Pão de Açúcar--More pictures of our climb.

Pão de Açúcar--Sugar Loaf Mountain--is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic. Rising 396 metres (1,299 ft) above sea-level, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar.
I've looked at this mountain from the bus window at least six times since making the climb. Each time, I am surprised and awed by what I accomplished. At first I said I would NEVER do this again.
My sore muscles told me for at least four days that I would probably never do the climb a second time, but in looking at some of the pictures for a third or fourth time, I'm starting to think I might just try my hand at this little hike once more.

And since my fatigued muscles are no longer here to remind me of the challenge, I might be convinced...

Music and dancing and parties galore!!!The Harlem Gospel Choir in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Why isn't the lady behind me enjoying the show??
Suzanne, Patricia, and me at the triple the fun birthday party. Phew, it's been a busy week and a half. I might need a holiday to rest up from all the playin around...more pics of last night's show to come.

Who would give me flowers this beautiful? And Why???
They are a "thank you" from EARJ S.O.S. (Service Oriented Students) club for my delivery of a speech during the kick off to the Cancer Walk-a-Thon to take place March 22.
Here's my speech in print (like most speeches, always better when delivered):
They asked me to speak today because I walk.
I walk because I am no stranger to the cancer monster. I think only a few of us remain strangers to this illness that reportedly impacts over 12 million new cases annually. In 2007 alone, 7.6 million cancer deaths occurred worldwide. (about 20,000 cancer deaths a day) How does a person begin to fathom statistics of this size?
It has to be made personal.
My mother is a survivor, currently undergoing chemotherapy again, battling for the third time in the last 19 years. She has managed to find resilience in her Faith and lives knowing that each day is truly a gift.
My father is a survivor, currently outliving the predicted survival rate for his type of cancer. He is living as one of the 15% predicted to survive gastral and esophageal cancer.
My maternal grandmother was a survivor. She lived with a mastectomy half her adult life, before the research identified the benefits of reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.
My paternal grandfather was a survivor.
I lost Brian, my 16 year old cousin, to this illness.
Four months ago, October 2008, I lost Jason, my 38 year old cousin.
My family tree is riddled with this ugly illness, running through its branches. It is insufficient to simply be "tired of it".
One would think traveling the road once would make it easier a second time, or a third time, or a fourth time, but it doesn't it only makes me more angry. One would think having so many firsthand experiences would help the grieving process the next time around. It doesn't. It is horrible and hard and feels unfair every time. And every time I am left with the feeling that there is very little that I can do to alleviate the pain my loved ones experience. There is very little I can do to avoid living my life in waiting: for the results of a medical exam, for the next diagnosis in my family. For me it isn’t a matter of “if” it is a matter of “who is next”. And now I worry most about my daughter, my nieces, and nephew, the next generation of my family.
Because I know fighting this illness changes a person. Watching a loved one fight this illness changes a person. Once a person is diagnosed, everything is different. And most of the time for most people, things being different is not ok.
It is just different, and we all have to find a way to survive.
So, what can we do?
We do what I’ve been doing since 1995.
We walk.
We walk because we believe. We walk because others can’t. We walk for our mothers and our fathers and our sisters and our brothers. For our friends and our colleagues we walk.
We walk and we shoulder the courage to continue to fight to change the statistic that claims this disease will personally affect 75% of the women sitting in this auditorium by the time she turns 60.
We walk to preserve the quality of life for a cancer survivor.
We walk because we need to continue to find the answers to questions about treatments and prevention and survival and one day elimination of a disease that is far too common. We walk for ourselves when there is nothing tangible left for us to do.
We walk in honor of the survivors we know. We walk in memory of the loved ones we’ve lost. We walk.
hoping that in 25 years our children and their children won’t have to.

Gracas a Deus!The world is a beautiful place and I am truly blessed!

Carnaval and ClimbsVicks: Sara, when you asked if I wanted to hike while in Rio, you didn't specify that I would be tied to a safety harness and using a rope!
But this one view of many is my reward for the spent energy!! Beautiful!! We are all very tired and very excited that we accomplished climbing a mountain! Nearly 1,000 feet!!Rio de Janeiro at dusk. Copacabana on the left edge, Botafogo Marina on the right, Cocovado on the horizon. Incredible!!

Ian, Meg, me Vicks and Kirsten before heading to Sambodromo!!!

