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.

Gray Hair

Since it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve written, you probably are imagining how busy I’ve been. Not really, but I have been working hard at trying to feel better. I am still fighting off germs. When I get up every morning, I feel like the little kitty on the left. (OK, I admit it, I just threw that in to be able to insert this photo that I think is the cutest thing ever.)  Another cold and another round of a sinus infection have really taken me down for the count and I just haven’t felt up to snuff. I have been able to do what I need to do, but not much extra energy. Me, Peggy, actually went to see a doctor to receive the not so surprising news that I have a severe sinus infection. My x-ray of my head proves it is not empty. Unfortunately, it’s full of what it shouldn’t be full of. The medicine to heal, has been worse than the infection. The prednisone has really thrown me for a loop, but we are reducing the dosage and hoping the severe muscle pain will go away. And I am getting better as I can hear again and have no more headache and am sleeping at night. As proof, here I am writing on my blog. In addition my Bible study time has been quite rich yesterday and today, which is a sure sign that my head is beginning to clear. Yippee.

I had counted on getting a lot down over the last week, since my husband was at the Brazilian Baptist Convention. Usually when he is gone, I work like a fiend to fill up the hours. I have a book (writing a Vacation Bible School) to turn in in March and although it is thoroughly researched, I haven’t begun to write it and that is the tedious part. I love researching. I dread the nitty gritty writing process. Writing is pure discipline, something that doesn’t come natural to me. I like playing with ideas, but when I write them down, then they are “permanent”. In addition, writing a book for leaders of children requires a lot of detail that is not all that fun. Like explaining how to do a craft… copy this size, provide paper, pencil, etc. of this type. Details. But I am ready to tackle it and anxious to see it done.

I have been doing lots of reading these days. One of the books I read was very interesting to me, although not exactly the type of book I usually read. It is called  “Going Gray” (If you are interested, click on the picture and it should take you to its page on AMAZON.COM) and it was on special at Amazon (who can beat $1.99 for a book?). I chose it because I am trying to decide what to do with my hair. I’ve gone blonde and am now back as a brunette. But at least at my hairline, I am graying rapidly. Here in Brazil, white hair appears to be a great taboo. It is a more youthful culture than even the US. But I am growing tired to spending money and time on coloring my hair. Not to mention my concern about allergies (which means I can only use the most expensive hair salons) and long term effects to the exposure to such toxic chemicals. I’ve been thinking of going “natural”, but only after Elly’s wedding (let’s be honest I am more vain, than concerned with my health!!!). At any rate, this book really helped me think this through. If my hair were as gorgeous as my mom’s, I’d do it in a heartbeat.  By the way, that is no model on the right. That is my very beautiful 87 year old Mom. And it’s not photo-shopped. She is that gorgeous. I love this photo of her. It really captures her. That is real beauty to me. Not these plastic surgery travesties. And that’s what I ultimately aspire to, but it’s not so easy to go gray gradually when you’ve been hiding it with coloring. Sometimes I look at people with salt and pepper and think, why have they let themselves go like that? Stupid thought. Since I have had those thoughts, I know others will think likewise. In addition, I’ll have to hear lots I don’t want to hear from the people at my church. (The same folks who have suggested I have plastic surgery on my stomach, that I let my hair grow longer, that I should have stayed blonde, etc.). So this book helped me think through how I’ll transition through this. I may change my mind by next June or July, but that’s where I am on the subject right now.

In addition to reading, I’ve also been able to keep up on my church commitments. I finished up my study of the book of Esther in my Sunday School class and it was fun to end the study by having a Purim celebration. I even made hamantaschen, a kind of traditional jelly filled cookie eaten at Purim. I have now begun a study of the “I AMS” of John. We began with “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE” this past Sunday and I am just loving this study. The last Sunday, I also preached at the morning worship. I wouldn’t want to preach every Sunday, but I openly confess I LOVE preaching. I spoke about “Golden Apples”, about the importance of encouragement. The neat thing is that I felt very encouraged by the whole experience. Hope you receive an encouraging word this week too!

I’m a Grandma

Well sort of. I have a new grandson, or shall I say “grand-kitty”. His name is Galileo (yes, like the scientist!) and Elly adopted him this week. He is a special needs kitty and I am very proud of her adoption. He was found on the street, paralyzed and almost dead and he was eventually nursed back to health. He is a young adult, about 18 months and a beautiful domestic short hair. He is also profoundly deaf, as sometimes happens with white cats. He is a real sweetie, affectionate and very loveable. He seems to have adjusted to his new home, happy to be out of a cage and away from other animals. It’s taken him a few days to adjust to his new home, but now he is eating well and wanders all around. He requires a little more effort to be stimulated to play, but I took over a feather toy and after getting used to the idea that he won’t respond to noise, we figured out how to get him to play and soon he was rolling and biting and jumping. I don’t think he’ll ever be an active cat, but I do think he will be a big cat. He is already double the size of Mia!

