ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP:
Better yet - do you have extra time on your hands & looking for a volunteer project? Since this blog is a labor of love & RARELY does anyone share a donation (even though MANY have said how much it's helped them), I could REALLY use help updating info. Spanish speakers ESPECIALLY welcome since my VicLish can be somewhat limited at times!!

DONATE:
Has my blog helped in any way? Helped find something•brought more EASE? More exposure or business?
I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
The easiest way is with PAYPAL - Attn: LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
(you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to do this - just a credit or debit card)
ADD INFORMATION:
Do YOU have/know of a Business•Event•News•Place•Things 4 Sale•Rent to add? Email:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THIS BLOG

• APPLE LAPTOP - Do you have a Laptop you're not using? Mine recently broke so I'm using a lender. Must be new enough to run current Skypes & have an SDCard slot.
• Amazon.com or GoDaddy.com Credit•Gift Certificate (attn: SarongGoddess@gmail.com)
• Something else to share?? A gift certificate or invite for your business? I'm open!! (at times I'll add other things here that I'm seeking)

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Vicki Skinner (aka THE Sarong Goddess) Return Trip to the Sarasota, Florida area - May 31-June 20, 2014

I left the Sarasota, Florida area (on the Gulf•West•BEAUTIFUL Coast of Florida - about 1 hour South of Tampa) on July 19, 2005 because I was having "visions"•dreams•"signs" that I was supposed to move to this country where I knew NO ONE, didn't speak the language and knew nothing about it other than it was green and an "island" (what can I say - another geographically illiterate American!!  Hey - it's surrounded by more water than land so it's a logical "assumption" now isn't it!???!!




MORE COMING




Thursday, May 29, 2014

READ!!!! NEW FINES & RULES for Taxes Due on Costa Rica Corporations

And you wonder why Costa Rica is going DOWN DOWN DOWN in the International Ease of Doing Business lists . . . .


tax cheat

Tax collectors have new rules, and individuals who pay taxes or manage corporations face penalties that the public accountant association says have INCREASED DRASTICALLY.

The new rules, issued in April, also allow tax collectors to go back 10 years to check for errors or irregularities if they consider the tax filings to be inconsistent or fraudulent.

In case tax investigators allege a fraud of 199,900,000 colons ($357,000) or more, the case goes directly to prosecutors, and the taxpayer faces from five to 10 years in prison, if convicted, the association said.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica•DACR - May 2014 Meeting - Showing the documentary "Inequality for All"

DEMOCRATS ABROAD Costa Rica
MONTHLY MEETING
Saturday - May 31, 2014
9:30am till noon-ish


Message for U.S. Citizens: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Webinar on Reporting Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts to be Held on June 4, 2014

United States Embassy San Jose
Message for U.S. Citizens: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Webinar on Reporting Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts to be Held on June 4, 2014

(updated July 25, 2014) GASOLINE & Compressed Natural Gas in Costa Rica - Gas Prices • Info on Gas in CR +


July 25, 2014  -  We're awaiting yet ANOTHER gas increase.  Details to follow once it's "OFFICIAL"!!!



First off, at gas stations in Costa Rica the attendant pumps the gas for you! 

With that said, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure BEFORE they start pumping the gas that YOU look at the pump to make sure it is back to $0!!!!!!!!!! 
(or do NOT blame them for screwing you over if YOU did not look before they pumped!!  Don't play "victim" for something YOU ALLOWED to happen)

Also, gas is the SAME PRICE at ALL stations throughout Costa Rica - so no need to run around shopping to say 2¢.

Gas prices are HIGH in Costa Rica (and MOST of the world!!)!!!  So if you're looking to move or visit Costa Rica and considering buying•renting a car - SERIOUSLY look at this as it WILL be a BIG chunk of change in your expenses!!

FYI - in Costa Rica's neighboring countries - gas is LOTS cheaper
Panama - $1.05/liter  =  $3.97/gallon
Nicaragua - $1.06/liter  =  $4.00/gallon


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PRICES AS OF JULY 4, 2014
Prices below are based on the current rate of 533-colones to $1-US$ and a new price increase to balance the increase of the price of the dollar as well the international price per barrel.
When the dollar price goes back down to around 500-c/$1 - the price of gasoline will go up a LOT with Supreme being around $6.17/gallon.
For those Americans not thinking in liters yet (myself included) -
1 GALLON is equivalent to 3.78 liters.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

NEW MUSIC VIDEO Shot in Costa Rica - "Never Give Up" by Jah Sun


"Never Give Up"
Jah Sun


COOL!! I LOVE the POSITIVE MESSAGE of this Reggae song!!!! 
 
