang on too. Miracles happen often, little ones and bigs ones. I need a huge one right now and its highly possible that is can happen.

Yesterday was a very nice day, nothing outrageous happened but it just was conciderably nice. It began early, but exiting my house late. Seems like I have issues getting out of the house before ten everyday lately.
I went to the little soda, had my one egg and toast. Walked into town and dropped a huge bag of laundry. I then went to the pharmacy to find out how much my phone bills where and to pay on the internet bill. The cell phone was not much I was able to pay for that and the internet and for some reason it was less this month? only $16.00 dollars.

From there I walked to the Amapola where I worked for four or more hours transcribing for a lead book there making. I got paid $20.00 dollars and that helped in the paying of the cell phone. Seems so ridiculous the amount of money, but as I said earlier in yesterdays blog, that it is better to be doing something than worring.

It was quiet sitting out near the gardens, hearing all the macaws screaming and flying right over head. It was really hot but the breeze blows through that area, it was pleasant. The only uncomfortable thing was, that my feet had new blisters.

It doesn't matter what type of shoes I wear. It could be a simple thong, they still blister. These had big straps across the feet, the heat, walking friction causes big blisters. I rested my weary feet by removing my shoes and relaxing. No one cares here about not having shoes.

Well after several hours of that, I walked back to town, went to the office to check mail but the batteries on the wireless remote were dead so that didn't work.. I feel so ghetto I can not believe I have no money for batteries!!!

But it was a very nice day concidering. I visited with Rosie, then left around 6:30 as I was walking home, I saw this Chiropractor that works in town. We said hello, then he asked me where I was going? I said to my home. He said would you like to have a drink with me? I said sure but in my mind was thinking I would rather have food... We walked and talked and went to this little place right on the beach.
Being the professional he is he noticed I was walking oddly, I explained I have been walking alot and that my feet were very sore, and blistered.
When we sat down, of course the conversation was about his type of work. I told him I always have pain in my traps, and that it radiates to the spine constantly. That recently my spine hurts.

He didn't know a thing about the leg that was broken, and told me that generally when you have pain in the upper area it is from a injury to the foot or leg. In thinking this poor foot was injured three times.

The first was when I was very young, My sister Frances, had me on the back of a bike, When I caught my foot in the spokes and it tore all the flesh off the heel.
My mother did not believe much in doctors, so she simply wrapped it with a torn sheet, and let it heal naturally. It was never the same. you to this day can see the huge scars on my heal.
Then once I was wheeling my other Sister Rebecca, in her wheelchair down a broken sidewalk at night. When I turned my foot and broke the foot. I continued to wheel her about a block or more to the car, helped her in and then drove myself to the hospital to find out it was broken. The last injury was when I was hit by a car here on my bycicle and the injury was so extensive that I had to have a couple of operations.

Even though I still dance and do the things normal people do, with pain but I continue. With out all that he knew immediately that I had something wrong with one of my legs. He talked for a long time untill I showed him the leg, he pressed on pressure points and I went about through the roof. The stress in my shoulders is incredible the pain is extensive .

Ok ok so any way!! He offered to buy me dinner, so we talked ate and had a very nice time. He wanted to continue of course for the rest of the night. But I declined and walked home.
Earlier in the day going back to the pain in the back... Fred the man who runs the Vacation resort at the Amapola had given me a ticket for a free massage. So today now knowing about the body more. I will make and appoitment with the massage therapist and explain the points to massage to releave the pain I am having. So YES YESTERDAY WAS A NICE DAY.
I made money for some simple work, paid my cell, had a nice dinner and found out about my body. Got a free massage that I plan on using before the weekend!

I talked to the attorney friend of Angelys, again and he is seriously trying to get the car resolved. I PRAY THIS HAPPENS FAST! IT HAS BEEN A MONTH NOW.

Also I had an interest off my website on some property. Lets hope this is a serious interest.
The property is beautiful, huge. Next to a new national park. In five years will be worth much more than you can imagine.

I manage to talk to the owner of the three condos, so today I should go and take a look and get my ideas formulated for that project as well.

I am trying to get any source of work, I am open to any offers.

So I hope this weekend goes well, and that some how I come up with the rest of the money for my apt.

At the Amapola

Walking into town today was hot, I walked the whole town today from one end to the other. I went to Angley and told him that I was not happy with his lies, and that I was not waiting for his so called promise to help with the car.

Then went into my office for a hour or so, made some contacts. Walked to the other end of town to the Amapola, Where I hand wrote tons of names, numbers emails for a Vacaction package company there. They are not paying me much but its better than sitting home and worring. As soon as the list is done I then will create a spread sheet for them and enter it in to the computer.

When we were done, we went into the Casino that is there on the property. In the front of the Casino was the kid that took the car.. I stopped and questioned him as to what he was doing and what was going to happen? If you lived here you would understand the system here is nothing like the USA. The police hardly enforce anything, getting these guys to take care of this may take over four years. The boy was frightened, he saw me with Joe that man I talked about at the Malecone, He works the Vacation package program, He must of thought he was some sort of inforcer.
He explained he had been talking to my attorney..ok I didn't know what he was talking about? I don't have an attorney working on this? Well after confronting the mother who works at the Amapola in the Casino she told me the Attorney has been talking to them daily about the car?

Come to find out a friend of Angleys has been calling them, she called him while I was there and he told me the scoop. I was shocked but pleased that possibly there is a resolution to this mess.
He told me some information in english that I was not aware of. I hope I can be patient about this. But I was pro active yesterday and called several people to come and check the car out to get it sold.

I manage to get all the information of the villas at the Amapola too while I was there in order to give a bid on the remodel.
I should have that today to submit.

