tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26541436970246845092024-03-05T11:52:16.690-03:00Living Life on the Road Less TraveledLiving in day to day life in Brazil!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-22915570662818963752013-07-15T12:57:00.001-03:002013-07-15T12:57:49.093-03:00Hello...anyone out there??I can not believe how long it has been since I have posted. The only thing I can say is that it has been a long year! I have been crazy, crazy busy with work. I have exploded with private students and working at the school.<br />
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So, lately, my biggest, best, most exciting news, is that I finally, Finally, FINALLY moved!! We are in our own apartment and couldn't be happier! We are both closer to work, we live in a great area, it's a new apartment. Happy, happy, happy!!<br />
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Other than that life is boring and normal. Things have become common here in Brazil. I still want to continue writing and telling stories about life here. Hopefully I can hop back on this wagon! And hopefully I can read your blogs too!! I have missed being a part of this community!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-77320323265285544112012-05-29T13:48:00.001-03:002012-05-29T13:48:38.495-03:00Just sharing the cuteness...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is one of my students. She loves to shower me with compliments and bring me things. The flower in my hair was the latest present :) </div>
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My niece is getting SO BIG! Next week she will be 2 years old! I'm sure I will have pictures to show from her "Sleeping Beauty" themed party. I got all the things to make cupcakes yesterday. All 200 of them. (cupcakes are the latest rage here) </div>
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In other news, where the heck is winter??? I've been waiting and waiting, but she is being very elusive. Thankfully she sneaks in at night, but during the day summer is still rearing its really, really ugly head. </div>
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</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-67630054952018075052012-05-27T23:51:00.000-03:002012-05-27T23:51:40.578-03:003 YearsToday marks 3 years that I have been in Brazil. I didn't realize it was my day until about an hour ago. The past two years, Sidnei and I went out and celebrated my Braziliversary (as coined by <a href="http://daniellebrazil.blogspot.com.br/"> Danielle</a>). So I feel a little deflated that I just let this day "passa branco"* but also proud, because I can use expressions like that now. (meaning, in case it's not obvious, I didn't do anything special) I can only assume that this means I am not constantly counting the number of days I have been in Brazil (though I am pretty much asked all the time, so it's not that hard to forgot) and life here is "normal". (although, I say that, and laugh. I need bigger quotation marks for that word.)<br />
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It's interesting how time changes things. (Or how things change over time?) In any case, life truly is feeling more like life. I work too much, I have a set of friends I really adore. I don't think there's anything that I can't/won't do. I can say pretty much anything I want to say. That does NOT mean I am fluent. Far, far from it. But I communicate well. Things would vastly improve if I took a Portuguese class. (Speaking of, can anyone recommend a good book for Portuguese classes...anyone use one they liked?)<br />
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To make a long post long, I am proud of myself. I have accomplished a lot. I have learned a lot. About this country, about the culture, and of course, most importantly, about me. I feel like I have discovered more about me in the past 3 years than I knew my whole life. And all at the same time, some days I feel like I have changed so much, I barely recognize myself. I'm good with that, I'm good with me. I like where I am. That is to say, personally. I could use a little work in the geographical department. (I kid, I kid...sort of)<br />
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As far as "home" is concerned...when I say home, it means two things and changes only in context. Home is here, in Brazil. And it will be for the next few years. I can't say for sure how long. In all honesty, I still hope for sooner rather than later. I have grown to love Brazil, but "home" always beckons to me. For now, we are here. And we are living life as if we will always be here. But we both hope to come "home" one day.<br />
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3 years. (That should have an echo) It feels so LONG and so short all in one space. After all I've said, I have to say this: It has been hard. It has been wonderful. I am grateful for every adventure, even the wrong turns. Our journey is still in the beginning. There are some good things in work for the future. I hope I can share it with you soon (one of the reasons I have been crazy busy and absent). For now, thanks for the 3 years of sharing with me. Thanks for all the guidance, advice, and love shown. Seriously, I would have never made it the first couple of years without you. (I really tell people that all the time. Expats get it, Brazilians kind of don't. You know, since you all are imaginary people in my computer)<br />
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(Thanks for putting up with all my parenthesis...I was feeling the love today)<br />
* I say passa branco...but maybe it's passa branca? I said I could use the expression, I didn't say I used it right. Masculine and feminine stuff is hard, okay?<br />
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Also: A picture for you. Sidnei and I took pictures for our anniversary. I feel I should include it, since I would not be here were it not for us.<br />
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I am totally having this made into a "banner" (as they say here) for our house. </div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-91325808928410224482012-04-25T11:07:00.000-03:002012-04-25T11:07:23.762-03:00Kick in the pantsI have lived in Brazil for almost 3 years at the end of May. I thought I was doing good. I thought I learned most of what I needed to, I thought I had been through all the hazing of Brazil that needed to be done. However, Brazil was not done with me.<br />
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I have been lovingly bestowed, body aches, head ache, fever, nausea, since Friday night. Better known to many of you as Dengue. Dengue is a big ol kick in the pants. It throws you down on the ground and you better not even think about getting up. Mostly because you can't. I'm down and out for the count. Or at least until tomorrow when my atestado (medical leave from work) is up.<br />
