I have just noticed that virtually all my blog titles have an exclamation mark. Think I'm trying to make a point??? Don't you just love punctuation??? haha!
I did threaten to post more often, but I've gotten busy with my site again. I'm trying to iron out all the dead links and paths to nowhere. Do check it out. I'm getting tired of the splash page look, but nevertheless.... www.tintalasia.com. The part I was working on is the family albums. I'm trying to build up the courage (and ideas) to finish off the business pages. I'll get there yet. Will work on the Brazil albums next. I need to restore the albums I took off.
Hey.... did I tell you? The latest on our butcher/hairdresser. Bearing in mind, this is a 50-something 'pretty boy'. The other day, Tat was out with Jorge to the production agency. I went to the butcher to get something for supper. The only one serving was the hairdresser. With a sigh, I gave him my order (being rather nervous of the quality of his cuts) and turned to chat to the cashier, a really nice girl. She asked me where Tat was, as the two of us usually go shopping together. I told her Tat was working, an easier explanation for my Portuguese to handle. To cut the story short, it came out that Tat is a model and the girl wanted me to get Tat to take her photos to show her. Enter butcher/hairdresser: "I was a model!" What?! Our heads swung around at in his direction (not sure what we expected to see). Yes, he apparently used to model bathing costumes. I wish I had the whole event on film. Our faces (I assume my face reflected the cashier's look) must have been comical. On dropping his bombshell, he went back to his butchering. I wonder which career he will come up with next time I visit. I'm eager to go shopping again.
What's happening in our world? Jorge may be taking a trip to Lithuania in July. Tat tried hard, but not hard enough, to contain her excitement at the thought. Family we may be, but 6 years of living in each other's pockets without a break has taken its toll. I told her though, that by the end of his trip, she'll be pretty eager to be shot of my company too. For now, she's taken on another theater course, given by one of the top television producers here. It's a 3 year course that she'll be cramming somewhat. We'll see where that takes her. The agency is very impressed with her new portfolio. I only hope that future employers will be equally impressed.
Tat's birthday presents are all planned. I can't wait to see what she'll think of them!
Saturday, 18 February 2006
Saturday, 11 February 2006
I feel soooo small!!
I decided to 'enrich' my blogging 'experience' - in other words, lamely put, try to find a way to get people to read my blog. SCARY! I did a search on other blogs. Ok, so I knew there are gazillions of bloggers, with blogging being the 'in' thing to do, but I wasn't prepared for the enormity.
My feeble senses screamed 'too much already!' and I settled into a calmer browsing. Seems most blogs out there are business blogs. Now, I have nothing against business, but I do have a tendency to get very drowsy while browsing those (must be some form of allergic reaction). So..... I decided to just hit 'next' until I found something worth reading... I mean... really reading.
My first 'next' experience was http://sandi-pics.blogspot.com/
I love her photos. They're wacky and cool and speak volumes or am I just odd? I love the quotes and I love the notes. I 'specially love the 101 things to do. I may just have to copy that list, as I never get around to making a list of my own, never mind keeping it!
Onto the next 'next'. Could someone tell me how I can link to other bloggers without having to write a shpiel? << how on earth do I spell that anyway?
My feeble senses screamed 'too much already!' and I settled into a calmer browsing. Seems most blogs out there are business blogs. Now, I have nothing against business, but I do have a tendency to get very drowsy while browsing those (must be some form of allergic reaction). So..... I decided to just hit 'next' until I found something worth reading... I mean... really reading.
My first 'next' experience was http://sandi-pics.blogspot.com/
I love her photos. They're wacky and cool and speak volumes or am I just odd? I love the quotes and I love the notes. I 'specially love the 101 things to do. I may just have to copy that list, as I never get around to making a list of my own, never mind keeping it!
Onto the next 'next'. Could someone tell me how I can link to other bloggers without having to write a shpiel? << how on earth do I spell that anyway?
Butchered!!
Last Monday, Jorge went for a haircut to the same girlie he used before. Now, bear in mind, we live in what we call 'the village'. For a 'village', there are about 100 hairdressers, so one usually finds the hairdresser (or barber, but here they're usually unisex) quite empty.
Anyhow, Jorge gets to his hairdresser, only to find a queue a mile long, all guys. What's with that? So he goes banking and returns some time later to find the queue is longer. Jorge is not the world's best waiter.... er.... translates to 'one of the most impatient guys I know', so he decides to try another day. All three occasions he went there afterwards, the girl was either closed or queued. Ok, she gives a good haircut for guys.
Jorge, I must add at this point, is obsessed with his hair. The moment it gets beyond the 'convict' stage (my term for it), ie. extremely short, he's off to remow the sparse lawn. Frustrated, at this point, he decides to try a new hairdresser and pops in next door to the butcher on the corner where there is a smallish, but decent-looking hairdresser.
*fast forward to an hour later* Jorge arrives home. I take one look at him and gape. It is the worst haircut I have ever seen on a guy! Shorn, with little bits sticking out all over... no, not the new spiky fashion.... little bits! I was shocked. Jorge was disgusted. Tat found it amusing (wonder why).