Shu-u-u-u-u! Don’t you dare mention to her that we spent the evening visiting another cat, even if it is her nephew. I think it would be hysterical to see the two of them together – big and little, male and female, black and white, shorthair and longhair. Never were there such opposites! Maybe someday we can socialize them. I think they are two very happy “only” children, but we’ll see.

I have a lot to write about, and am aware I have written for two weeks. I haven’t been well. It’s been a rough two weeks for me. Started off with a horrendous cold that left me in bed for two days. I didn’t even make it to church on the 1st Sunday of the New Year. I seemed to be getting over that, although it did seem to want to hang on, but I was feeling better and starting to resume my life when I was attacked by a severe gastoenteritis. I was sick enough to think I heading to a hospital, but decided I was too sick to face sitting up and waiting to be seen. Fortunately we were finally able to get me rehydrated and get some meds for the pain. When the fever subsided, then I knew I might possibly live, which I did. That took the stuffings out of me for a few days. When I am off my feed, you can be sure I am really sick. I mean I came out of the anesthesia from gall bladder surgery complaining I was hungry. Somehow all of this must of knocked out my immunities, because the cold turned into a sinus infection and I have a humdinger of a cough and earache left over.  I am absolutely allergic to doctors and antibiotics, but I considered that option and decided to give it one more day. Today I seem to have a little energy back and I accomplished a number of things, so since I felt I was on the upswing, decided to forego a doctor! I know exactly what the routine is and in fact I could have just gone out and got the antibiotic and prednisone I knew that would be prescribed (as it’s easy to get medicine without a prescription here), but I hate to go that route. I felt like a witch doctor as I breathed in my garlic oil fumes in boiling water, drank apple vinegar, used a cinnamon poultice and drank gallons of water, did a regular sinus cleanse with a neti pot,  but you know what? From what I read, those are just about as effective as the big guns. As long as I can ward off bronchitis, I’ll live without the nasty meds.

Today I felt a hankering toward creativity and so I dug out a project I started before Christmas and decided to finish it. It is a watercolor portrait of Sissy when she was about 6, I think. We all love this photo of her with her missing teeth, sweet smile and mischievous eyes. It seemed to go smoothly and before I knew it, I had virtually finished. I showed it to her and she liked it, so I am going to give it to her.

So finally I’ve said hello in 2010. I hope to later catch up some more on the news around here. Have a good one!

Summer time, but the livin’s not easy!

It definitely is summertime here. Plenty hot. Some days remind me of my childhood in Indianapolis with 250% humidity, lot of rainstorms, and heat waves coming up off the sidewalks. That’s what it’s been like here. Lots of heat, humidity and rain. Perfect for frizzy hair. (And I ask you, when will that look ever come back in style? Oh for the early 90’s back again!).

With the tremendous rain storms, the city’s traffic as really been in a gnarl. I wondered if the car would flood out on the way home Sunday night. Just to help me out with my enjoyment, last night, during the night, the electricity went out. I woke up to dead silence and total heat. I took my pillow and went to the spare bedroom, opened up the patio door and tried to sleep. It was so windy, however, that I had a hard time. Finally I did go back to sleep and then the wind died down and I was hot again. By this time the electricity was back up again and I went back to my air conditioned bedroom. I also, plugged everything I had unplugged. I always worry about surges in such situations, as that is common. I think we’ll have a lot of rolling blackouts this year with the tremendous heat we are experiencing.

To add to my pleasure there is a (to be correct, there are a lot) of plumbing problems in the building, and they are cutting the water off now and then. That including yesterday as I did my laundry and this morning while trying to fix lunch. Always nice trying to cook with no water to clean up with. Since we have iron pipes, when the water comes back in, it’s all nice and red and rusty. Really nice to finish washing your clothes with.

I am working hard and things look good for my Window 7 switchover, if I can just remember to buy some DVD’s tomorrow. I hope to find time to do some analysis and evaluation of last year’s resolutions and share the ones for 2010. We have a watch night service that I am looking forward to. For now, it’s off to Wednesday staff meeting, couple counseling and business meeting. A full day.

17 years ago

Today makes 17 years that João and I have been together. I told him last night, that some of the memories of our wedding day are beginning to fade a bit, but that’s only because we have created so many wonderful new memories to take their place.

I don’t do a very good job in “imagining” the future, so when we were married, I didn’t go much beyond the dream that we would live in some vague kind of happily ever after. I got it right after all. I never dreamed of the kind of adventures we would have together, but I didn’t doubt it would be fun. It has been.  Here we are 17 years later, happy as can be!

Newton’s law of motion

Quick, can you cite Newton’s third law of motion? I bet you can, if you really think about it: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Although not exactly the same thing, but in the same vein, every action has a consequence. For instance, this morning I was washing my light clothes on the delicate cycle. Here it takes about 30 minutes for the washing machine to fill with water (I have no idea why, but it’s always been that way here in Brazil), so I checked everything about 45 minutes later as it was beginning the rinse cycle. I almost had a stroke. João’s nice white dress shirts were pink. For some reason my light pink dress, which had been washed before, bled into the white shirts, new linen handkerchiefs, and had turned my new blue nightgown to lilac. I had so few white clothes, I just threw them in with the light clothes. BIG mistake. Nasty consequence. Since, however, they were totally white items, there was a workable solution. Hot and messy, but workable. So I boiled water in a huge pot, put in bleach. (Remembering, of course, that it was about 95 degrees today). Stirred in the clothes and voilá. They were white again. I rinsed and spun them in the washer and all was right with the world. Of course, not even the dryer can take out those wrinkles from being crammed into the pot of hot water, so now I’ll have a nice ironing job ahead of me.

Secondly, Elly has pretty well convinced me to switch over to Windows 7. So reformatting computer,  here I come. Now this action, has really big time consequences. I finally had to get around to making recovery disks for the computer (only took 2 hours and 3 DVD’s), just in case it doesn’t work. I have just downloaded Windows Easy Transfer program and it should help me put all my documents and other such files onto my external disk. It took about two hours or so to transfer all my movies. Next stop, music. Then there is the backing up of all the settings on my browser programs. I also have a program that makes a list of all my programs installed on the computer, so that I can know what I will need to download and install after the reformat. And there are a LOT of programs, because I mostly work with freeware programs. When I think about reinstalling the printers, router, pendrives, external drives, telephones, I get tired. But I like a challenge… and hard work is the consequence. The last time I did a reformat like this I worked for about 12 hours straight. You can lose a lot of valuable stuff if you are too hasty. So everyday I am spending some time on backup. I intend to do a backup on the external drive and on some DVD’s, just in case. The Brazilian saying of “He who has two, actually has one” applies here.  When I analyze all this, I ask myself, why do I put myself through this torture? Ostensibly to save time, but I don’t think I’ll save any time by the time I do all this work. Maybe to have a more efficient computer. Maybe just to prove I can. I have always done well around computers, but recently I have felt like it’s getting harder to keep up with all the changes. That scares me. So to prove I can, I will. Like I say, actions have consequences.

Wish me luck with my actions and their consequences!

A Memorable Christmas

I have read that so many people suffer anxiety or depression on Christmas because they have such high expectations, or because it just has to be perfect, or it needs to “top” Christmas past. While I may have been guilty of that in the past, I think I have moved beyond wanting Christmas to be anymore than it should be – a wonderful celebration of Christ’s birth AND a time of communion with family or friends. So there is simply no way to fail on that score. The girls spend every other year with us on Christmas and this was our year to be together. I know that can’t be entirely easy for them, for traditions do vary and their mother’s family has a very rich tradition of Christmas celebration, whereas João and I sort of hang loose. This year is certainly memorable, for it is the last year we celebrate together with Elly still single. Since she marries next year, things will change. Her fiancé also has his mother’s and his father’s family to think about. That means there are four families to share Christmas with, and in three different cities. Because we have the total monopoly on Thanksgiving, we have already said there is no pressure on our side of the equation. But still in the back of our minds, we knew this year would be the last with our “little girls”. They’ve been grown up a long time, of course, but with marriage, relationships do change. We all had a great time together. We opened presents about 10PM and then we ate supper around 11:30. Elly and her dad were practically falling asleep at the table. It was funny. I called my mom and sister on Skype and we could see each other feel like they also were part of our celebration.

I love giving gifts and am always so anxious to see everyone open them. I don’t think I am particularly accurate in choosing the best gifts, as I always find it to be a struggle, but I do enjoy seeing people open them. Someone commented that I must also enjoy getting presents since I so enjoy giving them. While I might like to deny that, truth be told I do love presents. When someone gives me a present that was obviously well thought out and chosen just for me, I feel cared about and appreciated. I just can’t deny it. And that’s what I am trying to communicate with my gifts as well. That may be a universal sentiment, but somehow I don’t think so. I won’t dwell on the inverse feeling that is the result of not getting a present! You can

figure that out yourself.

