Right now, due to lack of sleep and a brief window of being able to view a screen, I thought I'd share a bit about my trip to Buenos Aires. I'm also shamelessly looking for lots of love and sympathy since I have the turkey flu. Rather than write a new post, just think instead I'll share an email that I sent yesterday evening to Sam and Vanessa.
Dearest V and SR,
So, some people bring back lovely leather goods, tales of meeting hot Argentinian men and perhaps a few extra pounds from all the Starbucks consumed while in BA. What did I bring back? The Turkey Flu. It could also be called A2P2 in honor of Andrea Pearson who started this Thanksgiving tradition last year. I have never had such a bad flu before. I'm feeling like shite. It started with a cough (which I actually thought was an asthma attack), then became fever, aches (like skin, hair, toes, eyeballs as well as the usual achey spots), sore throat, continued cough, stuffy nose, chills, sweats and today nausea was added. Fun souvenier wouldn't you say?
Long email short, I'm gonna be out tomorrow. Need sleep, meds and hopefully to work on kicking this thing. Didn't want the two of you to think I ran off with some tango dancer. Sadly, the pharamacist and ticket agents today were the closest I got to meeting any interesting new men in BA. Next time I guess.
Alright, off to bed.
I'm taking off tomorrow too. This thing really has me beaten. Today AP and I went to the hospital, got some medicine (antibotics, cough meds with good stuff and a nebulizer treatment) and the doctor told us we'd be feeling better tonight. Well, she was optimistic. Feeling about the same as before. I'm sure another day of rest and the meds will help. This came on fast and is slow to leave but I am getting better. Just not quite as quickly as I would like.
We did have a good couple of days in BA. It is an amazing city. I'm just being a baby and disappointed that my vacation with my dear friend wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be. And since I was down and out for so much of my trip, I guess that just means I'll have to return sooner than I though. Good thing Erica, Jamey and the girls will be there next year to visit.
So send lots of ache-free, healthy thoughts south so I can get healed and back to you all healthy soon.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanks
It's been a long, long while since a post and I think it's about time to begin blogging again. Why you ask? It's time to give a bit of thanks for what I've got. It's clique I know with Thanksgiving to have a post like this but, hey, why fight the culture current and rather just flow it.
Most of you already know this, but about a month ago I made the decision to return to the U.S. after this school year. Brazil's treated me well. My goal for moving here has been accomplished and I know what I really want professionally. I really want to be an instructional coach again. There's not a coaching job here and there are districts in Northern Illinois which are supporting them. So, it's time to move. It's time to find the school, the district and the place where I can be the coach I wanna be.
So, with this move, there's lots to be thankful for. A few thankful thoughts...
I'm thankful for my parents because they taught me not to settle. They taught me to go after my dreams and when I do. They don't bring up the poor economy, budget cuts or my own finances in regards to a cross-continental move. They give me hugs, share my resume and give me support.
I'm thankful for the Goo who's willing to have me live with her again in NA. Asking to live with her was kinda a second thought. Not because I was trying to be inconsiderate or pushy, but more that we loved living together and I couldn't imagine moving home and living anywhere else. Thanks Sister!
I'm thankful to have great friends at home who are supporting me with networking or just sharing kind words.
I'm thankful for Ansley because when I told her the news (she's 4 by the way) she yelled, "Yes! Yes!" and then asked if we could play Barbies when I'm home. I guess I need to pull mine outta storage; funky hair and all. I'm also thankful for her mom who had a similar but more age appropriate reaction when I told her.
I'm thankful for my close friends here who are present when I question what I'm doing, when I'm feeling frustrated with it all and take me out for drinks as needed. Seems kind frequently lately. You all know who you are.
I'm thankful to have a dear friend who met me over ice cream at Oberweis and put this idea, of moving to Brazil, in my head. We have lots more years of fun but another 8 months together. And I'm even more excited that tomorrow I'll get to explore Buenos Aires with her too. Heart you AP!
Some people understand why I moved here to Brazil. Other people think I was selfish by doing so. I don't know your stance but what I do know is that the people I love and care about, my dear friends and family, I appreciate you mucho. Thanks for standing by me and letting me be me wherever I am.
Most of you already know this, but about a month ago I made the decision to return to the U.S. after this school year. Brazil's treated me well. My goal for moving here has been accomplished and I know what I really want professionally. I really want to be an instructional coach again. There's not a coaching job here and there are districts in Northern Illinois which are supporting them. So, it's time to move. It's time to find the school, the district and the place where I can be the coach I wanna be.
So, with this move, there's lots to be thankful for. A few thankful thoughts...
I'm thankful for my parents because they taught me not to settle. They taught me to go after my dreams and when I do. They don't bring up the poor economy, budget cuts or my own finances in regards to a cross-continental move. They give me hugs, share my resume and give me support.
I'm thankful for the Goo who's willing to have me live with her again in NA. Asking to live with her was kinda a second thought. Not because I was trying to be inconsiderate or pushy, but more that we loved living together and I couldn't imagine moving home and living anywhere else. Thanks Sister!
I'm thankful to have great friends at home who are supporting me with networking or just sharing kind words.
I'm thankful for Ansley because when I told her the news (she's 4 by the way) she yelled, "Yes! Yes!" and then asked if we could play Barbies when I'm home. I guess I need to pull mine outta storage; funky hair and all. I'm also thankful for her mom who had a similar but more age appropriate reaction when I told her.
I'm thankful for my close friends here who are present when I question what I'm doing, when I'm feeling frustrated with it all and take me out for drinks as needed. Seems kind frequently lately. You all know who you are.
I'm thankful to have a dear friend who met me over ice cream at Oberweis and put this idea, of moving to Brazil, in my head. We have lots more years of fun but another 8 months together. And I'm even more excited that tomorrow I'll get to explore Buenos Aires with her too. Heart you AP!
Some people understand why I moved here to Brazil. Other people think I was selfish by doing so. I don't know your stance but what I do know is that the people I love and care about, my dear friends and family, I appreciate you mucho. Thanks for standing by me and letting me be me wherever I am.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
It's Raining!
It's raining!
The smell and sound are just gorgeous.
After a few teases in the middle of the night and rain hitting the surrounding cities, it has finally arrived in the Plano Piloto.
Love it!
May have to even close my windows soon. Happy Saturday all!
The smell and sound are just gorgeous.
After a few teases in the middle of the night and rain hitting the surrounding cities, it has finally arrived in the Plano Piloto.
Love it!
May have to even close my windows soon. Happy Saturday all!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Ring, Ring, Who's There?
Nobody.
Nobody who?
No seriously nobody.
Tonight I was dropped off from school by Andrea. We had a date of catch up, greasy food and Wii after staying late on a Friday night. I walked in to my apartment, began to shed my work clothes and put on my Friday night lounging wear - black comfy elastic waistband pants and t-shirt and was using the bathroom when my portero phone rang. This is the phone my doorman/guard calls me on. Usually the calls are based around deliveries for food, groceries, ect.