Anyone know for sure where all in Costa Rica this was filmed???!!!!
(logic would tell me the Caribbean - Puerto Viejo side•area)



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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/05/NeverGiveUpReggaeVideoShotInCR.html


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Talk by Spiritual Leader DR. ANGEL LUIS FERNANDEZ in Costa Rica - June 5


An enlightening talk with the spiritual teacher, Dr. Angel Luis Fernandez, on Thursday, June 5th, at 2-6pm.  The themes for the talk will be The Birth of a New Humanity and The Awakening of the Inner Knowing.  Born in Spain, Dr. Angel speaks five languages. and he gives seminars all over the world. 

Monday, May 26, 2014

Costa Rica will help CALL YOU TO CONSCIOUSNESS!!!!!!!! You MUST be FULLY AWARE EVERY SECOND when Walking or Driving in Costa Rica or risk ACCIDENTS!!

Costa Rica is a country that WILL help CALL YOU TO CONSCIOUSNESS - or you WILL PAY for not being conscious 24/7!!

It's a country where EVERY STEP YOU TAKE you MUST BE 101% FULLY AWARE on what is in FRONT of you - otherwise - DOWN YOU GO!!!
(which doesn't help when there's a sharp metal overhang at a bus stop that's level with your head)
(these things sticking out of the grounds are some metal pieces - left over from some sort of signs perhaps - or bars used to block the entrance of the parking lot when this bank on Calle Vieja was closed.  I went down here - ended up face down on the asphalt on the street!! Scrapped up my face & right hand!!)

(this is a sidewalk in a VERY prominent Escazu neighborhood.  NOT easy for one with mobility issues or weak ankles to maneuver)


 (this is a metal overhang at a popular bus stop that was LOW!!  I can't believe a BUNCH of people haven't gouged their heads open.  Ahhh - life in Costa Rica!!!)
 (the mold and moss on many sidewalks in Rainy Season [ESPECIALLY worse June-November/December-ish])






 (make sure you have a flashlight with you when walking at night!)
(yet ANOTHER drop [this one is about 4 feet down] on THE major street in Escazu.  More proof you MUST be looking down ALL the time when you're walking in Costa Rica!!)

Jo Ann share THIS reminder - "As well as looking ahead, also be aware of hazards behind you!! I'm always very careful when walking, but recently, I was taking to someone as I stepped backward...uneven sidewalk behind me & I fell backward! Broke a bone in my wrist since I tried to catch myself. One more thing to watch for next time!!"


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YOU MUST BE CONSCIOUS WHEN DRIVING IN COSTA RICA
Even when driving - you MUST have ALL your eyes WIDE OPEN AND FOCUSED (even those on the sides AND back of your head) - otherwise - DOWN YOUR CAR GOES - into that 6' deep open manhole where the 2 guys are walking away with the cover - or while you're in that left turning lane, a motorcycle comes up along your LEFT side and you hit him and YOU'RE responsible - or some fool insecure unconscious insecure driver that's never taken a driving class comes out of no where - or goes through his red light  -  or as you go over that little puddle in the road - down you go into a DEEP POTHOLE - breaking your front end  -  or you go to parallel park your car and you don't realize there's a  (ALL these are things that have happened to people I've encountered that have shared their experiences!) . . .

 (Potholes in Paradise!!  This was the road going to Tamarindo [at least now it's paved]. In Rainy Season - even in the best of areas Potholes come out BIG TIME and you WILL be weaving in and out - EVEN on the MAIN ROADS and HIGHWAYS THROUGHOUT Costa Rica
(remember when you're backing up what's behind you!!  With all the LOW cars in Costa Rica - this could do some serious damage to your car!!)


(NOTE:  I speak from LOTS of experience on this topic in my nearly 9 years living in Costa Rica and I have plenty of scars, torn ligaments & even a torn meniscus in my knee [from when I didn't see that one step that came out of no where - that reminds me of how CRUCIAL it is for me to be CONSCIOUS with EVERY step I take - otherwise - DOWN I go!!).


Memorial for JO STUART in Costa Rica - June 7


A memorial for Jo Stuart!


