School Uniform

Alternative title: How to Get Around the Societal Dictates of The Man.

5K.

Today all six of us went to the embassy bright and early.  Mitch went to work, because, duh, it's Saturday. The rest of us participated in our first 5K.  I don't mind telling you that I won the whole thing in my division (44 year-olds born in November with blonde hair, four kids and from the great state of Washington).  Don't hate me because of my physical fitness.

It was a charity event benefitting children with cancer here in Brazil.  The kids all had a great time.

 

 I got lapped by each of my spawn. Whatever, I didn't want to make them feel bad by passing them.

 

Henry and Grace both ran much of the way.  I was very proud, resting in the shade and taking important photos. Henry dropped behind his buddy Adam, but fortunately found a new friend to run alongside. 

Olivia on the right, and I totally saw her skip a couple roundabouts. 

 

Jack sure has cute friends.  

 

Last week was carnaval, and we went to the Samba Parade, but I didn't write about it and I have very few photos, because my camera fell about thirty feet off the bleachers to its death.  Anyway, there were tons of butts and fancy costumes and it was totally worth going, even though my car died.  Dead, as in, I need a new alternator and I have to wait weeks and weeks for the part to arrive from the U.S.   If you want, you can read all about it here, because if there's one thing I enjoy doing, it's spreading my misery to as many people as possible.

 

 

That camera took crappy pictures, anyway. 

Bom Carnaval, Brazil

It's Carnaval here in Brazil, and do you know what that means?  Well, yes, it does mean boobs and butts, but that's not what I meant. I'm talking about another week off of school for my darling children. Since my husband works seventy days a week, the kids and I will be enjoying spending a lot of time together at home instead of partying in Rio. But I'm not bitter. I welcome the opportunity, because it's been WEEKS since my kids were home for the long summer break. Jack's band has barely had a chance to practice since school started back up, so they're planning on catching up during the break. Don't hate me because I've got free live music at my house 24/7.

The end of Carnaval on Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and even though we are no longer practicing Catholics, it's still kind of fun to think of things to give up for Lent.

Mitch:  What are you giving up for Lent?

Kate: My sunny disposition.

Mitch:  You cannot give up that which you do not have.

Kate:  Shut up, as*hole.

Mitch:  **crickets (and a smirk)

Valentine's Day is also coming up, and although I think Valentine's Day sucks, I wrote about it for work and even made up my own special valentines, which you can print out and use for yourself, if you're so inclined. They're very romantical!

Math

Grace:   "Jack!"

Grace:  "JAAAACK!"

Me: "What is it Grace?"

Grace: "Nothing.  I just need Jack."

Grace:  "JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!"

Jack, from the depths of the house:  "What?!"

Grace:  "I need some help with my homework!"

Me:  "I can help you, Grace."

Grace:  "No, that's okay, mom.  It's math."

So, that's nice.