Follow Up

I know you have all been refreshing the browser every twenty minutes waiting to hear about my much anticipated appointment...so I apologize for the time it has taken me. Apparently we have entered into rainy season, which means the Internet is either VERY slow, doesn't work, or the power is going in and out. Oh the joys of living here in this third world country (that was for you Dad)!

So without further ado...it was not what I expected AT ALL. Which shouldn't surprise me. Things here rarely are what I expect, but of course that is as much with life in general right? Basically I felt like this guy, who is the general manager of a very big company in Ipatinga, wanted to talk to me so he could show off his great English skills, talk about his life in the states, and try to force his political views on me. He is a big fan of Michael Moore, he thinks he is BRILLIANT...which honestly, I have no words for. In fact when asked (repeatedly), I told this gentleman that Michael Moore was a little too left, a little to biased for my taste. Of course then he wanted to talk to me about how unfair it was that we (the US) treat our citizens so unfairly by giving the banks billions of dollars (because we were all gung ho for that right? and let's not forget avoiding a WORLD crisis shall we? is what I wanted to add in, but better sense has taught me not to involve myself in someone else's political agenda...girls (Rach, Chels, Ash...just leave the politics alone! Always! If you want good relationships with family, friends, and co-workers..let the thoughts remain with you!), that our health care system was absolutely ridiculous (preceded by ridiculous, false stories), and how up and coming a world power Brazil is. And all the while here I am thinking, yes, Brazil the big and mighty...your corrupt government, politically incorrect president, and your blessed impoverished citizens will dominate. (Am I being 100% fair? No, but neither was he, and I get hot headed now when defending my country. Everyone has an opinion and if you've been around Daddy enough, you know what opinions are like.

So anyway, despite me trying desperately to keep my hot headed mouth shut, I did learn some valuable information. His company is called Bairro Minas and they produce hair care products. They have just partnered with a company in North Carolina to produce ethnic products and over the next year they have lots of visitors/investors arriving from the states. His thought is maybe I could help with them. Actually he mentioned it in passing, not sounding as serious as I would have liked, because I think he would love to get another opportunity to talk to more gringos. Anywho, but it got me thinking, there are a couple of big companies here in Ipatinga (Ipatinga is very industrial) that have English speaking investors that come here frequently. I need to somehow find my way in and see if I can't play host with these people. Sort of like a hospitality supervisor. I'm not really sure what the official job title would be, but I'm sure they are in need for people who can do that efficiently. So that was my big idea, that I am excited about. I am still going to create and send my resume over to my GM at Bairro Minas. He also knows a couple of owners of English schools here and wants to see if he can't get me set up in one of the schools. I have also found out about a school that teaches English to children and I would much rather do that then teach adults.

So bottom line: I am still unemployed. But I am not without hope. I have ideas. I will keep plugging away! Thanks for all the comments and support! Things are going well. It has cooled off A LOT because of the rain, which I am thankful for and love! I have been busy this week and so has Sidnei! He didn't get home from work until almost 11 last night! But his business is going great and I am really proud of him! Gracie is doing well, she plays with Israel (my nephew) most of the day, chases bugs, lizards, and birds. And she sleeps A LOT. In fact she is passed out on my bed right now. Like this:

I am getting in the Christmas spirit, though I am missing you all, cool weather, the Christmas commercialism everyone complains about-but truly loves, and decorating a big tree! We decided not to put up my tree this year because of my 2 year old nephew. He is here every day and into everything. So we are going to buy a little table top tree and some lights(my in laws have no decorations, they don't really celebrate...so odd to me! But most of the city seems to be in agreement! Thank goodness they have a real live Gringa to bring them a little holiday cheer! My goodness!)! I have put up other decorations (with my Disney princess Santa hat and Christmas music going!) and I am thinking about baking sugar cookies to decorate! I am missing decorating a ginger bread house like last year! We had fun last year :) Anyway more pictures another day! Beijos from Brazil!