You all know those lunchroom conversations you have after a break away from work. You know that one of the first questions that's passed round the table is, "So, how was your break?" or "What did you on vacation?" While some of my colleagues will share adventures, travels, relaxation stories, I'm planning on sharing that I learned I'm getting old.
I know I'm getting older because:
1. I found my first gray hair (which you already know).
2. I have mature skin.
Well, that's according to my dermatologist. When I was leaving my annual appointment, I was handed the usual mole check sheet that reminds me how often and what I should look for with moles but in addition to this, I was handed a new pamphlet. This one was titled, "Mature Skin." This pamphlet detailed how skin changes and the different types of spots that appear as one grows older. The skin definitely didn't look like my own skin but that of an older individual but I guess I must be in that category now.
So, while initially this whole gray hair thing freaked me out a bit, the skin thing didn't. Maybe I'll be able to accept growing old gracefully more than I thought. Now, hold onto those comments older readers. It's not that I think I'm old, it's the irony of these events. I have never thought of 33 as old and to find out in two very physical ways that apparently I am growing older in some ways but what I've learned and really is most important is I don't feel it and that's pretty amazing.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Going Looney in Brazil @ EAB
Way back in October (gosh that's over 8 weeks ago now) my parents came to visit me. It truly couldn't have come at a better time. We had a great time, lots of adventures and I loved for them to see my life here. So, without further ado, here are a few highlights from their visit to BRAZIL!
Time at the American School
Field Trip 'Round the City
Our final stop was JK's (the president at the time Brasilia was built 51 years ago) home outside the city. There we ate lunch while monkeys watched and my mom helped all of the kids sip from a fresh spring. I chose not to participate as I didn't want to get sick. Did that stop my mom? Nope!
The day before the trip, Erica and I asked the kids to preference groups. What other third graders did they want to be with throughout the day? They wrote down their choices and we did our best to accomodate them and at the same time tried to ensure that the combinations would be fun for all (students and adults). One of my students requested to be with my mom for the day. That was pretty fun to see that request. I don't feel I can write specifics about the groups here for confidentiality but definitely, if you see my parents and haven't heard about their groups, ask. Each group definitely, well, mostly some of the kids, had a distinct personality.
They also came back to EAB the next day for Halloween. Oh yes, Erica and I packed it in! We did the usual Halloween activities with a fairly regular schedule in the morning but in the afternoon, we had a fairly tame (much improved from last year) Halloween parade and party. The parade looped around the back court since it was super hot and shade was needed. It was perfect as each class took their turn walking round to spooky music. After watching the parade, we again put my parents to work while they ran a game during the party. The kids rotated in three group between both classrooms. They played Bozo buckets (which my parents ran enthusiastically), a target throwing game
and something else. I'm sure if I asked my parents or Erica they'd remember but honestly, I was only focused on the things happening in my room. The kids LOVED it and it was a great way to celebrate. The video's of one of my students enjoying the music. The video and his costume both are definitely representative of his personality. I'm so glad they were able to see EAB, meet my class and have some time to get to know what work's like there for me. I think the two days they "happened" to visit game them a huge taste!
Time at the American School
Field Trip 'Round the City
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| My group at the bottom of the tower |
So, when you know your parents are coming to visit you in Brasilia, it seems like the perfect time to plan your first field trip of the school year. A tour of the city and learning about how it was created!
On their second full day, we got them settled into third grade culture right away by inviting them to be chaperones on our trip. Erica and myself quickly planned our groups the morning of the trip. We of course made sure we had our "special" friends in our groups and also made sure that my parents had groups that were pretty low maintenance or so we thought.
At one point during our trip, I heard my dad's voice. You know that voice we all hear our parents use when we're in trouble. I actually thought to myself, "What'd I do?" Then I suddenly realized, it wasn't me, it was one of my dad's "special" friends in his group. Whew!
At one point during our trip, I heard my dad's voice. You know that voice we all hear our parents use when we're in trouble. I actually thought to myself, "What'd I do?" Then I suddenly realized, it wasn't me, it was one of my dad's "special" friends in his group. Whew!
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| View from top |
Some of the places we visited included:
Brasilia's TV Tower
Brasilia's TV Tower
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| Both classes outside the cathedral |
The Cathedral.
You'll notice less than our usual 44 students as several were on the bus for not listening to their grown-up. They learned my dad's tone quickly. It really wasn't that bad, just a little rough at the beginning. We've got 44 students who are great kids but many are used to ruling the roost so listening to directions and actually following them (like from an adult) is a new concept.
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| Mom in action at the spring |
The day before the trip, Erica and I asked the kids to preference groups. What other third graders did they want to be with throughout the day? They wrote down their choices and we did our best to accomodate them and at the same time tried to ensure that the combinations would be fun for all (students and adults). One of my students requested to be with my mom for the day. That was pretty fun to see that request. I don't feel I can write specifics about the groups here for confidentiality but definitely, if you see my parents and haven't heard about their groups, ask. Each group definitely, well, mostly some of the kids, had a distinct personality.