After I worked for a few hours and got paid a very small amount, Joe and Fred the two that run this program invited for a drink. I had a soda, we talked then they wanted to go see the sunset. I wanted to go too, I love our sunsets here. We sat talked and then Joe treated me to a boca, that is a small amount of food like a mini plate but it has three things, like salad, rice and a meat. I had Garlic squid. That was my dinner. I was thankful that he offered.
They both know what I am going through and Fred has gone through a smilar situation in his life too, so he completely understands and has such good things to say to me.


Got a letter from the client' finally that I sold the art too. She apologized and was very kind in the letter.. That was nice.
I had Dickey my old time love your guts friend send me the most encouraging letter, this man knows me well. He knows my capabilities, my strenghts, and my spirit most of all. THANK YOU JON, I needed to hear from friends.



Ok so I want to see what is going to happen now with this car, My plan is to buy a small something pay the rent and have food money...


The Jaco guide came out yesterday, I write for it believe it or not, (and by the way this damn spell check on the blogger does not work, Sorry if I have all those errors.)

But it did come out, When I wrote the article, I was in the worst frame of mind, after submitting it I had remorse. But when reading it yesterday it came out really well! It actually read very well? Shocking my own self at my ability to disguse my real feelings. ON HERE No I don't disguse what I feel or think. I am open, and half the people in the world are in fear of really devulgeing there inner feelings. People hide everything, Lots of people..
When I am down I apologize for those horrid feelings that I share but maybe it touches someone who has the same if not similar feelings and allows to know that they are not alone in their thoughts.

On to a new day, with the hopes and faith that the jobs that were offered last week come through. I AM A TOUGH WOMAN, Yes I struggle, yes I have issues, WHO DOESN'T being here does have blessings, and I will continue till I can not do it any more. Learning, I pray from all this.

Waking up at 3:30 and can't return to sleep

I woke up at this ungodly hour to feeling strange, first getting up drinking some water, then lying there in my little bed thinking about my life. It has been filled in the past with so many accomplishments, and good things.

But this morning all I could do was think about the problems I am experiencing and how it is wearing me down. Thinking about the boys who took the car, how nothing has been done, all lies. The guy who said he was going to help me but did that to get close to me, only a ploy to get what he wanted. The people who I sold the art to, when they found out I had problems, no longer want to communicate with me. It goes on and on, Amazing how the human nature of the majority of people are. I am not saying I expect hand outs or people to come running to my rescue. But I can say this, you really do know the nature of people when you are at your worst. At least for me anyway.

Maybe they are concerned but don't know how to help or show it.

The boys are not concerned, they are releaved now that the car is here with me and they don't have to see it daily to be reminded of the mistake they made and that there mother is not on there backs to do something about it.

The guy who said he was going to help me Angely, he used my dispare to use me.

The people with the beautiful home that I posted on the web, well theirs maybe fear that I want to try to get something from them? who knows but before the art they were wanting to buy my sofa, getting it cheap. It didn't work in the house because of a box, I suggested that they remove it they got my help three different days and didn't pay a dime but did by the art and I did make a commission on it.
There was a tag on the art that was less than Hellena charge, I didn't see it but the owner did. He must of though we were cheating them out of money? But she explained that the price had gone up in November, and it was the same amount of money that they paid me for the commission. So that meant they added on the commission.
He must have felt we cheated them, or maybe he does feel he wants nothing to do with someone who is struggling? I have emailed them maybe five time's just saying hello, Merry Christmas, Happy new year, and hows your art are you enjoying it.
The last mail I got him right after the sale said,

be greatfull for what you have. Have a good week,

That was it? All these things were rolling through my head when I woke up. The fact that the oldest son and girlfriend just got a new car, and are planning a nice trip to California.

My other son with a law suit for a car accident that he had some four years or more ago, and how he has nothing to give. Barely making a living with a new baby and how unfair the situations of life are. The law suit is outrageous ok? simply greed. In fact its all greed. The suit is completely trumped up. But in the states its all about lawsuits.

Everything that happens there is a suit. Yes I think they are nessesary in some cases, but this one is ridiculous. The kid has nothing, the furniture in the house is mostly my old furniture. Julians bed I bought. He walks to work, doesn't have a car. He comes homes plays on the computer or watches TV. The girlfriend takes care of the baby because the cost of the child care is so much they would never make it.
I pray day and night for them.

And now here I am facing the street practically. I try everyday to be positive to think something good is coming. I wake up with drive every morning, yet the doors have been shut to me in many cases.
I googled my name and few other people last night just to see what comes up. I was shocked to see my name all over the net. The paper publications, the appearances that are still on the net when I did shows, the cooking shows and more. AND NOW HERE I AM??

It just doesn't make sense to me. The older I get the less I understand life.

Yes life happens, and I seriously deal with things. But with out a partner, or help its pretty tough.

I feel so strange, I am sitting in the dark typing I can not sleep. I am worring about not having food, I have lost wieght which is always good for a woman. But all my clothes are falling off, walking is wonderful, I actually enjoy it if the blisters on my feet would heal. But I need trasportation to help me do things faster, get work and possibly find a new place to live.

When I came home last night, I was met by four men in my apartment. They were fixing the line and the sink. The landlord let them in of course, but my lap top and personal things were sitting out. I felt invaded, he didn't even have the curtisy to call me and tell me they were going in? When I walked up he just said hello. That was bad to me? Maybe I am wrong but I felt strange then.

The night before I woke myself up screaming help~~ I had a dream that this creepy man was touching me it was dark he had a parking vest on the ones with florecence colors on the side. I could see his face, its someone I know hes not nice he is here in town. It was an ugly dream. Then I remember my mother use to wake up at times screaming help help... I wonder if she had similar dreams? All this is in my head when I woke up.

