Five-Year Plan Realized

I take my first trip out of the country tomorrow since being unemployed. I'm going to my favorite place: COSTA RICA! If you know me at all, you know I did a seven-week language study there when I was in college and it was one of the best times of my life.

I never wanted to work a 40-hour-a-week job. In college, I cringed at the idea of "becoming my parents." - I don't cringe at that idea anymore, just for the record (I like my parents). Upon graduation, I made a five-year goal for myself. I would work the daily grind and save up 1/2 of my wages. After working for five years, I would quit my job and move to Costa Rica.

It's funny how things work out... My grandparents passed away this year (grandpa) and last (grandma) - which was the worst part of my entire life. I didn't think I'd get through those two years. I referred to them "the years I grew up." During that time, I totaled my car, then had my new car wrecked into three months later. I also got shoved into a higher position at work, with much more responsibility and the same pay. After that, I was asked to move to OKC for my job - on my own dime. And that process lasted about a year. I was ready to go and suck it up for my "great job," and then Brandon and I decided it wasn't worth it. If we have to move and sell our house anyway, why don't we do something we actually WANT to do. ... what a concept. So, it just so turned out that I quit my job almost exactly five years after I had stated my goal.

And now, I'm going! I say all of this because this is proof to me that we decide our own fate and future (perhaps with a little help from the big guy upstairs).

This time of my life is the happiest I've experienced so far. I am so thankful and lucky that I am living my dreams - and thankful that I have a dream boat to live them with.