How can this be? I know where I grew up ... I loved my childhood & wouldn't change a thing given the chance. I've made my current house a HOME, and I love it. I am always comfortable there ... and never think of moving. But, when I think of Brazil, I almost cry. It's almost like I am homesick.
Corey and I got another CD from Brazil (Tribalistas) & it brings up such fond memories of our trip. I laugh & feel all warm inside remembering the smells, sounds, people, etc. But, then thinking about me not being able to return makes me cry. And then I wonder if I were to go back if it just wouldn't live up to my expectations. It's so strange!
Maybe it's just cause I was not looking forward to the trip & then to be so pleasantly surprised at, well, everything. Everything there just had such a profound effect on me - and I just feel like such a different person now. Nothing really changed for me. I didn't learn a language. I didn't drink a magic potion. I didn't gain or lose a family member there. But, for me, it was a life-changing experience.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
10 Year Reunion
This Friday is my 10 year reunion from high school. To be honest, it has been a difficult decision for me to make as to whether I will attend or not. I have been in contact recently with some of my long lost buddies & have had funny flashbacks of memories ... even found my letterman's jacket! I don't think Corey was so excited to have me wear it home from my parents house last night. :)
What are some of your favorite high school memories?
Here are a couple of mine:
1) I was a cheerleader & we did an American Gladiator pep-rally. Basically an athlete would competing against 2 of the cheerleaders. Well, Heather Beasley (who is now a boxer) was up against cute little Courtney LaRue. Court was all pumped, jumping around & saying "I can take her, I can take her ..." And when that whistle blew all I remember was LaRue's long black hair flying across her face & a little squeek that escaped her mouth as she was thrown to the ground.
2) Getting caught egging. Who could forget that?! The worst part was getting rear-ended by a crazy one-armed man, who had multiple outstanding warrants for assault and battery on various women. Best parts: Nat yelling that we should all pray & Heidi yelling "You could have killed us!" out the window.
3) Well, seems like all my high school memories have to do with cheerleading somehow. Like my advisor, Diana, getting caught in our dorm room (hiding in a closet) at cheer camp after hours. Playing quarters (with Snapple), trying to memorize a Snoop song all the way through, Bree getting hit on by an 80 year old in a speedo at Raging Waters (yuck!), re-enacting someone peeing in a sink, Heidi wanting a pet pterodactyl ... and the list could go on & on.
What are some of your favorite high school memories?
Here are a couple of mine:
1) I was a cheerleader & we did an American Gladiator pep-rally. Basically an athlete would competing against 2 of the cheerleaders. Well, Heather Beasley (who is now a boxer) was up against cute little Courtney LaRue. Court was all pumped, jumping around & saying "I can take her, I can take her ..." And when that whistle blew all I remember was LaRue's long black hair flying across her face & a little squeek that escaped her mouth as she was thrown to the ground.
2) Getting caught egging. Who could forget that?! The worst part was getting rear-ended by a crazy one-armed man, who had multiple outstanding warrants for assault and battery on various women. Best parts: Nat yelling that we should all pray & Heidi yelling "You could have killed us!" out the window.
3) Well, seems like all my high school memories have to do with cheerleading somehow. Like my advisor, Diana, getting caught in our dorm room (hiding in a closet) at cheer camp after hours. Playing quarters (with Snapple), trying to memorize a Snoop song all the way through, Bree getting hit on by an 80 year old in a speedo at Raging Waters (yuck!), re-enacting someone peeing in a sink, Heidi wanting a pet pterodactyl ... and the list could go on & on.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Questionaire
So, my friends challenged me to finish this questionaire. It's taken a while, but here it is ...
1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Searched? No. But, I did have a run in with them once … 4 cheerleaders gone egging. It’s actually kind of an intense (but hilarious) story.
2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster?
Nope, it makes it scarier, I think.
3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
5+ years ago when I was in MN. It’s the most exciting way to go down the “ski” slopes.
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
Can't sleep alone. If Corey’s gone – Pax has to sleep up on the bed!
5. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, I think.
6. Do you consider yourself creative?
I try. But, I think Quinn is the creative one of the fam.
7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
He was definitely behind it! If he didn’t do it himself, then he hired someone to do it.
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Jennifer Aniston. Angelina must have some disease … she’s just gross.
9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics?
I know that I am not the most up-to-date person when it comes to politics. But, I am a registered voter & I vote only for people/issues I have researched & feel comfortable with.
10. Do you know how to play poker?
Yep – just ask Quinn and all his college buddies! Anyone else need a loan?
11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
I tried once. And for the record, the combination of No Doze & Jolt does not work!
12. What's your favorite commercial?
The Job Builders commercials with the monkeys were the BEST! Probably cause I used to “work with a bunch of jackasses”. :)
13. Who was you first love?
My first love was probably Matt Davis. He told me once that he thought there was 2 real loves in life. One to teach you how to love & then the one you just love. He was my experience with learning how to love. And I just love Corey.
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light?
No way – what if there was a cop watching me from around the corner?
15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Yep – and that’s why it’s called a secret!
16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
Who cares?! Wait, is hottie Derek Jeter on the Yankees?
17. Have you ever been ice skating?
Yes. I took lessons when I was a kid.
18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Only when I am conflicted about something going on in my life (which is not very often anymore). I have a friend who analyzes dreams (I know, I didn’t believe it either) – but they really make sense once you look at it from a different perspective.
19. What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I was able to draw like my brother. I actually have to have an object in front of me in order to draw it, but he is able to just draw whatever whenever. He’s amazing.
20. What's the one thing on your mind?
Knitting & Yarn – sad, I know. Or Picinguaba (sigh!).
21. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Yes, unless I am just running to the store or to the church. But, my new car beeps every 30 seconds now, so I guess that will change.
22. Do you like Sushi?
Love it! But, I’m not too adventurous with it either.
23. What do you wear to bed?
My undies & sometimes pj bottoms.
24. Do you truly hate anyone?
Sadly, yes.
25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
Sure, pj parties would be fun with famous people! But, seriously, no. How could you be committed to someone, but only sometimes? … just doesn’t work!
26. Do you know anyone in jail?
I know a few people that have been in jail.
27. What food do you find disgusting?
Anything with mustard.
28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?
I mostly do it when they are around!
29. Have you ever been punched in the face?
Not on purpose. At least, not that I can remember. Although Mandy did punch me in the stomach once.
30. Do you believe in angels and demons?
Angels, yes. Bad people, yes. Would I say demons? – not necessarily.
Four jobs I've had:
Work for Wells Fargo in Risk Management
Worked for Wells Fargo in Corporate Trust Leasing
Worked for Wells Fargo doing business valuations
Worked in a couple different accounting offices
Boring! More interesting jobs include: ZCMI in the suit department, a produce shop & Applebee’s.
Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over:
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
You’ve Got Mail
Just Friends
Hitch
Four TV Shows I Love To Watch:
The Office
How I Met Your Mother
Medium (even though it scares me sometimes)
Dirty Jobs
Four Tunes That Play In My Head:
Telefone (Brazilian song) – and it makes me laugh (and almost cry) every time I hear it
Smashing Pumpkins “Eye”
Toya’s “Fiasco”
Oasis’ “Wonder Wall”
Four Favorite Food Dishes:
Pizza
Any seafood (except lobster), but especially salmon & shrimp
Mom’s Fried Chicken
And anything with ranch dressing
Four favorite colors:
Pink
Turquoise
Lime Green
Orange
Brown
Kelly Green
Red
Is that 4?!
1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Searched? No. But, I did have a run in with them once … 4 cheerleaders gone egging. It’s actually kind of an intense (but hilarious) story.
2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster?
Nope, it makes it scarier, I think.
3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
5+ years ago when I was in MN. It’s the most exciting way to go down the “ski” slopes.
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
Can't sleep alone. If Corey’s gone – Pax has to sleep up on the bed!
5. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, I think.