How to pay for the phone, the internet the power I paid it was only 16 dollars this time. But my three phones one for the office, the cell which is like generally 25 dollars, and the house that GOD ONLY KNOWS HOW MUCH THAT IS, because Raquel called Spain one morning before I got her out of here.

I am sure to some people who read this, this is so ridiculous, the amount of money. Really if it was USA I would think nothing of paying a $300 dollar cell phone bill. But I make so little here, and now I have exhausted everything I have. So its all relevant

I don't know about other people, but when I get to thinking I think about everything, about stupid Cristhian how he used me too... even in the end asking me after I told him I didn't have work and that I could not have him working any more.. Asked me to pay his cell phone bill, several times.
The landlord and his abuse, I don't use the stove that much but what if i did? I didn't have use of it for more than a month. The oven has always been a problem. The stove worked only at times.
I had a light switch in the back where my clothes are in this little hall closet. I could never see the clothes I had to get on my hands and knees to see it. I told him to fix it over and over and never did.
This is not the first time the house flooded. This is the third time. The other was because of the rain entering through the pool over flowing, and one time because water was coming up through the toillet because the pressure of water was too high. This time the line broke under the sink.

I mean to tell, a million things are going through my head.

I am just worring sick right now,
What I really want is work, I want these people who make these promises of jobs to really give them to me. So many has fallen through. I want my life to be less worry and to be able to wake up normal, IT would be so nice to have someone in my life too. Someone that could hug me maybe? and at least I could feel the human touch? ya know?

I saw a commercial last night about this guy on the street, it was something like Al amost gave Joe a sandwich, but he didn't, and frank almost gave Joe a place to sleep, but he didn't and Jerry Almost gave Joe a blanket but he didn't and Joe almost made it through the night but he didn't.

At the end it said Give don't almost.

I really understand that boy do I.. It reminded me of a Friend of Mine who gives all the time Sharon. She has a heart of gold. I miss her. Not that I want anything from her but I was reminded of her when I saw that. Not very many people give. Especially here. Its not easy.

Although I have, we have a few street people, and I can say that I have helped all the ones I see all the time. From money, to food, to ciggerettes, to water, to drinks. I even gave clothes. We have one who does nothing but helps people park cars. People give him a little change. He simply directs not drives. I remember seeing him with no shoes feet sore, black and the same surf shorts on for months lying in the side of the store drinking guado.

Now he has flipflops, and new shorts he still drinks, but he has new clothes. He is black as black from the soil but he has a smile.
He see's me on the beach and sings to me. I just smile at him never really talk but it is true people do not like to deal with those that are less fortunate.

Not that I am there yet, and I hope I don't have to go there but GOD IT SURE FEELS UGLY RIGHT NOW. I am worried.


I can hear the bird singing now the sun is starting to come up. We have so many beautiful birds they sing so pretty here. And now all the damn dogs are barking. Just hate that part!!!
Yesterday after the rain stopped which was about one. It absolutely Pour, unusual for this time of year. I walked to the soda to get a sandwich,800 colones, about $1.45 . As I was walking, I heard the mocking of the Macaws, I looked up and in the low branches of this short pistachio tree were two Macaws looking at me. I looked right into there faces. Even though I was so discouraged, not being able to leave the house because of the rain for hours, the power went off and I couldn't finish geting ready, I smiled and felt happy to see those beautiful things of nature.

The flew off the minute they smelled me, but flew very low near the ground about above my head.

Sitting at the soda yesterday, I sat facing the back with my back to the people. Looking out over the butterflies and the rubble that is all over the ground here in most places. Thinking how is it that this country has such beautiful nature and the people throw all the trash everywhere?

Just Confusing, As I said earlier the older I gt the less I understand life.

Monday heat

I slept really good though after I turned on the air conditioning for about an hour or so. I woke up on the sofa last night sweating like a pig.. returned to my bed and it was bloody hot. The house smells of humidity, I don't know how to remove the smell. YUK!!!

It is obvious the season is changing and were getting into summer. The weather is definately hotter. It was not so sunny but very humid today. I waited around Joswea called and said he was coming by but he never showed.
I ate a little yogurt, and coffee and left down the road to the roperia to find out if this chick I asked to give me a price on uniforms for the Casino had it together yet. She gave me some excuse about the material is too expensive. I said I didn't care just do it with other material and give me a price. I also talk to her about her damn remodel that she wanted me to do and she baulk about this too.

I said listen I have things together for you I know the idea its simply you and I go to San jose buy the materials and you have your people install you pay me for my idea and time to go with you.
She liked that but when now is the question!!!

I walked then into town, met this french man I have seen a number of times and he stopped me to say I was pretty in pink, he gave me his card and invited me to his office some time.

We laughed and chatted and I walked further. I then saw Orfa this strange looking woman who I believe has had too much plastic surgery, and we chatted a moment too she didn't know why was Walking all over so I explained she was shocked... mad and worried too. I do have friends here actually I have alot of friends but no one that really comes through for you when you need them.

Then I stopped and said Hello to two gentlemen at the breakfast restaurant. I told about the wet tragedy and one confessed he reads the blog. He reminds me of that guy on the oat meal commercials? I can not think of his name but I recently saw a commercial with him on a horse and I swear it was him!

Walking on to the office I said hello the girls at Rosie's but just in passing.. Not stopping.
When I got the office there was a couple waiting for me.
It was a famous artist in Florida Mark Vose. He does magnifcient Murals, they spoke with me and I told them I wanted them to help with the Casino. Now neither one lives here but agreed to come back.
Then the Indian showed up, he wanted to take me this project and introduce me to the developer to try to get me in to do the design work. But the guy was not there and didn't answer his calls.
I asked him to take me to Herradura to try to meet up with the guy with the three landscape jobs. But he wasn't around either. I must have called five or more times to reach him.

