3rd Grade Plague

I discovered upon returning to EAB today that I had not been the only one attacked by a crazy 3rd grade virus.  My class is calling is the 3rd grade plague. 

Plague Update:
Me -Feeling ok.  Pretty gross still.  Don't think safe for most to be very close to me due to sneezing, coughing and other grossness.  At about 75%.  This thing is hanging on.   Wanted to work a half day but couldn't (see below).  Asleep on couch last night at 6 pm.  Woke up at 8 pm and back to sleep around 10.  Please let me wake up feeling at 80%.

Erica - Minor plague case.  Napped for a few hours on Sunday. 

Jake - Out of school on Monday.  No specifics. 

2 students in my class - out of school and parents emailed with similar gross symptoms

1 student during the day - looked in a similar state to me, worn down and tired, reported symptoms occuring on same day as I

3 students during the day - reported symptoms like fever and being tired, one of which I suspect is true the other two were just wanting attention from their teacher who couldn't give them the ususal number of hugs desired since she didn't want to share germs.

Need a bug bomb to destroy this thing.  My shot pushed it along but I'd like flu to be gone permanently.  I hate having toilet paper up my nose to prevent drippage and coughing.  Better to happen now than be that guy on the plane nobody wants to sit by.  Send some healthy thinking my way please.

Happy B-Day BSB

This is another in the Catch-Up series, although this one might better be titled Ketchup.

Brasilia's Birthday on April 21st was met with lots of good...

• Breakfast at Praline with one of my favorite couples the Robertsons, 
• An afternoon of reading and sun with Andrea and the Robertsons at the Club - this was also the day of Mark's swimming adventure (his account of this afternoon is hilarious)

To disappointing...

• Andrea, Sam and my walk down to the Eixo Monumental only to find we got there late (we got there around 7 and thought we were being Brasilian) so had missed the festivities and arrived when it was obvious that everyone else had been "enjoying the fun" for most of the day. And when I mean missed the festivities, it was a little scary. When the three of us felt it was time to go (the police with billy clubs walking through a crowd of young men kinda led us to believe that), you know it must have been bad. We did stop on the way back for a bite to eat and some cold choppes which did make up for some of the disappointment.

To the celebration that arrived a little late...McDonald's. Gotta love those placemats. They must have printed a ton because I got another one when I went there last week for a french fry desired lunch with Hayes. The placemat includes the usual suspects and facts but a few new things too.  Thought I'd share them.

This fact shares about the large flag in front of the Congress building.  Large flags remind me of the Goo since she always loved them as a kid.

This random fact is about the first baby who was baptized in Brasilia on its inauguration day.

This final fact is related to Brasilia, sharing its birthday with another Brasilian hero named Tiradentes.  The third grade version I was told shared that he "lived a long time ago" and did "lots of good things" but he "had a consequence because some guys didn't like what he did" so the guys "tore his body apart and mailed it around Brazil."  There's a much more accurate version but I appreciate the 9-year-old one for this instance.

So Happy Birthday Brasilia.  You aren't aging so gracefully. In fact one Brasilian I know described you as a 50 year-old woman who'd smoked a pack a day since age 12 and is in dire need of a trip to the plastic surgeon.  There were lots of articles about you, mainly in terms of disappointment (you can read more here and here) but I think there is some hope around that opportunities are being found by some around us.  I'm in a position to teach two of those receiving opportunities on a daily basis.  Lets just hope more opportunities arise soon.

Good News

1.  I feel good enough to get off the couch for a little bit.

2.  Gatorade colored shots do work.
I woke up Friday morning feeling like I was hit with a brick.  I sucked it up all day since we had a field trip (post later on that one) to NEX jaguar refuge.  Yesterday afternoon, Andrea took me to visit to the ER (the Brazilian version of Urgent Care) where after two hours of exam, blood work and a trip to the ATM at a nearby mall, I was diagnosed with a cold. 

The doc then prescribed my meds.  I could opt for a shot or take oral.  I went with the shot since I figured the effects would come more quickly.  We waited a bit more and then went into the Injection Room.  Love that they have a room with that name.  The nurse came in with a BIG needle and a vial filled with neon yellow liquid.  She wrapped some tubing around my arm, stuck me and started pumping me full of the liquid.  Not so much fun at all but better than being stuck in the butt I guess.

