Feliz Dia dos Namorados

Happy Valentine's Day in Brazil!

E and I celebrated our first "dia dos namorados" in Manaus six years ago. It was exactly one week before I was going to leave Brazil to return to the U.S. after spending almost a year in the country.

I remember the date very well as we went out that morning for breakfast to spend our last weekend together. It was a Sunday. He bought me one of those cute red heart-shaped pillows with hands sticking out. It reads "Amo Você" and I still have it to this day.

Happy Valentine's Day/Dia dos Namorados to all of the lovers out there,

So what am I watching on TV?

I just wrote a post about cancelling my cable TV in preparation for our move to Brazil and it reminds me that I'll miss not only English language TV, but I'll also miss the regular TV programs that I habitually watch. (I feel like I should add that I've only been watching more TV recently for some reason; I wasn't always this into television. I do love to read. Remember?)

The question then is, what am I watching on TV?

Meet the Browns

Sex and the City reruns

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations <3

with Steve Harvey



These are my guilty pleasures....

De la Riva and the brown belt

Ricardo De la Riva & Thiago "Batata" Domingues

Ricardo De La Riva is a legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt from Brazil who is both well known and well respected throughout the world. He currently resides in Rio de Janeiro but travels often around the world; he's in the U.S. today but heading out to Korea and Japan this week for a De La Riva tournament. In fact, I believe that I've met him three times over the last three years and each time was in central Florida. He came to Florida this month for the purpose of teaching and giving Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) seminars, and today he awarded my husband his brown belt (Congratulations, E!). That's quite an accomplishment; it's an even bigger deal that it was De La Riva himself who gave E his belt. Thiago, pictured above with De La Riva, is E's BJJ instructor in Orlando. He is also a well known, talented black belt instructor (and competitor) who is supportive and encouraging, as well as a good friend to E.


A Brazilian rapper even dedicated a song to De La Riva. Check it out...

Now E will return to his homeland with a brown belt in BJJ along with extensive experience in MMA, training and fighting with UFC fighters and with a number of fights under his own belt; this should open more doors to him as far as his fighting and teaching career. Additionally, receiving a brown belt will make E a more well rounded and better MMA fighter. He hopes to later earn his black belt, most likely in Brazil. I hope that E continues to have success in mixed martial arts and that I will read his name, see pictures and videos of him, watch him fight, and make a career out of this, as long as that's what he wants, for many years to come. 


Remember that you can read more about E's accomplishments in MMA at Manaus Fight's blog - in both English and Portuguese. Furthermore, you can stop by and "Like" E's Facebook page and/or click on the following link to learn more about him as a fighter...


MANAUS FIGHT: MAIS UM MANAUARA BRILHANDO FORA DO PAÍS COM O MMA "ELITON GOMES SARMENTO"


Thank you to everyone who has supported, and continues to support, E in his quest for success. We both appreciate it. And as always, thanks to all of the sponsors who have given money, clothes, and other forms of support to E - NewBreed, Dead Game, 2(x)ist, and RevGear. And now, here are a few pictures from today's De La Riva seminar at The Jungle MMA in Orlando, Florida...

Ricardo De La Riva

"Batata" with UFC fighters Seth Petruzelli & Tom Lawlor

E's last roll as a purple belt

Congratulations, E

De La Riva BJJ & The Jungle MMA

Travel. Travel. I love Travel.

I can't believe that I haven't devoted a post entirely to my amorous relationship with TRAVEL after all of these months of writing. Or have I? I've written so much about South America, and Brazil (of course!) in particular, but have I mentioned, apart from my introductory page, how addictive travel is for me and how I feel like I need it, like a junkie needs heroin? Well, maybe not that much. But I get cranky when I don't travel. That's a fact. I get stir crazy.


Now I guess it was the post I wrote the other day about the four cities E and I have lived in that made me want to continue talking about travel, and specifically about where E and I have been together. When we met - in Manaus - years ago, Mr. Bound for Brasilia was not the least bit interested in travel. Really. I mean, he travelled from his house to mine, from his school to mine, from my house to his family's sitio, and believe you me, as nice as those city buses are, they sure do take some time to arrive at their destination. However, we all know that's not the travel that I'm talking about.


The first trip that we ever took out of town together was to President Figueiredo, Amazonas and we visited this town just once, but it was unforgettable. I remember distinctly that it was during the World Cup in 2006 so there was a lot of football watching and drinking and relaxing. I had been to this municipality previously, but not with E. And for sure we had a good time swimming in the Rio Negro (a tributary of the Amazon River). 


