Letters to things July

Things are a bit nutty around here. Tomorrow I teach my yoga practicum, 25 minute class for the first time and Wednesday we sit for our final exam (three hour exam). Thursday we have graduation (assuming I pass) and Friday morning I fly to Colorado. (Excited). Saturday I  am going to pick up my car from Winter Park and Sunday I move into my old/ new house. So ......... I may be a bit quiet on here......

For now I am soaking up my last few days in Costa Rica and Central America while trying to digest the last eleven months..... But for now here are some letters to some special things... as I get ready to go home.

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To Zip Lining,

I knew climbing in the trees, zipping over huge waterfalls and giant cliffs would be exhilarating but you were more than that. You were awesome. I have not in a long time felt so limitless. It was beautiful, breathtaking, stunning and just a lot of fun. Proof is in the photos... (Ps all nine of us girls did it together, it was a blast, even when it started raining).

Best view of the line below over the waterfall.....

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Dear July 4th Holiday,

Yes I know, last year Munich now this year Costa Rica.....I promise that although I have not celebrated you in the States for now two years in a row.....You have not been forgotten. This fourth I had the joy of driving across Costa Rica towards the Volcano Arenal with nine of my fellow yogis. We laughed, danced, ate junk food, dodged pot holes, climbed hills and drove in the dark and toasted to your honor when we arrived at our hostel that night.

Thanks for reminding me of where I am from and being a wonderful place to return home too
Cheers from this Traveling American
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Dear Yoga Teacher Training,

You are Emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting.... but so good... I know that the end is near, but the exam and practicum that I still must do are the giant elephants in the room. I have to study ( a lot) before I can officially say I graduated and completed Teacher Training. I am looking forward to hopefully teaching in Colorado and getting deeper into my own practice. I can flip backwards now, go straight into headstand and am so close to forearm stand. More than anything though I have learned the value of taking time for yourself, taking deep breaths and living in the moment..... greatest lessons of all.

So glad I did this
From A New Yoga teacher

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Dear Passport,

I did not realize how valuable you were until you were gone. I am so glad that the hotel remembered that they took you from me. I thought I was loosing it. So if all goes as planned I will be reunited with you in two hours time. Remember that you are my only way to go home, so you are VERY IMPORTANT. Your copy I have, US government says is not good enough. 

So here's to having you in my hands soon
Your owner Kristina
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Dear Last 11 months,

Deep Breaths. It is over on Friday and I am in awe. Awe of what I have learned, what I have seen, the stamps in my passports, the laughter, the friendships, my global family, the tears and the deep rooted life changes that have occurred. You have far surpassed my even wildest expectations...... gave me more, stretched me more and for that I am deeply deeply grateful. Thanks for not disappointing, for challenging me and for making me feel more alive than I ever have been before.

love me

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Dear Family,

Thanks for everything. For your words, for your unwavering love no matter what. I cannot wait to see you all soon.

Love Kristina

See previous Letter posts here:

Letters December 

Letters January

Letters March

Letters April

Letters May

Love Letter to My Kids

Letters to Leave

I am trying to keep my tears under wraps..... tears both of joy and sadness. How overwhelmed with gratitude I am. My chocolate cake is baked for my kids tomorrow and my things are down from my walls, all that is left is to shove my things in my backpack. The emotional roller coaster has begun..... Below are letters in my leaving... enjoy


Dear Saturday,

You seemed so far away... almost as though you would never ever come but alas you are here. I cannot exactly say that I am happy to see you. Don't be upset when I cry... it is merely because you are a day that represents the end of a chapter in my life. Yet you represent so much because you are the beginning of something new. Thank you for arriving.... I only hope I can soak up each second of you...