So next idea was Go to the Amapola. We went he drove this beat up old tattered car half falling apart. Both of us were laughing the whole way over. To qoute him " if my friends saw me driving this and I added mine too!" in arrving the guys there said no not him? I said he is just driving me. I needed a ride, I asked several people , but no one responded. So whats a girl to do? I took the beat up ol ride to try to get work.
Well that didn't work out either. The rooms were occupied, and we could not get in to measure or take my second look to give him the price.
We talked they ask me to do some typing for them on some contracts, really small amount of money. But I accepted.
Tommorrow I will go and type away for several hours.

He then dropped me off at rustico, I ate a some pork, a small amount of rice, and this delicious carrot with egg salad. The carrots were cooked just right. Really different, while I was eating this girl walked up with this military looking hat and some shorts and a green top, she said Hola, it was Raquel. She got her food and sat with me and we chatted over the same exact lunch.

Raquel and I walked back into town about13 blocks, she stayed at Rosies,I went back to the office. Changed my clothes to jazzercise clothes and got ready to go around 3:30.

I took a taxi there it was far, but I used a pirate taxi their cheaper.

The jazz class was not really jazz kinda a put together jazz?? gave me and idea she wasn't being honest.. but the class was a pretty good work out. I didn't pay she said if you like it come back.

There were mostly young girls , amazingly.. I have more endurance and energy than what I saw in these young girls.
I kept going while most of them stopped in the middle.
It was fun, I love any form of dancing.

I walked back to my house which is about two miles from there or more, Got cleaned up and changed to go the los Suenos with the Artist.

I had called Vidal , he owns the beat up ol falling apart car and ask him for a ride to Herradura. He came but about a hour late.
When we arrive the artist took photos and we talked there for more than an hour maybe like close to hour and 40 I was getting antsy and wanted to go.. The General manager was not there. I had emailed earlier in the day to talk with him but just like the rest of the day nothing came together.

I did receive a email from Dickey tonight encourageing me to keep my head up, and keep going telling me you can do it, but I swear its tough.
In wakling home tonight at midnight alone.. I had fear, I was weary, and feel so drained of my spirit.
I want to be positive I want good things to happen I want money to come to me, I want to attract it!! turn things around and for once in a long time be secure!

I have no problems attracting men, The opposite sex are some times obsessed with me so that is not issue its the finances that need to be now an obsession, and it is with me.I once told someone... If a man dumps me I may be mad or upset or sad for a few hours But when money dumps me I go beserk! I can live with men, But NOT MONEY!

I woke up around 5:00 am to a water sound, Not knowing if they were filling the pool or if someone outside was hosing something down. When I stepped out of the bed the room was filled with water. Almost touching the mattress. The beds are low here so I would estimate about a foot and half of water through out the house.

The Apartment sits below grown about two feet. it’s the lowest point in the apartment complex. We have a log cabin of all things next to me its close with stone walkway all around and my place sits below with a sunken patio, and the pool right at my bedroom, you step up three steps to get out of my apartment to the pool.

Now knowing this you can understand why water will not exit the apartment.
The line under the sink broke. Filling the house with water all over. Ok the hamper was full and I had a dress in there that was bright blue it bled and ruined about ten pieces of nice clothes I have there ruined. All the throw pillows on the floor that were on the bed are absolutely ruined, the bed covers, and well my purse was on the floor and it was floating in the room.

I had my good Cannon camera that I use to shoot photos for work and here well its ruined. I don’t have money to replace any of this and the landlord or anyone here in Costa Rica does not have property insurance to cover such things. I am just sick over it..
But it went like this. I waited till I heard the landlord upstairs rustling around before going and waking them up to this disaster. Mind you he is Full blooded Italian, some times a raving maniac.

When I heard his wife I went up to tell her, she got him up and it all began. He was hysterical, screaming yelling throwing things around. Blaming me for all of it.
It went on and on, I did nothing but coward in the corner more or less. I was so devastated by the whole thing I didn’t have much to say. He kept going on and on, well the brother who is here from Italy, is living in the little log cabin apartments next to me he yells through the window, for him to get up and help him with this mess. The brother doesn’t respond. He yells louder and louder. Then he becomes in raged and bangs on the door and opens it they fight, yelling screaming throwing things. The baby starts crying the brother is crying, I am crying, everyone is screaming except me.

I am outside by the pool thinking oh my god someone help me. I went in and began sweeping water and trying to put it buckets, we have a mop bucket in the back so I got that. The landlord came in and screamed so much at me… said it was all my fault and for me to get the hell out of there, go live somewhere else. Said I was bad luck and didn’t want me here any more. I cried of course. I was in shock too and tired. I came home late like 3:00 with Rosie. She closes at one and we went and danced for two hours.

So exhausted, no sleep, and now distressed, I don’t know what I am going to do now, with no work, no car, and now this?… The Camera, damn it!!!! I think I just feel so stripped of everything now. I wanted so bad to talk to my son, finally after a couple of hours I was able to contact him and talk to him. We talked I calmed down and so did The landlord. He began helping but let me tell you a Loud Italian mad is a bad thing, he yelled all through the apartment while trying to get all the water out , he was screaming at the brother, that didn’t help and at me while I was helping. I was not about to leave I know I needed to help.

He said in Italian, DAMN BROTHER, Knows I need help and he rather sleep, when this old lady is here helping me… I am not that much older than him but I just listened, because I was not about to say anything at all I need a place to stay, beside I don’t have the rent this month first time ever in my life I don’t have the money to pay for the rent!!! And now this? I have ten days to come up with the money… I have to do it. Besides I have no where to go…

Now my CAMERA, I keep thinking about that more than anything now, The car the towels the camera.. What the hell else is going to happen? Something else happened but I can not talk about it now… Its too hurtful to talk about.