I quickly finished, washed my hands, thinking it might ring again. Could it be Andrea calling? No, she'd call my cell phone. My porteros allow any gringo up into my apartment. They never call. They trust the gringos. Well, let's at least hope that's it, not due to my Portuguese difficulities.
While gathering stuff for my hang out, the phone rang again. I quickly walked to the kitchen and picked up. No answer. I called the portero since I'd missed the call and nothing happened.
So I continued gathering stuff. Ring, ring. Phone again. I picked up, said hello (hola actually) and nothing. I called the portero again. 94. Nothing.
By this point I realized that it would just have to wait a few more minutes until I went downstairs to leave and meet Andrea.
I grabbed my purse, opened the door and turned to lock it. At that same moment, I saw my neighbor for the first time. I think a young couple with a baby live next door but they hide from me so I'm not really sure. Literally run. Her apartment door was open and there she was in her kitchen only wearing a bra and a towel. Somebody must have been by the door because she yelled at them to close it. Quiet, quick close (because in Brazil it's considered rude to slam doors). Hi, nice to meet you too.
When I got downstairs I approached the portero. I told him what had happened. He smiled and told me that there are problems with the phone wires right now. Each phone actually rings for 2 apartments currently. He laughed. Guess my topless, well, shirtless neighbor must have been the one with the guest tonight.
This week I've seen electricians rewiring all over. My internet's been spotty as well. I believe this explains the mix-up but I do wonder how this is something that's been changed. I'm not an electrician but it seems if they weren't sharing before, why would they now?
It'll be fun to see how this connects my mystery neighbors and I together. Hopefully I won't bug them too much but at least if both our phones are ringing, perhaps we'll finally meet! Shirtless or shirted.
Nobody who?
No seriously nobody.
Tonight I was dropped off from school by Andrea. We had a date of catch up, greasy food and Wii after staying late on a Friday night. I walked in to my apartment, began to shed my work clothes and put on my Friday night lounging wear - black comfy elastic waistband pants and t-shirt and was using the bathroom when my portero phone rang. This is the phone my doorman/guard calls me on. Usually the calls are based around deliveries for food, groceries, ect.
I quickly finished, washed my hands, thinking it might ring again. Could it be Andrea calling? No, she'd call my cell phone. My porteros allow any gringo up into my apartment. They never call. They trust the gringos. Well, let's at least hope that's it, not due to my Portuguese difficulities.
While gathering stuff for my hang out, the phone rang again. I quickly walked to the kitchen and picked up. No answer. I called the portero since I'd missed the call and nothing happened.
So I continued gathering stuff. Ring, ring. Phone again. I picked up, said hello (hola actually) and nothing. I called the portero again. 94. Nothing.
By this point I realized that it would just have to wait a few more minutes until I went downstairs to leave and meet Andrea.
I grabbed my purse, opened the door and turned to lock it. At that same moment, I saw my neighbor for the first time. I think a young couple with a baby live next door but they hide from me so I'm not really sure. Literally run. Her apartment door was open and there she was in her kitchen only wearing a bra and a towel. Somebody must have been by the door because she yelled at them to close it. Quiet, quick close (because in Brazil it's considered rude to slam doors). Hi, nice to meet you too.
When I got downstairs I approached the portero. I told him what had happened. He smiled and told me that there are problems with the phone wires right now. Each phone actually rings for 2 apartments currently. He laughed. Guess my topless, well, shirtless neighbor must have been the one with the guest tonight.
This week I've seen electricians rewiring all over. My internet's been spotty as well. I believe this explains the mix-up but I do wonder how this is something that's been changed. I'm not an electrician but it seems if they weren't sharing before, why would they now?
It'll be fun to see how this connects my mystery neighbors and I together. Hopefully I won't bug them too much but at least if both our phones are ringing, perhaps we'll finally meet! Shirtless or shirted.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Rain, Rain, Please Come Our Way
According to Sam who read a local paper, it's been 123 days since it's rained in Brasilia.
According to another online paper (which I can't count as reliable), it's been closer to 130.
Either way. We need rain.
To stop the dust. If you dust anything, within an hour, it's covered.
To green the city. Everthing's orange. The trees are bare. The ground is dust. It's just ugly.
To change moods. Last week I could blame the full moon. This week, I'm blaming the heat and dryness for crabby moods. Mine included.
Today we were complete psyched out. Around 3:45 everything turned dark. The wind surged and knocked down lots of branches. This is a definite sign of rain. Alas, nothing. Just more leaves and branches on the ground.
As I rode up to my apartment this evening, the beagle lady (aka my neighbor) was in the elevator. We talked about the rain in Portuguese. We were both complaining because it was soooo hot today. I've found highs for today between 90 - 94 degrees and it was SUPER humid. Then I said I thought it was going to rain but it was a joke. She agreed. She told me it's going to rain tomorrow. I replied, "That's what I've heard everyday for the past week." We both laughed.
I know she's lived here a long time, so we'll see if her prediction is correct. I read there's a 20% chance. Over this week the chance of rain increases to 40%. Cecilia, the Brazilian Social Studies teacher, says it will rain before October. Seems like there's a pattern. Let's hope they're all right! Please!
According to another online paper (which I can't count as reliable), it's been closer to 130.
Either way. We need rain.
To stop the dust. If you dust anything, within an hour, it's covered.
To green the city. Everthing's orange. The trees are bare. The ground is dust. It's just ugly.
To change moods. Last week I could blame the full moon. This week, I'm blaming the heat and dryness for crabby moods. Mine included.
Today we were complete psyched out. Around 3:45 everything turned dark. The wind surged and knocked down lots of branches. This is a definite sign of rain. Alas, nothing. Just more leaves and branches on the ground.
As I rode up to my apartment this evening, the beagle lady (aka my neighbor) was in the elevator. We talked about the rain in Portuguese. We were both complaining because it was soooo hot today. I've found highs for today between 90 - 94 degrees and it was SUPER humid. Then I said I thought it was going to rain but it was a joke. She agreed. She told me it's going to rain tomorrow. I replied, "That's what I've heard everyday for the past week." We both laughed.
I know she's lived here a long time, so we'll see if her prediction is correct. I read there's a 20% chance. Over this week the chance of rain increases to 40%. Cecilia, the Brazilian Social Studies teacher, says it will rain before October. Seems like there's a pattern. Let's hope they're all right! Please!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Goin' Toe to Toe
Yesterday you took the quiz. Well, it really wasn't much of a quiz because you all know me so well. So here's the recap of almost one week ago.
Last Tuesday was International Peace Day. The Lower School participated in a Peace Day assembly. Prior to the day we made peace pinwheels (link here) so we'd celebrate "whirled peace." Different grade levels prepared artwork and songs and poetry.
At 8:10, the kids grabbed their pinwheels and we headed to the auditorium. We didn't sit in our usual place. We were assigned to the balcony. This is a big deal when you're in third grade. The 4th and 5th graders sit up there. Never us. We hiked up the stairs and found our seats.