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Originally, it all started Friday night with a raging fever. I didn't know where it came from...I had mistakenly gotten burned...I thought I was experiencing heat exhaustion. But it continued all day Saturday. So I went to the hospital. The doctor did an x-ray of my chest (I've had a cough for a little while) and told me it was just a virus and I should feel better by the end of the weekend. Except I didn't. And I kept having fevers. And my whole body was hurting. And the headaches. And the nausea. Nausea is awful. But I went to work on Monday anyway. And worked from 8 in the morning to 7 at night. It kicked my trash. I slept from 8 pm that night until 6 the next morning. And then cried when I had to get out of bed. But I still went to work. When I came out of my classroom at 11:30, the secretary looked at me and said, what is all over your neck?? That would be a pretty little rash developing from the dengue. So finally they convinced me to go to the hospital. So I went. And waited for a long, long, long time. To tell me I have dengue. The great thing about dengue is there is not a thing you can do about it. So, take some tylenol, lay down, and rest. Try to keep the fever down.<br />
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Thankfully I will only have to work one more day. Then I will have Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday to rest. Thank goodness for Tuesday holidays in Brazil. (if it falls on a Tuesday, you get Monday off. if it falls on a Thursday you get Friday off. It's great!)<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-59362783479853050832012-04-16T10:26:00.001-03:002012-04-16T10:27:41.770-03:00Lately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just thought I'd share what we've been up to the last little while ...</div>
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Soccer game with the husband...Ipatinga is not so popular now that they have dropped to Serie C...we still like to go every once in a while!</div>
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Rachael, we finally got around to using those Christmas Crackers..Sidnei loved them!!</div>
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We went to a birthday party and got to catch up with good friends!</div>
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Handsome husband</div>
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<br />One of my favorite students at school, sweetest girl!!</div>
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My niece, excited to go for a bike ride!</div>
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She doesn't look as excited here, but she was happy to be with Tio! </div>
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<br />I got to finally see my friend and her new baby! Look how cute!! She is growing all the time!</div>
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I love that she is looking at me like,"what are you doing? and who are you? and i think it's time to put me down!" Cecilia, Tia Stephanie loves you and will be back soon for more cuddles!! </div>
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It's been fun around these parts. Stay Tuned more coming up!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-9163267071886975692012-04-14T07:57:00.001-03:002012-04-14T07:57:14.130-03:00My new best friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I brought this baby with me from the US. It's super heavy, super duty, and gets the job done much quicker. And I've only burned myself once! And since laundry day was yesterday, the time has come for him and I to begin our work. Excuse me while I go plug his pretty little self in.<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-47589456034938572682012-04-13T06:46:00.002-03:002012-04-13T06:46:47.549-03:00All the beauty nature holds...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we spent the weekend at Iapu, I spent the weekend looking at all the beautiful birds and flowers around the Club. It was so amazing and they were so beautiful! </div>
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These little canaries are everywhere! Their bright vibrant colors are so beautiful!</div>
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I saw a parrot for the first time in the wild!! I was so excited! The funny thing, he was mimicking the canaries song!</div>
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This guy stayed by the water ALL DAY hunting for fish. He was pretty successful!</div>
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Can you see the humming bird? They are so tiny and quick!</div>
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This little bird is called 'bom te ver' I think or 'bem te vi' I dont know something like that. (Danielle, help?) In essence, it means, good to see you. I think he is so handsome with his white mask!</div>
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It was a lot of fun taking pictures of everything. There were so many more birds that I just couldn't get good pictures of. It's so amazing to me how many different species there are and how beautiful they can be! </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-14383341661504882192012-04-12T08:00:00.001-03:002012-04-12T08:01:44.894-03:004th Anniversary weekend in Iapu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sidnei and I celebrated our 4th anniversary at the beginning of March! I can't believe it's been 4 years already...</div>
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Anyway this year we decided to have a little get away trip just the two of us. We went a little ways outside the city to Ipau Country Club. It was really beautiful and relaxing! It was quiet, there weren't a lot of people, and the weather was gorgeous! I got tons of reading in while Sidnei got to fish. I took tons of pictures. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd2DEiyEVLkfXHsrKrONgYsdyNPaG8Mk_fc0YQTo94tMngPttGfGlLW8aI0VMywc3AO_GJ0olUaShBX5XzKbn92DnplJ3Rxb8ZKtLlRlf1aj9EleKVeRn9LpeZD2nE99g4Qhiax5wVd8K/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd2DEiyEVLkfXHsrKrONgYsdyNPaG8Mk_fc0YQTo94tMngPttGfGlLW8aI0VMywc3AO_GJ0olUaShBX5XzKbn92DnplJ3Rxb8ZKtLlRlf1aj9EleKVeRn9LpeZD2nE99g4Qhiax5wVd8K/s320/080.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpxdFCOLm23xR_llUFnMaNqm0C4DsNkxfC66zdpvkRMN7VM3AVujSQ-MJvyFMsaVi_yjP2vJSvvKyKQtwcvN1Yy_sokfhKNrUDuo2LGHZI1mCLS0jrw7vo6mrshT-czMwZCCxGX2ETBX0/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpxdFCOLm23xR_llUFnMaNqm0C4DsNkxfC66zdpvkRMN7VM3AVujSQ-MJvyFMsaVi_yjP2vJSvvKyKQtwcvN1Yy_sokfhKNrUDuo2LGHZI1mCLS0jrw7vo6mrshT-czMwZCCxGX2ETBX0/s320/100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of the things I really love about Brazil is the blue sky and the puffy white clouds!</div>