*fast forward to a couple of days later* Jorge goes over to the pub as usual. An hour or more... or maybe a lot more, he comes home with a story. His 'hairdresser' is apparently the butcher's brother and is..... *** wait for it ***.... a butcher!!! He qualified as a butcher and later turned to hairdressing!
Gives new meaning to having your hair butchered..... ?!
Anyhow, Jorge gets to his hairdresser, only to find a queue a mile long, all guys. What's with that? So he goes banking and returns some time later to find the queue is longer. Jorge is not the world's best waiter.... er.... translates to 'one of the most impatient guys I know', so he decides to try another day. All three occasions he went there afterwards, the girl was either closed or queued. Ok, she gives a good haircut for guys.
Jorge, I must add at this point, is obsessed with his hair. The moment it gets beyond the 'convict' stage (my term for it), ie. extremely short, he's off to remow the sparse lawn. Frustrated, at this point, he decides to try a new hairdresser and pops in next door to the butcher on the corner where there is a smallish, but decent-looking hairdresser.
*fast forward to an hour later* Jorge arrives home. I take one look at him and gape. It is the worst haircut I have ever seen on a guy! Shorn, with little bits sticking out all over... no, not the new spiky fashion.... little bits! I was shocked. Jorge was disgusted. Tat found it amusing (wonder why).
*fast forward to a couple of days later* Jorge goes over to the pub as usual. An hour or more... or maybe a lot more, he comes home with a story. His 'hairdresser' is apparently the butcher's brother and is..... *** wait for it ***.... a butcher!!! He qualified as a butcher and later turned to hairdressing!
Gives new meaning to having your hair butchered..... ?!
Wednesday, 08 February 2006
Yay!!!
I've just gotten back from the Feds... yeah... my favourite stomping grounds lol I have finally gotten my RNE number (the foreigner's version of an ID number or social security number or whatever you guys would call it)! Yay! I get the actual card in around 2 months. Would you believe its taken 6 years to get this far???? Geez! And I have been married to a Brazilian for 20 years this year. Omg... I suddenly feel very old lol Its hot as hell (so what's new) and pouring with rain. I've just strolled in, have the fan on and am drip drying lol
Something that always amazes me and I think it always will. When it rains here, it rains and it rains big time! But, you know, a matter of half an hour after the rain stops, you can look at the streets and its as if it had never rained. Weird! Call it rapid evaporation.... very rapid!
I finally have part of our business site up - Seal Language Services. Do have a look. I would appreciate any comment and, naturally, some business lol Simply click on our logo below.
Something that always amazes me and I think it always will. When it rains here, it rains and it rains big time! But, you know, a matter of half an hour after the rain stops, you can look at the streets and its as if it had never rained. Weird! Call it rapid evaporation.... very rapid!
I finally have part of our business site up - Seal Language Services. Do have a look. I would appreciate any comment and, naturally, some business lol Simply click on our logo below.
Well... that's it from the peanut gallery for today. Have a great day!
Friday, 03 February 2006
Beauty and the rain
Yesterday was a truly delightful day! We rushed out to squeeze in a manicure, then onto the bus system, heading for the photographer's studio on 9 de Julho. An interesting place, to say the least. Very, very old... and tiny! There was no way I could stay with Tat. I half-heartedly tried to persuade them to let me stay, but the models would have been falling over me.
The photographer directed me to a 'tranquilo' lanchionette. Well... I fled a smoker who decided to light up at the next table, after which they tuned into some football match, while two macho's were demonstrating (with full vocals) some or the other fighting technique on the other side. The food was gross!
I then wafted for a walk down Av. São Sebastian... very much a commercial road without much in the line of useful commerce. Found a confetaria, which I visited later. I spent most of the afternoon (I was there from noon till 5pm) sitting on the appartment steps. At about 3pm, it started to rain, São Paulo style. All in all... fun :)
Tat tells me the portfolio went well. We'll see in a month when we get the photos. This portfolio was more for television and film, as opposed to her previous one, which was directed at the fashion world.
Attention Bob.... !! Corner pub photos Instead of piling all the photos in here, I put them on my site. Its definitely not the same place you remember. The current owner has only been there for three years. He says it was a pub under numerous owners and once was even a 'mercadoria' or whatever lol
The photographer directed me to a 'tranquilo' lanchionette. Well... I fled a smoker who decided to light up at the next table, after which they tuned into some football match, while two macho's were demonstrating (with full vocals) some or the other fighting technique on the other side. The food was gross!
I then wafted for a walk down Av. São Sebastian... very much a commercial road without much in the line of useful commerce. Found a confetaria, which I visited later. I spent most of the afternoon (I was there from noon till 5pm) sitting on the appartment steps. At about 3pm, it started to rain, São Paulo style. All in all... fun :)
Tat tells me the portfolio went well. We'll see in a month when we get the photos. This portfolio was more for television and film, as opposed to her previous one, which was directed at the fashion world.