We all ate way too much way too late. The food was good and I thought I didn’t eat too much, but must have as even this morning I woke up stuffed. I have only wanted some strong black tea. I have a terrific breakfast planned, but here it is 11AM and the girls are still fast asleep. I envy them. I long ago lost the ability to sleep really late and I miss that. Part of the ageing process. 

I surely hope your family celebration was as joyful and fun as ours was. Enjoy the day.

Christmas Shoes

Today my friend Marlene took me out shoe shopping to let me chose a new pair of shoes for Christmas.  Those who really know me, know I love shoes. I can hardly pass a shoe store without drooling. On the other hand, my feet always have given me fits and I remember a salesman telling my parents they might as well put me in a shoebox because everything hurt my feet. So to find something pretty AND comfortable can be a formidable task. But look, we did it. These are orthopedic shoes. Really. They are butter soft leather, with a softly padded innersole, rubber padding on the outside and low wooden stacked heel. Politely put, they are old lady shoes!!! But I love them. The wooden heels are all the rage this season here, as is this taupe color. So I am all set up for the summer season. When my Achilles tendon was in crisis, I couldn’t have worn even this much heel. After 3 years, it’s good to have my feet back to normal. We aren’t as grateful as we should be for our feet that carry us around everywhere. Now they can do it in style.

As I have been working around the house these days, cleaning and cooking, I have carried my computer around with me (everyone laughs at me using my laptop in the kitchen as I cook – but it’s helpful for recipes and for keeping boredom down to a minimum.). I have watched upteen Christmas movies and almost into candy cane sugar overload with all the syrup. Let me give you a run down on some I have seen (besides those mentioned in my last post).

Santa Klaus – The Movie (1985), which I really liked. It’s a sweet fantasy about how Santa Claus got started and his crisis in the 20th century, but of course good will win out, although a greedy toy manufacturer almost ends it all.  I would consider this a child’s movie. The first half is much better than the last half, which is week. But lots of fun.

The Christmas Story – 1983 came so highly recommended, I had to see it, although I am always reluctant to see something all the critics say is the BEST. Well the film drew me in within the first five minutes. The story takes place in Northern Indiana, probably in the late 40’s or early 50’s. Close enough to my childhood, SOOO related. I love the narration of Ralph’s memories of that Christmas. Ralphie wants a bb gun so badly he could die and is sure he won’t get it. The film really gets into a kids mind. And the scenery and clothes looked like my childhood. His house could have been in my neighborhood and his school looked like mine. This must have been made by a baby boomer! The nice thing is that the story has virtually no stress or sadness. It is just fun without being silly. I loved seeing a normal family. 

Holiday Inn -1942    I mean what’s not to like about Fred Astaire dancing and Bing Crosby singing? Believe it or not I had never seen this movie in which White Christmas was premiered. The music was fun and the story light. Basically it was eye candy.

The Muppets Christmas Carol – 1992. Now I had a real mindset against this movie. I mean I love Charles Dickens. I really loved the Muppets. But somehow it didn’t make sense to put them together. Kermit as Bob Cratchit, really???? I was in for a surprise. They were very faithful to the story. It was less scary for the little kids, and a little more comic, but I didn’t expect to enjoy the story (again) so very much. Really nicely done. The music was especially well done. I definitely think this is a five star movie.

The Christmas Card – 2006 is a Hallmark made for TV movie, so I was prepared for some sniffling, but a feel-good movie. This is most definitely a chick-flick. I can’t imagine any man getting a thrill out of this movie! I enjoyed the romance, even if I realized it is like super unrealistic. Not a criticism, but it is such an “american” cultural movie, that it was, at times, hard to relate to, for me. Remember, although I am an American, I have spent almost half my life out of the country!

But the total winner so far is A Christmas Carol – 1984 (I must be stuck in the 80’s!) starring George C. Scott. Someone called this Patton meets Charles Dickens and I would have to agree. George Scott has one basic acting style, but it so suited Ebenezer Scrooge. I know there’s a lot a controversy as to the best screen adaptation of the Christmas Carol, and I’ve seen a lot of them, but this has to be the best. I saw this year’s 3-D movie and thought it was boring and mostly just special effects. Although this 1985 movie was made for TV the acting is terrific, and the special effects are very believable as well. The ghost of Christmas Present is just absolutely perfect. I felt like he had been drawn right out of my imagination.  I’m afraid my family is going to be stuck watching this one together with me!