6. Do you consider yourself creative?
I try. But, I think Quinn is the creative one of the fam.
7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
He was definitely behind it! If he didn’t do it himself, then he hired someone to do it.
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Jennifer Aniston. Angelina must have some disease … she’s just gross.
9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics?
I know that I am not the most up-to-date person when it comes to politics. But, I am a registered voter & I vote only for people/issues I have researched & feel comfortable with.
10. Do you know how to play poker?
Yep – just ask Quinn and all his college buddies! Anyone else need a loan?
11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
I tried once. And for the record, the combination of No Doze & Jolt does not work!
12. What's your favorite commercial?
The Job Builders commercials with the monkeys were the BEST! Probably cause I used to “work with a bunch of jackasses”. :)
13. Who was you first love?
My first love was probably Matt Davis. He told me once that he thought there was 2 real loves in life. One to teach you how to love & then the one you just love. He was my experience with learning how to love. And I just love Corey.
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light?
No way – what if there was a cop watching me from around the corner?
15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Yep – and that’s why it’s called a secret!
16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
Who cares?! Wait, is hottie Derek Jeter on the Yankees?
17. Have you ever been ice skating?
Yes. I took lessons when I was a kid.
18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Only when I am conflicted about something going on in my life (which is not very often anymore). I have a friend who analyzes dreams (I know, I didn’t believe it either) – but they really make sense once you look at it from a different perspective.
19. What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I was able to draw like my brother. I actually have to have an object in front of me in order to draw it, but he is able to just draw whatever whenever. He’s amazing.
20. What's the one thing on your mind?
Knitting & Yarn – sad, I know. Or Picinguaba (sigh!).
21. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Yes, unless I am just running to the store or to the church. But, my new car beeps every 30 seconds now, so I guess that will change.
22. Do you like Sushi?
Love it! But, I’m not too adventurous with it either.
23. What do you wear to bed?
My undies & sometimes pj bottoms.
24. Do you truly hate anyone?
Sadly, yes.
25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
Sure, pj parties would be fun with famous people! But, seriously, no. How could you be committed to someone, but only sometimes? … just doesn’t work!
26. Do you know anyone in jail?
I know a few people that have been in jail.
27. What food do you find disgusting?
Anything with mustard.
28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?
I mostly do it when they are around!
29. Have you ever been punched in the face?
Not on purpose. At least, not that I can remember. Although Mandy did punch me in the stomach once.
30. Do you believe in angels and demons?
Angels, yes. Bad people, yes. Would I say demons? – not necessarily.
Four jobs I've had:
Work for Wells Fargo in Risk Management
Worked for Wells Fargo in Corporate Trust Leasing
Worked for Wells Fargo doing business valuations
Worked in a couple different accounting offices
Boring! More interesting jobs include: ZCMI in the suit department, a produce shop & Applebee’s.
Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over:
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
You’ve Got Mail
Just Friends
Hitch
Four TV Shows I Love To Watch:
The Office
How I Met Your Mother
Medium (even though it scares me sometimes)
Dirty Jobs
Four Tunes That Play In My Head:
Telefone (Brazilian song) – and it makes me laugh (and almost cry) every time I hear it
Smashing Pumpkins “Eye”
Toya’s “Fiasco”
Oasis’ “Wonder Wall”
Four Favorite Food Dishes:
Pizza
Any seafood (except lobster), but especially salmon & shrimp
Mom’s Fried Chicken
And anything with ranch dressing
Four favorite colors:
Pink
Turquoise
Lime Green
Orange
Brown
Kelly Green
Red
Is that 4?!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
July Round Up
Amanda & her sister-in-law do this every month - and I thought it was a good idea. Hope you enjoy it!
This is my round up for July!
Books I am reading:
Emma by Jane Austen
Does SuDoku count?
Movies and TV shows we watched:
Dirty Jobs – love this TV show! It's gross, but educational ... which somehow makes it entertaining, go figure!
Something’s Gotta Give
Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Mans Chest
Not Another Date Movie
School of Life
Kicking & Screaming
Special days we celebrated:
4th of July- party with some friends!
