A mal tiempo buena cara

I’ve been expecting you. Please, take a seat and stay awhile.

Don’t get temporarily frustrated with the Spanish post title, I intend to make this blog as inclusive as possible. So hold your horses and close the Google search. We’ll get to the expression eventually.

Whew. I  never thought I would have another ‘first’ post, much less  be typing it while sitting at a Costa Rican family’s table feeling somewhat like an intruder. The table is black and shiny with 2 mismatched teapots and a bright red drapey thing as centerpieces, undoubtedly informing you of this family’s Chinese heritage. The living room continues that Asian flair; complete with a fish tank, bright red contemporary couches and intricate vases that probably tell stories only those who pay attention to detail care to know. As far as I can piece together, this household was built on the premise of a Chinese man banging a Costa Rican woman and raising some babies. The offspring,  most often referred to as ‘chinos’ maintain their distinct features (but to a lesser degree), speak perfect Spanish and most of the time are taught Chinese at home. But back to the story at hand. How did I end up sitting at this table, and why did I have to say goodbye to Tica {Em}bracing The Globe?

Well, the simple answer is I had to leave some emotional baggage behind. The complicated answer involves the fact that the blog had been neglected to the point that I didn’t feel connected to it anymore. But most importantly, I could no longer write freely about what was really going on in my life, and so I had to move on. Leaving the old behind, and so here is TETG’s baby, simply labeled ‘Globe Tracer’… live and direct from Central America.

A series of unfortunate events in 2011 left me leaving helpless, alone and confused, not even writing could pick-me-up. I crashed, and this is an understatement. Anyone (including the guy who works at the storage place) who saw me during that time could tell just by looking at me that things weren’t good. When I came across a newspaper ‘relationship’ column today giving women tips on how to bounce back from a break-up the first thing that caught my eye was: Look Great/Don’t Loose Face.  Followed by… ‘a mal tiempo buena cara’ which loosely translates to ‘during bad times, put on your best face.’ ESPECIALLY when things are wrong and you don’t feel good on the inside, don’t let that ruin your outward appearance. This can apply to any tough situation, not merely a break up, although its common to feel your self-esteem questioned when it comes to matters of the heart. Smiling in the midst of pain was something I couldn’t do until I landed in Costa Rica.

A little lame, but true.

I got on a flight at the end of April and I’m still here. Living in Costa Rica as an adult like I’ve always wanted to do. Currently, renting a room in San Jose (the capital) living with strangers in my homeland. Every morning I wake up and take a bus ride while determining the could coverage over this great valley. Cloudy- no mountains, and on a clear day; breathtaking views. I pay$156 a month for a tiny (and by tiny I mean a room that should only serve as an office) ol’ room with a private bathroom in the middle of the hustle and bustle of this Costa-Chino busy household (Note to self for future comfort: Private entrance, room away from kitchen and living room required). And I’m also working- details on that later. But even with all this, I couldn’t imagine any other place I should be right now.

Moral of the story: Whatever you need to, wherever you need to go to get back to happy- do that! No matter how impossible it might seem. If things are that bad right now that most mornings you don’t want to get out of bed, hide under the sheets for a couple of days, bawl your eyes out, let the ugly out.  But remember you have to face the world sometime, and when you do, put on your best face!

Mission Accomplished,

She Traces

PS- Please excuse my appearance as I transition and try to verse through WP, but also keep in mind that in the spirit of minimalism, content will always be first here.