A Very Bad Mommy

I am feeling very guilty right now. Miss Mia has had chronic eye problems since she’s been with me. One vet gave me antibiotic drops that did help her at the time. This week, however, things got really bad and it was obvious that she was having trouble seeing, so I took her to a different clinic and boy was I impressed. The exam was more thorough than anything I’ve ever had. I came out with a ream of papers for her to have blood tests, ultrasound, echocardiogram, and urine and feces exams. In addition, I had to return later in the day for a special consult with a feline ophthalmologist. I never even knew such a specialty existed! The diagnosis is severe corneal ulcers on both eyes. Fortunately it is treatable, although it may take some time. She has four meds that I have to put in her eyes at very frequent intervals. I have done it one time and it wasn’t too bad. But then, right now she is severely depressed. They put an awful e-collar on her and she just hates it. She won’t even move and has peed all over us both and had to have a bath. Of course, she loved that as well. She is on a hunger strike, but I can understand that after 4 hours at the vets office and all these meds. If I had gotten her to the vet earlier, she would not have had to suffer so much. So that’s why I feel guilty. In addition, while at the vet with her, Sissy also had to go to the doctor with a terrible sinus infection. I feel badly I was wrapped up with the cat, while she was feeling so badly as well. She is basically taking the same treatment I had for same thing. I hope she gets better faster than I did. But then, she’s not a procrastinator and didn’t wait 4 weeks to see a doctor!

On an up note, we continue to enjoy the presence of Denny, our Canadian friend. We went out to lunch near Sugar Loaf the other day and you can see how beautiful our city really is. I am enjoying seeing our city through the eyes of an “outsider”.  I am sorry it’s been so hot while he’s been here, but we don’t control the weather.

On another good note, I continue to be active at my gym and seem to finally be making progress, now in my 3rd week. Everything seems easier. Of course I still have lots of aches and pains, but guess I always will.

I am now on to another book and it’s called “The Swan Thieves”. It’s actually an audio book, and I only allow myself to listen when I am at the gym or waiting for an appointment. It’s a great story about a psychiatrist treating an artist obsessed with impressionist art. I am loving it. It’s so wonderful to be able to enjoy reading. And along those lines, my husband has discovered a new “passion”: SUDOKU! It’s on his cell phone and he has fallen in love with the game, much to our surprise. I guess you just never know. What are you enjoying these days?

Another Book Report

I’m not sure how you feel about my “book reports”, but here goes another one! Since the acquisition of my Kindle, I have been able to enjoy a lot more reading. In addition I love being able to read the reviews on Amazon.com, which helps me have an idea of what books are about. I have really enjoyed the 10 million words blog where Tim Challies is trying to read all the books on the New York Times Bestseller list. He reviews some of them and that gives me an idea of a book that might be interesting to me. I tend to be a little lazy and just read the authors or books I know, as I hate to waste time and money on a loser (and here in Brazil I don’t have the option of a library to resolve that problem). In addition to devotional and church literature and feel good books (i.e. Agatha Christie, Charlotte Bronté, Jane Austin, etc.), I just felt such a need to read a variety of well written books. Now I have a large list awaiting my mind and eyes. This week I finished two wonderful books. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was reading “The Help” by Kathleen Stockett. Do not miss reading this book. I laughed and cried and was so sad when I could no longer share in Abilene, Minnie and Skeeter’s lives. It is a thoroughly satisfying story with a healthy philosophy of life and a fairly sound theology as well. While not heavy, it is not fluffy.

In between reading this work of fiction, I squeezed in André Agassi’s autobiography, called “Open”. Although it had rave reviews and I thoroughly enjoy reading biographies, I was a little skeptical of enjoying reading about this controversial tennis star. He wasn’t exactly known for his morality and in fact was known for his “potty” mouth. I know next to nothing about tennis, nor am I particularly interested. What IS the deal with “Love” as a score in a sport?? I can say I am glad I got over my prejudice and read the book. I am glad other than the fact that I sat for 5 hours straight (until 2AM) to finish reading the book. I could NOT put it down. I know Andre worked with a Pulitzer prize winning author on this and it shows. The biography reads like a novel and you just HAVE to know what happens next. I know it is a memoir, in effect, because no one remembers verbatim conversations and thoughts like in this book, but I am sure anyone would have to deal with that issue. What impressed me was not particularly his honesty (and he was brutally honest), not his revelation of drug use (come on, he was a millionaire athlete superstar, did anyone seriously think he didn’t do drugs???), but his willingness to NOT be a victim and complain about his difficulties. That is something rare nowadays. I also was impressed with his search for something more. He truly is a lost soul and my heart ached for him as I saw him living out the words of Ecclesiastes. The book was also a good reminder that we just can’t trust the media hype about famous people, whether is be good or bad. Everyone lies – the stars and the media and his book makes it abundantly clear. I wish I could say that in the end Andre found what he was looking for. He thinks he did, but I fear that his wife and two children won’t really be enough for him. I encourage you to go on the journey of reading his story. It will be worth your time.

