Living Life on the Road Less Traveled

New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-27T09:47:00.003-02:00

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!!

Mauri and I

Dad roasting oysters

Kim with all the New Year's Eve festive attire!

Ron especially loved the oysters! And Lin was busy helping out with the oyster roast! (Keeping Ron happy!)

Nook, me, and Dorothea!!

Stephanie, me, and Minnick!

Me and Bonus Grandma Frances!

Me and the Daddy

Sonia and Joe

The kids were not into the grown ups. They stayed outside by the fire where they could hang out in peace!

New Year's Eve Festiveness

Thanks to Dad and Kim for a GREAT TIME! I loved every minute of it!!

Help please

2012-01-26T17:20:00.002-02:00

Hello 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.

Boone Hall Plantation

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-02:00

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!

First we stopped by Charleston's Cafe 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!)

Next stop on our big adventure was Boone Hall Plantation. 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.

Anyway, you can learn all kinds of things about Boone Hall here with good ol wikipedia. (STOP SOPA!)
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.

Of course, we had to take pictures by the oak trees. The pictures don't do them justice. They are BEAUTIFUL.

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!!

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!

Look HOW HUGE those trunks are!!

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.

Out by the waterway was my favorite spot. It was absolutely gorgeous.

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??

LOVE THOSE TREES!!!

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!

This is kind of blurry, but this is a display of the bridge connecting Mt. Pleasant and Charleston. A Charleston Landmark.

Who doesn't love a unicorn? Or a gingerbread house/man.

The South Carolina palm tree and crescent moon.

Good ol U.S. of A.

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)

I had a GREAT Charleston Girl's Day!!! A HUGE thanks to Kim for making that happen! I LOVED IT!

Don't think the fun stopped there (well on that day it did...that was a action packed full day)! Still more to come!!!

Virginia

2012-01-17T13:57:00.001-02:00

I 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

This picture is typical me. Don't worry, I waited my turn in line with all the little kids to take this picture.

So many pretty Christmas trees!

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.)

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.

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.

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!

The Trip Here

2011-12-12T12:07:00.000-02:00

The 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).

Saying Goodbye...never easy to do.

I took a plane from BH to Rio. I never expected the plane to ACTUALLY be a Rio plane! Take a look!!

From the movie Rio! Cute right??

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!!

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:

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!!

I arrived in Charlotte the next morning, spent my time making phone calls to everyone to let them know I landed safely!

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?

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.

Stay tuned! More adventures to come!

My beautiful Momma, her baby Molly, and Christmas lights!!

PS- It's cold here. I knew that. I just forgot what cold meant. My fingers have yet to warm up! :)

Bittersweet

2011-12-10T08:59:00.001-02:00

Today 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.

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)!

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?

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.

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.

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!

Red Masked Robin

2011-11-08T06:58:00.001-02:00

Okay, so that’s not really his name…but seriously, how cute is he??
I found this little guy in my backyard the other day. He was so striking I had to get a closer look. Lucky for me, he looked like a baby that was trying to figure out how to fly. He was just hopping around. So he waited for me while I ran to get my camera! After a few minutes he figured it out and found his way up! Though let’s just say he could use a little more practice!
I loved his little mask! I thought of you, Danielle, as I was watching him! Ever seen him before?

Xerimbabo

2011-11-07T06:55:00.001-02:00

Xerimbabo is an environmental awareness project promoted every year by Usiminas (the gigantic steel company that owns this town). The create HUGE walk through displays, complete with tour guides to give you information. It really is incredible and a LOT of hard work goes into it. It is free to the public and is open from August to September. Included in the exhibit is their small zoo. Many of the surrounding schools come to see the exhibit. Mine didn’t (but I have already suggested it as an activity for the kids for next year) but Amelia’s did. So I hopped a ride with her! Pictures, pictures (and these were back in august):

All of these beautiful birds were made by hand and with recycled materials!

Look at this huge 3D story book! I loved it! (I would be more informational…except we went a while ago…and now I can’t remember…Amelia feel free to chime in at any time!)

Again with recycled materials: Tree from aluminum cans, chickens from plastic wrappers, wall tiled with bottle tops, and flowers with aluminum cans. That last chicken is made from the little round piece that you push in with the tab…do you see it?

It’s us!

These are the best things EVER! If you stand on one side you see this.

If you stand on the other side you see this!

And again…

See this is fun!

I couldn’t get enough of them!

Let’s save the zoo for another day…I have picture overloaded you all!

I’m a lucky girl!

2011-10-26T06:19:00.001-02:00

There is something about Halloween oreos… I don’t know what it is, but they are my absolute favorite!!

Amelia’s Mom recently sent her a box for her birthday. And inside I got a treat too!!

Leanna, thank you so much for thinking of me! It absolutely made my day!! I was so surprised and so tickled! They of course were immediately devoured. Seriously, in two days, GONE. (in my defense, I had a little bit of help. But just a little! haha)

Good snacks, even better friends. Life is good and I feel so blessed! Thank you so much!!

Christmas Carols

2011-10-25T07:21:00.002-02:00

I have been singing Christmas Carols. Particularly the one that goes...I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I'm going home to see my family and spend the holidays and I couldn't be more excited!! Once Decemeber rolls around it will be 2 and half years since I've been home! I can't wait to see my family and friends!!! 45 days and counting!!!

Grape Juice

2011-10-11T05:49:00.001-03:00

Amelia and I found these in the store a couple of weeks ago. Call me juvenile…but I just couldn’t help myself.

Hobby Lobby

2011-10-10T06:21:00.001-03:00

My first attempt at my new hobby! I really love bracelets. Especially big chunky ones that call attention. So of course, I love the first one. I made that one for me, but in a different color…to go with a shirt I bought! Anyway moving on, this all originally started because it was Amelia’s birthday! And while shopping for a present, I found a bracelet for her I loved! It just screamed her name! And then I turned over the price tag and did an inside head scream (those people were crazy y’all). So I decided I’d make her one myself. You know, since I’ve never actually done that before.

(Also Amelia and people that know Amelia might be wondering why I thought a bracelet screamed her name since she doesn’t really do much jewelry, especially not with big FAT rhinestones in them. I’m not really sure either. But I decided to do one more toned down, just for her. Case in point bracelet #2. And just in case that really is just a terrible plan, I am also planning on taking her to lunch)

Anyway I thought they turned out well. And people have had really positive reactions to them. I have more coming. I also want to try and make necklaces too. But I need to take my time and decide what I want to do and what I want to buy. This is an expensive hobby. Anyway, people here tend to wear lots of things like this, so I hope it goes over well. If you love it, tell me. If you don’t, well…take Thumper’s advice.

The country…Part II

2011-10-06T23:35:00.001-03:00

I am always amazed to see all the fruit in the “wild”..do I sound as ridiculous as I feel?? The extent of my fruit growing were strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes…and that was pretty much it.

Bananas (my favorite!)

Avocado! Which we eat here with sugar, and it is delcious…though nothing beats a good guacamole dip! So if you are feeling adventurous, blend an avocado, banana, milk, sugar, and ice together, and have a tasty drink!

Limes! Another favorite! And the tree too!

Acerola (with bugs)…Acerola is a bittersweet fruit (for me)

Coffee!

This plant has colored seeds inside of it. Here people use it in the food to give it “color”

If you can see, that is a Caju fruit. It is where you get your cashew nuts. Not a big fan of caji, but will drink it when im out!

Graviola (or in English soursop…what in the world??)

Bobrina (like a squash! one of my favorite vegetalbes here)

No Ordinary Day

2011-10-05T06:00:00.001-03:00

Today is Sidnei’s birthday!! I won’t reveal how old he is…he’s s3nsitiv3 about his age….but of course I would be too if I had a smoking hot young wife!

I kid, I kid!

Anyway, I haven’t talked much about Sidnei lately. So here is what is going on with him these days…

When we moved here, Sidnei opened his own construction company. Things went really great and he stayed extremely busy. We hit a dry spot last November and although things picked back up, we didn’t like the way that dry spot felt. So Sidnei started looking for something with a little more security. And he found something SO MUCH better than we expected. He is a supervisor in an engineering company. That means, he is no longer doing the heavy work, he just watches other people do it. (Which is great because I was really worried about his back!) He works 7-5, M-F. He has off on all the holidays. (Well he would, except he’s been working them to receive overtime…as well as Saturdays..let’s just say I haven’t seen much of him) Anyway, but enough with all the specifics. The important thing is he is really liking his job (thankfully because it was kind of a hard transition for him…he wasn’t accustomed to not doing the work…) He has also really excelled. All of his supervisors are impressed and Sidnei is proud of himself which I love to see!

So now onto the birthday mush mush.

I feel incredibly lucky. Sidnei is an extraordinary person. He is honest to a fault. (No really, if you don’t want the absolute truth, don’t ask) He loves and protects fiercely. He is funny and full of zingers. He is really handy. (Today he changed the showerhead…we have GREAT pressure now, I was so happy) He is extremely detailed (he watches over my jewelry making and fixes the flaws..seriously). Basically the man is good at whatever he does.

The truth is I could list a million different things that are great about him. But it all boils down to the fact, that I am so glad I get to celebrate him today. His life and the difference he’s made in mine. Happy Birthday to the man who forever changed the meaning of October 5th. I love you more than I know how to say!

In the country… part I

2011-10-04T06:11:00.001-03:00

Disclaimer: I just found this draft…this happened a while ago…in fact in reality I don’t even remember when exactly…

We took a little trip to the country to see Sidnei’s (ex) Uncle. He lives on a little sitio. I really love going to spend the day in places like these. Full of fruit, animals, and me, the american girl with her camera taking pictures of EVERYTHING. Because seriously, the fruit here? Things that grow on trees? Craziness. Have you ever seen a pineapple plant? I hadn’t either. It was awesome.

So for part I, I decided to stick to beverages. First beverage, Sugar cane. We decided to make juice. Ant it was hard work for poor Sidnei!

But absolutely worth it for us. (I had more, I just drank most of it.) Delicious!

My second beverage was fresh coconut juice. I had no idea they looked all green on the outside until I moved here to Brazil. I just imagined they grew with their brown hard shells and that was that. Let me tell you, it is not easy to open those bad boys.

Look how they grow!

And someone was kind enough to open it for me! The coconut water was so sweet!!

I have to be honest, the first time I drank coconut juice I didn’t like it. But the taste has grown on me and on a hot day, there is nothing better than ice cold coconut water!

Did you all know that this is how coconuts looked? I didn’t until I came to Brazil. Did you know you could make sugar cane juice? I knew lots of things could be made with sugar cane, I just didn’t know juice was one of them!

Sunday Citar 3

2011-10-02T23:23:00.001-03:00

Things have been crazy busy lately. School has really got me running day in and day out. Thankfully things seem to be slowing a little. My private Saturday class is heading off to the U.S. so I officially have my Saturdays back! Hooray! I have been doing some marketing for my job by going to other schools and playing with the kids in English. It has really been fun, but time consuming. I leave the house every day at 7 AM and generally arrive home between 8pm and 9pm. They make for VERY long days. Unfortunately, this has left very little time for ME.

I am definitely feeling this void. So this week I decided to try and change my schedule at work a little bit. I’m going to go in a little later on Tuesdays/Thursdays so I can get back to my exercise class! I have really missed it…and so has my body. I haven’t gained any weight…but my clothes fit different now. Not that things have ever been very firm, but I feel more jiggle. I don’t like it. SO, back I go. In reality, I have really missed it. There are days when it is pure torture to get out of bed and go. But I seem to always feel better for it. So here we go…again.

Another thing I decided I needed was something besides work. I literally have just been working. As you all have noticed, I don’t even have time to blog. I don’t have time for anything. And that is just ridiculous. Though admittedly, I spend WAY too much time on Pinterest. (more on that later)

SO, I have decided to start working on some things. One thing I have been meaning to do for a long time is start on my own program for children to learn English. I have been thinking about starting some private groups. But first, I need to build a curriculum. But that is still along the work lines, but something I have been wanting to do.

The second is a hobby. I real live hobby. I want to start making jewelry. In fact, I started today! I will take pictures and show you soon. It is costume jewelry. Something that I have always really loved to use. So everything I make, I want to keep for me. But this hobby is an expensive one, so to keep up the habit, I need to sell too! Wish me luck!

Tuesday I will start the torture again (aerobics class). I only say torture because the next couple of days, I will be groaning with every single movement I make. I will be so sore I will not be able to think of anything else. Wish me luck!

Sunday Citar

2011-09-26T13:35:00.001-03:00

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”-Rumi

First, I just want to thank everyone for the support, comments, emails, telephone calls...It really made all the difference and I feel extremely lucky to have such a great group of family and friends that cares so deeply.

As expected, time moves on and the pain becomes less severe. I have been extremely busy with work which has helped to keep me from dwelling...unfortunately, coming home is always the hardest part. I cleaned out all her things thinking that if I couldn't see them it wouldn't be so painful. Turns out I don't need her things to remind me that she is gone. She was so ingrained in my everyday living that everything reminds me of her. As I come home, I walk up to do the door and look for her little face under the door. When I do laundry, I look to see if she is laying in the sun. I hear fireworks and have to stop myself from jumping up to go and check on her. (She was terrified of fireworks) I was in the kitchen making something and caught a glimpse of white out of the corner of my eye, I turned to flash her a smile, except she wasn't there. When I am home there is a constant ache, this never ending hole, with never ending thoughts. I feel like I am constantly aware that she is gone, but still have these flashes of thought before I can catch them. They are always painful.

I was putting a file together of all the pictures I have taken of her. I came across this one from my grandma's house. And I thought, I wonder what she's looking at, she looks so intrigued, so attentive. When I opened the picture, I saw her reflection and realized it was me.

Seriously it brought on the waterworks. I just loved her so much.

I know, as it has already shown, that as time moves on, so will I. So I am doing my best to let go of the sadness and hold on to all the wonderful memories she left for me.

Gracie

2011-09-07T09:41:00.001-03:00

My beautiful girl is gone. Those words echo inside my head, inside my heart. They can't have meaning. They can't be true. Every single bone, muscle, everything aches.

On my birthday 8.8.2011 (4 years old)

Thursday morning, I woke up like normal. Said goodbye to Sidnei and went to go let Gracie outside to go to the bathroom, eat, play with her, brush her hair before work etc. This is our normal routine every morning. The difference that morning is that when I went inside to get ready, I heard Gracie crying in agony about 10 minutes later. Gracie had found rat poison that had been set out by my mother in law (she found a mouse the night before) and she ate it... I never saw it. It was on the ground on the veranda and I never saw it....It was the most terrifying thing for me. We mixed milk and oil, gave it to gracie and she threw everything up. Thankfully my brother in law was home, lives right up the street, and he rushed us to the vet. The vet was able to give Gracie medicine, she stayed for observation, and survived. I couldnt believe she survived, I thought surely she would die. The next couple of days were spent taking care of her, giving her medicine, trying to coax her to eat, to drink etc. She seemed to be getting better, getting stronger. Fast forward to Monday...I gave her all her medicine in the morning, fed her, etc. I came home for lunch, she met me at the door (i was so happy because she had been laying down and not wanting to get up a lot) and followed me around while I was home. My mother in law told me, she was up and following her around in the afternoon too. However, by the time I got home from work, Gracie was sick. It happened really fast, in less than an hour, she started breathing very labored, and quickly. She was making a noise like she was in pain. We called the vet to meet us at her clinic. By the time she arrived, Gracie had stopped breathing. She got her breathing again and The vet said her lungs were filled with fluid. She decided to take Gracie to her hospital in the next town over. They made it and tried to do everything they could to save her, but the damage was too much. It was too much for her heart. They said she suffered pulmonary cardiac arrest. She passed away early Tuesday morning. We thought she was going to be okay, but the venom she at was just too strong for her little body. It did too much damage to her organs.

