"Can I see an ID, please?"

Without a valid Driver’s License, I’ve had my (then brand-new) car parked in my garage for weeks. I’ve had to pass on ordering a beer or a margarita in a hot weekend because I left that yellow piece of paper at home – the one you must present with your “clipped-corner-ID”. I’ve had to go to the DMV so many times, this one grumpy lady started smiling at me - all in sympathy to the innumerous obstacles I faced for wanting to be behind the wheel, behind a glass of a cold one or just because I really didn’t have another way around it.

My hard times in HS - part 2

This text is part 2 of 2. Please read part 1 here.

After being bullied all throughout 5th grade (equivalent of 9th grade for American schools), my mom decided to transfer me to a bigger school. I then went to where my best friend Louise attended. (I mentioned she even came all the way from Brazil to see me a couple years ago. She's awesome!) The problem was that I was late in the transfer and, by then, her class was full. I had to be put in a different class. She was 6th grade C and I was now A. (Schools in Brazil are a little different. You don't get to pick your subjects. You're in a big group and everyone attends the same classes.)

Because we were so close (have always been since kindergarten), I knew pretty much all of her friends and was very excited to change schools, but once I entered the A class, knowing nobody, things changed quickly. The girls hated me from day one because I was cute. I know that for a fact since, later on, when we got over those issues, they confessed it to me. What a life!

My hard times in HS - part 1

When I was still in Middle School I was very popular. I had the most friends, some of the best grades, knew all the teachers and all this kind of stuff some kids effortlessly have. Kinda like some movie you'd see with some teenage drama (I love those, by the way.)

Then, when High School started, all my friends left our little school and moved on to bigger 1000's+ people institutions. I considered (my parents did) moving as well, but the teachers knew me, right? I had good grades and the school, even small, had a great way of teaching. We decided I'd stay.

(UN)interesting facts about myself #003

Another Friday is upon us and I have a lot planned for today, including going along with Chris' family to see Santa. My nieces and nephews have visited Santa at the MOA every year, ever since they were born, to give him their list in person. Then, of course, Santa comes to their house on the night of Christmas Eve. Very exciting!

This list relates some concerts I have ever been to (in the US), when I was younger and had lesser debts and used to go see live performances all the time. Now, not so much, even though I have U2 tickets for the upcoming year, here in Minneapolis. Looking forward to that!

This list is kind of in order of preference, but I wouldn't swear by it. Too many too good to pick favorites!

1. Smashing Pumpkins - Virgin Festival, Baltimore MD 2007 / St. Paul MN 2007 (click for pics)
2. Radiohead - Dallas TX 2008 (pics on Orkut)
3. Muse - New York NY 2007 (no pics, sorry!)
   

The Free Honeymoon Deal

A few years ago, when Chris, my now wonderful husband, and I were engaged, we went to a Wedding Fair to choose some vendors for the big day. I am somehow “lucky” with drawings and got awarded a free cruise vacation for two as long as I attended a presentation of some "amazing products", no purchase necessary. I thought it was fishy, so I called the place and inquired about the “prize”. They were very real and upfront and said there was no catch, just show up. I looked for some red flags but they seemed genuine, had an office location near me with a real address and were very polite on the phone. All good signs, I decided they would not dope me and steal one of my kidneys. Chris was on board, since we barely had money for the weeding, a free honeymoon seemed just dreamy.

The worst trip of my life - part 2: & Back

This text is part 2 of 2. Please read part 1 (There) here.

5 months had passed since I had last seen my family and friends, the beach and especially the heat of Recife. It was April and Minnesota was blooming beautifully, but not warm quite yet. Leaving anyone you love behind to meet others you also love is always bittersweet. I was anxious to go home and very sad to leave Chris again, but had no idea what was in store for me.

The worst trip of my life - part 1: There

I've lived here and back in Brazil quite a few times before moving for good. My family has visited me in many occasions and Chris has also made this trip more than the average person, I'm guessing. But no one can tell the stories I can. I dare you!

The Kung Fu Episode

This year Chris & I were invited by an awesome friend to take a Kung Fu class. She's been practicing it for years, along with her husband and kids. She also told me it wasn't easy, and I didn't take it for granted. But this is what happened: