Saturday afternoon, last minute adventure

Look at this tree! It's beautiful. It's just a tree, but it is really beautiful. In theory, all pictures in this post can be enlarged by double clicking on them.
(I hope theory holds out.)





Ring, Ring...
Liana: "Hey Sara. What're you guys up to?"
Me: "Well, thinking about the beach."
Liana: "Yeah, well Alvaro and I are watching the clouds roll in and we were thinking about going to the zoo."
Me: "There's a zoo in Rio?"
The clouds in fact rolled in, the breeze picked up, and there is a zoo in Rio.
Although this is part of the main entrance to the zoo, it was actually the last picture I took today. We seem to do things in reverse order often, so it's actually fitting to take a picture of Joe and Sierra walking into the zoo while on the way to the car to leave.








Popcorn anyone? Caramel or Butter? Check out the popcorn machine attached to the bicycle. Now this is what I call a traveling salesman.






Sierra posed for several pictures--as usual. I think the monkey in the cage behind her could have cooperated better. He has to be used to having his picture taken. He should be well practiced. He should never take a bad picture. Maybe he was just tired of all the shutterfly today. Poor monkey.




Sierra and I posed for a photo-op with the elephant in the background. This elephant knows how to cooperate with passersby snapping countless pictures. Several times he actually appeared to strike a pose. To our right, the left side of the picture, you can see our friend Alvaro and his son Nicolas having their picture taken too. Liana's arm/hand are the very left edge of the picture. The six of us walked the entire grounds of the zoo today, enjoying all the caged animals. It was the perfect way to spend a cooler cloudy day in Rio.

Family Dinner and Gratitude

We reinstated a family practice tonight--dinner together around the TABLE. I know, seems trivial, but in all honesty we have been slacking. In recent weeks, we have taken to eating dinner in three different locations: Sierra in front of the television, me in front of the computer and Joe standing in the kitchen. I don't really know how we let this happen, but we did. Thankfully, last night we all put our foot down. Enough is enough. And tonight...

The table was set, dinner was placed on the table, grace was said, and conversation ensued. After dinner, we three remained around the table with one another for an additional 30 minutes--no background noise from the television or music playing from the computer--just each other.

My stomache is now sore, not from overeating but from laughing, and my heart is warm with the joy that my family brings me simply from being near them. For that simple and seemingly obvious reminder, I am grateful.

Life gets busy. We all get tired. We have so many responsibilities and distractions. It's important to remember what is important--the people we love.

I copied this from my friend Leah's blogsite (click on the link at the right; I'm not good at that automatic link in the text thing yet) and thought it would be fun. If you don't want to know this much about me, go ahead and close your browser. I totally understand.

