One Great Week

Thought I would post a few of the photos from this week's festivities at the Nippon Blue Jays team party in the country, the Gringo Thanksgiving party at the Wares and the Thanksgiving festival at Graded School (yes, that is that largest blow-up turkey bouncer in South America and yes, Jackson had his hair spray-painted a bunch of colors). Good news, I met a weaver at the school festival and she gave me the name of the yarn store, Aslan, in the 25 de Marco district. Guess I can move.

I miss everybody already.

Departing the SP (Again!)

It feels like I just got here but it is time to go home tonight. Heavy sigh. We're going to spend the day today over at Graded School for their Thanksgiving Festival. It is supposed to be a true turkey dinner and a mini-parca (vendor marketplace). I'm anxious to meet some of the kids friends, parents and teachers.

Yesterday was a big day in Apartment 142. The air shipment arrived. Twelve boxes filled with clothes, sports gear, markers, computer and Hannah's guitar were quickly unpacked and distributed throughout the rooms here. I rushed and got the computer set up yesterday. (I am the Geek Squad!)

We also finally got the kids cell phones yesterday. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get them here. Ro had to first show a bill with our name and address on it. Oh wait, we have to prove it was paid. Another trip. Then he had to have his RNE, CPF and passport documents. Oh wait, it can't be a temporary RNE at one store. Another trip to a different store. We had to have a phone number of someone with a land line who spoke Portuguese. (Thanks Morio.) More delay. The last store, Claro, finally coughed up the two phones and service. It wasn't cheap either. It took three hours yesterday alone, not counting the two other times Ro ventured out getting them. If they lose the phones, I think I will kill both kids.

It has been a great trip with lots of memories. Good (filling) dinners with lots of laughs with the Robbins and the Lawlesses. Fun shopping with Nandita and Satchko at Morumbi. I even got fingerprinted at the Federal Police station so I can come back in January. We had an interesting Gringo Thanksgiving dinner at the Wares that kicked off with Jackson nearly walking through a clear glass panel and breaking the bowl with the shrimp and pasta salad I had made. Not only was it a huge crash but the salad had glass and blood in it and made a big mess. (Luckily, Jackson only had a small cut.) They won't forget the Robars at that complex.

Here's another weird one. We were walking around the other night and met this nice couple from Texas and their two small kids who just moved to SP into the same building as ours. He had read my blog! Talk about a small world.

Most importantly, this trip was a great time to be together as a family. I'm getting pretty anxious to be in Brazil full time. But in the meantime, it will be wonderful to have Dan and the kids home in three weeks for Christmas too. They are getting so grown up. You'll be impressed.

Getting Along Swimmingly

I love this shot that Nandita sent me of the kids at Beach Guaraja last Friday. In my mind, they are giving each other a high five. In reality, they are probably picking on each other. I'll keep my dream alive.

It is funny, I asked the Sao Paulo trio at dinner what they missed most about home. Jackson's quick answer was ROTC, Hannah missed her friends and Ro replied that he didn't like not making things. Not so bad. Of course, after they gave me their answers, they tried to recover with "Oh yea, we miss you Mom" but it was too late. :)

Trip is going well. I am on my way soon to go meet Nandita at Morumbi Shopping. It is a huge mall with 400 stores. We're going to have lunch and get caught up. Her family is still in the hotel since they are waiting for their apartment. That would be tough. Since I don't have wheels yet, I am going to take a taxi to the Mall. Should be interesting.

Here's another few beach shots to make those of you shoveling snow jealous!

Made It!

It is amazing how you can be at work one Friday morning and be in Sao Paulo, Brazil the next day. No problems with the flight...the powers of Tylenol PM never let me down. I was able to get 5-6 hours of sleep between NYC and Sao Paulo and was ready to go when Dan and the kids picked me up.

We went straight from the airport to the end of the year party for the Nippon Blue Jays (Jackson's baseball team). The affair was held not too far from the airport at one of the player's second family home. It was set in the countryside and had several buildings on a pretty piece of land. There was a big open-air gathering space where the guys did the BBQing and the ladies set up the sides. There were a couple smaller buildings that had sleeping quarters and bathrooms. There was even a small chapel and a pool. Everyone was really nice and tried their best to speak whatever English they knew and us Robars all sounded like dopes with our elementary-school Portguese. The food was amazing. Great steak cooked on wood chips, lots of Japanese dishes and over-the-top desserts. Everybody brought food. All the Brazilians (even the teens) kiss you on the cheek hello and goodbye. It was a really warm group of people enjoying time together amidst a few raindrops.

