It's Friday Night and I am ready for bed... so ready. 

Brains, Beauty or Money

So, there is the question... What do you think?  What would be better to have Brains, Beauty or Money?  My class and I decided it was Money! 

Beauty can get you a man with money or a job but won’t get you brains.

You could have all the brains in the world but without Money you can’t get a woman.

Then there is money… with money you can buy women & good looks.

Ok, you are right mom… Without health you have nothing.  Fine… this is what happens when you blog with your mom on Skype… oh by the way she sells Protandim if you need any.  J 

You know what I want right now?

I want a chunk of rich dark chocholate.  Thats all!

When it rains it pours

Ok, let’s just say we are having a complicated moment in our lives...again.   Life is good it is just sometimes you get a slap in the face and want to start planning the first plane trip out of here.   Obviously all problems are a matter of perspective so things could be worse.  However tomorrow at 10 am when I still don’t have my coffee it may be hard to convince me otherwise. 

So in the midst of a complicated shortfall of money situation and 10 days left before payday & a slew of things that need to be addressed; we find ourselves wondering for the first time in our lives…Gas, Medicine or Food?  I remember when I thought money problems were when I couldn’t afford to go to Vegas for our anniversary.  I guess I now know tough times Brazilian style and we are going to ride it out on beans and rice. 

Then, just as I am trying to think my way out of this situation I am also expecting a payday from a student and a really really important package in the mail.  So, I went off to work and later called Rodrigo “did the package arrive? What about the money?”    “No” and “No” and an “oh by the way the Banks and Post office are on strike”…. “So they are both closed?” Could things get economically worse today!  OH My GOD!!!  So no package and no extra money because of the strike, I asked the teachers at school when the strike might be over and all I got was.  “Oh, I don’t know….15 days or so” calmly without even batting an eye.   Hmmmm  K…  This is another one of those What the Fuck Moments.  Believe me I am trying to see the comical side of this situation.

Driving In Brasil

You know the interesting thing about driving a car in Brasil?  In America you have to watch the car in front of you, right?  Well in Brasil you have to watch the car in front, the car in back and the motorcycles on either side.   I am not scared to drive in Brasil, but I am a whole lot more cautious.

Graduation Night Party

In Brasil the most important day in one’s life is Graduation.  Truth of the matter is that if you don’t have a degree or two in Brasil, it is very difficult to get ahead.  It also guarantees that by law if you are arrested that you can ask for a special cell removed from the general population during a stay in prison.  But aside from the obvious reasons to go to school upon graduation… there is the Party.  Students save throughout the years for that special night that they get to share with their friends and family.   I believe the cost is around $2,000/student for a series of churrascos and then the Main Event, which we had the pleasure of attending last night.  I know a bit about this because a student of mine is on the committee for his graduating class and he is helping to plan the events; so when we were invited I knew that was a grand opportunity & honor. 

And that was that; full scale Graduation party.  I apologize for the picture quality now; as I was trying to get my camera to work I found out why…there were about 120 pictures that were taken one night by the children; and it dawned on me why Ben was telling me earlier that night that my camera was broken. 

You might find it interesting that the party actually started at 11pm and went till 5am.  When we first arrived they served appetizers and drinks and then the buffet was served at 2am.  However, by this time food was not important as this was when the music really started pumping. Brazilian parties start late and they go till minimum 4am. 

We told the Babysitter to let the kids fall asleep on their own and Amazingly, Bernard was still awake when we got home at 4am.  Crazy kids, however the plan worked and we all slept until 11am today. 

So, here you go. Thanks Again Alex! It was a time to Remember!

Here we are!

The Red Carpet

The Homies!

My Favorite Brazilian Beer!

Good Friends!

Good Times!

Probably time to go home, isn't he handsome!

Another Adventure Awaits

Tonight a friend of ours has invited us to his College Graduation Party.  In Brasil the students save all year or all of the years for this event.  It is a hold nothing back party and it is going to be amazing.  The event is catered, there is a wet bar, great music and it goes from 11am – 6am.  This is one of those Brazilian style parties that I know I am honored to attend.  The experience will be wonderful and I can’t wait to tell you more.  So, have a safe Saturday night and a lot of fun too… Cheers!

Lifes Lessons

What I have found is that when you are married and two lives are intertwined, and you are a bit of a control freak, it is hard to figure out who is supposed to learn what lesson. I seem to put it all on my back, probably just as a mother would. Then for the first time when I couldn’t solve a problem I took a step back and said... "I’ve done all I can, and this will have to be good enough; I can do no more” and had peace then miraculously, at the same time there was a breakthrough for us both. The problem came into focus with the solution at hand. Geez... I wish I would have learned this lesson 6 months ago...Ohhhh.  So, there were two lessons. 

Give it up!

I think it is time that we start to lift each other up.  I see it too often where people live for others misfortune.  It feels good to insert love in place of jealousy, it is empowering. It takes a strong person to be happy for others good fortune, you don’t want the same things as other people anyway.  I see people who would give up money to keep someone from standing out.  There is enough for everyone.

