Fear not Brazil, the Gringa is here...

As a teacher, I am constantly trying to be entertaining and engaging. I often say that I am not in the education business but the edu-tainment business. Why do I say this, because nothing is more depressing than trying to make something sound interesting while 25 thirteen year olds are yawning.

So, in the spirit of edu-tainment, I am always trying to use modern comparisons, story telling, being overly animated, you name it, I do it. I am more than okay looking like an idiot, if it makes the lesson stick. If I can keep their attention for 30 minutes, I have succeeded. Which is probably how this situation developed.

So, a couple of weeks ago, my 8th graders and I were discussing explorers, more specifically, Francisco Pizarro and his conquering of the Inca empire. We were discussing how he came in, kidnapped their leader, killed him, and then basically said, I am your ruler now.

And that is when the edu-tainment kicked in...

I looked at them and said, can you believe someone would be brave enough to do that? And in order to make a connection, I spontaneously said:

"It would be like me arriving in Brazil, heading over to Dilma's(the president) house, killing her and then hopping on Globo(like ABC or NBC), and saying fear not Brazil, the gringa is here."

The class immediately BURST into immense laughter. They thought it was hilarious, after I calmed them down, we talked a little more about it and then moved on... or so I thought.

It wasn't until the next day when I arrived for advisory class that I realized how funny they thought it really was.

As I was coming down the stairs, heading to my room, there was a big group of kids waiting for me, and as I said, sorry I am late, I heard about 15 people announce...

"Fear not, the gringa is here!"

It is has developed into a mantra for my room when I arrive, usually someone says it.

I kind of find it endearing. I mean it is sweet that they keep it up. But, on the other hand, I am kind of concerned how long this is going to go on. haha!

But, at the end of the day, I love that they learned something, that they care enough to tease me about it, and that they don't think I am just crazy!


DISCLAIMER: I simply used this as a class example. I will not be planning any attacks on anyone in Brazil, let alone Dilma. Brazilian jail is not for me!

Whoooo do I see.

Owls are kind of my thing. If I had to chose a favorite animal they would definitely be up there. I am sure my love of owls started in college. The owl was my sorority's mascot. It reminds me of a happy time, with wonderful friends. They just represent a little piece of my heart. People give me owls all the time. Owl ornaments, owl jewelry, owl socks, people know that I like them.

The parking lot at school is kind of weird. It has trees growing in it. I always think that parking there would be a nightmare. Lately, I have noticed that one of the trees has a little family of owls living in them. I come out, look at them, they look at me, and then we follow each others eyes until I have to walk up the stairs. It's kind of like they know that I am a big fan!

I love leaving school in the afternoons and seeing if they are there. So, please stick around owl family.
Your biggest fan,
Katie

Workin' on my fitness...and perceptions?!?

In the last month, I have had more and more of an inclination to be more physically fit. I am not sure why this is. Maybe it's because I brought back my SPIN clothes and shoes, maybe it's cause life has been so much easier in year 2. I'm not sure but it has definitely been nagging at me.

Several other people had also felt the same, so a couple of weeks ago Heather, Sue, and I went to the local gym to see what they had to offer. When they told us they were running a promotion, and that the membership was cheaper if you signed up by the end of the month, that added fuel, to my "I need to workout" fire.

Last week, Amy and I went to sign up, since pay day was right around the corner. We gave our information, paid our money, and made our doctor appointment. That's right made our appointment, with the doctor.

Ya know how in the US they always say, "please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or exercise regimen" here they don't ask...they require. I actually think this is a good thing. I mean it does seem like the wise thing to do. However, I wouldn't say that this medical exam would really tell you whether you can handle vigorous exercise. It was more of a "you are currently at this level of health, I think if you lost ____ kilos you would be at this level."

Amy, was brave and went first. He asked us about what we ate, how much we ate, took our blood pressure and heart rate.

Then he got into the good stuff....

He weighed us...

Measured our height...

And took our body measurements.

For the most part it was pretty simple... or so I thought.

Amy is a runner, so she went and started her run, when he began my physical. When he asked if I had any medical conditions, I was completely honest and told him I had epilepsy. WHAT A MISTAKE! He finished the exam and then came back to this and told me I needed a doctor's note. Confused, I asked why. He told me he was afraid I was going to hurt myself, that this is a serious condition. I told him that my doctor was in the US and even if I got one, he wouldn't be able to read it. I then told him I had not had a seizure in 15 years and that not only do I take medication, I know when the seizure will occur. To be honest, I was really insulted by this. I understand that epilepsy is a misunderstood condition, that he was trying to do what he felt was right, but it kind of was like a slap in the face. I hate when people are ignorant and view epilepsy the way it was viewed 75 years ago. I get it, back then, prior to medication, I may have been put away, but it's 2012 and I live a completely normal life. It just made me sad that people have perceptions of me like this.

Our big epilepsy debate lasted about 15 minutes. Luckily, between my broken Portuguese, google translate, and the fact that I am a gringa he decided to let me be an exception. But, I had to promise to make sure I was "well-taken care of" and to not forget my medication. However, I could tell as he signed the documents he still had a lot of reservations about it.

We then were connected with an English speaking trainer to make an appointment who will show us how we need to work out. Fortunately, he told us he only understood Canadian English, not American English. So, since Amy is lucky enough to be Canadian, she was able to translate. haha! This really made me laugh.

