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.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Go Brasil!
Today Brasil takes on the Dutch in the quarter finals. My fruit salad's all cut, I've tossed on my Brasil gear and very soon (like 10 minutes) I'll be driving to DeKalb to Andrea's house for the game.
Most of the sports' sites are saying that Brasil will beat the Netherlands but with every match in the Cup, especially this year, you just never know. If the Dutch bring all their momentum and play hard and contiue their 23 game winning streak, they might give us a run for the Cup. But my shirt already has the sixth star on it, just waiting to be filled in. I mean, if that doesn't show the confidence in the Brasilian team, I don't know what does. They have the confidence, the experience and a nation of over 200 million who will be cheering, yelling, and blowing horns...just ready to support each touch on the ball.
Regardless, I'm excited for some good soccer, a fun venue with good food and friends. Go Brasil!
Bernie also says, "Go Brasil!"
Photo taken on Father's Day during the Brasil game. Love you dad!
Most of the sports' sites are saying that Brasil will beat the Netherlands but with every match in the Cup, especially this year, you just never know. If the Dutch bring all their momentum and play hard and contiue their 23 game winning streak, they might give us a run for the Cup. But my shirt already has the sixth star on it, just waiting to be filled in. I mean, if that doesn't show the confidence in the Brasilian team, I don't know what does. They have the confidence, the experience and a nation of over 200 million who will be cheering, yelling, and blowing horns...just ready to support each touch on the ball.
Regardless, I'm excited for some good soccer, a fun venue with good food and friends. Go Brasil!
Bernie also says, "Go Brasil!"
Photo taken on Father's Day during the Brasil game. Love you dad!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Brasilian Beauty Secrets To Share
While visiting with a friend (who wanted to remain anonymous) the other day, I shared a couple of tips I learned living in Brasil. She said that I should share them here, so here are a couple of Brasilian beauty secrets I learned not from Brasilians but just from living in Brasil.
That being said, dad, you will just roll your eyes at these so it's probably just better that you skip this post altogether. Also, any other male readers, you may have similar reactions to my father so read at your own risk!
Tip #1 - Chilled Aloe
While traveling to Rio this past year, I got a bad sunburn. Shocking I know. Hot beach and sand + white gringa who didn't realize you need to wear at least 50 on the beach while traveling in Brazil = fried gringa. But my burn definitely was not as bad as another dear friend who burned the tops of her feet while visiting. Regardless of the burning occasion, aloe was needed critical to feeling relief. So, I went to the store and purchased aloe at some outrageous price at the local pharmacy (Bonus Tip #1 - if you come to visit, bring your own aloe. It costs about R$30 which is USD$15). What I learned on that trip however, was that if you put aloe in your fridge, it obviously chills it. But the best part is man, oh, man does it feel good on a sunburn. You know how how skin is so hot, it instantly chills it. It chills your skin for a while and just is just so relieving. I also think, after a recent slight sunburn, it helps heal the burn more quickly. There were a few days I woke up the following morning sans burn which normally would have lasted. No official science in this tip but just some experimentation and expertise from my friends.
Dad, that's the one I don't think you'll mind but I know this next one you truly will roll your eyes or if you were around you would leave the room.
Tip #2 - Deodorant Glide
Some girls, myself in particular, find that wearing dresses isn't so much fun when it's hot outside because my thighs rub together. This doesn't just cause annoyance but it causes chaffing. Ouchy yuck! What I learned is that if you rub a solid deodorant on your thighs, they don't rub. They glide. No pain, no problem. This definitely works in warm weather climates like Brazil. I have found from my little experimentation that some deodorants work better than others. I prefer Secret to Dove for this but it could also be that's just what I started with when I first tried this trick and got used to its performance.
* This tip was shared via my sister who learned it from a close friend of hers. Thanks said friend because I use this tip all the time.
** Writing this tip was pretty funny since I usually don't write about sciencey stuff. I can't recall the last time I wrote things like glide and chaffing.
So the Brasilian secrets have been shared. I'll share more when I learn a few more tricks or if you know any, share away.
That being said, dad, you will just roll your eyes at these so it's probably just better that you skip this post altogether. Also, any other male readers, you may have similar reactions to my father so read at your own risk!
Tip #1 - Chilled Aloe
While traveling to Rio this past year, I got a bad sunburn. Shocking I know. Hot beach and sand + white gringa who didn't realize you need to wear at least 50 on the beach while traveling in Brazil = fried gringa. But my burn definitely was not as bad as another dear friend who burned the tops of her feet while visiting. Regardless of the burning occasion, aloe was needed critical to feeling relief. So, I went to the store and purchased aloe at some outrageous price at the local pharmacy (Bonus Tip #1 - if you come to visit, bring your own aloe. It costs about R$30 which is USD$15). What I learned on that trip however, was that if you put aloe in your fridge, it obviously chills it. But the best part is man, oh, man does it feel good on a sunburn. You know how how skin is so hot, it instantly chills it. It chills your skin for a while and just is just so relieving. I also think, after a recent slight sunburn, it helps heal the burn more quickly. There were a few days I woke up the following morning sans burn which normally would have lasted. No official science in this tip but just some experimentation and expertise from my friends.
Dad, that's the one I don't think you'll mind but I know this next one you truly will roll your eyes or if you were around you would leave the room.
Tip #2 - Deodorant Glide
Some girls, myself in particular, find that wearing dresses isn't so much fun when it's hot outside because my thighs rub together. This doesn't just cause annoyance but it causes chaffing. Ouchy yuck! What I learned is that if you rub a solid deodorant on your thighs, they don't rub. They glide. No pain, no problem. This definitely works in warm weather climates like Brazil. I have found from my little experimentation that some deodorants work better than others. I prefer Secret to Dove for this but it could also be that's just what I started with when I first tried this trick and got used to its performance.
* This tip was shared via my sister who learned it from a close friend of hers. Thanks said friend because I use this tip all the time.
** Writing this tip was pretty funny since I usually don't write about sciencey stuff. I can't recall the last time I wrote things like glide and chaffing.
So the Brasilian secrets have been shared. I'll share more when I learn a few more tricks or if you know any, share away.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Burritoville + Friends = World Cup?
I've been home for a couple of weeks now. Time is flying by as is the World Cup.
It's been wonderful to catch up with family and friends the past few weeks. As my dad said at dinner tonight, definitely nothing to complain about at all. Since we've moved into the quarter final round of the World Cup, my cup watching has decreased. I know this is because I'm working on my graduate school homework. I've been spending time with fam and friends. With the US out, I was a little deflated. Also, watching soccer alone is fine but it's just not quite the same as with a group. I've been dying to watch the cup somewhere with other soccer fans and soak it in. Today I got to do this in a completely random place. Burritoville in DeKalb.
Andrea, her cousin Tom and myself traveled over to the Northside to soak in some soccer culture, cold beer and yummy guac and tacos. We watched Spain take on Portugal with another of Andrea's local acquaintances, the restaurant owner, his two sons and another local or two. The announcers spoke in Spanish, having a background language other than English made me feel comfortable but what really made this time was watching with other people. No one had strong ties to either team but really just love the game. 9 random people in DeKalb, Illinois all watching a soccer match in Cape Town, South Africa. Villa's goal by the way...amazing!
Completely random afternoon but definitely what I'd been craving.
And the camaraderie doesn't end there. How can I forget my other team? Brasil! Friday morning, bright and early, I'll be at Andrea's with some of the same friends and more fam watching Brasil take on the Dutch. Goo, you're invited too. And I've got my gear all ready for it. Wig included! We're going for 6!
It's been wonderful to catch up with family and friends the past few weeks. As my dad said at dinner tonight, definitely nothing to complain about at all. Since we've moved into the quarter final round of the World Cup, my cup watching has decreased. I know this is because I'm working on my graduate school homework. I've been spending time with fam and friends. With the US out, I was a little deflated. Also, watching soccer alone is fine but it's just not quite the same as with a group. I've been dying to watch the cup somewhere with other soccer fans and soak it in. Today I got to do this in a completely random place. Burritoville in DeKalb.
Andrea, her cousin Tom and myself traveled over to the Northside to soak in some soccer culture, cold beer and yummy guac and tacos. We watched Spain take on Portugal with another of Andrea's local acquaintances, the restaurant owner, his two sons and another local or two. The announcers spoke in Spanish, having a background language other than English made me feel comfortable but what really made this time was watching with other people. No one had strong ties to either team but really just love the game. 9 random people in DeKalb, Illinois all watching a soccer match in Cape Town, South Africa. Villa's goal by the way...amazing!
Completely random afternoon but definitely what I'd been craving.
And the camaraderie doesn't end there. How can I forget my other team? Brasil! Friday morning, bright and early, I'll be at Andrea's with some of the same friends and more fam watching Brasil take on the Dutch. Goo, you're invited too. And I've got my gear all ready for it. Wig included! We're going for 6!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wrappin' Up the Year
I've been postponing this post because there's well, lots going on, emotions running high and it just seems to make more sense to write this about an hour till I'm picked up for a final crepe dinner with my friends before I'm dropped off at the airport.
Thought I'd keep this brief and I hope by now you know that's relative with me.
A few things I can't wait to have and/or experience when I'm in Chicago:
Thought I'd keep this brief and I hope by now you know that's relative with me.