Great Weekend

The kids were with their grandparents all weekend, Friday night we went out with some of the teachers from my new work and then Saturday we went to São Luis do Paraitinga with our friend Tiago to a festival. I will definitely have more info and pics about this awesome event but for now; It was a hippie festival in a beautiful historic town with awesome music and plenty of cerveja. We then ended a beautiful weekend with Rodrigo’s family talking about Tia Dani's upcoming wedding and having another wonderful lunch.  It was such a peaceful day and worry free weekend.  Cheers!

Keeping it Confidential... Brazilian Style!

So, we go to the Federal Police last week as we had to pick up some information.  We went up to the office and the guy gives us a list of things that we need for our next apt.  No problem and we walk out… just then Rodrigo turns the list over and we see that on the back of that paper was photo frames from a security camera of a woman giving a BJ to a man.   According to the top of the paper this was captured evidence from a federal case that was then reused.  In comparison, isn’t this is like the bank using someone’s account information as scratch paper.  So Funny!  

Just thinkin about my friend Kate and waiting to hear all about her wedding and honeymoon.   What a great couple no doubt.  

Pois nao vs. Yes Man

So I walked into a store to see if they could refill my printer ink cartridge. I was having a great day by the way; I was headed to the market to go fruit and veggie shopping with one of my favorite little helpers. I get to the counter, pulled out my cartridge and said “Do you have” and I didn’t even get the question out of my mouth when the woman said “Nao” as she shook her finger at me and made a sound like “tst tst tst” with her mouth.
I just want to mention that I hate this sound; Rodrigo would use it when I asked him a question after an argument and he too would move his finger back and forth. So, I tried a gain…”well, can you” and again I didn’t even finish when she said “Nao” and tst tst tst and shook her finger at me… Oh! No fricken way! At least let me ask the question! So this time I said in English as I looked straight into her eyes “So, you aren’t even going to try to help me? So, you can’t help me, Right”? And again…”Nao, tst tst tst”. Right before I wanted to lose my mind, I was reminded that this is Brazilian Customer Service …Of course I knew that the “yes” is out there, but it is just a matter of finding it; I usually have to go 1-2 more places to find what I want. With that I turned away and moved on with my day. However, the next morning…
I had a English Conversation class with people from a factory. The slides opened and the first words on the screen were “The customer is always right”. The projector no more than put the words up and everyone was laughing and saying “yeah Right”. But they weren’t saying this because it was ironic they were saying that because they truly didn’t believe it. They believed that the customer is always trying to take advantage of the system and everyone will take advantage of you. So I looked at them through the hooting and hawing and said….”But you’re the Customer”! This thinking is a vicious cycle because it is actually what people expect from one another, it is the relationship between boss & employee and Government and citizens.

I have been working on this blog for a month now because one day I was reading a list of Portuguese sayings and stumbled upon this interesting Brazilian phrase. “Pois Nao”
“Pois Nao” is an expression here in Brasil. Brazilians use this as Americans would use “can I help you?” However the literal translation is “Because No”. This is a direct connection to customer service here. This is very significant to me because I believe you get back what you give out.
Have you ever heard the phrase what you say is what you are or you are what you eat? It is just that when you say something over and over even if you tell yourself that it has a different meaning, there is a truth to what you are saying and it feels different coming out of one’s mouth. The words are negative energy and it is a cycle that spreads from person to person.
What I would have liked to say to that woman or to workers who greet people in their business with the words “pois nao” I would say “If I was an owner of a business and you greet my customers with “because no” (pois nao), I would fire you on the spot.
Now, one thing is for sure that Brazilians have a sense of humor. They are tough people who know how to laugh and relax when times become difficult; I know that this phrase is a part of the culture and there are many reasons why Customer service is not a recognized service here in Brasil. 1) Because it is very hard to fire Employees and 2) Because it doesn’t matter how good the sales person or employee is the pay will never increase just because you are good at your job or a good person.
A lot of Brazilians treat their customers & workers like they don’t need them. The people don’t expect more and they do not organize; they do not demand to be treated better because let’s face It here someone will always be willing to do the job for less money and the people will continue to buy. Look at the Banking system, people stand in lines as if they are getting on a carnival ride or waiting to enter into a concert. One bank in town actually only has room for 6 cars to park at one time. I know the smaller the town the better the service but in the larger cities and mostly in retail there is room for an improvement or as I like to say; a head change.
So, please Stop “pois nao”, how about a little “Posso ajudá-lo” or something like “YES”.
Become a “Yes Man”, it just feels Better!

Oh  I am so tired tonight.  Up at 5:30am and teaching or on the road for 10 hours.   I am so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow,  please Gabi Sleep till 9!  Please!!!!

9/11 changed the World 10 years ago.  Let us strive every day for Peace among Nations, Peace in Our Countries, Peace in our homes and Love in our hearts.