Attention Bob.... !! Corner pub photos Instead of piling all the photos in here, I put them on my site. Its definitely not the same place you remember. The current owner has only been there for three years. He says it was a pub under numerous owners and once was even a 'mercadoria' or whatever lol
Monday, 30 January 2006
Call me!
Actually, don't call me. When the modem was hit, our phone line was also hit. When someone phones in, we get a 'blip' instead of a ringing phone. Bad news if you're more than halfway deaf or in another room. We called Telefonica who argued the toss for an hour or so that it was the phone unit. It took that time to convince them that we had, in fact, already replaced the phone unit, thinking that it was the unit that was faulty. Well... we're still waiting for the repair guy that was arriving 'within the hour'. Guess its the same all over, huh?
Aldo is here. Jorge will be typing his CV out for him. He has back trouble and the orthoped says he needs surgery. What is his problem? Sciatica! I've been trying to convince him to go to a chiro, but he's apparently tried accupuncture and feels that is his limit in 'alternative medicine'. I can do no more.
Aldo is here. Jorge will be typing his CV out for him. He has back trouble and the orthoped says he needs surgery. What is his problem? Sciatica! I've been trying to convince him to go to a chiro, but he's apparently tried accupuncture and feels that is his limit in 'alternative medicine'. I can do no more.
Sunday, 29 January 2006
Great weather for ducks!
Its raining.. its pouring... the old man is being a pain... Oops! Sorry Jorge..... he did make coffee, so I can't complain :)
Yes, it is raining (you noticed?), so we're not traipsing anywhere today. Might even get some work done lol
My dear friend, Suzanne sent me a Hallmark card. She's such a honey..... always there for everyone. The card was just a 'I'm thinking of you' - its the kind of thing she does. I loved the words though: "Life is an adventure... seize the moment". So true! Thanks Suzanne!!! Luv you too!
Yes, it is raining (you noticed?), so we're not traipsing anywhere today. Might even get some work done lol
My dear friend, Suzanne sent me a Hallmark card. She's such a honey..... always there for everyone. The card was just a 'I'm thinking of you' - its the kind of thing she does. I loved the words though: "Life is an adventure... seize the moment". So true! Thanks Suzanne!!! Luv you too!
Green green grass... wish I could save smells!
The day started badly... we woke up late and had no idea where to go to. For me that is bad. I like to have the whole route planned, cooler box packed, all the little travel extras stashed... but not this time. 10:30am we rolled out of here with a vague idea of going north-westish - being the only area that didn't have rain forecast. Time is running short. Anne will be back on Tuesday, so this is our last weekend with the car and the chance to see the world at our leisure.
We headed out through Jundiaí, which isn't far out of São Paulo. That's where Emilia has her restaurant. From there, we took the road to Itatiba, then Morungaba, Amparo (wow! It has changed soooo much!) and finally on to Serra Negra. It was our intention to go as far as Aguas de Lindoya, but we only made it to Lindoya. I was feeling so lousy by then that we turned back and stopped in Serra Negra. I haven't been car sick in many years. May have had something to do with a lack of food and chance to visit the jaz.
We browsed through the little shops at Serra Negra. Its a charming town where they grow bougainvillea over the streets. The shops are delightful, though there is an overabundance of knitwear. Any outifit you like, you can find knitted finely in Serra Negra. The same goes for leatherwork. Gorgeous jackets, belts of every kind, bags... you name it. We had trouble finding a place to eat, as it was way after lunch.... almost 4pm. We eventually had 'pastel' at one of the eating places. It was nice enough. Mine was filled with mielie (milho or corn) and requeijão (a type of creamy cream cheese). We bought a few t-shirts. Tat and I bought really large ones to use as sleep shirts. Jorge bought shirts related to beer drinking - wonder why??? haha!
The trip home was uneventful. Jorge has rushed over to the pub to show off his find. We now have to clean up and maybe I'll play a while till I'm tired enough to fall off the chair. I did a photo repair tonight. I'm not happy with the result. Perhaps I'll fiddle with it again tomorrow when I'm fresher. I must still upload today's film and photos. I'm sure there are a few nice shots for my site
We headed out through Jundiaí, which isn't far out of São Paulo. That's where Emilia has her restaurant. From there, we took the road to Itatiba, then Morungaba, Amparo (wow! It has changed soooo much!) and finally on to Serra Negra. It was our intention to go as far as Aguas de Lindoya, but we only made it to Lindoya. I was feeling so lousy by then that we turned back and stopped in Serra Negra. I haven't been car sick in many years. May have had something to do with a lack of food and chance to visit the jaz.
We browsed through the little shops at Serra Negra. Its a charming town where they grow bougainvillea over the streets. The shops are delightful, though there is an overabundance of knitwear. Any outifit you like, you can find knitted finely in Serra Negra. The same goes for leatherwork. Gorgeous jackets, belts of every kind, bags... you name it. We had trouble finding a place to eat, as it was way after lunch.... almost 4pm. We eventually had 'pastel' at one of the eating places. It was nice enough. Mine was filled with mielie (milho or corn) and requeijão (a type of creamy cream cheese). We bought a few t-shirts. Tat and I bought really large ones to use as sleep shirts. Jorge bought shirts related to beer drinking - wonder why??? haha!