Dan and the kids are doing well. Hannah and Jackson went to the ocean on Friday with another GM family. (Dan was at work.) The outing really seemed to give them a peek at another side of Brazil, the beach! They swam, bought puka necklaces and ate out of coconuts. They said people approached them and offered to cook fresh shrimp and cheese on BBQs while you wait. Sure beats a hot dog vendor in Detroit. I am so glad they got a chance to go. (Thanks Nandita!) You should see their striped sunburns. They swore they put on sunscreen but I guess they missed the part about covering yourself thoroughly. Jackson, especially, looks pretty comical.

The apartment still looks the same. Our air shipment hasn't arrived yet so they are still wearing the same clothes they brought in their suitcases. Unbelievable. They told us 10 days. It has been two months! We are hoping it arrives while I am here this week so Dan doesn't have to leave work to wait for the delivery. We'll see...I am not too hopeful. The sea shipment (with all the furniture and supplies) probably won't make it until 2009.

Sorry no photos. I took some with my camera but I can't download them here. I'll try to take some today with my phone.

We are going to try to go to church today. They haven't gone here yet...can you believe that?? :) There is an English mass near the other international school so I am putting my foot down amidst the protests from my family.

Tchau.

48 Hours!

My flight leaves Friday at 4:40 p.m. I can't wait to get to Brazil and see everybody. Jackson's baseball team has their end of the year party Saturday afternoon right near the airport so we're going straight there after Ro and the kids pick me up. This crowd is used to smelly teenage boys so I hope they don't mind a woman who has been on a plane all night. Better pack a toothbrush in my carry-on.

We are going to spend Thanksgiving with a group of GM Design ex-pats. Everybody brings a dish and they have an annual "Turkey Egg" hunt according to the invitation. Should be interesting.

I have spent the last two days with the Congressional hearings on my computer while I am working. Those idiots are using statistics and a mindset from 1978 as they are grilling Nardelli, Wagoner and Mulally. Would any of those Congressional types work for a $1 a year? After all, the government is running a deficit. I have a feeling that nothing will result from these hearings. It will take until February when my hero Obama gets into office. Hope I am wrong because I don't think a lot of businesses will make it until then.

I have my Berlitz language CD going now. Man, Portuguese is difficult.

Tchau.

I'm going to Brazil

Just got word that my Visa is leaving the Brazilian Embassy in Chicago today and will be at the RenCen tomorrow. Woo hoo!! Here's to a Sao Paulo Thanksgiving.

Patching Up Holes

This was our roof on Monday. Now it is all fixed. We have a tile roof so it is really expensive to fix it so we patch and we patch.

I have tried really hard this week to think about all the people who are separated from their families for long periods of time. Military families do this for months and sometimes years. I am pretty lucky that I've only been away from Ro and the kids for a few weeks at a time. I learned today that Thanksgiving is looking questionable. My flight is November 21 and my visa/passport is due back in Detroit on the 26th. Our GM contact said many of them come in early and is going to update me everyday next week on the status. I bought flight insurance so maybe I can change my flight to a little later in the week. I don't want to jinx things by making calls and doing too much research. If not, the Turkey Trot 10K is where I'll spend my holiday.

If it doesn't happen, it will be a little easier because the Sao Paulo trio is going to be home for three weeks over the holidays. They arrive December 21 and will be here through January 9. Yea!!!!!!!! I leave for Brazil for good on January 30.

I'll spend tomorrow at my weaving class with some hand-dyed chenille and then off to the Urban Craft Fair at the State Theater. This single life is pretty wild and crazy.

Happy birthday Tim. My little bro turns 41 tomorrow. I think he's going to the circus. Gotta love that. Some kids never grow up.

It's Snowing in the D

(This photo is shot from the balcony off Hannah's room. Hope you can see the snow on the rail.) They aren't expecting any accumulation here but it is a scary sight of things to come. Hard to believe it was 70 degrees here last week. I spent the 40 degree day today getting the backyard ready for winter. I chopped, raked and put Dan's pond to bed. The hoses are away and the main valves to the outside lines are off. I guess it is good I didn't wait until next weekend. After all this work today, I have an even higher regard for my husband. Yardwork is usually his territory but it was kind of peaceful taking care of it all today. Trust me, I like weaving better...but it wasn't horrible.

