à chacun son goût

En attendant...

Interrogé sur leur intentions de aller au Brésil en vacances, le québecois répondre:

- Mais oui, je cherche une belle litière.

(oui, exactement ce qui a été dit avec une incroyable supériorité sur le sud! - c'est-à-dire tout ce qui viens de l'Amérique Latine!)

Quel irrespect! 

J'aime vraiment le Québec, les gens d'ici, sa culture, puis je n'aurais jamais pensé en écouter un si fort insulte... Alors, excuse-moi, mais: pauvres chauvinistes ces (ostie de) losers égocentriques qui ne voient que leur souverainisme! S'il y a certains québecois qui croient même que leur "pays" est le meilleur endroit au monde, je voudrais qu'ils entendent (seulement un petit peu - au moins!) ce que tous les autres canadiens ont à dire par rapport à cette province francophone, et son peuple compris.

Une place pour chaque chose et chaque chose à sa place... Quelle ironie!

Vive le Canada et son acceptation des différences! 

J'ADORE ça: de la tolérance en plusieurs niveaux.

on the top

Ok, sometimes they DO are not confortable, but wearing a beautiful pair of high-heeled shoes, makes all the difference!

Actually, a nifty bag too. They give life to the look... anyone, glamourizing women, growing self esteem!

Sacrifices which worth all efforts... ;)

a chip on his shoulder

Nostalgic about the past? Go for it, then!

Coming back to old recollections when it is the moment you must go forward is stupidity - mainly when your memories are not something you should be proud of...

Me, on the contrary, I am sorted-out about my life. I am firmly resolved to keep going... future-oriented!

Living as a museum? It's not my cup of tea - not at all!

Choices...

fiftieth girls

Last year, it was announced that Mafalda would be turning 50 years old. An error. It will happen next year. Meanwhile, Mônica just turned 50 on 3rd March.

With no rivality (in this case), both represent their countries, Argentine and Brazil. However, Mafalda was braver, politic. Mônica was only one, when a dictatorial censorship settled down there... Maybe it could have assuaged her stories content, besides assuring her long life in newsstands, while Mafalda's publications ended in 1973 -  when she was age of nine, seven of them passed under the military dictatorship.

Five years ago, without any interruptions, the little toothy Brazilian grew up... Thus, nowadays there is also a teen version of her and and her gang. I don't know, though, if it was a good maturation changing its style for Manga...

I'm old school. I believe that we should not mess with a winning formula. Yet at the same time I recognize that youth has molted. Well, let's see... At least, they can help against bullying due to so much peculiarity in its characters.

une autre vie

Sans toi, plus froide, trop triste. J'y crois fort!

___________________________________________________________

Parfois, je me demande comment il serait si on ne se serait pas rencontré...

Heureusement, nous ne nous sommes pas laissés au hasard!!

C'est bien, car, après tout, on voulait être ensemble. Tant mieux.

Les amoureux... si chanceux! 

(Six mois depuis le mariage déjà... ♥) 

témperature ressentie

15°C, c'est chaud ou froid? Ça dépend...

Sortez tous habillés d'une chambre maussade, frette (avec des températures qui oscillent de -5°C à 5°C), en direction au soleil, où il fait 15°C... Vous allés vous déshabiller rapidement, en sentant chaleur!

Par contre, si on sort d'un endroit chaud, ensoleillé, avec températures entre 30°C et 25°C, en maillot de bain, et arrive dans un autre, où il fait 15°C, et il y a beaucoup du vent, la réaction sera contraire... On va avoir froid! (à tabarouette!)

Ce justement cela le contraste entre l'arrivée du printemps (en avril) et du automne (en septembre), là là, au Québec. Ça fait toute la différence! - à vrai dire, n'importe où...

overcoming

At least, it is supposed to be - in any levels. Always.

If it is not, it doesn't worth. So, this is really the end.

It seems I have already watched this film... But, no, I didn't. It is another one now. Other story, different.

We look forward to the scenes of the next chapters of this new movie. They will be better, for sure.

horoscope

All astrological predictions she read her whole life were worthless. None of zodiac attributes she thought being about herself were true.

Born on a day of transition, the sun hadn't entered in cancer yet at the moment she came into life, that year... Aged of 30, she discovered she is gemini.

What a mess because of a detail... 

Only one hour, all difference!

every Jack to his trade

While some learn how to  ride a bike or swim, others try not to slid on ice or snow. Me, who was born in a tropical country, I admit I’d never thought about that: the winter life, and its particularities (even being from the south of Brazil - where, in July or/and in August, the temperature is around 5°C - could for our Equatorial pattern).

Once living in a place where 0°C is normal in the Autumn (imagine the low winter marks…), I start to get know many things which before were completely left put in the cold - and seems inclusively a little bizarre to me… However, I’m now very interested in this kind of curiosities, everything that concerns my new (freezing) reality.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, for example, had been a unknown name until this week, when a classmate presented a research about his life. Well, he was an important (Canadian - further: a Quebecer) man: he invented the ski-doo, which should be called ‘ski-dog’ (yes, with a G!), blame of a brochure typo…   

Locomotion as well as transportation are severely difficult on icy grounds. The snowmobiles he designed have been so utile next to the poles. With his creations, he turned life easier for millions of people - Santa Claus included. Time and distances changed after that.

Experiences… for one, jet skies; for others ski-doos. Necessity.

another river

... another (point of) view.

Another city.

Another story...

Another life!

little things which make all the difference

Feeling myself  welcome - Now, more than ever, I’m prizing it (once I’m satisfied with the way which people deal with immigrants in Canada)! Differently I was used to pass in Europe, here, there are not only opportunities, but (and mainly) respect.

Furthermore, other aspect that makes me appreciate this country is its people's kindness. Without a doubt, they are completely different from, for example, most part of Dutchs who I've met in The Netherlands - rude and indelicate when giving short answers, always with no smiles in their faces. 

Although their idiom seems a little brute for us, while, for instance, the Latin ones make us closer (of course), it's not only a matter of language. Even descending from French, Quebec's people are so cute and solicitous - much more beloved than their European ancestors, who, unfortunately, don't have one of the best appealing reputation - at all! Sometimes, inclusively, the anglophonic Canadians seem be even more captivating, but is not a plain fact! Maybe this unfavourably impression is made à cause des mes difficultés et de les particularités du français... Oui, peut-être!

Finally, there are many other reasons which make me believe I’m in the right place right now… Almost feeling myself as in home (or 'chez moi'). My only challenge, the worst one, which impedes me to affirm I’m 100% sure of that, is the winter(!) - that haven’t started yet. Probably, it’s going to be as cruel as colder than any other people in the whole planet! Wow… I wonder myself if Canadians are going to keep joy and so gentle even under less 30 degrees! Well, let's see.

*By now, I would like to excuse myself with Holland and French people, since I love them and their places. However, it's important to be sincere AND, in such case, EVEN WITH NO CRISIS, Europeans generally tend to have so much (related to behavior and mood) to learn with other peoples in order to improve their manners.

voulu mais bizarre

As time passed, more and more, I’m sure I’m interested in eccentric men. Although I can’t see anything sexy in a type as Woody Allen, for example, I’m used to be involved with some guys who remind me of him.

Fortunately, it’s possible to say that it’s not his physique which attracts me in my pretenders, but the odd way how he demonstrates his charming intelligence. At least, not so bad… After all, it’s undeniable his geniality! - and for sure that captivates me.

No one would dispute that creative genius and extravagance both get along. On the question of having intellect and sagacity, I confess I’m easily fascinated by - even tolerating a little madness sometimes… Finally, no one is perfect!

With glasses, short, older, shy and a little neurotic… they are almost everything which girls like me tend to avoid. However, at last, to conclude: I honestly prefer a strange one than someone extremely beautiful, but stupid. Furthermore, I don’t care! From up close, nobody is normal (not even me!).

l'heure locale

"Em Brasília, 19h", mais ici il est 18h.

Bientôt, toutefois, il aura encore deux heures de plus! Il seront trois heures de décalage horaire, en raison du début de l'heure d'été au Brésil et la fin du même régime ici.

Dans le samedi 15 octobre, il y faudra avancer les montres d'une heure là-bas. Par contre, ici au Québec, le dimanche le six novembre commence l’heure d’hiver, où on recule d'une heure.

   1h (décalage horaire) 
+ 1h (plus au Brésil) 
+ 1h (moins au Québec) 
= 3h de différence

le temps de dîner au soleil

Square Victoria, midi

C'est l'été! 'Faque', il est le temps de manger dehors, n'importe où.

Ici, différemment qu'en France, on dîne à midi (on déjeune le matin et on soupe en soirée).

Cependant, l'habitude de profiter qu'il fait beau, c'est la même... tout le monde ensemble: collègues de travail, mamans avec leurs enfants, couples etc.

(J'ai l'impression qu'ils le font même plus que nous, au Brésil).

bienvenue!

Usually, in the first-world countries it’s rare see a adults with two children… So, three is practically a miracle! In Brazil, it’s different: anywhere you can meet many infants provided basically by couples with both no instruction and  economical conditions (having much more than two, inclusively).

Here, it’s impossible walk dans les rues and simply ignore the fact that there are many babies in the city. Young couples are procreating… A LOT! A 'baby boom' has happened! 

I like seeing that once I think about my friends who would like to have all this structure and basis to carry their kids whatever they go. In parks, malls, supermarkets, on the streets or metro - they are partout! 

There are as much as pigeons at Copacabana, for example - even more…! It’s not a plague just because they were (and are!) welcome here. Nobody looks at them seeing a problem, even their crying. A 'baby atmosphere' is all over! Everybody helps... It seems perfect.

It’s really nice see my contemporaries forming happy families. Yes: H-A-P-P-Y. Very satisfied. They are not losing anything while having babies. On the contrary… any programming of the parents here includes les enfants. Wonderful for who loves ces petits.

Writing about that right now, I realized some huge difference between quebecoises and bresiliens: I haven’t seem yet kids with babysitters or grandparents. They are always with mama, papa or playing with some family’s friend(s). Everybody enjoys them - wherever!

Definitively, it’s a perfect place to do that. So, let’s practice!

a single problem

Considering a city crowded by children, of course there is a parade of good fathers… REALLY good, indeed! For me, a single lady (mainly today - on The Single’s Day), this is the “worst” part of the city.

By the way, even late (it was yesterday their official day): my compliments for all daddies. Oh, God!    

fragile sex

Today, on the Man’s Day, I just want to say that they are not as strong as they try to convince us. Looking at health issue, for example, they (the majority of them, at least) simply turn DRE - digital rectal exam - in a seven headed beast, while women are used with some torture instruments since they went to gynecologist for the first time.

By the way, this date was created so as to men start to pay attention about this kind of thing: care or prejudice which they have or not had. It represents exactly the expression which says that bit where it hurts… or rather, touching a sore (men’s) point. Completely fragile! - physiologically, sociologically and sexually as well.

They mess everything… and avoid mere precautions that can safe their lives. Stupid guys... (or is possible say 'faggy', once they run away from that!)

Congratulation for those who face any fear, weakness and prejudice and keep their lives alive and kicking.

all kisses I haven’t given, all hugs I haven’t received

If I've regretted something, it is a kind of caress that I haven’t demonstrated and, at heart, I indeed would like to. Being more affectionate, apart from evince my feelings and real desires is an exercise that I need to practice further. In fact, it is essential to play fair in this life not to lament later.

Saying “I love you” (not only in couple's relationships, but) at home more often, thanking my mother all kindness and attention she have had with us (my sister and me), holding my friends and saying how much they are important for me… It is the best proof of my endearment. Nevertheless, sometimes, it is not necessary say anything, because our acts speak for itself.