That’s more than you could have possibly wanted to know about Christmas movies, right? OK, so turn off the computer and go listen to the Carpenter’s Christmas Album (Christmas Portraits), which is what I am doing.

Christmas Spirit

With Christmas just four days off, that’s what I’m thinking about these days! I have lists set up for grocery shopping and recipes printed out for our Christmas eve dinner. Sissy says it has to be midnight. That is very much a Brazilian tradition, but I’ll confess, not one of my favorites, since it comes from the idea of Christmas mass. In addition, it means no one wants to be in church on Christmas eve since they are busy preparing the big feast for the family. I so miss going to church on Christmas eve. So I’ll just take a nap on the 24th and maybe we’ll eat before midnight, so we can open our presents on the stroke of twelve! Even Mia is getting into the spirit of things. Isn’t she just the cutest thing?

I’ve been trying to get into the spirit by watching holiday movies and looking to pick out something for us to watch together, but just haven’t found the right one. I generally like “old” movies that make you feel all warm and happy. I am tired, however, of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas”. I checked out “Christmas in Connecticut”, but frankly found it to be a bit corny for my taste. Someone suggested “Meet Me in St. Louis” with Judy Garland, and although it may be a fine musical, the storyline was pretty goofy. I realized I had never really watched “Holiday Inn”, the original film for the song “White Christmas” and so am watching that, but it’s actually not a very Christmassy story. Hard to please, aren’t I? So if you have a good suggestion, I’d love to hear it.

Last night at church, before the service, the children presented a Christmas program. It was cute and fun and I’m glad to have been there and seen them. It’s always so sweet to see the kids. After their program, then we had our evening worship service which was a Christmas program, with three choirs singing. It was a great worship service. It even cooled down enough to be comfortable without air conditioning, which is a relief.

If I don’t get back to you before Christmas day, I do wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Margaret Mee and Me

I certainly spent the day yesterday in a different kind of way, especially so close to Christmas.  The Post Office Cultural Center has had an exposition of Margaret Mee’s watercolors for about a month and since it’s ending this week, Gabi, my art professor, asked me if I’d like to go with her. I had wanted to go, but for one reason or another, it just kept getting put off, so I jumped at the chance to have someone to go with me. I don’t particularly doing things alone. Even when I was single, I didn’t do much of that. I had to convince myself to get out and go, since once things turn hot here in Rio I turn into a hermit. And I am trying to battle against the tendency, as I don’t think it’s especially healthy. So, I took Gabi up on her offer, even though I had to go downtown on the Metro close to Christmas. The subway was VERY full on the way downtown and I had a long hot walk to the museum. I had never been there and was delighted to see how beautifully it’s been restored. It’s actually an amazing building, with a very cool elevator. There was great air conditioning (a nice plus) and a very nice bistro café.

Back to Margaret Mee… She is very famous among artists and botanists. She is an English woman (b. 1909) who came to Brazil in 1952 to teach art. She developed as one of the world’s great botanical illustrators. She travelled all over Brazil, especially the Amazon region, drawing flowers. She discovered a number of species that she was able to register. She specialized in Orchids and Bromeliads.

Her art is not only scientific, but tremendously artistic, a rare combination. Her watercolors just jump to life with vivid colors and their movement and transparency. I was absolutely enchanted with the display. To say I was drooling, wouldn’t be an exaggeration. It was neat to have Gabi with me to point out a lot of details that I would have missed. As I was looking at the display cases, one of the guards came over to tell me that at 6:30 there would be a guided tour and a distribution of the exposition catalogue. Even though it was early afternoon, we decided to hang around.

I am so glad we did. The museum curator gave the guided tour and there was so much wonderful information to be shared. The catalogue was so worth the wait. It is a beautiful book with all the illustrations we saw printed on high quality paper. I would have paid a lot for such a wonderful book and because of being there on this day, the book was a “prize”. Now, mind you neither Gabi or me knew that there would be the guided tour or free book, we just aimed for a day when we were both free.

When we finally got away from the museum, it was pouring rain. We ran under the marquis to catch the subway back home. Because of the time and the rain, it was so packed. I mean we were like smashed against the door. It reminded me of the trains in Japan where we were shoved on and packed in. By the time I got home, it was raining pretty hard, but I moved it along up the hill to the house. Glad I did, as upon arriving home, the heavens really, really opened up. The city was flooded and João was stuck at Church waiting for the waters to recede. Me, I was safely tucked into my house enjoying my new book on Margaret Mee. I surely wish you could sit down and look at it with me.