We are so very very heartbroken. I dont even know the right words to say. I just know I miss her so so so much. She has been with me for four years. She has been a constant for four years. She was the beginning of Sidnei and I. She was my constant companion. She was there when Sidnei couldn't be. She was here at the beginning of our journey to Brazil. She was there through all the tears. And now she's not and it's my fault. She was my responsibility. I was supposed to take care of her, keep her safe. I was supposed to know she was so sick. I know there are many people who will feel my pain and many who will not understand it. She was more than my dog. She was part of my family. She was part of my heart.

I don't really know what else to say except that I really hate using the past tense.

Sunday Citar

2011-08-14T08:21:00.003-03:00

I have been reading Fresh Mommy for a long time. I have always enjoyed Sunday Citar and decided that it was finally time to do one myself!

I saw this the other day on Pinterest (which I have been LOVING by the way) and it really struck a cord with me.

I recently received an email from a concerned family member...it was a hard email to receive. One that asked me to evaluate where I am and if it was something that I really wanted. Unfortunately, I let it send me into a downward spiral. It has been a hard week.

But here is what I want to say...life is complicated and messy. And it seems that with choices I'm faced, it seems to be more, damned if you do, damned if you don't. There is no black and white...it's all different shades of gray.

But I am happy. I am in Brazil and I am happy. That's not to say it's not hard. That's not to say that I don't miss the place I called home, it's not to say I don't miss my family, and it's not to say I don't have days where I hate everything about it here...But who doesn't have those days? If you have the life you planned or not, who doesn't have those kinds of days?

Brazil has taught me a lot. One of the most valuable lessons I take with me is this: I don't know what the future has planned for me...but I know wherever life takes me, I'll figure it out. I know wherever I am I will find the happiness that is in store for me.

The Movies

2011-08-13T11:58:00.002-03:00

So here's the thing. In Ipatinga, we have a teeny tiny little theater...Like tiny. Like no tiered seating...the screen looks like its a big, white piece of fabric strung up. Except it's not big enough...the movies don't really fit. It's quite an experience. One we go to every once in a while...but I really hope with the new mall they are building, that it's going to have a new theater...that would be wonderful!

Anyway, what I really want to talk about is language. Language is going well. I understand about 97% of everything that is said now. It is wonderful. And I find that I also don't really need to pay direct attention. I can listen to things around me and just understand. That is really a relief. All the concentration made me so tired! Anyway, but speaking is still more difficult. This is due to a couple of things. The first is that, I don't have much time to study. The second is that I'm a bad student. The third is that...well it's really just those two.

What does this have to do with the movies?

Well it's really TV and movies. I don't understand what those people are saying! They seem to be speaking so fast! But I can understand here...maybe i just understand Mineiro and not other accents? But I kind of got the impression if I could learn Mineiro, I could understand almost anything! It could also be due to the fact that I haven't been watching TV here...at all. But...meh. So anyway we went and saw Harry Potter. And it was fine. I didn't understand what they were saying, but I knew what was going on. Which the case in most movies. I guess I'll understand one day.

The best part of going to the movie? Movie popcorn. Sidnei doesn't like it...so I have the bag to myself...and I can eat almost the entire bag....yummmm...I think I'll go pop some popcorn (totally not the same...)

This post is brought to you by nothing more than ramblings...no point, not much of a story, just wanted to talk...

Cows

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-03:00

I have a thing for cows. I didn't realize this until I got to Brazil. I think that is because here they tend to be in lots of random places. For instance, in the middle of our city, next to a busy road, where I want for the bus, were these guys:

Have you ever seen a calico cow? (do you consider that calico? I couldn't think of another word to call the coloring) But I thought he was pretty!

I love the babies even more. They haven't quite grown into their floppy ears. I love the ears!

As a side note, people watching me take pictures of the cows, probably think I'm insane. And I felt a little silly taking them and then taking my place at the bus stop with everyone staring...but they were too cute!

A good day for soccer

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-03:00

Last weekend, we went to Ipatingão, which has since been renamed apparently...but I forgot the name. Anyway, we went to go watch the Ipatinga Serie B championships. It was two different games and it made for a long afternoon evening. But the weather was perfect, the sky beautiful, and the games were pretty exciting!

Flags: On the far left is Ipatinga, the middle is Brazil, and the right is Minas Gerais
I took particular notice because they replaced the flags with new ones. I was grateful because the old ones were pretty bad looking. I have a thing about flags and respect and etc.
Here is another thought...no one here stands for the national anthem. I always make Sidnei stand with me out of respect. I also would like to learn the words...but..it's a really long song! Maybe I'll make it one of my 2012 resolutions..

The mascot is a Chapinha...you know, like our birds .

Fun day! We hadn't been to the stadium for a game in a while, so it was nice to do something different! We are hoping one of these days we are going to win a motorcycle (of course, to sell). They gave away 5 motorcycles during the half times. We didn't have the luck ticket...but one day we will!

Heads Up

2011-07-22T11:28:00.004-03:00

Hello my fellow bloggers! Guess what? I'm a couple days late (or a week) but I'm coming to Rio!!

But of course I am not coming for fun. Boo to the hoo for that. I am coming because I am in need of a document. Remember a couple of days ago when I asked for a little help ? Well things have gotten interesting since then.

If you are look for some answers here they are. So after Corin left a comment on that post she suggested contacting the embassy. They should have some answers for me. Turns out they DO! There is this thing called an inscription letter that lists all your legal names, your parents name, your date of birth, and place of birth. Which is excellent considering I don't have any documents (aside from my birth certificate which is a whole other problem in itself) with my parents name...which here in Brazil they don't like...seeing as just about every legal document here shows your parents name. *sigh* I'm having all kinds of documents issues. Anyway going back, you can get this paper and it should solve problems. Well, supposedly.

So the interesting part, is I was planning on trekking it out to Governador Valadares today to go talk to the Federal Police about my problem. But yesterday while I was at work, the Federal Police came to ME! Well, actually, they came to do my interview (the one that makes sure I actually live here, with my husband, in a "true" marriage kind of way) and it went fine. Except for the part where everything was a mess. That was embarrassing, but I wasn't here...so I pretend it's all good. Thankfully my sister in law was and Sidnei arrived right as they were leaving. Things should be good on that end.

Anyway they told us to solve this problem, we needed to talk to a specific guy that handles foreigners, except he's the boss and comes in when he wants to. (how very typical) So I waited to call this morning to make sure he was there. Want to know the funny part? He's on VACATION. (also very typical) But we talked to another girl, who INSISTS, that the South Carolina state government must change their document. Which, um, is NOT going to happen. She also insisted the catorio would add a statement onto my translated and legalized Brazilian marriage certificate stating that I was allowed to use my married name. I am going to go talk to them today (I know the big wig at the one here, husband of another teacher), but I don't think that is going to fly either.

So the point being, I'm going to go get this document. Is the consulate far away from the bus station? (I'll be going by bus) Will I be okay all on my lonesome? Anyone want to have lunch while I'm there? :)

(Did any of that make any sense people? I'm on a holy crap I need to get this resolved and the PF are not being helpful tailspin.)

(Oh yeah, if you are coming to Brazil with a loved one? For Pete's sake, just get married here and save yourself the hassle.)

The Circus

2011-07-21T11:59:00.004-03:00

I love going to see the different Circus's that come to town! We went to yet another circus. This time it was Marcos Frota's Circus (honestly, I don't really know who he is, besides that people seem to know him, and apparently his wife is famous). It wasn't the best show I've ever seen, but it was fun. The best part is we got to take Ana Beatriz (Bia) with us! She was SO CUTE. She loved the show and would clap and laugh so hard!

Looking for some help

2011-07-19T10:23:00.004-03:00

So here is the thing, I'm having some problems with my Brazilian documents. The latest drama is this...

I got married to Sidnei in the states. In the states (at least in South Carolina) you go get your marriage certificate a few weeks before you get married. You put your legal name on the documents (which at the time is your maiden name). You get married, send in your license with all the signatures, get a copy back, and you take this copy and go to all the different departments to change your name. Which is what I did.

In Brazil, it's different. You go get your license the same day you get married. They ask if you are going to change your name(From what I've been told) and on your marriage certificate goes your married name.

So the problem is this...my marriage certificate has a different name than my passport...and all my other documents. They don't like this so much. I got a letter last week, asking me to come back to the federal police (2 hours away) to discuss this discrepancy. (yay!)

So what I want to know is...anyone out there have any similar problems? I know most of you got married when you got here...but I'm trying to find out what they are going to want from me. I was thinking maybe my birth certificate...maybe old passports? I have everything with me...but *le sigh* the process to get things certified, translated, etc....I don't even want to think about it. Help anyone?

**edited to add: my marriage certificate was translated, signed off by the judge, and I was given a "Brazilian certificate" here. The PF still don't like it!

Newest Residents

2011-07-17T10:20:00.004-03:00

So last weekend, Sidnei received a phone call at the ungodly hour of 9 AM. (Don't judge, it was the weekend, we are waking up every weekday at 5:30, and we're sleeping before we have kids, k?) Generally my husband is one who loves to wallow in the bed until about 11 or so (stop judging)...but after this phone call, he jumps up, yells at me to "put some clothes on and get in the car". Curious enough to do this, but too sleepy to ask why, I did.

We get to the downtown of Ipatinga and we are looking for someone...who, I might ask? "A friend." Helpful.

We finally find this friend. He has a bag. With a box in it. When I open the bag, I discover the box also has holes, which I find alarming. So of course my immediate question is, "is there something alive in here"??? I guess I should have been asking, "was" ....Thankfully, despite our smart friend, no harm done. Everyone made it out alive.

Let me introduce you:

Here in Minas, we call them Chapinha. They are also known as Canário da terra . (At the top left of that page, you can switch it to English) And this is of course courtesy of my go to bird expert Danielle! All I had to say is it was yellow and tiny and she was all, is this it? Clicked on the link, and there were my birds. She's good!

I'm not really a bird fan. I like to look at them..in their natural habitat. They are beautiful. But in all honesty, I don't love them in cages. I feel really bad for them. At first they were really nervous. They seem to have adjusted. I have not...I don't know why birds make me nervous but they do. But when I call them now, they chirp at me, which I think is cute. And Sidnei loves his birds. He goes to them before he leaves for work and it's the first thing he comes to see when he gets home. I've known for a while that he's been wanting birds, he's always liked them. I just didn't want to have to clean up after anything else. Of course he swears that will be his job. But ha. Just ha.

I want to name them. I can't think of any good names though...help? Any suggestions?

Hello my friends from up North!

2011-07-13T09:39:00.002-03:00

Here's the thing, I grew up in Southern Virginia. In the country, like an hour from any type of civilization. But I loved it. I have the accent. Listen, it's a PEE-CAN PI. Okay? None of the pah-kan stuff! Kenny Chesney's Back where I come from can make me cry big fat alligator tears on the right day and I litter my talking with southern expressions and a good y'all for effect here and there. And of course, let's not forget Gone with the Wind. Scarlett's famous "I can't think about that right now, I'll just think about that tomorrow" has become my personal favorite quote as of late. (Don't hate, I can't help where I grew up)

Anyway, the thing about that is, is that I now have a problem. I didn't venture up north very often and so I don't know much about it. Now, I have a private student who is leaving soon for Cambridge, MA to study abroad at a school called NESE . Help anyone? Anyone from around that area? Tell me things she just HAS to do and things she should probably just avoid all together! She will be there October to January, so she will be there for the holidays. Any fun holiday stuff I need to tell her about??

Thanks for all your help (y'all)!

Here I am!

2011-07-10T19:57:00.006-03:00

It has been so. dang. long.

Here's the thing. I stopped blogging for two reasons..the first is my school schedule has been a little crazy. It is keeping me busy and I really love it!

The second is that I didn't want to complain all. the. time. But here's the thing: It keeps me sane. Things here have been difficult. So first, my apologies for my complaints. And most importantly, a big thanks for always being in my corner.

Moving right along....

I really love working at my school. I really feel like I got lucky. I feel like I have a good boss, who has always been fair with me. But most importantly, I have made some really great friendships with the other teachers there! Also this semester was my first semester teaching kids 7-9. I absolutely LOVED it. It was really so much fun...I don't want to teach regular people anymore. So today I'm going to end my post with some pictures from the semester with my kids.

Here is one group, showing off their actors they made for the story, "The Emperor's New Clothes"

This group is my youngest...they are a lot of fun...but challenging at the same time!
These three girls have been at the school together since they were 3. We had good times, we had bad times. Sweet faces right? Let's just say.... we all survived this semester!
Don't tell anyone, but this is by far my FAVORITE group. They were so much fun! I hope I get this group again next semester :)
Here they are dancing to the music we have to sing every.single.class. Every once in a while I let them go crazy with the dancing..it was one of those days.
At the end of the semester, we combined two groups for a movie day. So after filling them with soda and popcorn, right before lunch, we also gave them a big fat cupcake. They loved it. And well frankly, so did I!
I can't wait until next semester starts! I am slowly but surely pushing out adults and getting more kids classes. The school really isn't thrilled since "I have such a high level of English, they would rather put me in higher levels", but I really love it. And I want what I want! Not only that, but I have heard horror stories about teaching the teenagers...and I'm just not quite ready for that. The kids don't really understand that I don't understand all their portuguese (especially because holy crap, they talk REALLY fast), so they don't use it to their advantage. Teenagers however, in my opinion would have a field day. We had a spanish teacher one year when I was a sophomore in high school and english was her third language...and not her best. We were NOT nice. I would say I regret it...but she kinda deserved it. Anyway, I remember how we were...I'm not ready for that. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm not thick skinned enough.

Anyway to wrap up this book...LOVE the kids. Can't wait to do it again. For now I have a break in the day, and I am only working at night. So it's like semi-vacation. But I'll take it!

And I'm backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. Let's hope I stick around because I missed you guys! And I so wish I could come to the blogger meet up on the 16th! Keep having them, I swear I'll make it out to see you all soon!

One of those days...

2011-05-10T19:44:00.002-03:00

Basically I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Well really just afternoon. The morning was fine.

My kids made my cry (and by kids I mean students).

And then I got hit by a car.

Seriously. Like me. My body.

I'm fine. I just got bumped (the guy was backing up and didn't see me. And I was watching traffic and didn't realize he was backing up. I got bumped. Fell down. I only have bruises and scrapes.

The guy didn't even stop. He saw, looked irritated that I was in his way, and drove off.

I cried.

Now it's all good.

I hate these days.

Dr. Google Diagnoses

2011-04-26T01:23:00.003-03:00

So I know it's not good to self diagnose...but I thought I was crazy. Here is the thing, if I wear heels with a closed back, I automatically get blisters. But that didn't use to happen. I have these little round bumps on the backs of my heels. They are hard like bones. I have lost a LOT of weight in the last couple of years. I attributed this to finding lots of bones in various areas I didn't realize I had and are now much closer to the surface.

But lately it's been bothering me more and more. And I'm all, this cant be normal. But what if it is and everyone thinks I'm crazy. So I did what any one I would. I asked google. And google did not fail me!

I have Haglund's Deformity . I am almost 100% positive this is what is going on. It must be aggravated by the fact that now I walk almost everywhere, whereas prior to my Brazil life, I drove everywhere. And I'm on my feet in school during classes most of the time, particularly with the kids. So I guess the first thing I'm going to do is go find some heel lifts (anyone know where I can get those? Or what the name in portuguese would be?). If that doesn't work, it's off to the docs for me!

I have a question

2011-04-25T22:08:00.004-03:00

So, here is the thing.

I know everyone is not down with the Masons. Totally fine. My Dad is a part of the organization and I was a part of the daughter's organization in my teens. In the states, it's no big deal. I know people are all, why is it secret and whatever...which I understand.

However, here (in Ipatinga, not all of Brazil) people seem to have this belief that they are a church (they are not), and that they are somewhat satanistic. Um...what? As far as I was concerned, and as far as I was involved, we had meetings and we raised money for charitable organizations and did lots of service projects. So why is it all crazy here? People think it's like really really bad. Does anyone have anything on this for me?

I just got into basically a war with my family. It was not pretty. I was/am mad. Someone help?

Just Because

2011-04-25T13:36:00.004-03:00

I can not believe this baby girl will be a year old in June...it feels like only yesterday I became her aunt!

What is it with me and talking about gross things lately?

2011-04-25T13:17:00.002-03:00

I remember it like it was yesterday.

The itching. The pain. The swollen eyes. The gook that crusted your eyes shut at night.

Pink eye. (For any of my Brazilian friends reading, pink eye=conjunctivitis)

Possibly put here on this earth as a form of hell.

And here in Ipatinga it is a RAGING EPIDEMIC. All my students have it. All my co-workers have it. Family members have it. And I am going through hand sanitizer like a hypochondriac in a hospital.

Remember that I mentioned I ride a hospital bus to get to work?

Seriously it's like torture. Every time my eye itches I swear I have pink eye. I refuse to touch my face and every time I forget...I curse myself all the while convincing myself that I have given myself pink eye.

However, so far, so good. Knock on wood. Throw salt over my left shoulder. Four leaf clovers, horse shoes and rabbits feet. WHATEVER. Just please for the love of all that is holy DO NOT give me pink eye.

I know this isn't just in Ipatinga, but is it just as bad everywhere else in Brazil? The states?

Gross

2011-04-13T08:48:00.002-03:00

In the mornings generally I take the bus to work. The particular bus I take is, unfortunately, on a hospital route. Which means that right now, all the people who are sick are riding the bus. This also means there are a lot of old people on the bus. This also makes for some interesting times. And lots and lots of hand sanitizer. So this morning it was really great. I continued my morning tradition of giving up my seat to a member of the elderly....I just can't watch them swaying and hanging on for dear life in the aisles. People, I ALMOST made it to my stop without a single incidence. And then I hear the voice of an anxious mom (i had my headphones in) Move to the side! She's going to vomit! Cue yucky noise and something wet and sticky all over my jeans and feet. Gotta love public transportation. Happy Wednesday friends.

A lesson worth learning

2011-02-27T23:39:00.003-03:00

So here's the thing...

I come from a place (the US, you know, just in case you forgot) where in the summer, pasty white is definitely not a good thing. In fact it is frowned upon. Maybe even considered sickly to be so pale. There are many jokes...ones like blinding people in direct sunlight ~~which may or may not be true~~ .

However here in Brazil, people are HORRIFIED that I would want to be tan. They are equally horrified if I get burnt. I am lectured constantly about sunscreen, umbrellas, and freckles. I get freckles if I get sun...here it is not cute. It's a hard mindset to change. Especially when people get a look at you for the first time and the first thing out of their mouth is something to the effect of, "nossa, ela é branquinha demais!" (or, "oh my gosh, she is so white!")

Normally I don't mind ~~except that one time a cashier asked me if i ever went out in the sun and then I wanted to reach across the cash register and give her my own special ray of sunshine~~ ...normally it's just a comment, but it's hard not to take it as a negative given what the culture is geared towards back home. (And I know a lot of people back home are very conscious of the sun too and are big advocates of sunblock, just throwing that out there)

So anyway, why all this? I'm burnt of course. So I will take the next few days of all the stares (they can't believe a person can be so red), the lectures, and I will nod my head and agree. Then I will embrace the whiteness. I will learn the lesson. I will use sunscreen daily. I will use the umbrella in the middle of the day when waiting for the bus or walking in the sun (although I really hate it). I will see it as a good thing. Even when little kids follow me around whispering because they have never seen someone so white. True story y'all. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

Fishing Galore

2011-02-24T00:17:00.002-03:00

Remember how I bought my husband fishing gear for Christmas ? Well it was quite the success.

We have been spending quite a bit of time fishing. And when I say quite a bit I mean at LEAST once a week. At least.

But here is the first fish (after about two weeks of attempts...) Look how HAPPY that face is!

The Little People

2011-02-23T23:13:00.005-03:00

I honestly don't know what happens to the time or the days. They go by faster than I can keep up with and before I know it the week is gone and I am frantically preparing for the next week. I have concluded that this is due to the little people.

The little people are a LOT of work. And I am only in charge of them 4 days a week for no more than 8 hours a week. Yet, my whole day revolves around them, my nights are spent planning for them, and by the end of the week, I am thankful for a short reprieve until Monday.

If some of you are wondering who the little people are...I started teaching kids at school. Ages 7-9. Truth be told, I absolutely LOVE it. They are really a lot of fun. I love when they want to ask a question and say, "Oh Tia" (tia is pronounced chia by the way...yes like the pet but it means aunt in portuguese...except the kids elongate it so it sounds like chiiiiiiiiiiaa. And as a further explanation, kids here are taught to call family friends, neighbors, and teachers ~~or anyone they've been talking to for five minutes~~ Tia) Another plus, is that they truly adore me, particularly my 9 year old girls, and are just as curious as they can be.

But people seriously, so much more work than big people. These days, I teach little ones in the morning, and big ones in the evenings. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays I literally run all day (I work for a school with two locations, so I go back and forth between the two) and thankfully Wednesday I have a little time in the day to stop and breathe. But seriously I get home about 9:30 pm...and usually asleep by 10. There is so much to remember with the little people...homework books, stickers, craft projects, grading. And then of course all the teacher/school crap I have to take care of. Registering classes in the computer, making sure I asked for the materials I need, did I fill out the attendance form for today?, and of course I spend weekends, planning all the lessons.

It's a good thing I like those little people. Today for instance Igor made me smile. He is 8 years old. He is late EVERY. SINGLE. CLASS. Today he arrived earlier than usual so we were singing our song(we learn a song every few weeks and practice at the beginning of every class) and he literally BUSTED through the door singing, didn't bother putting his things down, but joined in with the choreography, just as happy as he could be. It was so dang cute I was smiling from ear to ear. We have lots of moments where I am just as proud as a momma and then we have lots of moments ~~if i have to tell them to stop talking and pay attenting one more time...~~ that make me grateful the classes are 1 hour and 5 minutes at the longest.

But really? Despite all my complaining ~~a favorite pastime of mine~~ I feel really lucky. I love my job, I love my kids, I love my big people (most of them anyway), and I love my co-workers (you know, for the most part anyway). I feel like my boss has been really fair with me and I believe that she tries really hard to have a good environment for her employees. I am a lucky girl. I just hope this semester continues to go as well as it has so far....

I took pictures of my little kids...I'll upload them soon!

Why hello there!

2011-02-15T18:35:00.002-02:00

So I had a little time between classes I thought I would share a thought with you (though I have many, many when I have some time...school has been crazy).

Today I decided to wear my sporty little slip on sketcher tennis shoes. I haven't worn closed shoes (meaning-not sandals of some kind) in all the time I have been here. (except for the hour or two I spend exercising) Today however, I have worn them ALL DAY LONG.

My poor feet. Do you know they actually hurt? I can't tell if it's from the shoes or from the walking. Also they are HOT. Like HOT HOT. What was I thinking?? My poor feet are DYING to be released from the hot, sweaty, hell that I have imprisoned them in.

Long story short: I don't like the heat (well I like it, just when I have a beach to go too. Also it's really really really ridiculously hot (said in your best zoolander voice, please)). Also, I love sandals and flip flops. And anything open that does not imprison my entire foot. The end.

That time I went to Belo Horizonte

2011-01-27T08:14:00.003-02:00

Time really is flying by faster than I can keep up with...

So a couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Belo Horizonte to do a 3 day training for school. And I went all by myself!! Which really is huge for a couple of reasons:
1. Ipatinga is small. Belo Horizonte is HUGE (to me at least). I am foreign and still learning the language.
2. My husband is REALLY overprotective...(but if you understood how often I tend to get myself into sticky situations and or accidents, you might understand better...) in fact he suggested that I take my dear MIL...a suggestion to which I respectfully and admantly DECLINED.

Anywho, no big drama to report. Everything was pretty calm.

I arrived with no problems, got the taxi, told him where I needed to go, even got a nota fiscal (receipt) without much trouble. I got settled in the hotel, walked myself around like a little lost girl asking for directions, found my way to the Patio Savassi Mall and met Corinne! After which we drove to the original meeting location (a different mall which I couldnt seem to find my way to as it was in the opposite direction, but dont worry, she was already at Patio Savassi, so it was all good) and ate DELICIOUS pizza with good conversation. Seriously love sun dried tomatoes on pizza.

The next day I woke up early, got myself on the city bus for training. Can I just say, I though we knew how to fill a bus in Ipatinga. However, I have never seen more people able to pack on a bus than in BH (though experience, admittedly, is limited). There was not a bit of space wasted, which of course made me feel completely uncomfortable, as I was all up in like 5 different people's personal space...as they were mine.

Anyway enough of the step by step account. The training was good. I worked with a really great group and had a really great trainer. I was trained for what we call, First Wave. Where I will be teaching kids from 7-9! I'm really excited for this semester! I really think it will be a lot of fun!! Plus the kids learn the fun things, like songs, games, and vocabularly. No need to worry about grammar! And I'm sure it will make for some interesting stories along the way!

All in all, BH was nice, but I was glad to come home. It was lonely at night in the hotel all by my lonesome. I did venture out some and wander around. Found a milkshake place near by that sold a HUGE milkshake (700 ml..the biggest ive seen here in ipatinga is 400 ml...which is plenty, but i thought I'd get my American on and supersize!) and of course I got one. Lime and milk, my favorite! Anyway, I didn't venture out much at night by myself. It made me a little nervous and I have the tendency to wander (or as some of you my be more familiar with the term lost, but that just sounds so negative)...so I thought it best to stay close to home. And in my final wave of independent glory I did these things:
1. Ordered food over the phone (phone is really hard in a second language people)
2. Hailed a taxi to go home (which isn't too difficult since they make frequent runs by the hotel, but give me some credit)
3. Bought my bus ticket, went home, and got a wonderful welcome home kiss. I missed that husband of mine! And I think he was glad to get me home in one piece!

Here's hoping it opens doors to let me spread my wings a little more and come see some of my favorite blogging expats!

First things first

2011-01-18T08:52:00.002-02:00

I have been away for a while. More on that later.

First, I wanted to touch on the flood disaster. How horrific. I have been catching up and looking online at the stories and the photos. I am just overwhelmed. Please send prayers, good thoughts, whatever it is that you do, to these people, their families, and the over 100 people that are still missing.

If you are abroad and are wondering what you can do to help, there are two places (that I am aware of) that accept donations online. The first is CARE International and the second is Red Cross International .

If you are here in Brazil please visit Rio Gringa as she has posted different ways to help as well as organizations to donate (and she is also where I got my international donate links as well).

If you have been living under a rock (as I have) you can also go to another post from Rio Gringa that shows videos of the disaster.

I count my blessings today for my safety, for living in an area that doesn't normally see disasters of this magnitude. (knocking on wood over here) My prayers go out to those who are missing, to those that are suffering, and that they may see the sun they so desperately need.

Good Middle of the Night Read

2011-01-08T01:18:00.003-02:00

Seriously, silent laughing is SO hard. It's one in the morning and Sidnei is sleeping. But I ran across a link and it is HILARIOUS ...to me anyway. I think if you have dogs you would think so too. Check it out. I totally was laughing so hard (silently) tears were streaming down my face.

To Danielle

2011-01-06T06:41:00.001-02:00

Dear Danielle,

Last night I found this in my room.

That is one big freaking moth. And he is LOUD. And my husband is scared of him. He called him a ‘Bruxa’ so maybe it’s a her? Pansy. He went on about how the powder that comes off his wings can hurt you. I don’t know if I believe that. Mainly I just don’t like mutant huge moths. And so now, Danielle, I completely understand.

He is up high. I couldn’t get him out last night, so I woke up in the middle of the night with him batting his wings really loudly, resulting in my sleeping under the covers.

I woke up, thought he was gone.

He’s not.

He’s into camoflauge.

Help!

**Updated

I couldn’t bring myself to kill him. He is kind of pretty when he is still. So I got a shoebox (because hello, he’s HUGE) and caught him. While screaming like a little girl, jumping around on my bed. Good times.

2011

2010-12-31T09:49:00.004-02:00

I am seriously in denial that it is January again. How does time pass so quickly and so slowly at the same time?

So last year, I didn't set any goals. This year, I decided that I want to.

1. Come hell or high water, I'm moving into my own place.

2. Improve my Portuguese. I've been here a year and a half. I feel like I should be better. I just started taking classes last semester with one of the teachers at school. I'm going to be better about studying and reading in Portuguese. In other words, I need to stop being so lazy.

3. Healthy. I want to keep exercising. My schedule at work is going to be a lot more full this semester. I want to find time to keep going to my exercise class or get out and exercise on my own. More than that, I want to run a race.

4. Travel- there is so much I want to do and see!

5. Save Money. This of course kind of impedes on number 4 a little. But it is necessary.

6. I want to be crafty. I miss being crafty.

7. Last but certainly not least, my biggest goal of the year is happy. It is continually a work in progress for me, but I've definitely made leaps and bounds lately.

And though this isn't a resolution...
Do something different with my hair. I don't know what it is about January and my hair, but every year around this time I get the itch. After last year's fiasco I have been hesitant. Which means it has been one year since I cut my hair. So hopefully sometime soon I will go cut my hair (but just a teeny bit). And do bangs. Suggestions?

Happy New Year my friends. I hope for 2011 to bring all of us health, happiness, and peace. And if it happens to leave some wealth, that wouldn't be so bad either.

Our Christmas

2010-12-31T08:12:00.001-02:00

So despite my scrooge-ness, on Christmas Eve I tried to muster up some holiday cheer. I put on some Christmas music and started making sugar cookies. I couldn’t quite gather up enough cheer to decorate, but that’s alright since my husband’s family prefers them plain.

That took a good portion of the afternoon. Later, I made homemade pizza for my nephew (He loves pizza and when I leave to go to work, I always tell him that I have to work to buy him pizza, if not he cries when I leave. So I figure I need to hold up my end of the deal every once in a while!) And then after that I prepared the breakfast casserole for them morning. Long story short, between cooking and cleaning I was in the kitchen ALL afternoon/night long.

Christmas Eve night was filled with fireworks from neighbors (poor Gracie) and a huge house party across the street. That went on until 5 in the morning. So about 3:30 am, I decided that Santa needed to make an appearance at our house. I got up with some Christmas spirit, got out our little tree, put a couple of doo-dads on it and put it in our room. Got the presents, put them under the tree, and when Sidnei woke up, I said, “Look, Santa came!” I was quite proud of myself.

Sidnei was a lucky one. He got clothes (that he needed badly), a fishing pole and all the gear he needs to go fishing, and a stereo for his car! (I didn’t get to spoil him for his birthday, so I wanted to do more than usual for Christmas.) My favorite part is Sidnei is just like a little kid on Christmas, He loves to get out all his toys and play with them. He has already put his fishing stuff together. Of course it’s now sitting in the corner of our room which I’m not so thrilled about. But I’m happy he likes it.

I got spoiled too! I got a beautiful ring to match the necklace I received on Valentine’s Day.

Sidnei is good, he knows what I really love. He has always picked out beautiful jewelry for me, from the moment we started dating. I have a feeling come my birthday, I’ll be getting the earrings to complete the set!

While opening presents I cooked my Mom’s breakfast casserole (which turned out great, everyone loved it!). At 6:30 am I had gotten up and put in a Christmas Lunch Turkey. I spent the rest of the morning making a simple lunch. Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and of course, rice and beans. It was really good, the turkey turned out perfect (I was so nervous I wouldn’t cook it right!) and everyone gave their compliments to the chef!

Needless to say, I was pretty sick of the oven when I finished. And I didn’t even do half the cooking my Mom does at the holidays.

I spent the rest of the day talking with family back home and hanging out with my husband.

Despite the homesickness, despite all my complaining, I want to end the holiday season and this year, saying how thankful I am for everything. I have a good life, I have more blessings than I deserve, and I am so grateful to be by my husband’s side. Life in Brazil is not perfect, but it is good, and I am happy.

Christmas In Ipatinga

2010-12-28T08:47:00.002-02:00

I was totally Scrooge this year.

I’m never Scrooge. In fact, I’m the polar opposite. Generally I’m the happy elf. Of course this is a mixture of circumstances. Ones that you are already familiar with so I won’t go there. But, I just in general missed the holiday season back home altogether. I’m homesick, I miss my family and friends, I miss familiarity.

So there was no decorating, no movies. Which was probably fine for my husband’s family, whom do not celebrate Christmas (religious reasons). It’s just hard to celebrate alone. Not that I don’t have Sidnei, I do. But he’s not exactly thrilled over decorating sugar cookies or watching Elf for the millionth time. I need my sister or mom for that.

Anyway getting on with it, I did go see some of the decorations they put up in Iptainga. I really loved the nativity and christmas scenes that were made by Usiminas (the steel company here). They made everything out of steel and iron, which I think is appropriate since we are Vale do Aco (or steel valley).

Take a look for yourself: (and sorry the pictures are terrible, I cant figure out how to take good night pictures)

So at the top of the hill they had a little house with a live Santa giving out candy to kids…it was cute!

If you can’t tell, this is santa’s factory…

The nativity below…I think the baby Jesus could use a little improvement…

The sheep was my absolute favorite! Look how cute!

I really love being right.

2010-12-19T23:30:00.003-02:00

So Sidnei hurt his back..again. Poor thing. I always feel so bad for him. This time he hurt it good and I'm worried it might be a while before he's feeling back to normal. For the past two days he's been completely leaning to the left...and really stubborn. Saturaday he wouldn't stop working. He wouldn't take the right medicine. Today his mom called the pharmacy and had them bring a shot (of who knows what..i haven't been able to get my hand on the paper and google) and administered it to him. I have a machine that sends electric waves into your muscles (works wonders for me) and I did finally convince him to use that.

All day I have been trying to convince him to take a muscle relaxant. He's resisted. FINALLY at 10 pm, he conceded and took the pill. At 10:30 he looks at me and says, "this isn't strong, it isn't working at all." And I said, "Really because your eyes look a little funny and you look tired." Literally two minutes later, he was sitting with the computer, and snoring away. I woke him up to get him ready for bed, we both laughed and he admitted the pain wasn't as bad. Before his head hit the pillow, he was snoring again.

Ahhh, the sweet, blissful ~~loud~~ noise of being right. I truly love being right.

Let's hope he feels better tomorrow! Send good, non hurting, walking straight thoughts our way!

Pico da Ibituruna

2010-12-14T09:17:00.001-02:00

A couple of weeks ago, Sidnei and I got invited to go with Amelia’s family to see Pico da Ibituruna. It is in Governador Valadares and it is known as being the home of “vôo livre”or free flight. In other words, lots of people hang glide and paraglide! It is absolutely gorgeous!

Here is our day in pictures!

We stopped about halfway up the mountain to give our poor van a break! It was hot and thirsty. Our trusty mechanics here, making sure everything is okay. (it was)

We stopped a little park halfway up the mountain for lunch and some fun! Here are the guys hanging out in the shade after lunch! This is Amelia’s husband Wallace, Sidnei, and Wallace’s Dad.

Beautiful family! Brian (stepdad), Sally(sister), Amelia, and Leanna(mom)!

We decided to be adventurous and get suited up for the zip line!

This is Brian doing down first!

This is Amelia! (try clicking to make the images bigger!)

This is me, arriving, after I was saying, I don’t think Im going to stop!! (in my defense I came in really fast!)

And this is Sally with her cute pointed feet!

You know I can never resist these pictures. We’re just too good looking together.

Driving…making our way back up, the scenery is breath taking!

We made it to the top!!

Wallace and Sidnei taking in the view

Isn’t the view incredible??

It never fails, no matter who I’m with, I’m always the whitest one in the crowd.

Sisters!

Wallace and Amelia

Amelia and I on the platform. You take your glider and run right off the edge of this! I didn’t see anyone do it that day, but I want to go back so I can!

Amelia’s cute mom, Leanna!!

Everyone hanging out before going home!

We got to see two paraglider’s jump (they don’t use the platform though, just the hang gliders) before we went home! If all goes well, I may be doing this for my birthday! I can not wait!

And of course, thanks to Amelia and her great family for letting us tag along! It was amazing to see and such a great day!

A little bit of paz

2010-12-10T19:03:00.008-02:00

Last night, after Sidnei picked me up from school, we decided to stop at this little bar that also grills meat. It was deadly hot and we just wanted to sit somewhere with a slight breeze and drink an ice cold coke with our porção mista (a plate with assorted types of grilled meats). It was really great. The breeze started to blow, warning of the rain that was soon to come, and lucky us, a band was setting up to play ao vivo(live). Of course I say band, but really it was two guys with two acoustic guitars, an amp, and a microphone doing covers. And really, they were good. Not great, but good.

However, as I was sitting there, I had this realization that if I left Brazil, this is exactly would I miss. The hot summer days cooled by a summer night breeze (a little anyway), little bars, the good and simple food, a bottle of coke, a little bit of music, my feet up and my man by my side. Completely, 100% relaxed. I wanted to take a picture, so I would always remember that night, the way that I felt right then...but it was just too good to get up. So I stayed, I enjoyed, and after almost 3 hours the skies parted, the rain fell, we ran to our car, and went home.

Things that were once so new are now common. And though, I don't feel this way every day, I am so grateful for moments like last night. To be able to feel at peace with where I'm at. Even so much so, that I even loved the bright yellow plastic tables.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-07T09:00:00.001-02:00

Thanksgiving day has come and gone. We didn’t do anything special. My schedule has been really busy and honestly, I’m just waiting until we have our own place (I have been told January for sure…but I’m not holding my breath..or as they say here, I have my feet on the ground).

I do have a Thanksgiving story though. It was a rainy day (as they are often here lately) and I was getting ready to leave. When I say it was rainy, I mean like the pouring type. But thankfully by the time I had to leave, it had let up. So I got my trusty little umbrella and off I go.

Sidnei called me and asked if it was raining. I told him it was, but it wasn’t bad. He told me to go home he was going to come get me and take me to work. I assured him it was no problem, to stay there. I was almost there anyway.

Halfway to the bus stop, the heavens opened, and it was pouring so hard, I could barely hold up my umbrella. My jeans were soaked all the way up to my knees and I thought that is really going to suck when I’m in my air conditioned class room. (I teach mainly guys and they are always wanting the air…and I'm usually freezing, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving I'm absolutely thankful for AC. Best thing ever. I’d rather be cold than hot any day. Unless there’s a beach around.) Despite the wetness I continued on.

Almost to the bus stop and just when I thought things couldn’t possibly get anyway worse, it started to rain harder than before…I had no idea that was possible. And to top it off, the wind started blowing non stop. So it was horizontal rain. I kid you not. Meaning the shelter the bus stop offered did nothing. Nor did my poor little umbrella.

I thought maybe it would stop after a few minutes, but this tempest kept right on raging. When I was finally soaked down to every inch, I broke down and called Sidnei. He could barely hear me over the noise of the rain. Once I got off the phone, I looked around me at the driving rain, the flooding streets, at the two guys with me trying to be shielded by my tiny umbrella and I bust out laughing. I’m sure they thought I was insane, but I couldn’t help it.

It took Sidnei longer than expected because all the streets were flooded, but we finally both made it home. I couldn’t resist taking a picture for posterity’s sake.

Can you even tell I'm soaking wet? I have no idea…but I was. It felt like I had jumped in a pool with all my clothes on. Needless to say, later that night I was giving thanks for my blow dryer since all my books and notebooks for school were soaking wet.

Rain, rain go away and a wedding!

2010-12-06T07:00:00.001-02:00

Here lately, there has been so much that I have wanted to tell you about! Unfortunately, my internet is not cooperating…I have taken for granted my great internet connection these last few months. I forgot how AWFUL it is during this time of year. I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I think it has to do with the rain. But today it’s not raining, it’s relatively clear, and I’m still not connected. I’m using Live Writer because when I get one hint of a signal, I will post, to let the world know, I am in fact alive. I hate not having in the internet. I’m going a little crazy.

So the biggest and best thing is that Amelia’s family came down and over to Brazil for Amelia’s wedding!! It is so nice to finally meet people face to face that you have been facebooking with! They are just as wonderful as Amelia is and I am so glad to have met them! They were very gracious guests, learning bits and pieces of the language, and in general loving Brazil!

But of course the highlight of this post has to be the wedding! Despite the rain that decided it was a good day for a visit, it turned out just beautiful!

Congratulations Amelia and Wallace!! Everything turned out fantastic and you were a beautiful bride! Thanks for being such a great friend and letting me be part of your big day!!

PS- Are there any chocolates left?

Go Karts!

2010-11-24T11:05:00.001-02:00

The other day we woke up and headed out to the good ol’ Kartodromo! (Or the go kart race track) After a couple of days of really hot weather, it was nice and cloudy, with a bit of a breeze! I was definitely glad! Anyway we had a good time watching the races and they even had a motorcycle show! We took Gracie with us. She was terrified of the motorcycles (she always has been, I have no idea why) but loved the kids that came to play with her!

I cant help but think how hot the drivers uniforms are! So glad that is not me! They had a DJ there, I'm pretty sure he is from one of the radio stations around here in Ipatinga. He was a lot of fun. He really interacts with the audience, by making fun of everyone of course, and gives away things (like shirts, hats, etc). It is hilarious to watch people running down the hill to get these freebies! He says the first five mechanics to come down will get a shirt .These grown me go flying down the hill trying to beat each other there. Of course, being one who never passes up anything free, if they had said calling all english teachers, I would have been down there in a heart beat!

Anyway it was just a nice day to do something differet. To hang out, eat a popsicle, and enjoy the weather, the show, and my cute little family!

Gracie Update

2010-11-23T06:00:00.000-02:00

If you remember back in June, Gracie was given the worst haircut EVER .

That was June.

I have been letting it grow back out. I have REFUSED to let anyone cut her hair. Despite the complaints about her hair, despite the fact that it takes me an hour to wash and dry her two times a week, I did not want to cut. EVER AGAIN. And of course that is a little drastic, but we were both scarred after that last cut. Anyway her hair had gotten really long and we had our first really hot day on Friday. She spent all day long laying in the floor trying to keep cool. And I felt like a bad dog momma. So off to the groomers we go.

Someone at work recommended a new place and I am so glad they did! I think she looks so great and they were so good with her!

Without further ado:

Not too short, not too long. Gracie is cool, Stephanie is happy. Win Win all around.

Last Minute Beach Trip

2010-11-22T10:04:00.003-02:00

So of course everything turned out fine. By 2 I was in bed and by three I was awake, getting ready, and we were on our way! (and I of course couldn't keep my eyes open the entire way there)

We arrived on Friday with sunny skies! I wanted to go to the beach, but everyone wanted to rest (I always hate the first day rest, it bores me). So we rested. That night we went to Wal Mart. First Wal Mart I've been in since I've been in the states. Even though they had Brazilian products, it still made me homesick. I'm not one of those people that loathes Wal Mart. I miss it's one stop shopping, cheap prices, and who doesn't love People of Walmart's website with the crazy pictures? (but let's get real, no one likes they lines) Anyway we got SO MUCH FOOD. And that was a good thing since the rest of the weekend rained, rained away. I was sad, I was hoping to get a little sun! But seriously people, we ate ourselves silly.

We decided to stay an extra day (and when I say we, I mean everyone else) since Monday was a holiday and no one had to work on Tuesday (and when I say no one, I mean no one but me). Thankfully the rain let up a little (but not the cold) and so we went shopping and took a little walk on the beach.

Tuesday we left early, got home safe and sound (Despite my concerns about dying in a head on collision..) and I went straight to school to teach. I was a tired girl.

The trip was really nice (despite my complaints) and relaxing. Though next time I think a little planning is in order (like checking the weather..since that was everyone's biggest complaint...although I'd like to point out that I did and I knew, but what are you going to do at midnight and you're leaving at 3 am?) We didn't take too many pictures, but here is one of Sidnei and I!

And here is everyone:
Me, Sidnei, Sidnei's Uncle, aunt, and cousin (there is another cousin, but she's taking the picture) my sister in law, and Sidnei's brother!

Good Times...

Somehow I still got the raw end of this deal...

2010-11-12T00:01:00.002-02:00

SO we're traveling. Which I should be more excited about. Except that it's after midnight and here I am still packing. While my husband is soundly snoring ~~despite all the PURPOSELY loud noises like banging doors and zipping bags~~ .

So these grand plans to travel were brought to us by my husband's oldest brother. As of two weeks ago the whole family is supposed to go. MIL, FIL, 3 SIL's, 1 BIL, 1 nephew and a bay. That's a lot of freaking pepople.

So this is how my week went...
Monday:
Me: So what's the plan for this weekend?
Him: I don't know.
Me: Well could you please find out so I can make arrangements with work and plan things?
Him: I'll talk to my brother tonight.

Tuesday:
Me: So what's the plan for this weekend?
Him: I don't know.
Me: Well who's going?
Him: I don't know.
Me: Well are we going for sure?
Him: Yeah.
Me: Okay, well find out what's going on so I can plan everything.
Him: Alright.

Wednesday:
Me: Are you going to the beach this weekend?
MIL: I don't know. The boys haven't resolved anything.
Me: Well we should find out so we can make plans.
MIL: Yeah

Later Wednesday:
Me: So what's the plan?
Him: I don't know.
Commence blowout here about disorganization and my need to have some kind of plan (even a non specific one would be nice). Decide to teach husband a lesson and let him deal with everything and not plan anything. Like what to pack, what is the weather going to be like, what cars we are taking, who is going where, what to do with the dog, etc.

Thursday night 9pm after I'm finished from school:
Him: So what are we going to do with the dog?
Me: That's a good question.
Him: I tried to call a place for her to stay, but they didn't answer.
Me: Yeah usually those places like to book in advance, you know the day before...or during business hours.
Him: Okay, so what do we do?
Me: Good question.
Insert snicker here as I calculate points on the "I win as usual" scorekeeper.

Of course at the last minute everyone cancels (much to my relief...sorry but it's true) so now it's just the BIL, SIL, me and Sidnei. So luckily Gracie can stay here.

However, somehow I got stuck packing at the last minute. Which was my WHOLE POINT about me needing time to prepare. I work by lists. I don't have a list. So things will be forgotten. And I don't want to hear one freakin' word about it.
And before I sound like a naggy wife, let me just say this about my day:
Wake Up
Clean House
Iron clothes (for like 2 hours)
Eat Lunch
Go to Work
Come home
Eat dinner
Pack

This was my husband's day:
Wake Up
Play on the Internet
Talk to his Dad (while his Dad works (he's building a terraco for my SIL))
Eat Lunch
Play on the computer/take a nap
Take Stephanie to Work
*I don't know what happened here since I was working, but it wasn't productive*
Pick Stephanie Up
Eat dinner
Watch TV
Complain that Stephanie only packed Stephanie's bag and didn't think about her poor poor husband who couldn't have possibly picked his lazy butt up long enough to pack his own dang bag...when did his wife become his Momma??
Huff and Puff (while not packing his bag)
Sleep

So now? I'm packing his bag. Though he claims that when he wakes up at 3 AM he will do it.
But I can tell you how that will go.

Him: Stephanie
Wake UP!
Where is this?
Where is that?
Why can't I ever find anything?? You always move things!

Which will result in a VERY cranky Stephanie. So she is just packing his bag now as to avoid all the huffing and puffing (she hopes).

So again I say:

I don't want to hear one freakin' word.

From him that is.

You all go right ahead, I'm listening!

I feel better now.

Thought you all should know..

2010-10-21T14:43:00.002-02:00

I am the proud new owner of this:

And I am sooooooooooooooooo happy!!

15.1 King Capcity GE Washing Machine

Passenger side brakes

2010-10-15T23:44:00.000-03:00

Lately, I have been lucky enough to have a ride to school just about every day, instead of needing to take the bus. It is really nice because it saves SO MUCH TIME. The down side is I am usually traveling to work when the roads are relatively busy. Busy roads equals white knuckling the door handle and pressing on my imaginary passenger side brake.

Any one else have one of those?

I have talked about the roads here before. They are CRAZY to say the least. And we live in a small town. If we lived in a city, I am wondering if my imaginary brakes would have worn out the floor by now. Between busses, bicycles, motorcycles, pedistrians, dogs, and people trying to park and dodge one another, it feels like we are in an 'obstacle course for you life' EVERY SINGLE DAY. Like, bah hahahaha, let's see if they can make it today: TRUCK WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS, POTHOLE, SLOW BUS, BAM, CONSTRUCTION WITH NO SIGN CAUSING SLAMMING OF BRAKES. And that is all within the space of about 30 seconds. I wish I could make this up.

My husband used to get upset with me because my movement of hitting my brakes (along with the little *gasp*) used to startle him. Lately he has been handling it better. Meaning he laughs and tells me that I need to get my brakes checked, they aren't working.

But with an accident history like mine, combined with the 'obstacle course for your life' drive to work, any girl would need her imaginary brakes!

How to die from embarrassment properly

2010-10-14T16:59:00.004-03:00

Step 1
Take a shower

Step 2
Take your time towel drying

Step 3
Here someone approach the door, but ignore it since the door is locked.

Step 4
Stand pretty much naked in front of your brother in law since the door is not locked.

Step 5
Die from embarrassment.

Step 6
Wonder what he actually saw since you were too shocked to properly cover anything up. (pretty sure he got a boob, if not more)

Step 7
Curse living in a house with others as you slap your head into the palm of your hand.

Step 8
Consider not leaving the bathroom ever again.

Step 9
Die from embarrassment all over again.

Step 10
Continue to do the head into palm as you can not stop reliving the moment of horror. Die from embarrassment.

Ipatinga Soccer!

2010-10-14T11:37:00.000-03:00

I love going to the soccer games here in Ipatinga. The actual game is usually fun, the people watching is always fantastic, and I just really enjoy myself in general! This game I had the pleasure of having Amelia along with me! It was her first game! Imagine our delight in the conicidence Ipatinga was playing against Amèrica! That is in Minas Gerais, not to be confused with the United States which is also referred to as America.

Anyway without further ado, here we are!

Ipatinga's Mascot

Sidnei was waiting for the drawing to win a motorcycle! (Thankfully that didn't happen)

GO IPATINGA!

This is my crazy friend who is at EVERY GAME, ~~FULL OUT SCREAMING AND YELLING~~ encouraging the players on. He is one of my favorite parts about Ipatinga playing!

Hello Belo

2010-10-06T10:39:00.004-03:00

Two weeks ago (seriously time passes way too fast) Sidnei and I went to Belo Horizonte to transfer Sidnei's drivers license. Oh how simple that sentence sounds. Nothing is ever that simple. Ah well. Even though we didn't get the drivers license we did have a good time! We spent Friday wandering around Centro and the Mercado Central. Which I happen to absolutely LOVE. I taste tested a parmesan that was $R84 per kilo. Seriously. And it was seriously delicious too. Though I think Sidnei about choked when the lady told us how much it was.

Sidnei surprised me, deciding we should stay the night. So we got a hotel, relaxed a little and I made plans to go out with Corinne. Oh how simple that sentence sounds! Of course that is not at all how it worked out. The stomach bug struck and I was down for the count! So we made a night in and it was nice just the way it was. I only got a few pictures because I just plain forgot (which is so unlike me) SO these were from the day I was leaving.

I have been promised we will go back soon, with some formal plans to look around and see all the things I've been wanting to see!

Election Day OPINION (read: not fact)

2010-10-06T09:30:00.004-03:00

So lots of people have opinions about election day (last Sunday October 3rd). Mine are not very well educated, though I have read lots and lots and lots about how things work here and I went with Sidnei just to kind of take a look and see how the people were taking in the experience. Here is my take.

First off, let's get all the negative hubabaloo out of the way. I am SO GLAD, elections are over (for the most part anyway...for those that don't know, we will have a second round for the presidency on october 31st..then we will be done..hopefully). The couple of months leading up to the elections are little pieces of papers, cars with speakers playing loud jingles for cadidates which usually consist of repeating numbers over and over so that they stick in your head and won't go away. ALL of the marketing, advertising that go into the elections make me sick. The amount of paper wasted makes me ill. The streets are littered every day for two months. My mailbox was full every day for two months. And all of it went into the trash. And that is nothing compared to how the streets look the day of elections.

The second thing is...WHY???!??? Why Sao Paulo, why would you elect a clown to be your congressman? How embarassing. That is all I have to say about that.

I really enjoyed the day of elections. I was really impressed with the people who did take the elections seriously. Another side note, is here in Brazil voting is mandatory by law. Which I honestly think is great. If you don't vote then you have to pay I a small fee...I think it's 5 reais..about $2.80 give or take...(though with dollar continually falling its probably more on the give side) Anyway I really enjoyed seeing SO MANY people voting. It was madness. Especially in the morning there were LOTS of people. We opted to come back later in the afternoon when it was not so full and it was still busy!

And last but not least, my preference was Marina Silva for President who is part of the Green Party (you know, going against my whole family...arguing politics in another language? HARD..not suggested). I was really surprised and happy she did so well. She didn't win, but she gained almost 20% of the vote..and to me that means people are really stepping outside of the 2 popular parties and are really participating and thinking about who they want to run this country.

Democracy is still very new in Brazil! It's actually younger than I am (founded in 1988 and I was born in '84)! I really enjoyed watching people being able to participate in something that they are truly grateful for. The system is not perfect. People are still learning to trust it and still need to learn that they CAN make a difference. But they are getting there. Let's see what happens on October 31st!

One Lucky Girl

2010-09-28T09:57:00.003-03:00

There are lots of reasons I am lucky, but I truly believe that one of the biggest reasons, is my online community. I have a fabulous reader named Lisa . Lisa has been with me for a long time. For a long time she has cheered me on, encouraged me when I needed it most, and always seems to know what to say to help me. And of course when I blogged about really feeling the need to try the new pretzel M&M's guess who sent me an email right away? Lisa of course!

This is the face of one happy girl:

And this is the face of another happy girl:

I shared y'all! (I'm growing...you know as in my character, not because of all the m&m's!)
You should have seen Amelia's face of delight when I pulled them out to show her! I wish I had had my camera to snap that photo!

So from two American girls, who only talk about all the food they miss from back home(seriously...food is a close second place to the number one(which is our families)...we talk about it ALL the time.)This was such a nice treat!

Thank you Lisa ! And as promised I love for the rest of eternities. Be on the lookout for some Brazilian goodies!

A Round of Hallelujahs Please!

2010-09-22T10:50:00.004-03:00

Continuing on with the theme of happiness, today I am giddy with happiness.
One reason being, I got to talk to my little sister for a good long while today. We made some plans that I am super excited about...once things firm up, I'll explain more on here.

The second reason is, my house is in a flurry of activity. My MIL, SIL, my MIL's aunt (who is staying with us for an undetermined amount of time..she deserves her own post, at 82 years old, she is hilarious), and the baby are are taking a trip to visit Sidnei's aunt in Vitoria, ES. Can I get a hallelujah??

Now, I hope they travel safely and back home safely. I hope they have a great trip! But in the next hour or so they are leaving and the house will be mine to enjoy ALONE. ALONE!! Well, until my FIL comes home and the husband. But still, YAY!! It's going to be so nice to have a little down time!

I am going to miss this face though.

A Vibrant Color

2010-09-21T15:28:00.003-03:00

On my walk to work yesterday, amongst all the dry, brown foliage (from the extreme lack of rain) were these flowers hanging over my head. They made me happy.

A Tale of Laborious Laundry (...it is a real word now okay?)

2010-09-19T23:22:00.004-03:00

So I was going to start this post with, "Now, usually I try not to complain..." but seriously who am I kidding? I'm a complainer. You know it, I know it, I apologize for it. But can I just try to justify one of my complaints?

Let's talk about laundry. Honestly, laundry has never really bothered me. Except when I had to use the coin laundry. I really hated that. But for me, sort, throw it in the wash, come back later and switch. No biggie. Didn't even really mind putting it away. Of course, I was only doing my laundry, which I'm sure makes a big difference. Having a whole family to put things away for, find missing pieces, figuring out who's is who's, etc is probably where most of the despising of the laundry comes into play.

However, these days, I'm doing laundry pioneer style. Or at least that is what I tell myself. Lucky for me, I do have running water and well, that makes quite the difference.

This past week, I thought I would chronicle my laundry story for you to see.

Hey there. I am not really awake yet and it's a little cold because it's cloudy (and early). Luckily my Ipod keeps me company. Shall we start?

Step 1: Sort

Step 2: Scrub husband's work clothes. Because they get crazy dirty. (and truthfully I'd probably need to do this even using a modern day machine)

Step 3: Put clothes in tank. This tank only spins water. So in goes clothes with laundry detergent, spin.

Step 4: I didn't really get a step of this part, but there is a basin with 2 sinks (see step 2: scrubbing husband's clothes). These are filled with clean water. I remove clothes from tank, wring out water, put in clean water. Take out of clean water, wring again, put in clean water again. This is done to remove the soap. Here is me in front of the sink..caught off guard by my MIL. Don't worry, I do laundry outside in my pj's.

Step 5: After clothes are soap free, they go into a basin filled with water and fabric softner, where they soak for a little bit.

Step 6: This is my favorite. After the clothes soak, we use the washing machine to spin the water out of the clothes. Did you catch that? YES, we have a washing machine. In fact, we have a NICE washing machine. It is so pretty. So new looking. Because they don't use it. See for yourself:

Do you find yourself asking WHY?!?! For the love of pretty nails, moisturized skin, and extra time...WHY?!? Me too, my friends, me too.

My MIL and SIL say that the washing machines wear the clothes out too fast. I wouldn't know. I have had a friend say they are right, it wore her clothes out that she had had forever really fast. However, the majority of people here do use washing machines and they seem to feel it works just fine and their clothes are washed with no more wearing than normal. Any thoughts out there my Brazilian and Americans in Brazil friends?

Step 7: Hang clothes to dry. (I forgot to take a picture because I had to take a shower, eat, and run to work immeadiately after I hung them up)

This whole process takes me normally give or take 5 hours. A week's worth of clothes for myself and Sidnei including towels and sheets. This does not include the retrieving, the folding, or the ironing after all is said and done.

Honestly, it really is exhausting. My back and shoulders hurt because wet clothes are HEAVY. My hands hurt because of over exposure to water, the soap, and the wringing of clothes. I loathe the day I have to do laundry.

For this reason, I will love my washing machine. I will love him for all the work he will do and all the work I won't have to. I will love him because he will save me time and let me have pretty hands and manicures again. And don't feel sorry for me, this is a complaining post, but not a pity one. I have learned a LOT about clothes. Particularly about removing stains. Shout has got nothing on me as far as stain removal goes. So next time you are doing laundry, give your washing machine a little pat on the back (or wherever), we don't even realize just how much work they do!

Tuesday Nothingness

2010-09-14T10:48:00.003-03:00

Yesterday I was struck down by the sickness. I'm not sure exactly what happened. My family here attributes it to the fan...my husband likes to sleep with the fan on, even though it's not really hot here yet. Anyway I woke up around 2 coughing and was up the rest of the night coughing away and strangely enough needing to pee every hour or so. When I woke up around 6 with Sidnei, I was feeling achy and icky, but I just attributed that to the little sleep I got. When I was trying to get out of bed about 7:30 to go to my aerobics class I noticed that I was chilly and my body was really hurting. Which of course the alarms then went off (late I might add) that I must have a fever. Sure enough at 101.8, I was feeling lousy. So basically I stayed in bed ALL DAY LONG, with the aching. The fever wouldn't go down despite medicine and a shower. The cough came and went but it wasn't too bad. My fever finally broke around 8 pm or so. I felt human again.

My husband who is a sweet man, knew I wasn't feeling well, so when he came home, he had with him treats for the dog (which always wins him brownie points with me since he claims to not like the dog) and my favorite potato chips Thai Sweet and Chili. I'm not sure what possessed him to do this since I wasn't up for much eating, but it was sweet (and spicy..yum!) none the less. He spent the rest of his evening laying beside me fetching water and tylenol when desired.

Today I was going to do laundry, but there is no water in the street. Why? I don't know why. We still have a container at our house that gives us water until it returns (which will be sometime later today). I know it sounds strange. I think it is strange and I don't really get it. Do they shut it off or what? But it always comes back, thank goodness and now it is just one of those things I live with. Anyway when I do laundry Im going to do a post and show you all. So that way you can give your washing machine a little hug. My washing machine and I are going to be best friends.

Other than that I'm feeling lazy. (what else is new?) I have not made my grand entrance for the morning yet and I just wish I could stay in here forever. But I suppose I will go and get my butt in gear and help out (you know Cinderella style), get ready, and go to work. I have one of the coordinator watching my classes today. Keep your fingers crossed that they like it. Our old coordinator left and I have a feeling things are going to be changing..which isn't necessarily bad. I'll let you know. Until later friends...

Things I will never understand...#1

2010-09-10T09:21:00.002-03:00

I've decided to post an installment of sorts..when I come across them, feel like it, etc...

I just can not understand why it is so hard to form a single file line. It is IMPOSSIBLE here. It doesn't matter if you are at the supermarket, the bank, gym class, it is impossibly impossible. For me it doesn't even need to be single file! Some kind of control or order would even be fine. But there is cutting, pushing, switching..it drives me crazy.

Case in point today at aerobics class....

We have to go get our mats, weights, ankle weights etc. They are all stacked on a shelf. Instead of forming some sort of organizational line or system, everyone rushes to the front, hands are everywhere, things are dropping, it is a ridiculous free for all that takes about 5 minutes longer than it should because of all the pushing to get to the front, the cutting.

It seriously drives me bananas.

The Traveling Circus

2010-09-09T07:49:00.003-03:00

On a whim one night we decided to go visit the circus that stopped in town! It was definitely different than I was used to, but it was fun. It was a small tent, we all hopped in chairs and the show started. We had clowns, we had the juggler, we had the magician, we had this guy who has a LOT of upper arm strength. He pulled himself up on these ropes and did all kinds of crazy tangles and tumbles. In his spandex. See below:

I felt sorry for this girl. She can hula hoop her booty off, it was crazy. But of course being the only female in the show and the fact that she is half naked and in spandex, subjects her to cat calls her ENTIRE performance. But seriously, she's a hula hooping demon!

Of course we had to have the "Globe of Death!" No circus would be complete without it. Actually I have always enjoyed this...I think it's insane how fast they go and how many people they can put inside. This one held 3 crazies.

It was short and sweet. It made us laugh. I missed the lions, tigers, and bears. And the cute horses that parade around. But it was a fun spur of the moment thing, it was corny, but it made us laugh. And honestly, I love watching the amazement on little kids faces.