My birthday- Fried chicken, family & fun – can you beat it?!
Girls night - BBQ & fun at Bev's house
Grahams birthday- pizza, tropical drinks and cake, I’m still stuffed!
Fun things we did with our friends and family:
My family & I went up to the Oakley Rodeo, then spent the night in Midway. We always have a good time eating, getting lost & yelling at the cowboys!
Always love spending time with the girls & it was so nice of them to throw me a “surprise” birthday BBQ.
I also was able to go up & spend the day at Girl’s Camp. My Beehives are about the greatest girls. I sure do love them & glad they had fun – even when it was pouring rain!
New foods, restaurants and recipes we tried:
Well, I tried to cook fish with macadamia nuts, but it didn’t turn out as good as expected. It wasn’t horrible, but it will probably be a while before I try that again.
I’ve become addicted to these cooking shows (Take Home Chef & 30 Minute Meals) – so I have plenty that I want to try! Mom & I did make carmelized bananas, which were super easy! And so good over ice cream!
Special or Unusual purchases we made:
My new Ford Escape – love it!
And, just happy to be rid of the Subi.
This months accomplishments:
I am feeling really grown-up over buying the new car. It’s my first new, new car (not to be confused with a new, used car). I’ve been saving up for a big expenditure, and even though I don’t have quite enough to cover my part of the car I still take such pride in knowing that I have made a big contribution to it.
I’m also starting my third month in my new job & have learned 2 new types of deals (which were pretty hard!). Even though I wish I could be done with work sometimes (or all the time), I really feel like I am learning so much & that feels great!I’ve also completed a few more knitting projects! And, unfortunately I have started about 8 more … which I predict will not get completed for a long time!
Anything else noteworthy?
Geesh! Not really. I’ve made contact with some of my old friends from high school. My 10 year reunion is coming up in the next couple of weeks. Our class has a website where we can add our profiles & contact each other. So, it’s been nice to see what happened to everyone. But, nothing super excited. Wow, I’m boring! :)
This is my round up for July!
Books I am reading:
Emma by Jane Austen
Does SuDoku count?
Movies and TV shows we watched:
Dirty Jobs – love this TV show! It's gross, but educational ... which somehow makes it entertaining, go figure!
Something’s Gotta Give
Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Mans Chest
Not Another Date Movie
School of Life
Kicking & Screaming
Special days we celebrated:
4th of July- party with some friends!
My birthday- Fried chicken, family & fun – can you beat it?!
Girls night - BBQ & fun at Bev's house
Grahams birthday- pizza, tropical drinks and cake, I’m still stuffed!
Fun things we did with our friends and family:
My family & I went up to the Oakley Rodeo, then spent the night in Midway. We always have a good time eating, getting lost & yelling at the cowboys!
Always love spending time with the girls & it was so nice of them to throw me a “surprise” birthday BBQ.
I also was able to go up & spend the day at Girl’s Camp. My Beehives are about the greatest girls. I sure do love them & glad they had fun – even when it was pouring rain!
New foods, restaurants and recipes we tried:
Well, I tried to cook fish with macadamia nuts, but it didn’t turn out as good as expected. It wasn’t horrible, but it will probably be a while before I try that again.
I’ve become addicted to these cooking shows (Take Home Chef & 30 Minute Meals) – so I have plenty that I want to try! Mom & I did make carmelized bananas, which were super easy! And so good over ice cream!
Special or Unusual purchases we made:
My new Ford Escape – love it!
And, just happy to be rid of the Subi.
This months accomplishments:
I am feeling really grown-up over buying the new car. It’s my first new, new car (not to be confused with a new, used car). I’ve been saving up for a big expenditure, and even though I don’t have quite enough to cover my part of the car I still take such pride in knowing that I have made a big contribution to it.
I’m also starting my third month in my new job & have learned 2 new types of deals (which were pretty hard!). Even though I wish I could be done with work sometimes (or all the time), I really feel like I am learning so much & that feels great!I’ve also completed a few more knitting projects! And, unfortunately I have started about 8 more … which I predict will not get completed for a long time!