I'm not 100%, I'm about 70%.  Not as achey, throat not as sore, fever seems to be gone, lack of ear pain.  My nose is runny and I'm coughing a little but there's progress.

3.  I don't have Dengue!
The ER doc made me go and get a blood test since I had a fever and was achey.  Two symptoms of Dengue.  The blood work was all normal so that's good news.

4.  This week we only have 4 days of school.
Unlike my American friends, we won't celebrate Memorial Day here this week.  Thursday we have a religious holiday, Corpos Christi.  It means I'll have to suck it up for 3 days in a row and then I'll have a day off to write report cards relax.

5. 7.5 days of school left.

6.  15 days till I'm in Chicago
Can't wait!

Time to head back to the couch.  Want to have more good news to share soon so I figure more rest is needed. 

When the Governor's Daughter's in Your Class...

1.  You have to become a public relations expert. 
When the other kids in the third grade  (including friends) start spreading the rumors that their parents shared with them about how he's corrupt and will not be relected; you have to counsel a 9-year-old on how to deflect comments.  As she stands crying outside your classroom and you hug her and console her; you need to be prepared with comebacks.  I wasn't prepared so I had great ideas like "T.V./schmeevie, you should ask my dad for an interview." Or "My dad's got a tough job but all of those problems aren't because of him."  And you thought the "Your momma's so fat" jokes were hard to take.

2.  You will have a body guard.
Today I found out that my student will need to be in van 5 tomorrow.  The last of the 5 vans we are taking on our field trip.  Why?  So that her body guards can more easily protect her.  Seriously?   We are traveling outside the Federal District to a jaguar refuge.  I wonder if they'll be swimming in the waterfall with us.  Should I have told them to bring their sungas?  At least I can I at least hope that one of them is cute, right? 

Delivery!

In the spirit of trying new things before I go, today I crossed another new thing off the list.  All year long I'd been hearing Andrea speak of how the grocery store delivers.  You go and shop and then they bring it to your apartment.  For me, since I don't have a car, bringing groceries home is the hardest part.

I'd tried several different approaches.  Early on I would walk to the grocery store with a backpack and several bags, load up and then walk home.  Between the heat and the weight it was torture.

Then I tried the walk to the store and taxi home approach.  This one still isn't too bad.  The grocery store is only a R$5 (USD$2.50) ride from my apartment but you still have to get the cart downstairs, fill it up, bring it up the elevator and then bring it back down.

My grocery delivery intimidation was tied directly to my spoken Portuguese.  Today I as filled my cart and realized that the taxi ride would be cheap but getting everything into my apartment would be a pain, I decided to take the leap.  My purchases included laundry detergent, 2 bottles of milk, DC and the other usual items.  The weight was a big factor in my decision. 

Oh my goodness.  Delivery.  It's heaven. 

I was a little nervous getting up to the counter.  I knew the correct words but would they understand?  I asked, "Do you deliver?"  The cashier said yes, shouted over to a bagger who came to my check-out lane.  The two started joking a little bit and at first I thought it was related to my Portuguese.  Another sentence into their conversation and I realized the bagger was teasing the cashier's pronounciation of the word delivery.  Apparently since the cashier lived in Rio, his pronouncation is different.  Yep readers, I understood all of that in Portuguese.  Yay me!

As I stood in line and the cashier rang up my items, the bagger (which is not the norm) put my items into two large plastic crates (think milk crates on steriods).  After I checked out, I went over to a nearby counter, filled out my name, apartment number and telephone.  The bagger completed a few more steps and then I was off.  I walked home having faith that this would all work out but also guessing, there could be some gringa adventure involved.

I was home for about 20 minutes later, my apartment phone (think intercom) rang.  My portero said, "Delivery?"  I replied, "Sim."  And a few minutes later, two men appeared at my kitchen door.  They unloaded the two crates onto my counter and left.  No tipping needed as that's not a part of the culture in Brasil.

No problems.  All of my groceries arrived.  Putting things away has never been easier and it was just perfect.   So glad I tried it, cuz once you go delivery, you never go back!  I heart delivery.

Who Knew Talking Could Make You Feel Tired?

When you are learning a new language, it's amazing how challenging it can be.   I'm reminded on a daily basis about this.  My language strengths have always been my reading and writing.  Then my listening and finally speaking.  This is true in English as well. 

So, with moving to Brasil, I've grown in the same way.  My reading's pretty decent, listening's alright.  Haven't done as much writing here. But my speaking, well, it's subpar. Pretty sad when I think about how I've lived here for almost 11 months.   There are reasons and excuses but regardless, speaking is what's most difficult for me.

I spent my Saturday afternoon with Cris, one of EAB's art teachers.  I just LOVE her.  She's kind, friendly and has gone out of her way to make me feel welcomed.  What I haven't mentioned yet is that Cris is Brasilian.  She speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish and Italian.  She's lived in Brasil (obviously), Venezuela and Italy.  Learning languages for her isn't easy and she reminded me of this yesterday.

We spent our afternoon at a local haunt, Libanos, chatting, drinking deliciously cold beer and eating hummus.   The first hour or so we spoke in English.  Then we were talking about my language learning and she switched.  She said, no more English, only Portuguese.  Instant panic hit.  I get so nervous and flustered when I have to speak Portuguese.  I feel at such a loss and get tongue tied.  This is even more true when I'm around people I know.

Since Cris is so wonderful and speaks Spanish I did my best  trying to use what Portuguese-Spanish combination I knew.  She helped my vocabulary learning along the way. 

Another 30 minutes later into Portuguese only, Cris' friend Adriana joined us.  She speaks French and Portuguese and a little English.  I didn't know about the English until much later.  So, here I was sitting outside with two wonderful women, trying my best to keep up with their conversation in Portuguese. 

I didn't do wonderfully, I did okay.  I was proud of myself for understanding most of the conversation and when I didn't understand, asking for help.  I was proud of myself for trying to convey my thoughts even though I was speaking in the present tense, unless I was using the verb "to be."  I was proud of myself for letting go a little bit.  The beer helped with that I'm sure too but at least I tried. 

When I left after a bit of shopping, I realized how exhausted I was.  Yes, I had a few drinks and yes it was late afternoon but I don't think I've worked that hard language-wise for a long time.  Man, it's a lotta work but it's good work.  Work I need to continue doing as much as I can.

An American Treat

One of my American student's families occasionally brings me treats from the U.S. Embassy's grocery store.    Unfortunately, expats living in Brasil that do not work for the government cannot shop there.   During snack time, my American students dine on Slim Jims, Capri Suns, Rice Krispie Treats and so on.  Am I jealous somedays, well, yeah!    

It's amazing how something from home, the exact brand, can really make you smile some days.  Things that otherwise you could recreate but just aren't even close the same because some items just aren't available living in Brasil or if they are, they're outrageously expensive.               

                

This student's mom gets that.  And I so appreciate it about her.  For parent teacher conferences I was brought some maple syrup.  For X-mas, a muffin mix and jar of peanut butter.  For my birthday, chocolate chip cookie and blueberry muffin mix.  And this week, it was, yep, The Original Cracker Jack. 

Can you even remember the last time you had Cracker Jacks?  I sure couldn't! 

Of course, I'm sure you're wondering about my prize.   It was a guess who.  This prize gave you a little bio about a person and you had to infer who they were. One side had an illustration of when the person was young.   Of course, there was an instant connection to home for me.  My guess who was Abe Lincoln.  If you weren't sure you could origami fold the little card to check it and see their adult image.  The top hat and beard confirmed it. 

Pretty small world, pretty great treat and pretty funny how even when you're 33, Cracker Jacks can still make you feel so good.

Orange You Glad to See Me?

I stopped in Andrea's office on the way out on Tuesday evening and this is what I saw.

I was going to just post the photos but I thought you might have a few questions.  I know I did.

Here are some possible answers to your potential questions:
1.  They were for today's lower school (for all of you Americans, elementary) field day.

2.  The total tangerine count is over 200.

3.  They did not drive the grocery cart from the store to school, although it would have been a funny site to see somebody pushing an entire grocery cart full of tangerines down the L2.  This full cart made it easier for moving the tangerines around campus.