The issue, though, that I have with posting pictures about my travels is that if you remember I've sold my scanner and am therefore unable to scan any of the pictures that I have from our trip. Along with that, most of my pictures are not stored on my laptop. I was going to "steal" from my husband's Facebook album of pictures that I took, but it won't let me do that. *pouts
But that's OK. I mean, what is Google for any way? 

For your viewing pleasure...

P.F., Amazonas

And then probably just a few weeks after that trip, we visited another small town in the state of Amazonas called Balbina. We went with friends on this trip and stayed at a cute hotel that was quiet and quaint. We visited waterfalls and went swimming in the cool Amazon River. I still have pictures from this mini vacation that I've saved in our first album. Of course I can't scan them, so I found this on-line to show off the town of Balbina.

....because once we moved to the U.S. we had a great time travelling and exploring. 

Our first real trip within the United States as a couple was to Miami Beach; I knew that E would love the beach, the nightlife, shops, and restaurants. I was right. We had a blast!

Miami Beach

Along with travelling around Florida (all over Central Florida, to St Augustine, and Miami), we've also driven and flown to New York a number of times. As I'm from upstate New York and my family continues to live there, I was able to show E the hospital where I was born, where I graduated high school and college. Since we'd met in Manaus and I'd experienced E's city, lived in his hometown, and met all of his family members, it was important that my husband see where I come from. 

In New York we've travelled from Buffalo to Long Island (basically, from the western most part of the state to the eastern most). We crossed the border to Niagara Falls a couple years ago to see the waterfalls and last summer spent an extended weekend in New York City and L.I. We'd actually been to NYC a couple of times previously together, even watching the ball drop one New Year's Eve.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

E's favorite part of NYC

In addition to our trip to New York last summer, we also took a cruise to the Bahamas - to Nassau to be exact. It was literally the perfect vacation. We cruised, we swam, we drank, we relaxed on the boat and on the beach, and went snorkeling (one of our favorite outdoors activities). We can't wait to go again! Look at the amazing view of Nassau...

When I look back on our 6 years and 6 months together (anniversary today), the memories flood in, as well as our multiple trips and vacations as a couple. This makes me grateful and excited for more! ...oh yeah, and I hope I'm not forgetting anything or leaving any travel out.


Wait, how can I forget our trip to Louisville, Kentucky last summer for my sister's wedding! The weather was perfect, the bride gorgeous, the wedding was beautiful and the setting breathtaking. E and I visited the Louisville Slugger factory, the Mohammed Ali museum, Churchill Downs, and just spent valuable, priceless time with my family.

Churchill Downs - Kentucky Derby

And how could I forget our most recent trip? In December 2010 we visited Atlanta for an extended weekend. We went for my interviews with the international schools in South America, but we definitely took advantage of the time we had in Georgia and visited some great friends (both couples are Brazilian/American), went to the Coca-Cola Museum, and walked a little bit around downtown Atlanta...

Next month we'll be back in New York state and the following month we're heading back to Brazil.

Our 4th city together

I was just telling my husband (E) tonight, as we took a walk outside, that we will soon be moving to our 4th city together. Sounds like more fun for us to experience together.

Can't wait for more adventure...him and me.

So far we have lived together in....

Manaus (Amazonas)



Clermont (Florida)



Orlando (Florida)

 And soon we'll be in...

Brasilia (Distrito Federal)

U.S. Citizen Services - Brazil

As I prepare to move abroad, I've been searching for information that will be helpful to us as American citizens living in Brazil. E doesn't have an American passport yet, and although it'd probably be more convenient to get one before we leave, it's not necessary. The American embassy in Brazil explains on their website the process how to get a U.S. passport from the embassy/consulate closest to you. In our case, that'd be Brasilia. This actually makes me wonder if I'll have students whose parents are diplomats; I say it's highly likely.

The U.S. embassy's website also provides advice for Americans who plan to reside in (or travel to) Brazil. It is suggested that we register with the embassy once we arrive so that they know who we are and where we're living. This should facilitate the process of proving that we are American citizens should we ever need their assistance. In addition, if there is ever an emergency then they know who to contact and how to get a hold of us.

The following information was taken from the U.S. embassy's website (encouraging Americans to sign up with the embassy's/consular's Consular Section). The embassy does not provide information only about passports and registration, but there is an abundance of valuable information for expatriates, students, tourists, etc.

Travel Information

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The U.S. Mission Brazil encourages all U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Brazil to sign up with the Embassy's or Consulate's Consular Section.
Signing-up with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate allows us to contact you in the event of an emergency or send you the latest information about living or visiting Brazil and other important notices, including Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (where appropriate). Enrollment can be also useful to help verify U.S. citizenship after the loss or theft of a passport.
The information submitted is covered by privacy laws, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the department of State and no information submitted will be released without your express consent.