Time to share stories and celebrate Jo Stuart's life

!


DATE:
Saturday, June 7, 2014  -  11am to 2pm

Meet Spiritual teacher Francis Bennett in Costa Rica - Introduction Talk - May 30 &/or Weekend Retreat - May 31-June 1, 2014


Jenny Ortuño invites us to her house in Ciudad Colón, to meet the spiritual teacher, Francis Bennett.  He offers us a monistic (non-dualistic) perspective of our spiritual true nature.   His experiences in diverse spiritual paths have the potential of conveying to us a very rich message.

For more details, refer to the invitation in the attached document.  It invites us to the donation-based-talk on Friday, May the 30th, as well as a weekend retreat with Francis Bennett.
LANGUAGE:
English and Español
 

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“…When we awaken to the absolute level of reality and see it with great clarity, we are also seeing clearly the relative. The only ‘problem’ we have with the relative is when we wish for the relative to be absolute. Once we see with clarity the relative nature of all the forms appearing and disappearing in this physical world we live in, we no longer feel the need to insist that they be in any way different than what they are…”
“…Cuando despertamos al nivel absoluto de realidad y lo vemos con gran claridad, también estamos viendo el nivel relativo claramente. El único “problema” que tenemos con lo relativo es cuando queremos que sea absoluto. Pero una vez que vemos la naturaleza relativa de todas las formas que aparecen y desaparecen en el mundo físico en que vivimos, no sentímos más la necesidad de insistir que sean de forma diferente de lo que ya son…”


Más acerca de Francis
Francis Bennett fue un monje católico de la Orden Trapista por muchísimos años y también trabajó como Ministro en Hospitales ayudando a personas enfermas y moribundas.  Ha conducido retiros en la tradición teravada budista del vipassana y en la tradición mística cristiana contemplativa. Estudió filosofía, religión y budismo Zen Japonés (tradiciones Rinzai y Soto) en todos sus años de búsqueda.  Además, ha seguido las enseñanzas de Ramana Maharshi por 12 años.  En el 2010 durante una misa en el Monasterio de Montreal, Francis experimentó un cambio radical de percepción en la conciencia donde descubrió la presencia pura absoluta. A partir de allí ha guiado a cientos de personas hacia el descubrimiento de esa verdad con su forma humilde y directa.
Para saber más de Francis vaya a: http://findinggraceatthecenter.com/#/about/
Para ver sus videos, puede ir a: http://findinggraceatthecenter.com/#/videos/  y también puede ver su Facebook.

ACTIVIDADES
Charla
Viernes 30 de Mayo - 6:30pm

Lugar•Location:
Escazú- Clínica Homeopática Dra. Shoeller – 
De la Paco 50 metros  sobre la carretera vieja a Santa Ana. Mano derecha.
                                                                                                                                                       Donación sugerida
$10


Retiro de dos días
Sábado 31 de mayo y Domingo 1 de junio
Hora: 9:30 am- 6:00 pm
Lugar: Ciudad Colón, casa de Jenny Ortuño ubicada 1.5 km al este de la Farmacia Mora, Calle El Porvenir, solamente se sube en 4 x 4. Portón de barras negras con pared de piedra a mano derecha. Un portón estará abierto. Entrar y avanzar hasta encontrar la casa.
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Tel: 88742612 
Inversión: $150
 (Este precio incluye almuerzo vegetariano ambos días)
Habrá traducción al español siempre

NOTA: Francis no cobra por su trabajo, pero debemos cubrir su tiquete y gastos.  En caso de necesidad, se otorgarán becas parciales para el retiro. Si necesita quedarse a dormir, es posible pero habrá un costo adicional por cena y desayuno. Tanto para citas, becas parciales, dirección o para quedarse a dormir por favor comunicarse con anticipación con  Jenny Ortuño pues hay cupo limitado.  Llamarla al 88742612 ( dejar mensaje de texto sino la consigue directamente).

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Saturday, May 24, 2014

BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • BEISBOL • SOFTBOL GAME•LEAGUES•TEAMS • BATTING CAGES in Costa Rica



Unlike their neighboring countries of Panama and Nicaragua - Baseball - let alone Softball is SOOOO NOT popular in Costa Rica (which I think is ironic considering the exclusive supplier of baseball BALLS for Major League Baseball for over a quarter-century is Rawlings - and they are MADE IN COSTA RICA [Turrialba]!! -
SOURCE:  ThinkBluela.com/index.php/2012/10/17/rawlings-puts-the-ball-in-baseball)

It is slowly picking up and as I hear of teams•games - especially non-committal pick up type games, I'll share them here.