As we were finding out seats one of my students totally bit it. I was surprised since this student is not klutzy and has pretty decent gross motor. I shrugged it off as just a random occurance and found my seat in the middle of some of my boys.
The assembly began with a youtube video of K'naan's song which was popular during the World Cup Wavin' Flag. We had a great time singing it along while then the fifth graders entered the stage and sang their own remix of the song with EAB lyrics. At this point I noticed a problem.
To our surprise, in the front row were several parents. The balcony seating is such that the front row it set back and thus people in those seats have a difficult time seeing the stage. The parents were leaning forward and had children standing on the ledge (that's another story). So, me being the good teacher I am, saw there were better available seats for the poor girls stuck behind these oblivious parents.
I slipped down the row while the students on stage transitioned. I stepped out into the aisle and fell. Not a little but hard. Where there should have been a step, there was air. Apparently in the auditorium design only in the balcony which is without stair lighting they have stairs which span the length of the aisle but inbetween there are shorter steps which do not. I didn't realize this and fell.
When I fell, I landed first on my right arm and breast. Ouch! Then as I fell further I felt my right ankle (yes that one) twist and my left big toe did something. Right away I was just shocked and in instant pain. Our two third grade assistants, Valmir and Rennan, were right there and jumped up to see if I was okay. I definitely wasn't then so I sat there for the most of the assembly. At some point to test out if I could walk I moved up a row but I had stopped thinking about the assembly and only about my ankle. Was I going to have to go back into the stupid boot again? Seriously? I was so careful and this is what I get for trying to do something nice? I was frustrated!
At the end of the assembly, we stood up and walked to plant our pinwheels. Throughout I could only think about my ankle. This really sucked because as my students were doing something pretty amazing I was focused on my stupid ankle. I hobbled back downstairs to my room with my class and sent them to Portuguese for their specials. At that point I was forced by Erica and the boys to sit and ice. While I was in the middle of trying to do some work I realized that I looked ridiculous, my ankle really hurt and decided it better to go home.
In typical Megan-fashion I got upset. The boys made a plan while Erica was away for a bit, to take me home and Valmir would sub the rest of the morning. It was only a half-day so my teacher guilt was limited. I got a ride home from Vanessa who was at school for a meeting .
So yeah, while the rest of the world was celebrating International Peace Day with pinwheels and assemblies and poetry, I was celebrating it from my couch with pillows propped up under my legs while I iced my ankle and toe.
The status now is my arm is still really bruised. I definitely am going to have a lovely calcium or rock hard, egg sized, growthy thing in my right bicep for life. My ankle's swollen and a little tweaked but slight. My biggest problem is ironically my left big toe. I didn't realize you could do this, but I believe I've sprained it. Seriously? I sprained my big toe? Only me.
This means in addition to the continued rice-ing (rest, ice, compress and elevate) and ibuprofen popping, I'm also wearing my tennis shoes with everything. And no, not cute tennis shoes. I have to wear my like workout Addias ones. Remember the temps here are in the 90s and fashion in Brazil is well, much more sheiky than the U.S. so I'm definitely getting checked out by neighbors, colleagues and random strangers on the street. And no skirts. When it's hot. Yuck.
I went toe to toe with Peace Day and I think Peace Day won. I got whirled but I missed out on the peace.
Last Tuesday was International Peace Day. The Lower School participated in a Peace Day assembly. Prior to the day we made peace pinwheels (link here) so we'd celebrate "whirled peace." Different grade levels prepared artwork and songs and poetry.
At 8:10, the kids grabbed their pinwheels and we headed to the auditorium. We didn't sit in our usual place. We were assigned to the balcony. This is a big deal when you're in third grade. The 4th and 5th graders sit up there. Never us. We hiked up the stairs and found our seats.
As we were finding out seats one of my students totally bit it. I was surprised since this student is not klutzy and has pretty decent gross motor. I shrugged it off as just a random occurance and found my seat in the middle of some of my boys.
The assembly began with a youtube video of K'naan's song which was popular during the World Cup Wavin' Flag. We had a great time singing it along while then the fifth graders entered the stage and sang their own remix of the song with EAB lyrics. At this point I noticed a problem.
To our surprise, in the front row were several parents. The balcony seating is such that the front row it set back and thus people in those seats have a difficult time seeing the stage. The parents were leaning forward and had children standing on the ledge (that's another story). So, me being the good teacher I am, saw there were better available seats for the poor girls stuck behind these oblivious parents.
I slipped down the row while the students on stage transitioned. I stepped out into the aisle and fell. Not a little but hard. Where there should have been a step, there was air. Apparently in the auditorium design only in the balcony which is without stair lighting they have stairs which span the length of the aisle but inbetween there are shorter steps which do not. I didn't realize this and fell.
When I fell, I landed first on my right arm and breast. Ouch! Then as I fell further I felt my right ankle (yes that one) twist and my left big toe did something. Right away I was just shocked and in instant pain. Our two third grade assistants, Valmir and Rennan, were right there and jumped up to see if I was okay. I definitely wasn't then so I sat there for the most of the assembly. At some point to test out if I could walk I moved up a row but I had stopped thinking about the assembly and only about my ankle. Was I going to have to go back into the stupid boot again? Seriously? I was so careful and this is what I get for trying to do something nice? I was frustrated!
At the end of the assembly, we stood up and walked to plant our pinwheels. Throughout I could only think about my ankle. This really sucked because as my students were doing something pretty amazing I was focused on my stupid ankle. I hobbled back downstairs to my room with my class and sent them to Portuguese for their specials. At that point I was forced by Erica and the boys to sit and ice. While I was in the middle of trying to do some work I realized that I looked ridiculous, my ankle really hurt and decided it better to go home.
In typical Megan-fashion I got upset. The boys made a plan while Erica was away for a bit, to take me home and Valmir would sub the rest of the morning. It was only a half-day so my teacher guilt was limited. I got a ride home from Vanessa who was at school for a meeting .
So yeah, while the rest of the world was celebrating International Peace Day with pinwheels and assemblies and poetry, I was celebrating it from my couch with pillows propped up under my legs while I iced my ankle and toe.
The status now is my arm is still really bruised. I definitely am going to have a lovely calcium or rock hard, egg sized, growthy thing in my right bicep for life. My ankle's swollen and a little tweaked but slight. My biggest problem is ironically my left big toe. I didn't realize you could do this, but I believe I've sprained it. Seriously? I sprained my big toe? Only me.
This means in addition to the continued rice-ing (rest, ice, compress and elevate) and ibuprofen popping, I'm also wearing my tennis shoes with everything. And no, not cute tennis shoes. I have to wear my like workout Addias ones. Remember the temps here are in the 90s and fashion in Brazil is well, much more sheiky than the U.S. so I'm definitely getting checked out by neighbors, colleagues and random strangers on the street. And no skirts. When it's hot. Yuck.