The trip home was uneventful. Jorge has rushed over to the pub to show off his find. We now have to clean up and maybe I'll play a while till I'm tired enough to fall off the chair. I did a photo repair tonight. I'm not happy with the result. Perhaps I'll fiddle with it again tomorrow when I'm fresher. I must still upload today's film and photos. I'm sure there are a few nice shots for my site
Thursday, 26 January 2006
Guns!
Our road is full of them! Ok... just cops, but the cops here are the 'ride-em cowboy' type, hanging out the car window pow-powing down the road. For now, these are peacefully standing around.
Tat, packed with the charm and grace (did I just say 'grace'?), strolled over, smiled her dazzling smile at the cop and found out what all the intrigue was about.... A flat tyre! The cop smiled sweetly back and said, "There's no problem... yet". Oh? Well, apparently, the van with the flat tyre is only full of convicts. Haha! So, just for today, we have the most dangerous and safest street in the city.
Can someone tell me why no one has changed that tyre yet? Makes you wonder....
Tat, packed with the charm and grace (did I just say 'grace'?), strolled over, smiled her dazzling smile at the cop and found out what all the intrigue was about.... A flat tyre! The cop smiled sweetly back and said, "There's no problem... yet". Oh? Well, apparently, the van with the flat tyre is only full of convicts. Haha! So, just for today, we have the most dangerous and safest street in the city.
Can someone tell me why no one has changed that tyre yet? Makes you wonder....
Its summer, ok?!
Just in case no one noticed, its summer here. I don't even want to think in terms of what the temp is. I just know it feels as tho someone left the heater on for too long. The fan is doing pretty well circulating the hot air. Its one of those incredibly hot, listless days.
We had to go into town yesterday to get a new modem. It was rather amusing for a while seeing everyone scurrying around looking for something to do. Incredible how we now take the presence of the internet so for granted.
It rained again, very briefly, this afternoon. It hasn't cooled the place down. We braai'ed (bbq'd) some pork chops this evening with roasted garlic, roasted onion, baked potato and salad... I'm full, but craving a desert.
Hey.... ain't I just soooo good!? I actually posted in here two days running... I'm impressed with myself *grins*
We had to go into town yesterday to get a new modem. It was rather amusing for a while seeing everyone scurrying around looking for something to do. Incredible how we now take the presence of the internet so for granted.
It rained again, very briefly, this afternoon. It hasn't cooled the place down. We braai'ed (bbq'd) some pork chops this evening with roasted garlic, roasted onion, baked potato and salad... I'm full, but craving a desert.
Hey.... ain't I just soooo good!? I actually posted in here two days running... I'm impressed with myself *grins*
Wednesday, 25 January 2006
New beginnings
Ok, I know I tend to waffle. Did I mention our new house? We did finally move. We're now living in the Lithuanian community. I call it 'the village'. In fact, we all call it 'the village'. In the 'praça' or square (its actually round) at the center, the old men play draughts or dominoes. They can be found there any day, except when the weather is foul.
We have everything available to us. Shopping in town, I think, is more out of habit than anything else. I think I'm becoming a recluse. I no longer teach. It simply takes too long to get in to students. To spend 2 - 3 hours travelling there for a 1 1/2 hour class, then to head back... its just not worth it. I need to get Seal Services rolling properly to pay our way.
The house itself is bright and sunny and clean. Its not enormous, but big enough for us. Its so light. Believe it or not, the plants are thriving. That's another story.... the plants...
We went back to the old house one week after we'd moved out to collect some mail. Not a word of a lie... every plant in the garden was stone dead. Now you have to understand, I never put any effort in at all... just let it grow. It was known as 'the jungle'. The theory goes that once we had left, whatever was sapping all the joy from the people turned on the plants.
Anyhow... I digress...
My herbs are thriving. I need to harvest tomorrow. I think a trip to the nursery is in order. It won't be tomorrow, as its São Paulo's birthday
We have everything available to us. Shopping in town, I think, is more out of habit than anything else. I think I'm becoming a recluse. I no longer teach. It simply takes too long to get in to students. To spend 2 - 3 hours travelling there for a 1 1/2 hour class, then to head back... its just not worth it. I need to get Seal Services rolling properly to pay our way.
The house itself is bright and sunny and clean. Its not enormous, but big enough for us. Its so light. Believe it or not, the plants are thriving. That's another story.... the plants...
We went back to the old house one week after we'd moved out to collect some mail. Not a word of a lie... every plant in the garden was stone dead. Now you have to understand, I never put any effort in at all... just let it grow. It was known as 'the jungle'. The theory goes that once we had left, whatever was sapping all the joy from the people turned on the plants.