1. I was born in MN
2. I am a mom
3. I am addicted coffee
4. I don't drink dark colored liquor. It makes me ill.
5. My high school graduating class had a total of 165 students
6. I earned my BA and MAEd from the same university 11 years apart.
7. I've been married for 4 months
8. I've walked 60 miles in 3 days to raise awareness to breast cancer
9. I love the sun
10. I try to hide the gray hair on my head by parting on the left side
11. I am allergic to penicillan
12. I love not having a car right now
13. I may eat more cheese than the average person
14. I love the smell of lilacs
15. I prefer red wine over white
16. I prefer to eat raw vegetables to cooked vegetables
17. I only cut my hair once in the past 16 months
18. My first concert was to see Lynard Skynard
19. I love teaching middle school
20. I take a taxi to work every day
21. Both of my parents are cancer survivors
22. I don't care for politics
23. I would wear flip flops to work if they were considered professional attire
24. I am addicted to Chuzzle on MSN games
25. I avoid confrontations
26. I go to mass almost every Sunday
27. I have one brother and one sister
28. I have been told that I'm trustworthy
29. I'm sensitive
30. I know how to drive a stick shift
31. I want to go hang gliding
32. I take classes just to know more
33. I prefer white Christmas lights over any other color
34. At my house, Santa still exists
35. 2007 will be the second year in my life working on Thanksgiving day
36. My life is a vacation
37. I am right handed
38. I love to watch the sun set
39. I love my MN Beezatches
40. I do not really like domesticated animals
41. I have never gotten a flu shot
42. I don't take a daily vitamin
43. I like to be barefoot in clean, thick grass
44. I don't do my hair--really, I leave the house most days with it still wet from the shower
45. I don't like to go to the movie theater
46. I love to go out to eat
47. I really miss Mexican food
48. I've toilet-papered houses before
49. I worked campus security in college
50. My first car was an '83 Ford Escort
51. My master's thesis won an award
52. I like to study for the sake of learning something new
53. I don't like riding with tax drivers who don't know how to shift
54. I don't like feet, not even my own
55. I love the smell of fresh cut grass
56. One of my all time favorite colleagues has the same name as me
57. I played volleyball and softball in high school and I was a boy's basketball cheerleader
58. I can still remember some of the cheers
59. I like my job
60. I haven't received a speeding ticket since I was 16
61. I would like to live on a boat one day
62. I get annoyed with people who don't turn off their cell phone in professinal meetings
63. I like to dance in the living room with Sierra
64. I think sleeping babies are one of life's most precious sights
65. I wish all people would be nice
66. I never received a minor consumption ticket
67. I check my bank accounts online almost daily
68. I love post it notes
69. I don't like to plan anything
70. I got married on the fourth of July
71. I miss having a flower garden
72. I love having my teeth cleaned
73. I would like to move into a penthouse apartment with a pool
74. I go to the beach almost every weekend
75. I want to visit Greece
76. I have never been a patient in an ambulance
77. I was a nanny in college and I am still friends with the family
78. I think television is a waste of time
79. I read all the time
80. I love the sound of rain on the windows
81. I will turn 35 in 2 months and I'm a little freaked out about it
82. I love love love email
83. I'm very territorial about my computer
84. I walk almost every where I go
85. I like hip hop music
86. I wish I could have a conversation over coffee with Maya Angelou
87. I want to publish a book one day
88. My daughter is almost a decade old
89. I love to sing karaoke
90. I don't know how to bite my nails
91. I wish I had better posture
92. I am addicted to the blog world--especially Pioneer Woman
93. I have a husband who handles all of the household duties
94. I am an American living in Brazil
95. I love sleeping naked
96. I wish my Portuguese was fluent
97. I don't like conflict
98. I love taking pictures of Sierra
99. I consider myself well organized
100. I love chopps at the local boteca (beers at the local joint)
101. I miss my sister

Little Girls and Dentists...

About a month ago, Sierra developed a bump on her top gums, above the canine tooth and under the lip. The bump looked like a kanker sore. It went away. A week later, the bump came back--bigger and this time with a little white bump on the big red bump. I told her to "floss extra. Maybe there is a piece of food stuck in your gums." She did that and rinsed with warm salt water. The bump when away. A week later, the bump came back--bigger than the second time and this time with two white puss bumps instead of one. I told her to floss and brush and rinse more! The bump went away. (are you seeing the pattern here?) Well, weekend before last, the bump came back AGAIN and this time, we called the dentist. It turns out that the tooth, which thankfully was a baby tooth, had decay above the existing filling. The infection had become so significant that it was visible from the exterior of the gumline. The dentist x-rayed the tooth, prescribed antibiotic for the infection, and last night Sierra had her tooth pulled. As you can probably see from the photo, she did not enjoy this visit to the dentist. Because of the nature of the extraction she needed novacain both in the gumline and the roof of her mouth. Have you ever had novacain in the roof of your mouth? It is painful. At 9 years old, this is only the second time Sierra has had novacain, and despite numorous warnings from the dentist and her dad, she chewed a little on that top lip. Hence the fat lip in the picture. Well, we slept together last night--me, Sierra and a bag of ice for the lip.

Before falling to sleep, in classic mom fashion, I kindly asked, "Honey, are you going to argue with me about brushing and flossing your teeth any more?" She replied, through tears, "no." "Are you going to sing happy birthday to yourself twice each time you brush to make sure you brush well enough?" She replied, pathetically, "Uh huh." I am happy to report she is feeling better today. She stayed home from school, as her mouth was quite sore this morning, and she didn't sleep well last night. And she has dined on ice cream and yogurt all day.

I will cherish this picture and share it frequently if necessary as a reminder of the importance of brushing and flossing thoroughly every day from now on. Please feel free to use it to motivate your own children if you feel necessary.

Praia Grumari!

We spent yesterday afternoon at a little beach outside of the city called Grumari beach. The scenary was breathtaking. There are mountains lining the seaside, small islands off the beach, and fewer people lining the sands. The water is calmer too, which meant more time in the water for me and Sierra.Here's a shot of Sierra with the mountains behind her. Apparently there is talk of building an apartment or hotel on this mountain side. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that it remains undeveloped. The entire area was calm and peaceful and noise free.
Here I am enjoying a cold refreshment while playing fresco ball with Sierra, ocean and islands in the background.
This was what I could see when I laid down to relax in the sun for a few minutes. Sierra spent some time styling Joe's hair into a very punky do!Check out the view behind Joe and I in this picture!!