I did manage to get a small workout in before we left. Ironically, the machines were in English. I'm not sure if they were in Canadian or American English, but I was able to figure it out!

My Brazilian Bad Habits...

Every culture has things that are specific to their community which others from other communities might consider awkward, interesting or just down and out rude. Is either culture wrong...no. They are just the differences that make the world diverse.

While I was home this summer, I realized that I have developed some habits while in Brazil, that my fellow North Americans would view as rude. I received some rude looks, appeared as though as I was pompous, and basically had to be very aware of my gestures. It was backwards culture shock actually. What was this bad habit you may ask... I POINT MY FINGER!

In Brazil, or maybe just Brasilia, people point to add emphasis when saying no. Now, to be clear, it is a small gesture, where they wave their index finger back and forth.

It is not like this:

It is more like this except close to your body and lower down:

Here I use this a lot: to the street vendors who try to sell you jewelry while you're eating dinner, to my students when they ask me something and the answer will be no. I have no idea where I picked it up, but when someone wants to say no with some seriousness, it is definitely something, "some" people do.

Is it the worst habit to have, nah, it's not. But did some people back home look at me like I was a snot...yeah.

To be fair to myself, I have also developed more good habits here than bad. I eat more veggies, walk more, drink more water, go out more with friends, and live a more simple life. I don't want for as much while I am here. Cause if I can't get it, I just really don't need it.

All and all, the habits I've developed here, I am sure will eventually go away. Until then, I am going to keep living as part of this culture cause it has so many great things about it!

Back in the saddle again!

I've been back in the good ole BSB for a couple of weeks now and life has quickly gotten back into the day to day grind.

Being back for year 2 has been a lot different and in most ways easier than in the past. I feel like my Portuguese is much better and I think just knowing the "ropes" has made things feel...easy.

Since I've been back I have been crazy busy. The first week, I was able to spend time with the newbie group going to dinners and even a city tour. It was a lot of fun to get to experience some of the new-ness through them and I feel like I've made 10 new friends. :)

Dinner at Porcao. Got to love carne!

Inside the downtown cathedral. It was so pretty. I can't believe it took me a year to finally see it.

Dinner at Coco Bamboo's!

Enjoying a heart shaped Kibe with Ashleigh!

School has gotten back into the swing of things and with that, all my students have slowly made it back to school. Now, I am back to my normal life, ya know... dealing with shenanigans like this...

Oh the joys of working with teenagers. :)

Making Uncle Sam proud :)

Even though I am far from home, I am still doing my part to help out the American economy. I pay taxes, own a home, and when I come home, I shop to my hearts content. I've been pretty honest on this blog about my ability to shop. I'm really good at it. But, I really only shop twice a year. But, man when I come home and shop, I S-H-O-P! It feels like I pretty much buy something everyday. And with the Real to Dollar conversion kind of stinkin' for the US these days, it makes my shopping trips, shall we say...EXPENSIVE!

So, how much and what do I buy when I come home, you may ask. Well, here is a picture of some of the things I brought back with me.

There are so many random things that I brought back. Be it

Clothes

or

a new IPad

or

Salsa

or

Teen Magazines for two students who I adore

or

Flour Tortillas

or

Face Wash

or

Insect Repellent for the upcoming class trips

I bring a little bit of everything. Nothing is to silly, or cheap. Because when you don't have the luxury of getting it any time you want it or when you have the money. Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and buy it.

So, how much did this all weigh? Well, each bag weighed 70 pounds on the dot when I made it to the Delta ticket counter. Luckily, that is exactly what the weight limit is with Delta. Coincidence...I think not!!!

A busy little bee

I've been home for a couple of weeks and am still enjoying not getting up and going to work. But fear not, I have stayed busy. In fact, maybe a little too busy for the summer. :)

So, here is what's been going on...

The last week of school we all ate out a lot. Whether it was dinner to celebrate Hayes' wedding or dinners to say good-bye to friends. The last weeks were filled with excitement and sadness all at the same time. Teaching abroad entails that you become more than just friends with your co-workers. You socialize with them, depend on them, travel with them, and celebrate milestones and holidays. You're more like a family. So, saying good-bye to people not coming back seemed more difficult because you are more than just co-workers.

Somebody's going to Target!

Congrat's Hayes!

Wonderful gals!

Dinner at Porcao!

Kevin Collins gets a lot of love.

See what I mean.

Cheers!

Since I've been home, most of the excitement was related to my sisser, Neeley, and her wedding to my now brother from another mother, Tommy. Almost as soon as I landed in Nashville, I headed back to the airport and headed to Chicago. Her friends, Ann Claire and Leslie Ann, or CC and LA as I call them, headed to Chicago as well so we could have a girls weekend to celebrate the end of Neeley's life as a single lady. We had a good time, and it was great to spend time in one of my favorite cities, with my favorite person.

I also got to meet with Kristi and Meghan, who will be joining us at EAB in a few weeks. All in all, it has been a great start to summer, trips, weddings, friends, and shopping. I'll be leaving for Brazil in a couple of weeks, and I never thought I'd say this but I'm itching to get back to Brazil's cool temps. These 100 degree days are for the birds...