Anyhow... I digress...
My herbs are thriving. I need to harvest tomorrow. I think a trip to the nursery is in order. It won't be tomorrow, as its São Paulo's birthday
I'm no liar!
I said I was no good at diaries, blogs, journals, etc, etc and its soooo true! Here I am... months and months away from the last blog with too much to say and thus.... not nearly enough.
Yesterday, Monday, Jan 24th, storm broke over us and blew the modem. Now we know how this family reacts to internet downtime hahaha!
On Sunday, T had her boyfriend here. They washed the 3 dogs, Dingo, Romany and Rover. Dingo is calmer now and actually stops moving for a few seconds at a time. We do need to find her a home though.
Friday... J is trying to find his roots. Now, can someone tell me what good it does us to know that his forebears were coffee barons who could afford to donate the land for the establishing of a town??? Ok, so its done his ego the world of good, so I guess I shouldn't complain.
Whoever heard of a town called 'Holy spirit of the pines' - Espirito Santo do Pinhal. Then there's Santo Antonio do Jardim. Apparently the old duck donated her garden area and dedicated it to Saint Anthony.
:::Catching up on the 2005 - 2006 news:::
Maluco disappeared in November. I still miss him. My fear is that he was caught in the kite strings or trapped or poisoned. Why do I even think of these things?? Life goes on...
We got all three of our police clearance certificates from Brazil and finally got the one from SA. Whew! What a performance!!! Its all 'go' now.
I got a handycam for Xmas. Not sure I want one. My little Canon powershot suits me so nicely and I do so love showing photos. Perhaps once I've learnt the ins and outs of the video software, I'll like it better.
A and I and the kids went to Hopi Hari. My camera wouldn't work for some reason. We call came home looking like broiled lobsters. A was terrified in the catacombes. She clung to me like crazy. I only found out afterwards that she is virtually blind in the dark hahaha!!! I'm getting braver and braver.... I even went on the foefie slide (ok... I'm NOT translating that lol)
Will someone please remind me to post again before another year goes by?
Yesterday, Monday, Jan 24th, storm broke over us and blew the modem. Now we know how this family reacts to internet downtime hahaha!
On Sunday, T had her boyfriend here. They washed the 3 dogs, Dingo, Romany and Rover. Dingo is calmer now and actually stops moving for a few seconds at a time. We do need to find her a home though.
Friday... J is trying to find his roots. Now, can someone tell me what good it does us to know that his forebears were coffee barons who could afford to donate the land for the establishing of a town??? Ok, so its done his ego the world of good, so I guess I shouldn't complain.
Whoever heard of a town called 'Holy spirit of the pines' - Espirito Santo do Pinhal. Then there's Santo Antonio do Jardim. Apparently the old duck donated her garden area and dedicated it to Saint Anthony.
:::Catching up on the 2005 - 2006 news:::
Maluco disappeared in November. I still miss him. My fear is that he was caught in the kite strings or trapped or poisoned. Why do I even think of these things?? Life goes on...
We got all three of our police clearance certificates from Brazil and finally got the one from SA. Whew! What a performance!!! Its all 'go' now.
I got a handycam for Xmas. Not sure I want one. My little Canon powershot suits me so nicely and I do so love showing photos. Perhaps once I've learnt the ins and outs of the video software, I'll like it better.
A and I and the kids went to Hopi Hari. My camera wouldn't work for some reason. We call came home looking like broiled lobsters. A was terrified in the catacombes. She clung to me like crazy. I only found out afterwards that she is virtually blind in the dark hahaha!!! I'm getting braver and braver.... I even went on the foefie slide (ok... I'm NOT translating that lol)
Will someone please remind me to post again before another year goes by?
Monday, 30 May 2005
2% social calendar
That's how A described my social life.... 2% LOL Hers is 1% more due to official engagements. She came over today - subject: padded butts and boob jobs
Weather was remarkably perfect today. Bright sunny skies, gentle breeze, occasional candy-floss clouds. Warm, not hot. Mild in the evening. And I'm going to get me a kettie and shoot that yapping dog!
Spent the evening on MSN messenger with T, who, btw, is sitting no more than 2 meters away from me. What fun. We had ovamaltine.
I'm off to wash the dishes and get to bed. Have another 'confrontation' with the law tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed (for that matter... everything crossed, even my eyes)
Weather was remarkably perfect today. Bright sunny skies, gentle breeze, occasional candy-floss clouds. Warm, not hot. Mild in the evening. And I'm going to get me a kettie and shoot that yapping dog!
Spent the evening on MSN messenger with T, who, btw, is sitting no more than 2 meters away from me. What fun. We had ovamaltine.
