Happy Easter!

I know I haven't been in here forever, but I haven't forgotten...

Things have been busy, @ work and @ home. I guess that can be a good thing, right?

Hang in there, I am preparing some posts, I will write again soon. If all goes well, I'll post something by the end of the week. I even have 2 movie reviews to post.

Don't give up on me yet! :)

Socrates' Triple Filter Test

I know I haven't been here in a while. Don't worry, I'm still coming back.


A friend sent me this, and it's so true (even if it didn't happen). I wish A LOT of people would use it.

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.
One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance that ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students called Plato?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test".

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student, let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say.

The first Filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second filter, the Filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter - the Filter of usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good, nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man was defeated and ashamed.

This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

Sorry I never told you all I wanted to say

UPDATE: Grandpa passed on Saturday, Jan 24, 9:25am Brasilia time. Thanks for all the prayers and support. I'm hanging in there.

My Mom called me today to tell me the doctors said there's nothing they can do for my Grandfather. He had been in the hospital since Dec 25th. I think he was misdiagnosed before being admitted, and had infection after infection since then.

The last time I spoke to him was on the 24th, and it felt like he was saying goodbye, you know?

So maybe by the time I type this, or by the time you read this, he'll be gone.

My consolation is that he lived nearly 86 years. He was a hard-working man, raised 3 daughters and a son, loved 4 granddaughters and a great-grandson. He'll be dearly missed. More than my Grandpa, and my Godfather, he was a great friend.




I can't think of nothing else to say, so I'll just leave this really sad song that I love:

One Sweet Day

Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say
And now it's too late to hold you
'Cause you've flown away
So far away

Never had I imagined
Living without your smile
Feeling and knowing you hear me
It keeps me alive
Alive

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be togetherOne sweet day

Darling, I never showed you
Assumed you'd always be there
I took your presence for granted
But I always cared
And I miss the love we shared

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day

Although the sun will never shine the same
I'll always look to a brighter day
Lord I know when I lay me down to sleep
You will always listen as I pray

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones

There is this woman I know, who is very quickly to point out the problems in everyone's marriages (we'll call her "B"). B goes out of her way to pass the gossip to everyone - and embellish quite a bit to make it more dramatic - about what goes on in other couples' lives.

Well, the other day I was chatting with a mutual friend (we'll call her "F"). So, F was at a party and saw B's husband hitting on a few ladies. Especially on a girl who happens to be F's cousin. Once he learned she was related to F, he backed out, very ashamed.

I'm wondering here how many times has B's husband cheated on her.

Everyone has problems and we never know what tomorrow may bring. We should just stay quiet and out of other people's lives.

Just saying...

100 things

Sunshine posted on her blog so I decides to give it a try. It was cool, it was like playing "I never" again :)

When you see a bold number, it means I have done this.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band. (no, but I sung live, does that count?)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (no, but I'd love to)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill...
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (yes, Portugal)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I still have to work, so the answer is no; when I win the lottery you can ask me again)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (we were not allowed all the way to the top, but I did go up there
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (just did... comingo soon!)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I can't, I'm borderline anemic)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check/cheque
69. Saved a childhood toy (more than my hubby would like)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (unfortunately... ugh)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (no, but I will soon)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (I tried, I think I read all the way until Exodus)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee (yes, in my ear!!!)
100. Been to the Panama Canal.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

As in http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com

I know, I haven't posted much. The layoffs have started at work so I've been laying low.

For this week's FFFF, I've decided to post random strange things I've seen around. I was particularly inspireed by a lady who rode the metro with me today. She had a tan overcoat and a rather large scarf. It was red, fluffy, and it was wrapped around her neck and head. The ensemble made her look like a chicken.

Anyway...

On my last trip to Rio de Janeiro, we drove by the beach and suddently I saw this kiosk (this photo is not mine, I found it on google). You find these kiosks by the beach, and they sell beverages, snacks and the like. I'm sure the owner has no idea what the name means, but I just couldn't stop laughing. I'd steer away from the beer just in case :)



This one I found in Baltimore (duh). This bench is exactly across the street from Charm City Cakes (you know, Ace of Cakes from the Food Network channel? that guy!). So I just had to take a picture. I mean, seriously, if you've been there, you just KNOW it's not true. My co-worker was laughing really hard and pointing out all the litter underneath the bench.



This one is for Portuguese speakers only. I'm not going to elaborate. I saw this sign at a local park here in MD. I was with my Dad and we laughed so hard we nearly crashed the car.



This one I snapped on my last trip to WDW. This lady unfortunately turned away. She looked to be about 70. Her husband was on a wheelchair. They were taking pictures with Pooh and Tigger. Her ensemble was just something, the Snow White strapless top and the Minnie mouse ears. Hey, they say you turn into a child at WDW. I guess that's true....



NYC is already a strange place with strange people. We all know that. But here, on the same photo, on the famous Times Square, you will see a Naked Cowboy, a Chinese Elvis and the ugliest Statue of Liberty ever (suggested donation: $2).



Hope you've enjoyed the show. I'll see you next week.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

As in http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com

Arlington National Cemetery

On Thanksgiving morning, I drove down to Arlington with my Dad and my friend. Hubby was in charge of the cooking :)

I've been living in DC for nearly 10 years but it was the first time I went there. It's a beautiful, peaceful place, but of course very sad. It looks like a neverending garden of stones. So many men & woman who sacrificed their lives for this country. It's a truly remarkable effort.

For those who do no know, Arlington Cemetery was built on what used to be General Lee's farm. General Lee's house is still there, under renovation now, but we were able to go inside for a bit. In the back of the house, there was a vegetable garden, 2 slave quarters (quite small, really) and a gazebo.

We were able to see President Kennedy's grave, L'Enfant's Grave and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Pierre Charles L'Enfant was the man who designed the plans of the city of Washington, DC. His Grave is at the top of a hill, overlooking the entire city. The view is incredible from up there.

On our way home, we stopped by the USMC/Iwo Jima War Memorial.

Here are some photos I took while I was there. Please roll over for the caption, and click for the enlarged version.



 

 



 :

 

 



 

Super cute!

Portion of the Disney movie "Saludos Amigos", released in 1942.

I'm just a *bit* biased to say Ze Carioca is one of my favorite Disney characters.

[Gotta hold back the tears when he plays "Tico tico no fuba" and teaches Donald to samba on the sidewalks of Copacabana]

I think even Christie Brinkley passed us in her Ferrari

I have to warn you, this is long....

Last week we received an email @ work, which was part of group mailing list for "Arts & Events". They were offering a coupon code to get discounted tickets to see The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Kennedy Center ($90 orchestra tickets going for $25). Of course my co-worker and I jumped at the chance and got ourselves tickets (the 2 of us plus her 2 boys).

The show was on Saturday, Dec 28th at 7:30 pm. She said she'd pick me up at 6 pm. She calls me from her cell and says there has been an accident on the road which caused a backup. So she arrives at 6:30pm. I was a bit nervous with the timeframe but no biggie.

We're chatting in the car and she mentions to me she and her husband used to go to the KC before the kids were born (her oldest is 11!!) but she remembers how to get there. Okay, I guess (even though we had no maps or GPS in the car!). So we make into DC with no problem whatsoever and at about 7:05. We're early!!! She says we have to get onto Whitehurst Pkwy and then to E Street. But we see the KC from the overpass and she just gets on a ramp, that goes around the KC and ends up in Rosslyn, VA!!!! (Sunshine, my friend, I was laughing inside remembering the day you guys were trying to get to the Verizon Ctr and could see it from the road and not get there).

So I say "I remember this area, we're close to the Iwo Jima memorial..." and there we see the Iwo Jima Memorial. I swear to you I felt like I was with Chevy Chase in the car. After that we just went around and around, finally made it back to the Natl mall, got to a ramp that seemed to go towards the KC and then got onto George Washington Pkwy on the way back to MD. OMG!!! I had to roll down the windows. I was starting to get hot and really nauseous.