The Party’s Over

Carnaval is finally ended, to which we “regular” people are eternally grateful as life returns to normal. Stores open. Streets are opened. Traffic jams end. The city is rid of the tourists. Prices drop. And as a special bonus this year, the temperature has dropped today. Finally some relief from the over 100 degrees. I never thought 85 degrees would be cool. They have officially stated that this is the hottest summer in the last 100 years. That record I could have been happy never to have seen broken.

Since last week, we have been entertaining a dear Canadian friend who is here for a couple of weeks. We actually haven’t done too much with him, as he is pretty independent. Today, however, we were finally get out and do a few things as carnaval is OVER!  (BIG sigh of relief!) Today we headed out to the Market of Northeastern Traditions. Well, that really didn’t translate well, but it is a market with foods, crafts, clothes of the northeastern part of Brazil. That culture is very distinctive and quite different from our lifestyle here in the south. Perhaps you could compare it to “southern” living versus Yankee lifestyle (and remember we are upside down from you, so although I live in the south here, it is more akin to the north of the US).

The restaurant where we ate, was so very nice. The food was typical and served in a clay tile. The waiters are appropriately costumed. Denny was brave and tried out the goat stew. Me I was happier with my fish stew.  

I loved the wooden statue of the accordion player beside the cactus, both typical symbols of the Northeast. We have been meaning to head out to this place since we’ve been back, but never gotten around to it, so we were glad to have a good “excuse” to go. It was kind of like the last hurrah for these days we have had off for carnaval. Now life will quickly pick up steam and we will be very busy for many months to come. As I said, the party really is over.

Painting the Boy Red

We are well into the “carnaval” time here in Brazil. You perhaps recognize it as Mardi Gras. It is NO popular “folklore” party. It is celebration of the flesh in all the worst ways possible. Everyone who can flees town to get away from the debauchery. I did not flee, as I do like my own house (and air conditioning) and don’t really like to sit in 8 hour traffic jams with everyone else. As long as I stay at home in the evenings, everything is fine. Today I did get out to the gym (it’s the last time it’s open for 5 days), and did my cardio. I completed my first week back and it was rough. Two nights I had trouble sleeping with so much pain and aching. I moved down a notch on the weights and repetitions and that seems to have solved the problem. I have already lost almost 1/2 inch off the waist in just 6 days of exercise. Tomorrow is my full day of rest. There will be no church, as our church is right next door to where the big samba school parades are held, so access is difficult, and there is a safety factor to consider. In addition, we host about 200 people who come in to do street evangelism during the evening events of carnaval.

I will be taking some time off my regular activities to write, read and paint these days, as that is my version of getting out of the regular routine. As you can see from the photo of my improvised art “studio”, I am currently working on a portrait of my “step” son-in-law (it’s only two months until the wedding) at about four years old. Then I’ll move on to do Elly’s as well. We’ll frame them and then they can hang them somewhere in their apt. I especially enjoy painting children.  I did the first “draft”, or a study as we call it,  (to the right) and it turned out pretty satisfactory, except for a couple of details, like is eyelashes. Man those are hard to get to look natural. You just sort of have to “smudge” them in. Tonight I started the second attempt, which you see on the left. I just did the first “glaze” of color and got the skin a little too red/orange, but that’s a pretty common problem, easy to tone down on the next pass at color. On this pass through, I’ll start adding details, modeling the features. It actually goes pretty fast, especially compared to  graphite drawings that just take forever.