After the beach, we went to this great seafood restaurant for Shrimp Moqueca. Here's a picture. It is served with white rice and farofa. And SUPER yummy!!!Sierra and I took a series of pictures at the table before and during dinner. This is the endearing Mommy-Daughter one. The others are pretty goofy. Here's one of the shots from the car between the beach and the restaurant. Sometimes the sights here give me chills and bring tears to my eyes. The majesty.

Halloween...in Brazil???

The doorbell just rang. It's 9:15. I open the door to find 7 kids from the condominium with plastic bags in hand, yelling (with a Brazilian accent in English) "Trick OR Treat!" Kids don't trick or treat here. Luckily, I have a bag of Jolly Ranchers in the cupboard for emergencies (not this kind). The emergency is usually my own desire for something sweet and American! There is a half eaten bag of Reese's peanut butter cups in the fridge--but there's no way I was giving those away tonight--Brazilians don't even like peanut butter and we DO! After telling them they were all crazy! Cala boca! Fala seria meninos! (Shuuttt Up! Be serious boys and girls.) I calmly added, "Espera." (Wait) Walked to the kitchen cabinet, retrieved the bag of Jolly Ranchers and kindly passed ONE (Jolly Ranchers are hard to come by here, not they are nonexistent here) to each child. Too bad Sierra was all ready fast asleep.

Comment People.
I know there aren't millions of people reading my blog, but I do know there are some. I know this because some tell me they do. However, I imagine there are more of you reading this blog site, regardless of how boring it is at times, and I have no idea who you are or whether or not you are enjoying the time relaxing over the computer and my blogsite and perhaps a cup of hot coffee.
My advise: COMMENT!
It's not very hard. Just click on the comment link at the end of each post and type what's on your mind. The settings are set to allow anyone to comment. You can comment anonymously even, just please refrain from being rude. We are a zen family. Peace and love and all that good stuff, but let me know you're reading this and keeping up with us. Stop being a blog stalker. Become an active participant. Really, it's fun!

Curitiba, Parana, Brazil

This past week was the annual 8th grade trip to Curitiba in the state of Parana. Seven teachers, one nurse, two security guards and 67 eighth graders assembled at Tom Jobim airport at 6 a.m. Sunday morning for our flight and the start of a very busy week. Every day was filled with activities beginning at 7 a.m. and usually ending at 7 p.m. We went to parks to play catch and rest in the grass, the wire opera house to test acoustics, a soccer game to cheer one Brazilian national team, on a train ride through the mountains, to a forest preserve to plant a tree, high ropes climbing to test our courage and limits, the recycling plant where they sort garbage that is not garbage, the university for urbanization and research development to better understand how much planning goes into a planned city, and a youth community center in a local favella to interact with other teenagers. The days were busy, the busses were full of napping students (and teachers) in between stops. The kids were great. They ate up all the activities. They were fully engaged and taking notes. And we had a lot of fun! Here are a few pics from the adventures.First of many self-portraits. Me at the Kyocera Arena.
Self-portrait #2 with some of my advisees.
One of the beautiful sunsets we were blessed with.
Self-portrait #3 at the entry to the botanical gardens in Curitiba.
This is a shot of the botanical gardens looking toward one section of the city. The climate is very different in Curitiba. It is much like Minnesota actually where one minute it is sunny and warm and a few minutes later you can have rain and a ten degree drop in temperature. It was actually pretty fun to be in the cooler weather for a few days and wear a couple of the sweaters that I have tucked away in my closets.

Dreamworks went too far with this one. This weekend we had a four day holiday weekend with Children's Day Friday and Teacher's Day Monday. We were busy Thursday night through Sunday morning with outings and friends. Sunday I fell ill and we became home bound. In efforts to keep me company, Joe went to the video store and picked up several DVDs to fill the day. One of them is Shrek 3. We watched it last night. I have to say I was really disappointed. I feel like they went a little far with the sexual innuendos and attempted humor. Any moms and dads reading? I would love other opinions on this. Am I getting conservative in my old age? I am approaching 35, or is it as ridiculous as Joe and I thought while exchanging glances every 30 seconds due to the nature of the comments made on screen. For example, Snow White's tattoo of the heart with Dopey's name on her shoulder. Please comment and give me your opinion. I personally feel they should have stopped at Shrek 2 when the reputation was still reputable.

How do I really feel about video? You be the judge.