Okay, so she calls her hubby (actually, her kid had already dialed the phone LOL) and we manage to get onto E Street - finally - but no KC, just the Watergate. Then we see a cab and the driver gives us better directions and at one point I see this entrance that says "John F Kennedy Center" and I started screaming "make a right here! here! here!" (LOL). At this point, we make into the drop-off location and we're afraid to move, but the parking lot is right ahead so we get in ($17.00 to park BTW!) at 7:27.

So we get to the theatre and we still had to get tickets at Will call (oh dear) but in the end we only missed the intro of the first song.

(A short intermission here before I start commenting the concert. Go freshen up!)

The concert was really good. It was a collection of songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows. The first part of the show had many different shows. The second part was centered on Sunset Boulevard, Evita and Phantom of the Opera.This website posted the songs and some photos of the evening.

The Orchestra was really awesome, but a performer called Ron Bohmer really stole the show. His songs were spot on and he hit notes I had no idea a man could do. Especially the Phantom songs.

There were a couple of performers there that - seriously - I don't know how they got the job. I mean, I was ready to pull the mic from their hands. It got to a point that I stopped applauding altogether.

(Okay, show is over. You might want to use the bathroom before we head home)

Now we're back in the car and I start to sweat. But we made it safely to Clara Barton Pkwy. I let out a sigh of relief since it's the way I come home from work when I drive in. I just had to be sure to tell her when to make a left so we could make it back to the beltway. Oh, yeah, she got off the wrong exit to bring me home. Thankfully, it just made the trip 5 minutes longer. We made it home alive.

But next time, I'M DRIVING! (and with a GPS just in case)

The World's Worst Dog

I have to start by telling you I have never owned a pet. I grew up in a condo and therefore there was no room for a dog to run around (even though some of our neighbors had dogs).

The only memory I have of a dog growing up a pechinese my aunt had called "Fofinha" (something like "cutie pie"). And most of my memories are from photos. See, Fofinha was my aunt's dog. When my mom went back to work after I was born, I'd stay at my Grandma's for the day. Everytime I was napping in the crib, Fofinha would lie on the floor, right in front of the crib, making sure I would not be disturbed by anyone. My aunt said if anyone came by, she'd get up and make a mean face, but never bark or make any noise.

My aunt had to put down Fofinha when I was just a toddler. She had a bad disease (we call it sinomosis). I know she had seizures and was in a lot of pain. My aunt suffered a lot and never wanted to have a dog again.

Hubby and I can't have pets since we're allergic (and I don't want to clean up after another 'kid'), but I admit I do have a healthy obcession with pugs. I just love them. They're small, they're cute, they're adorable, and if one day I win the lottery I'll buy a house large enought to have a dog-only area and then I can have my pug. Anyway...

Well, a couple of months ago my friend sent me the "Marley & Me" book. It's a great book, it makes you laugh and it makes you cry too. The idea of having Aniston and Wilson portray the main characters gave me chills. I will be honest and say I don't particularly care for either of them, especially Aniston.

My son practically dragged me to the movie theatre and I admit before the movie started I was already crying (LOL). I know, I don't even cry watching movies.

At this point it's possible not to compare book and movie. They moved some things around the book, changed a bit, but in the essence it's what the movie was. It was heart wrenching at the end. I was ok in the end, however, when the oldest kid (a great young actor, he was in "The Mist" and "The Dark Knight") held Marley and wept I just lost it! I was bawling my eyes out. There was plenty of laughter during the movie, but when the end came it was just silence and sniffles.

In the end, I thought the movie was a bit long but good. The scenes that Grogan chronicles the events going on in their lives were pretty good. Wilson did really well, especially towards the end, and he and Aniston had great chemistry. However, I didn't get the vibe from her that she was such a "Mom", you know what I mean?

So, if you go see it, just remember to bring an oversized box of tissues, okay?


(Was this really a review?)

P.S. They left out from the movie 2 great scenes: loading Marley into a plane to PA, and also when the house is nearly hit by lightning.