I am also reading a couple of books, and although I sometimes feel guilty not having busy hands, I suppose having a busy mind is just as important. I continue to be shocked by what I learn in  “Master Your Metabolism” and have begun to make small modifications in my kitchen. I am also reading a fairly new work of fiction “The Help” ,  and am enthralled. I don’t feel like doing anything else, but read this book. I can hardly stop. So far no bad language, no sex ( a small miracle in a contemporary novel) and a fascinating story with characters that I really love (and some I hate, of course). It’s no wonder it’s a best seller. Click on the photo to read more about it. My next selection is “Open” which is André Agassi’s bio. I’ve read good reviews on it and hope to start it soon. I try to expand my horizons by reading a variety of literature, but always stuff that has some appeal to me. Then I’ve got a book on business and motivation all lined up to read. It’s called “DRIVE”. I figured it might help some on motivating leadership at church. So much to read and so little time.

In addition I have been able to download on a 6 part documentary series on the history of Christianity, by the BBC and want to watch that. I think I have just lined up way too much fun for the next couple of days. Tomorrow hubby and I may take a day trip up to the mountains. If, however,  I don’t get off the computer, I won’t have time for any of these fun things. So off I go!

Life After Heat

It is still HOT here in Rio. Today the paper said that Rio is the second hottest city in the world. Right now I believe it. What a summer.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve never seen a heat wave like this. Last night we finally had some rain, and although it cooled it down for a while this morning arrived bright and HOT.

Even in my new air conditioned gym, I have been sweating like pig. Even walking back and forth to the gym is a challenge. We are eating lots of salads as well, because who wants to heat up the kitchen when it’s 110 degrees?

Today I decided to buy a super duper kitchen appliance that I have been drooling over. And you will laugh when you realize that what really sold me on this oh so cool processor, blender, juicer, extractor is that is is also an ICE CRUSHER. It slices, dices, grinds, blends, purées, squeezes, crushes and just about everything else in between. Can there be anything more fun than a new appliance that does so many neat things?  It comes with about 20 pieces and took me a couple of hours to read the instructions. Seriously, I just love a new toy. This is a very expensive new toy with 1000 watts of power.

I am hoping to get back into the routine of making homemade juices, especially my green juice. This afternoon I made my version of an icee, with crushed ice and grape juice. It was so refreshing. Tonight when we got in from church I threw in chlorophyll juice (frozen), with coconut water, acerola pulp (it’s a kind of tart cherry), and yes, you guessed it, crushed ice. It was not only healthy, it was wonderfully good. I think it lowered my body’s core temp. I am already dreaming about the juice I’ll make fore breakfast: Spinach, cucumbers, carrots and apples (it tests better than it sounds like). Later I’ll throw together açaí, acerola, guarana and some chlorophyll for good measure. Yummy. I think I’ll go to bed so the morning will come sooner.

Not dressed up and some place to go

João thought it was hysterical to see me sitting in the corner like I had been a bad girl, so he had to snap this photo on his cell phone. It is kind of funny. I am all dressed up with my work out clothes. I haven’t worked out for months (make that capital letter in bold MONTHS). I have lots of excuses, some even legit. By last Saturday, however, I realized that for the first time since Christmas, I was feeling normal. I still have a little trouble hearing, but no more pain and or tiredness or general yuckiness. I am trying to make an appt. to see one of the best ENT docs in Rio, but you know how that goes… only in April. I still may go ahead and schedule, since they tell me he works hard on prevention and immunity boosting, which I could really use.

On the subject of immunity boosting, that is what motivated me to try hitting the gym again, since exercise does have that benefit. Due to the fact that we are in a monster heat wave, I had to find a new place to exercise. (It’s been over 100 degrees for about a month now, with no relief or rain in sight.) My gym has no air conditioning and I ask you, do you possibly think I could work out where it must be around 120 degrees???? I can’t even breathe at that temp. So, I bit the bullet and signed up at a MUCH (try double the price) more expensive place. Today was my session with the “personal trainer” (chic, eh?) and we did my evaluation and went over my program. That was two hours very well spent and I am excited about the place that is clean, bright, cold and has great equipment. I will even have nutrition counseling and close supervision on the equipment, or so they say. I have to go 45 days, 3x a week minimum, but if I don’t meet the goals, I get my money back. The only draw back is that it is 10-15 minute walk there, but I figure that is my warm up. The advantage is that I have to walk past all the commerce on the way, so as I come home I can pick up bread , or groceries or fruits, or juice, etc. The gym is in a little gallery that has my favorite shoe store. I drool over the leather purses (a mere R$400) and shoes. This could get expensive. hahahaha. I made up a new rule, though. No new shoes until I lose at least 2 cm. off the waist. Incentive.