The Wednesday Monday

2010-09-08T10:06:00.003-03:00

Today I feel tired.

Maybe it's the overcast weather?

I should feel full of energy, renewed, ready for my short work week. I just finished a 5 day holiday! It was nice, low key. I slept, I played, I read.

So what's the deal with the general overall feeling of tiredness today?

Maybe I have a case of the misplaced Mondays?

Blah.

Anyway so the aerobics thing is going good. I spent all of last week moaning and groaning about how sore I was. My poor aching body. Seriously people, the teacher does a good job. Every single muscle in my body hurt, it was pretty amazing. I didn't have class Monday, but I had class today..hopefully my muscles will tolerate everything better this week than last! Once I'm accustomed, I think I will start going 5 days a week. Even though every single morning I have to convince myself to get up and go, I really enjoy it. You know, once I'm there.

I'm procrastinating planning my classes. I have procrastinated all the 5 days away, so I am left with this morning before I need to go. One day I'm going to have more ambition to get things done in a timely manner.

My husband is the bomb. I really am always surprised at his ability to fix things. If you remember I have a tendency to break things . I could give you a list...it would either bore you or make you say, "what is wrong with you?"..to which I'd respond my touch is like Midas's minus the gold. Things just break. It is a curse I tell you.

Anyway, it was Sunday I think (the past few days have felt like they all melted together) and my computer kept randomly just shutting off. I finally figured out that the computer was overheating because the fan had stopped working. So I did what I do best: I googled. (Because I was freaking out thinking about the money to fix it, is there someone reliable to take it to?, what am I going to do without my computer?!?) I found out that a lot of times you just need to clean out the lint to get it to run again. (insert sigh of relief) Which makes sense because the amount of dust in this house is beyond amazing. So I found on dell, a diagram showing me what to do. I contemplated getting in my husband's tool box to get what I need. Thankfully he entered the room about that time and questioned what I was doing. He laughed. Then he got the tools and took care of it.

It gives me all those mushy lovey feelings to think about. I research, he fixes. It works for us. Sure enough there was a big ball of lint that had gotten stuck, he removed, put everything back together and I am once again enjoying the very LOUD whirring of the fan.

In other good news, today I get to go pick up my check. Bad news, I forgot and I only have one hour in which to go get it! Ahhh the Wednesday Monday...til next time..

Project Me

2010-08-30T12:35:00.005-03:00

I'm working on me. It's quite a work in progress, but we'll get there one day.

Today I went back to my aerobics class! I kept laying in bed trying to talk myself out of it, making me about 10 minutes late. However now my sore muscles are thanking me for a job well done. I feel good and productive. And you know the best part? I weighed less than I thought! The scale and I are friends.

Anyway it was a good weekend. Lazy Friday move night, good food with Amelia and the husbands, the circus...we packed it full!

Today I am gearing up for school and prepping all my lessons....

And I also saw someone post something about Pretzel M&M's. So if you would like to contribute to my overall happiness and delight in life, feel free to send a bag...or ten. I would love you for the rest of the eternities.

Ipatinga Country

2010-08-27T08:20:00.000-03:00

About a month ago we decided to head out with some friends and go to Ipatinga Country! We had a good time! We thought we were just there to see a concert, however, before it started there was a rodeo!

After they had a pretty impressive fireworks show! It had been a while since I had seen fireworks (the big kind) and surprising they made my really homesick! (But I only got a picture of the very beginning!)

After all that then it was time for the concert! The concert did not end up starting until almost 12!

Eduardo Costa was playing. I am not very familiar with his music, but he is a good performer. The ladies love Eduardo Costa, they were going crazy!! We got lucky because our tickets were basically VIP, so we were really close to the stage and we were sectioned off from the other concert attendees! It was a small group, so it was really nice!

All in all, it was a good night...albeit a LONG one! I think we got home a little before 3! We haven't stayed out that late since we were dating I think! It was fun and something different! Next time I'll have to get my cowboy hat and boots out :)

We dream, we hope, we wait...

2010-08-24T10:22:00.004-03:00

Today I read a post by Rage Against the Minivan who I happen to really like. I love her writing, most of her opinions, and started reading through a blog of a blog, when she was in Haiti adopting her son at the time of the earthquake. Anyway today she posted some links that I found really interesting.

One happened to be on God and Immigration Reform an article in USAToday . I happen to like this opinion and agree with it. For obvious reasons, but mainly because I think there is a right and a wrong way to do things.

Just on another note, I believe everyone is entitled to their opinions. And you are welcome to share them here, under the condition that they are respectful.

Just remember, immigration has faces and families behind them.

Rachel from Adventures of a Gringa recently blogged about Immigration Horror Stories and listed ours on there. What really got me, however were the comments. Particularly when Mallory Elise commented. Not only because it was in my defense (though let's be honest, that's always nice) but because she gets it. When I read it, I cried and cried. Until you have put in this situation you don't get it. It is lonely, more so than you can ever imagine. For this reason, I am so grateful for all those I have met through this blog. For those that understand, for those that are going through the same things I am, and for those who aren't, but support me anyway. It makes the loneliness subside, my hopes higher, and my voice stronger.

First Encounter

2010-08-23T07:20:00.000-03:00

I know this is pretty hard to believe, but in the US, I led a pretty sheltered life. I didn't worry about people robbing me. I didn't worry about violence. I felt pretty safe pretty much all the way around. Well, except for when I started watching all day marathons of law and order...and then I let my imagination get the better of me. But that's a completely different story.

What I'm saying is, for the most part I have felt a certain level of safety that I took for granted.

That is not to say here, I feel unsafe. In fact, quite the opposite. I feel safe. I do worry about people taking my things, but it is just something I am more cautious about. I am aware of people around me, I am aware of what jewelry I wear when going to certain places, I don't generally carry much cash, and only necessary documents. I make sure everything is secured, for instance the bike lock is really locked and in a visible area where people would be less likely to take it, I make sure things can't come out of my pocket easily, and if they can be buttoned or zippered, they are. Anyway to make a long story short, they are just preventions that I don't even really think about anymore...I just do them. I have never been robbed, no one has ever attempted, and most people I know haven't been either, but have heard stories about the friend of a friend type of thing.

I have never seen any type of violence here in Ipatinga. I hear about it in Sao Paulo, in Rio de Janiero on the news, but never encountered it here. Not to say that it hasn't happened in Ipatinga, we have violence and all that here, but nothing that has directly affected me or anyone that I know.

All that changed last Saturday night.

We left to go out to grab a quick bite to eat since we were starving. And actually, as a side note, we got these calzones that were GREAT! And I got mine with pepperoni which was like heaven for me (first time I found pepperoni in Ipatinga). It was a little expensive, but well worth it for me, in my opinion.

But back to the story. So we are coming home, we turn the corner to go into our neighborhood and there are all these flashing red lights, police cars, and massive amounts of people gathered around what I assumed to be an accident. Traffic accidents are VERY frequent here and I see them just about every day. Anyway so I thought it was strange for a traffic accident to occur because our neighborhood doesnt have that much traffic. But I told Sidnei to pull over because the first thing I thought about was his Dad. He had gone to work all day, didn't come home for lunch, and hadn't taken his phone with him and when we left at 8 pm he still wasn't home. So I was worried. So we jumped out of the car and went over. We saw Sidnei's Tia first and I asked her what happened. She speaks very fast so I didn't catch everything. I asked if it was a accident and she said no. He was killed. Then I spotted Sidnei's Dad who was just coming home from work. So I walked over to him and that's when I saw him.

Spotted through the throng of people was this young kid, maybe early 20's, maybe younger, laying on the road. Shot in the head. Blood pooled and running down the street. I wish I had never seen it. I will never forget the image. I will never forget the chill that ran through me. I will never forget the instant sadness that I felt for a life haven been taken.

I have seen people that have passed away before. I was at the hospital when my grandfather passed. I have been to many funerals. But this was different. This was murder. A senseless taking of a life. A painful ending for this kid and most certainly for his family.

The violence has shaken me to my core. It has made me nervous and feel a little less safe. We are certain this was over drugs. The kid does not live here in our neighborhood, but was walking through our neighborhood on his way to visit people. We don't live in a community with drugs. We live in a neighborhood of families and friends. People that have lived on the same street for more than 30 years. Sidnei said that nothing like this has ever happened in this area in his entire life. And I don't feel like it is a precursor to what will come, but it has reminded yet again, that you just never know. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you just never know. And I mean that, I don't think this is only Brazil. I remember watching news in the US where neighbors would say, "We never imagined anything like this happening here. It's such a quiet neighborhood." You just never know.

Update

2010-08-18T23:10:00.000-03:00

I feel like this is all I really do...update that is. Since I haven't been blogging a lot. But it just feels necessary anyway.

The biggest thing is school. I am really enjoying working where I do. My bosses are fair, give me plenty of space to do my thing, and I like them. I enjoy most of my co-workers and they have warmed up to me as well. We even have tentative plans to spend time outside of work together as well, which I am excited about. This month started a new semester, I have all of the same students from last semester and one new one. I just got word yesterday of another student that was supposed to start with me, but he cancelled due to his heavy work schedule. I was a little sad about that...it was a 3 hour a week class and it definitely makes a difference in my paycheck, but the coordinator is working on getting me some conversation classes, so if that happens it would be great!! Right now I'm working about 14 hours per week and would love to be working a little more.

Sidnei's work is going great. He is in the middle of a big apartment building project which has kept him really busy. He leaves about 6:30 in the morning and I don't see him until about 9 when I finish my classes. We usually eat, put a movie on, and he's generally asleep before it actually starts. I have been missing him, but this past Sunday, we spent a lazy Sunday doing nothing but hanging out together, so that was nice.

I can't talk about our housing situation because then I will say negative things. Let's just say, like I have been (for how many ~~eternities~~ months now?) that it should be any time now. But I'm so frustrated it's better to say nothing at all.

My little niece is doing GREAT! She is so cute!! She is 2 months now and Tia caught her very FIRST smile on camera. That's right folks. She reserved her first smile for me! It was precious and now I spend all my time trying to get her to smile at me. She is becoming more active and more fun every day. I speak to her in only English and she just looks at me with those big brown eyes. I am hoping that if I only speak in English with her, she'll pick it up and learn as she learns Portuguese as well. I love spending time with her and detest having to share. There are lots of other Tios and Tias, but rest assured, Tia Anie (as Israel calls me) is her favorite!

So I leave you with the cutest smile ever (captured in an awkward position because I was holding her):

And since I am displaying my proud Tia-ness, here is Israel and I from the other day:

Cruzeiro!

2010-08-17T08:50:00.005-03:00

I really enjoy going to soccer games. I enjoy the people watching, the team enthusiasm, and the coming together of fans to root for and support their team. My husband is an avid Sao Paulo fan. I haven't exactly chosen a team yet...I do lean towards Cruzeiro though. They are a Mineiro team and I like having them come here to Ipatinga. I like the rivarly with Galo (though I'd take a little less of the violence please). And I like their uniforms (which we all know is really important. I'd prefer to sport a jersey with colors I look good in, thanks!), I like their mascot, and they use the symbol of the constellation the southern cross--which my Dad named his boat after, he loves, and therefore holds a soft spot in my heart because it reminds me of my Dad.

So last week we went to a Cruzeiro game! Here is proof:

It says Mafia Azul...I just wasn't fast enough to catch it while they were putting it up!
Minas Veste Azul!!!
Sidnei's cousins Andrew, Junior, and his girlfried Maria Luiza!
And of course, the happy couple!

I must say this, they did not play well. The game was really boring. There were no goals, but several attempts. They looked like they were sleeping on the field. Both teams. I haven't given up yet, but next time I go see a game, they better give me something worth watching or I'm going to team up with the husband and go sport the red, white and black (SP)! (Though actually I'm pretty sure this past Sunday, Cruzeiro beat Sao Paulo, because the husband was unusually quiet..and when his teams wins (especially against his family's team..they are Cruzeiro too...) everyone knows it. My husband is a terrible winner. And an equally terrible loser.) But secretly, I think he's a closet Cruzeiro fan. Though he'd NEVER admit it.

Let's hope they come back to Ipatinga soon with some game!

Good things come to those...

2010-08-16T01:45:00.003-03:00

who blog!

But most of you already knew that right?

Oh yeah, and those that facebook too!

So rewinding, a couple of weeks ago, I received a message from a girl on Facebook. Her Mom found my blog (Hi A's Mom!! And thanks by the way!), gave her my info, and she contacted me.

Let's talk about a small world shall we? (And every single time I say that, I think about Zazu in the Lion King when he starts to sing It's a small world after all, and then Scar gets mad, which then makes me start singing, "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts, diddly dee".....ahem...)

My good friend A (since I haven't asked her permission to use her name) was living in the place where I had grown up basically my entire life. She was also living about two minutes away from my Mom (unless you are driving between the hours of 6am-12am..and then you are out of luck). She fell in love with a Brazilian boy, couldn't live without him, and made her way to Ipatinga! So when I say I can not live without Ukrop's cake and that Utz makes the best potato chips... she knows what I'm talking about. We agree that the Short Pump Mall has horrendous traffic, coupled by the fact that the exits and entrances were poorly designed...
So you see my friends, we are kindred spirits. That and she didn't run away when I couldn't seem to STOP TALKING. Seriously people, my brain went on happy "hey, you know where I am from and I like you" overload and short circuited that censor that tells when you are quite possibly scaring the people that you are with.

So anyway, we met on Friday the 13th (which is now officially debunked by the way, since that day was great!) at the mall, ate Spoleto (really yummy fast food Italian), went home where they got to meet the husband, and I packed a box full of books for her to read!

Guess what? She likes to read! Happy Day! She has books for me to read! Talk about happiness. I am reading my very last book...and trying to do so slowly. But that is really hard. Seriously. (Speaking of, I was just looking at the new Kindle's and salivating. Seriously want one.)

So to make a short story long (which I happen to be very talented at) I have planned the rest of our Brazilian lives together.

In all honesty and joking aside, here is why this makes me happy...
We have come here for very similar reasons.
We have very similar backgrounds (as far as growing up).
Here in Ipatinga, we have and will have very similar struggles.
Meaning--language, friends, culture, finding purpose here in Ipatinga
It is nice to have someone to relate too, nice to have someone you can ask questions too, complain too, have someone understand you, and even celebrate with you. Not that I didn't have this before (I love you my internet friends) but it's different when the friend doesn't just live in your computer.

So all in all, A is lovely and so is her husband! I'm excited to have a new friend! And I can't wait to get together again!

Just a funny side note....Sidnei wasn't able to come to lunch with us. We were in the loud food court. He called me 8 times. 8. That's a lot of missed calls for a girl who gets a (meaning one) phone call about once a week. So of course he panicked. He's thinking I have been tricked by the internet crazies and kidnapped. (Seriously the boy is very worried about this...he is always telling me how crazy I am for meeting people off the internet)

So thank you A for not being an internet crazy...and I'm sorry I was. I promise to have my censors back in working order next time we get together! Thanks A's Mom for finding me!

Learning how I do best...

2010-08-04T01:04:00.005-03:00

So this is essentially what my MIL's freezer is supposed to look like:

But generally it basically looks like this:

So what's my point?

Saturday we went to the store to stock up on meat since they were a having a sale. Literally the size of the freezer is the picture above....combined with the ice build up of picture #2...there's not much room. So I did what any girl in my position would do! I hit that handy dandy defrost button!

Or at least that is what I wish I had done. Instead I grabbed one of these:

Did you all know there are tubes that are filled with gas inside your fridge and freezer that keeps everything cold?

Do you see where I am going with this?

Here I am happily stabbing away at the ice and the next thing I know, I hear this loud hissing noise, cold air is streaming out at me. Of course the first thing I think is, holy crap! How did all that air get trapped under that ice?! Then the second thing (immeadiately following I swear) was, oh crap, that air has a smell...and that's when I called Sidnei.