I'm off to wash the dishes and get to bed. Have another 'confrontation' with the law tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed (for that matter... everything crossed, even my eyes)
Sunday, 29 May 2005
A Saturday night
T and I are sitting at the pc's. She's on messenger and playing with graphics - manga, to be precise. She's just made us our nightly cup of coffee. Its just after midnight. I would love to put my headphones on the way she does, but then I miss the action in the street. There's a huge group of 'jovens' going around causing mischief. They seem to be associated with the crowd in the appartments across the road. I'm worried that they'll do something to the dogs. The were heading to the gate earlier when I showed my face. Then there was the idiot who had to stop his fancy car to go to the toilet against our post. I said something to the effect of, "hey dog, don't you have toilets in your house?" I was fortunate this time... he was suitably embarrassed and moved off after apologising profusely. They're not all like that. I have on occasion 'washed the filth off my sidewalk'. It frustrates me that we have to switch the water off at night, but its no good trying to sort out the leak under the house when we'll be moving in a few months.
A came over today. We listened to music and told stories of when we were kids and when our kids were little. It was pleasant. J went across to get beer and stayed there. He hates these all-female gatherings lol
I'm glad A came over. We were both, J and I, feeling very depressed today after yesterday's letdown. A makes me laugh... that is good
A came over today. We listened to music and told stories of when we were kids and when our kids were little. It was pleasant. J went across to get beer and stayed there. He hates these all-female gatherings lol
I'm glad A came over. We were both, J and I, feeling very depressed today after yesterday's letdown. A makes me laugh... that is good
Saturday, 28 May 2005
A brush with the law
Hm... I'll still get the hang of this darn blog thing. I had typed reams (felt like it) when I decided to do a spell check. All my typing was promptly wiped out *rolls eyes and would like to swear but good sense says it won't achieve anything*
We went to the Federal police today to get my Brazilian residency. To give them some credit, the whole place was clean and gave a good impression, unlike my 'fond' memories of Home Affairs. I wish their efficiency matched. J has been there countless times to check that the documents we are presenting are correct. A year ago, they said I need a police clearance certificate from SA. I have one, but its expired now. Apparently they're only valid for 2 years. After a year of really struggling to get that darn certificate and not succeeding (a very long subject for another day when I'm calmer about it), they tell us it isn't necessary. Ok... so we only delayed a year... what's the fuss??? *mutters a few choice words* This morning early, Jorge went in, presented the whole pile of documents and heard what we've been waiting for: "perfect". Woohoo! So we all traipse in looking like a picture of 'happy families' with smiles that would charm a dragon off its egg (gee, that's corny!). We present this 3 inch thick wad of papers. Everything is perfect. Then she asks for proof of payment and Lo! We're gonged out! The proof of payment is in J's name, not mine. I ask you.... ! Now we have to pay again (in my name, of course), then apply to the Federal police for a refund of the original payment, which is a process in itself requiring proof of address, proof of ID, proof of mother, father and grandparent's ID's, proof you wash your underwear regularly... and so on. Six months later, we might see the money. Hope we get it before we move on for greener pastures.
Can I say 'deflated'? I was so hyped up at finally getting this far, only to be stumped at the end. We got home, I thrashed the dog for digging, went into the bathroom and cried. Ok, so I'm soft, but 6 years of waiting has taken its toll.
More on documentation. My very dear friend is using her contact at Foreign affairs in SA to get the police clearance certs, which we need for Canada. I think we had better apply for local ones too - wonder how long that takes. I'll do it as soon as I have my RG in hand.
By the way... I mentioned www.sacanada.org... Its wonderful! The people are super and the help and support is invaluable!
Tomorrow morning, I'm going with A to do some shopping. She needs fencing to keep her dog from digging in the garden. Then I want to take her to a clothing shop I just heard of. She may be able to impress the new CG by taking her there lol Hope we don't get lost! hahaha!
We went to the Federal police today to get my Brazilian residency. To give them some credit, the whole place was clean and gave a good impression, unlike my 'fond' memories of Home Affairs. I wish their efficiency matched. J has been there countless times to check that the documents we are presenting are correct. A year ago, they said I need a police clearance certificate from SA. I have one, but its expired now. Apparently they're only valid for 2 years. After a year of really struggling to get that darn certificate and not succeeding (a very long subject for another day when I'm calmer about it), they tell us it isn't necessary. Ok... so we only delayed a year... what's the fuss??? *mutters a few choice words* This morning early, Jorge went in, presented the whole pile of documents and heard what we've been waiting for: "perfect". Woohoo! So we all traipse in looking like a picture of 'happy families' with smiles that would charm a dragon off its egg (gee, that's corny!). We present this 3 inch thick wad of papers. Everything is perfect. Then she asks for proof of payment and Lo! We're gonged out! The proof of payment is in J's name, not mine. I ask you.... ! Now we have to pay again (in my name, of course), then apply to the Federal police for a refund of the original payment, which is a process in itself requiring proof of address, proof of ID, proof of mother, father and grandparent's ID's, proof you wash your underwear regularly... and so on. Six months later, we might see the money. Hope we get it before we move on for greener pastures.
Can I say 'deflated'? I was so hyped up at finally getting this far, only to be stumped at the end. We got home, I thrashed the dog for digging, went into the bathroom and cried. Ok, so I'm soft, but 6 years of waiting has taken its toll.