Hey - do you REALLY MISS the sport but perhaps aren't up to playing these days (no longer a Spring Chicken?)??  Why not help coach or teach some kids in your neighborhood???!!  Since baseball•softball are a fairly new phenomenon in Costa Rica, chances are REAL GOOD that you know LOTS more than they do!!  And do you know any baseball•softball teams back home???  How about writing them to have them do a drive to collect their old cleats, uniforms, gloves, bats, hats, whatever!!!!

RENTAL CARS - GREAT PRICES & HINTS for Renting & Driving a Car in Costa Rica

Recently my cousin visited and bought the CostaRicaDiscount.com cards - both the one for Car Rentals which gave her 20% off ($30) and the tour one which gave 15% off MANY of the popular tours and lots more ($30 - or $40 for both!!).

The SUPER COOL thing is ONE CARD is ALL you need for all people in your party!

She said everything went perfect and the car rental was the cheapest she found.


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CAR RENTAL HINTS • TIPS
FYI - Be REALLY CAREFUL renting cars in Costa Rica!!  SERIOUSLY consider getting the FULL FULL FULL insurance as most of your insurance does NOT cover you in CR.

And GET THE GPS!!  Your software from the states doesn't always "get" 50 meters from the oak tree like directions are often given in CR!!!

Also, with MANY companies, if you go "off road" (even if it's the only road leading somewhere) - you're contract can become null and void if something happens to the car.

If you rent a car online, CALL the car rental agency DIRECT to make sure they go the reservation and it's set in the system!!!!!!  This happened to my cousin and luckily I suggested she do that and lo and behold, they were sold out - though they never notified her of that!!!

I also suggest when you get the car, one person walks around the car WITH the car rental person - dissecting EVERY crack, scratch, etc. taking pictures WHILE another one of you VIDEO TAPES EVERYTHING!!!!!!!  I say that as I've seen/heard of tooooo many people having problems from rental car companies and they often didn't learn about them till they returned home and it's not so easy to deal with it from home (to say nothing of how expensive it is to call CR from the states if you don't have some sort of special card/rate!).



Sunday, May 18, 2014

MAPS of Costa Rica

Ahhhh - Costa Rica and Maps!!  They do NOT go hand-in-hand!!! 


Find Your Way Around Costa Rica or Anywhere with Avenza's Geo-PDF Reader



OK, I admit I was first attracted to this Geospatial PDF stuff because 1) it’s geeky and 2) it’s free, free, free. Well, at least two frees, one for the Avenza PDF Maps app itself and another “free” for it being an Android app (it works as well for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch version 5), so I can use it on my generic tablet.
geospatial pdf map of western costa rica
Sample Geo-PDF map of W. Costa Rica
The reader is a terrific way for travelers to explore new terrain and share their finds with others. If you are an expat in a country where good maps are hard to find or expensive, or you like to get off the beaten path, Geospatial PDF is a boon.
- See more at: http://adullroar.blogspot.com/2014/04/find-your-way-around-costa-rica-or.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FExXrw+%28A+Dull+Roar%29&utm_content=FaceBook#sthash.2sRNfzqU.dpuf
A Dull Roar blog found a GOOD map for your SmartPhone on avenza.com/pdf-maps:
See more about what he says about it at:
"Find Your Way Around Costa Rica or Anywhere with Avenza's Geo-PDF Reader"


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Other sites for MAPS of Costa Rica:

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I have a bunch more maps of around Costa Rica at:
SarongGoddess.com/Travel/MAPS-CostaRica




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SAN JOSE:



I Like this Map of Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/05/MapsOfCostaRica.html

Find Your Way Around Costa Rica or Anywhere with Avenza's Geo-PDF Reader



OK, I admit I was first attracted to this Geospatial PDF stuff because 1) it’s geeky and 2) it’s free, free, free. Well, at least two frees, one for the Avenza PDF Maps app itself and another “free” for it being an Android app (it works as well for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch version 5), so I can use it on my generic tablet.
geospatial pdf map of western costa rica
Sample Geo-PDF map of W. Costa Rica
The reader is a terrific way for travelers to explore new terrain and share their finds with others. If you are an expat in a country where good maps are hard to find or expensive, or you like to get off the beaten path, Geospatial PDF is a boon.
- See more at: http://adullroar.blogspot.com/2014/04/find-your-way-around-costa-rica-or.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FExXrw+%28A+Dull+Roar%29&utm_content=FaceBook#sthash.2sRNfzqU.dpuf

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BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED around Costa Rica - URGENT!!! (this is an on-going list)



DONATING BLOOD (or organs•body parts) is not a real common thing in Costa Rica so your help is ALWAYS NEEDED!!!!!