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This is the chalet we rented to stay in. Very simple and tiny, but perfect for what we were doing!<br />
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My fisherman<br />
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FINALLY after fishing ALL DAY, he caught a 2.6 kilo fish.<br />
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Here's hoping to many, many more years! Life has taken us to some crazy places, but I'm blessed to have Sidnei by my side! Love that man!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-3500040211445486222012-04-10T08:45:00.000-03:002012-04-10T08:45:01.605-03:00Super Professional<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is always nice when you are rewarded for hard work. At the beginning of each semester the school generally has a dinner and recognizes key people from the last semester. It also introduces the newbies, has some kind of inspirational message to pump us up for the next semester, and of course, there is always food. (My personal favorite. Of course.)</div>
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I don't know if I have said much about the school I work for. I really love it. I love the people I work with and I love what I do. The past year I have focused on teaching kids, ages 7-9. I really love it. I love working with them, teaching them, answering their thousands of questions. I love how completely, recklessly honest they are. For instance, they often tell me I'm beautiful. And I love that and I believe them. Because if there is a day when I am not beautiful, they do not hesitate to tell me. Or if my hair looks funny. Or if I smell good. (thankfully they've never told me I smell bad) Of course one of their favorite topics of conversation is how white I am. (There are many colors of the rainbow here, many shades of white. However, my particular shade of translucent, is rare. And therefore quite the conversation topic among my students...or strangers...or anyone really). Anyway my job has without a doubt changed my life here in Brazil. I think without it, I wouldn't have survived. It gave me a purpose and it gave me a social life.<br />
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I was happy to be recognized for my work done with the kids over the last semester. They gave a little speech and I received a basket from the infamous Cacau Show. Cacau Show is a Brazilian chocolate store with many too many truffles and goodies to try. It is super rich and so I only get it every once in a while. This basket just about did me in. And of course my "Super Profissional" coffee mug :) </div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-88310172092904236032012-02-16T09:30:00.000-02:002012-02-16T09:30:03.969-02:0028<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So apparently, I'm getting old. Okay, so it's not old. But I just am not sure I understand how time seems to be passing by so quickly. People I am approaching 30. It's a little strange to even say that. I feel like I am an kid playing adult.</div>
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Anyway my birthday was pretty low key this year. I had already gotten to celebrate with my family in the states. At my Mom's we had a "family birthday" to celebrate all the birthdays we had missed. This is a Ukrop's cake. My favorite cake in the whole world. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!</div>
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I was also lucky because Miranda took me to PF Changs to celebrate my birthday before I left! We had good food and she even brought me a cupcake!! It was delicious!! (Miranda where are those pictures??)</div>
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On my actual birthday here, it started out good. I went and got my nails done in the morning. However, when I got home I wasn't feel very good. In the middle of the day I was running a fever. Luckily I slept it off and felt better in the evening. After my nap (and my fever broke) I decided I would need to have some sort of cake. Lucky for me I had a box of funfetti and frosting on hand, so I got to work! They were delicious and the whole family enjoyed them!</div>
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When Sidnei got off work, we got ready and went out to eat at one of our favorite Churrascarias. It was absolutely delicious. One of my favorite things to eat there is grilled Minas cheese. YUM. The good thing about going out on a Monday night is hardly anyone was there. So I basically had the individual attention of all the waiters and got what I wanted when I wanted it. And who doesn't love that?? Of course dinner was topped off with grilled pineapples and bananas. My mouth is watering again. </div>
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Happy Birthday to me! This is going to be a great year!</div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-57158494792253732712012-02-15T09:30:00.000-02:002012-02-15T09:30:00.609-02:00The drive home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So after flying from Richmond to Charlotte, then Charlotte to Rio (I couldnt sleep the entire flight...I had a kid behind me the entire night kicking the back of my chair...and when I say kid he was like 10. I wanted to kill him). I landed at 10 AM local time and I waited in the Rio airport for 11 hours. I tried to get on standby (Lindsey, I should have just left to go have some fun) but was unsuccessful. I then flew from Rio to Belo Horizonte. I landed in BH after midnight. We didn't get to the hotel until 2:30 AM, went to sleep around 4:30 and we got up at left about 10AM the next day. Here is what I look like after traveling for WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too many hours and going on very little sleep. (And this picture is for my sister who says I only post the pretty pictures of me)</div>
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Anyway, I was happy that I was driving home on such a beautiful day. One of my very favorite things about Brazil is how blue the sky seems and how green the grass and trees are. The summers, while hot, are beautiful. Big, puffy, white cotton clouds, gorgeous blue skies. It made me happy! Don't mind the pictures, they were taken while driving (well Sidnei was driving). This is the Minas Gerais country side. Makes me happy to call it home.<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-54512250538650812682012-02-14T09:30:00.000-02:002012-02-14T09:30:02.779-02:00So I'm back...I'm not really sure where the time went. It kind of felt like time stopped when I left the US. Only to find out it didn't. And the same with Brazil. I feel like time stopped...by of course it didn't.<br />