Time to get to the warmth of Sao Paulo.

Keeping Busy

In my pursuit of sanity while my family is away, I'm keeping way busy. Last night, I went out with the Barrows, O'Mearas, Maucks and a bunch of the St. Clare crowd and saw "To Kill A Mockingbird." The local YMCA has a great theater and the production was first rate. But, it is not a very cheery story. Truth should win out. Guess, we'll see a comedy next time.

I built yet another slideshow this week for tonight's performance of the Dearing Detroit Dance Company at St. Charles. It honors my friend Sue Wenrick who died this past year. She built the dance company up from nothing and is really missed. Steve Dearing is the dancer who makes it all happen but it was Sue who really had the vision of what dancing can do to help all these inner city kids stay focused. (Steve is in the front and Sue is in the middle in this picture.) The performance is tonight so I'll be there behind the scenes crossing my fingers that the computer and projector work as planned.

The auto industry is so scary now. Provided GM can stay in business, I think Brazil will be a good place to hang out for a few years while North America gets back on track. I start Portuguese lessons with Berlitz next week. The instructor is going to meet me at a conference room at Crain during my lunch hour twice a week for two hours. I thought that would be easier than having the teacher come to the house in the evenings.

Off to weaving now!

Meriva?

I think the Chevrolet Meriva is the car Ro and I are going to order for me to drive around Sao Paulo. What color should I get? Red or blue? I am American after all.

Back in the D

I'm killing time this morning so I can get to the polls right when they open at 7. Usually I'm at the office before 7, so this seems very strange to me. I sure hope the large turnout they are predicting comes true. In Detroit today, they are expecting one of those freakishly fabulous 70-degree November days so I bet there are long lines. Awesome! No secret who is getting my vote. Gobama!!!

It feels weird to be home and back at work. My heart and mind are in Sao Paulo. Life is tough for Dan and the kids there (especially with the language barrier) but they seem to be sludging through it all well. I do know that when I get there for good, I will be a help to them so I can't wait for the next few months to fly by. I turned in all my paperwork (and passport) yesterday for my two-year Visa. Hopefully, it will get back in time so I can go visit at Thanksgiving. They said it takes 15 working days and my flight is November 21. I give it about a 50/50 chance. Brazilian time is not fast. Say a prayer!

HACKED BY HANNAH!!

Hello! BON DIA!!!

I didn't actually hack on my mom's blog, she said that if I wanted to I could post a 14 teen year old's point of view on life in a foreign country! SO HERE I AM!!! I thought I would just share one of my dumb american trying to speak portuguese moments. I recently learned that when you want a coca-cola you should only say "coca" because if you just say, "may i have a cola please." Then in portuguese you are saying, "may i have some glue please." Aparently if you say cola it means glue in portuguese. My teacher Cleber recently told me that. I wondered why when i said "Cola, por favor" they looked at me kind of funny. My teacher got a good laugh out of that.

So far, i like Sao Paulo. It is very different than the states, one with the language, two with just how the culture is. Everything is much more free and laid back. I'm not sure if I like that part of it yet.


I apoligize for any spelling and grammatical errors, my english ad portuguese could use a litte work.

Well there is my first blog post! Sorry I didn't tell you mom! Maybe I will post again sometime.

Peace and love,
Hannah<3

Boo!

Even though the kids are in a foreign land and in high school, that doesn't stop them from celebrating Halloween. Jackson, in particular, has always been really "over the top" with this holiday with some pretty memorable costumes. My attention-craving boy loves any chance for people to look at him! Hannah took a more low-key, "I'm a freshman" approach this year with fangs and a pumpkin t-shirt. Tonight, we're going to celebrate my last night in Brazil with two other GM families. We're going to go to a local churrascaria to eat piles of beef and drink some Brazilian rum cocktails (caipirinhas)! Should be fun.

This week has been a good test for me. Ro and the kids have gone to work and school everyday. It has given me a chance to try my hand at nesting (clean, clean, clean!) and also work long distance. Timing was good too since Ro was able to schedule some deliveries from the rental company and repairs for the computer/telephone while I was here.

I think I'll go a little crazy alone all day but if I mix it up with enough e-mail and phone calls, I should be able to stay busy. With the daylight savings time change (they "spring ahead" here below the equator while Detroit "falls back"), I'll have a three hour time difference for a few months. I should be able to get a good run in everyday before the Motor City even wakes up. Lots of hills here. While I don't think I'll ever have Brazilian buns of steel, it is a good workout.

