Earthquake 4.8

We had another earthquake at 1:30 AM this morning. It was a 4.8.

I have had trouble sleeping, as usual. Been a night owl my whole life. Last night I stopped reading around 11:00, took a sleeping pill about 30 mins. before that and turned the lights out. The last time I looked at the clock it was 12:35. I was finally sound asleep when suddenly my two little dogs went crazy charging the foot of the bed barking. I barely woke up, looked at them and at the same time heard my bird downstairs flapping her wings like crazy. I took for granted the dogs were barking at her, even though she's never done this in the middle of the night before, and laid back down and went instantly back to sleep.

Today I went to a ladies luncheon at a friend's house. One of the gals asked if anyone felt last night's earthquake. They all responded, YES! That's when I realized my dogs and bird were going nuts because they were hearing and feeling the earthquake. Those sleeping pills work great once they finally take me down! In reality, the earthquake only lasted a matter of seconds and was not strong like the 6.8 I experienced in November. I'm sure if it had been the reality would have hit me. But it was really nice to be able to go right back to sleep oblivious of what had happened. I'm not a fan of earthquakes.

Pura Vida

On the Caja

I have jumped the last hurdle before I become a legal resident of Costa Rica. I was approved as a resident in December, but because of the holidays and backlog I am finally reaching the end. I went to the Caja Office (State Medical System), had to show my passport, rental contract, my monthly electric and water bills, my phone and internet bills, and an average of my monthly food bill. I also had to produce my Social Security papers showing what amount I receive each month. With all this they calculated my monthly charge for medical care and approved me!

I did take my friend, Cathy Klein, with me as my interpreter. If you do not speak very good Spanish do not attempt this on your own. She was able to find out exactly what they were telling me, helped me fill in the Spanish paperwork and get the amount.

My medical covers all doctor appointments, exams, any procedures I might need for a price of 23,500 Colones or $44.00 a month. This also includes prescriptions for free! The Caja carries most meds, but if they do not have what I need or do not have one that works the same then I would have to go to a different pharmacy and pay for it. I was surprised at the cost because my attorney had told me to expect around $80.00 a month which I was thrilled with. $44.00 is better!

I am now waiting to hear from my attorney, Roberto Umana, on the date and time to go to the immigration office, sign my final papers to become a legal resident of Costa Rica and receive me sedula which is my card proving my legal rights to live here. Happy day!

Pura Vida!