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I'm really lucky and was able to go home for 6 weeks. Of course it still wasn't enough. I needed more time. And money. However after two and a half years, it was really nice to see my family. To hug them, to hang out, to laugh and have fun. Even the spats were fine..then it really felt like family time. (ha) Of course it was hard on Sidnei and I. I missed him terribly, always wished he could be there, was constantly reminded of things he loved...and he was sad because he was still at home, doing the daily grind thing, wishing he was there..and of course wishing I was with him. The man does not do well alone...let's just say that. And it's nice to be loved and missed as much as he loves and missed me.<br />
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Anyway so....things at home were the same. And different. I could not, for the love of all things, remember to STOP putting toilet paper in the trash can. After about a week, I finally quit, but seriously...UGH. Now of course, I am having the opposite problem. Which is not a good one to have. I can't remember to quit throwing the toilet paper in the toilet. I can't win.<br />
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My English was struggling. As in I wasn't allowed to mix Portuguese/English anymore like I did with just about everyone in Brazil between my co-workers and Sidnei. Not only that, but I think all my bi-lingual friends will agree, there are some words in English that just work better to describe something and some words in Portuguese are better suited for other things. I like to use both.<br />
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I noticed I had changed a little myself. Suffice it to say without too much detail...I like me now. For the most part. My southern accent came back in an instant...I love that, it just feels right. Anyway.... The things I value are quite different. But...I am still a first world girl. I miss my dishwasher, my dryer, my hot water heaters. And Costco. And great return policies.<br />
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The day I was coming home (to Brazil) I was surprised to find how sad I was. I woke up sad, which is really unusual for me. It was much harder leaving my family this time. I miss them terribly already. I still can't really think about it. The tears. However, once I arrived in Brazil, I did get the feeling. You know, it's good to be home, feeling. Normal routine feeling. And of course, there is nothing like coming home to the husband. It's nice to have him by my side again. And I kind of missed speaking Portuguese...which is really one of the last things I thought I'd miss.<br />
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So I feel like this post is kind of choppy. But I felt like I should do a here and there post. I really hope I can get back before too long. Time really didn't stop when I left...and it has taken it's toll. I just feel like I need to be there to take care of things...but they'll have to get taken care of without me. (I'm not very good at that).<br />
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Anyway bright spot of being home? I'm driving!! On the crazy lawless roads. AND I LOVE IT. FREEDOM from the hot, sweaty bus! I will admit I have been nervous as heck, but I'm feeling more relaxed. Also, I'm not driving during peak traffic hours.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-8542879373010915212012-02-13T09:30:00.000-02:002012-02-13T09:30:03.377-02:00The Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ate and I ate and I ate and I ate. The amount of eating was ridiculous. I don't think I felt hunger for the entire 6 weeks I was there. Food and I connect on an emotional level and seriously I enjoyed every single minute of the eating. Home cooked or eating out...it was great! </div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-24414192503052898742012-02-10T09:30:00.001-02:002012-02-10T09:30:02.321-02:00Last days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last few days I spent back in Virginia with my Mom, sister, brother in law, and my Grandma. They were really great. I miss them so much already..</div>
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Right before Rachael left at the Chic-fil-A parking lot.</div>
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At Grandma's.<br />
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Me with Gary before leaving for the airport...<br />
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Molly and I (she reminded me so much of Gracie...it was nice to have her company at my Mom's)<br />
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Me with my Momma</div>
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Me at the airport with WAY TOO MANY SUITCASES. The ridiculousness of it all.</div>
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The guy at the airport was really great and gave Mom and Gary passes so they could come back and sit with me while I waited for my flight. I was really glad because I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. Of course the time came...it was just one of those moments that still puts a ball in my throat...<br />
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I was really fortunate to be able to come home for 6 whole weeks. I was able to spend a good amount of time with my family and it was much needed. I loved every minute of it and I wish it was something that was more permanent for me. I know one day it will be. Until then....thank you for every minute, thank you for every single thing...and know just how much I love you and miss you all.<br />
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At the Charlotte Airport I was able to soothe myself with a Jamba Juice...something I hadn't had in too long! It was the perfect thing to end my trip home. </div>
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Thanks for following along everyone. I know it has been lots of posts and lots of pictures, but I wanted to share my trip and have something to look back on and remember everything. </div>
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<br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-11734283706987748892012-02-09T09:30:00.001-02:002012-02-09T09:30:01.664-02:00Grandfather Mounatin & The Mile High Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Going to Grandfather Mountain was probably one of my favorite things. I had been wanting to go the entire trip! When it rained on our last day on Monday I was really bummed out thinking we wouldn't be able to go. However, Dad and Kim made an executive decision to go Tuesday morning and then head out from there! I was estatic! It was well worth it! Absolutely beautiful!</div>