Jackson has a baseball game tomorrow at the Nippon Club. The Blue Jays are supposed to be really good. It'll be fun seeing him interact with the Japanese kids at the game. Ro says it is hilarious watching them find a common language between English, Japanese and Portuguese. I leave around 6:00 p.m. for the airport. Heavy sigh!

So Good to Be Here

I've been in Sao Paulo for 48 hours and I'm already dreading leaving on Saturday. It is fabulous to see Ro and the kids. They are doing great. The apartment is a bit of a train wreck since they don't have any of their stuff yet but they are doing amazingly well with the bits and pieces they've been given by the rental company and the many trips they've made to Extra, the Brazilian equivalent of Target. Supposedly, the air shipment is a week or so away. Brazilian time is "whenever they feel like it."

The kids are amazing. They seem to be adjusting well to their new school, making friends, cracking jokes and teasing each other like always. It is really cool to think about them in the same school. I never envisioned they would be at the same high school helping each other out. They even have their "Portugese for dummies" class together. They also gave me crap for watching them get on the bus this morning. They are so independent and grown up.

I worked today. This morning, I met with a Brazilian publisher that is helping Automotive News and this afternoon, I was at the Sao Paulo Auto Show. It is just like every other auto show, but without a lick of English anywhere. I made it through. When I get back to the D, I am going to get really serious about learning Portugese.

Here are two images of my day that I captured with my cell phone: a girl in a skimpy bikini shaking what her Momma gave her at the auto show and a grocery store worker on roller skates (check out the magazine titles at the checkout!). Other than that, it was a normal day.

Fiber Madness

After weaving for a few hours this morning in my class at CCS, five merry souls busted out of the D and took off for the Western pastures of Forma and the Michigan Fiber Expo in Ann Arbor. It didn't matter that we were headed knee deep into the heaviest traffic of the year destined for the Michigan-Michigan State game. Football, who cares? We're after yarn. What fun! I didn't do too much damage (a book and a couple skeins of yarn I couldn't leave behind), but it was so freaky to be in a place where there were llamas and bunnies that people used for their fur (alpaca and angora). Check out the size of this bunny. I head for the airport after church tomorrow. Last week, all the family needed were dryer sheets, a power cord, phones and a calculator. Suddenly today, we've added fangs, a cup, paint ball supplies, Skittles, Tiger jersey and an alarm clock to the list. I think I have everything. I can't wait to get on the plane tomorrow and finally get to Sao Paulo. The visit will be short but I think it will do me a world of good.

Pink Parties

After a crazy day at work yesterday where everyone was lamenting the stock market, Kwame's text messages, falling advertising and Chrysler laying off 5,000 workers, I hit two big parties. The first was for my niece Lauren. She turned five. Everything was pink and featured princesses. That's what life should be all about. It was great to hang for a little bit with Dan's family and just celebrate how cool kids can be. My sister-in-law Carrie has a really fun brood too.













I left Waterford and went to a "Girl's Night Out" at my friend Trish's house. Boy, put 10 women in the room together with a little wine and the volume goes way up. Trish has an amazing perspective on life and the city so it was great to talk with her. I was home by about 11:30 but I can't remember the last time I went to two parties in one night. Granted they were very mellow but it sure was nice to see everyone and forget the gloom and doom of the economy for a while.

Next stop: Brazil. I leave tomorrow at 4 p.m. Woo hoo!

Need Thai Food in Sao Paulo

My spoiled daughter is missing Thai food. Where do we go in Sao Paulo to find it? I am going to be there next week (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and I want to treat everybody to their beloved pad see ew. If not, I think I'll have to deliver the farthest carry out that Sala Thai in Detroit has ever experienced. Help me out, you expat readers!

Just got back from a whirlwind two days in Chicago taping some readers and employees for the crain.com web site. It was a fast couple of days but I was working with a really nice crew so that made it fun. Can't wait for the site to finally go live.

Run Baby Run

Today was the Free Press Marathon. The "Moms on the Run Again" relay team was a stellar group comprised of Lisa, Linda, Suzanne,Patrice and I. (Lynne is in the photo too but she ran on Compuware's team this year. It was a disaster. She'll be back where she belongs for next year's race.) We each had a leg of the race that ranged in length from 3 miles to 7.1.

