The Third Trimester

Well, we are officially in the final third of our grant. Exactly 90 days from today I will be boarding a plane for the good ole' U.S. of A. Not sure how I feel about that. I've thought about the journey home but now it's actually semi-relevant. At the end of third 1, I wrote about what I'd learned (and posted pics of my head). I think I'll do that again, because even though things are not physically as noticeable, a lot of learning happened over the summer (most specifically in the last month).

• Michol learned what the drawer at the top of our fridge is for. It's "extra-cold" for things like drinks you'd like really cold but not frozen.
• I learned what tapioca is. Deliciousness. I thought they were selling pudding,lol. I'd had it before and just not known the name. Now I'm on a quest to learn to cook it for myself.

(you can put stuff in it and eat it like a gyro)

• We found a costureira (seamstress). She altered 6 pieces of clothing for like $8.50. I now realize the joy of having clothes that are literally made for you and will be finding a seamstress when I get home).
• We found out where CASAI (House of Indigenous Health) is. I've spoken to the boss and may be able to volunteer there. It's the first time a foreigner has asked to volunteer so like with my cash advance at the bank, he's got to see what actually needs to be done.
• I took the van to Palmas so I got to see the city which is super spread out. Saw the old rodoviaria (bus station) and the new one and now I know how to get home when I travel from Brasilia in Oct.
• I made a new friend. Her name is Tenikey. She has a cutie daughter, Cecilia. It's been great befriending her. Michol and I have different friends now and it's nice to have that time apart sometimes.

(The night we met. I could name all these people but you won't know who they are anyway so I'll just say they're cool peoples)

On a more personal note...

• I lost my battle to kitty. They say you have to pick your battles and this one just wasn't worth it.  I realized most of why I'm so angry at her is not because of the stuff she does, but more specifically because I'm not getting what I want (i.e. her to stop doing it) and though her crying is annoying trying to reason with a cat only takes my sunshine away.
• I've decided to rededicate myself to God. I thought about a year again because concrete goals have always been my thing, but I think this time I'm gonna try day by day. I failed today so I think this one is a little more my speed,lol. But seriously, I'd like my readers to hold me accountable for my thoughts and my actions. So please don't be afraid to ask me what I did that day when you talk to me. Knowing I could be forced to speak my unfortunate thoughts/desires might help me stay on the straight and narrow. Well that's all for this week. Next week will be more action-filled.

Toodles