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Our First stop was the Mile High Bridge!<br />
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After the Mile High Bridge, we explored the rest of the mountain. We went on a hike...Really beautiful, got lots of great pictures (my favorite! in case you didn't know..) and we went to a museum and an animal habitat as well.<br />
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This deer was not part of the habitat. He was a baby in the wild and it was really cool to see him and his brothers and sisters!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cH_q0F9QXHcMBOKyuOOs4PIxHF00ImCt6EPDT7ceQ3pSEJdON83bvvUNDGLw9x87XrJ21763nYeFoZM-tdSgfDQSs-092cxxPwzanJuebXPgb1WQrfVllGGPJyFi6nuLNMD9qzKH6F6J/s1600/169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cH_q0F9QXHcMBOKyuOOs4PIxHF00ImCt6EPDT7ceQ3pSEJdON83bvvUNDGLw9x87XrJ21763nYeFoZM-tdSgfDQSs-092cxxPwzanJuebXPgb1WQrfVllGGPJyFi6nuLNMD9qzKH6F6J/s320/169.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Quartz<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD1ifb5VkETmWbOhN02Lzlsz-swHCH43kz6VZf9amAwwnY-oeF_xY8iM9abFYFrDh1vypfwZAnUdL1fm6hIR6zH1yBeP2SY7hlxYLzb_hkZ_dv9KMQmEPmsonQ0Sv4PwSZ4kgabl4iaSv/s1600/116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD1ifb5VkETmWbOhN02Lzlsz-swHCH43kz6VZf9amAwwnY-oeF_xY8iM9abFYFrDh1vypfwZAnUdL1fm6hIR6zH1yBeP2SY7hlxYLzb_hkZ_dv9KMQmEPmsonQ0Sv4PwSZ4kgabl4iaSv/s320/116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Black bear! I think he's really beautiful. He fur even looks just like a teddy bear to cuddle. Though he's not so cuddly. Just cute.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2lLZnuUhF78AUzAiQ2xF8jyGeGRv71ZOUN1Y1lkBqXRsLBInE9CtXm__VaUyQ0Yz0I0L3TfmzJh83tmwgKPjU0IYh57buOFaRjqeiHZdQl5xcEUUKgrcqRwkFTlYLY6w2OTjXVBV6tTI/s1600/183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2lLZnuUhF78AUzAiQ2xF8jyGeGRv71ZOUN1Y1lkBqXRsLBInE9CtXm__VaUyQ0Yz0I0L3TfmzJh83tmwgKPjU0IYh57buOFaRjqeiHZdQl5xcEUUKgrcqRwkFTlYLY6w2OTjXVBV6tTI/s320/183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Giant amethyst in the museum!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HWdiUA-5MCE3vhzHmp-tXRCZS_xBWSVrdGz0oQOZcFC_0IP0joRIsIY5b0p_NhV5QhNjfqXRyDaNr1eOuEe9cnBZB49nLfGKoYwq3NHQyk0EeFEJ-M53grJJMRc9p-fdNobHcaV1ylX1/s1600/202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HWdiUA-5MCE3vhzHmp-tXRCZS_xBWSVrdGz0oQOZcFC_0IP0joRIsIY5b0p_NhV5QhNjfqXRyDaNr1eOuEe9cnBZB49nLfGKoYwq3NHQyk0EeFEJ-M53grJJMRc9p-fdNobHcaV1ylX1/s320/202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-54866113708256589852012-02-08T09:30:00.001-02:002012-02-08T09:30:02.040-02:00Linville Caverns and Linville Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linville Carverns is another great place to visit if you are in the area! We had a really good time and the cave was amazing! </div>
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Look!! Tiny bats!</div>
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After the caves, we went for a hike outside. Where of course, I had to set everyone up for pictures. They love when I do that! Anyway we hiked out to Linville Falls. They were gorgeous! It was a short hike!<br />
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Here's my Dad!<br />
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Dad and the girls!<br />
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Dad and Kim<br />
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Me (I know you all are loving all my pictures!)<br />
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The Family<br />
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Me and the sisters<br />
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Look! Another picture of ME!<br />
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Dad and the seesters<br />
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Me, me, meeeeeeeeeeeeee!<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-64370497235253261362012-02-05T09:30:00.000-02:002012-02-07T14:40:13.401-02:00Morning Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kim and I decided to get up early one morning and go for a little hike! It was a great time and Kim was great about being my photographer! (I seriously love pictures.)</div>
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More ducks!! I loved the ducks!!<br />
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Look how cute they are splashing and playing!<br />
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Geese!<br />
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Canadian Geese<br />
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<span id="goog_811044196"></span><span id="goog_811044197"></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-3380031503191313522012-02-04T09:27:00.003-02:002012-02-04T09:27:41.537-02:00Adventures at Hawk's Nest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hawk's Nest is a recreation area where you are can snow tubing and zip lining! We were lucky enough to do both and it was awesome!!</div>
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Snowtubing was so much fun. We opted to go in the evening and it was perfect! The hills did get really slick though and REALLY packed down. Which made for a VERY FAST ride. In fact, one time going down I hit a huge bump, which resulted in my flying in the air (off the tube, though I still had hold of those handles) and slamming back down on my butt bone. I though for sure I had broken it. Thankfully it was just cut and bruised...but it made the rest of the week pretty uncomfortable to sit!!<br />
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The next morning, we did the zip line!! Here we are waiting to get our gear on!</div>
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Strapped in and ready to go!! The girls in this family are all adventurous!</div>
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Flying through the air!!<br />
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Hawk's Nest was a blast and I am so glad to have had the experience! I had done zip lines before but tiny ones! I would definitely love to do more of these long ones! We were only able to do four lines! But they also have a 10 line tour! Our tour guides were awesome and we just had a really good time! </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-76772130317319449982012-02-01T09:30:00.000-02:002012-02-01T09:30:02.047-02:00Banner Elk, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few days after our New Year's Eve party we left for the mountains of North Carolina. If you haven't been, I urge to plan a vacation there. Of course for me, I LOVED when we went in the fall to see the leaves change colors. It is beautiful. But honestly, any time you go during the year, it is breathtakingly gorgeous and there are always fun things to do. This time we went to Banner Elk, NC. It is a GREAT area. Lots to do. </div>