After not sleeping very well, I was up at 5, picked up Patrice at 6 and started running the first leg around 7:20 from the starting point of Washington Blvd. and Grand River. (I went to the bathroom before the race at the new Westin Book Cadillac at that corner. Beautiful!! No porta potties for this diva!) It took me a sad 85 minutes to run my 7.1 miles. That is just under 12 minute miles. We had to walk on one part of the bridge that was under construction so I know that slowed me down. Ugh! But I feel pretty good that I did my part. It was the longest distance I've ever attempted in my life. It was also a really pretty run over the Ambassador Bridge and down Riverside Drive in Windsor.

Get ready Jackson. I want to try a half marathon and the Sao Paulo Marathon happens in late January. I'm going to keep training.

The marathon goes through my neighborhood so we had a really fun Van Morrison cover band on our lawn and my neighbor Pat outdoes herself every year cooking the most amazing quiches and fresh breads. Oh my God. I don't even like eggs but I drool for her quiches. They are amazing. So we were going big guns until about 1 p.m. She probably had 40-50 people there throughout the morning. Burns is on Mile 21 of the race so it is really important to cheer on the marathoners at that point. We watched one guy blow out his knee right in front of us. (That's him borrowing Tom and Taylor's phone to call for a ride.)

Secret Life of Bees

I really want to go see this movie. But I want to see it with Hannah. We listened to the book on tape together during a long, long ride to Indianapolis a few years back. She re-read it this summer. It is a great story and I am a big fan of Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson. Now I'm torn. Do I go to the movie without her (and probably get very blue) or do I wait until we can see it together? I'm not the type to go to movies alone anyway so I will probably wait. I wonder if it will be in Portuguese with English sub-titles or be in English with Portuguese sub-titles if we see it in Sao Paulo? Maybe I'll just wait for the DVD.

Fishing in Brazil

Ro sent these photos from their 12-hour fishing charter excursion in the Ocean on Sunday. Jackson caught a hammerhead shark. This great time was definitely the highlight of the male Brazilian Adventure so far.

Moms and Dads

On Saturday, I got a chance to see all my Moms and Dads. After weaving, I went over to my in-laws. (This photo is from Sue's house a few months back.) My father-in-law had a minor stroke the day before Dan and the kids left for Brazil. He's doing really well. He's getting around like a champ with a walker. The thing that is affected most is his speech. He's working with a speech therapist twice a week repeating tongue twisters like "nine newsmen need nectarines." I don't know if I could do that.

While I was in the burbs, I went over and did a check on my Mom and Dad's webcam. It was all a ploy to get a steak dinner out of them. They have this new charcoal grill, the Big Egg, that was so amazing. Man, dinner was good. (The webcam worked fine and is all set "for action" as soon as the Brazilian trio get their computer from the shipment.)

I am so lucky to have two sets of amazing parents. More than lucky. Blessed. They are all worried that I'm going batty so it was nice of them to chill with me for the afternoon.

Dan and the kids are supposed to move into the apartment today. No word from them yet.

Chirp! Chirp!

Java and I have a new friend bunking with us in Casa Robar. It is a cricket. She has moved into the sunroom somewhere and is a happy sort, chirping all the time. But can I find her to show her the door? No way. I wonder if she'll pay rent or at least do her share of the chores!

TGIF!

The weather in Sao Paulo is on its way to summer levels. (They are below the equator so everything is backwards.) So, the kids are hoping to meet the Japanese baseball teams and start playing on Saturday. Looks like Hannah might be able to be on a team too. On Sunday, Dan and Jackson have found a fishing hole and are headed out at 4 a.m. with a friend from GM. I'm just glad to hear they are getting out of the hotel a little bit. The apartment is supposed to be ready early next week so that will be one more step toward normalcy.

LATE UPDATE FROM SP: No baseball, but fishing is a go!

Guilt Feelings

I am trying to keep myself sane in the D. The Portuguese is being studied, the miles are being run (I did 7.5 on Tuesday night) and the weaving piece is nearly done. I'm getting through the final home repair projects and starting to pack up the last of the rubble. The roof repairs begin on the 20th and I got the locks fixed on Monday. But I keep thinking I should be with the kids and Dan in Sao Paulo. Heavy guilt. They are going through a whole bunch of new things and feelings that I'm not experiencing with them. Dan is starting a new job in a foreign country. He shouldn't have to deal exclusively with the kids too. Don't the kids need their Mom anymore? Probably not since they are strong independent teens but maybe I need them more than I know.