My son says it a sign for me to come back, but it was the same there I had life happen, things happen in life don’t they? Is how you deal with the things that happen. The complex situation is they happen here in sequence. The compound fact is the work has not happened, I been out of work now for months. All beginning with Charles Boyd who I found out yesterday he screwed more than just me.. They picked him up here FBI and Interpol for assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and false passport. He was the one who threatened me in the grocery store. That situation brought me down, it was after that that no more work came or came through.

But Right now I have six lined up, two Villas at Amapola, remodel, a Casino, its for sure! And three condos in Herradura for landscape, but I have to find a car today to go for the walk through to give the guy a price.

I called Diego and just asked him and He is going to let me know If I can later.

The good thing now that has come out of this horrible situation is, the house is totally clean. The landlord got a lady here right away to get the rest of the water out and wash all my things and clean up the place.
The other thing is that possibly my sons through this has talked a little more and are renewing there relation.
One more thing, the landlord was so outraged, that he called everyone yelling at them including the gardener.
That was perfect for me, because I have three landscapes to give bids on and so when he was away I talk to the gardener and told him I need people to help install three gardens, that I would pay well I need good people who understand plants.
So I got my guys lined up already for the new jobs that I have prospectively. You see I had them before but because of Charles Boyd, he cut us and kept my guys to pay them cheap and I told those guys that you will never work for me again if you work for him with out me… That was Charles plan, get rid of me so he didn’t have to pay the real price, get all the plants there and the plan and use my cheap labor…



CUT THROATS!! So now I have new ones, this guy that works here has worked for me before but he didn’t do such a great job, I just explained him that. I also told him to do a good job here or the landlord was going to fire him… He is a good worker but I can bet its not easy to work for my landlord. HE IS A SCREAMER and says bad things.


So that was the saga for Sunday, I was too upset to write, I didn’t have the energy to think about it, and all I did was put things away after all the furniture everything. Walk into town ate a little bit had an ice cream came home turned on the tele and went to sleep till this morning.
Now I am with out more things, I feel sad and wonder really what I am going to do, the only thing I can think of is to carry on try to keep making it here..

Till I can figure out what else to do

Pretty strange characters in this town

Its really interesting here, you meet someone everyday that is either a so called millionare, or famous or liars or more like liars!!! I met someone in the past couple of weeks he was the one that used my computer. I won't mention a name, because he says he was in a special agency in the states, or I am not sure exactly what he is. I have been snooping around though and can not find a thing about him on the net. He is Indian decent so I believe? American Indian. All I am going to say is the gut keeps telling something is not exactly correct here. He wrote to me some months ago on My space, The questions were lined up like soilders. One after another without a pause and with out a space. I didn't answer many only a few. I didn't know who this guys was, he requested to be my friend on my space. It was all new to me and I after reading a little of his bio said ok?

Alright so I never thought another thing about it. Then right before Christmas, in fact three days before. I was introduced to him by a realtor friend of mine. She told me his name and where he said he was from. But I did not connect the man with the name because he had a photo of him far away not able to see the face and the name was not indicated on myspace. He watched me dance with lots of people as though he was some sort of body guard. I kept teasing him telling him to wake up enjoy the music. He was somber and just stared at people without a smile.

Several times durning the next few days I saw him on the streets walking with a tall young man, as though they were buddies.
Always in passing I would wave or say hola!
One day they invited me into this little fish taco bar its all outside so you can see who is walking by, a very good observation place for people.

I entered and the young one offered to buy me lunch I declined, but accepted a lemonade. We talked mostly business, I liked what he was saying to me about himself and the other guy. But still at that moment I felt a urging feeling to leave.. Although he kept saying he needed to use internet and calling international, and wanted to watch the football game.
He seemed harmless and he may be harmless, he has not done anything as of yet to threaten me. Although he has shown me a side of him that is not NICE.

I invited them over to watch the game and use the internet.
They did and were very polite, The younger one fixed my dvd and bought cords for me so I could use it. Actually quite nice.
Rosie and I got to know them better when I invited them to our Christmas eve dinner. Then the following day Christmas they went with us and that family to Manuel Antonio.

Ok since then we have met up several times, STRICKLY HELP AND BUSINESS... I hooked him up with a few things.

He has shown me as I said a side of him that is not nice, and I let him know I won't put up with that, and told him so. If you have nothing good to say to me or the mannor of how you say things to me then do not talk to me. I do not need any more grief! Well last night when I was going to go to meet this client, which I did and it went well.

He told me somethings about this place, He told me several days after knowing me that he was on my friends list in My space.. ok strange.. or maybe not but I think its strange that he is here, and was in my house. Now were becoming friends?

I want to say more but... but I don't think I should. So as I titled this, Pretty strange characters... this is real drama saga here in JACO... The people the types the situations.. well
This may be some sort of connection to a situation I had some months back with a certain development that Refused to pay me, and caused my spiral. I mean it could be answer to the money that was owed. Small world... reflecting back I remember saying to these people at this project, you cheated me and I believe I am not the only one! I prayed that god would avenge me and maybe the revenge is coming??? but through this man? I asked that powers to be, to go after these liars.. that used me to set up there open house, holiday decor, and condos and didn't pay for the services in full, used every excuse in the book to wear me down and not pay the bill...

The ol saying what goes round comes round???? well its true... I hope? I had a brief moment of hope last night with this Indian for an old situation I thought was a done deal.. BUT MAYBE NOT!

So in everything time will tell, tell about this character, and the situation and I surely hope works out, I need the money and I want to get on my feet solid again!

Well Rosie and I had a nice time dancing. I enjoy my friendship with her.

