Reality Happens When You're Getting Caught Up With Reality T.V.

A lot can happen when you decide to spend a few days getting caught up on American reality t.v.

1.  You can find your first gray hair. 
And of course mine happens to be right in front in the middle of my bangs.  For those of you who are going to try and look for it, sorry to tell you that as of 2 p.m. tomorrow it's gonna be hidden away for a long time by my colorist. 

2.  The country you reside in welcomes a new president.
Thinking back to Obama's inauguration two years ago makes me realize that when you straddle two countries as home, that sometimes you miss major events and sadly don't realize it for a few days.  Living in the U.S. when Obama was sworn in, weeks up to the event, that's all we heard about on the news.  What clothes Michelle was wearing, who (including colleagues) was going to attend in D.C., the promises he was going to make and so on.  I, until I read one of my usual Brazil blog reads, had forgotten about my other home, Brazil.

On January 1st, Brazil's new president, Dilma Rousseff was sworn in as president.  Dilma's promised to take protect those in society who can't protect themselves.  She's also sworn to "eradicate poverty."  She's got big shoes to fill, a World Cup and Olympics to prepare for and an emerging nation to nurture.

In her inauguration speech, Dilma opened by stating how proud Brazilians should be because this is the first time a woman is president.  I have to say I liked how her Rolls was surrounded by her top six female body guards.  I wondered who they were when I saw pics and wonder in a society that is so dominated by males, how she will use her gender to her advantage. 

I feel like this, my second year in Brazil, I'm more comfortable asking my colleagues about their opinions in regards to things like politics.  Some voted for her.  Some didn't vote at all because they felt (middle class, their SES) wasn't being represented at all.  Some voted for her because they believed she was the right choice at the time. 

I'm happy to be home but seeing the photos and realizing that these only took place down the street, about a 25 minute walk, from my apartment, is kinda a bummer.  Timing can't be perfect but the weather wasn't either as you can see.  I'm sure it was an exciting few days in Brasilia. 

I have no idea how things will turn out for her.  What I do know in typical media, whether it be American or Brazilian style, that somebody had to show her up.  In Dilma's case, her vice-president's wife, a mere 43 years younger than her husband, looked amazing, which they're right she does but she's taking center stage.   Wonder whether when I return if at the lunch table we'll talk about Marcela or Dilma.

 

And a final wonder is not whether or not the pastry chef or drug addict or housewife will be the latest gossip, it's actually whether or not the people I've just mentioned above have relatives or children or grandchildren at my school.  A show about that would make for much more interesting reality t.v.  Much more than me getting my first gray hair is.