This page I'm going to start listing various requests I receive (double check with the hospital first to make sure they still need it before you go as this is a free listing in a site with over 2,000 posts so I don't have time to update them.  On that note, if you see a request I don't have, please send it to me [see the note below on what all I need]).

IMPORTANT TO READ BEFORE GOING!!!
ALSO BEFORE GOING - check out this link to see what the hospitals process, prerequisites, etc. are to avoid wasting your time and gas:


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REQUESTS:
MAY 18, 2014
TYPE:
A-•A negative - OR - O-•O negative

PERSON NEEDING IT:
LOUCINDA RUTH

WHERE:
CIMA HOSPITAL - ESCAZU

Loucinda Ruth needs your help asap for a Blood Transfusion as the type of blood she needs, only 5% of Latin’s have it (15% Americans & 20% Europeans) so the blood bank does not have much of it.

Loucinda Ruth has lived in Costa Rica for 20 years where she was a teacher at Marian Baker School.  She has been in ICU for 10 weeks.  She has had numerous surgeries and is bleeding internally.  She's close to the end. 

PLEASE SHARE THIS!!!

Do you know many Europeans living in Costa Rica?  Perhaps you could share this with them??



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WHAT BLOOD TYPES ARE REGULARLY NEEDED THE MOST:

CIMA:
O- • O negative (the hardest to find - BUT - it’s the BEST to use with the other ones)
O+ - the most common used


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KNOW SOMEONE NEEDING BLOOD?

Answer ALL the questions below and email it to me at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


TYPE OF BLOOD NEEDED:


PERSONS NAME NEEDING IT:


HOW MUCH BLOOD IS NEEDED:


WHERE TO DONATE:


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS•NOTES:


CONTACT:
(this could be someone coordinating it or an email address to send the person in need a note)


ADD INFORMATION ON THE PERSON AND OR THEIR NEED FOR HELP TO TOUCH PEOPLE'S HEARTS TO GET OUT AND DONATE:



ARE YOU IN ANY PRAYER CIRCLES?
Perhaps you could add these peoples names to the Prayer Circles or put them in your thoughts?!

If you're looking for a new way to language such a prayer, Karen Butler has a wonderful message she sounds out to her Prayer List:
"We hold dear ____ now in Divine Light and Love, in Divine Healing Grace, and in Divine Order for her Highest Good.      
__________ you are a true expression of Eternal Life. You reflect the Divine Balance and the Perfection of Creator, All That Is, your I AM God Presence within you.  Our Infinite Love and Healing Blessings flow to you now.  So be it, and so it is.  Peace."



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WHAT ARE YOUR WISHES ON WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BODY AFTER YOU'VE GONE?

This is a topic MOST people don't want to go to but we're ALL going to go sometime!!  A large % of the people in my life that have passed away, did so from sudden accidents caused by someone elses negligence and pretty you.  WE DO NOT KNOW when it's our time to go!!!!!
PLEASE - as SOON as possible - #1 - make your wishes KNOWN to those that will make decisions for you and GET IT IN WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!  MAKE IT OFFICIAL (this is a VERY SENSITIVE subject to me after my daddy clearly stated he wanted to be cremated but his mother interfered and he was buried [my grandfather was the mayor of the small town this happened in]).


One thing that's GREAT is you can have ALL your expenses taken care of when you die by
DONATING YOUR BODY TO SCIENCE!!
Check out the article at:

SOON I'm going to do a story on where you can get discounts on burials and cremations and LOTS more on this IMPORTANT TOPIC we can NOT bury our head in the sand over - to leave for those we CLAIM to love to deal with (and TRUST ME - it's a NIGHTMARE!)


