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.