4.  Why tangerines?  Well, of course, kickin' it old school back to AYSO days.  As Andrea said, it wasn't a good soccer game unless somebody's mom brought the oranges.

Shirts vs. Skins While Eating Ice Cream

Growing up in the U.S., in particular in the Midwest, when it came time for gym class units on soccer, basketball, touch football and so on, we always wore jerseys.  One team got 'em and one didn't.  You always hoped your team didn't have to wear 'em.

You know the kind I'm talking about.  They were always torn, smelled like the boys' locker room, were huge and just annoying all around.

Well, here, in Brasilia, when boys play in gym class, there's no need.  Today, after finishing my teacher assessment meeting (which we finally finished creating, YAY!), I asked Hayes to join me for some ice cream bon bons while our classes dismissed.  My teacher friends know that if there's a sub and the end of the day, it's just better to avoid your room at all costs. 

As we turned the corner to the canteen, I noticed that the middle school boys were having PE class on the soccer field.  They were playing soccer (surprise) and it was shirts vs. skins.  I asked Erin, since she's from Michigan originally, if her school ever did that.  I guess living in Florida for the past few years must have changed her Midwestern clothing roots because all she said was "Well, it's hot so it really makes a lot of sense.  Wish I could do that." 

Just a random thought but something that shows culturally and climatically how different two places can be.  And probably also shows you were my thinking is at with 18 days left in the school year.

Newbie Progressive Dinner

Just over a week ago on a Friday evening, the newbies had a progressive dinner.  Hayes had suggested this idea long ago. Like back in November of this year.  As the year's end draws forever closer, Sam and Hayes decided it was high time to actually have the event and I'm so glad they did.

As I walked over to Sam's apartment, I reflected on the first time I met this group of people in the Atlanta airport.  On that day back in July, we all sat at the gate unaware of whom might be the other newbies.  We'd exchanged emails but not much more.   Meeting at the gate was filled with anticipation.  A combination of nerves and excitement.  As I walked to our progressive dinner that evening though, it was wonderful to have only the excitement.

As we progressed throughout the 200 blocks of Asa Sul, carrying wine and bread along it was just was comfortable to be back together with the crew that I spent all of my time with during my first few weeks.  At least instead of spending time at the Federal Police, NET (cable) or in the comvey van (VW van) we were in each other's homes.  And how these homes have evolved since our original arrival.  The barren walls have artwork.  Plates and cups and serving utensils were actually owned rather than borrowed from other staff members. 

Our progression took us from the 203's with Sam's for appetizers and Libby's for soup and salad (which Laura shared) onto the 205's for main course at Hayes and dessert at my apartment. 

What's funny, is that even our food has progressed.  When you first arrive to a new country, finding the foods you want and need are a challenge.  But now, we're all old pros so even knowing what kinds of cheese and crackers to purchase is easier as well.  We're quite classy!

That being said, our newbie-ness, had to be tested sometime during the evening, right? Our test took place in Hayes' elevator.  7 gringoes + 1 Brazilian elevator = STUCK!  Most of us were fine, albeit really hot, and we were only stuck for about 2 minutes until the portero came to our rescue and we jumped down to safety.  Hayes lives on the 2nd floor so we walked up after that incident.  But we were able to communicate via the bell and phone to explain our problem.  As newbies, it's almost one of our responsibilties to provide entertainment to our neighbors.  Mission accomplished!

Hayes, being her usual self, had questions to reflect on at each of our destinations. 

Question 1:  What's been the biggest surprise since landing in Brasilia?

Question 2:  What's the funniest thing that's happened to you since arriving?

Question 3:  What's been your greatest accomplishment since arriving?

Question 4:  What's been your favorite memory?

What I found interesting about our answers is that there were slight differences and experiences but for the most part, our answers had a lot of common themes.  Our experiences, were different, but a lot of us had similar situations, mishaps and learning curves.

Somtimes, it's hard to for my to believe that just about 10 months ago, I left my family, friends and job to move to the complete unknown.  Some days I think I was crazy and other days I know I did the right thing.  Being around this group 2 weeks ago reminded me that we all made the same decision, for different reasons but we will always have that common bond.  And it's good to know that on the good days, they are there to share and celebrate with me because they "get it" in a way no one else does.  Conversely, on those awful days when I just want to scream out in frustration, they are there to cheer me up because again they understand in a way no one else does.