I went toe to toe with Peace Day and I think Peace Day won. I got whirled but I missed out on the peace.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Quick Quiz
The following picture is:
I think the answer's pretty obvious. I mean, you all know me pretty well by now.
I'll write more tomorrow but I will tell you that the bruise wasn't my only injury.
No new boots but I do have special footwear.
A. A dragon fruit sliced open for some cocktail making.
B. A bruise I earned this week during an assembly.
C. A new color inkblot test we're using with one of my students.
I think the answer's pretty obvious. I mean, you all know me pretty well by now.
I'll write more tomorrow but I will tell you that the bruise wasn't my only injury.
No new boots but I do have special footwear.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Feelin' Batty
This week I was sitting on my couch in the evening grading homework. Not my ideal way to spend an evening but being a classroom teacher it's just part of the job. As I was sitting there, suddenly out of the corner of my eye I noticed something by my window. As I turned, I realized it was a large bat flying into my apartment. I scrunched down on the couch, papers on my lap while the bat glided down toward my coffee table, then swooped up over me and the couch toward my door. It seemed like an eternity before I saw it again so I stretched up and peeked over the back of the couch toward the door. I caught a glimpse of it gliding back up from the floor and back toward the window. Out it flew. Whew.
Definitely a moment where I was appreciative that bat sonar works so well and additionally that it's year two because I would have screamed last year which probably would have changed the entire situation and resulted in adventures for both the bat and myself.
Do I think I need to get screens though? Never! This just adds to the excitement of life here. And the cicadas are out so I'm sure some of them will come to visit in the next few weeks. Better get my cup and dustpan ready. I do believe in catch and release.
Definitely a moment where I was appreciative that bat sonar works so well and additionally that it's year two because I would have screamed last year which probably would have changed the entire situation and resulted in adventures for both the bat and myself.
Do I think I need to get screens though? Never! This just adds to the excitement of life here. And the cicadas are out so I'm sure some of them will come to visit in the next few weeks. Better get my cup and dustpan ready. I do believe in catch and release.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Canoa Quebrada
I've decided to make this post about my trip a photo one. I know the photos help you to better see things, duh, but also, having written a 10 page paper today, I'm feeling, for once, a little more short-winded. The town is cute. Small and quaint and lovely. For the first time ever, I saw adults playing on the beach in the sand. Not just worshipping it. The waves were rough due to the wind but I have to say even in the middle of the day, on the beach, it was cool. Canoa Quebrada from the beach by our pousada. Taken on an easily morning walk with Sam.
Sam, Kathy and I exploring the town. It was hot during the day so everyone hid by the beach or stayed inside.
There was a traveler from the Middle East visiting the area. He saw that a local artist carved images into tortoise shells. This traveler asked for the artist to make one for his love which included the moon (rebirth, femininity) and the star (luck, guidance) and it stuck. Do you believe this tale? I'm sure the Goo and my mom don't! Love you skeptics.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Snap. I've Got the Power!
Literally. After yoga today, I walked home with Hayes, said a quick goodbye and came up the elevator ready to prep some chicken for our dinner tonight. As I turned the corner, made a quick call to a friend and opened the door. I flipped the light switch in the kitchen only to find that it didn't work. Strange.
So I flipped the switch in my dining nook. Nothing. Instantly I knew what had happened. My power'd been cut. I was still on the phone with said friend and mentioned it. They asked me to check my neighbors but I knew that if the elevator worked, it was me alone. I quickly hung up before saying something mean (I've done that to this person before) out of frustration.
Then I called Hayes to let her know that I had a "slight technical difficulty" and could we move dinner to her house. I filled bags with the contents of my fridge and then my phone rang.
For some reason I thought it was the power company calling me. Seriously? Why would the power company call? I then heard, "Megan Looney!" So strange since I hadn't heard my Vonage phone ring. Could that be Captain Obvious that since your electricity was turned off that's why it went straight to your cell phone? It was Jez. We hadn't chatted in forever! She, Baby Ruth and her hubby are doing great and settling in as new parents. So great to chat but suddenly I got overwhelmed with getting the power back on. We'd chatted for about half an hour when I cut things off and felt the urgency to get my power back.
So I gathered up my bags and headed across the lot to Hayes building. We started cooking and she was wonderful to call CEP, Brasilia's electric company. They said I had outstanding bills and the only way I could get my power tonight was to pay by using the internet. I had brought my bill with me and tried logging onto HSBC's website to pay. There I found out I needed a password from a letter I'd received in the mail. I came back home, first found a flashlight and then found the letter with the code I needed. I quickly walked back across the parking lot to her apartment. Luckily she's one of the 205 girls.
We logged on, only to have to log off another time and realized that the password I thought I'd set at the bank a couple of weeks ago wasn't working. I had to come back again to my apartment with my Maglight to get the real one. Luckily the ever so thoughtful Davina had not thrown away the old envelope I'd written it on. I then walked back over to Hayes' apartment and was able to set my new password. Yay!
Then we realized I needed a bar code to pay the bill. It's common here to pay your bills at an ATM machine and scan the bar code. So, she called CEP again and found out we could go online to get it. So another new password, well, not so new but one I can remember, and a log in later we paid both bills.
I paid both the bills which I already thought I had paid and we called CEP's other number. This time the woman speaking with us wasn't quite as friendly as our first rep. Erin, of course being as sweet as she is and Portuguese perfect navigated through her questions, shared our payment numbers and all was set.
Then, 2.5 hours later it was time for dinner. They told us it would take about 4 hours for me to regain my power. That meant electricity returned at midnight.
Around 9:30 I started to get tired. Also, I'd crashed Hayes' apartment for such a long time and put her to work. It was time to head home. We made a hairdrying plan so in the morning if my electricity still wasn't on that I could dry my hair at her place. I returned home, took the elevator up and hoped for the best. I put my key into the lock and opened the door. I saw a faint green glow from my ipod speaker. Yes! The power was back! And now, here I am 30 minutes later finishing up this post.
So what I have I learned? 1. Now I'm all set for paying my electric bills online. 2. Even if you do think you've paid all your bills in Brazil, don't think it's true. Even if you don't receive them in the mail, it's your fault so stay on top of things and pay attention. Gee, if that's not obvious. 3. I'm very lucky to have Erin Hayes as my friend. She's awesome in every sense of the word. 4. I'm gonna sleep well knowing that my alarm will go off when it's supposed to because "I've Got the Power!"
So I flipped the switch in my dining nook. Nothing. Instantly I knew what had happened. My power'd been cut. I was still on the phone with said friend and mentioned it. They asked me to check my neighbors but I knew that if the elevator worked, it was me alone. I quickly hung up before saying something mean (I've done that to this person before) out of frustration.
Then I called Hayes to let her know that I had a "slight technical difficulty" and could we move dinner to her house. I filled bags with the contents of my fridge and then my phone rang.