Love the girl who never ever thought you would come

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Dear Cinder Block/ Hand weights held up bed,

ADIOS.... But no seriously thank you.... Thank you for far surpassed my expectations. You made it! You still have 2 legs of your original 6... and well you managed to stay off the ground suspended by two eight pound hand weights, one large cinder block..... all so I did not have to sleep next to the rata-tones (rats), bugs and other rodents. Thanks for letting me rest my tired teacher head, honduran adventuring body and for providing a place to sleep over the last ten months. I think it is safe to say I may be the only person that gets to sleep on you and for that it makes me kind of happy.

Sincerely,
The body that laid on you over the last 10 months

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Dear Honduras,

You have earned yourself a place atop my list of the most special places in the world. At least in my heart you are. You have the beauty that surpasses some of the most photographed places in the world. You have people that find joy in the very things that matter the very most. You take my breath away with your mountains and the crystal blue coastline of the Caribbean yet bring me to tears over the heartbreak of the reality that comes with poverty and big brown eyes of a child left abandoned. Thank you seems childish to say... because if I was really honest thank you is simply not enough. You gave me ten months that both broke me down, made me laugh and made me smile like nothing in my life has done before. To say I will miss you is an understatement. I am afraid of how I am to live outside of here. Although you have way too many bug creatures and a never ending summer climate you are my normal now........ you made me more into the person I hope to be someday and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Love Me
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Dear Giant Rock in front of the Motorcycle Shop,

WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING SITTING THERE? Ok I know I was being careless and stupid going out late at night in the dark with my roommate in my pajamas to satisfy our craving but come on, you were in the middle of the sidewalk (Ok no sidewalks here) but I was walking, you were in the way and now my toe is busted. Didn't you know that next week I will start 28 days of being barefoot at yoga school and a sexy broken toe nail is not the way to introduce myself to my fellow classmates. Ok .....Your right, it is my fault. I forgive you. Just pray my toe heals. Thanks.

Love the Person who walked straight into you last night

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Dear God ( the greatest story teller ever),

I am in tears writing, because as always you are right. You always and have continued to have the very best plans. Thanks for bringing me here, thanks for breaking my heart so much it hurts to leave. Thanks for never settling to take me on adventures, and to promise that no matter what if I trust in you, you will write the greatest story in my life I could have never ever imagined up myself.

Love doubtful Me

Four Letters to People....

I consider it a good rule for letter-writing to leave unmentioned what the recipient already knows, and instead tell him something new.  ~Sigmund Freud

I have been giving a lot of thought to my time in Honduras... the time that has passed and the very people that played a role in me coming in the first place. So here below are three special letters to people, enjoy:
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Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for never doubting my decision. For your support while your daughter yet again moved and quit her job. For looking me in my eyes with nothing but love. For  offering up anything you could, asking questions about this new adventure, for facetime dates and for making my welcome home at Christmas incredible. For knowing this was on my heart and encouraging me to go for it. I will be eternally grateful for your unwavering love and support for me to run after the things I love and that regardless of the outcome you are there right alongside me.

Love Bean
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Dear Roommates,

You may very well get the biggest letter but I reckon you might get tired of reading, so I will try to be brief. You already know that you have become my sisters here. Thanks for drinking wine on a Monday night because we needed it, for teaching me englishisms (fancy, rubbish, swimming costume, fags), for putting up with my love to clean (your often disappearing cups that I have already washed),  for laughing with me about this place (animals in our house, the boys, continuous floods), dealing with my cabbage obsession, for being honest, for covering my classes when I was sick (way to many times in a row and when I went on holiday with my family), for sharing your food. Alison thank you for the popcorn. Faye thank you for being an expert bartender. Thanks for doing yoga with me, making sure I was not the only person that would complain about no water, freezing cold water, how hot the water was or our broken refrigerator. For laughing about the flooded house, the mice, the rubbish that never got picked up for our first month and the rainy cold November. For knowing exactly how I felt and empathizing. For often saying something to pick me up and not saying anything when you know that is what I needed most.

There is barely a memory that you were not apart of and for that I owe you the biggest thanks. Thanks for the laughs, the joy and you can be certain I will miss you dearly.