This past week, I finally talked to my sister again. It had been almost a month and a half since the last time we spoke. (I need to be better about initiating contact) Hence, a bottle of wine and four hours on the phone later!!! In the end, it is possible she will be able to come to Rio for Carnaval this year!! Last year a couple of colleagues' sisters visited, and I sulked because my sister wasn't here and she is way prettier and way smarter than those other sisters.. So, in preparation for Dana's possible upcoming visit....here's a video of one of the blocos from last Feb.

Juxtaposition of Class
Rio de Janeiro is popular for many things beautiful; Carnaval, New Year's Eve, beaches, music, tropical vegetation, people, food, but what is often overlooked amidst the high society of the rich and famous is the extreme poverty that much of this city's population live in. The extreme poverty that lines the surrounding mountain sides where thousands of people live with inadequate supplies, services, or sanitary conditions.
Rocinha, Rio's largest favela (slum) neighbors Escola Americana, the most expensive school in all of Rio. The favelas are said to be full of crime and drugs and danger. Most Cariocas (people who live in Rio) are scared of the favela, especially Rocinha, because any and all news coverage involves drug gangs, police, and guns. Movies like Cidade de Deus (City of God) depict a life of violence and drug use as the destiny for children who are born into the favela.
Some believe that as many as 400,000 people live in Rocinha alone. It truly is a city in itself, set up with what most would coin a Modern Day Robin Hood method of maintaining order. There are established organizations responsible for providing much needed resources such as support for day care, medicine for the sick, and money for the poor. They also have been known to build asphalt roads, host huge community parties, and even sponsor other recreational spaces and activities, such as soccer pitches. These groups normally maintain a very high level of control over social behavior, strictly prohibiting street crimes such as rape, muggings, and break-ins within the favela. Even so, besides drug trafficking, such organizations in Rio have historically been involved in arms smuggling, bank robberies, kidnapping, and murder.
It's no wonder the locals are apprehensive about passing through. So apprehensive that non-residents avoid travel through the favelas. However, as a result of the high international profile of the drug trafficking that occurs in the favelas, there are almost daily jeep tours into the favela for visiting foreigners. Each time I watch one of these jeeps pass Escola Americana and venture up the hill, filled with camera toting tourists, I feel a pang of sorrow. There is something oxymoronish about humans seeking out other humans to "see" as if venturing on a visit to a local zoo. It seems to darken the line between the "US" and "THEM" mentality that plagues so much of our society worldwide.

Last Friday, I ventured into Rocinha. Not in a jeep on tour instead with four of my students and a security guard from school to visit a Creche (daycare/community center) in the community. The experience is one that changed not only my perspective of the favela but the perspective of four adolescents as well.

Our van stopped at an opening to the favela on the other side of the tunnel from school where we met Dell, an employee from the Creche. Dell escorted the six of us up the hill through narrow, damp passageways that were not more than four feet in width. At times, our footing was a bit precarious as there was often water running down the path that we followed up or the steps were more than one leg stride apart and uneven. Myself and my students were very chatty prior to our assent. Once we started our trek, we each fell silent and soaked in the sounds of our surroundings. The air was filled with music--hip hop, funk, samba, American 80's, chatter of people buying their morning bread and coffee, children making their way down the hill for school or peddling or soccer or whatever the first item on their daily agenda might be, television programs blared from the open doors of the houses we passed within an arms reach, and laughter the sound of laughter filled the air.
We made it to the top of the hill and were greeted by Marcia, the Creche manager. She kindly gave us all a few minutes to catch our breath from the hike we had just endured before she went into her explanation of the operations of the Creche. The center houses programs and care for children ranging in age from four months to 18 years. The first house we visited held the infants up to age four. While there we were able to spend some time with the three and four-years-old children coloring and chatting. At one point, I became a human jungle gym for approximately six boys. They were climbing on each other to climb on me...and laughing their laughter filled the room.
We visited the nursery where the infants are cared for during the day. For every one adult there are five babies between the ages of four months and one year. Many of the infants spend hours a day in their crib with nothing more than a mobile to occupy their developing mind.
After visiting the first house, Marcia escorted us to what would be considered the "teen center". In Brazilian public schools, children attend class either in the morning or the afternoon, not all day. When these children are finished with their public school class, they come to the teen center for additional classes and enrichment. Recently, a U.S. based NGO sponsored the purchase of five new computers for the teen center, so for the first time these young adults are able to access the world to see what is possibly beyond the borders of the favela. The teen center offers classes in computer, English, math, capoeira, and crafts. As well, the teen center serves as a safe haven for these adolescents to spend their afternoons.
Following our visit, we descended the same path we had previously climbed, noticed new things that were there the first time but went unnoticed, and continued to be bombarded with the sounds of busy life in the favela.
On the ride back to school, one of my students made a very insightful observation. She was commenting on the peculiarity of the doors to the houses being wide open. One house we passed revealed a woman dancing in her living room to the radio. My student went on to talk about the beauty of feeling safe enough to leave your door open. Specifically, she recalled the locks at her own house which are bolted tight whenever she and her family are inside. The irony was clear in the reflective tone of her voice.
Once back at school, I and my students were surprised by the size and the cleanliness and the quiet of our campus. A place we each spend five days a week at was suddenly unfamiliar. It appeared different. For a moment, it felt as though the campus was abandoned. The sounds that had flooded our ears moments before were no longer audible and suddenly the lack of sound in our familiar space was foreign.
It is easy to imagine what it must be like living in a place contrary to our own surroundings. It is easy to listen to the media coverage that continuously labels groups of people or areas of the world as dangerous or unsafe. It is easy to take for granted the luxuries we live with although we haven't necessarily done anything personally to obtain them other than being born into it. It is not so easy to eliminate the blame we might feel for those who live in extreme poverty every day because that is where they were born. "Get a job. Move out. Go to school." It is easy to give the direction the advice when we are not the one who has to take action.
Brazil has an issue with class as astronomical as the U.S.'s issue with institutionalized racism. To illustrate that, observe the two pictures below:


Favela Rocinha--only a small portion of it is shown in this photo. Narrow passageways instead of streets weave through the maze of houses built on top of houses.







Aerial shot of Gavea, my neighborhood--multi-million dollar condos and green space. Jockey club and Lagoa shown.




This is not to claim that there are not people in the world who have worked hard for or earned the quality of life they have. It is only to remind us that children are our greatest resource and at times we may need to open our eyes to something other than what we know as the way it is to be reminded that this resource needs to be handled with care. If I only had the answers...
Was it merely coincidence that at Sunday's mass the gospel reading was that of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus? Luke 16:19-16:31

Sito Santa Monica
One of the benefits of my job at EA is traveling. Although at times it doesn't feel like a benefit leaving Joe and Sierra for nearly a week at a time, it actually is. I have been able to visit some places in Brazil that I wouldn't otherwise have gone. This past week, 12 middle school teachers took 43 middle school students to a sito (ranch) outside of Rio for the Middle School Leadership Conference. The teachers arrived Tuesday evening, settled into our cabins, and held a philisophical round table discussion over wine and cheese and Greek salad. I continue to be impressed by my colleagues. The thinking that goes into what they do in the classroom and with kids is beyond impressive. It is so refreshing to be able to acquire new perspective and insight.

Wednesday we teachers participated in several experiential education activities. Team building, communication building, and active learning was the key to our success, and we spent many hours talking about the importance of experience in learning. The day was followed by a second night of wine and cheese and discussion. Jason, shown here "thinking" on the rock, is our resident philosopher. This man is in continual inquiry. The kids feel his challenge and embrace it as do the faculty. He accepts nearly nothing without question and never approaches it in a threatening manner. He has an inviting method to questioning theory of knowledge. The students arrived on Thursday morning, excited and ready for their adventures. The days involved more experiential education activities led by teachers and always followed with thoughtful processing with the kids and lots of fun and games. We took a hike through the woods, walked a river, tossed baloons representing our leadership goals, helping each other keep their goals in the air, relied on one another while blindfolded, danced, and laughed.

The weather was perfect. Warm and sunny during the day (thankfully no rain since all of the activities were outdoors) and cool at night for comfortable sleeping. This bamboo was next to the river outside the faculty cabin. The morning light was so pretty hitting a section of the bamboo. When the wind blew, the stalks knocked against eachother in such a musical way. It is refreshing to exit the city at times and enjoy the peaceful quiet of nature. And the foliage in this country is unbelievable. I have never in my life enjoyed plants as much as I do here. Every time I turn around there is another bush, flower, tree that impresses me.