For some reason I thought it was the power company calling me. Seriously? Why would the power company call? I then heard, "Megan Looney!" So strange since I hadn't heard my Vonage phone ring. Could that be Captain Obvious that since your electricity was turned off that's why it went straight to your cell phone? It was Jez. We hadn't chatted in forever! She, Baby Ruth and her hubby are doing great and settling in as new parents. So great to chat but suddenly I got overwhelmed with getting the power back on. We'd chatted for about half an hour when I cut things off and felt the urgency to get my power back.
So I gathered up my bags and headed across the lot to Hayes building. We started cooking and she was wonderful to call CEP, Brasilia's electric company. They said I had outstanding bills and the only way I could get my power tonight was to pay by using the internet. I had brought my bill with me and tried logging onto HSBC's website to pay. There I found out I needed a password from a letter I'd received in the mail. I came back home, first found a flashlight and then found the letter with the code I needed. I quickly walked back across the parking lot to her apartment. Luckily she's one of the 205 girls.
We logged on, only to have to log off another time and realized that the password I thought I'd set at the bank a couple of weeks ago wasn't working. I had to come back again to my apartment with my Maglight to get the real one. Luckily the ever so thoughtful Davina had not thrown away the old envelope I'd written it on. I then walked back over to Hayes' apartment and was able to set my new password. Yay!
Then we realized I needed a bar code to pay the bill. It's common here to pay your bills at an ATM machine and scan the bar code. So, she called CEP again and found out we could go online to get it. So another new password, well, not so new but one I can remember, and a log in later we paid both bills.
I paid both the bills which I already thought I had paid and we called CEP's other number. This time the woman speaking with us wasn't quite as friendly as our first rep. Erin, of course being as sweet as she is and Portuguese perfect navigated through her questions, shared our payment numbers and all was set.
Then, 2.5 hours later it was time for dinner. They told us it would take about 4 hours for me to regain my power. That meant electricity returned at midnight.
Around 9:30 I started to get tired. Also, I'd crashed Hayes' apartment for such a long time and put her to work. It was time to head home. We made a hairdrying plan so in the morning if my electricity still wasn't on that I could dry my hair at her place. I returned home, took the elevator up and hoped for the best. I put my key into the lock and opened the door. I saw a faint green glow from my ipod speaker. Yes! The power was back! And now, here I am 30 minutes later finishing up this post.
So what I have I learned? 1. Now I'm all set for paying my electric bills online. 2. Even if you do think you've paid all your bills in Brazil, don't think it's true. Even if you don't receive them in the mail, it's your fault so stay on top of things and pay attention. Gee, if that's not obvious. 3. I'm very lucky to have Erin Hayes as my friend. She's awesome in every sense of the word. 4. I'm gonna sleep well knowing that my alarm will go off when it's supposed to because "I've Got the Power!"
Monday, September 6, 2010
Just Breathe
So, here I sit in my bed looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. The waves seem a little rough this morning. The blue is deep and dark through the palm froms. Why is the ocean so dark this morning? The palms are swaying in the breeze and adding just the right background music. Sleeping in a loft here is like sleeping in a tree house. Best views, great breezes.
Sam's up early again off for a swim and run on the beach. KD's sleeping away. I can hear that. I also can hear mice or bats who live in the ceiling of my loft. After one night of poor sleep, my Ipod's drown out the rodent squeaking, the "bum che" of the late night car bases and the early morning rooster call. I'm really loving Canoa Quebrada.
We arrived late Friday night to Forteleza where we were met by a taxi driver who drove us to Canoa Quebrada. His sign said Kathy, Dolce Vita. We are definitely living the sweet life here. Our pousada is awesome. It kinda reminds me of Melrose Place's organization around the pool. Cute small villas surrounding the pool alongside lounge chairs and tables. There are some awesome lounge seating which we haven't gotten to enjoy yet. Hopefully today or tomorrow.
The town was originally found by some Italian hippies. In the past few years they've changed the streets into cobblestones and updated things. It's got sand creeping in from all sides. Besides restaurants and touristy souvenir shops there's not much else. There's one main drag called Broadway that has lots of pizzerias, chopperias and other restaurants mixed in with the shops. Won't be doing much shopping here. Not a bad thing but it's so cheap. Water costs $3 for a 1.5 liter bottle. Last night we had an amazing churrasco dinner for only R$25 each. That's like about $14 for beer and a Brazilian bbq in a great setting tucked back off the street. I was worried that it would fill with Forteleza's folks and be similar to Sao Jorge last year. So not true. It's busy but not so much that you feel stifled or like you're crowd dodging.
This vacay is truly what the dr ordered for me. Friday was probably the worst day of school I've had so far and I'm anticipating, actually I know, next week's gonna be bad as well. Not the place to gripe about it but with already having one of the most challenging starts to a school year I've ever had, vacation was not a want. It had become a need. Why is my 12th year in education going this way? Why am I on the verge of tears and into comatic states daily? And people wondered why I needed to get out of BSB for 4 days. Whatever!
Canoa's just what I needed. Each day I'm here my level of stress and frustration decreases. This morning I'm trying to use the ocean as a symbol of releasing my stress. It's taking away everything. I need this so I can have a clear mind. With wave that comes in, it sweeps some of the stressors away. Out of my life. I just listed and have now deleted some of the stressors because 1. not appropriate and 2. writing them made of think of more. Yuck. Okay ocean. Seems like you and I are gonna have to work on this one for a while. Problem 1. Yeah that one. Sweep it away. Take it to some other continent. Far, far away from me. What you all can't see is that as I sit typing in my bed I'm pausing regularly to breath and close my eyes. Be aware of what I'm doing. Be conscious since lately I haven't been able to do that. (So far I've spent an hour writing this post because I'm just trying to quiet and slow down my mind).
Our time here's been quiet. Time at the beach. Time at the pool. Time in the pool. Time exploring town. Nothing spectacular. Just goodness. Yesterday I did grad school reading and work poolside. Man, I need to find a place in BSB like this. Visually amazing and calming. I know I can't have the ocean but I'd settle for the pool and loungy seating.
Today we'll eat breakfast. Swim and lounge around the pool and elsewhere. Then our plan is to go on a dune buggy (dune boogy if you are from the NE) ride later this afternoon. It's hottest here in the morning. Then we'll come back to Dolce Vita. Maybe a little more pool time or siesta and clean up for dinner.
Sigh. This is what I needed. Breathe. Visualize. Be calm and feel the calm wash away it all away. Yoga's been teaching me about this and having a little practice, even just the breathing on my own helps. Namaste.
Sam's up early again off for a swim and run on the beach. KD's sleeping away. I can hear that. I also can hear mice or bats who live in the ceiling of my loft. After one night of poor sleep, my Ipod's drown out the rodent squeaking, the "bum che" of the late night car bases and the early morning rooster call. I'm really loving Canoa Quebrada.