Me and Vicks dressed up and ready to desfilar...man those costumes were HOT!!

Carnaval esta Chegandooooo!!!!!

Bikinis and Congas
So as of Sunday, the total number of bikinis occupying my closet is 9! And the conga, a must have with each bikini (you can't imagine the limitless possibilities with this piece of fabric! It's ingenious.), is up to 10! I'm starting to believe this may be a borderline obsession. I didn't even attempt to add up the number of Havaianas in the other closet, which also are a must have with each bikini. I was too shocked when I actually saw ALL of the bikinis and congas together in one space at the same time. I could totally open a secondhand bikini shop. Would you buy a 'used' bikini? hmmm, good question. Not so sure I would.
This all started me thinking...maybe it's a reflection of my environment (ya think?). When I lived in Houston, did I overbuy any certain item? Let's think.
Did I have 9 cowboy hats? Uh, no.
Did I have 10 pairs of cowboy boots? Uh, no.
Maybe I had 9 horses...ok ok, so there is more to Texas than cowboys and cowboy gear.
How about when I lived in Minnesota?
Did I have 9 pairs of snow pants? Uh, no.
Did I have 10 scarfs? Uh, wait...I think we might be on to something.
How about 10 different cozy winter hats? Indeed! I believe I had at LEAST 10 at one point. (I liked hats a lot for several years.)
So for now, the current environment is forcing me to overbuy bikinis and more or less, beach wear.
let's face it. A girl does need at least two bikinis. If you venture to the beach two days in a row, which I often do, it is likely that the bikini worn the first day is still damp the morning of the second day. We all know the unpleasantness of attempting to wear a still wet bikini. However, I'm pretty sure that by the third day in a row on the beach, which I often have, that first bikini is good and dry. It could be worn again...
Well, here's my proof:I think I may need to seek professional help on this one. It just seems a little excessive. I'm going to work on repairing this situation. I will not buy another bikini the ENTIRE month of February! (I know, big sacrifice.)
I am curious though. Is there anything in your closet, in ridiculous numbers, that you know deep down you don't really NEED yet you continue to buy just ONE more of?

The modified pub crawl: The Quiosque Qurawl....Here's Meg at our first stop overlooking the path we are embarking on...praias Leblon and Ipanema.
Nancy, me and Brad near a quiosque somewhere along praia leblon.
Us girls after a trek to the water to...cool off.

The intent was to go through Leblon and Ipanema, ending at Apoarador to watch the sunset. We made it almost through Leblon. Operating with little to no agenda, enjoying each other's company and not keeping a schedule. It was a beautiful sunny day in Rio with good friends. Now we have a reason to schedule Quiosque Qurawl Parte Dois!

The blazing sunset ended our travels, the rain poured in, we returned home to eat, shower, rest and plan "parte dois".

Recipe for holiday



The Brazilian Caipirinha

1 lime
2 ounces of cachaça
Sugar to taste
Ice cubes
Wash the lime and roll it on the board to loosen the juices. Cut the lime into pieces and place them in a glass. Sprinkle with the sugar and crush the pieces (pulp side up) with a pestle. Just enough to release the juice, otherwise it'll get bitter. Add the cachaça and stir to mix. Add the ice and stir again. It is delicious and potent!

If you can't find cachaça where you live, use a good vodka. The drink will then be called caipiroshka. No vodka? Use white rum and you will have a caipiríssima.

You can also try the Brazilian fruit called lima-da-Pérsia, strawberries, kiwi, fresh passion fruit with mint, passion fruit with pitanga, watermelon, grapes, you name it, instead of lime.

I could think of nothing better than to spend my birthday with beautiful friends, on beautiful beach, under the sun, surrounded by love and laughter! It was a GREAT day!!Oh Ana! Ana and I started the day. Picked a spot in Leblon where the chairs and umbrellas carried the emblem of my favorite local cerveja. I thought it fitting they brought us our very own cooler to set between our chairs.

If you could hear the conversation surrounding this picture of me and Luciana, you'd be laughing. heheAnd the clouds only rolled in at sunset when I went home to enjoy a delicious chocolate cake made especially by Dona Thelma for me. Come over! There's plenty left!

What have you been up to?? Me? playing on the beach. Here's the outline of my bikini in the sand after falling down playing fresco...I love the fact that I can live without a schedule for a few weeks!! Ahhh holiday. I have time to post pics today since it is raining. Vou ficar na praia amanha...com certeza!

