As each wave rolls in, another chance to feel the rush comes. Study the form, the speed, the direction. As the paddling begins, adreniline kicks in and paddling harder is the only option. You can feel when you have caught it, the wave seems to grab the board along for the ride. Standing and gaining control. Feel out the movement. Flying along the length of the wave, riding it in. The only thing to do now is paddle out again. Sitting on the board, up and down, as if the ocean is rocking you to sleep. The blazing heat from the [View Full Entry]

---

---

Would you like to go to Mexico with me? Who wouldn't say yes! I had been asked my mentor, veterinarian Dr. Kim. I had been working with her at the Golden Valley Humane Socitey for about a year thru a program in my high school. I was very excited to go to Cabo San Lucas and practice my Spanish and help some unwanted pets along the way. The day we arrived, it was hot. Coming from Minnesota, the temperature change was quite dramatic since we decided to go in November. It was beautiful. We drove (at about 100 mph) straight [View Full Entry]

---

---

Ever since she was little, her mother always told her that she shouldn't have been born here. She took it to heart. She never quite fit in. There was never a time where she could defenitly call this place home. It made her sad, often depressed, and lonely. She had friends, but many times the phone never rang after promises of calls. People have their own lives, she understands that, but was it so hard to just call and say hi. Growing up, she was made fun of. She wasn't like the popular kids. She had darker skin, dark brown hair, [View Full Entry]

---

---

Costa Rica is and will forever be in my heart. I have been there 3 times already, and I'm sure there will be more visits to come. I love the people, places, beaches, and food. Everyone lives the "Pura Vida" way of life. Some of the cities I have visited are San Jose, Turrialba, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Cartago, Quepos, and Jaco. I miss my friends greatly and hope to see them soon. I have stories I will be adding later, but please enjoy some of my photos. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Guatemala was an eye-opening experience for me. I decided to go with a friend of mine to meet his family and see the country. We flew into Guatemala city and were picked up by my friend's uncle. We hooked up with three teachers from our high school that flew there the day before. After much disscussion we decided to travel before we went to visit the family of my friend. We rented a van and drove off. Lago Atitlan was our first stop and we made it just before it became dark. The weather was wet and cloudy. We could [View Full Entry]

---

---

My friend Cris and I were unfortunatly involved in a horrible car accident our last week in Guatemala. This is my story. I layed on the concrete for what seemed like hours... waking up only for the lack of breath. My view of the world was sideways. I pick my head off of the ground, putting weight on my elbow. It seemed like someone had poured a dark liquid on to the top of my head. Dripping slowly down my cheeks and infront of my eyes... I tried to stand, but sharp pains in my back decided for me. Looking around [View Full Entry]

---

---

(September, 2008) It started off as a normal night in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. My bestie Amy and I were getting ready to hit up the club Bambu Jam. We met everyone at Sargento Garcias (a local gringo bar). Everyone was there from COSI. COSI was the Spanish school most of our friends attended. There were people from all over Europe and the United States. After throwing down a couple Imperial bottles, we boarded the last bus to Bambu Jam. It was packed as usual. Live music, dancing, drinks, sweat... is the only way to describe it. Our big group put [View Full Entry]

---

---