We arrived late Friday night to Forteleza where we were met by a taxi driver who drove us to Canoa Quebrada. His sign said Kathy, Dolce Vita. We are definitely living the sweet life here. Our pousada is awesome. It kinda reminds me of Melrose Place's organization around the pool. Cute small villas surrounding the pool alongside lounge chairs and tables. There are some awesome lounge seating which we haven't gotten to enjoy yet. Hopefully today or tomorrow.
The town was originally found by some Italian hippies. In the past few years they've changed the streets into cobblestones and updated things. It's got sand creeping in from all sides. Besides restaurants and touristy souvenir shops there's not much else. There's one main drag called Broadway that has lots of pizzerias, chopperias and other restaurants mixed in with the shops. Won't be doing much shopping here. Not a bad thing but it's so cheap. Water costs $3 for a 1.5 liter bottle. Last night we had an amazing churrasco dinner for only R$25 each. That's like about $14 for beer and a Brazilian bbq in a great setting tucked back off the street. I was worried that it would fill with Forteleza's folks and be similar to Sao Jorge last year. So not true. It's busy but not so much that you feel stifled or like you're crowd dodging.
This vacay is truly what the dr ordered for me. Friday was probably the worst day of school I've had so far and I'm anticipating, actually I know, next week's gonna be bad as well. Not the place to gripe about it but with already having one of the most challenging starts to a school year I've ever had, vacation was not a want. It had become a need. Why is my 12th year in education going this way? Why am I on the verge of tears and into comatic states daily? And people wondered why I needed to get out of BSB for 4 days. Whatever!
Canoa's just what I needed. Each day I'm here my level of stress and frustration decreases. This morning I'm trying to use the ocean as a symbol of releasing my stress. It's taking away everything. I need this so I can have a clear mind. With wave that comes in, it sweeps some of the stressors away. Out of my life. I just listed and have now deleted some of the stressors because 1. not appropriate and 2. writing them made of think of more. Yuck. Okay ocean. Seems like you and I are gonna have to work on this one for a while. Problem 1. Yeah that one. Sweep it away. Take it to some other continent. Far, far away from me. What you all can't see is that as I sit typing in my bed I'm pausing regularly to breath and close my eyes. Be aware of what I'm doing. Be conscious since lately I haven't been able to do that. (So far I've spent an hour writing this post because I'm just trying to quiet and slow down my mind).
Our time here's been quiet. Time at the beach. Time at the pool. Time in the pool. Time exploring town. Nothing spectacular. Just goodness. Yesterday I did grad school reading and work poolside. Man, I need to find a place in BSB like this. Visually amazing and calming. I know I can't have the ocean but I'd settle for the pool and loungy seating.
Today we'll eat breakfast. Swim and lounge around the pool and elsewhere. Then our plan is to go on a dune buggy (dune boogy if you are from the NE) ride later this afternoon. It's hottest here in the morning. Then we'll come back to Dolce Vita. Maybe a little more pool time or siesta and clean up for dinner.
Sigh. This is what I needed. Breathe. Visualize. Be calm and feel the calm wash away it all away. Yoga's been teaching me about this and having a little practice, even just the breathing on my own helps. Namaste.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Dreaming of Broken Canoes
I should be heading to bed but it's hard when this is where I'm going to be on Friday.
Not sure if I'll be on that dune buggy but if I'm invited, then maybe.
Is it bad if randomly during the school day I think of Canoa and just sigh?
And when I should go to sleep that I instead am reading about the beaches, kitesurfing and dune buggy rides?
Nah. That's how it should be. Just gotta make sure I don't daydream too much. I give enough grief to my students about it, probably should make sure I'm not the one doing it. Well, maybe I can manage just to do it during specials. Wish me luck!
Monday, August 30, 2010
I Finally Think It's Safe to Come Out Now
I've heard some noticings lately about my lack of blogging. They've come from family. They've come from friends. And most recently they've come from a particular best friend's family because that's how they're able to keep tabs on their own daughter who lives across the field from me.
Why has it been almost a month since I've blogged? Well, where do I even begin? I thought about listing all of the seriously crazy things that have happened but I'll spare GUE from printing a 30 page post and just share two examples of crazy:
1. Friends having emergency surgeries. It was only a bursting appendix. My friend's doing alright. Personal note to said dear friend: I love seeing you in a verticle position however still think you should be staying at home!
2. Two weeks ago I received my new debit card. It only took three and a half weeks for it to arrive. When you don't have a debit card in Brazil, this means not having access to your checking account. You cannot pay bills; your friends do it for you. This means you cannot get cash so you take out loans from your friends. This just, really, sucked, for a lack of a better word because you're helpless, your friends are great but borrowing money just really isn't cool. It makes you feel grossly incompetent.
Have you heard about the crazy planet alignments? They have reeked havoc around me. Since we're still in the month of August, probably not best to mess with the planets before they move. Love you planets!
Schools' fine. My new class is growing on me. Iwas am very attached to my last group but the personalities are coming out and I'm starting to enjoy them more and more. Today I was asked several time during my reading assessments if I was married, a joke was made about my last name and one student added a new state to the Union. The state of Oreo will take the place of Ohio from now on. Also, my new assistant is amazing. I had one quit after two days with me (another crazy) but Valmir is wonderful and I'm lucky, lucky, lucky to have him.
Grad school's going strong with being halfway through my second class. Can you guess why I'm writing this post over reading about special ed law?
So, I'm here. I'm alive and I guess this post is me saying, I think it's finally safe to come out now. This is made especially east since I have four days till my first Brazilian vacay.
I'm headed to the Canoa Quebrada near Forteleza in the Northeast of Brazil with Sam and Kathy. The name Canoa Quebrada means "broken canoe" Hopefully some fun friends and a little sun, sand, a dunebuggy ride and perhaps a beer or two will break this funky start and get the good "stuff" flowing freely again.
Why has it been almost a month since I've blogged? Well, where do I even begin? I thought about listing all of the seriously crazy things that have happened but I'll spare GUE from printing a 30 page post and just share two examples of crazy:
1. Friends having emergency surgeries. It was only a bursting appendix. My friend's doing alright. Personal note to said dear friend: I love seeing you in a verticle position however still think you should be staying at home!
2. Two weeks ago I received my new debit card. It only took three and a half weeks for it to arrive. When you don't have a debit card in Brazil, this means not having access to your checking account. You cannot pay bills; your friends do it for you. This means you cannot get cash so you take out loans from your friends. This just, really, sucked, for a lack of a better word because you're helpless, your friends are great but borrowing money just really isn't cool. It makes you feel grossly incompetent.
Have you heard about the crazy planet alignments? They have reeked havoc around me. Since we're still in the month of August, probably not best to mess with the planets before they move. Love you planets!
Schools' fine. My new class is growing on me. I
Grad school's going strong with being halfway through my second class. Can you guess why I'm writing this post over reading about special ed law?
So, I'm here. I'm alive and I guess this post is me saying, I think it's finally safe to come out now. This is made especially east since I have four days till my first Brazilian vacay.
