I've had an epiphany of sorts and it's helped me turn my frame of mind.
When I first got to Brazil, I was pretty consumed with everything I missed about home and every aspect of Brazil that didn't live up to my desires. But I've met a friend. And I've moved into my own apartment. For anyone who underestimates the importance, value and raw necessity of friends and personal space - I am your living proof that these two elements alone will improve your quality of life x 1,000,000. I exaggerate you not. Especially if you are living in a foreign country.
If you want to be really really happy, you should also get a cat or two and some plants.
I'm currently mothering two little cats (we got a second one in the last 2 weeks! Little José... ) and I'm growing basil, lemon balm, corriander, green onion and cat grass.
I also read the bible to orphans on weekends. haha. No, no I don't do that.
Things I currently like about Brazil:
- Cats! I love 'em, I pet 'em, I kiss 'em, I talk baby talk to 'em, I have two of 'em... cats cats cats!***PICTURE STILL UNAVAILABLE! SORRY!***
- My apartment!!!!!!!! It's so comfortable and AWESOME to walk around your own house in your undies or less. Or more!!! Hey! It's my house and I wear what I want!
Ahhhhh.... life is GOOD! We live in an apartment surrounded by favelas (Cidade de Deus is literally right down the street), and it's fantastic. It's real. It's hard. It's simple. It's Brazil!
Yes, yes, yes - Lindsey's got her groove back!
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic. I love the papaya with honey too, but we don't have our very own bee keeper yet. Welcome back!
ReplyDeletelove it! i felt the EXACT same way. when we moved into our house--started feeling more normal. when i found my new best friend (Rita!)-- started feeling yet more normal. when i started to speak Portugese in public--started to feel accomplished. when i started WORKING in brazil--started to feel REALLY normal! its these steps, they are like accomplishments that take time to get to. we dont value them in the US because we already have them, but when you start with nothing (no home to yourself, no friends, no job, no way to communcate) they become so much more when you finally get it. my next step on my normalcy journey is driving our manual car by myself next wednesday to a lesson. that one will either end with a celebration or hospital trip :)
ReplyDeletei love papaya too---but only blended into a juice! papaya and banana juice is my favorite thing before a run :) and i am getting an obsession with buying houseplants, but unfortunately my husband is no a fan of anything that is alive and purrs or barks >:| no cats for me... :(
very happy for you :) love the kitties, too cute!! I want to grow my own herbs too!! What do you use basil for? Lets hope i get my place soon...seriously, im dying...
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