I think I'll be much better once I get to see them again on October 26 (17 days!) They should be leaving the hotel shortly and moving into the apartment. I know Hannah is tired of eating meals there everyday.

I had a nice lunch with my brother yesterday. We work about a mile apart everyday but we only do this a few times a year. It was great to catch up with Tim yesterday.

News Flash

The Sao Paulo Tech Police contacted me this evening to verify that Dan Robar sent a text message to his children in their hotel room from his office at General Motors Brazil. He even used cute initials at the end, GTG. How did this happen? Until today's incident, he had spent his life text-free. Obviously the South American air has gone to his head.

What's next? Could his first CD purchase be far behind? Or perhaps, now I'm getting really crazy, an I-Pod?

Do They Have A Moose Tree in SP?

This is one of our favorite Detroit icons. The "moose tree" is located in one of Detroit's poorest neighborhoods near Mack and Mt. Elliott. My camera phone photo is not very good but the tree has a pair of eyes and is usually adorned with a necklace or two of the season. A year or so ago, the house behind the moose burned to the ground. We were kind of worried about this tree. (Ro even thought about moving it to our backyard.) But lo and behold, new construction sprung up behind the tree. This is Detroit survival at its finest.

The report from SP is that the trio got in a taxi today and found a mall. Hannah's e-mail said it was a great spot but that it is no fun shopping with guys. We'll have to visit this mall again when I get there. A picture menu at a sushi restaurant made it so they could eat. (I am doing the Rosetta Stone again at home. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak a little by the time I get there for good.)

I'm trying to stay busy so I don't get too blue so after church, I went for another good run (5 miles). I am feeling mighty confident that I'll be able to get through my Free Press Marathon leg over the Ambassador Bridge just fine. Besides Patrice will be waiting for me in Canada and she can't start until I get there! Also went over to CCS and worked on my double weave piece a little more. It is almost done. I sure am glad I was able to squeeze into the CCS weaving class at the last minute. Without a loom at home, it makes it so I have somewhere to go and something to do.

Getting Away With It

Java has always slept in a small doggie bed at the foot of our bed. As soon as Dan and the kids left, she claimed a new home....Jackson's mattress. Too funny! I wonder how our goofy mutt will do in Brazil.

Hannah's First E-Mail from Brazil

This cracked me up. I love the whole 14-year old line of thinking:

OMG!!!! I am so confused!!! We are here!!! WOO!!! the plane was nice and comfy in bussiness class. the airport was insane!!! the customs line was like a battlefield of who could get in line first!!! once you were in line it moved pretty fast but not while you were trying to find the end of the line! The drive was soooo long....i fell asleep for like half of it. those motorcycles are so crazy!! The driver dude was nice but his english wasn't very good (dad said he was the guy that drove you to the airport). so now i am chillin' about to take a nap after a nice shower. now i think i should've done more of that rosetta stone. I dont' know what anyone is saying!!! IT IS SO FREAKIN ANNOYING!!! Sorry i think that i am just venting in this email. How are things there?? I miss you! love yah

Hannah

Exit

I can't say it enough. We have the best friends in the world. Not only did we have a blast on Saturday at our goodbye party, but a hearty bunch came over yesterday evening to wish the family well. Lots of laughs and hugs were exactly what we needed. Hannah's pals gave her an incredible scrapbook of photos through the years. Jackson, Delle and Denzel got in one more game of pool. Pat made the most amazing lasagna, Helen brought soda bread, Sean and Amber shared their wedding cake top (one year anniversary) and Lynne blew my diet with the world's largest bag of M&Ms.













After a hearty lunch at Sala Thai, the Sao Paulo trio left this afternoon. I miss them already.

















P.S. Dan's Dad did have a small stroke but he's one tough soldier and looks like he'll recover. This is his second stroke so I hope he takes his time coming home so he can get stronger. I'm glad Dan and the kids got to spend some time with him this morning. Thanks for your prayers. They helped!

Prayers

Send it up for:

Dan's Dad, Wayne, was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon. He just wasn't feeling right. (We found this out late last night when we called the house to say goodbye.) We are going to stop at St. Joe's on the way to the airport today. Pray that this fabulous man is on the mend.