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The fun thing about coming here, is it was the first time I saw my sister in 2 and half years. And I finally got to meet that husband of hers! We had a lot of fun. Of course, we had to have Christmas together. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Rachael and James brought crackers from Ireland with them. In Ireland it's a tradition for each person to pull an end. Whoever gets the bigger half wins the prizes inside. They include the red crowns, a little joke and a fun fact, and a little prize (we got all kinds of crazy stuff...a tool kit, nail clippers, a noisemaker, a watch, etc) I LOVED them and I think it is such a fun tradition! I have asked Rachael to send me a box next Christmas!</span><br />
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Me, all the sisters, and the brother in law!<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">We spent the rest of the day exploring Banner Elk. We found a little bit of snow to play in! </span>
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The little park we went to was beautiful. A beautiful lake, a nice path to walk down and even some waterfalls! It was a fun day!<br />
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I took a million pictures of the ducks. I just thought they were so pretty!!<br />
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More beautiful pictures of our trip to come...Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-8044145614932447092012-01-27T09:47:00.003-02:002012-01-27T09:47:53.965-02:00New Year's Eve 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New Year's Eve was a lot of fun this year! Dad and Kim hosted a Oyster Roast! Everyone says the oysters were fantastic! (and I'll take their word for it!) My favorite part, however, was getting to see everyone that I hadn't seen in years!! I miss you all already!!</div>
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Mauri and I</div>
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Dad roasting oysters</div>
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Kim with all the New Year's Eve festive attire!</div>
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Ron especially loved the oysters! And Lin was busy helping out with the oyster roast! (Keeping Ron happy!)</div>
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Nook, me, and Dorothea!!</div>
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Stephanie, me, and Minnick!</div>
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Me and Bonus Grandma Frances!</div>
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Me and the Daddy</div>
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Sonia and Joe</div>
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The kids were not into the grown ups. They stayed outside by the fire where they could hang out in peace!</div>
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New Year's Eve Festiveness</div>
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Thanks to Dad and Kim for a GREAT TIME! I loved every minute of it!!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-74741542060258566802012-01-26T17:20:00.002-02:002012-01-26T17:20:41.775-02:00Help pleaseHello all....any advice or help is greatly appreciated. Last weekend at the airport, I switched bags with someone. He took mine, I took his. We got everything straightened out, but when I received my bag, I was, of course, missing things. Do I have any rights in this situation? Is there anyway to get my things back? Or the money that was lost? I'm so mad I just can't stand it.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-20062980755720789562012-01-26T00:00:00.000-02:002012-01-26T00:14:08.500-02:00Boone Hall Plantation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On down to South Carolina to go see my Dad's family! We had a really great time and got to do some fun things! So something I had never done was go to Charleston. Which is really terrible since I lived in Myrtle Beach for 2 years. But anyway we got to go on a girl's outing and we had a great time!</div>
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First we stopped by <a href="http://charlestonscafe.com/"> Charleston's Cafe </a> for breakfast. GO. It is delicious. My little sister, Ashlee, had the strawberry pancakes. Go devour them now. We were all chowing down on her plate...what little she left anyway! (All of it was great...but those pancakes...we talked about those the rest of my trip home!)<br />
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Next stop on our big adventure was <a href="http://boonehallplantation.com/"> Boone Hall Plantation.</a> It was amazing. I could have stayed there the rest of the day! You may have previously seen Boone Hall Plantation in movies like The Notebook. Or those who may know some good ol southern movies that are a little older like Queen or the series North and South. Actually I believe they are closed this month because the show Army Wives is filming there.<br />
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Anyway, you can learn all kinds of things about Boone Hall <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boone_Hall_Plantation"> here</a> with good ol wikipedia. <a href="https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/"> (STOP SOPA!)</a> <br />
This WONDERFUL performer taught us so many things about the Lowcountry Gullah culture brought in by slaves. It was really insightful and I really learned a lot. Not only that but she is a fantastic presenter. If you go to Boone Hall, make sure the first thing you see is this presentation. It gives a lot of insight and history into the rest of the tour.<br />
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Of course, we had to take pictures by the oak trees. The pictures don't do them justice. They are BEAUTIFUL.<br />
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Here in Charleston, they are known for their famous sweet grass baskets. They are crazy expensive, but they are all hand made and beautiful. One day I will own one. I will say they are cheaper here at Boone Hall than they are in downtown Charleston. (just as a side note for anyone wanting one). The woman making the baskets here, told me it takes her anywhere from 10-15 hours to make one medium sized basket!! </div>
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Boone Hall Plantation. Surprisingly small on the inside...though we weren't allowed upstairs. Or allowed to take pictures...I hate when that happens. It was decorated beautifully for Christmas though!<br />
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Look HOW HUGE those trunks are!!<br />