So, my dearest newbie friends, a toast to our first year.  It's quickly coming close to the end and we will have to relinquish our title.  However, there's a new one on the horizon.  The two-bies.   Cheers to us!

Toto, I've Got a Feeling We're Not In Illinois Anymore

You know you don't live in Illinois when as you walk out of school with your teaching partner and her two awesome girls, you wish the maintenance crew a good evening and one of them offers the girls oranges.   And rather then opening a bag or box, they actually make a cat-like leap up into a tree outside of your school's library, climb to higher branches and pluck oranges for the girls, the mother and you.  They were delic in case you were wondering.

Just a Typical Sunday Evening Stroll

Tonight Sam and I took a long walk with down to the Eixo Monumental (Brasilia's version of D.C.'s mall). 

Here's a multiple choice question for you about our stroll. 
Which of the following did Sam and Megan run into while on their Sunday evening stroll?
A.  a Beethoven concert
B.  a large rat
C.  an order of chicken pieces rather than a chicken sandwich
D.  all of the above

Maureen Rocks!

This morning, Andrea and I went to Daniel Briand for breakfast/brunch. On the way there, she asked me, "So what's your family doing to celebrate Mother's Day?" I told her about their plans that that had yesterday which included cleaning the Goo's townhouse (she's feeling the same since the accident, no significant improvemnts) since that's what families are for and then going out for lunch or dinner at Bien Trucha. Wish I was there.

So, since I'm not, I can at least dedicate a post to Maureen. She's a pretty awesome mom. I know a lot of people say that their mom is the best in the world, but to quote a recent note I received for Teacher's Appreciation Week, when I say that, "I'm not joking either!"

Mom, thanks for everything you do for me like:

• Dealing with all of my business stuff at home while I live 5,000 miles away. I know it's a pain!

• Sending me weekly notes that instantly put me in a good mood for the entire day about what's going on at home. It's nice to have a slice of life and something in my mailbox.
• Going on crazy shopping trips to buy random items to send in the mail or in the Goo's suitcase. Items have included: sponges to wash dishes, random but particular toiletries, school supplies (scissors to pencils), perscriptions, food items and more. Having a little bit of home in my pantries and cabinets makes life so much nicer on a daily basis.
• Being excited, every Sunday evening, when we chat on the phone. I look forward to hearing it in your voice.
• Teaching me about how to treat other people in my life. From the people I love to those that well, aren't as high on the list.
• Listening to all of my stories, the good, the bad and ugly and always supporting me no matter what's happening.
• Sending me fun stuff from Moxie that I get to share with my friends who love it.
• Sharing your creative genes with me...my style (both personal and home) I get from you and people noticed that this week.

There's no way I can list them all but these are just a few that come to mind that impacted me this last week. I seriously don't know who I would be without you. I wouldn't have become the person I am without you.

So even though I'm far away.  I hope that my message is clear.  I love you.  You rock!  Thanks for being you and helping me to be the best person I can be.  Now Dad, a favor. Please give Mom a big hug and she can pretend it's me hugging her all the way from Brazil.  Love you!

Catch Up #2 - Universal Diner

This was their favorite photo from the night. 

Last Saturday night, Sam and I sat down to do a bit of our summer road trip planning.  I just realized I probably haven't written about that at all.  Whoops!  Sidenote:  So really quickly, Sam and I are going on a Pacific Northwestern road trip from July 17 - July 24.  We're starting off in Portland by visiting our amazing friends the Wolvies and then will loop up to Seattle and back in a week.  Should be a perfect chance to get some travel in before heading back to BSB on  July 29.   

So, now onto Universal.  As you can tell from our photos, we had a great time.  Maybe a little too much.  No  Never! 

So, after starting our trip planning at my house (an hour and half online pricing flights from Chicago and Pittsburg), we realized that we needed a little more time to do some searches and Sam was tired after having done school work all day.  This meant it was time for dinner.  I was in a going out kinda mood. I narrowed it down to three choices.  Crepe Royal, Bar Brahama (a samba bar) and a Mexican restaurant.   