It really sounds obserd that I go out dancing so much. But as I have said many times its a great form of exercise for me I feel alive, and forget my woes and enjoy the music and the dance. It is really obvious others love it too because I have many who enjoy dancing with me.. Right now its an only form of outlet.

I enjoy manythings, I wish we had live music, and movies, and theater I love stage plays, anythig in the arts. But we don't I think in time though it will happen.

Today I already did some contacts, made a call and I plan on going to the beach.. Usually Sunday is my day.. but its nice today. The house is clean, I don't have plans or dates wish I did!!!

Maybe today I will meet some more interesting or strange characters!

IT started out with Two visitors

It started out with two visitors today, one was Mauricio, he came by early to say hello the other was Joswea, he is the one that brought me breakfast a week or so ago. He had just gone surfing, was thinking about me and just stopped in to say hi too.

He checked out the car and was mad when he saw it. He too has a friend who supposably buys wrecks. Now if just one of them shows up this coming week. God I been trying for a month as of next week.



I had to shew Joswea off because I was going to the Amapola for that vacation, tour thing.

Reluctantly I walked from my place to Amapola, with out eating, or drinking any water. It was so hot! Its far I have no idea but I venture to say its over three miles? and there is no straight shot to it.

Amapola is a hotel, villa vacation club owned by Italian people the grounds are done very well with fountains, ponds and lots of plants leading to a huge pool area.

The hotel is nice the restuarant is very good, and there building a pizza parlor, it has a casino, bar, and villas. All of the areas except the hotel rooms and casino, are all out doors.



I went listened, but in my heart of hearts I don't want to pass out flyers and recruit people to come and listen to a presentation for buying time vacations. Similar to Club med. It's I am sure a good deal but me on the streets? passing out papers, and trying to get people to go there in a free taxi ride? I don't know... I just don't know!!!

Butttttttttttt while I was there one of the directors said do you do remodles? I said yes, he then took me one of the villas that looks like it was done in the early 70's maybe not but it had pink and blue short drapes, sheers, short little sofas in navy blue and a small table with four chairs. The lamps everything were high up, all the prints on the walls were hung really close to the ceiling.



The Mirror in the bathroom was so high a man that was 7 foot might be able to see his wiskers!

He offered to pay for one if the other boss would pay for the other. He wants two different looks

Maybe that was the real purpose of me meeting Joe and being invited to go there.
Next Monday I am to meet him again get photos and put a bid together.

He gave me taxi money, I went into town ate at Rustico a little soda that is like a buffet but its small and you just point on what you want.


I ate in a crowed soda with a family there wasn't any room at any of the tables. When I was done I walked into town, only stopping at the Galeon to rest from the sun. That was about half a mile, then I proceeded to the Century 21. But before I had a call from Best Western. The general manager called to get a bid for the holiday decor for this new year. I guess he read the Jaco guide and had my brocheure I left some three or so months ago. It was for the past year 2007, but hey he said he heard I did the Los Suenos, and wanted me to give him the bid and was positive he wanted my touch for this year.



That's great but I need something now... If something doesn't happen fast I won't be around next year.

As soon as I got to The Century, it was time to go to Best western. I had 500 colones from the Amapola, and used that to go the Best Western so I wasn't late.
I made it in time, we walked through the whole hotel its quite large, it was blazing hot. most of it is outdoors except the rooms. It took about a half hour, then we shook hands, kissed cheeks, and I walked back to the office.
I just hung out talk to the people in the office, and tried to be positive...
Went to Rosies Of course, had a water, sat for a hour, then walked home. The town is busy, lots of people. I wish I could capitolize on the tourists some how??? I been racking my brain. But nothing coming...

Came home ate a half a tomato half and avocado, and a few little chunks of fetta cheese, the phone rang. It was the guy I met the other night that has three condos that need landscaping. He gave me hell for a while said he was in love with me.. Mind you he is a good ol boy, from Houston. Big guy, maybe 68 or so? Don't know much about him. But he wants to me come out on Monday to take a peak and get started.

He asked me to meet him at the beetles tonight with another couple from Canada, I figure it might be a good idea to do that some big deals have been made in bars. But Drinking for me is not on the agenda, that last week with Rosie did it for me for a while.
in fact I smelled someone today walking down the side walk, (which there are lots of people who walk with drinks here and beer in there hand.) and it made me gag.

When they offer I will order gingerale with lemon. That way it looks like I am drinking. But I do want to hook with them because I need to make this work.

I am resting now watching an Adam Sandler movie something about a foot ball team in a prison.. pretty funny. I love ADAM

Baking makes the home smell so good

Got up pretty early and walked into town to pick up the pans I use to bake in. I saw my friend Daphine, we talked on the road side and enjoyed the visit. I told her what is going on and how I am trying everyday to do something to move forward. It was warm out even at 8:00 the heat of sun was burning my shoulders.

I took the short way down a side street and by a little river. It takes you up by a bridge and drops you near the Rental car building. From there Roises is about four or five blocks. But we don't have blocks here just estimating.
I grabbed all my things and quickly walked back hoping the landlords wife would allow me to use the stove.

When I got back I just began preparing, opened the doors allowing the air in and sun.
I toyed around with the stove and WOW IT Lit up! I was so happy like it was some sort of miracle!! I tried it a couple of times to make sure it would stay lit and it did!
So I hurried and got everything ready and then waited for the rolls to rise. I played on the internet, swept, cleaned up a little bit around the house. Watered plants, fed blanqueeta the cat and then began to bake. It didn't take long in fact I almost burned a one batch it was so hot. I don't think the temperature is correct but I tweak it and made it work!
Thank god I was so upset over this little thing. Although I make hardly anything right now its much better than sitting here and worring about how money is coming. It makes me happy too...
Plus I have the satisfaction of knowing people are enjoying my food.

