My last couple weekends have been rather mellow but rejuvenating. Last weekend was great. I spent my Saturday grocery shopping, working out, and baking a dessert for a dinner party that I had later in the evening. That was certainly an adventure! I was making a favorite of mine called "Knock you Nakeds", something I had made many times with success in the States. I should have realized there were a number of factors that would affect the outcome of this dessert, but didn't until it was too late. I made the batter and attempted to make them, but they didn't seem to be cooking in the oven. Frustrated, I just kept putting them back in the oven. After about an hour of baking (the recipe's baking time was 18 minutes) I decided they weren't going to do much. So, with improvisation, I turned the "bars" into balls and covered them with powdered sugar. I must say, they tasted fabulous but their appearance was nothing to write home about! I was later told that the ingredients like flour and sugar are very different from those in the States, and I also didn't account for a change in elevation. We are much higher here than Minnesota! Who would have thought.
Despite the minor setback with dessert, the dinner party was amazing. It was hosted by a woman from my church, Michele, and there were 8 of us in all. It was a great evening of conversation, amazing food and the dessert was even enjoyed by all! Yessss. Michele had a gorgeous house and it was fun to go out to Santa Ana (a barrio a little way down the highway). It was also very helpful as they all had to deal with the little changes of moving to Costa Rica and travel, so they had plenty of advice to offer me. A great evening! The rest of my weekend was very mellow, with church on Sunday evening.
This past week was actually much more eventful than I'm used to. My usual weeknights consist of me going home from work, eating dinner, and relaxing. However, since I was going to be housesitting for a co-worker, Steph, for a few days, she had me and another work friend Diana over on Monday evening. We stopped to grab dinner at Picante Grill on the way home, where I got a burrito very reminiscent of Chipotle. Yum! So we headed to Steph's place to eat and so I could get the low-down on her house and cats. She was getting pretty sick, I felt so bad. I hope she didn't get the bug from me! So we left relatively early so she could get a good nights sleep before heading to the States.
Tuesday after work I went to an amazing dinner of chile, cornbread and salad (can you say comfort food??) at Judith's house before going to a bible study at a church couple's house for the first time. Lisa and Matt, the host's of the bible study, are missionaries here in Costa Rica and work at a school started by Matt's parents. A very interesting story! It was a great time, complete with tea, brownies and great conversation.
Wednesday evening, after work, I caught a bus to a mall called Cariari to meet a couple girls for drinks. I met them at church, and they're both from the States. Leslie, 26, has been here for a few years working for Kraft. So she is a great source for anything young gringa living! Marie, 25, came as well. I just met her about a week ago, and she got relocated to Costa Rica about a month ago from California. So we're learning a lot together! I think the three of us are going to get along great. And I even managed to sucker them into hiking Cerro Chirripo with me in February! Mission accomplished. So we met at Cariari and went to a restaurant nearby for a couple drinks and appetizers. It was a great time! And quite an interesting adventure home as Marie drove me back to my house. I wasn't completely certain of directions and she had no idea where she was going. But nonetheless, we made it! And I'm happy to have figured out the route to get to Cariari, as Marie lives very nearby.
So that was my exciting week! Thursday was my last night housesitting for Kate so I spent the evening cleaning up and gathering my things, which seemed to have been strewn across the house in a short 2 1/2 weeks. It's easy to do when there's no one else living in the same space! I was getting rather nervous on Thursday when I started feeling pretty sick again. I was worried because I just couldn't shake this bug, something very abnormal for me. I was also getting some bad headaches, which I NEVER get. After some research online, I found that there was a good chance I had either parasites or amoebas. A number of women at the church retreat had gotten amoebas after the weekend away, so it was likely I had that. However, after waking up feeling fine on Friday morning, I didn't quite know what step to take next. I'm still feeling fine, so I didn't end up getting any medication. Not sure if this was the right or wrong decision, but I didn't want to take medication that isn't necessary. We'll see what happens!
This weekend was very similar to last weekends, in that my only plan was one event on Saturday evening. The theatre I've become somewhat involved in, Little Theatre Group, was putting on a play at their theatre downtown. The play, Bedtime Stories, was 3 1-act plays and great. There are really a number of great actors and actresses at this theatre. And another play, the Caretaker, is starting November 20th, so I am looking forward to seeing that! I really love seeing plays so this was perfect! Being that it was Halloween, we were encouraged to dress up for the night. Although I had few pieces to choose from for an outfit, I managed to put together an outfit as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Ok, I know this doesn't sound like I did a THING, because that's what I currently am, but I was a work site volunteer complete with hat, t-shirt, dirty face, hammer and bandana. Cheers for trying right? Again, I don't have my computer cord so I can't upload pictures. Sorry! :( After the play there was a party at the bar below the theatre. It was such a fun time! I had met a number of the people there at a meeting early in October, so I knew some of the people and had a great evening. Everyone that attended the party was expected to bring an appetizer, or boca as they're called here. I had some issues with Steph's gas oven, so I had to find an appetizer that could be made sans microwave, oven, and stovetop. With the advice of mom, I put together a cream cheese/jam/nuts and crackers combo and it was a hit! Whew. It was a great night but I am certainly getting tired much earlier these days. I could barely keep my eyes open on our drive home at 10:30! I'm blaming it on the 2 glasses of wine.
So, I'm sorry for the long post. I need to learn to post more frequently and keep it short and sweet. Doubly sorry for a lack of pictures. I promise to get them up the minute I get back to Patricia's house and in contact with my cord! Much love, I am thinking of you all during the beginning of the snow season! The verdict is still out of I'll miss the snow or enjoy the lack of negative 40 degree weather.
For all you food lovers: You also can do that appetizer with chutney poured over the cream cheese.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, I'm glad Kelsey is back to full health. Let's keep it that way!