We called Andrea and after having a glass of  wine at my house, Universal was chosen.  Not even in the original choices but just what I was hoping for.  Universal is Andrea's favorite restaurant in Brasilia.  And I was reminded why that night.

I had a yummy bananna risotto and chicken dish.  Sam had a dish called "Sexy Shrimp" and Andrea had bbq ribs.  We sipped the night away while listening to a mismash of American and Brazilian music.  Everything from Lady Gaga to 1960s pop music.  The place grew quite crowded with the b-day girls behind us who eventually wound up dancing on the bar. 

We had a great time chatting, laughing and trying to hear each other as the music grew louder.  Sometime later in the evening, after we'd finished dinner, a man approached our table and asked if we could condense to one.  We had been sitting at 2 small tables.  We all thought he was the manager or something so we did.  Wound up that he wasn't.  He was just a patron.  He sat down alone for about an hour. 

At this point it was fine for us to be a little cozy since dinner was over and we were just sipping cocktails.  Later though, his "friend" arrived.  They were chatting in Portuguese but then at one point he leaned over ot us and spoke to us in English.  He said how appreciative he was for our move.  That's when the champaign started flowing.  They shared two bottles with us.  We didn't stay much into the 2nd bottle as we were all feeling a little tired (as you can see in the pic of Sam with the second bottle).  We closed the place!  We even beat most of the Brazilians. 

The point of this post was just to recall a fun night, share that I think more of this type of activity...just hanging out with friends at fun places...this is what's gonna get me through this final five weeks.  So much to do but if I make sure to take some time to unwind it can be done.  Especially with the great friends I have here.

Rainbow of Bugs

Somebody told me that Pirenopolis has more Volkswagon beetles than any other city in Brazil.  I have no idea why the love for this cute car exists in a colonial Brazilian town but what I do know is that I turned this little fact into a bit of a challenge.  Create a VW bug rainbow.  Here's my rainbow.

Alright, so a little incomplete there.  Guess that means I'll just have to go back for another trip sometime to complete it.  I got distracted by cute shops, iced coffee and the heat. 

This final photo is a VW, not a bug but just a van full of tourists getting ready for some tubing at one of the waterfalls or rivers in the area.  Just funny to see a VW van with 7 intertubes tied to the top.  And I just realized I caght another bug in this photo, either black or dark blue.  Someday my rainbow of bugs will be complete.

Teacher Satisfaction Week

I guess since we're an American school, we are also celebrating Teacher Appreication Week this week.  Some teachers have had elaborate things planned by parents.  Coordinated items delivered daily.  I was not one of those teachers (not a big deal to me) but this week I've had a students give me gifts. 

Tuesday I received flowers (picked at school) from two of my girls.

Wednesday PTSO put on an amazing breakfast from this awesome local (like down the street from my apartment) bakery.  Chocolate croissants, quiches, freshly squeezed mango juice.  Yum!

Thursday I got a beautiful chocolate shoe from my favorite Brazilian confectionary, Stan's, and a super cute note that said, "You are the best teacher ever.  And I'm not joking!"   from a special student. (Side note:  All of the kids are special to me, when I say special I mean Erica's daughter).

Thursday I also received some yummy chocolate almonds from a student which I gobbled down by the end of the day.

The best gift so far though was from a student who recently traveled to Canada.  Yesterday morning, he walked down the steps to our classroom and said, "Miss Megan.  This is for Teacher Satisfaction Week."  I gave him a hug and said, "Thanks _____.  It was really sweet of you to think of me."   As he walked away I giggled and hoped that a maple leaf shaped maple flavored sucker he gave me is equal to family and student satisfaction with their child's teacher.  What do you think? 

Teacher Satisfaction Week? 
God I sure hope satisfaction not something that we educators (or politicians) begin to create tools to measure. 

Teacher Appreciation Week?
I think I'd rather be appreciated for a week but that being said, I'd do without the flowers and fruit and other stuff to know that a family is satisfied with their child's year in my classroom. 

Either way you say it though, it's nice to be appreciated especially during 4th quarter when it's so busy and you need a little TLC. 

