Pages

Friday, January 16, 2009

Jobless Jet Setter

What do you do when you get laid off? Travel!

With a severance package generous enough to keep us afloat for about five months, Gabi and I will be heading to Brasil in a few weeks for a month long visit.

Honestly, I think it's insane. I should be here looking for a job, especially with the thousands of layoffs that were publicly announced in the last few days. I'm going to have major competition! But what is life without a little insanity?

This is such a great opportunity to take Gabi down and immerse her in Portuguese. I could use a bit of language improvement myself, considering I can't even remember how to ask about the weather. Which really isn't that important because down there the answer is always HOT. But still, I should know how to ask.

And Gilberto's parents are beside themselves with excitement at being able to see Gabi. I'm so happy to be able to do this for them.

That said, I'm also nervous as hell about being there alone, without Gilberto. He's my rock when things get tough with his mom. She's a wonderful woman (and AMAZING cook), but we have very different ideas about how to raise a child. And in Brasil, it's the grandmother's opinion that has more weight. Because I don't always acquiesce, we aren't always on the best terms.

No matter what happens, I'll be blogging about it. I told Gilberto it was a deal breaker if I didn't have Internet access! His parents had their Internet service shut off as soon as they had an empty nest, but will be turning it back on just for me. Hallelujah!

First thing on my Travel To Do List- try to find some summer dresses for Gabi! Anyone have any ideas?

36 comments:

  1. Oh I hope you have a great time! Might as well take the time while you can. You can apply for jobs online from Brazil wright?

    Wish I had some sun & warmth right about now.

    Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, that sounds like so much fyn, mama!! You're so brave to go without Gilberto!!

    Hmmm...summer dresses...I;m not sure! /do you have friends who sew???

    ReplyDelete
  3. LOL! Good for you for making the best out of a not so great situation! :)
    Can't wait to hear about your fun in Brazil! Have a great time!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ooohhh... what an adventure! I'm sure that it will be wonderful. Good luck getting everything together :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, that's great, though brave. I can understand your reservations, but I think going is the perfect thing for you right now.
    In terms of dresses, you should try looking on Etsy. I just bought Mia a super cute summer dress. It comes in bigger sizes by request for just a dollar more. I am sure there are many places on there that you can get summer stuff. Here is the link.
    http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5409937

    You may also want to check consignment shops and see what you can find.

    I hope you have a fantastic time!

    ReplyDelete
  6. They sell cute little dresses there, or you could take some material and have someone make her a few little things when you are there, seamstresses are inexpensive. Or she could just live in her bathing suit!

    I say just give in the mother in law for a month. Then she will think you are wonderful and good enough for her son (because she may be wondering. . . )

    ReplyDelete
  7. As I am sitting at my office FREEZING to death, I am trying to envision the warmth and hotness that is Brazil. Ahhhhh...but no, I am still a popsicle.

    Never fear! I may very well just come for some comic relief while you are there ;) ya never know!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Laural! What size does Gabi wear? Cause if she is at least a size 6 you can get her something super cute from shopjustice.com

    As of yesterday they had a HUGE clearance sale (you have to go to the sale/clearance area, and then make sure you are in the CLEARANCE stuff- the sales are good but the clearance is way better). ANd to top it off I have a 50% coupon code for your whole purchase. The code is 649. Just type that in as a coupon code and the whole purchase will be an additional 50% off. I totally just bought Lil over 400 dollars worth of clothes for a little over 80 dollars! :D
    And there were a few cute summer dresses...

    I am excited for you and this trip. What a great way to see the positive in such a yuck situation!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thats great!!!
    I wish I could go with you, I am Brazilian and haven`t been back home since 2005!! lol!! Enjoy it!!!

    I love your blog by the way!!!
    Juliana

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cool trip! But I think you're super-brave for signing up for a MONTH with your in-laws. Wow. :) Glad we will be getting reports!

    ReplyDelete
  11. That sounds so exciting. I can't wait to read all about your trip. I bet Gabi is beside herself! Will she miss her daddy too much?? (Although with the grandparents around, she might be just fine!) Be safe and have FUN!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi,

    When are you comming?? Maybe we can find a way to meet each other in person. After all, I live in São Paulo.
    When are you coming? The summer sales are on their way right now. The exchange rates are in favor for you to buy the stuff down here.
    The weather have been plain crazy. The temeperatures were around 90 F by noon and now after a typical summer rain we are in the mid 50s.
    So you might bring a few blouses as well.
    I read once that Gilberto was raised in Santos, and yes over there is always HOT.
    I can give you a few websites that you might check the prices before you buy anything.

    Fabiola

    http://www.lilicaripilica.com.br/colecao/en/ - This brand have stores in São Paulo and Santos and a web site in English.