Signing up On-line

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can sign-up on-line at the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui.  We invite you to enroll yourself and your family and get acquainted with STEP. You only need to sign-up once.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for American citizens allows you to sign up and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current.

Signing up in Person

Those citizens without Internet access may sign up directly with the Embassy or Consulate. Each post has consular jurisdiction over an area in Brazil. Please check the Contact Information and Working Hours to find out the appropriate address and working hours.
If you choose to come to enroll in person, please bring your U.S. passport (or other proof of your citizenship and identification document) and if possible one photograph of each member of your family. You should fill out and sign the enrollment form bellow, one per family, and bring to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy/ Consulate.

The following form is a PDF file that can be viewed and printed using Adobe® Reader®. If you don't have this software in your computer, please download it free of charge by clicking the box at your right.  Sign up Form      

Am I required to sign up with STEP?

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended.
For updated Consular Specific Information on Brazil, please access the link:  http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html

Frequently Asked Questions about STEP

Source: United States of America Embassy: United States Diplomatic Mission to Brazil

Mr. and Mrs. America

With my naturalized husband
(not the best picture of us)

America's newest citizen is too cool with his mohawk
and his grin

Congratulations!

Upcoming ceremony...

My husband received notification in the mail today that his Naturalization Oath Ceremony will be in a couple of days. I was almost shocked to read that we were given less than a 48-hour notice, but at the same time pleasantly surprised because my husband will be a U.S. citizen shortly!!

It's also very convenient that neither E nor myself have to work on Friday so it's actually perfect timing. Now I just have to decide what to wear.

All I want to do is see a dentist

Visiting the dentist has always brought back memories from my childhood, and not because of the actual dentist, but of the actual visit itself. See, I have one of those, what do you call it...? Oh yeah, deadbeat dads. You know, those that "fall behind" on child support, that can't seem to make it work amicably with their children's mother, even after hurting her for so many years. Well, I have one of those. So what was his job after the divorce? To put us on his dental insurance and pay for our visits. Easy, right? Well, since he is a deadbeat, then by definition, he is not a responsible man and did not do his job (nor did he pay for child support, but that is a whole different ball game).

As a result of his irresponsibility, it was always a struggle for my already overworked, yet FABULOUS, mother. It was like every time I needed to visit the dentist (or orthodontist), I was reminded that he did not fulfill his duty and my mother was going to have to pay for our visits. She NEVER complained or bad talked him (I don't know why), but I understood, even as a kid, that this was beyond what she should have done for me and my sisters. I also could tell that he had not done his job and that she would have to pay for our dental care on a payment plan. Thinking about this, after all of these years, almost brings tears to my eyes.

As time has gone on and I've grown up, it's not something that I think about very often, unless the dentist appointment does not go well.

Today, for instance, I had to do the run around with my insurance company while searching for a new dentist since I had to switch dental insurance companies with my job switch and my dentist does not accept my new plan. It's just a pain in the butt. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful to have dental insurance that not only covers me, but my spouse as well, but it's still annoying. It's not only that I can't visit my old dentist, but apparently I can't choose the dentist that I want to because my insurance has already done that work, and to switch dentists takes over a month. Really? Is that necessary? Apparently the dental insurance company assigns you to a dentist and although you can switch, I was told today that that switch would take place on May 1st. How convenient. So, I finally settled with a dentist chosen by my insurance and was relieved to hear that tomorrow's appointment would be covered by them.

I told E the other day that I was going to have my teeth cleaned and asked him if he wanted me to make an appointment for him, too. His reply was, guess what... "No, I'll do it in Brazil".  If I didn't have dental insurance and/or if it weren't cheap or could wait a few months, I'd do the same thing. I've found that medical care in Brazil is much better than the U.S. It's A LOT less expensive, and you know that because of the competition to get into medical school that your dentist is probably going to be one of the best, if not at least was the best student.

I lived in Manaus for a year and was sure to visit every doctor there that I could. I had just graduated from college and had my first job. I probably should make the doctors' visits that I had neglected during my fabulous college years.

I had insurance through UNIMED and paid about R$77/month (that must have been roughly $35 with the exchange rate at that time). I got new glasses and even had minor, non intrusive surgery. I was taken very well care of. The doctors sat down and talked to me, were polite, courteous, and of course I don't remember ever being left with a large medical bill because let's face it, I wasn't. I even got really sick once, with the flu I think, and spent more time waiting for the bus to get to the hospital than in the hospital's waiting room. Granted it was a private hospital, but the service was quick and easy and I soon returned to my healthy self after being taken care of.