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PLEASE SHARE this link with anyone you know that is in need of blood or might be able to donate•give back!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/05/BloodDonationsNeededCR_8568.html
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DONATING BLOOD • BLOOD DONATIONS in Costa Rica


Getting people to DONATE BLOOD (or organs) in Costa Rica is NOT an easy thing to do so the BLOOD BANKS at ALL the hospitals are ALWAYS in DESPERATE NEED - ESPECIALLY during high party holidays seasons!!

This is a GREAT WAY for YOU to give back that does not cost you ANYTHING (actually, there ARE some perks for you in it!!  More on that lower down!!!) and is SOOOO NEEDED - ESPECIALLY if you have O-negative or O+Positive!!!!!!!!!!!


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WHAT BLOOD TYPES ARE REGULARLY NEEDED THE MOST:

CIMA:
O- • O negative (the hardest to find - BUT - it’s the BEST to use with the other ones)
O+ - the most common used


(this is an interesting articlethat explains the different blood types
LaughingSquid.com/scishow-explains-why-we-have-different-blood-types


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BLOOD DONATING PROCESS FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS:
(more being added in the future as the need here comes up [unless someone wants to volunteer to help compile this information for the other blood banks/hospitals??!!  Spanish speaking is REALLY HELPFUL!!  Contact me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com)


CIMA:

WHO CAN DONATE?
ANYONE - with or withOUT residency
(I mention this because I’ve heard [but have not verified yet] that ONLY residents can donate blood to the national blood donation system.  I’ll check that out this week)

GAY MEN:
NO men that have had sex with other men
(CIMA follows the commonly recognized American Association of Blood Banks standard)


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PREREQUISITES•RESTRICTIONS•LIMITATIONS:
•  UNDER 60 years old/young 
•  WEIGHT - at least 110 lbs•50 kilos
•  GOOD HEALTH in the PAST WEEK
•  NO ASPIRIN in past 3 days (it makes the platelets go non-functional)
•  NO ALCOHOL within 24 hours
•  NO funny stuff•“Drugs” in your system (I’m not sure how long they stay in but if you’re doing pot, etc. you’ll probably know)
•  NO LOW Blood Pressure
•  Not much MEDICATION (if you’re on prescription drugs, you’ll need to be evaluated to see if you can donate)
•  NO CANCER in past
•  NO on certain illnesses•diseases (it’s a long list - you’ll find out when you get there) - like hepatitis, vaccinations (1 month after)
•  NO STD’s in the past (well that really eliminates many people that grew up in the 1960’s to 1980’s hehehehe.  Actually, they will test you so as long as it was treated and cleared)


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PROCESS:
•  Come with an empty stomach or a small breakfast that is low in lipid content (ideally no dairy•fat).  Fruits are best. (here's a good article on what to/not to eat before/after:
•  Bring some form of official id (original Passport, Cedula, Drivers License)
•   Fill out a detailed Donor Questionnaire (health - recent or years ago)
•   Then you’ll be interviewed for more explanation
•   Then they take a little pinch with a little needle to get a small amount of blood (9 milliliters) to test to make sure your blood is “safe” to use and you have no blood transmitted diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Chagas Disease (that’s a parasite in the blood often found in Central America)
•   Then they’ll check your Blood Pressure
•   If all is good, then they’ll make you comfy and draw your blood (450 milliliters.  Drawing time is about 20 minutes [that in part depends on your veins and how fast your blood flows in part])
•   After you get a little snack and some juice till you get your strength back.
The WHOLE process takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours


CRUCIAL INSTRUCTIONS!!!
You MUST AVOID HEAVY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES for about 24 HOURS.


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WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN:

•  A little snack (sandwich, juice, fries [ahhh - Tico’s and their fries??  Unhealthy as fries are!])


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DONATIONS:
If you’re donating specifically for someone, REMEMBER TO GIVE THEIR NAME!!


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HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE BLOOD?
You can ONLY donate every 3-4 MONTHS - or - 3 TIMES A YEAR


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WHERE:
CIMA Hospital in Escazu
MAIN BUILDING - facing lobby - follow the Lab sign about 10 meters.



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NOTE about CIMA donations
CIMA is a U.S. owned hospital so your results WILL be shared with the International medical system - which might not be good if you have any Pre-Existing Conditions as it could prevent you from getting insurance)


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HOURS:
Monday-Friday - 7am-1:30pm
(currently ONLY these days/hours)


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APPOINTMENTS OR OTHER QUESTIONS:
FYI - EVERY time I've called
2-208-1084 • 2-208-1253  •  2-208-1000 xt 1084-main CIMA #
(tell Jose Vicki with the blog sends a hug!!)