    And if you need any assistance with the English/Portuguese transalition, let me know!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow!!! This is an amazing opportunity for you and Gabi and it's so cool that you took it! When will you be going?

    As far as dresses, I would wait til you got there and then let grandma do the shopping! (:

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am glad that you are still going to be blogging! I hope you have a great time:-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, have some fun. The harsh real world will still be here when you get home. Kiss Gabbi for me.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Not on the best terms with your mother in law on occasion...I think I might be the president of that club and we don't even have kids yet - ugh! Have a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You have my undying admiration if you're able to stay with your in-laws for a whole month. Although, they'll probably be so wrapped up in having Gabi that you'll have lots of time for theraputic blogging so that we will know what's going on. I'd love to go to Brasil...

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am SO excited for you! Take this time not to worry about working. You will have time to focus on that when you get back.
    Just enjoy the time with your in-laws and the beautiful country.
    Can't wait to hear all about it!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think it's a great idea that you guys whisk off to the inlaws! It will be a great time for you and Gabi to connect with family and for you to maybe plan in your mind your next step now that you are not employed. Good down time, I say! As far as summer dresses...I just bought a few on clearance at Old Navy.

    ReplyDelete
  20. no tips on the summer dresses - just wanted to say thanks to the in-laws in advance for the connection!!

    seriously would not want to miss a second of you and gabi's adventures!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. So it sucks that you lost your job, but it's awesome that you are going to travel! Have a great time. I can't wait to read about your adventures!

    ReplyDelete
  22. so exciting! i can't wait to hear everything about while you're down there! and i want to see some pictures too ma'am. i know you're not huge on posting pictures here, but seriously, i need some pictures of brazil :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh babe grab the chance and run! Money doesn't make memories BUT this will!

    If you aren't to frantic packing stop by my blog.. I talked about you behind your back today:D

    ReplyDelete
  24. TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!!
    Haha, Just kidding. I am sure it will be a fun (funny) experience for you to be withouut Gilberto at his parents house. I can't wait to read the next posts... You will be fine, don't worry. And it will be very good for Gabi's portuguese also, like you said.
    Just enjoy everything...oh how I miss Santos and Guaruja...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh - I understand the stress but how much fun! Can't wait to hear about your time in Brazil!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Whoohooo! Sounds pretty fab to me! (I found some super cute little girl summer stuff on clearance at Kohls and also online (and also on clearance) at Old Navy and Gap.)

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Have a super great time!! What a fantastic opportunity for both of you!

    As for summer dresses... you can always try Hanna Anderssen, Old Navy, Lands End and LL Bean (just bought my girls bathing suits from Lands End), and you can even try Gymboree, and Children's Place.

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey woman I hope you haven't jetted off yet.. though I know you're sooo ready (take me please).. I had to tell ya that my FAV author EVER actually emailed me today!! WOWZA huh? stop by my blog babe, I'm giving away her BEST book and I KNOW you'd love it.. you could take it with you.. As for Ms. Gabi's couture.. you know your $$ will go further down there and they'll have seasonaly appropriate clothes. or you could try all these great Etsy stores.. aren't these chicks amazing?!

    ReplyDelete
  29. OH! All I can say is...LUCKY!!!!!! Wow, what an adventure! And don't feel guilty, it may be the last vacation in awhile if things stay as crappy as they are now. It'll be a nice thing to look back on! Oh, good luck and have fun! I'm glad they have internet access because I'm hoping for losts of posts with pics!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Brazil sounds great right now! I look forward to some blog posts from Brazil!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yeah! So glad you decided to go for it! Brazilian mother-in-laws can sure be a ...ummmm... hoot...? Last time mine was here she patted me on the butt and said "Oh, you look so cute when you gain weight." Grrr. I don't know how much Portuguese you already speak, but the Pimsleur CD's really helped me out before we moved here. They helped me get my tongue around the sounds. I was able to find them at the library too so I didn't have to fork out the cash. Have fun! Blog lots! Come visit Minas if you need to get break, or speak some English!

    ReplyDelete
  32. sounds like it will be a great and interesting trip all at once! good luck! definitely keep blogging, we will miss you!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Awesome! I think this is a great idea!

    I am soooo looking forward to your blog posts from Brazil! And pictures Laural! Good Lord, don't forget the pictures!

    The only thing that would scare me about this entire trip is flying on an airplane with a little one. You'll have to let me know how that goes as we're heading to Europe to spend time with family over there. Which of course necessitates an 8 hour cross Atlantic flight with Gaby Rose. Uhg!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I left you a prize on my blog today, stop by and take a look!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sounds perfect!
    Hope you are having a blast.
    Take lots of pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What an exciting opportunity!!!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.