The past two weeks I've been without Valmir, my teaching assistant. Why you might ask? Well, he's in a cast.
He broke his pinky finger while swimming in the ocean over Winter Break. I was surprised when I returned to see him wearing a splint on his pinky finger. I of course teased a bit because he could quite properly drink tea with his finger being forced erect in this splint.
He returned the first week or so and then went back to the dr on a Sunday evening after having worked for 5 days including 3 with students because he was still in some pain. After watching the sad end to the Bears v Packers game, I got home and talked to my parents. I noticed that Valmir had called twice and not left a message. While I was talking with my parents, I heard the phone ring a third time and finally the "beep, beep" signaling that he left a voicemail, I was able to hear that unfortunately the dr casted his hand. That's pretty normal round here and maybe anywhere for a broken finger.
Here's the unique part. In Brazil, if you are wearing a cast you cannot work. Simply cannot. You have a paid medical leave. So Valmir's home for a broken pinky finger for 2 weeks. The dr originally wanted three weeks but Valmir talked him into 2. Seriously he cannot come to work for 2 weeks or he could get into trouble. Please cross your fingers as he returns to the dr tomorrow that he will be back because I need the ying to my yang again.
Think about the trouble I'd be in if that was law in the U.S. So, if you're looking for some paid vacation, come work in Brasil! If you're willing to break a limb, this is the place to live. Wonder how many people break their limbs on purpose because of this law. I will not be one of those either accidental or otherwise.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Guinea Pig Anyone?
You know you live in Brazil when a wild guinea pig (called a prea in Portuguese) runs into your classroom. Not mine but my 1st grade friend Erin. This is what it looked like. I saw it!
It's now in a cage in the science lab. At least they don't eat guinea pigs in Brazil like they do in Peru! I just read that they are hard to capture. Not in Erin's room. Erin had already evacuated herself and her students. Her brave teaching assistant used her will and a cardboard box to trap said rodent.
The funniest part of this is that moments after the guinea pig's arrival, the lockdown drill began. Erin's students thought that the reason for the lockdown was the guinea pig. They thought it might have rabies and that's why they had to take cover. I guess some didn't want to lay down on the floor after it entered. Can't really blame them!
I had never heard of this animal until today. I mean, you hear of large rodents like capybara and rats but wild guinea pigs, who knew?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Obama's Coming to Brazil?
I didn't watch last night's State of the Union address but I guess I may have company in a few weeks. Obama's coming to Brazil as well as "to forge new alliances for progress in the Americas" with Chile and El Salvador. Just hope it's NOT during Carnaval (March 5-10) and that I can find a way to hear him speak. Hopefully there will be some sort of public event.
When G. Bush came to BSB a few years ago, he did speak publicly and one of Andrea's Kindergarten teacher friends got kicked out of the event for a t-shirt she made (I believe it was related to getting out of Iraq). Hopefully, it'll happen. Hopefully it'll be reasonable to hear him speak. But I have to be honest and don't put it past me that I won't review what jobs my American students' families have at the embassy.
P.S. After doing some investigating, Dilma was supposed to visit the U.S. during that month originally. The dates between the two are still being confirmed so this could be a total hoax. I also just spent about 15 minutes skimming his address and didn't find anything. Balloon most likely will burst.
When G. Bush came to BSB a few years ago, he did speak publicly and one of Andrea's Kindergarten teacher friends got kicked out of the event for a t-shirt she made (I believe it was related to getting out of Iraq). Hopefully, it'll happen. Hopefully it'll be reasonable to hear him speak. But I have to be honest and don't put it past me that I won't review what jobs my American students' families have at the embassy.
P.S. After doing some investigating, Dilma was supposed to visit the U.S. during that month originally. The dates between the two are still being confirmed so this could be a total hoax. I also just spent about 15 minutes skimming his address and didn't find anything. Balloon most likely will burst.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Patience is a Virtue and I Lost Mine Today
at two different grocery stores.
After much debating, a little beer last night, and a chat with my dear friendly neighborhood gourmet chef Andrea, I've decided to attempt a veggie pizza for today's Bears v Packers game. I had brought some dill from home (it was in a weird cupboard and while looking for juice found it) and they have a version of pizza crust here.
This morning I ventured out to the store. The past few times the market I go to has had awful produce but I thought with it being the weekend, perhaps they would have gotten more in. Alas no. This store however, is more like a traditional American store and have things like cream cheese, mayo, the pizza crust and so on. So I actually ran there first. I really ran thinking I'd get some exercise in at the same time. I arrrived and went to the produce department first. Again, crappy produce. I quickly realized I'd be visiting a second smaller more produce-based market as well which was fine.
The point of this post is that in both stores, I waited in the checkout line for over 20 minutes. The hilarious part is that in the first line there were only 4 people ahead of me and we were in the 10 items or less line. The second line is explained more below. That's 40 minutes I spent in lines today. Nobody else seems to bother. That's the thing here. Brazilians could care less about the lines. What's interesting to me too is that they're never on their cell phones and rarely read magazines to kill the time. I wonder when Brazilians travel to the U.S. and they visit grocery stores what they think of the pace of the check-out process.
Now, of course while I was trying to fight my line rage I analyzed why it took so long. Here are a few reasons:
1. people forget something and must go back so the entire line waits for 5 minutes,
2. checker doesn't care about speed,
3. size of bags is minscule so bagging takes longer,
4. checker doesn't know code for a type of produce,
5. a manager of sorts comes during the middle of the line to count the checker's cash box,
6. people obtaining a nota fiscal (a financial note) *
I thought I'd gotten used to the lines and it wasn't even like I needed a quick trip but seriously 40 minutes? I spent more time in line than actually shopping in either store. I spent about 50 minutes total walking between the stores and my apartment. I guess I'm gonna have to work on my line patience again. Maybe I should just have a drink before I go to take the edge off.
* My second line was delayed due to this. 3 people ahead of me. 2 chose this option. Brazilians can claim food as a deduction on their taxes. I really don't understand why they are able to do so but usually the process is quick and they just say their Federal ID number to the clerk. UNLESS...you are in a line that is a "manual nota fiscal" not an automatic one. Sometimes you don't realize why this is happening until the sign which notes this is seen on the metal stand which holds the debit/credit card/keyboard for the cashier. That makes the line even more annoying. The cashier physically on carbon paper writes down their ID number, name, the total of the groceries and some other things that I couldn't understand.
After much debating, a little beer last night, and a chat with my dear friendly neighborhood gourmet chef Andrea, I've decided to attempt a veggie pizza for today's Bears v Packers game. I had brought some dill from home (it was in a weird cupboard and while looking for juice found it) and they have a version of pizza crust here.
This morning I ventured out to the store. The past few times the market I go to has had awful produce but I thought with it being the weekend, perhaps they would have gotten more in. Alas no. This store however, is more like a traditional American store and have things like cream cheese, mayo, the pizza crust and so on. So I actually ran there first. I really ran thinking I'd get some exercise in at the same time. I arrrived and went to the produce department first. Again, crappy produce. I quickly realized I'd be visiting a second smaller more produce-based market as well which was fine.
The point of this post is that in both stores, I waited in the checkout line for over 20 minutes. The hilarious part is that in the first line there were only 4 people ahead of me and we were in the 10 items or less line. The second line is explained more below. That's 40 minutes I spent in lines today. Nobody else seems to bother. That's the thing here. Brazilians could care less about the lines. What's interesting to me too is that they're never on their cell phones and rarely read magazines to kill the time. I wonder when Brazilians travel to the U.S. and they visit grocery stores what they think of the pace of the check-out process.
Now, of course while I was trying to fight my line rage I analyzed why it took so long. Here are a few reasons:
1. people forget something and must go back so the entire line waits for 5 minutes,
2. checker doesn't care about speed,
3. size of bags is minscule so bagging takes longer,
4. checker doesn't know code for a type of produce,
5. a manager of sorts comes during the middle of the line to count the checker's cash box,
6. people obtaining a nota fiscal (a financial note) *
I thought I'd gotten used to the lines and it wasn't even like I needed a quick trip but seriously 40 minutes? I spent more time in line than actually shopping in either store. I spent about 50 minutes total walking between the stores and my apartment. I guess I'm gonna have to work on my line patience again. Maybe I should just have a drink before I go to take the edge off.