Everyone needs a pet

Today I am relaxing, the kids are with Rodrigo and Tony and I sit here alone; alone with the cat of course not more than a foot away from me at any one time.  Cats are great, I love independent animals.   Changing the litter box gets old though; every week for 15 years now, and not to mention the times before when I lived with my parents. 

Anyway, I think pets are such an important part of the family and I am so thankful that I had parents who let me grow up with them.   Everyone is different but I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.  For me… well I traveled a lot by myself and moved many times; my pets were there every step of the way as my company.  It is a commitment ya know.  In heartache, in Love, in despair, in happiness and on my way in the world I was never alone.  Is it National Pet day or just in my heart?

Elephant in the room

Last night our favorite waiter who seems like a very masculine man started to open our beer; I looked at his hands and noticed that he had a french manicure with what looked like fake nails.  I still cant believe what I saw...It was another "what the fuck" moment as I am still puzzled. 

Jill In Brazil: Making Lemonade... Again!

Jill In Brazil: Making Lemonade... Again!: I was chewing gum yesterday and my crown popped off. Oh my god!!! Now not only are my glasses broke and duct taped, it also looks as if ...

Making Lemonade... Again!

I was chewing gum yesterday and my crown popped off.  Oh my god!!!  Now not only are my glasses broke and duct taped, it also looks as if I am missing a flippin tooth.  Not to mention today our electricity was cut off.   We were only like 5 days late waiting payday… Come on already?  But, it just so happened that the owner didn’t make a payment in 2010 that eventually caught up with US!  Truthfully, I was thinking… this could be my bottom.  J  

However with all things in life…there is a fix.  For instance we actually got the light problem solved in a few hours and the crown didn’t break, it just popped off.   I went by a dentist and the fix will only cost me $30… that’s savings right there.    Now the glasses… I guess I could call Sam’s club and have a similar frame shipped, but actually after living in Alaska for 8+ years, I learned that duct tape is really cool… maybe my situation is just bad in the mirror. 

I can’t complain though, today was a marvelous day.  I went to the Market with Gabriela and bought beautiful fruit and veggies to make my salsa.  We had the best pastel I have ever eaten for breakfast with fresh squeezed orange juice and then my car actually started every time I got in.  Oh, and then there is the car thing.  I guess when life gives you lemons…you try to make lemonade and just pray there is sugar in the cupboard. 

I didn’t say living in a foreign country was easy, but I am sure to be a different person when I return. 

Beautiful Day at the Truta Farm!!!

Today a return trip to the trout farm with Tiana, Jen, Nicolas & the family.  I am on another one of the many Brazilian holidays from work and so we definitely made the most of it, but this time I have pictures. 

Nicolas & Tiana

Bananna Tree

Benny Tired

Last night my son was determined to sleep with me.  He came into my room 4 times and finally at 4:45am I let him into my bed with me.  I am pretty sure he was up all night because when he climbed into the bed he was asleep before his head hit.  Now for sure…. He will go to school today, it will be a grand teaching moment!  Poor little guy.

I also had a great day yesterday, at first I had some free time so I was going to listen to a little American politics and once it was on it was soon a terrible feeling.  Why do I listen to such shit?  I want to be aware but I guess I don’t want to watch hour by hour the leaders selling us off bit by bit.  This isn’t what life is about, is it?  I turned it off and turned on a book called “The Power of Now” and I was at peace again.  I then spent the rest of my day at peace.  I went to work and had a nice day but then I started to think about money and again I started to think very negative, damn it!  I give it so much power; I tried so hard to stop but the worst part was that I didn’t choose to.  What will happen if one day I actually get this down?

Good Ol days

Saturday was marvelous.  We went with a couple of Rodrigo’s school friends to a very small town about 40 minutes outside of town.  We parked at his uncle’s house in the country changed into warm clothes and then walked down this hill to the party.  The party was a festival for a saint.  There was the village church and a stage connected with a few other small buildings, it was an old Brazilian Festival and very traditional.  It kidn of reminded me of a barn dance like you would see in the movies, but outside the church.  When we got there church was in session, so we waited for them to pay tribute to the saint and then the party started.  Music, food, kids, drinks… it reminded me of a cross of Nebraska land days in North Platte and then spending time with Mike and Tanya in Alaska at the Talkeetna bluegrass festival.   This was one of those forgetful experiences and the feeling will stay with me for ages… sorry no pics, darn it!

Firecrackers

I am sitting on the couch and someone just lit off firecrackers in front of my house, I quickly got down on the floor... damn it firecrackers!   I just cant get used to them, one time I was laying in bed and I swore I was hearing gun shots and my legs got numb and I had this strange feeling that kept me up for hours.  Now I just tell myself that I am always hearing firecrackers and maybe I am.  

I do feel safe here in my home, some things just take a little gettin used to.

Sayings I thought I'd never use daily

To my son: 
  Help me, help you.
  If your not a part of the solution, your part of the problem.

To my Daughter: 

  There is nothing can, can't do with out a little help.