The original four, Alison (South Africa) Molly (England), Me, Faye (England)

 Me, Faye (England), Kate (Georgia), Molly (England), Alison (South Africa)

Rose (Georgia), Molly, Alison, Me//// Kylie (Arkansas), Me

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Dear Ramon and Lot,

Thank you for always smiling when we walk to your counter at the D and D sometimes more than a handful of times in a week. For being friends that never complained about the many times we talked about school. Lotte for loving yoga and for all the many times that we practiced together, it was such a nice escape to come to your house and get away. 
You have made your way into the top of my list of favorite people I have ever met. Your selflessness, honesty, joy for life and compassion for people is unlike anyone I have met before. You will be surely missed. So look forward to seeing where you go in your future.

Love Kristina

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To blog readers and followers,

Thank you for your support and love. For the countless comments, for reading, for laughing, for praying and for loving my kids as much as I do. I cannot tell you how much the notes mean, and knowing that someone else cares. For those of you that I did not know even read this thing, I am grateful you do. Sorry for the grammar mistakes and often rambling thoughts.... Hope you have enjoyed :) (Ps its not over yet) As well friends who have taken the time to facetime, or skype or play email pin pals thank you too!


Now on for my last Tuesday full of classes, next week is exams.... Love Me

See previous Letter posts here:

Letters December 

Letters January

Letters March

Letters April

Letters May

Love Letter to My Kids

Letters to Things May

Handwritten letters and cards will always and continue to be one of my very favorite things.....
Happy Monday to you.... My letters for today.

Dear diet Orange crush,

You are awesome. You make this Monday morning a tiny bit more tolerable. Its true you are my new diet coke.

Love this tired teacher

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Dear ever growing Travel Bucket List,

My wandering heart, is so excited to see all the places that you have included. Not to mention those places I have yet to even know they exist. Goodness I have only scratched the surface on Europe and have not even yet started on Asia (starts to overwhelm) so many places. For now I will focus on where I am at the current moment Central America, but you sure do make me excited.

Love this traveling soul

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Dear future job,

Whatever you are, wherever you are...... I am going to go ahead and advance give my gratitude. I already know that you are going to be good. I know that you will be a good fit, one just perfect for me. Now if you could do me a favor and not make me wait too long before you reveal yourself.... or if you want to give me hints as to where I should find you that is helpful too. A few clues is all I need.
Perhaps if you wish not to reveal yourself to me, you could let one of my friends know that you have been looking for me and my friends will be sure to relay the message.

Love your future employee :) (currently jobless me)

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Dear Black Hunter Boots,

Your in storage, and I have not seen you, in now one years time. I cannot wait for a good rain in Colorado when I can wear you again. You are timeless even Princess Di thought so too. Don't worry if everyone stares at you because I may wear you nearly ever day, my feet are happy with you!

Love your biggest fan... Me

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Dear Labor Day Weekend,

You will be spent in Lou. With my whole family in my parents new house. Rudy too. Never been so excited to be back in Kentuck. First home football game for Louisville. Its official flight booked. 

See you end of August, Love this Kentucky girl




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Dear Rachel and Erin,

Goodness thanks so much for the skype session last night. I forgot how much joy your bring me. Thanks for filling me in on the ever growing list of soon to be parents, grateful that the both of you did not surprise me and show up on that list :) I like knowing that its not that strange to have gone to CCU and not be a parents expecting my second child right now (despite the overwhelming population that tells us otherwise). Thanks for making me even more homesick for Denver, talking to you both was a small foreshadow to countless memories we will be making upon my return. As well your offer to help me move, get my car, may seem like small gestures but knowing you are willing to assist has lifted a tremendous burden. Last but not least... the mini marathon. lets do it. and that girls trip to a fun new city we have never seen? lets do that to.

See you in July
Love your old roommate soon to be roommate again EZ

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See previous Letter posts here:

Letters December 

Letters January

Letters March

Letters April

Letters to Things Part 4

I am continuing my monthly letters to things post........ Enjoy the letters written below. Happy Monday.