An astonishing thing happened as well, The landlords wife came down and actually talked to me alot??? then she said she wanted to learn English. HMMM Maybe I could teach her and have her deduct it from the rent???

Tomorrow I will discuss this her and set up a time when baby is sleeping to begin her lessons.

When I was finished, I walked to the Soda and ate a small lunch, asked for a box and came back cut them into the same sizes that fit exactly a dozen each. Covered it with foil and then placed the rolls on them and cover the rolls with plastic. Looked nice! She came again and offered me a ride into town... WOW ok what happened to her? I don't know or care but I was thrilled.
It worked out perfect!

One of her friends took a look at the car and said he might know of someone who would buy it wrecked. So GOD I HOPE THIS HAPPENS FAST

I don't care what type of car it is its immaterial right now, just something to get around till I get back on my feet.

Before I came to Costa Rica I drove a black Cadillac CTS, with Tan leather interior, and 20 inch rims. I ordered it the first year they came out. It was a dream car.. I love that car the best thing I ever owned. I miss it alot.. I have had my share of nice cars.

I drove my mothers Chevy lavender Impala with white tuck and roll interior and chrome rims for a long time before I got a Yellow Chevy Corvair with black leather interior... COOL CAR. Convertable. Then I had a new toyota corolla, Three VWs, three pickups in my life, A buick regal, a 48 Chevy pickup semi restored, a cool mini van with pink striping like a barbie beach bus, a old Ford econoline, a ford explorer, A black Ford Expedition, and a black Ford econoline new.. So I have had my share of cars. I love nice cars always have so this for me is a completely different attitude. I really want heart of my hearts a Black Toyota Hy lux, this is the nice truck they sell here.. Its beautiful I WANT IT BAD but how at this point.

Before When I wanted anything I set my mind to it and attained it. HERE IS MUCH DIFFERENT!

I am sure I can figure this out again but its much more difficult.

Ok so now back to Rosies, she was not there so I walked over to the office to check mail and see if there were any leads what soever.

I had a letter from a freind suggesting I send a resume to this company in San Jose, I had a number for the company so I called and talked to the gal introduced myself and gave a short history( believe it or not)

She said she was full had no room for another person, but would take a look at my accomplishments. It was shot at least.

I walked back to Rosies talked for a moment and then walked home, but on my way I could see the sunset was beautiful. I decided to Go to the Malecone and check it out. It sits on the beach its a bar with and open balcony. Overlooking all of Jaco, I sat down got a bottle water and watched. My friend who works at the Amapola, sat next to me and ordered up Hors de orves.. Patacones and guacamole, and frijoles. Fried yucca, and chicken wings and ribs..

I ate all the patacones, that is fried plantains, really good.. we talked and he asked me to work for him handing out flyers for a tour company. He said you can make up to a hundred bucks a day only for a few hours a day. Honestly this is not for me but I told him I would come and listen to his schpeel.

I hate that sort of thing myself so I can not imagine me doing this.

He wanted Ice cream at the Italian Ice cream parlor, so we walked there and sat and watched the tourists.

He had his Ice cream and we talked..he reminds me a little bit of my sisters husband Alan. Kinda big, has a mustache and grey hair, Nice guy...

I walked home and relaxed a little.. but I think I am going to go out and do some latin dancing tonight. Tonight is latin night.. Its good for me to dance I get my mind off things and enjoy the music and the exercise.

Borning day

Started out my normal day, coffee and internet, listen to the birds. Put on pretty clothes and walked to the soda to eat.
Walked into town wow was it ever hot... I felt my shoes melting. I had little heels on impossible to be comfortable and walk in the heat. I made it to the office to check mail and make calls, emailed the Los Suenos to find out a date for the contract on the remodle, now my only hope for work.
I called a contact I had some months ago no answer, called another contact for some condos for landscape no answer... so I read and hoped for the best. I walked back home and talk to Rosie she ordered again.


I have to say the the stove has been broken now for more than a three weeks the oven has been repaired before, but this time the stove itself is bad. The landlord has not fixed it. Rosie wanted me to do some more baking last week, but I couldn't because the landlord had company and I couldn't use the stove. She took out the cheesecake orders she said they were too yellow. Not knowing that these are the real thing not the ones you buy here at spoons that taste like paste. A couple of her Customers know I baked them, they asked how come there wasn't more, I said she didn't want them, but I think the reason was maybe the price was too high. They had lots of eggs in them and they were delicous.

She still wants the Cinnamon rolls because there cheaper and big and she doubles if not tripples her money on them.

She said she didn't want to confuse friends with business too. This I can understand but I need help right now and this little bit of money does feed me.

The landlords wife:

I asked to use the stove she pulled a card on me saying you owe a hundred bucks from last month. I told her I need to make things in order to make money. She said if she was here I could use the stove,which means she probably won't be here in the morning. So dang if I do and dang if I don't
Now Rosie wants these things, and I don't have a working stove or oven.
I been eating out because it is cheaper for me, but what if I did want to make something? Its been not working now for three weeks.

I do owe for last month $100 dollars more the rent is $700.00 alot when your not bringing in much. I tired like hell to pay it and I got very close.
This sounds horrible as I am writing it, but it is the truth. I have gotten so far down... I sure hope I see light some day. Thank god I don't have any big debts, because I would be ready to end it all.
Just the car that was worth $20,000.00 that is pretty much totalled, the office that was a huge chunk of money. And really the only real big debt I have is a nursery bill from one account and its not over $300.00 dollars. This is the good thing... But right now I feel pretty crapy. I went to two different stores walking mind you and no one had all the ingredients I needed to make the pastries, finnally I found it but I don't have pans,now no oven.

The other thing is I don't know anyone here who does?

