ignorance is a shoot in the foot

Sorry, but wealth doesn't mean smartness! It's not because your house is sooo fancy that your guests should pay tickets to visit you! For God sake, mind you: f*ck your vanity!

If you actually don't master your professional domain (even believing you do...), please, re-examine your affairs' concepts before losing time and money. Moreover, be cleaver: pay someone to work for you, if you are not able to... giving him enough autonomy to think big. It's that easy!

Remember: lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place... likewise good opportunities! (mainly the best ones!) Quality has its price; Otherwise, distrust.

Learning is everything! - chiefly in order to inovate. Nobody goes forth without freshening... Being opened to new ideas is an excellent investment in a world which is in constant change.

By the way, fund DOES NOT remain for ever...

dreaming does not costs anything

That's why I throw myself into, living it acutely.

Nonetheless, in real life, our safe harbor has a price.

649 - that's all I want (and we need) by now. Actually, only half of it!

against frost weather

I used to dream about a winter black jacket of Benetton. Fluffy, with many buds. A little undue for the tropical cold of Porto Alegre city, I confess. All the same, during several years of my teenages, I went there just to check the price. Something about US$160.

Impossible for me, at that moment, buy it. Too expensive for a luxury. Nevertheless, in 2010, travelling in Europe, I found a similar one. New... for US$ 50! A bargain. I nearly bought two! No, not in a store, in a street market. A generic one. F*ck Benetton!
 

Maybe, I always knew one day I would live in a freezing place, where I will really need it. Today, it's a necessity in my current life. 

Lucky, I received from my step sister a pretty good long one. For very low temperatures, coat the ass is required (we quickly realize that!). 

Not even - 30°C scares me anymore...

gorgeous silver

Once, I asked my mother why she had her hair dyed. Then, I suggested her to leave it natural, grey. Finally, she said to do that with my own hair, by myself, when graying start on me.

Not at that moment, but, now, I undertand her being on the defensive. It's a delicate situation for many women witnessing their hair lose colour; thus, being obligate to dye hair constantly. Many, in fact, the majority, opt for keeping their young hues artificially.

Alternatively, I honestly feel that ladies as Françoise Hardy, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Jamie Lee Curtis, Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave, and last but not least, Meryl Streep (as Miranda Priestly, in The Devil Wears Prada), are glamorous in the way they are: both old and chic.

Their look, a choise, despite thousands of advertisings selling hair dye, as I see it, means a victory, an embrace of the natural changes, an acceptance of lifecycle. Without a doubt, it's an audacious one.

Furthermore, of course, having beautiful gray hair also requires special cares - expensive too! Olden with vanity, a challenge!

Mine, in a few years. Decided!

discourtesy

act 1

(M) - I should go, girls...
(F) - Why?
(S) - She'll make the dinner.
(M) - Actually, it's my husband's turn tonight. He just called me to know what I want to eat.
(F) - Ah, cute...
(M) - ... but, what's the problem in going home to cook for us?
(S) - Oh, in fact, no one. I just miss these 'couple's things'... Sorry.

___________________________________________________________

act 2

(M) - If you want to pay less, I know where the prices are lower.
(S) - Great! Thanks for helping.
(F) - God, you really seems be a housewife with all these tips of specials!
(M) - But, actually, I AM! I've been being for years - even while single, or when I was working... I always buy according weekly flyers. Though, now, the difference is that I try to optimize my husband's money.

___________________________________________________________

an actual fairytale

I'm sure that, when with someone, in a real relationship, forming their own family, the ironic and coarse speech of little girls like these will be not the same. They'll not complain about cook, or even take care of their family finances. Everything will be done with love, gladly.

Being a housewife is neither my dream of life nor is a life model for me (not at all!). However, I prefer to be a happy one than a jealous or unloved woman.

I sincerely don't think I should (nor do I deserve) to ride defensively because of that...

at the top

It is not novelty that Rio de Janeiro is high-priced lately. Everything here are more costly than two years ago. In this period, all prices simply doubled. Rentals, food, transport… all basic items have inflated by now.

The 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games are to blame. Rio is top notch right now. It has been most expensive live here, in Rio, than in Paris, for example - something unacceptable once people here don’t earn in Euro as happens abroad.

Rio has been a comfortable city only for foreigns, who can pay for it. About ’gringos’, another issue which has occurred is the fact that many are coming in order to work here - much better prepared (speaking English, Spanish, French etc, using computer suitably and with a cultural background much more rich than ours).

It is a unfair competition, as well as a cruel reality for us, who live here. It has been a desperate situation that was recently sprung for common salaried carioca citizens.

Read more about that!

problems springing forth

While I’m saying that, our main worry at these days is the current explosions of light manholes in Rio.

During the last two weeks, five subterranean gallery blew up. Besides the explosion itself, the manhole cover is a real danger. It can hurt seriously who is around when hurled away.

The first accident occurred last year and affected two American tourists in Copacabana. Their bodies were grievously burned. More than a year passed and considerable arrangements or preventive measures haven't been taken by Light, the electric company (ir)responsible.