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They had a beautiful garden! I can't believe these flowers were blooming in the cold! And although it wasn't below freezing...it was still pretty cold.<br />
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Out by the waterway was my favorite spot. It was absolutely gorgeous.<br />
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We took a truck tour of the rest of Boone Hall Plantation. It is HUGE. They plant TONS of crops all through the year. People in the area (and from out of town) can come and harvest all they want. The rest is harvested and given to food banks and area shelters in need. Here in this picture is a photo of the corn maze they had last year in commemoration of the Boeing plane for Halloween. Crazy right? Can you imagine trying to get through this thing in the dark??<br />
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LOVE THOSE TREES!!!<br />
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After Boone Hall Planation, we went to downtown Charleston. We had a great time! We got to visit the flea markets...so many cool things! Definitely go there with some cash! We went on a carriage ride through historic downtown Charleston and got to see lots of historic homes. It got dark before we got to the Battery, but that is on the list for next time!! It was such a GREAT trip. Of course, we weren't finished though. After Charleston, we went to James Island County Park for their Christmas Festival of Lights drive through show! Look at some of the cool displays!<br />
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This is kind of blurry, but this is a display of the bridge connecting Mt. Pleasant and Charleston. A Charleston Landmark.<br />
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Who doesn't love a unicorn? Or a gingerbread house/man.<br />
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The South Carolina palm tree and crescent moon.<br />
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Good ol U.S. of A.<br />
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It would just not be Christmas in SC if we didn't have a sand sculpture of an underwater Santa. Seriously I don't know how people have the patience to do these things (nor the talent...I'd get about almost done and knock something unfixable off)<br />
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I had a GREAT Charleston Girl's Day!!! A HUGE thanks to Kim for making that happen! I LOVED IT!<br />
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Don't think the fun stopped there (well on that day it did...that was a action packed full day)! Still more to come!!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-32706289379536488632012-01-17T13:57:00.001-02:002012-01-17T13:57:27.787-02:00VirginiaI had such a fabulous time on the first leg of my journey. I got to spend time with my Mom, my Grandma, the rest of my family, and some great friends. I got to eat way too much, shopped too much, and just had a good time in general!<br />
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Richmond organizes houses with crazy lights every year and calls it the "Tacky Light Tour". People get in groups, ride around in limos (get drunk) and look at the lights. We did it the cheap way and just got in our vehicle and it was great! The is the best house around. A mom and her son who live side by side put up all these crazy lights. They sell hot chocolate, give tours, and must have a monstrosity of a light bill!</div>
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My grandma and I! And her little dog, Baby. It has been so much fun to spend time with her. She has been through a lot the past couple of years I've been gone and it was a relief to see her doing well.<br />
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We took a day out to go and put out flowers on my Grandfather's grave. Even after 5 years it's still strange not to have him around. I miss him so much, but I know how proud he would be of me. <br />
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I got to take a day out and have lunch with a blast from the past! Jennifer and I were inseperable in 10th grade. She moved in and out for just that year. The miracle that is the internet has kept us in touch with one another and she was passing through Richmond. We had lunch and got a chance to catch up! Not to mention at Cheesecake Factory and it was DEE-LISH-US.<br />
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Another fun activity was the Cake 101 Class my Mom and I took. Don't we look cute in our aprons?? It was a lot of fun and I learned to make an awesome chocolate cake. Seriously, best chocolate cake I've ever had.<br />
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My Mom had all kinds of things planned. Busch Gardens Christmas Town was my absolute favorite! The lights were beautiful and the shows were great! Look at those lights! This was a ride called Pompei, It is a water ride. Can you imagine how many lights it took to make that?? We could see it from the highway!<br />
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This picture is typical me. Don't worry, I waited my turn in line with all the little kids to take this picture.<br />
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So many pretty Christmas trees!<br />
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My friend Miranda graciously hosted a Christmas party at her house. Here we are, the 3 musketeers. (Rachel, Miranda, and I were best friends through high school. Rachel and I have been best friends since the 3rd grade, we lived around the corner from one another growing up.)<br />
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I was able to see a bunch of people I hadn't seen from high school and it was fun to catch up with them! Just so you all know, we all went to a high school that was less than 500 people. My class in particular was 75 people. We lived in a tiny little town and we had all been together since kindergarten. We grew up together and I love that we still keep in touch.<br />
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Christmas Eve has always been my Mom's family Christmas party. This year my aunt hosted it. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone. Here in the picture (back row) is my cousin Amanda, my Mom, my Grandma, my Aunt Darlene, (front row) my cousin Cameron, and me! The only girl missing was my sister :( There is nothing like family. We drive each other crazy, but at the end of the day, they're mine. And I miss them.<br />
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This was just the first leg of my trip. I can't believe I have been able to pack so much into such a little time. But there is a LOT MORE to tell you about! Next up, South Carolina!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-52108913986507557642011-12-12T12:07:00.000-02:002011-12-12T12:07:32.886-02:00The Trip HereThe trip here was SO exhausting! And LONG. Though I suppose it is all worth it....I really hate how long the flight is! Anyway, we started off in Belo Horizonte (actually we started off on the drive there...but I'm skipping the death highway stories).<br />