He then proceeded to melt into a bubbling puddle of....but WHY?!?!?! would you do that?

So thankfully five bags of ice, an expensive styrofoam cooler, nothing cold to drink, three days later, and 200 reais less in the bank...we have our fridge back.

Expensive lesson learned.

Only me. I swear.

So let's count real quick:

Things Stephanie has broken that belong to her MIL since arriving in Brazil:

1 plaque with a religious saying
1 glass goose, broken in several places...fixed with crazy glue, a sharpie..never to be the same again.
1 blender
1 spatula (blenderized...need I say more?)
1 fridge
3-4 little glass cups (i lost count)

I'm sure something is missing...

I'm also pretty sure my MIL will be as relieved as I am when we finally move out.

She FINALLY did it!

2010-07-29T09:41:00.002-03:00

You remember my little sister right?

Well back in November she got all crazy and got married to this guy:

Why is it crazy you ask?

He lives in Ireland.

Let me repeat that: He lives in Ireland.

That’s right my friends. My sister took a few months to wrap up some loose ends and moved in May to join her husband in Ireland.

You would be correct in assuming we are a very adventurous bunch. You would also be correct in thinking that our Mom misses us like crazy and my Dad is asking us what he ever did to make us want to move so far away from him.

Anyway luckily for you all she started her very own blog! She is the Expat in Eire and she would love for you to stop by and say hi! She is traveling in Ireland as we speak, so make her blog about the fun she’s having!

Thankful

2010-07-17T13:26:00.002-03:00

Today, I took out my baby picture so that my in laws could see what I looked like at just a few months. I dare say I was a cute baby! Anyway my mom and my dad were in the picture too...and I am the spitting imagine of my dad. Like carbon copy type of image. Thank goodness he's a good looking man!

Anyway getting out that picture I also came across my mom's book of thoughts that she wrote while she was on her mission for church in Argentina. Reading this book filled my heart with love for my Mom. For getting a look at how she felt about the gospel, about people, about life. The more I read, the more I realized how alike we really are. I may not have inherited her blonde hair (though I did get the whiter than white complexion), but I have my Mom's heart. I have her personality, her love for others. (and shopping, parties, and decorating) Though there are many things that I hope I don't pass onto my own children, I hope I can pass on the heart that my Mom has given me.

Today I feel closer to my Mom and miss her more than ever.

Trekking

2010-07-12T14:37:00.001-03:00

Back in May, my school put on a “trekking”…I’m not sure why they didn’t call it a hike..but sure. So we trekked through the beautiful mountains here in Ipatinga!

What we did was actually a competition. There were nine groups, with crazy looking maps, compasses, and timers…the goal was to find our way through the woods, using the exact amount of time to get from point to point, where there were people waiting to clock us in. Whoever did things at the correct time were the winners.

Guess who won????

Well it certainly wasn’t my team. Where did we place? Last. Dead last. Why? Because instead of letting the kids take over and have a good time, we bunch of controlling Moms, who wanted nothing more than for their babies to win. Who also thought they knew better than the instructors and anyone else who tried to help them. But, I digress.

We managed to have a good time despite all the competitiveness. Here is proof:

My cute group before we started

The Mommas helping us win

After we reached the summit

One of the other teachers and I

*Also let it be known I’m all about national pride, but that color yellow, on my pasty white skin…not cute.

I didn’t get a picture of us when we finished, but let’s say it had been raining all night the night before and stopped just in time for us to start our trekking. So the way down was slippery and quite treacherous. A lot of people fell, a few got hurt. After close to five hours, we were tired, muddy, and hungry. Thankfully for the winning team and the professors (woo hoo!) we went to a FABULOUS rodizio, and it was all paid for. We were definitely grateful for that! It was well earned!

Monkeying Around

2010-07-07T10:36:00.001-03:00

So the other day we decided the weather was beautiful and we were going to take the dog for a walk. We picked a little path by the river. It was beautiful, green, peaceful, and picturesque. I loved it! As we were nearing the end of our walk, I discovered these:

Look how cute! We saw them in the trees above us and stopped to look at them! They came down because they thought we were going to feed them. And I probably would have (though Sidnei says it’s not the best idea) but I had no food. Anyway, they were really interested in my camera. This guy kept tilting his head when my camera would click and it made me laugh!

I really had fun taking pictures of them and playing. They got so close and truth be told they made me a little nervous, but it was so fun to see them playing. Their curiosity was so funny! This guy made me laugh, I took a couple of pictures of him, but he’s what we nicknamed “the blinker”! He couldn’t keep his eyes open!

So it was a fun little day! Gracie had a good time too, though she had to go wait in the car while we played with the monkeys! She was so sad!

Thankfully her hair is growing back….albeit slowly.

And I couldn’t leave you without a photo of us!

The sun will come out....

2010-07-06T16:54:00.002-03:00

So I said I knew things would be better. And they are, to a degree. The undercurrent of emotion is still strong and it's better to not talk out loud or the waterworks start back up.

So let's talk about the bright spots:

1. I turned off comments on my last post. Not because I didn't want support, but merely because I wrote the post because I needed it. I needed to vent my pain and frustration. It really helped. But imagine my surprise when you all weren't having any of that, and I receieved some much needed emails and words of encouragement. Thank you, thank you much more than I know how to express.

2. Today I found a really cute pair of shoes on sale. So I bought them. Even though I really need "winter" shoes (read: closed, not sandals).

3. My check was bigger than I was expecting. Who doesn't love that?

4. I plan on buying something not good for me at the padaria (bakery) on the way to work. I was thinking something filled with ricotta cheese and sun dried tomatos...mmmm

I have some fun pictures to share, so I'll be back with some happy..or a lot...to try and counteract all the drama.

2010-07-05T14:09:00.003-03:00

The truth is..I'm unhappy. I'm unhappy and I really don't know how to fix it. I'm hoping that when we move, it will solve a lot of the issues I am feeling. One of the big ones being I feel uncomfortable here in my in-laws house. My SIL is here every day now, since having the baby, and it has heightened this feeling ten-fold.

I feel out of place. I'm different. And both of these things make me feel really lonely. I'm really tired of feeling different. I'm really tired of thinking differently from everyone else. I want to feel understood, normal, accepted, as if I belonged.

I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss my country. I miss my life. I miss the person I used to be. I often wonder where she has gone and if it is possible to get her back.

I feel like I try really hard to be happy...but have I? I have no idea. I feel like I go round and round. Sidnei tries, but he doesn't understand. I want to call and cry to my Mom, but I know she worries and I don't want her to worry any more than she does. I want to call and talk to my Dad, but he'll just tell me to leave and come home. I don't want to burden friends more than I already have.

And the truth is, today, I just want to cry. I want to cry hard and long, the kind of crying the wears you out so much that you need to sleep to recover. But that requires a little privacy. Though honestly, I wouldn't mind someone holding my hand while I cried, but eventually I would need to explain why, and I don't know that I can effectively do that in portuguese today. Or that I want too.

I know this feeling is temporary. At least that is what I hope because I am tired. I'm just tired.

So forgive me. I feel like I have exhausted all my outlets. Even this one. But I just didn't know where else to go.

Madness

2010-06-28T10:17:00.000-03:00

World Cup Madness reigns supreme here in Brazil. Businesses are decked out in yellow and green. People have decorated their homes, are flying their flags, and pimping out their vehicles. All the patriotism is nice to see .

In all reality, I love the World Cup. It has really been nice to experience it with a country that really has love for the sport that is unmatched by just about anything I have seen. Because seriously watching 3 games a day…that takes dedication people. I wouldn’t know, I bowed out. It was too much for me in one day. I just catch snippets walking in and out now.

One thing I don’t really love about World Cup, or I should say this particular World Cup is the vuvuzela. Seriously, there weren’t enough noisemakers already? Don’t worry the adult here love it just as much as the kids. And they are driving me absolutely insane…at all hours of the day. And with Brazil playing today, it has started that much earlier, with that much more intensity.

Today I leave you with a video made by some kids at the school I work for. Not our particular school, this one is in Belo Horizonte, but I thought it was cute! Enjoy!

She has arrived!

2010-06-23T09:24:00.001-03:00

On June 9, Ana Beatriz arrived at 11:45pm! Her original due date was June 24, but no one was surprised she came early! Poor little girl had a rough start coming in! My SIL’s placenta detached, she started hemorrhaging, and the baby swallowed a lot of blood. She had to be in the nursery for the first 5 day, but she is doing great! And Momma is too! They both came home one week later! I feel like I waited so long for her to get here and at the same time, she got here so quickly! Without further ado, I introduce you to Ana…

Here she was just a little yellow and had to take the “light bath in the hospital!

And here she is with Tio Sidnei!

She is so cute and tiny! I’m sure as the months pass there will be more and more about little Ana!

Talk about a bad haircut…

2010-06-01T13:31:00.001-03:00

Okay, so there are lots of things I want to tell you!

But that will have to wait. Because I am traumatized. (but not more than Gracie..)

This was my cute. fluffy dog just one month ago.

How could you NOT love that face??

I’ll tell you how.

When it looks like this:

or this:

That is some scary face people.

Look at her, she is just plain defeated by this cut.

And quite honestly, I have just gotten to the point where I can talk about this, because on Friday, when she came home..there were nothing but tears. Seriously, she’s so ugly, I cried.

SO how did all this happen? I’ll tell you how. This is what happens when you ask your husband to call the groomers, but you don’t sit there listening to exactly what he tells them. So when they ask how much they want taken off and he says everything, this is what happens. It’s supposed to be everything but the head and the tail. They just get a trim. We have all learned a good lesson. And it’s cold here now. And she is freezing. My poor ugly, E.T. baby.

Immigration Reform (or the lack thereof)

2010-05-18T13:48:00.003-03:00

I don’t often talk about my views on immigration reform. A lot because it is a very controversial topic. One that my friends and family feel very strongly about and it’s just one of those things that we all know about each other and choose not to "rock the boat”.

However, mainly I don’t talk about it because I chose not to make it the focus of why we are here. We are here because we choose to be together. And this is where we can be together. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. But that doesn't mean that I don't pray for someone (*cough cough*, Obama, *cough cough*)to make changes that will allow us to return one day (sooner rather than later).

Today Corin posted some articles that she had read online. The one in particular I really like is from the The Huffington Post .** I hope you will take a minute and read it. I think it really could be an eye opener for a lot of people. I think there is a lot of misinformation and stereotypes (as in they are not all drug dealers and free loaders taking advantage of the system...just as an example..)that people place on immigrants- and of course particularly illegal immigrants.

That being said, I am really grateful for the internet. It has allowed me to find others who are in similar situations and honestly? It is a relief. It makes me feel more "normal" in a way and it is nice to be able to talk with others who are in similar experiences. And surprisingly, our numbers are larger than expected. One day when I have more time I will post everyone's blogs here, so that you can go and read their stories too!

**I do ask that if you choose to read the article and you have strong opinoins that may or may not differ that you are constructive in what you say. If you aren't...well you know the drill.

You’re doing it wrong….

2010-05-14T16:23:00.001-03:00

Gracie has some crazy sleeping positions. (this one not as much crazy as correct..and cute…)

She sleeps on her back. (And she was dead asleep when I took this picture.)

She sleeps half in/half out of the bed…but this is new. I haven’t ever seen her lay beside her bed with her head tucked behind it…

Sleep*: You’re doing it wrong.

*technically she is sleeping correctly. However sleeping your bed didn’t sound as good as just sleeping. Go with me here.

My little friends

2010-05-03T15:24:00.001-03:00

Life is good. I have a job and I like it. I am staying busy and I LOVE that. The weather is so much cooler and we sleep so much better. Life is good.

I only have one complaint. One which I’m not quite sure how to handle.

Let’s start with this. I was a chubby little thing growing up. But thankfully I had good friends. I was never made fun of (at least not to a great extent) , I was always accepted. I was lucky. (Just ask my sister, her experience was the exact opposite growing up)

However, at 26 years old, I find that I have a bully. I have a bully in the form of a 9 year old little girl that lives up the street. My crime? I speak English. My downfall? I cant speak Portuguese well enough to put this little girl in her place.

And here is the other thing. This little girl is uneducated. She lives in with a pack of children about 12 strong (not sure if they are all siblings), with 3 other women (not sure who is the mom), and 2 men. So she is never alone. She is usually with 4 or 5 other kids and usually a mother type figure…or at least a woman old enough to be the mom. I always happen upon them while I am walking home generally. The Mom never says anything, the other kids find me intimidating, and seem in awe that their sister (or whatever) has the balls to talk to me. So basically I find myself hoping as I walk home, that they are in school or at home and not walking around the neighborhood.

Thankfully I haven’t had any other encounters this week. And it’s not that I’m scared of her, it is just irritating, because many things in English run through my head to say to her, I just don’t know how to translate them. And I don’t want to perpetuate her ignorance either. So I’m going back to that whole kindness kills thing.

In other news, the other night when we went out for pizza, there was another little girl. She was leaving with her Mom and she was staring me down with the strangest look. And her I am thinking(and smiling at her), how does she KNOW I’m different?? She hasn’t even heard me say anything! Only to hear her exclaim to her Mom after she had walked past me(in Portuguese of course), “Mom, she has the eyes of a mermaid!” How could you not smile after hearing something like that! Restoring my faith in little girls everywhere…

Do you see it??

2010-04-07T09:36:00.001-03:00

You know that HUGE white thing I’m all cuddled up to…..do you understand what this means people? Ignore the zit, the fact that I haven’t brushed my teeth or my hair…concentrate people..!

It officially felt like winter here last night. And by winter I mean it was a cool 65 degrees. Alright as night set in, it was probably 60. Hence the need of the big white cover (for me, not for Sidnei). I cannot even describe the happiness that this makes. I miss sleeping with blankets. And I have been SO SO SO hot. Thank goodness for the reprieve that is “winter” here. And honestly, we kind of just got the perfect storm of weather because it had been hot and humid all day. But a great thunderstorm blew in, bringing all kinds of rain and the blessed WIND! The wind was cold and cooled everything off. 60 degree weather is about as cool as we get…at night. During the day it hoovers somewhere between 75-90. More towards 75 if we’re lucky!

Anyway, I’ve never been so grateful for winter. Just thought I’d share my enthusiasm.

One of those insert foot in mouth moments..

2010-04-05T10:05:00.001-03:00

So the other night we went to the soccer game in our newly renovated stadium and it happened to be the night of the big reveal (which I might add was only half finished..ahem). So usually you can just walk right up and buy your tickets, the place is practically emptied. But this grand revealing was a big deal here in Ipatinga, so EVERYONE and their brother came to see.

The lines were all the way out to the street (and I use the term line loosely since you really just pick a place to stand and hope it starts to move towards the front), people were everywhere, vendors selling drinks, food, souvenirs, were everywhere. And quite frankly I was SICK of being pushed, pulled, stepped on, elbowed. I mean a girl can only take so much!

So the final straw was when this guy pushed through our “line” to get to the other side with this son, and kicked the heck out of my toe. It really hurt! So I did what any annoyed person who think no one around her understands and i said “OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW-uh” really loudly. To which the guy promptly turned around and said, “Oh, I’m sorry!…… Where are you from?” in his perfect english. To which my brain struggled to answer since I was busy processing that he spoke English.

Lesson? Stop thinking you are the only one on the planet who speaks English (even though sometimes it feels like it) and be careful what you say, you never know who understands. (I say this to Sidnei ALL THE TIME…you know practice what you preach and all that…) And not that the guy didn’t deserve it, he totally shouldn’t have kicked my toe or should have at least said excuse me. But to be fair, that’s not common practice here. Shoving is. But it was just a good reminder for me to watch myself!

My New Ride

2010-03-28T17:31:00.001-03:00

Saturday was a great day for Sidnei and I. We started off the day by going to Centro to measure a job for Sidnei and then we just goofed off together running errands.

Somehow we ended up in the bike shop…and then we each ended up with a bike. I felt like a little kid, but I was so excited. So here is my Caloi Ventura Aro 26, silver and lilac. Complete with bell. And her basket on the front. A must.

Somehow my husband ended up with this speed bike. Why, I have NO idea. He just liked it. Never mind the cost factor. I made him promise me he’d use it. However, I have a feeling it will end up like my Dad’s very expensive bike. Hanging out in the garage, dry rotting, with NO ONE allowed to use it. When asked about it, swears it gets used, and it’s HIS! So we’ll see.

I’m just glad he has a bike again. He complained ALL THE TIME about the one I left in Myrtle Beach that I had bought him. Guess how many times that one got used? Other than the night I gave it to him? Try once.

I figure it’s a great way for us to spend time together and save a little gas too! Plus when I want to run out quickly (like to grab something from the store, the bakery, or maybe a video) it will be SO MUCH faster than walking. They haven’t been delivered yet, but I’m sure there will be more pictures when they do get here!

No matter where you go…

2010-03-24T13:53:00.001-03:00

There are just some things that don’t change.

Take for instance, people not paying attention when they drive. Or more specifically talking on the cell phone while driving. Problem in the states (albeit slightly bigger in my opinion) and problem here.

How about the sound two cars make when they collide? Nope, it’s the same here too.

Dealing with insurance companies and body shops? PAIN. BIG, FAT PAIN.

So since life never likes things to get to dull, we got a little shake up on Monday.

Sidnei was driving me to work and BAM! This kid runs a stop sign and runs smack into us. But honestly, I KNEW he was going to run that stop sign. How? Because I think everyone crossing over isn’t going to stop. Why? Because of my own accident two years ago. So every single time we cross an intersection with moving vehicles I’m grabbing onto something. I’m a real treat to ride in a vehicle with.

But do you know the absolute worst thing about getting in an accident? Well there are two things for me. The first one is the slow down. Where you brain literally slows everything down for a second and you can see with the perfect clarity what is going to happen and how it is going to happen. And then the impact. It’s the noise, people. I hate it. It’s awful and literally I have nightmares about it. *insert shudder here*

Thankfully all is well. Sidnei’s back is hurting a little and I have a pretty big goose egg on my shin that is going to give me a good looking bruise on these white legs, but other than that, we were not injured. Neither was the other guy. Our car got the least of the damage. It was hit on the drivers side light and is looking crunchy, but the car still runs and is driveable (unlike the other vehicle which no longer runs). Just not at night because the light is busted. The other thing we have to be thankful for is the other guy had insurance! Which is slightly miraculous seeing as it is not required here and there are many horror stories about people trying to get the money to pay for their vehicles.

So all in all, we are really thankful it wasn’t more serious and that we have an insurance company to deal with (even if they are a pain).

Unemployment is for the birds…

2010-03-18T10:35:00.002-03:00

See that smile right there? It’s laid back, it’s happy, it’s CONTENT. I love content.

Do you know why I am so content? I’ll tell you.

People, I have joined the ranks of the employed. You are looking at a teacher of Business English, here in Ipatinga. Okay, honestly, what you are really looking at is a girl who is content because she FINALLY got a little time on the beach to read a book, because thank goodness her husband’s uncle came with us, and she didn’t have to listen to, “Why do you like to read so much?” or “How come you don’t want to talk to me?” or “When do you want to go back to the hotel?” GAHHHHHHHHH, can a girl get a little peace to do one of her most favorite things in the world (read on the beach)? Can we get a little self entertainment please? Someone remind me to bring the boy some magazines next time.

Back to the point—I have a job! I’m getting paid! And most importantly, though it’s only the first week, I’m really enjoying myself!

Though as a disclaimer, Sidnei would like the entire world to know (because his breadwinner, man of the house, macho-ness is sensitive) that it’s not because I NEED to work. He can provide for me. I WANT to work. Alright? Good. (Though a little padding at the end of the month never hurt anyone right? Exactly.) Moving on.

I started teaching on Monday, which was quite the surprise. Before we left for vacation, the school called, desperate for another teacher, so I rushed around taking English reading, writing, and listening tests. Interviewing, discussing terms, hours, etc. I was supposed to train the Friday and Saturday before we took off and start the Monday I got back, but they just couldn’t make it happen. So they never called and I just figured they had to cancel it.

Well lo and behold, on the Sunday we got home, I received a phone call from the coordinator asking me if I was still coming to teach the next day. Although surprised…and not really surprised all at the same time (unorganized chaos tends to rule supreme here)…I was still excited and eager.

So I’ve been teaching the last couple of days and I love my Monday and Wednesday group the best. One of the best things for me, is finally being able to teach instead of learn. I have been on a steep learning curve (new city, language, culture, etc) for almost 10 months now. It’s refreshing. I feel like I have some purpose, direction. Friday and Saturday I will spend all day training and next week we will begin “official” lessons.

Seriously, even though it’s just a couple hours a week, I’m so glad to have a job! Staying at home has not been very ideal for me. Especially seeing as I have no house (of my own) and no kids. It’s just me. And when that’s the case…as the title states..it’s for the birds.

Vitória, Espirito Santo

2010-03-16T15:30:00.001-03:00

On Saturday night, we made the trip from Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, to the coast of Vitória, Espirito Santo!

In light of recent events (the death of some members of our church who made the same trip) we decided it would be safer if we took the bus instead of driving. The road to Vitória is two lane most of the way with many, buses and tractor trailers. But we are so glad we did! The buses are VERY nice, comfortable, and VERY air conditioned!

Our bus makes an overnight trip so here we are at 11, getting ready to leave the station! The bus was SO COLD, we ended up using our oversized beach towels as blankets! Next time I’ll remember to bring a blanket!

A little after 6 AM, we arrived in Vitória, though not well rested…it’s not easy to sleep on the bus..not for me anyway. We took a Taxi to our hotel, checked in early, and slept most of the day away! Not before taking some pictures of the view of course!

For the next couple of days, we took in the beach…

We played in the pool…

We had a great 2 year anniversary dinner at a stuffy Italian Restaurant (we both agreed that we miss Carrabas!)

We also did things like eat pepperoni pizza (which I can NOT find in Ipatinga! It was so greasy delicious! Sidnei opted for catupiry (a soft cheese, very good!) and ham)

We were giddy at the fact that Vitória had a Sam’s club! I thought maybe they would have some American things, and they did have some, but it was mainly bulk Brazilian things, which was fine and still exciting! It also happened to be Women’s Day, so I got a rose too!

We also went to Vitória’s big shopping mall, that had a BIG Cinemark! Woo hoo! (we have a theater in Ipatinga, it’s small, and we’ve just never been) We went to see Avatar in 3D! As a bonus (for me), it was in English with Portuguese subtitles! It was a really good movie and we both really enjoyed ourselves!!

On Wednesday morning we checked out of our hotel, and headed for a town about 20 minutes from Vitória, called Serra. Sidnei’s aunt lives there. We stayed with her and her family until Saturday night, when we had to take the bus back home! Since they had to work, it was pretty low key, but we had a good time!

One day we took a bike ride. I LOVE this picture below. I was hot and sweaty and did NOT want to take a picture. Is this not the perfect picture of my disgust?

Followed by my fake smile…

We went to a beach called Jacaripe, which we’ve both decided we like better than the beaches Vitória and will be coming here next time!

We had SUCH a great time! I was so sad to come home! I have missed the beach so much! We definitely spoiled ourselves and it felt so great! Sidnei’s is much more rested and the quality time we spent together was much needed! We can’t wait to go on vacation again!

Hello from Vitoria, ES!

2010-03-09T09:49:00.002-03:00

Just wanted to say a quick hello!

And...

I LOVE VACATION.

Anniversary was yesterady. Fabulous.

Beach? Fabulous.

Pool? Going Now.

We are enjoying ourselves so much and this alone time was DEFINITELY needed! I feel like a new girl! Off to enjoy the rest of the time! Pictures when I come home!

Driven to Distraction…

2010-03-04T16:20:00.001-03:00

I love getting my nails done here in Brazil. While I don’t do it as often as I should, mainly because I’m lazy and it takes the better part of two hours, it is definitely an experience. Here I get my hands and feet done for 10 reais…or about $6 give or take. Usually I’m pretty boring. I like french manicures. It’s simple, it’s safe, it goes with everything. Today I got a little crazy and told the girl to do whatever she wanted.

And she did just that.

I got hot pink, decorated with flowers, topped off with a healthy coat of color glitter, and toes to match! I have a hard time not looking at them, they are the busiest thing in the room! I feel so very…Brazilian. Though maybe I should say Minera…or Ipatingian…Is it just here? Everyone seems to have VERY busy fingers here. Here More is More. And Less is Less. Though I must say I am impressed with her hand painting with her teeny tiny paint brush! I think though next time I’ll stick with my boring french manicure…I’m so easily distracted….

Good things are happening people…

2010-03-02T00:26:00.001-03:00

Apparently it’s my style to post, post, post and then drop off. Apparently.

So good things are happening!

First things first, I finally got hubby on the moving wagon. Seriously. We are proud owners of these things:

For our apartment! (Stove, fridge, cabinets)In the next two weeks we’ll be purchasing a washing machine and sofa. I’m hoping that by the end of March we’ll FINALLY be in a place! YAY!

The next GREAT thing is that next week we will be here:

and here:

It’s okay to be jealous. Really.

The best part???

Our hotel has AC. Bliss people. Pure, cool, bliss.

We are going to celebrate our two year anniversary.

We are going to go see a movie for the first time in almost a year!

So I’m excited. It’s been good things. And I have more good things in the works…another post later this week!

Exciting times people, exciting times!

Aerobics- Take One

2010-02-12T12:20:00.001-02:00

Recently while visiting with Sidnei’s Aunt, she mentioned that she was starting a water aerobics class. Since I have been feeling rather homebound lately, I decided I would join and invited my MIL to come with us as well. I figured that this was a good thing for me, as I have been rather inactive lately. (Read: Couch potato) Not only that, but it’s been HOT, and I couldn’t think of anything better than getting in a pool!

So this past Monday, we all dragged ourselves out of bed…Israel’s Mom now stays home with him, so he hasn’t been here…and thus we have taken full advantage by going back to bed after the men go off to work. It has been full of wonderful, heavenly sleep. But never mind that, off we went because our class started at 9. We arrived, stripped down, and hopped in the pool. The water was absolutely delicious at that time in the morning. I was thoroughly enjoying myself as it has been quite a while. Though the pool rapidly became FULL, we had about 30 people in the water. Almost everyone was 50 or older.

So first, let’s start out with the obvious. I am WHITE. And everyone here notices and is always concerned. Did I put on sun block? Where is my hat? I really need to shade my face. And my eyes are sooo beautiful, but my light eyes need to be shaded from the sun, I need to use sunglasses! Okay, they were right about the sun glasses, I completely forgot and was pretty much blind with the rising sun. I did use sun block…70 spf. And for only being in the pool for one hour, I still burnt my shoulders and back a little. At 9 AM. Now don’t get me wrong, in the states I burnt pretty easy as well, however, it was usually after a couple of hours, and somewhere between the hours of 12-3.

The actual workout was not challenging AT ALL. Which is alright, it was challenging for a lot of other people there, including my MIL, and I am glad. Part of the problem is the teacher. She only had about 5 different exercises, which we just repeated over and over and over. And over. So I was pretty disappointed by that. She rode in on her motorcycle (literally), she is very fit, and looked very promising. Maybe she doesn’t do more because the women are older? That is very likely, but I still think she could have included some different exercises. Really the only thing we did, was running in place. To the front. To the back. To the front again. And then the opening and closing of the legs…all the while using our arms to push the water. And I am sorry I don’t know more technical terms for these exercises.

Anyway, truly I was slightly disappointed. I had done water aerobics back home and it had surprisingly (for me my first time) kicked my butt. I was hoping this would do the same. But anyway like I said, it helps my MIL who has a lot of back pain, and if I go, she’ll go. And plus on Mondays and Wednesdays, I get to play in the pool. When it’s over, everyone scurries out, I do a couple of laps, play around like the little fish I used to be and climb out happy!

Question for you…?

2010-02-09T18:39:00.001-02:00

Since my sister-in-laws ultrasound I have been thinking about a lot of different things and I just had a question to pose to you all. Ultrasounds—for you and your significant other…or for the whole family? Specifically the one where you find out the sex of the baby? I want to hear your opinions! And since I am asking, I think it’s only fair that I tell you mine.

My sister in law invited everyone—mother, aunts, brothers, cousins, in laws. I went because I was invited and I had never seen a live ultrasound before. But for me personally, I feel it’s more of a husband/wife event and something that you share with the rest of the family later. Also I may or may not have a very romanticized view of the way I want things to go. But, that is typical for me. Of course, I hold the right to change my opinion when I am actually pregnant!

But like I said, tell me what you did or what you think!

Dumpster Diving

2010-02-08T15:10:00.002-02:00

They say that one man’s trash, is another’s treasure….or something along those lines.

For my mother in law, this is the golden rule. Which is odd, because generally I found, that many Brazilians (obviously not all) tend to find the idea of second hand items….odd. However, to be fair, this comes from a society that pays A LOT for their possessions, and uses them to the full extent of their worth. Where I come from, if the toaster were to break, you throw it out, and go pick up another one from Wal*Mart. Here you take it to the repair shop. This goes for just about everything. There are repair shops here for EVERYTHING. Appliances, furniture, you name it, there’s a store for it. And this really is a great thing. I’m not saying this is everyone, but I know in the states I had a tendency to be careless sometimes and had a thought that everything was replaceable. No big deal. Well now that same toaster I picked up at Wal*Mart for $20 is $R100 or more (give or take $50…but factor in cost of living, it’s more). Which makes me much more careful (or at least I try really hard…but I have a tendency to be a little accident prone)

Anyway, back to my MIL. She LOVES second hand everything. And she hates to throw away anything. And I mean anything. Even produce that I think has gone bad when I am cleaning the fridge…she’ll bring it back. Stale bread? Stale chips, cookies? Keepers. Keep in mind these are all in separate baggies, so they aren’t mixing with trash-trash..but still. My SIL and I will sometimes clean the kitchen together when she isn’t there to get rid of things and clean out a little. Like Tupperware with no lids, lids with no Tupperware, broken ice trays, things that haven’t been used in 10 years. And then we hide it. Because if she were to see it, she’d just bring it back in.

So up until this point, I have had a little chuckle at the trash power struggle. But chuckling now, I am not. So the other day, I decided to clean out our closet…since I broke a shelf..and since Sidnei was not happy and demanded I take some stuff out. To be fair it was packed to the gills…also to be fair, I told him I wouldn’t this problem if I had my own house instead of one room. Tit for Tat right? So I went through clothes that were too big and I didn’t want my MIL to sew for me, things I didn’t really wear, winter clothes that I brought with high hopes….and my underwear drawer.

Now my underwear drawer was busting at the seams. I love underwear. Unfortunately, I had lots of old underwear, underwear that was way too big now etc. So I put them in a plastic baggie to be tossed out. Because really, who wants someone’s underwear???

MY MIL THAT’S WHO.

I came outside the other morning to see her washing my discarded underwear. Asking me WHY? Why would I throw them away?

The line has to be drawn somewhere people.

I draw them at my underwear.

**Edited to add** She absolutely plans on wearing them herself and is none to shy to say so. And also despite my brazen attitude here, I didn't really say anything. I think mainly out of pure shock and horror. Though I'm pretty sure she caught that look on my face. I did mention it to Sidnei and he in turn thought it was hilarious and has made countless jokes all weekend. Though he did mention that he will never understand his Mom and her love of all things junk. I am never in lack of stories living here...