Then, I really believe in the power of touch. I think that, sometimes, we simply forget to be closer, hugging, for example (at least for a few minutes) who is important for us. This is vital, though. Once, I advised a cousin to do this with my uncle when he was very sick. I’m sure that, before dieing, he could enjoy the fraternal fondling of his son.

This is my main worry about living in another country where people’s behaviour is not as ours. I fear miss the human warmth proper of Latins (chiefly of partners - lover men). However, I should be honest that I’m not easy and I usually pretend to hold out. My self-sufficiency is like I shoot myself in my own foot. It have made me being seen as a little selfish, indifferent or far worse: sexually cold! [Dammit!] Similarly, being needy and dedicate myself to someone who doesn’t deserve it - but it is another story, outro (con)texto…(!)

Both cases are mistakes that I’m not interested to repeat anymore. I want (an)other(s) chance(s). I promise that the cold weather is not going to changed me into an iced-cube heart person - here (nor there). It can be different...

me and myself

It’s sad to know that some people have the wrong idea of who we really are. Nevertheless, It’s happen… Further, all the worse is the sure that they are announcing to the four winds that you are in a role which IS NOT your (at least not in this life!).

Professional is about work, while personal is everything done at home. What is the difference between both? “None” (for them). This lack is an excuse to justify their bad character. It is something as a shooting in their own foot.

Although I don’t like to be on the others mouth, I don’t care a straw indeed. In fact, I’m not worried about that. The importance we have is measured by the worth which other people give us. So, I can say pround I’m powerfull because I’m at peak - almost being a celebrity - unless the tone of the comments.

I know who I am (and I am not), and who matters knows aswell (and put me on the top - the same way I do, because we love and support each other). We are truthful friends and of these relationships became our real importance.

So, I’m a wonderful person, while my ‘enemies’ are not. After all, I haven't given them this power indeed! Poor people who need to turning to an inadequate behaviour to get some merit [?] - bad choice...!

strict european way of life

Next month, or in a week’s time - It is when Dutch people can see you again and book a meeting, dinner, to have a drink or whatever! From now until their schedule has finished (all appointments booked before this exact moment), it wont be possible being included in their lives.

Perhaps this happens because they were not awaiting for this new situation. However, if today their programming was looking for it (dating someone, for example), probably they’ll put you as a priority in their agenda. A typical rational European behaviour…

It’s so strange for us, latins, who, alternatively, when meet somebody (special) change the plans ever since. As soon as possible, we are going to invite this person to take part of our lives’ programming - if be worthwhile, of course! Ah, if it were as simple as that with them too... I think they may be happier, to be astounded more naturally and could laugh a whole lot more of life's surprisings, or, at least, take things easy (to others - more flexible, like me...)!

Finally, we are REALLY more easygoing… not only this, but also emotional (then, I admit that I enjoy this our way of being). I swear that I wont to fuck only on the day set, or have to schedule (at least) 'this'! [PLEASE...!] I just want to change my mind according to the events, people and anything else that happens in my life (besides someone who thinks on his feet and  juggles to be with me, by my side).

the bright side of everything

Sunny days - I can use only one of my hands to count them with my fingers… Even so, it is going to be left over!

Now I begin to understand the depression of North European people, who feels only few times not only the sun energy, but also the power of the its rays.

I admit that I usually try to chose the sunny walkside to go on the dutch kanaals. It’s important for me receive a little of this to get some energy, at least. Habituated with it, Brazilians (like me) miss the usual sunshowers on the beach. 

Probably, the cold mood of these people might change when is summer and the wheater is warmer... I guess.

Another curious (and tiring) matter is that the days are very short here. Only From 8 to 5pm is bright day - when the sun appears, of course. As a consequence, 3pm is already (unfortunately) the end of the afternoon!

Many business are closed (or ‘gesloten’ - as could be seen when someone tries to go somewhere after 17h) so early. It is different for us, who in Brazil are used to find many places open until 20h, or later - until the last costumer.

This is the European way of life: relaxing time after lunch, shops, drugstores and supermarkets closed at 6 pm (or five minutes before, just to guarantee no one working more than is agreed!). Fair!