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BRINGING A GROUP OF PEOPLE:
If you are bringing 20-30 people at the same time, it’s best to make an appointment so they’re prepared for you and it goes faster!



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WHAT ARE YOUR WISHES ON WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BODY AFTER YOU'VE GONE?

This is a topic MOST people don't want to go to but we're ALL going to go sometime!!  A large % of the people in my life that have passed away, did so from sudden accidents caused by someone elses negligence and pretty you.  WE DO NOT KNOW when it's our time to go!!!!!
PLEASE - as SOON as possible - #1 - make your wishes KNOWN to those that will make decisions for you and GET IT IN WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!  MAKE IT OFFICIAL (this is a VERY SENSITIVE subject to me after my daddy clearly stated he wanted to be cremated but his mother interfered and he was buried [my grandfather was the mayor of the small town this happened in]).


One thing that's GREAT is you can have ALL your expenses taken care of when you die by
DONATING YOUR BODY TO SCIENCE!!
Check out the article at:

SOON I'm going to do a story on where you can get discounts on burials and cremations and LOTS more on this IMPORTANT TOPIC we can NOT bury our head in the sand over - to leave for those we CLAIM to love to deal with (and TRUST ME - it's a NIGHTMARE!)


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QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:

IF THIS IS A DONATION, WHY ARE THE RECIPIENTS BEING CHARGED SO MUCH FOR IT?
For MANY years I donated blood as well as platelets regularly in the U.S. (I’ve not had much $$ to give to charity but I CAN “give” my blood and a little time).  Then one day I’m like “HEY WAIT!!  If I’m “Donating” my blood, why are the recipients being charged to much to receive it????” and I quit donating (except for when someone I knew needed it).

I’m glad I made a comment about this as I know MANY other people are not keen on “donating” BECAUSE of this - BUT - today Jose at the lab REMINDED me - there are LOTS of expenses involved to ensure your blood is safe and process it let alone to store and get it to the recipient so I’m going to start giving again!!!


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THANX to their MicroBiologist Jose Baltodano (JBaltodano@HospitalCIMA.com) for taking ALL the time and patience he did with me to help me create this detailed description for you!! 


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PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN COSTA RICA that might be able to help!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/05/DonatingBloodInCR.html





Friday, May 16, 2014

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Batman • Celebración del 75 aniversario de Batman in San Jose, Costa Rica



Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Batman  •  Celebración del 75 aniversario de Batman

ENGLISH:
Batman's birthday! And the Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center wants to celebrate.

ESPANOL:
¡Batman está de cumpleaños! Y el Centro Cultural Costarricense-Norteamericano quiere celebrar.


WHEN•CUANDO
MAY 22-24, 2014

WHERE•DONDE
Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center
San Jose, Costa Rica

FENG SHUI CLASES con ISIDE SARMIENTO - "Feng Shui Básico y el maravilloso Bagua - La escuela para activar las 8 aspiraciones de la vida, como el área del reconocimiento" • "Feng Shui for 2014"



¿Cuándo
fue
la última vez que recibiste una felicitación por tus logros?

El área del prestigio y la reputación se "enciende" en la orientación SUR ó al fondo, al medio, de cualquier espacio.
Se activa con FUEGO real (como unas velas), premios, diplomas, aves, caballos, colores rojo, morado, fuccia y geometrías triangulares. También con una planta saludable y feliz.
Próximas clases de Feng Shui con Iside Sarmiento







Martes 27 de mayo: 

"Feng Shui Básico y el maravilloso Bagua".
La escuela para activar las 8 aspiraciones de la vida, como el área del reconocimiento.

11.900 colones. De 6 a 8:30pm.
Hotel Tryp Centro Colón
  
 
Sábado 31 de mayo:
 
"Feng Shui para el 2014"
Ajustes de la escuela clásica para maximizar el potencial de los espacios en este año del caballo.
 
19.000 colones. De 2 a 6pm.
Hotel Actual. Sabana Este

Y además invitadísim@s a las charlas gratuitas de mayo sobre Feng Shui para espacios fluidos:
Todas a las 2pm

Viernes 16. Librería Internacional, Multiplaza del Este.

Domingo 18. Feria Holística en el CENAC.

Viernes 23 de mayo. Librería Internacional, Multiplaza Escazú.