Done Done Done...school that is!

COSTA RICA MASSAGE SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2008
GRADUATION DECEMBER 13TH

December 13th was our official graduation. At a beautiful 5 star resort in Punta Islita. Over looking the ocean. We had two houses both unique and beautiful. We were treated to a 5 star dining experience including a pet baby spotted skunk that joined us. The directors hosted a cocktail party that turned into 9 naked girls in a pool under the full moon. The graduation ceremony was very intimate, only one class member had a partner come to it. The rest of us just soaked up each others presence till the 3:00am shuttle. To which 2 of the students ran out of the house nekked saying goodbye. I am surprised the driver didnt take us over the edge.

They had a slide show of photos through out the quarters, good memories! Another student and I made dreamcatchers to give to everybody. There were a few speeches and then the valedictorian speech. Again more tears and laughs. It was really great to hear the transformations people had and the unique personalities that blended so well together. After that we headed to the restaurant for our final meal.




The last quarter flew by until the final week. Where I just wanted to be home, had enough of studying and didn't want to go through the good bye process. It has been a true adventure.
We all became a bit closer and opened up even more. My last weekend there was filled with intense conversation and insane laughter, just the way it should be.

Took a road trip north east to Arenal Volcano. I drove a standard in Costa Rica....and rocked it. We didn't get to see any fireworks of lava but did get to hike an old lava flow.





I can not say enough how beautiful Costa Rica is, and I've only seen a few parts. For the most part the people are pretty accommodating and friendly. The food wasn't spectacular but still great, i may have been under the impression it was going to be "mexican" food and you could drink from the tap so that's a bonus!

Academically the classes were winding everything we had been learning into one, had a class of just practice tests and then a reward of the pool side BBQ. By the thirds test i was so aggravated I didnt want to think or read anymore! Lots of dinners our to celebrate the finals, and we tried our best to party and dance but we are more eaters. yummy dinners and then chill on the beach!

Though excited to get back to Canada and the real world I was also nervous and anxious. Feared that all the progress i had made would not stick once back, that resisting the negative and temptation would not happen. But i fully trust and view the obstacles in a different manner now and trust i have the tools to make it all happen!

There you have it, 4 intense months of personal transformation!

I am now back in Vancouver for the holidays, will go to Bella Coola to visit my mom for a bit as well. And then get ready to make beautiful spectacular appointments with me for massage or your friend or your loved ones or even just liked ones. Mama dulce has some money to make!!

I do have a website that still needs some work but its a good contact page and will be updated very shortly! www.lotuseffectmassage.com

Pura Vida,, Escuela Terminado

Where to begin, how about where I left off. Third quarter was not as taxing but very interesting. We learned Thai Massage and built the musculoskeletal system out of clay. Yes I played with clay at my school, along we resorts, kayaking, sugar scrubs by the pool, Water gun fight and BBQ pool party. The directors are big on a work and reward system and I have to say I am a fan of it as well!





There was a bit of drama through the 3rd quarter, though it worked out for the best in the end there wasn't the most positive vibe on campus. Half the class was basically off campus, but the last quarter we all became very tight again and got to another level in our training, massage and friendships.

I've learned and explored a lot down here. Tested many boundaries and over came a few fears and assumptions. One fear was of the ocean and its death trap waves. Samara has one of the best beaches for learning to surf, no reef and manageable waves. A couple of the girls that worked for the school I became quite close with and as a bonus they are both surf instructors. They made me a pro in 2 lessons and now I am sponsored by Roxy and surf diva. I had a blast, a few scary moments that really werent that scary and swallowed a whole lot of water.




The first road trip that wasn't through the school was taken up north to Playa Negra and final destination Tamarindo to attend a Buddhist meeting. The meeting was great andthe drive was beuatiful. 5 of us stayed in these little cabinas at the SwimSuit lady's property. She makes great swimsuits and dresses. Melissa basically is in business with her making 30 suits at atime and it turns into a little sweat shop weakend...you can imagine i just went to the beach. But i did get a dress made for graduation which you can see in the next blog.

A couple in the buddhist district had us meet them at their dive shop and took us to the meeting. It was primarily Italian members, the meeting was translated generously among the members into english italian and spanish. so great. The lady their was receiivng her gohonzon which is a beautiful symbol of committment, a great moment so lots of emotion! A universal family is a great thing to be a part of and draw wisdom and inspiration from.



I think that was it for 3rd quarter, socialized a lot more, made some close friends and got all A's. A great quarter!