Losing my nervousness

The application process to participate in PUC-Rio's intensive Portuguese is not complicated, it just takes a bit of time and dedication to sit down, write and contact professors for the recommendation letters. Doing the latter makes me nervous to this day. But I lose the nervousness as soon as I realize that this is an opportunity to speak to my professors about my future plans. Especially because I see them as mentors, who after all, have my best interest at heart and also add suggestions to my future plans.


The total cost for over-nighting the application through FEDEX was $85.00. This was the cheaper option since not over-nighting it would have cost over $100.00. Odd. The salesperson was unable to explain why.

Heading to Brazil

I'm heading to Brazil! Only for a month though. "Only?" was what a dear friend sarcastically commented to my summer plans. I'll be participating in an intensive language Portuguese program in PUC-Rio. The next blogs will outline the process of applying to the program and arriving there.

And of course, when I arrive one of the first tourist spots will include visiting Cristo Redentor and the beaches.

Outside of academia

If you happen to be a reader that belongs to the academic world, in particular a graduate student, than sometimes you might find yourself exhausted from juggling all the things that are constantly on the to-do-list. However, there are times, as was the case for me today, that you realize there is more to life than just academia.

I have no children of my own, however, I do have several nieces and nephews, the oldest about to turn 14 and the youngest a three year old. The following image is a happy surprise I encountered as I organized my desk for this month. Gabriel decided to color in the drawing I made for him several weeks ago, I believe his artistic abilities are definitely more creative than mine. Enjoy!

As you can tell from the visible print we re-used paper. ☺

little black dress

There was a time when I had no control over what I wore, mother chose my outfits. These outfits consisted of dresses, frilly ones that I learned to dislike when I reached a certain age. My dislike for pretty lace and frills continued well into high school and college. During those years I remember wearing jeans and t-shirts on a consistent basis. So much easier maybe even lazy. But now .... (drum roll) I can't get enough of dresses. Especially if they're classic cuts with lace, frill and sheer material. Dressing up for get-togethers with friends can be so fun. With Nora Jones music in the background and my bed full of several outfits that I have tried on and then switched and then tried on again. So for my dress collection and my bed's joy, I'm considering purchasing this little black dress from Zara. Isn't it amazing?

Contrasting Dress by Zara

fun wrapping hues

The vibrant Holiday hues during this time of year have been a wonderful contrast to the cloudy weather that we've been having here in south Florida as of late. By the way ... Happy Hanukkah to those who are currently celebrating! Now, Christmas day is just around the corner and I still must purchase two gifts. Shopping during this time of year is hectic because there are so many people out there doing the same activity. Nevertheless, after I purchase the last two remaining gifts I will get to wrap. Yay! There are two moments that I enjoy the most about gifts: wrapping them and watching loved ones unwrap them. As odd as it might seem to some, I find the process of wrapping gifts quite calming.

I love stripes, Holiday phrases and glitter on my gift wrapping materials.