Dear mating geckos/ lizards in our house,

Let me start by saying I am sorry. So sorry the flash scared you and interrupted your inappropriate behavior. Perhaps next time choose a more discreet location than the center of the wall in our kitchen to create baby geckos.

From the Paparazzi Me

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Dear Denver,

How I cannot wait to see you soon, to bask in all your goodness. To see Washington park filled with people playing volleyball in the summer, to attend Sunday church at DCC, to run your trails, to hike your mountains, to sit at the bar at Lola, to pretend I am back in college at our Elizabeth house with Ez and Rach, to see the snow capped mountains, to eat at your yummy food places...... i have missed you and could not be more excited to call you home again.

As John Denver made you once famous, I can hear the song now, "Rocky Mountain High"

love your soon to be resident again

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Dear To Do List,

Yep that's right, conquered so many things on your list today...... took trash out, washed my sheets, fruit and vegetable shopped, wrote my kids report cards, put laundry away, completed lottery for junior league...... next time you try and make yourself so daunting consider yourself warned.

from the one who defeated you today

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Dear Mom,

Thank you for coming. For putting up with my many requests for you to come, for booking your ticket and visiting Honduras. Thank you for the chocolate chip cookies that so many people were able to share and eat (the girls in the kitchen at the D and D, Ramon and Lotte, random guests at the D and D, Alison's girls, my roommates, Roman our taxi driver) everyone so appreciated it. I am so glad I was able to show you this place that has been my home for a year. My kids loved you and asked today where you were today. I think they were not the only ones sad to see you go. So grateful for your heart and how you love people well. You taught me to do that. I can't wait for you to come to Denver and visit. See you hopefully sooner than later.

 love Your Daughter

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Dear Justin, (you get the longest letter)

The picture of the day we met. One of my favorite pictures. Me and you upon first meeting. My face one bewitched, laughing, caught in action talking to a stranger. You told me that I should have known long before this picture that I had just gotten myself into trouble. I don't refer to you as trouble.  Our meeting was one of the greatest things that has ever happened. I miss you. Shame on you for leaving so soon...... Could you have at least waited till I came back to Denver to see your face one last time. We had plans remember. We were going to relive our days from last summer. 

The shirt that I spilled red wine on over when I was with you........It is now one of my most treasured possessions, reminds me of one of my most favorite evenings in Colorado. 

I have spoken to your family and seems that I am not the only one who thought the world of you. Although if I know you at all your probably laughing at our many tears. You were always good at that. Behave yourself up there. Perhaps you could meet my grandfather, he was quite the ladies man in his day, perhaps you guys could be wingmen in heaven together. (he may give you a run for your money)

Do me a favor and make everyone laugh like you made me laugh. Make people feel special like you were always able to do. Have the whole room in tears from giggling.....

Thanks to you, my children at school think at many times throughout the day something is wrong with their teacher for randomly crying. Puffy eyes I now often have. Thanks so much for that....

This summer I am going to meet your family and share with them all of the good things I knew about you, although I am sure they already know. I imagine they will be just as wonderful as you were.

This fall I will be a Seahawks fan in your honor. (not sure it will last, hopefully the broncos are everything they are supposed to be). I do hope you get to see all the game this year.

I miss you. Everyday.

damn you.... love kristina (from mexico)

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Read my other letters to things post below:

Letters December 

Letters January

Letters March

Cheers

Letters to Things this 1st of March......

Letters to things.....Happy Friday to all of you....

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Dear class,

So glad that making a funny face at you while I walk by your classroom and your supposed to be paying attention to the Spanish teacher, makes you giggle and laugh. Your fragile hearts and honest souls continue to remind me why God calls us all to have a childlike faith. Thank you for that reminder

Love your teacher who was sticking her tongue this morning...

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Dear Cabo,

Thank you for the sun that rose each morning, for being a place that the whales migrate too so I could admire their beauty from a small boat (that often felt like it was going to capsize). For your incredible sunsets and crisp morning air. More than anything thanks for bringing my family together for a week to soak up some sun, play cards and spend a week relaxing together.