A few things I can't wait to have and/or experience when I'm in Chicago:
- Family - Obvious right? What they don't know is I have a special airport surprise for all of them!
- Friends - Another obvious one but I truly can't wait to just hang out on decks, catch up at Starbucks and just enjoy being together.
- Yards - I miss being able to have some green space.
- Starbucks - Haven't had a real mocha or frap since March in Rio and I can't wait to get my fix.
- Food - From Mexican food to burgers on the grill to Thai food to brats to a real beer that's doesn't just taste good because it's cold. Yum!
- Target - Just the idea of pushing a cart through the aisles sounds wonderful.
- Bookstores - Bookstores filled with books in English and I can sit as long as I want and just peruse what's new. Sigh.
- Vacation - Um, yeah I may be starting this new masters program but that's all I have to do for six weeks. No papers to grade, parents to email, kids to implement new behavior plans with. Ahh.
A few things I'll miss and/or not miss at all this winter while I'm in Chicago:
- World Cup Decorations and Sound Effects - random choruses of horns. They are blown throughout the bloco and at random times of day. And Brazil hasn't even played yet.
- World Cup Parties and Excitement - There's an amazing feeling in the air. Everyone's got fever no matter their age, their gender or their nationality.
- Morning Parakeet Shreaking - Don't love it on the weekends but 6:30 everyday they're up. I wondered this morning as I worked on my grad school work if the other students in my class could even imagine hearing wild parakeets as they worked.
- The Skies - I've never lived anywhere that everyday the skies are a beautiful brillant blue.
- Cold Showers - haven't had a hot one in days since my hot water's not working. And it's winter here so brrrrrr.
- My Class - I haven't been this sentimental about a group of kids in a long time. One of those groups who because you work sooooo hard that you can't even look at the in-coming students without an internal groan because it won't be the same. Plus they chose a cool name for themselves, the Super Stars so even thinking about a new name, just doesn't cut it.
- Dirty Feet - It's dry season so the dust is everywhere and my feet show it. So in need of a pedi this week.
Just a few random thoughts before I go. I still can't believe that I moved here just over a year ago. Time truly flies. There's been good and bad and ugly but with all of that, there's lots of learning and personal growth. Wouldn't trade the experience, would trade the distance between many of you and me but coming here for me, now, was the right thing. Feels good almost a year later to know that the decision I made was the right one but glad I'll be home with everyone soon.
Friday, June 11, 2010
It Begins
In approximately 15 minutes, the World Cup will begin. As I write this post from my classroom, I can hear the faint sound of a WC horn being blowed. Rumor round the blogs are it is my headmaster.
In approximately 15, the entire EAB staff, families and friends will descend upon the school auditorium to watch the first match. South Africa vs Mexico. Horn blowing more frequently and getting closer...
In 15 minutes, this match will be shown on the lcd projector and while watching we are able to sip on 900 liters of beer. There are approximately 200 people in attendance who are able to comsume said beverage. If you do a little World Cup math, there are several possible answers, all of which result in a school full of sloshy teachers and staff members.
In 15 minutes, everyone not in the lower school will see that I'm sporting my new Brasil WC t-shirt today. On the front there are 5 stars filled in with white. One star is open. It's waiting to be filled after Brasil wins this Cup. Talk about confidence! The back of the t-shirt has a picture of Africa along with several countries' flags.
Are or were any of your final school days set this way? Procedural check-out in the morning, followed by a World Cup game and bbq in the afternoon? Only in Brasil, where if Brasil happened to be playing today, we wouldn't have worked because all banks and businesses close when Brasil plays.
In 15 minutes, I'm ready to root for the host country. Let the Cup begin!
In approximately 15, the entire EAB staff, families and friends will descend upon the school auditorium to watch the first match. South Africa vs Mexico. Horn blowing more frequently and getting closer...
In 15 minutes, this match will be shown on the lcd projector and while watching we are able to sip on 900 liters of beer. There are approximately 200 people in attendance who are able to comsume said beverage. If you do a little World Cup math, there are several possible answers, all of which result in a school full of sloshy teachers and staff members.
In 15 minutes, everyone not in the lower school will see that I'm sporting my new Brasil WC t-shirt today. On the front there are 5 stars filled in with white. One star is open. It's waiting to be filled after Brasil wins this Cup. Talk about confidence! The back of the t-shirt has a picture of Africa along with several countries' flags.
Are or were any of your final school days set this way? Procedural check-out in the morning, followed by a World Cup game and bbq in the afternoon? Only in Brasil, where if Brasil happened to be playing today, we wouldn't have worked because all banks and businesses close when Brasil plays.
In 15 minutes, I'm ready to root for the host country. Let the Cup begin!
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