What another challange of living in Costa Rica!!

The rest of the evening I plan on making the dough, then just trying to rest my tired mind and watch TV

Feliz Ano Nuevo Happy New Year

Jan 31st here was really insane. So many people everywhere, the streets filled with Ticos, Americans, Canadians, Europeans, Isreali's,Iranians. You could hardly walk because of the amount of people.

My first thing is always my coffee, internet. I read about what is happening in the world and see If I have any mail or comments on the blog.

So I had coffee, walked to the soda Garribito had my one egg one toast two slices of tomato, and lemonade.

This is my usual now, they don't have fruit, which I love, but its so cheap for me to eat there that buying food to make for myself cost double if not more.

As I said before it is usually 600 to 700 colones which amounts to about a buck and a half. Right now with my situation I worry about how I am eating so this is best.

I walked into town checked out the crowds, talked to a few people as I walked into town.

Pretty much alone most of the day. I find myself alone alot. I do feel strange at times doing everything alone. I can say one good thing about it, it is peaceful most times.

But I do feel envious of others when I see couples holding hands walking together, kissing, or mearly enjoying the company of each other.

Lots of parties everywhere. On the beach in the hotels, on the streets in the open bars, just people enjoying and celebrating. I on the other hand walked and watched, and just listened to people.

Much fireworks were being shot off all over all day and night. The parrots were screaching and flying about probably frigthened by the noise. It was just loud, but fun in some respects.

I went to the beach after I checked out a couple of things I tried to call a client that was wanting me to help but no answer.

The day was not for trying to obtain work obviously. So I laid on the beach and hour or so, walked back into town, and ate some roasted chicken.

Only the meat, nothing more, then walked back to the house. I was excited to get back to change my clothes to go to Jazzercise, but I thought hell that is a long way to walk and perhaps because its the 31st they may have cancelled the class.

I called and it was a good asumption. They cancelled. So disapointed, I sat on the sofa pouted a bit, then fell asleep.
When I woke up it was about 7:00 there is nothing to eat here so I drank water, watched TV and slept some more.


I woke up again around 9:00 to the phone. It was Marla Tortorrici, she just called to see how I was and if I was ok? She is a good person. Really a character no lie, I miss her.

She was shocked to hear about the car and felt bad, said what are you doing. I said not much not much I can do. I am trying to walk around, get into town, trying to make contacts but its not easy. I told her things were not going so well but I seriously try to be positive everyday and hope for a freaking miracle! SERIOUSLY


I hoping and praying for a miracle. She talked for about 20 minutes and wished me a feliz ano nuevo, then Marcus called my friend from Masatal, he wanted me to come up there and stay the night at his eco tour cabinas.

But its two hours from here in a car, the bus dosen't go at night. I explained about the car he was sad too.. he said he was coming to visit me in about a week.
So I will be looking forward to seeing him, he is one of Cristhians friends. He has Siempre Verde a cool eco tour farm.


I got dressed because the gals at the cafe del mar said we were gong to the Monkeys for New Years, nothing special, besides money was an issue.

I was all ready, called a taxi, no taxis I waited for a hour no taxis, so I said heck with it, put my flip flops on held my high heels in my hand and walked to the town. I walked pretty fast because I could the pressure dropping knowing it was going to rain soon. No sooner than I got to the corner near the cafe it POURED!!! I was less than 25 feet, but I had a sheer dress on high heels and my hair was straight.

The rain with that in seconds I would have been drenched and falling down.

So I waited for a few minutes, I could see them but they couldn't see me. They were putting everything in side, and closing up ready for fireworks at the Best Western, the shot them off early and well by the time it stopped raining the fire works were done. I walked across and all the girls said awwwwwweeeeeeee Marianna... my face was sad :( and I was a bit wet they could see.


We all got paper and walked fast across the road to Monkeys. It was full, Rosie paid my way in, we all found a spot and no sooner than we did the place filled to the max.

The music was nice, better than in the past. I was not in the mood to celebrate honestly but I smiled and then my friend Christina bought me beer, then Rosie bought me a Tequilla, oh god I did not want to get sick... I drank about two beers and two shots of tequilla, that was too much .

Danced alot, with so many people. Around 2:00 I went home to bed. My feet were killing, and I was starving but nothing to eat so straight to bed.

This morning I was sick, I had a hang over. Goma they call it here. It wasn't a bad hang over it, I drank some coffee and felt fine. Watched the Rose parade and rested.

The rest of the day was quiet spent alone walking and on the beach for two hours played in the surf, and watched lots of people. Then around five I walked into town, left my huge beach towel at Rosies other place,( It got stolen) and walked to her orginal place. To visit and watch tourists.

We ate a hamburger wow was that good... and we drank espressos, visited with clients her and I. Then I came back to pick up my giant bath towel to find someone had taken it.

Is nothing safe here? Now I only have two towels, I left the same type in the mans car that went with us to Manuel Antonio on Christmas I forget to ask him for it and he forgot it when he returned the rent a car. Now this one.. I know its only a towel, but you can not buy these here.

The towels here are so dang thin, and cheap they don't last. These are from USA, I bought them at Costco they were those huge thick bath blankets.. DANG IT!! now the towels..

I almost cried. sounds so dumb, didn't stress over the car thing but stressed about towels? Ok thats silly...
I think its just the fact that so much ill has happened and I really am at my end.

I had another issue the internet would not connect this morning I was so frustrated I wanted to throw the computer across the room...

The thought of the internet problem the stolen towels, no car, and no work was eating at me walking home.
I immediately started dealing with the internet, struggling with the connection, firewalls and more. Finally I got the dlink, and the eithernet box and unplugged all of it and replugged.

It Worked!!! FELIZ ANOS NUENO!!!