Toucan Nation

This past weekend Alex was in town, so of course we partied island style until way too late/early.  Oops!  There is always quite the fun adventure when we're together.
The rest of this week I have spent online window shopping, try to learn some Spanish, applying for jobs or internships overseas, as well as studying.

Toucan Nation Preview
Toucan Gets Second Chance
This week I was able to watch Toucan Nation on Animal Planet.  I'm sure you've been the Facebook posts and episode commercials, but if you haven't watched this show yet, I strongly encourage it.  It's behind disgusting what people are capable of doing to hurt others, but even more amazing what others are willing to do in order to selflessly right those wrongs. Maybe because I was recently in Costa Rica, maybe because I have a soft spot for avian medicine, or maybe because I strongly believe with the law they are trying to pass on the show, the episode is inspirational and beautiful touching.  Words cannot even express feelings, just watch it now. This is why I do what I do.

LA Flooding

Not too much has been going on here since getting back.  I've already unpacked and briefly traveled up to Raleigh.  I've been busing myself with some errands as well as getting a few small things done that I haven't had time to do, as well as figuring out where to next (Bahamas, Aruba, Thailand, Brazil, Bali, back to Costa Rica?). This waiting is what drives some people crazy. You can't control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go and let life happen.

It pains me that I cannot be there to help my friends as well as the animals in Louisiana right now.  The news barely covers the flooding, they are more concerned with the Olympics and the election, but my news feed is consumed by the videos, pictures, and "help" stories from my friends that are still back there. I appreciate all of the updates when you are able to, so I know that you are safe. Please know I am thinking of you and constantly watching for more positive updates.

Parishes Brace For The Worst As LA Flood Waters Recede
The Food Of 2016 Southeast Louisiana The Consequences

Pura Vida Forever

After spending 57 days the phenomenal Costa Rica, It was time for me to depart.  My heart hurt as I left a piece of it in that country.  As I've said before, you get a strange feeling when you leave a place, like you'll not only miss the people you love, but you miss the person you are at this time and place because you'll never be this way ever again. We travel because we need to, because distance and difference are the secret tonic to creativity.  When we get home, home is still the same, but something in our minds has changes, and that changes everything. Check out a video from my trip here.

I was greeted by my parents and of course my adorable dog at home as I relaxed and started to unpack two months of my life.  I did four loads of laundry, and dumped everything out onto my bedroom floor not even sure where to begin.  So thus starts the search for what is next and where to next. I'm in no rush to figure everything out. I'm continuing to embrace the unknown and letting life surprise me.

Amo Este País

Day 50-55:
This week I found out one of my best friends that I've known since I was born had her baby girl, Hannah Grace! Congratulations Jenna! I cannot wait to meet her and spoil her!

I love clinic days. There are so many unique animals to get my hands dirty with.  Be sure to check out Kids Saving The Rainforest to see what you can do to help contribute to the Costa Rican wildlife.

If you look close enough, you can see my battle wound on my pointer finger.

Orphaned arboreal anteater 

Love this bird

We headed to Manuel Antonio this week for another stop at the natural park and some always needed beach time!

The next stop on our trip was to VIDA for some spay/neuter clinic time. I was fortunate enough to scrub in again and learn some more techniques to improve my surgical skills.

I can't believe this adventure is going to be ending in a few days. I'm not ready to leave the Pura Vida life just yet!