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| CJ's photo of my mom and I |
Halloween
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| A witch, ant, costume my dad bought in America and vampire. |
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| Ninjas, Indiana Jones (who regularly comes to school as him) and super hero. |
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| Two friendly witches and a dead, vampire witch |
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| My class if it's hard to capture them for a photo, then just imagine a regular day... |
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
So, how's Brazil?
This has to be one of the most common questions I get living in Brazil when I come to the U.S. for a visit.
Friends, dentists, doctors and hair stylists ask it. Even random store big box clerks when I answer the question, "Would you like to share your email address so you can receive a bazillion email coupons for a measly 5% off?" and I politely answer "No thanks," and have to follow up with an "I live in Brazil" because that polite no's never quite strong enough.
But what's funny to me is does anybody ever ask you, "So how's America?" They don't? You never get a "How's the USA doin'?" Hmmmmm...
One thing about this question that strikes me is no one gets more specific than that. Never a "So, how's Brasilia?" or a "How's Brazil's soccer team?" or a "Hey what about that new lady president?" I know that people ask THE question because they don't know what else to ask. I think some people believe that life in another country just can't be like life here. Reality is for the most part, it is.
So my advice to my readers who are my friend or you have a friend who lives abroad, living overseas, yes we do get to travel to amazing places and the grocery store's got a few different items but just ask about the usual things...weather, work, holidays; the things you'd ask if we lived right down the street. We really do appreciate the effort but after answering it a few extra times today, I feel the need to help coach the question a bit. Now I just need to find a way to spread the word to the big box clerks...
Friends, dentists, doctors and hair stylists ask it. Even random store big box clerks when I answer the question, "Would you like to share your email address so you can receive a bazillion email coupons for a measly 5% off?" and I politely answer "No thanks," and have to follow up with an "I live in Brazil" because that polite no's never quite strong enough.
But what's funny to me is does anybody ever ask you, "So how's America?" They don't? You never get a "How's the USA doin'?" Hmmmmm...
One thing about this question that strikes me is no one gets more specific than that. Never a "So, how's Brasilia?" or a "How's Brazil's soccer team?" or a "Hey what about that new lady president?" I know that people ask THE question because they don't know what else to ask. I think some people believe that life in another country just can't be like life here. Reality is for the most part, it is.
So my advice to my readers who are my friend or you have a friend who lives abroad, living overseas, yes we do get to travel to amazing places and the grocery store's got a few different items but just ask about the usual things...weather, work, holidays; the things you'd ask if we lived right down the street. We really do appreciate the effort but after answering it a few extra times today, I feel the need to help coach the question a bit. Now I just need to find a way to spread the word to the big box clerks...
Monday, January 3, 2011
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.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Just a quick post to say Happy 2011!
I celebrated the arrival of 2011 twice last evening. The first celebration included tiaras, two countdowns and blowing horns. 2011 arrived first in DeKalb, IL at 8:30 p.m. central standard time. My second, more traditional (champagne and hugs) countdown, was celebrated at midnight. The two celebrations didn't occur because we were celebrating it as each city to our east rang in the new year. That wouldn't make much sense anyway since our first celebration was on the half hour.
It's a perk when you ring in the new year with an enthusiastic 4 year-old who desperately wants to hang out with the big girls but needs to still go to bed at a decent hour. Ansley truly is the hostess with the mostess as she also completed three outfit changes (one was pjs) and served us the healthy snacks of cheese and crackers because that's what princesses do...serve food, sit in straight chairs and wear tiaras.
Wishing you all a wonder-filled 2011 that's filled with lots of healthy snacks, celebrations, dancin' and time with those special people in your life.
I celebrated the arrival of 2011 twice last evening. The first celebration included tiaras, two countdowns and blowing horns. 2011 arrived first in DeKalb, IL at 8:30 p.m. central standard time. My second, more traditional (champagne and hugs) countdown, was celebrated at midnight. The two celebrations didn't occur because we were celebrating it as each city to our east rang in the new year. That wouldn't make much sense anyway since our first celebration was on the half hour.
It's a perk when you ring in the new year with an enthusiastic 4 year-old who desperately wants to hang out with the big girls but needs to still go to bed at a decent hour. Ansley truly is the hostess with the mostess as she also completed three outfit changes (one was pjs) and served us the healthy snacks of cheese and crackers because that's what princesses do...serve food, sit in straight chairs and wear tiaras.
Wishing you all a wonder-filled 2011 that's filled with lots of healthy snacks, celebrations, dancin' and time with those special people in your life.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Turkey Flu
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.
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.
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.
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