Feliz Ano Novo! Happy New Year! Prosperity to all!!!

Somewhere...

Hi Guys! Wanna go on an adventure with me? Life is short; we only live once, right? Come on, it'll be fun!!!I think it's time for a second one. The first was when I was 18; that's 18 years ago...hmmmm I'm sensing a pattern..
Where are we? Do I look happy or nervous?? Good question. So glad I have friends with connections...The stencil looks good, but that will wash right off. We don't want that.
We definitely want the REAL thing!!! Something that will be with me forever... and ever...
And it looks soooo good! I wonder what I'll add in 18 years.

The annual "work Christmas party" was held last night at our headmaster's home. Complete with cocktails, food, and live music; the night was one to remember! Here are a few shots of me and some of my friends.

Diane, Suzanne, Brad, and me

Diane, Suzanne, Brad, Meghan and me

Diane, Suzanne, Brad, me and Diane

And this is what happens after too many (drinks) pictures....

Happy Holidays! Feliz Natal! Bom Ano Novo! Happy New Year!

I get to work here...

This is the view from the top of our highest block at EARJ. You can see my apartment on the right side, this side of the water, and behind the tallest buildings (brown and cream) in the foreground of the photo. And I'm here for another year...at least.

Excuse now, I must go sit next to the pool for some color before my party this evening.

I haven't done one of these in awhile. So here goes:
I am: an educator
I know: I am lucky to have so many great people in my life
I want: the insurance to reimburse me for my surgery
I have: my health
I miss: my sister
I feel: blessed
I hear: traffic on Lagoa/Barra
I smell: nail polish
I crave: picanha
I cry: when I am really angry
I search: for more hours in the day
I wonder: what 2009 will have in store for me
I regret: not grading student work during my medical leave
I love: my life
I worry: about my family's health
I remember: too much
I dance: every day
I don't: eat cooked vegetables
I argue: for fun sometimes
I write: my blog, on facebook, on student papers, emails, notes--my life's story
I win: happiness
I lose: pens
I wish: I could guarantee a peaceful life for the people I love
I listen: with my heart
I can usually be found: on the beach or next to the pool
I am scared: of people without a conscience
I need: to remain positive
I forget: secrets people tell me

Flowers, Fireworks and the beginning of the Christmas season

I returned home from the hospital to this beautiful floral arrangement from the teachers in the middle school. It is still alive and well and adding such beauty to my home.Although the fireworks at the annual Christmas Tree lighting left much to be desired, I enjoyed an evening among friends. Good snacks, good wine, good company...not much to complain about.

Black Friday...

I just read a pop-up ad: "After Thanksgiving Sale: starts at 4 a.m."

Are they serious?!?!?!

I am busting with gratitude!!

I am so grateful in this moment I could cry tears of joy. And to think a couple of hours ago I was feeling no inspiration for a new blog post.
I am scheduled for minor surgery tomorrow morning. Nothing major--just a hysterctomy (a major step in prevention due to the extensive cancer history in my family). This surgery is performed daily around the world with great success. I have read everything I could get my hands on about what will take place. I have met for literally hours with my primary dr., my ob-gyn, and my surgeon. I have immense faith in all three of these professionals. I am feeling very comfortable with what will ensue in the next 12 hours. Even knowing that I will be undergoing this surgery in a language other than English.
I am used to taking care of me. It's what I've had to do. To a point, in our adult lives, I think we all grow accustomed to this. Yes, I have a loving and giving family, but I have managed to live so far away from them for most of my adult life that I have prevented them the opportunity to "help" (physically) when times of need arise. I rely on them for prayer and council and guidance and a quick kick in the rear from time to time.
Let me just say the members of my Brazilian family are incredible people!! I was showered with hugs and thumbs up throughout the day today and as I exited school, wishing me well during tomorrow's surgery.
My very good friend, Barrie, has taken one of her two personal days to accompany me to the hospital in the morning and sit there with me all day.
My very good friend, Suzanne, is on her way to my house now to spend the night and rise with Sierra, maintaining responsibility for my angel for the days to come. AND...
I just received a phone call from my very good friend, Ana, who insists on making her way to the hospital tomorrow night to keep me company through the night!
Unbelievable!!! Thank you thank you thank you. I am forever grateful!!