* My second line was delayed due to this. 3 people ahead of me. 2 chose this option. Brazilians can claim food as a deduction on their taxes. I really don't understand why they are able to do so but usually the process is quick and they just say their Federal ID number to the clerk. UNLESS...you are in a line that is a "manual nota fiscal" not an automatic one. Sometimes you don't realize why this is happening until the sign which notes this is seen on the metal stand which holds the debit/credit card/keyboard for the cashier. That makes the line even more annoying. The cashier physically on carbon paper writes down their ID number, name, the total of the groceries and some other things that I couldn't understand.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Trying to Bear Down
Tomorrow the Chicago Bears play the Green Bay Packers to decide who'll be going to the Super Bowl. And yes, the Chicago and Wisconsin EAB representatives are watchin' the game starting tomorrow evening LIVE at 5:30 p.m. at Kathy's apartment. The IL reps outnumber the WI supporters but I have a feeling the Pack fans that will be in attendance are pretty hardcore.
Kathy's got a Slingbox which allows her to be able to watch t.v. using her sister's cable box in New York. The Slingbox redirects the t.v. signal anywhere. It also means that if somebody's watching t.v. in New York that Kathy would have to watch what they're watching but don't worry, we've got it reserved. Pretty cool.
But here's my problem. I've been trying to work on a recipe to bring to the game tomorrow. Our hosts, Andrea and Kathy are supplying us with pulled pork sandwiches and dessert. I've been trying to come up with a side. First I tried to be really creative and work on some Chicago inspired item. Well, the problem is, every single recipe I find, I can't do here. We don't have: dill, any type of pre-made roll, sauces and mixes, particular veggies and breads, etc. Even the non-Chicago inspirations are hard. It's just a pain and probably doesn't help because I'm pretty basic when it comes to cooking. So, if anybody has a suggestion, please pass it my way.
And of course, GO BEARS!
Kathy's got a Slingbox which allows her to be able to watch t.v. using her sister's cable box in New York. The Slingbox redirects the t.v. signal anywhere. It also means that if somebody's watching t.v. in New York that Kathy would have to watch what they're watching but don't worry, we've got it reserved. Pretty cool.
But here's my problem. I've been trying to work on a recipe to bring to the game tomorrow. Our hosts, Andrea and Kathy are supplying us with pulled pork sandwiches and dessert. I've been trying to come up with a side. First I tried to be really creative and work on some Chicago inspired item. Well, the problem is, every single recipe I find, I can't do here. We don't have: dill, any type of pre-made roll, sauces and mixes, particular veggies and breads, etc. Even the non-Chicago inspirations are hard. It's just a pain and probably doesn't help because I'm pretty basic when it comes to cooking. So, if anybody has a suggestion, please pass it my way.
And of course, GO BEARS!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
I'm Back!
I made it back to BSB safe and sound yesterday. In comparison to many of my friends here who endured: weather delays (3 friends), departing several days late (7 friends), mechanical errors (1 friend), long lines (all friends) and I'm sure I'm forgetting some of their pain and suffering, I really had it easy. Flights departed either early or only 15 minutes late. No long lines and only one surprise when my final flight changed from assigned seats to open/cattle call. I have no complaints and luckily didn't have to use the extra pair of undies I'd packed.
When I got back, Andrea picked Sam (he found me in connections line in Sao Paulo) and I up and dropped me off at my apartment. I went over to Wolvies to catch up, eat some yummy dinner, talk about X-mas presents and follies, play some Wii and just relax. I got home around 1. I tried to sleep and when that didn't work read and watched T.V. till 3. See, the time change thing is a problem. My body thought 3 a.m. was only 11 p.m. My 3 a.m. bedtime had the effect of a 12 p.m. wake up. Yep. I woke up at noon. I think college was the last time I did this and then it was due to a late night of fun, not jet lag.