I'm headed to the Canoa Quebrada near Forteleza in the Northeast of Brazil with Sam and Kathy. The name Canoa Quebrada means "broken canoe" Hopefully some fun friends and a little sun, sand, a dunebuggy ride and perhaps a beer or two will break this funky start and get the good "stuff" flowing freely again.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Family Dinner
While many of you read the post title and think of your traditional holiday meals or perhaps just your regular daily dinners, for me a family dinner can take on a whole new meaning. I did have what would first come to your mind a wonderful family dinner with my parents and the Goo back home a couple of days ago. We ate delicious marinated flank steak off the grill, yummy sweet corn, green beans and red potatoes. It was the perfect way to end my time in Illinois.
When you live overseas though, family dinners possesses a different meaning. Tonight I had my Brazilian family dinner. No, there was not a single Brazilian there (maybe we should work on that) but I dined with my surrogate family that lives with me in Brasilia. Kathy's sister and aunt are visting from the states so she wanted to get together for a little pizza rodizio (all you can eat) dinner. Well, when you go rodizio, it's never going to be little and with my Brazilian family (4 Wolvies, 1 Andrea, 1 Sam, 2 Robertsons and me) which is nine members strong and tonight Libby joined us as well, it was a big meal all around.
Dinner was great. The food of course is wonderful. The waiters bring around pizzas sharing what the combos are and you just say yea or nay to the choices. Just a little pizza rodizio background for you. The pizza choices can include traditional U.S. types like pepperoni but it stops about there. Some of the combos that are really popular include: sundried tomato with arugula and tonight a new one California (calabrasa with peppers, pineapple and other sweet fruits). Then there are the dessert pizzas. These include a traditional pizza crust with cheese topped with bananas or strawberries that are then covered in chocolate. It's delicious! And I'm stuffed even just writing about it.
Okay, back to the reason for this post, my family here makes things easy. We picked up right where we left off with the teasing and joking and catching up on the remainder of the summer. It was great to see everyone smiling, looking relaxed and refreshed and kinda ready to start up school again tomorrow. I just like that even though I live so far from home, I have people here who can be there for me. Whether it's driving me everywhere because I've injured my foot and am in a boot (fingers crossed all for an injury-free year) or take me out to dinner when I have a bad day or just hang out and sing karaokee. They're just fab. We really don't have particular family roles like moms and dads but we're more like a bunch of brothers and sisters who just take care of one another. I'm just lucky. Thanks guys for being my family. Love you!
When you live overseas though, family dinners possesses a different meaning. Tonight I had my Brazilian family dinner. No, there was not a single Brazilian there (maybe we should work on that) but I dined with my surrogate family that lives with me in Brasilia. Kathy's sister and aunt are visting from the states so she wanted to get together for a little pizza rodizio (all you can eat) dinner. Well, when you go rodizio, it's never going to be little and with my Brazilian family (4 Wolvies, 1 Andrea, 1 Sam, 2 Robertsons and me) which is nine members strong and tonight Libby joined us as well, it was a big meal all around.
Dinner was great. The food of course is wonderful. The waiters bring around pizzas sharing what the combos are and you just say yea or nay to the choices. Just a little pizza rodizio background for you. The pizza choices can include traditional U.S. types like pepperoni but it stops about there. Some of the combos that are really popular include: sundried tomato with arugula and tonight a new one California (calabrasa with peppers, pineapple and other sweet fruits). Then there are the dessert pizzas. These include a traditional pizza crust with cheese topped with bananas or strawberries that are then covered in chocolate. It's delicious! And I'm stuffed even just writing about it.
Okay, back to the reason for this post, my family here makes things easy. We picked up right where we left off with the teasing and joking and catching up on the remainder of the summer. It was great to see everyone smiling, looking relaxed and refreshed and kinda ready to start up school again tomorrow. I just like that even though I live so far from home, I have people here who can be there for me. Whether it's driving me everywhere because I've injured my foot and am in a boot (fingers crossed all for an injury-free year) or take me out to dinner when I have a bad day or just hang out and sing karaokee. They're just fab. We really don't have particular family roles like moms and dads but we're more like a bunch of brothers and sisters who just take care of one another. I'm just lucky. Thanks guys for being my family. Love you!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Round Monies
The day I left, I went to Starbucks with Colleen, Ansley and Corinne for a bit. We sipped away on water, lattes and mochas. We dined on pink sprinkled donuts, bananas and coffee cakes. While there, Ansley shared a few deep four-year-old thoughts that I wanted to pass along since they kinda put things into perspective and perhaps prioritize my own thinking sometimes.
On Caffine Consumption with Friends
"Megan, what are you drinking?"
"A raspberry mocha."
"When I'm a big girl, can we drink mochas together?"
"Definitely."
And if we hang out again on the day I leave the country, I'll gladly consume 2 Starbucks beverages because I won't be able to have a Starbucks' mocha for months.
On Coloring One's Hair
"Megan, your hair is a different color. I think you should dye it."
"Yes Ansley,you're right. It is time for me to get it dyed again."
"Maybe you should dye it the same color as mine."
"Well, I like your hair color but I really like to have blonde hair."
"What about pink?"
Why not?
On Distance Between Friends
This one was held after I left. Ansley told me repeatedly that she wanted to come along with me to Brazil. I told her that we wouldn't be back until Christmas and that her parents would just miss her too much. I'm guessing it went something like this.
"Mommy, I want to go and visit Megan."
"Well Ansley, I would too but it's very expensive."
"How much money it is?"
"$1,000."
"Well, I have a lot of round monies in my piggy bank."
Ansley, get busy pulling weeds out at your grandfather's farm and maybe, you'll have enough round monies to visit. And it's not about the distance, but how sweet you are to want to save your precious round monies for a visit. And tell your mommy and daddy that if you visit, they have a place to stay so that you wouldn't have to save quite as many round monies.
On Caffine Consumption with Friends
"Megan, what are you drinking?"
"A raspberry mocha."
"When I'm a big girl, can we drink mochas together?"
"Definitely."
And if we hang out again on the day I leave the country, I'll gladly consume 2 Starbucks beverages because I won't be able to have a Starbucks' mocha for months.
On Coloring One's Hair
"Megan, your hair is a different color. I think you should dye it."
"Yes Ansley,you're right. It is time for me to get it dyed again."
"Maybe you should dye it the same color as mine."
"Well, I like your hair color but I really like to have blonde hair."
"What about pink?"
Why not?
On Distance Between Friends
This one was held after I left. Ansley told me repeatedly that she wanted to come along with me to Brazil. I told her that we wouldn't be back until Christmas and that her parents would just miss her too much. I'm guessing it went something like this.
"Mommy, I want to go and visit Megan."
"Well Ansley, I would too but it's very expensive."
"How much money it is?"
"$1,000."
"Well, I have a lot of round monies in my piggy bank."