Love a recent visitor

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Dear Louisville Basketball and Rick Pitino,

Yes you have only a week left of regular season, then you move on to big east play in the big apple and then you will receive your bid for the big dance. Play hard and don't make me stream games just to watch you fail to close out the games well. As if the static Internet is not enough, your inability to secure solid shots drives me often crazy.... lets do this. Just play with your heart, that's all I ask. Besides you have a class of 22 second graders in Honduras that know how to do the "CARDS" cheer and I would hate to tell them that you lost. 

Love Cardinal Fan living in Honduras.

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Dear Future,

Yep you, still not sure what you hold. Still trying to trust that its OK, because you are often best when it is a surprise....  trying my best to trust that God has something good up his sleeve... Trying to know that you have something even more than I could ever imagine......

Love anxious me

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Dear Yoga Training in Costa Rica,

AHHHHH!!! I am so excited yet on the other hand I have no idea what i am in store for. Promise me you will help me pronounce all the crazy terms correctly, and that I will meet incredible people to practice yoga with for 28 days. More than anything give me the wisdom to teach and to hopefully soon find a teaching spot in Kentuck. As well is it too much to ask if  you could help me master a few inversions? 

Love excited future yogi teacher

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Dear Mom and Dad,

On August 19, 2013 (sorry previously wrote the 20th) you will celebrate 33 years of marriage. Thank you for being the truest example of selfless love to my sister and I. Thanks for setting an example for something I hope to one day have. Thanks for being true to you and thanks for giving me many of your greatest parts...... Sorry I am scaring you by living here but just know that I am your daughter and you taught me to be strong, to be brave, and to love people well and I am only trying the very best I can to do that here in Honduras. So soon I am coming home to live with you, don't you look forward to that day :) (hehehehe)

Love your youngest daughter me

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Dear Snowy Colorado,

Stop It. You are breaking my heart, your powdery goodness on the slopes are making me jealous. Yes the grass may always be greener on the other side but seriously... last year the snow was terrible and I had only a few good days on the mountain. But now you have fresh powder for days and I am desperate to ski.... Just stop already

Love Your former resident.....

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Love this one:

Taken from Here

Letter to Things...

Days ago I wrote a post here that consisted of Letters. Letters to things part 2.... happy day yall

Dear words,

You have the power to mend, to break and to heal even the faintest of hearts. You offer comfort and with the same lips you can offer pain. Although today I am grateful that long ago someone used these words and said, "Wherever you are, Be all there". I am certain God spoke these words to someone long ago.....now every day these words are a reminder to be present where I am. All there. All in. Who has time to halfway do things. All in with relationships, with people, with my kids, with loving big.....

my bed.

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Dear Arturo.... Your sweet face. Your shirt says Captain poopy pants. Its ok that your shirt is meant to be a onesie and you are wearing it as a t-shirt with the buttons hanging down. You look so cute. We met in December and I fell in love with you then. I can assure you that only a few more visits stand between me sweeping you away and taking you home with me. 

love me who was given much more from you then i gave you

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Dear roommates since August,

For being the greatest group of three women I have had the privilege of living with. For being the same women who encourage me to love this place and as well remind me when I am being totally ridiculous. Who teach me how to love kids well. Who keep me learning knew things about myself and humbling me about the world. For making me wish sometimes that I too called South Africa or England home...... here's to finally getting a picture of us together that is not taken at the beach.

Alison, Me, Faye, Molly

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Dear Yoga Day 23. Stronger I feel, happy is my heart thanks to you. To my ever continuing practice. To the challenge ....thanks for keeping me healthy. thanks for making me believe I could actually do this thing.... bring on the next day.

with gratitude kristina

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Dear Hymn,

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

No explanation needed. These words are good ones.... and now I am listening to this song over and over again.... Here.

signed thankful me.