See here the map showing where they have occurred.

Without a doubt, everything here is being blown up! - both prices and manhole covers.

God save the Queen the trouble

Today, on the Labour Day, I will ask which one is Queen Elizabeth II’s? Only representation, I guess.

I really don’t agree with monarch politic system. I’m republican, after all. However, this way to govern a country have worked until now in UK and adjacencies. Surprising, British people approve it.

This behaviour was clear this week, during the fervent royal wedding arrangements and events. Incidentally, who did pay for it? I suppose the people - all colonies included.

It is said that Middleton family was the one-third sponsor. The other two fraction, well… you know. Nevertheless, it seems that nobody (or the major part of them don‘t) cares about that…

As long as I’m used to a different system, I really don’t understand this situation. Though, I have to admit that the countries she is the Head are in good economical and social conditions.

There is a merit in that, which haven’t done by any other leader. Even so, she has a role that, sometimes, seems as a joke, due to the First Ministers more active functions. Thus, she has somewhat as an ornamental political occupation.

Even worst is the waiting of Prince Charles to become king. I read that is the longest crowning delay of their History. Ok, he is merely decorative indeed... Owing to his lack of popularity, many prefer William as her successor.

Dutch 30th April

At the same time, yesterday was celebrated in the Netherlands the Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag). I swear I would like to had been there.

Spring time, hot pleasant weather, everybody going to the parks on weekends, as well as celebrating festive events... It is a quite good opportunity to be happy(er). 

Maybe another time… next year. I hope so! - being some kind of queen there.

home sweet resistence

It’s unbelievable (as inadmissible!) how much cost to sustain a house in Rio. Lately I’ve read news about the abusive prices to maintain a dignified carioca life.

Properties here is more expensive than Paris! This, without include other spent such as feed, health, transport, communication…

Trends have increased sharply since 2006, reaching the peak at 380% compared with the past values. However, after knowing that Brazil is going to host the World Cup in 2014 and also the Olympic Games later, in 2016, it started to be really quite unfair.

Considering most part of local population salaries which remained constant or plateaued, the fact is that the economy is going exclusively along with the touristic numbers. Carioca’s reality is diverse of this bed of roses that is believed we live. But ok, I understand that is envied our way of life, even being poorer than other’s worldwise patterns... Blame of overvalued beachs and other postcard views.

Although it said that can open the window and admire Christ, the redeemer, is priceless…(!), this is a private treasure, just for a few  privileged rich people, who can pay (much) for seeing this beautiful known landscape so close. Thus, I'm miserably blessed (also for keeping the wolf from the door)!

pronto!

In a country on the top of most part of research about worldwide spent of time online, where, likewise, each one person has one mobile, its people prefer to have a television than a bathroom at home! No, I‘m NOT joking, it IS true! This place (not to say 'planet') exists and it is not distant…

Believe it or not, these data are ascribed to Brazil! In my unusual moment right now, even being a Brazilian citizen, I’m thwarting these statistics. Being (almost) incommunicable, I’m a complete E.T. nowadays!

Without both TV and cell phone, if I have not my neighbour’s (free) internet either (God, thanks I can take and use it!), I would be lost… or, “better”, I would be a LOOSER for the present youth patterns. 

Because of this behaviour, we are suffering of connectivity's stress - the need to be online fulltime (among other things). Not only this, but it takes money… and who is paying this bill? (here, in addition, unfortunately, everything related of communication is still very expensive!)

Well, I'm paying through my nose for the changes I'm living now.

a good market

Euro Shopper - my new dutch friend!

It’s a special Albert Keijn brand which sales more for less… by low prices - actually, the best ones. Similar to Qualitá, in Rio, that belongs to Pão de Açúcar Group, is as well as cheaper than the others. 

Now, although I just moved from Rio to Amsterdam, my household skills remain the same. Thus, I am still used  to go to the supermarket during the week, or on the weekends, to buy everything necessary to live here. As I’m not rich (unfortunately), I’m often looking for the best bargains in Albert Heijn, Lidl, Dirk, and in drugstores too, such as Kruidvat, Etos… or wherever!

Then, I always leave there singing, satisfied for paying 'banana's price' (the Brazilians, of course!).

keep loving amy

I swear I would enjoy to go in one of her awaited concerts here in Brazil in the next days (or wherever! - Amy’s presentation is always worthwhile. However, here are some objections:

- I’ve not taken a VIP ticket or invitation;
- R$ 200 is too expensive. For me, in my present financial status, it is more that I can pay for;
- the place chosen by production  (HSBC Arena) is very far from home. It is necessary a transfer service... “Perrengue”(!);
- no one of my closer friends is going to (for me it is essential be in good company in this kind of event…)

Ok, I know that the life’s opportunities are over there and we should not waste it. Nevertheless, I’ll only another time…

Anyway… I’m (still) loving her - junkie or not (I’m not just paying for a risk - thus, I prefer her CDs, high fidelity recordings)!