Ansley, get busy pulling weeds out at your grandfather's farm and maybe, you'll have enough round monies to visit. And it's not about the distance, but how sweet you are to want to save your precious round monies for a visit. And tell your mommy and daddy that if you visit, they have a place to stay so that you wouldn't have to save quite as many round monies.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Recap: Summer, Summer, Summertime. Time to sit back and unwind.
"Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind" Will Smith definitely said it best in this classic summer tune from the summer before I entered high school. Summer definitely was spent unwinding from my first year in Brasilia, living and teaching in a new country.
It's hard to believe that I'm writing this from O'Hare waiting for my delayed flight to Atlanta. Now am back in Brasilia and just procrastinating. Make that my really delayed flight to Atlanta. I feel like summer can't already be over!
I took a break this summer from this blog for lots of reasons. Figure it's time to catch everyone up and also as I feel stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted, a chance to relish the good "stuff" from this past summer. Gotta remember the unwinding I had.
Onto The Good Times!
Eating my first "real" cheeseburger of the summer at Chilli's (not quite the same in Brazil)
Shopping with the Goo
Working on my first graduate school class as I earn a second masters degree in Educational Leadership
Watching the Cubs lose to the Pirates with Courtney in center field with Byrds
Catching up with Alpha Chis at the Cundiff's bbq (Thanks Cundiffs!)
Working on grad school
Dining with the Harrisions in Lincoln @ the Elk's (even Maxine came for it)
Visiting with GAD and GUE in Lincoln
Meeting the newest Krodel, Garrett, and catching up with the rest of the Krodel crew over dessert
Eating yummy breakfasts with my BT girls so I had lots of qt with each of them
Working on grad school
Celebrating the Goo's BIG 30th b-day
The Looney's @ Goo's 30th
Andrea and me @ Goo's 30th
Bigs and me @ Goo's 30th
Jez, 'Lil Jez and I @ the Goo's 30th
Hanging out with BT and our vampire friends while watching Eclipse
Catching up with Holly
Working on grad school
Playing Poison Princess with Ansley @ the Geneva Commons clock tower
Celebrating the almost arrival of our newest BR member, 'Lil Jez
Celebrating the Fourth of July and Andrea's birthday @ Pearson's
Working on grad school
Exploring Chicago's architecture, food and boobs with my mom and the Goo
Having a real Girls Night Out with CPF, AP and LM in Geneva
Bien Trucha = comida buena and amigas buenas
Games with names
Roadtrippin' with Sam to the Pacific NW
Touring Portland with the Wolvies who are amazing guides by the way. Thanks guys!
Columbia River Gorge
Hood River wind and kite surfers
Mt. Hood
Cannon Beach
Seattle
View from Space Needle @ night
I tried and like fish and chips. My tastebuds are officially dying but I like new foods. Trade offs I guess.
Gasworks Park in Seattle
Sipping a frap at the first Starbucks ever. Yummy!
Learning literacy tips at the F & P conference in D.C.
Making new "friends" in Georgetown with Hirsch and Monica, OMG
Visiting the dr for what I thought was a quick trip and wound up being an entirely scary day (FYI my left breast is great in case you wanted to know, probably a little too much info for some of you but I can't just leave you with "scary day" and not say more)
Eating a delicious BBQ dinner with my fam
Sipping mochas and waters with the Faivre girls
Visiting Chilli's for a final chips, salsa and quesdilla explosion salad at Chilli's on our way to O'Hare
The summer was pretty amazing when I look back. I told the Goo yesterday, that I think a big part of why I'm feeling so stressed is because the last few days were chopped up by my trip to D.C., that my students arrive in less than a week and that my last few days went in unexpected directions. Thank goodness I was prepared so things went as smoothly as they could go. More importantly, thank goodness that I’m okay. I wanted lots of quality time with my friends and fam and as you can see, I didn't do too shabby at all. I might not have gotten to see everyone or for those I did see, maybe not quite as much as I'd hoped but I did pretty well for the time I had. And if I didn't catch you this time round, lets plan a date for Xmas vacation.
It's hard to believe that I'm writing this from O'Hare waiting for my delayed flight to Atlanta. Now am back in Brasilia and just procrastinating. Make that my really delayed flight to Atlanta. I feel like summer can't already be over!
I took a break this summer from this blog for lots of reasons. Figure it's time to catch everyone up and also as I feel stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted, a chance to relish the good "stuff" from this past summer. Gotta remember the unwinding I had.
Onto The Good Times!
Eating my first "real" cheeseburger of the summer at Chilli's (not quite the same in Brazil)
Shopping with the Goo
Working on my first graduate school class as I earn a second masters degree in Educational Leadership
Watching the Cubs lose to the Pirates with Courtney in center field with Byrds
Catching up with Alpha Chis at the Cundiff's bbq (Thanks Cundiffs!)
Working on grad school
Dining with the Harrisions in Lincoln @ the Elk's (even Maxine came for it)
Visiting with GAD and GUE in Lincoln
Meeting the newest Krodel, Garrett, and catching up with the rest of the Krodel crew over dessert
Eating yummy breakfasts with my BT girls so I had lots of qt with each of them
Working on grad school
Celebrating the Goo's BIG 30th b-day
The Looney's @ Goo's 30th
Andrea and me @ Goo's 30th
Bigs and me @ Goo's 30th
Jez, 'Lil Jez and I @ the Goo's 30th
Hanging out with BT and our vampire friends while watching Eclipse
Catching up with Holly
Working on grad school
Playing Poison Princess with Ansley @ the Geneva Commons clock tower
Celebrating the almost arrival of our newest BR member, 'Lil Jez
Celebrating the Fourth of July and Andrea's birthday @ Pearson's
Working on grad school
Exploring Chicago's architecture, food and boobs with my mom and the Goo
Having a real Girls Night Out with CPF, AP and LM in Geneva
Bien Trucha = comida buena and amigas buenas
Games with names
Roadtrippin' with Sam to the Pacific NW
Laughing lots along the way
Making new "friends" in Georgetown with Hirsch and Monica, OMG
Visiting the dr for what I thought was a quick trip and wound up being an entirely scary day (FYI my left breast is great in case you wanted to know, probably a little too much info for some of you but I can't just leave you with "scary day" and not say more)
Eating a delicious BBQ dinner with my fam
Sipping mochas and waters with the Faivre girls
Visiting Chilli's for a final chips, salsa and quesdilla explosion salad at Chilli's on our way to O'Hare
The summer was pretty amazing when I look back. I told the Goo yesterday, that I think a big part of why I'm feeling so stressed is because the last few days were chopped up by my trip to D.C., that my students arrive in less than a week and that my last few days went in unexpected directions. Thank goodness I was prepared so things went as smoothly as they could go. More importantly, thank goodness that I’m okay. I wanted lots of quality time with my friends and fam and as you can see, I didn't do too shabby at all. I might not have gotten to see everyone or for those I did see, maybe not quite as much as I'd hoped but I did pretty well for the time I had. And if I didn't catch you this time round, lets plan a date for Xmas vacation.
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