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Dear Snowy Colorado,

Thanks for being still awesome even when I am not there. Don't worry its not like I miss you or anything.... (ahem ahem). You won my heart in high school, took my heart in College and now I am longing for it back, pretty sure you still have. My dear friend Megs messaged me on her flight back to Colorado and said, "Oh it feels good to see the snowy mountains again." Soon, soon I will be saying that again.... I miss the mountains, playing in the snow, skiing. Colorado stay classy, because you wear it well.

love ski longing kristina

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Dear future,

Thanks for being a surprise. I am learning to let you happen, slowly....... but surely. I am anxious, excited and nervous about so many things. Thanks for creating a new desire for school. I can honestly say I am open and beginning to think that this is the future that is in store or perhaps a new adventure in New Zealand. Whatever you have in store for me, thanks in advance for surprising me.

love anxious me.

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Dear Jcrew,

Thanks for reminding me that although I live in a place where people have very little and many have nothing at all, you remind me of my still love for beautiful things. Most specifically clothes. Thanks for teasing me with things that I do not have, nor things that are appropriate for this place. Your new email had me swooning over patent leather and bright colors. Thanks for that.

Love desiring fashionista me.

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Dear second graders,

YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT! You did so well on your English exam! I am so proud. That is all!

Love Miss Kristina, your ever proud teacher.

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happy tuesday to you.

Letters

I have always been a big fan of written letters, hand written notes, cards, just simple things that tell someone how much they mean to you or wishing them well. So in light of this crazy week at school and our children who are so close to jumping of the roof top with excitement and the teachers who are begging for time to pass quickly I thought I would write a series of letters to things.... has helped me keep sane a bit.

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Dear Devil Angel Second Graders, 

It is true you are being incredibly rotten and testing all of my patience. I know you are excited for Christmas and I dont blame you. I want to color and watch movies and eat candy all day too. That sounds like so much more fun than learning about pronouns, number patterns and the weather. But bear with me. Forgive me for yelling too much. For not taking time to listen to you and just assume you are again begging to get water or go to the bathroom. I am learning. I am learning patience. Just a few more lessons as you continue to amaze me with how much you learn and I promise I will make the end of this week good. Like cookies, candy, coke, everything your mom wishes you wouldn't have kind of good. Perhaps singing carols. Dancing to Gangnam Style. (yes just for you I will). 

With lots of love Miss Kristina

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Dear Yoga this morning,

As much as my body insisted on curling up underneath my covers and spend time with you later in the day. I knew my time with you would benefit me well and I would be happy. It is true. I feel good because of you. I feel stronger, more relaxed and you are helping me deal with my kiddies and more patience so Thank you. I cant wait to see you in Texas as well. My mom is going to meet you and it will be awesome, she will enjoy your benefits too. 

Sincerely Kristinas body 
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Dear Plane Flight Sunday

You are all I think about. Ridiculous I know. You are going to take me home. ....and for that I will be so grateful. Grateful knowing that after you I will be welcomed by my family. Celebrating the season. Celebrating the joys and things that matter most.  Do me a favor and be as glorious as I think you will be. 

Sincerely your future passenger.


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Dear Time,

As much as I wish you would pass by quickly and you would simply come and go, I know that I need to savor more of you often. I know that I will be wishing for you back in just months time and for that I am sorry. I am sorry I take you for granted so often. That I do not realize how little of you I have and that I should never ever ever wish you to go fast. With that being said thanks for these last few days with Kate and with my kids before the holidays. 

Warmest Anxious Teacher


As for all of us, we feel like we are holding on for dear life. Lots of energized children, lots of Christmas song practicing, recording for our performance Friday night. Last night a few of us made our way to Alison's for dinner with the girls, for one last time before the holidays. Aracely and I performed our class song for Alison since she will be missing the show on Friday. I will not forget it. She was so so adorable and knows the words better than me. It was a lot of fun. Tonight we are going for dinner for Kates last evening together, Thomas flies out in the morning and Kate the following. 

Only 2 days left after today. Cheers and Warmest to all of you.