I may have bad memories of visiting dentists when I was child, but I have "fond" memories of visiting doctors in Brazil. My husband is looking forward to the inexpensive, good care in Brazil, as am I. He wants braces and we both just want to be well taken care of.

I hope the doctors in Brasilia are ready for us because we're arriving.... after living in a country where medical care is not at the top of the list of what's important for the government to provide for its citizens.

Obama meets Brazil

Listening to Obama speak in Brazil made me even more anxious and excited about moving to Brazil (as if that were possible).

I know that the video of his recent speech in Rio de Janeiro has been posted on another expat blog, but I wanted to post it here, too. I liked what he had to say and hope that our countries' relationship will strengthen. And who knew Obama could speak Portuguese? Even E was impressed.

Obama's speech in Rio de Janeiro on March 20, 2011 at the Municipal Theater can be found here - Part I & Part II:

Obama in Brazil

I can only wonder how better Brazil-USA relations will affect me as an American expat living in Brazil. I guess we'll soon find out.

Too bad I missed seeing Obama in Brasilia by just a few months.

Teacher Merit Pay

Teacher merit pay in the state of Florida infuriates me! How can politicians seriously think that hard working, in fact let's just get to the point...overworked, underpaid, underappreciated teachers are going to possibly/probably get paid based on students peformance (i.e. standardized test scores)? For real?!

Most of the teachers that I know are very well educated (more than other professionals that I know), spend HOURS on lesson plans, grading, worrying about their students, and on professional development. I hate hearing that teachers have it so easy because we have summers off. My answer to that is, "have you ever tried teaching?". It's a difficult, exhausting, stressful job (though rewarding - I guess that's why there are so many people graduating with a degree in education today).

I love being a teacher. I believe STRONGLY in education and in helping students "be all that they can be". I don't care how cliche that sounds. It's true. For example, this week a student of mine stayed after school with me so that I could tutor her in English/Reading. Since I'm so busy and there are paid tutors (teachers from the school) who tutor twice a week, I suggested to her a few weeks ago, when she first asked me to tutor her, that she inquire about this tutoring program. They even provide transportation home. She did. But then she came back saying she wanted me to tutor her. I agreed to do so, making time after school. I helped this student work on vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, gave her tips on reading strategies, gave her book recommendations, talked about the Academic Word List, discussed her future (college) plans, and encouraged her on her upcoming standardized test. I also listened as she shared some concerns on test taking and on a family issue that affects her school performance. My heart went out to her. The thing is that I'm by NO means unique. Any of the teachers that I know would do the same (and probably already do).

THOUSANDS of teachers, every day, spend time away from their families to stay after school to encourage and support their students. Even when the students' parents don't care. We listen. We advice. We care. Why, then, should highly effective, hard working teachers be subjected to unfair work conditions (i.e. teacher pay-tenure bills)? Teachers care about their students' education when not even the parents do. The last thing that we need is to be undermined AGAIN and to stress out about our salaries and job security.

What is this merit pay bill? Well, the Florida senate (among other states) believes that teachers' pay, as well as tenure, should be dependent on students' performance on standardized tests. So what you're telling me is that my paycheck depends on how tired my student is, the one who is involved with a gang and sells drugs all night and can't, therefore, stay awake during his 90-minute test? The student who doesn't come to school, and when he does it's just to sleep during class, is going to decide how much money I bring home to my family? The one who yells "f*&^ off!" will decide if I go on my family vacation this year? The girl who can't concentrate because she isn't sure if she'll have to move again this weekend, or where her next meal will come from, or if the physical/sexual/verbal abuse will ever end, will decide my salary? And what about special education teachers?

Obviously politicians have NO idea what it's like to be in the classroom these days. They don't know what public education is like.  They have absolutely no clue about what goes in our classrooms on a daily basis, and obviously they think that we're overpaid. Well, my classroom door is always open. Come on in....

In the meantime, I've found a job in Brazil where I can only hope I'll be appreciated.

Mr. America

I am proud to announce to the world that my husband has passed the U.S. citizenship test!!!

He worked very hard to get to this point. He learned English, went to citizenship classes, and studied relentlessly for weeks in order to pass the exam; all of his hard work has paid off. I am very very proud of him.

We can now move back to Brazil without worrying about a green card, residency requirements, visas, or any other immigration restrictions that would make returning to the U.S. for vacation difficult for him.

Congratulations, E!!