Anything else noteworthy?
Geesh! Not really. I’ve made contact with some of my old friends from high school. My 10 year reunion is coming up in the next couple of weeks. Our class has a website where we can add our profiles & contact each other. So, it’s been nice to see what happened to everyone. But, nothing super excited. Wow, I’m boring! :)
Thursday, July 27, 2006
More Picinguaba
Wow, it's been a long time since I've added stuff to my blog. Sorry!
I thought I would just add a couple more pictures of Picinguaba.
First is a view of the Pousada from the water (which is the only way you can really see it). You can see the white building with the wood deck around it, about a third of the way up the hill, right?
Here is a picture from the deck looking up at the inn. The windows you see are the front of the Pousada, specifically the dining room windows. 
This is a picture from inside the dining area. That 2 person table on the right hand side of this picture is where Corey & I would regularly eat our meals. It had the best view of the pool & the ocean. 
And this is the view from the dining room window! Love it. Wish I could have this view everyday! Do you think I could re-create this in the backyard?! :)
Here is a typical breakfast. ... fruits, cheeses, juices & the BEST breads!
I thought I would just add a couple more pictures of Picinguaba.
First is a view of the Pousada from the water (which is the only way you can really see it). You can see the white building with the wood deck around it, about a third of the way up the hill, right?
Here is a picture from the deck looking up at the inn. The windows you see are the front of the Pousada, specifically the dining room windows. This is a picture from inside the dining area. That 2 person table on the right hand side of this picture is where Corey & I would regularly eat our meals. It had the best view of the pool & the ocean. And this is the view from the dining room window! Love it. Wish I could have this view everyday! Do you think I could re-create this in the backyard?! :)Here is a typical breakfast. ... fruits, cheeses, juices & the BEST breads!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Hidden Beaches
Today we arranged to rent the Pousada's boat for an all day trip to a few different hidden beaches & a good snorkelling spot. I was hoping we would make it to something like this ... but, the weather didn't exactly cooperate. Regardless of the weather, this was a great little trip. There was only 5 people on the boat (us, another couple & the captain). Along the coast, there is like a billion different islands, so on our way out and back you pass tons of little landmasses. But, the farther out we got the more ominous it got also. 
At one point the captain told Corey that we were going to stop at another location, because if we went further we might not be able to anchor without getting tipped over. Turns out this other location was a beautiful little stretch of beach. It couldn't have been more than 200 yards long & was only about 25 feet wide I would guess. The captain rowed me & the German couple to the beach, while Corey was a little braver & swam in. We found a nice little spot to hang out and get some rays ... but not long after I settled in I had some visitors. These crazy crabs weren't scared of me at all - and one brave soul walked up within probably 8 feet of me. I must say that it's a little unnerving to have a bunch of wee beady eyes staring at you as you sunbathe.
But, the view from where we sat was incredible - like something out of a movie! 
After hanging out for a bit the captain thought we would have to head back to the Pousada. It's a good thing we left when we did, cause it got pretty rough out. When we got back it rained the rest of the afternoon. But, to tell you the truth, it almost added to the charm of Picinguaba. Everything is more beautiful there, I think.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Party in Paraty
Once we had finished horseback riding, we went into the nearest town, Paraty. This is an old colonial town, with lots of little shops & an old cobblestone road. Prisala had told me that because the roads are so bumpy that it makes you feel like you are drunk, because you feel off-balanced & have to watch every step you make. She was right! We stopped and ate something, then made our way down the cobbled streets & hit some of the shops (all of the colored doorways are entrances to shops). 
Once you reach the end of this street you hit the port & the more historic part of town.
Once you reach the end of this street you hit the port & the more historic part of town.
I love this picture ... you can understand why the roads are screwy now, no? The water from the port will wash under the walkways and flood the streets. 
Below are a couple of pictures of Corey at the port & in front of an old church. He seems to like getting his picture taken! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)