somewhere

He is over there… walking, in metro, listening music, on the beach, watching concerts, drinking something, attending some course, driving, parking his car, stopped due to the traffic red light, taking for a walk his dog, telling a short story for his child, seating on the park, at club, shopping at the supermarket, choosing a DVD for tonight, cooking, working, studying, reading a book, taking a pícture, painting, riding a bike, learning another idiom; writing a poesy, an essay, a book, a thesis, a letter or lyrics; going to a stadium; playing an instrument, cards, tennis or soccer; surfing, jogging, planting flowers on the garden, travelling, giving a party; dinning, having lunch or a breakfast; supporting his team while is watching its game on television in a pub;  gazing at the sunset or sunrise; diving into the sea, sailing, flying, fishing, trekking, dancing, singing during the shower, connecting, being online, writing my blog, waiting for me… or mounting a horse - after all, what else could princes do?

Is it possible cross me on the street, looking at me (astounded), while I simply don’t see him? I must pay (more) attention... Also taking care with my appearance - even going to the bakery! It happens (of meeting someone special) when we least expect it! - maybe not, but PROBABLY, in these days your look is terrible, seems very tired and (all the worse:) you are dressed badly. [Oh, shit!]

liberdade ou morte

Hoje é o dia: de protestar, além de aproveitar a barbada de poder comprar gasolina cerca de 40% mais barata. PASMEM! – não pela oferta, mas pelo horror que é a sobretaxa em cima do produto.

Em algumas capitais do país, vários brasileiros pagaram quase metade do preço em litros do combustível, nessa campanha pela diminuição da arrecadação absurda feita no Brasil. Em São Paulo, diversas pessoas usaram nariz de palhaço numa manifestação bem-humorada, mas verdadeira contra essa realidade.

Lembram do recente “IPI reduzido”? Sentimos um pouco desse alívio numa tentativa do governo em aquecer o mercado. E conseguiu. Não foi mágica do varejo, foi "simplesmente" uma diminuição no que os cofres públicos levam do valor cobrado pelas lojas. Por que não aplicar esses descontos novamente, de repente em outro setor, fazendo um rodízio para tentar amenizar a crueldade com o povo que é essa cobrança indevida?

Nossa carga tributária é uma das mais altas do mundo. Injusto. Não creio numa explicação coerente que me convença de sua real necessidade. Para produtos da cesta básica, por exemplo, os impostos chegam a mais de 30% do valor total de cada mercadoria. Um exagero que não leva nosso país à frente, bem pelo contrário...

Pagamos por serviços básicos dos quais não usufruímos em sua plenitude, como saúde, educação, etc. Bancamos sei-lá-eu-quem – porque a cor desse dinheiro revertida em benefícios para a população não é o que acontece. E para algum lugar essa quantia trilhonária vai... Para onde será? (com tantos roubos, sonegação e superfaturação de quase tudo que é do governo, tenho meus palpites).

O contribuinte trabalha praticamente cinco meses (quatro meses e 29 dias) só para pagar impostos. Isso é uma palhaçada mesmo. E não vai mudar se não fizermos nada... Que tal um radicalismo (adoro!)? Liberdade ou morte! (que já é o que está acontecendo, na verdade,  uma vez que crianças morrem subnutridas, pessoas sem um atendimento médico público eficiente, nas estradas mal conservadas, etc etc etc.) Pensem nisso e protestem, como puderem.

A iniciativa do Dia da Liberdade de Impostos foi da ala jovem da Câmara de Dirigentes Lojistas, uma forma econômica e consciente de chamar a atenção da sociedade para o fato. Por aqui, a mula ruge...

Assistam ao vídeo da matéria que foi ao ar pelos canais da Rede Globo no portal G1.

lalala

O Grêmio venceu ontem o Gauchão 2010. Parabéns, mereceu. Ganhou de 2X0 a primeira partida da final na casa do adversário – seu maior rival, o Inter (pelo qual torço). Levou o título, mesmo perdendo o segundo jogo no Olímpico Fenomenal de 1X0, num belo chute de Giuliano. Venceu o campeonato, mas ficamos quites em vitórias nos Grenais (eles, com a vantagem de um gol, é verdade).

Faz tempo que o azul tem mostrado sua força em cima do colorado... pudemos senti-la, inclusive, no Brasileirão do ano passado, quando entregou com dificuldade ao carioca Flamengo a decisão, tenho que reconhecer. Outros pontos notáveis do tricolor gaúcho é o calor humano da comemoração ‘avalanche’ de sua torcida (para quem gosta, claro...), e seu hino fácil, composto pelo Lupi, que sempre costumou caprichar nas letras.

Promessa é dívida. Vestir a camisa e assistir ao jogo torcendo pelo time do coração, desafiar a melhor amiga gremista, usar o blog como moeda de troca acreditando na raça colorada, ver o campeão (de tudo) ganhar a disputa mas perder o campeonato, e ter que quitar a aposta escrevendo bem sobre o Grêmio é um valor MUITO caro, que nenhum cartão de crédito é capaz de pagar - não tem preço, aliás. Fod*.