Today I'm taking things slow. Alright, I'm just being lazy. I've put things away in my clean apartment (thank you Davina!) and went for a walk. Tomorrow it's back to the grind. Well, the kids don't come till Wednesday so it's more like a warm-up but regardless I have to be at EAB at 7:45 which will feel like 3:45 a.m. I know, I shouldn't complain when most of my readers have been back at work or worked my entire break. After rereading this post for typos I realize I sound ridiculous but again, as you all know, posting's one of the ways I procrastinate (avoiding putting away my clothes) so there you have it. All's well. More adventures or interests to share soon.
When I got back, Andrea picked Sam (he found me in connections line in Sao Paulo) and I up and dropped me off at my apartment. I went over to Wolvies to catch up, eat some yummy dinner, talk about X-mas presents and follies, play some Wii and just relax. I got home around 1. I tried to sleep and when that didn't work read and watched T.V. till 3. See, the time change thing is a problem. My body thought 3 a.m. was only 11 p.m. My 3 a.m. bedtime had the effect of a 12 p.m. wake up. Yep. I woke up at noon. I think college was the last time I did this and then it was due to a late night of fun, not jet lag.
Today I'm taking things slow. Alright, I'm just being lazy. I've put things away in my clean apartment (thank you Davina!) and went for a walk. Tomorrow it's back to the grind. Well, the kids don't come till Wednesday so it's more like a warm-up but regardless I have to be at EAB at 7:45 which will feel like 3:45 a.m. I know, I shouldn't complain when most of my readers have been back at work or worked my entire break. After rereading this post for typos I realize I sound ridiculous but again, as you all know, posting's one of the ways I procrastinate (avoiding putting away my clothes) so there you have it. All's well. More adventures or interests to share soon.
Friday, January 14, 2011
More Lessons
A quick update...
I was reminded after yesterday's post that actually I'm not that old after all. Ansley told me last week that I was still young. 4-year-olds are pretty honest, especially Ansley, so I'll take that and remember age is more about how you feel than what's changing elsewhere and if the people around you think you're young, then you must be playing things right.
I'm off to Brazil tonight. Weather's looking good in both countries, no rain or snow, so I should arrive back to Brasilia around 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. It's definitely been a good break and I'm feeling relaxed going into second and my final semester in Brazil.
Somebody asked me the dreaded vacation question earlier this week. And no at that time I didn't share about my age but about how relaxed and good I feel mentally. After a crazy first semester, I'd say my break was perfect. I accomplished exactly what I wanted to do. Time with family. Time with friends. Time to work on the job hunt and grad school. Lots of Starbucks and yummy food (clothes are gonna be a bit tight for a while). So on Monday morning when my alarm goes off at an obnoxiously early hour (remember BSB's 4 hours ahead right now so it'll feel like 1 a.m. to me) I can honestly say I'm excited and looking forward to this final 18 weeks because I just had four weeks of bliss.
Now, if somebody could just get me off this couch to pack...bye for a few!
I was reminded after yesterday's post that actually I'm not that old after all. Ansley told me last week that I was still young. 4-year-olds are pretty honest, especially Ansley, so I'll take that and remember age is more about how you feel than what's changing elsewhere and if the people around you think you're young, then you must be playing things right.
I'm off to Brazil tonight. Weather's looking good in both countries, no rain or snow, so I should arrive back to Brasilia around 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. It's definitely been a good break and I'm feeling relaxed going into second and my final semester in Brazil.
Somebody asked me the dreaded vacation question earlier this week. And no at that time I didn't share about my age but about how relaxed and good I feel mentally. After a crazy first semester, I'd say my break was perfect. I accomplished exactly what I wanted to do. Time with family. Time with friends. Time to work on the job hunt and grad school. Lots of Starbucks and yummy food (clothes are gonna be a bit tight for a while). So on Monday morning when my alarm goes off at an obnoxiously early hour (remember BSB's 4 hours ahead right now so it'll feel like 1 a.m. to me) I can honestly say I'm excited and looking forward to this final 18 weeks because I just had four weeks of bliss.
Now, if somebody could just get me off this couch to pack...bye for a few!
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