Don't you just love a quiz? My friend Tammy is great for these, and I haven't played along lately, so here goes...
1. WHAT CURSE WORD DO YOU USE THE MOST?
I don't curse much, but sometimes it feels really good to throw out a strong effinheimer.
2. DO YOU OWN AN IPOD?
Recently bought the 30 MB video ipod. Still don't know how to actually upload video to it successfully and found out there is now one with 180 MB! How much music does one person really need?
3. WHAT PERSON ON YOUR TOP 8 DO YOU TALK TO THE MOST?
Would have to be Joe.
4. WHAT TIME IS YOUR ALARM CLOCK SET TO?
5:45 and then I hit snooze 3 times, actually getting out of be around 6:10.
6. DO YOU WEAR FLIP-FLOPS WHEN IT'S COLD?
Cold? I live in Rio; it doesn't get cold here. I LIVE in flip flops.
7. WOULD YOU RATHER TAKE THE PICTURE OR BE IN THE PICTURE?
It seems I take most of our pictures, but I love to see myself in them too.
8. WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Perfect Stranger with Hallie Barry--very good.
9. DO ANY OF YOUR FRIENDS HAVE CHILDREN?
Some do and some don't.
10. HAS ANYONE EVER CALLED YOU LAZY?
Probably, but never to my face.
11. DO YOU EVER TAKE MEDICATION TO HELP YOU FALL ASLEEP?
No, I am usually able to fall asleep without medicinal intervention.
12. WHAT CD IS CURRENTLY IN YOUR CD PLAYER?
Don't have a CD player...use the ipod or computer
13. DO YOU PREFER REGULAR OR CHOCOLATE MILK?
I don't care for or drink milk at all.
14. HAS ANYONE TOLD YOU A SECRET THIS WEEK?
Yes, Suzanne did while we were traveling with the kids, but I can't tell you what it is because it's a secret.
15. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD STARBUCKS?
I don't drink Starbucks; while in the states, I prefer Caribou
16. CAN YOU WHISTLE?
Oh, yeah, my mom taught us how when we were children. First you put a soda cracker in your mouth, chew a little, and blow!
17. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Eyes
18. DO YOU THINK PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOU BEHIND YOUR BACK?
Only good things, I’m sure…
19. DID YOU WATCH CARTOONS AS A CHILD?
I loved the Smurfs
20. WHAT MOVIE DO YOU KNOW EVERY LINE TO?
I can't even remember the ending of movies let alone any line. I could watch the same movie over and over and still be surprised.
23. DO YOU OWN ANY BAND T-SHIRTS?
No, and I don't think I ever have.
24. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SALAD DRESSING?
Blue Cheese.
25. IS ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU?
I would like to say yes since I am married.
26. DO YOU DO YOUR OWN DISHES?
Sometimes
27. EVER CRY IN PUBLIC?
Does in the movie theater count as "in public". Otherwise, if I get laughing so hard I cry, I often do that in public.
28. ARE YOU ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER OR A LAP TOP?
Lap top
29. ARE YOU CURRENTLY WANTING ANY PIERCINGS OR TATTOOS?
I don't think so.
30. WHATS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Sun is shinin, the weather is sweet, makes me want to move my dancin feet.
31. WOULD YOU EVER DATE ANYONE COVERED IN TATTOOS?
I don't think so
32. WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THIS?
Sat on the veranda and drank coffee
33. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SLEPT ON THE FLOOR?
I was tempted to this week due to the awful beds at the camp we were at with the kids, but I didn't.
34. HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO YOU NEED TO FUNCTION?
Sleep? There's a regular amount of hours per night we're supposed to get to function? Maybe that's my problem.
35. DO YOU EAT BREAKFAST DAILY?
Yes and it's my favorite part of the day as Sierra and I have breakfast together at school every day.
36. ARE YOUR DAYS FULL AND FAST PACED?
Full yes, fast paced? Nothing is fast paced in Brazil.
37. DO YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE CALORIES IN THE PACKAGE/BOX?
never
38. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
probably too often
39. HOW OLD WILL YOU BE TURNING ON YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY?
35
40. ARE YOU PICKY ABOUT SPELLING AND GRAMMAR?
Depends on the medium, I don't worry too much in informal emails or IM conversations. If it's a document for work--VERY!!! And I love to catch errors in newspapers. The Mpls Star and Tribune is great for this! After all, I am an English teacher.
41. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO SIX FLAGS?
no
43. DO YOU GET ALONG BETTER WITH THE SAME SEX OR THE OPPOSITE SEX?
I don't know. I have both male and female friends.
44. DO YOU LIKE MUSTARD?
Especially on a corn dog
45. DO YOU SLEEP ON YOUR SIDE, STOMACH or BACK?
I think my back and side
46. DO YOU WATCH THE NEWS?
NO! I read the news from select papers online.
47. HOW DID YOU GET ONE OF YOUR SCARS?
I have a scar on my right ankle from where my mom tied my booty too tight when I was a baby.
48. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU MAD?
Telemar--the phone company
49. DO YOU LIKE ANYBODY?
Of course, I like a whole bunch of people!!
50. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU PURCHASED?
I can't even remember...I haven't bought anything lately.

Festa de Anniversario do Brasileiro para Sierra

Although Sierra's birthday was 3 weeks ago, we celebrated last night with a full blown Brazilian-style birthday party. You invite the entire grade! and the invited guests often show up with siblings, cousins, neighbors, parents, grandparents, etc. You get the picture. Good thing we go to a relatively small school. There are 63 kids in Sierra's grade, counting Sierra.
Here is a shot of Sierra first checking out the decorations in the party room. I had a bit of a scare Tuesday afternoon when I received an instant message from Joe telling me they were setting up the party for High School Musical. Although Sierra loves the film, she had surely said, "Mom, High School Musical is so last year." I picked up inflatable guitars and microphones in the states 2 weeks ago to accent a Rock and Roll theme. Somehow, lost in translation I supposed, the party coordinator heard High School Musical. By the time we realized the error, it was too late to correct. Luckily for all involved, Sierra was not to be alarmed or bothered by the mistake. She simply shrugged her shoulders and said, "It's fine. No problem." Resilience is a beautiful thing.

During the night, Animasom entertained kids with games and dances and mayhem/running wild through the complex. I can't even begin to explain how relaxing this makes the party for the parents. The last birthday party I had for Sierra involved me organizing pin the tail on the donkey, drop the clothespin in the bucket, pop the balloon with your butt and other various children's party games. By the end of that party, I was so tired from entertaining that I didn't have the energy to clean the house. Not here! Animasom are like rented "moms". They do it all while the parents mingle, eat, enjoy a beverage and watch the kids play.
Sierra LOVED being the birthday girl because she "got whatever I wanted." By definition, this means that they played whatever game Sierra wanted to play. And didn't play whatever game Sierra didn't want to play. She thought this was GREAT. They played hide and seek, had a scavenger hunt, mixed some flour and eggs to "bake a cake", and danced the night away.
The 70 plus inflatable guitars and microphones I purchased for the party decorations and party favors in the states surely paid off. Judging by the group of kids here dancing with blue guitars amid fog--they were a success. In this picture they're pretending to play the guitars; at other times, they made great "whackers" in mock boxing matches.




One thing I love about parties in Brazil is the element of inviting our friends too. With hired entertainers, the parents have the chance to mingle, so inviting adult friends too is a feasible option. Here is a shot of me with some friends from work: Vania, Suzanne, me, Luiz, Ana, and Rodrigo.







Near the end of the party, everyone gathered around the decorated cake table to sing happy birthday and wish the birthday girl good luck in the coming year. It is tradition for the family to surround the birthday girl behind the cake while friends and family sing from the other side of the table. Since we have a multi-national, multi lingual group of friends we sing happy birthday in both English and Portuguese before making a wish and blowing out the candle.




The party was an event. Sierra had a special "new" outfit for the occasion. Her friends from both school and home arrived with smiles and congratulations; she was princess for the night. The sparkle in her eyes throughout the party was bright enough to light all of Rio de Janeiro, and my heart ached with happiness watching her enjoy her day. To show the kind of child I am blessed with rearing, I will share the note I found upon returning home from work today:

ESL...English as a Second Language

I have taken on a new endeavor. Last April, I started inquiring about the possibility of offering an ESL course, free of charge, for the workers at Escola Americana. There are many departments at school. Aside from the teaching and administrative staff, who all speak fluent English, we have security, custodians, cafeteria, drivers, and maintenance staff. Most of the "staff" at EA do not speak fluent English. Most of these employees travel an hour to an hour and half one way each day to work at EA. Most of these employees would bend over backwards for any request made of him/her. All of these employees greet me and Sierra with a warm smile day in and day out.

After much planning and coordinating with the head of Human Resources and each dept. supervisor, we decided that Wednesday from 4:05-5:00 would be the best time to offer the course. Mid-August, I sent a reminder email about the course to the head of HR, and the names of participants started filtering into my email inbox from department supervisors. The end result=25 willing and able-bodied Adult English as a Second Language students.

The secondary ESL teacher, Luiza, and the middle school writing teacher, Suzanne, comitted to assisting me in this endeavor, so we met (over beers at a local boteco) last Wednesday to plan our course of action!

Today was our first class!! It was basic. For anyone who hasn't taken on the challenge of learning a second language, it may seem strange that you need to spend 30 minutes practicing: "My name is Sara. What is your name?" and another 25 minutes singing the ABC's. Or, that doing both of these activities contained the most fun had by many all day.

The students left, mouths in full grin, exlaiming, "Thank you!! Thank you!!" and Luiza, Suzanne and I couldn't contain our excitement. As we rested to plan what to do next Wednesday, another middle school teacher entered the room ecstatic saying, "They were so excited! They had so much fun!" All of the students passed her room on their way from my classroom following our first lesson, and she overheard their glee. Her closing comment was, "Please let me know if you want or need more help because I want to help!"

Generosity IS contagious! And I have yet to think of the proper word to describe witnessing the excitement within a person when they are learning for the sake of learning!

I could also add that doing something for the sake of doing it,minus monetary compensation, is so rewarding that it makes me wonder what the world would be like if we weren't all forced to be driven by the power of the dollar or our salary or our living expenses...

Pizza Anyone?

A very funny story from today...
I was teaching my last class of the day, and Joe came in with a box of brigadeiros (a traditional Brazilian candy present at all parties) for me to share with the middle school faculty at our meeting after school. The box looked like a cardboard pizza box. Since I was teaching, Joe walked in without talking to me, set the box on my back cabinet, and left. As he walked out the classroom door, he said, "I'll see you later, I love you." I replied, "ok, I love you."
Once gone, my student looked at me and said, "Ms. Sara, that was kind of unethical." I said, "What?" The student replied, "You just told the pizza guy you love him!" Nearing hysterical laughter, I replied, "oh, Thomaz, that's not pizza it's brigadeiros and that's my husband!"

Fourth Month in a row in Minnesota....

Joe and I returned today from a weekend trip to Minneapolis for my ex-roomie's wedding. I have to say, it was a blast! Beginning Thursday with being reunited at Houston's Intercontinental Airport with Joe and then celebrating with my college cronies all weekend. (This is a group that I need a week to recover AFTER being around, they wear me out!) It was also a nice couple of days seeing the "rents". It was a great time. Tonight finds me exhausted and sore. Exhausted from the 13+ hours on a plane in the last 24 hours and sore from laughing nonstop for 3 days. My stomache muscles actually hurt. I think I could market laughter as the latest workout gimmick. I'd buy it after this past weekend. I'm happy to be home though. And even happier that Joe is back with us in Rio. Customs today was a breeze. And I didn't think I would ever say it, but I'm happy not to have any upcoming travel plans. It's time to stick around here for awhile.

I'm going to post pictures instead of filling a lot of discourse here because the pictures are worth more than the words I could create.
Enjoy...

The bride and groom arrived at the reception via horse drawn carriage.

Vicki looked amazing.

Joe and I after dinner at Vicki and Chad's reception.

Vicki and Chad's first dance! Gotta love the fog effect.

Here are the girls waiting for directions during rehearsal Thursday night.

Here are the boys all smiling at the girls waiting for directions at the rehearsal.

Here we all are again at the groom's dinner following rehearsal. Emab, KZ, Kaija, Nina, Vicks, Lecia, Me, Wendy.

Here are my parents at the reception.

We all danced all night.

And danced...and sang a little...

Me and my friend Monica.

Joe danced with the bride.

I danced, and kissed, with the groom.

And at the end of the night, my wine glass was still full and my hair and make-up were still in place! Not too bad for a long day/night of laughter, dancing, and mingling.

My baby turned 9!!

I'm a little delayed in posting the pictures from Sierra's 9th Birthday last week (August 15), but here are a few shots of my big girl, last year in the single digits baby.

This is a daily image. Sierra in the bathroom, before school, primping, ipod shuffle in hand.Here she is shortly after check her whole self out in the full length mirror.

Her choice of activity for the evening was to go for a pedicure and manicure at a local salon. Here she is resisting squirming from ticklish feet.

This year was the first birthday of her life that she had to go to school. Last year, August 15 was a staff development day and kids didn't have class. Every year before that we were in the states and school doesn't begin until after Labor Day, so she was on summer vacation. This year's experience was a good one I think. She received birthday hugs and kisses from all her friends, young and old, at school, she wore a "It's my Birthday" sticker on her shirt throughout the day, and in the afternoon when she came into the Middle School Staff meeting to ask me a question, the entire middle school staff sang Happy Birthday to her! I think she enjoyed being at school on her birthday.

Her birthday party was booked today. She will have a Brazilian-style birthday on September 4. We decided to wait until we knew for sure when Dad would be home, and he will be back Monday. Tonight we went and booked the details for cake, decorations, food, libations, and entertainment to take place here at our condominium on the 4th. Brazilians go overboard on birthdays. Sierra will invite the entire 4th grade and then some!! I'm looking forward to celebrating with her in a week and a half. Pretty big of a 9 year old to agree to wait for the big celebration if you ask me.