My Colorado pal, Corinne, is having surgery this morning due to complications from reconstructive surgery after she kicked breast cancer to the curb. She is an amazing single Mom to two fab teenagers and deserves prayers everyday.

The Sao Paulo Trio....Dan, Jackson and Hannah fly out this afternoon. They are in for a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs as they work to get acclimated to new schools, jobs and friends (and three months without me!)

Boxes Everywhere

Life in the D has changed radically in the last 24 hours. We are now surrounded by boxes and fairly raw emotions. The movers packed just about everything yesterday and will be back today to do the last of it and move it on out. Today is Jackson's last day at Cass and Hannah is headed out to lunch (thanks to the Jewish holiday a lot of her friends have the day off) with her best buds.

I snuck out of work early yesterday and took Hannah to get a pedicure. It was nice to just chill with her. (She is pretty accurately convinced that Ro won't take her to get her toes done in Brazil.) Jackson went out with Ari last night for a movie date while Ro ran a last few errands.

I love my husband. He was killing time yesterday and he called Hannah and I at the salon to see if it was OK if he bought a pre-lit Christmas tree to ship. So many things on his mind and he's thinking about the holidays. So cute!

I think I'm OK. Thanks to my fabulous company, I am going to the Sao Paulo Auto Show at the end of October for a week. I'll probably return to Brazil for Christmas and then I'm there for good after NADA at the end of January. So I'm not saying goodbye for months, just a series of weeks.

Tomorrow's the big day!

Last Post from this Computer

As soon as I'm done with this post, I have to unhook the computer and get it ready for the sea shipment. The movers come in the morning. Heavy sigh!

We have the best friends in the world. We did our Brazil or Bust party yesterday. I bet we had 100 people here. It was family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, babies and adults. Jerome from church cooked his heart out and we fed everyone hamburgers, brats, chicken and Ro's salmon. Pat made a sinful chocolate dessert and Lynne took care of the vegetarians. My Mom and Tim brought in the birthday cake so it was a true team effort. My job was to introduce everybody to the joys (or evils) of Caipirinha. It is a traditional Brazilian drink prepared with a sugar cane liquor called cachaça.

After getting up bright and early to clean up the party rubble, we thought we'd have all day to leisurely pack. After we went to the Clique for a yummy birthday breakfast for Jackson (he is 17 today), we were treated to a surprise visit from the Cleveland Robars. It was great to hang out with them. Then, someone called for pots so Ro sold them some clay jewels from the Laundry Room Gallery. Then, a guy we sold some cube chairs to on Craig's List called and wanted to buy some of Ro's tables. Needless, to say Ro had one of his best art fair days ever but we didn't start organizing our stuff for the movers until after 5. Oh well! We're getting it together.

I better get back to it.

Pride

I am so proud of my kids. We are totally rocking their world by taking them to a foreign country, ripping them away from their friends, enrolling them in a new high school and a myriad of other therapy-inducing, life-changing moves. Not only are they calm, but they are in pretty good spirits and have provided a lot of laughs throughout the last few crazy weeks. I really love that they have bought into this adventure 100%.

The Next 10 Days

OK, the visas are here. We're in full ignition mode now. Hard to believe that Dan, Jackson and Hannah only have 10 more days in the US. Here's a brief look at the stuff we know about during this crazy stretch:

Today--Hannah is at her girlfriend Elizabeth's baptism this AM; Jackson is going to the homecoming dance at Regina tonight with Ari; and I'm moving into the Dearborn Inn for the next two nights to run the Crain executive meeting

Wednesday--Both kids go to the dentist; Art Van delivers the furniture we bought

Thursday--Meet with the Merrill Lynch guy we've been avoiding for a year and then sit down with Jackson's counselor at Cass, Mr. Washington

Friday--Second round of immunizations for all; Hannah is going to Mercy's homecoming dance with her buddy Taylor

Saturday--PARTY! We're having about 100 people over to the house for our "Brazil or Bust" open house

Monday--Movers arrive and pack up all our belongings on the air and sea shipment

Wednesday--Plane leaves at 4:15 p.m.

The kids plan to go their new school in Sao Paulo on Friday. Whew!

We have an address

­­­­­­­­­­­­­Rua Itapaiuna, nº 1.800, ap. 142,
Edifício Thamyris,
Condomínio Villagio Panamby, Jardim Morumbi,
São Paulo, SP,
Cep: 05705-901

Dan and the kids will be staying in a hotel the first two weeks and then they get to move into our apartment. Guess I'm kind of jealous of all the firsts they are going to experience without me.