Catch Up #1 Pirenopolis Girls' Weekend

Ketchup?  Or catch up?  When I first wrote "catch up" on my class' daily schedule this year and we were reviewing the schedule at our morning meeting, I had a ton of kids who said, "Ketchup?  Like the sauce?"  or  "Are we catching something?"  They had no idea what the phrase meant.  Even my American students.  Must have been out of context for them.  So after some explaination and being a little silly during said explaination, the kids find it hilarious when the occasional the phrase "catch up" appears on our schedule.  One of them always chimes in something like, "Ohhh, I love french fries and ketchup."  Gotta love 9-year-old humor.

Anyway, catch up #1 is the first in a series, of what will be some attempt; and at this time of year in a school teacher's life a wonderful form of procrastination as well to catch you all up and myself on what's been going on in Brazil.  There's so much to cover...months and lots of events to be exact but should be a fun way to reminse about my first year teaching in the sun. 

And finally onto Pirenopolis!

A couple of weeks ago, I'd decided the girls in my life needed the opportunity for a little getaway.  I mean, come on, we'd been in Brasilia for almost a whole month!  So, last weekend, Vanessa, Andrea, Kathy and I took a girl's roadtrip to the nearby colonial town of Pirenopolis. 

Something else you should know is that Pirenopolis (for those who want more info) is usually one of very first trips that newbies take when they move to Brasilia.  Guess I was a little out of order and I didn't go till just last weekend but at least I went this first year, right?  And I'm so glad I did because it's such a great little town and the perfect way to enjoy life outside of the city.

We left around 5 pm on Friday in Vanessa's cute red Honda.  We made a quick stop at Carrefore on the way to pick up essentials like potato chips and cookies for our ride.  On our way out of town, we hit Friday rush hour.  Not such fun but Kathy plugged in her ipod and we were set.  One of the Glee seasons soundtracks was our playlist while we fought our way out of the city and satelites.  Perfect mix for a roadtrip.

Along the way, as we drove into the darkness of the cerrado (and please let me tell you, it is really, really dark).  It's like driving in rural Illinois but darker.  Obviously driving without an urban glow is something I'm accustomed to at night but imagine really poor roads (HUGE pot holes) with lots of twists, lack of lines with reflective paint and for Vanessa, her first time driving to Pirenopolis.  She was amazing and got us there easily in about 3 hours. 

As we drove into the town, I leaned over to Andrea, my perfect backseat roadtrip partner, and said, "I'm a little worried about our reservation."  The reason for the worry was that I'd asked my assistant to make the reservation for us.  Usually in Brazil for all lodging reservations, you must put down a deposit to hold your room.  When I'd asked him to specifically ask about this, he was told that no deposit was needed. 

A few minutes later we found our cute weekend home, Pousada O'Casarao.  This adorable and perfect getaway spot is owned and operated by an American man, Bob, and his Brazilian partner.  They've got it all...perfect gardens, wondeful pool with water features, cute rooms all of it wonderfully manicured and decorated.  Upon our arrival, we entered and discovered that they did not have our reservation.  Sigh. Luckily they did have one room and after seeing it, all four of us decided to bunk together.  We went out for some wonderful pizza (actually some of the best I've had since arriving) and a drink before we hit the hay.  Pretty long day after teaching and driving (or riding). 

Saturday morning after waking up pretty early and getting dressed, V and I went to breakfast.  If I haven't mentioned this before, Brazilian breakfast is to DIE for...pastries, eggs, meat and cheese to make sandwiches, fruit (mango, bananas, melon, etc), freshly squeezed fruit juice, delicious coffee and of course pao de queijo.  Yum!  While sitting at a pretty table admiring the street view, including horse draw carts clip clopping their way down the street, I looked up to see a familar face.  Yep.  One of my parents.  This is the same family that I saw while in Rio on vacation when the Brazil girls came to visit.  Pretty small world.  They were really nice and gave us a few places to visit in town.  I asked the mom where she was traveling next.  She was very polite, smiled and replied, "I'm not telling you."  It's probably better for both of us that way. 

fter some more breakfast and coffee, Vanessa, Kathy and I ventured out into Pirenopolis to do some shopping.  Man, it was hot that day.  We saw the church, cute shops (I bought a couple of things) and then we hit my favorite location, a delicious cafe which Kathy exclaimed had the best iced coffee in Brazil. Of course we had to take the test and it definitely did.  Hit the spot after a long and hot shopping trip.  After our coffee and a wonderful treat of what they called foccacia but really was more like a calzone (but the bread was so much better) we were back at the pousada for some much needed R & R.  Ahhhh. 

Dinner that night was at the pousada.  We were serenading by Bob who sang Broadway and movie love songs in English.  It was one of those moments where you just sit and ponder, "How am I in the middle of Brazil, in a tiny colonial town, being serenading by an American singing show tunes?"  Is this real?  Dinner and the music were both good but the best part was our dessert.  We all opted for the scrumptious petit gateau (for my American friends, that's lava cake) which is really popular in Brazil.

Then we were off to the night market where Vanessa bought a lamp and Andrea bought a scarf.  On the way we saw that they the town was hosting a movie night.  Some of the streets were shut down completely and chairs had been brought out for the event.  It was just winding down when we arrived. 

After our stop at the market, more drinks were needed.  We opted for one of the restaurants that pours out into the streets in the evenings.  We sipped beer or whiskey or po, listening to an awful singer whose repiture included from Bob Marley and popular Brazilian songs.  At one point he leaned out the window to try and get the crowd going more.  I think my karaoke may be a bit better but after a few drinks, other definitely were feeling the music.  We walked back to our pousada and feel soundly asleep.

Sunday we ate a leisurely breakfast and lounged by the pool until it was time to depart.  They were preparing for a photo shoot with a famous singer from Goiania. We opted not to be part of the paparazzi and went to make a couple of final stops...Kathy's little grocery/5 and Dime Store.  You name it, they had it.  From cases of wine to plastic pieces of grass to flipflops, clothing, fresh slabs of beef and more.  I bought a hat for the upcoming Festa Junia party in late May (yes I know that it's a June Party), a water and a lightbulb.  After our stop and random purchases we needed one final iced coffee for the road. 

It truly was the perfect girls' getaway.  Pirenopolis will definitely be a place I visit again soon.  It's gives you the Brasilia break that you need.  Perfect distance, food, scenery and mental relaxation everybody needs.

Big Johnny B-Day

Monday, April 19th I celebrated by 33rd (firty fird for my special friend) birthday.   I was spoiled with attention, showered with gifts (near and far) and lots of love. 

Here is just one of the ways the love was shared that week. 
Note:  I write this post the week of my birthday and have tried every day since to download the video.  It's made my computer  completely freak out (flashing, opening random programs) so unfortunately, you won't be able to see it.  So sorry for many reasons.

I LOVE my family!  How many families do you know would sing "Happy Birthday" to you in front of the Big John port-o-potty sitting on their driveway. 
Note 1.  My parents do have 3 working bathrooms so those of you not from DeKalb, they are not starting some new environmental trend.  They're remodeling their kitchen and this is for the wonderful people building it.
Note 2.  Even if it did take me almost one hour to download it to my computer after creating a new email account and another hour to download it to youtube.  Which never even worked!  Grrr...

Lately I'd planned on catching up on posts, writing about when the girls came to visit, my birthday and more but on my birthday, things kinda changed.  As most of you already know, that evening my sister was in a car accident.  And let me start this by saying, she's fine.  Sore but okay.

On her way home from work and she called to wish me a "Happy Birthday."  Suddenly, I heard a scream and then her crying and saying, "I can't find the phone, I can't find the phone."  Instantly my heart stopped and I knew she'd been in an accident.  One of the scariest moments of my life.  Especially since I didn't know if she was okay because the phone was thrown from her hand.  After a scrambling of phone calls (between myself, my dad and finally Erin) lots of which involved tears, she got the help needed from some wonderful bi-standers and a police officer. 

She was rear ended on the corner of Rt. 64 and Randall Road in St. Charles.  Her car will be in the shop for 3-4 weeks.  The damages are around $13,000.  She injured her back and is in pain but been a real trooper. 
Luckily and amazingly, she's okay but it's definitely put things in perspective.

So just barely into my 33rd year I was reminded of what's important.   Sister, I love you.  I know you may hate me for posting this video but I had to.  Sending lots of muscle relaxing, feelin' good vibes to you.  And even some sunshine too so you can get out for a walk and start healing your muscles.  And take it easy at prom tonight.  Love you!