It's Just Amazing

Isn't just amazing how a new outfit can raise your spirits? And how much fun it is to shop? (I don't think I have any male readers, so I don't think I even need to explain that to my women friends!) Today I went shopping with a friend who bought me a new outfit for my birthday. It is also lots of fun to stretch out your birthday over the whole month. It was so much fun trying on clothes and actually finding something that fits! She led me to stores I would never have entered and I was amazed that they actually had something I can wear. I know I constantly struggle with the fact that I am fat and the trauma of being told in a store that they don't carry my size, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover I use 4 sizes less than I thought (sizing is very different here in Brazil - I wear a size 34 shoe, for instance and size 46 skirt). Anyway I ended up with a new skirt and blouse and shoes to boot. Great way to spend the morning.
And yes I continue to be faithful in my walking. João is even walking with me in the mornings. Finally after 3 weeks (I'm into the 4th week), I am beginning to reap some benefits. No, I am not thinner! But I finally have more energy and I don't dread walking in the mornings. In fact I wake up looking forward to it. Today I didn't want to stop after 40 minutes and 2 miles, but I had other things to do. (Like going shopping.)
Life is good. In just two weeks I will be going to the US to visit my family. And on Thursday João's parents fly in from Espírito Santo to spend 5 days with us. Lots to look forward to, that's for sure. Hope you are having as much fun as I am.

Sweet Dreams

Finally! I have a decent guest room. After a three month wait, the curtains were finally installed in our guest bedroom. If you can see the towels on the bed, they were also a gorgeous gift for my birthday. They are so beautiful. I bought the bedspread and matching sheets with my birthday money as well. The colours aren't exactly true in this photo, but you get the idea that they are in various shades of pink - even the walls are a light pink. I eventually want to get bedside tables and lamps, as well as a cozy chair. I have a rice paper painting (but I lack getting it framed) to go over the bed. I brought it back from Korea, but for years it's been unframed. I think it will be great in this room. Someday I will finish everything, but there is still much to do!
Even my living room, which I have concentrated on, lacks artwork. I know what I want and gradually I will get the job done. My friend who made the curtains gave me three beautiful silk cushions for the living room. They are such a nice complement to the room. I so enjoy this room. I just feel at home. I am striving for comfort and making others feel comfortable. That means I want guests! I have enjoyed having various groups over to the house and hope to be able to continue to invest in that. We have also been able to have old friends over, as we now live in a part of town where lots of our friends live, so it's not so difficult for them to come over.
I have especially enjoyed having our church's seminary students over. We have monthly meetings with them and they are so much fun. I love being with young people and hearing their thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams.
Speaking of dreams, that is what my birthday was last week. It really was wonderful. I am so amazed that after such a short time here in Rio, there were so many wonderful expressions of caring and affection. I was deeply touched and felt very appreciated. I have to admit it was good for my soul!
After an afternoon in the beauty shop, I felt like I came out a little too blonde, but everyone says it's not much and is subtle. I haven't been able to get a decent photo of me yet, as the batteries have been out on the camera until today. The way I looked today I wasn't about to take a picture. This was a photo João took of me on my birthday, but the batteries were too weak for a flash. It was a great day and full of sweet dreams. Hope you have lots of sweet dreams in your life as well.

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

I think Forrest Gump's mother always taught him that and it's true. I was having a not so hot day (actually is WAS too hot), when João told me Elly had called to invite me out to lunch. Nice, I thought. So off we went to meet them around 12:30. To my utter atonishment, there were 32 people there to have lunch with me, to suprise me for my birthday. They suceeded. I never suspected a set-up. We had such a good time talking and, of course, eating. It really was a lot of fun and very relaxing, since I had not expected anything at all.
In the photo to the left, I am standing by the church's driver, who also celebrated his birthday today (mine is actually tomorrow, which is part of the reason they surprised me so much!).
I received so many hugs and kisses and nice presents, I think I am still stunned. I had mentioned that I thought I would go to the beauty salon tomorrow, so they all chipped in and gave me a card with money to have my hair done - they were so generous, I decided to have the whole works done...shampoo, cut, colour job, comb-out, and maybe even my nails! I can hardly wait for tomorrow!!!! So take a good look at me before I go blonde. Hope I don't go dumb as well. All in all it was a wonderful day. Oh,on the left is most of the group as we were leaving the restaurant.