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Saying Goodbye...never easy to do. </div>
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I took a plane from BH to Rio. I never expected the plane to ACTUALLY be a Rio plane! Take a look!!<br />
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From the movie Rio! Cute right?? </div>
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Flying above the rain...I think it's so interesting that under all those clouds is a rainy, ugly day. A good thing for me to remeber when I'm having a rainy day!!</div>
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When I arrived in Rio it was sooooo weird!! Everyone was speaking in English. The Gringos were in full force! It made me laugh a little bit! Anyway, while waiting in the airport, I had the good fortune of meeting a great couple named Bob and Alice! How I met them was interesting. I was sitting, playing Sudoku, dying of the sheer boredom of waiting, when Bob came and sat across from me. Being the curious people watcher that I am, I watched him take off his shoes and try to change his socks into circulation socks for the impending airplane ride. I watched him struggle for a good two minutes, while I internally struggled with going over to help him or not. I mean who is going to let a weird girl they don't know put on their socks? Well Bob apparently! I worked up quite a sweat helping him put those things on, but it was worth it! Bob and Alice are a really interesting couple! They have been travelling the world and had just finished a really interesting trip that I believe started in Spain and ended in Brazil! They spent the day in Rio, tromping all over Sugarloaf in torrential downpours before ending their journey with me in the Rio airport! There was another guy sitting close to us named Bruno. Of course after watching the weird girl put on Bob's socks, he wanted in on the conversation too. So the next hour or so we spent getting to know one another and it was a lot of fun! Here we are before boarding:</div>
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Of course when I boarded the plane, guess who I was sitting beside?? BOB! I know, right?!? We were destined to be friends! Thank you Bob and Alice for making my journey a little sweeter! I had a great time!!</div>
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I arrived in Charlotte the next morning, spent my time making phone calls to everyone to let them know I landed safely! </div>
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While waiting a few minutes to board my plane to Richmond, I saw my luggage!! In reality I saw only 1 suitcase! Which of course I was like ummmm, hello! Where is the other one. On this tiny plane, we went out to the tarmac, so I stopped the girl who was loading baggage and told her they were missing one! And she was like oh, yeah! I know, what's your name? We lost it! Which I thought ironic since I had just re-checked both of them an hour ago. I thought if they were going to be lost it would be in Brazil where chaos reigns supreme. See what you get for judging a book? </div>
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Anyway I landed safely in Richmond. Met another Brazilian who was going as an exchange program, talked to him until my feet hit the floor in the airport and took off to find my Momma! I spotted her and took off running! It was so wonderful to hug her...makes me cry even thinking about it. And of course she cried and then we laughed and spent the rest of the day happily ever after :) You know where she made me all my favorite foods! Starting of course, with Biscuits and Gravy. YUM. </div>
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Stay tuned! More adventures to come! </div>
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My beautiful Momma, her baby Molly, and Christmas lights!!</div>
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PS- It's cold here. I knew that. I just forgot what cold meant. My fingers have yet to warm up! :)</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654143697024684509.post-39468198059552195672011-12-10T08:59:00.001-02:002011-12-10T09:27:17.584-02:00BittersweetToday I fly out for the United States. I will be there tomorrow morning (or Brazil's afternoon). It all feels so surreal. It's hard to believe that I'm going to be back with my parent's for the first time in 2 years, 6 months and 2 weeks. How does time pass so slowly and so quickly all at the same time? I can hardly believe I have been here so long.<br />
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I am so excited to see my family. To hug them, to play with them, to just be with them. My sister is coming from Ireland too, so I will be able to see her as well (and finally meet that husband of hers)!<br />
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However with all the happiness comes an exception. Today truly is bittersweet. The sad truth about my situation is that no matter where I go, everyone I love can not be together. To be here, I hurt my family. To be there, I hurt my husband. It's days like today that make me sad. My heart squeezes in joy and pain all at the same time. And I just wonder, will it always be like this? Is there a light at the end of this tunnel that I am desperately searching for?<br />
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I know I am going to go and have a wonderful time. I am going to be so happy to be with my family, to see missed friends, to celebrate the holidays with all the force of U.S. commercialism that I love, to overindulge in food and shopping. I also know, when the day comes to come home, I am going to feel that familiar squeeze of joy and pain.<br />
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I know in this life, there are rarely those who experience complete happiness. Happiness is generally bittersweet as life is a series of choices we must make, rarely black and white, but always in the hazy gray. Please don't confuse this as unhappiness. I am not unhappy, in fact quite the opposite. However, I will always continue to hope that things will change for us. <br />
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Keep my in your thoughts and prayers in all my travels. I have missed participating in this online blog world. I have lots of stories and things to say. Hopefully I can carve some time out and share! Lots of fun adventures to share as I adjust back to the U.S.! Stay tuned!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07917067716960353906noreply@blogger.com13