More on documentation. My very dear friend is using her contact at Foreign affairs in SA to get the police clearance certs, which we need for Canada. I think we had better apply for local ones too - wonder how long that takes. I'll do it as soon as I have my RG in hand.
By the way... I mentioned www.sacanada.org... Its wonderful! The people are super and the help and support is invaluable!
Tomorrow morning, I'm going with A to do some shopping. She needs fencing to keep her dog from digging in the garden. Then I want to take her to a clothing shop I just heard of. She may be able to impress the new CG by taking her there lol Hope we don't get lost! hahaha!
Monday, 23 May 2005
Grey Day
Republishing an old'ish' post
Its been raining rather enthusiastically this afternoon. Every little pin-hole in the roof has decided to show its true colours by opening up to the heavens. I'm on bucket-rotation-and-mopup duty. Oh for a house that isn't falling apart!! How does the song go? "O-oh, oh no don't let the rain come down. My roof's got a hole in it and I might drown..."Seems I'm no better at blogging or online journalling than I am at keeping pen-and-paper diaries. Too bad. Here is a rather irregular instalment anyway.I found a really nifty site - http://www.sacanada.org/.
Loads of immigration info there! Might even meet a few worthy folk. Its reminded me again of my quest. I need to focus on our plans. We gave our copy of our police clearance certificate to Anne today. She's going to send it on to her contact. Hopefully, this time will make a difference. Considering I'm probably one of the most unpolitical people I know, our lives seem to be ruled by politics lately. I will not let politics ruin our dreams!!Seems everyone is affected by this grey weather. I'm loving it because its cooler (at last), but the mood around here is grey... all the way through. We're trying though.My current desktop:"To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning,It is to trust that miracles happen and dreams really do come true"I'm putting together quite a collection of desktops. I may even put them up on my site for download when I can work up the enthusiasm. Till tomorrow then... or whenever!
Its been raining rather enthusiastically this afternoon. Every little pin-hole in the roof has decided to show its true colours by opening up to the heavens. I'm on bucket-rotation-and-mopup duty. Oh for a house that isn't falling apart!! How does the song go? "O-oh, oh no don't let the rain come down. My roof's got a hole in it and I might drown..."Seems I'm no better at blogging or online journalling than I am at keeping pen-and-paper diaries. Too bad. Here is a rather irregular instalment anyway.I found a really nifty site - http://www.sacanada.org/.
Loads of immigration info there! Might even meet a few worthy folk. Its reminded me again of my quest. I need to focus on our plans. We gave our copy of our police clearance certificate to Anne today. She's going to send it on to her contact. Hopefully, this time will make a difference. Considering I'm probably one of the most unpolitical people I know, our lives seem to be ruled by politics lately. I will not let politics ruin our dreams!!Seems everyone is affected by this grey weather. I'm loving it because its cooler (at last), but the mood around here is grey... all the way through. We're trying though.My current desktop:"To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning,It is to trust that miracles happen and dreams really do come true"I'm putting together quite a collection of desktops. I may even put them up on my site for download when I can work up the enthusiasm. Till tomorrow then... or whenever!
Tuesday, 29 March 2005
Ilhabela - or something like that
We were meant to leave this morning at 7:30am. Well.... Anne pitched up here at 10am. Good start lol Then we got lost trying to get out of São Paulo. Gee... this city is confusing!!! I'm so used to navigating from bus stop to bus stop and recognising places from my perch in the bus. Navigating around the intricacies of SP roads and rodovarios is... uh... somewhat beyond my skills lol especially with a friend who makes decisions on where to go long before the spot is found on the map. Well, unlike men (hehe) we asked directions and eventually found ourselves on the road to Santos (that's where she believed we were meant to be headed). Tunnels... tunnels.... The one was 4km long and there were about 5 of them. The on-the-road scenery would have been stunning if it weren't raining. Note here... the weather forcast said 26°C and clear skies over Ilhabela, which is why we persevered.
Blow me down if we didn't get lost in Santos too. We took a ferry (great fun) to Guarulhos (Brazilians out there... please excuse my spelling of these places), got lost in Guarulhos, made our way back and by 1:30pm, we were finally on our way to Ilhabela. The weather report didn't lie.... over Ilhabela - I think a spot of around 4 sq meters - the sky was clear! We took another ferry across to the island. I think I like ferries :) By the time we got onto the island, it was late afternoon and too late for decent exploring, but now we know (I think) where to go next time.
The road home. We took a different road, apparently very scenic. I think the 'powers that be' decided to 'water the garden' and they had one of those high pressure hoses. For most of the twisty-turny pass up the mountain and down the other side, we travelled at maximum 40km/hour as we couldn't see where we were going. Nail-biting stuff. Fortunately, the road itself was pretty good. I need to get the photos off my camera and uploaded still. Will deal with that tomorrow when I can think clearly again.