Total Rain Out!

We were supposed to spend today getting rid of clutter. For the past three weeks, we've been clearing out closets....one pile for sea shipment, one pile for storing here in Detroit, one pile for garbage and another for the garage sale. Man, do we have a lot of stuff for that sale. Unfortunately, all the rain from Hurricane Ike soaked today's garage sale. So now not only do we have the dining room and foyer filled with garage sale items, we spent the suddenly free day BUYING stuff to take with us. Oh man! We bought pillows, garbage cans, cookie sheets, mattresses, a chair, 10 pairs of shoes and a bunch of other stuff. We definitely went in the wrong direction.

It looks like the neighborhood garage sale may happen next Saturday. Please pray for a sunny day.

While you're praying, think of young Mr. Jackson tomorrow at 1 p.m. He is taking his road test for his driver's license. You can't drive in Brazil till you're 18 but we didn't want all his classes here to expire by the time he gets back. So if he passes tomorrow and then goes to the Secretary of State next week, he'll be able to drive for about two weeks. Poor guy.

SUNDAY UPDATE: He passed! Thanks for the good vibes all.

Awesome!!!

My way cool bosses at Crain today told me they are going to take a stab at letting me work remotely from Brazil. If I ever, ever, ever have complained about work, I take it back. Not only will I be the most loyal employee ever, they are going to get some great work out of me from the (way) southern bureau of Automotive News. The built-in desk that I'll be using in our Sao Paulo apartment office is pictured in this post.

As part of the deal, I'll be coming home every 4-6 weeks for a week or so at a time. How sweet is that?? I can stock up on tennis shoes, jeans and electronics in the U.S. and sell them from my trunk in Brazil. (Just kidding!)

Brazil or Bust Party

As if we didn't have enough to do in the next few weeks, we've set the date for our goodbye party. I didn't want the family to leave without having a chance to say "tchau" to their pals. I'm putting together an Evite invite and list now so look for it soon. So if you're in town (sorry Corinne!), come join us for some Motown fun on Saturday, September 27 from 4-8 p.m. The price of admission is to look up an important word in Portugese that we'll need to know and teach it to us. Should be fun!

A Perfect Detroit Weekend

Wow...I got up really early yesterday to help my energetic neighbor Amber sell green beans, peaches, pears and grapes at Eastern Market. What a blast! I saw so many people. It was kind of cool to see their reaction....it was like "why are you here?" We yelled at people, weighed their purchases and worked really hard for nine hours. I enjoyed it but I don't think I could do it every weekend. I give Amber a lot of credit. It's tiring work.

Last night, I kept the Detroit groove going and went to the Dally in the Alley in Midtown. Such a great mix of Detroit people all enjoying a beautiful night. The vibe there is perfect with its combination of bands, art, community groups and food. I wish I had taken some pictures. It is also kind of a hippie-ish gathering too with lots of attitude. It is one of those events that make you proud to be a Detroiter, not a suburbanite.

Stan and Barbara came over for dinner tonight. Stan is going to house sit for us when we move to Sao Paulo. We attend church together at St. Charles. They are a great couple and they'll do a fab job with the house while we're gone. How do you fill two people in on all the quirks of an old house?? But hey, I made peach cobbler with peaches Amber and I sold at the market so all was good!!

We Have a Date!

On October 1 at 4:15 p.m., my family is leaving me for Brazil. It was supposed to be just Ro and Hannah but now Jackson has decided to get started on his Brazil high school career, rather than wait for the second semester in January. I admire his decision because I know how tough it is for him to leave Cass.

What about me? I have promised my bosses at Crain that I would be here through Auto Show season. So, I'm going to be oh so lonely. I hope I can do this.

Mamas for Obama

We filled up the Buick yesterday morning with a bunch of Mamas and their daughters and went and saw (well kind of) Barack Obama in Hart Plaza. What fun! The lines and crowds were crazy. We marched in with the Teamsters during the Labor Day Parade and got right into the Plaza. We were way far away (the photo to the left is from the paper) and we couldn't hear very well....but hey we were "breathing his air" as Marcella said. Our view was the one between the two tents in the photo. Santoscoys hosted a great BBQ last night for a bunch of friends so we had a fabulous day to say goodbye to summer and hello to the future.