I am currently reading a book that is scaring the beejeebers out of me. In “Master your Metabolism”, Jillian Michaels is writing about how to normalize your hormones. As I am reading, more and more things are clicking about some of my long term health issues. Some things are small, others are huge for me. I know people have been talking about plastic and its danger for years, but I never paid attention. Trust me, she has my attention on this subject. Soon I will be doing serious throwing out and kitchen reorganization. Man, on man, we really are poisoning ourselves with how we live nowadays. I have already gone back to eating more whole grains (I fall off the wagon now and then, but I am back on right now).

Upon my sister’s recommendation, I watched the movie “Julie and Julia” today, the first movie I’ve seen for a while. I LOVED it. If you are looking for something fun and light (but not fluffy and stupid), I recommend it. I love the story of Julia Child’s life. I related to Julie’s struggle as a writer and how her blog really caught on and gave her direction. I’m so glad I had some real entertainment that did just that: entertained.

I looking forward to starting a new book, just published, for pastor’s wives. I have a link for it at the top of my page. Isn’t that title, “You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes” , great? I never suffered from the illusion that I had to wear grandma shoes, play the piano and have my hair in a bun, but lots of women do. Sunday morning our Children’s Pastor was installed (what a great service), and I took a gift to his fiancé. It is a book for pastor’s wives. I shared that it really is a special calling and how much I love it. I realized recently, that all my “new” friends are pastor wives and that in the last few weeks I have spent many hours sharing, talking, and helping some of them. Whether I should share this or not, I will… I am praying and thinking of how I can make this more “official”.  How can I help pastor’s wives? What can I do? I am an idea person, not a mover and shaker. I am leaning toward a devotional book and have even done an outline. But first, I simply must get moving on writing the Vacation Bible School that is due next month and has not one chapter done. ARGH. Oh, for discipline.

I am going to hit the sack early, for tomorrow I have a stretching class at 8AM and then will do the treadmill for 20-30 min. Fun, fun, fun.

Tears, Thrills and Chills

Last night was justt that, tears, thrills and chills. It was the ordination service for André, who has been our seminary student and missions intern at our church. He grew up at our church, and comes from a large family at our church,as you can see from the photo of his family (to the right). In the photo he is holding his baby sister and surrounded by his grandmothers. His grandmother prayed at the beginning of the service and that’s when I cried, as she was thankful for the first pastor in her family. I can only imagine the joy, something I had once dreamed of myself!

The whole service was thrilling, as he received his ordination Bible, the laying on of the hands, the sermon, prayers, the music, and watching a young man who we have no doubt is called to the ministry.

The exciting part is that on Sunday, he will be installed as our Children’s Pastor. Those who have known me a long time, know that I began my ministry in children’s work. I started the specialization in children’s ministry at IBER (Women’s Seminary here in Rio) in 1989 and watched many of my students become children’s ministers here in Brazil. Later I become the children’s leader for the WMU of Brazil and travelled the country training children’s leaders. Although I am no longer actively involved in children’s ministry, it still holds a special place in my heart. I tried to be a driving force for the calling of a children’s minister at our church and it seemed to work, as it was decided that we did need one. That was thrilling in itself, for we don’t have that many children. We are an older congregation and there is a big gap in the 30 and 40 something age category. We have some grandchildren and a scattering of kids whose parents are members. We have lots more neighborhood children, who are the real basis of our children’s work. We are beginning to experience a tiny, tiny baby boom, which our sadly outdated nursery is not equipped to handle.

While our equipment and space was “state of the art” in the 1950’s and 60’s, it is now old and tired. Most of the SS classes have just a few kids here and there. Frankly, if I had young children, I would not be looking at our church! We so need to turn things around.  André has a huge challenge, just in terms of resources and physical space limitations, not to mention the lack of adult volunteers, in addition, to the challenge of integrating unchurched neighborhood children with the children and grandkids of church members.

André, however, is creative, young and energetic. He is up to the challenge. It will not happen overnight, but I really believe we have a new future on the horizon, as we invest in the spiritual life of our children and their families, as well. Our whole neighborhood will be changed as the transforming power of the gospel begins to influence families. Now if that isn’t thrilling what is? Pray for André and his task. I can think of nothing more important than the ministry he is undertaking. I am grateful for his life and his willingness to say children are important enough to pour out his life. He is my hero of the hour.