We arrived home to a closed up house. Jorge was snoring away, so I booted him 'awake' and asked him why he couldn't at least leave the place open for us. He muttered something about leaving a night light on for me (we don't have a night light - turned out to be the pc screen he'd left on). He then turned over and was muttering about fire-flies. Go figure! lol
Blow me down if we didn't get lost in Santos too. We took a ferry (great fun) to Guarulhos (Brazilians out there... please excuse my spelling of these places), got lost in Guarulhos, made our way back and by 1:30pm, we were finally on our way to Ilhabela. The weather report didn't lie.... over Ilhabela - I think a spot of around 4 sq meters - the sky was clear! We took another ferry across to the island. I think I like ferries :) By the time we got onto the island, it was late afternoon and too late for decent exploring, but now we know (I think) where to go next time.
The road home. We took a different road, apparently very scenic. I think the 'powers that be' decided to 'water the garden' and they had one of those high pressure hoses. For most of the twisty-turny pass up the mountain and down the other side, we travelled at maximum 40km/hour as we couldn't see where we were going. Nail-biting stuff. Fortunately, the road itself was pretty good. I need to get the photos off my camera and uploaded still. Will deal with that tomorrow when I can think clearly again.
We arrived home to a closed up house. Jorge was snoring away, so I booted him 'awake' and asked him why he couldn't at least leave the place open for us. He muttered something about leaving a night light on for me (we don't have a night light - turned out to be the pc screen he'd left on). He then turned over and was muttering about fire-flies. Go figure! lol
Monday, 28 March 2005
Sunday - March 27th
We went to Anne's today for lunch and her traditional Easter egg hunt. We actually had hot cross buns and chocolate coated marshmallow easter eggs!! Wow!! She got G to bring them to Brazil when he came over on Thursday. Poor Anne fell on Thursday too and is very obviously sore. For lunch, we had chicken she had baked in a sauce of mayonnaise and chutney. Deeevine! Of course, Jorge was horrified because its sweet and sour and had raisins in to boot lol but he ate without complaining. The Mousse de maracujá and milk tart went over well, except for the kiddo that insisted on mushing his milk tart, mousse (two totally different flavours) together with, of all things, spring onion flavoured crisps!! Eeew!! All in all, it was a lovely day. We paid a fortune in taxi fare though because 'certain people' refuse to use maps... ugh!
Ah... on yesterday's 'entertainment'. I made the Winter pasta recipe. I liked it, but it wasn't rave review stuff. We found out afterwards that Tat's boyfriend was horrified because they've gone vegetarian at home and then to find no meat in his pasta here lol He seemed to enjoy the milk tart, but then who doesn't enjoy milk tart??
Enough for today. In the morning, if the weather is fine, we'll be going to Ilhabela. Better make sure my camera batteries are charged and the memory is clear :)
Ah... on yesterday's 'entertainment'. I made the Winter pasta recipe. I liked it, but it wasn't rave review stuff. We found out afterwards that Tat's boyfriend was horrified because they've gone vegetarian at home and then to find no meat in his pasta here lol He seemed to enjoy the milk tart, but then who doesn't enjoy milk tart??
Enough for today. In the morning, if the weather is fine, we'll be going to Ilhabela. Better make sure my camera batteries are charged and the memory is clear :)
Saturday, 26 March 2005
Quiet Saturday
Tat's boyfriend is coming over and I'm serving Winter pasta - its part of my menu mailer and sounds delish. I'll check in later to give a report. For desert, we'll have milk tart - yummy! I need to make the desert for tomorrow when we go to Anne's for the easter egg hunt. I'll make double milk tart and take the second one with and I'm making Mousse de maracujá or Grenadella mousse. Its delish and so easy to make. You just take a can of condensed milk, same quantity of cream and grenadella (passion fruit) pulp (without the pips) and beat them together in the liquidiser. Pop it into the fridge to set and you're done.
House is tidy... Tat is busy with origami and Jorge is burning cd's. The dogs are sleeping, Maluco is out hunting - or whatever it is that he goes off to do lol and Specs is curled up in her box. Kind of Saturday I like :)
House is tidy... Tat is busy with origami and Jorge is burning cd's. The dogs are sleeping, Maluco is out hunting - or whatever it is that he goes off to do lol and Specs is curled up in her box. Kind of Saturday I like :)
Friday, 25 March 2005
Brazil - 05 March 2005
Good a time as any to have a blog lol
We're starting to clear out the house in preparation for the big move. We got rid of the clothe's horse today and a lot of Tatiana's clothes that she's... uh... grown out of. I need to get my websites updated, but got sidetracked by Pete's blog... thus this entry.
We're full of plans for the future today. Life is good.... barring my aching back and Tat's sprained finger LOL
Hugz
Tint~
We're starting to clear out the house in preparation for the big move. We got rid of the clothe's horse today and a lot of Tatiana's clothes that she's... uh... grown out of. I need to get my websites updated, but got sidetracked by Pete's blog... thus this entry.
We're full of plans for the future today. Life is good.... barring my aching back and Tat's sprained finger LOL
Hugz
Tint~
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