i really haven't much to say lately, things here just seem so normal and everyday that it doesn't feel like there is anything exciting to update on. but, i'll try.

starting with my package...still waiting, waiting, waiting. waiting has become the story of my life in brasil. wait for the bus. wait for a ride. wait for people to decide what their plans are. wait for students. and on and on and on. my patience is really getting tested here.

my latest exciting news is that three people are actually going to be coming to brasil for sure. which means they've bought tickets and have dates set.
first, heidi is going to be moving to southern bahia (my state) to teach in early february.
and davey and kristy are going to be flying into rio in march, where i will somehow meet them. i don't think we'll spend the whole time in the city, i'm going to plan a couple nice side trips to some smaller towns and possibly islands. (amy, do you remember the name of the poussada in paraty?)

okay i could write more, but i just don't have the motivation. sorry guys.

an apology

dear davey,

i am so sorry my blog is not stimulating enough to keep your attention.
i will work harder to try and keep it updated, though it is difficult when i still don't have a camera.

love, sheila

I can't believe I spelled balloons wrong.
It was either a typo, or the more Portuguese I learn, the less space there is in my head for English.

update

I went to my first Brazilian wedding yesterday.
I still don't have a camera, so, no pictures. Too bad.
It was fun. Every time I went in the women's bathroom there was somebody else throwing up. When we left at about 2 in the morning (I think?) everyone was still going strong.

Reveillon!

They just looove baloons here. This is a picture of the pool area, before the party got started:


the following are pictures of me.... and various people:





heading to the beach at dawn:


flowers for Iemanjá:





Sunrise- looking at this i was 100% glad I wasn't in Michigan:

Feliz 2006!

Okay, no New Year's pictures yet, hopefully I'll get to those tomorrow. To tide you over, here is a picture of me and the world's cutest baby at the Salvador airport: