Brazil in New York City

The Hubs and I decided to take a little break from small town America and go up to BIG town New York to visit his Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins.

I have to say, the moment we entered into their New York apartment, we departed the US of A and entered Brazil, if not by geography, then in heart.

For starters, it was like 90 degrees in there.  I felt like I was in one of those habitats at the zoo. It may be 25 degrees outside, but the people of this habitat only flourish at 85 or above.  Somehow, I do not find that surprising when it comes to Brazilians living in cold climates.

Not only was the place hot, it was full of people.  I don't think Brazilians are allowed to have personal space.  They will freak out and run into the first crowded plaza.  But it was no problem.  Everyone was anywhere and everywhere and was happy to be there. So NOT American, at least the country I know.

Then there was the food. There was no grazing, to my spare tire's dismay.  There were meals, 3 and a half to be exact. The half being a Brazilian snack session called a 'lanche,' which has enough snack food to be considered a meal in some cultures.  Seriously, Brazilians can eat.

And they can cook.  I forgot, in my two minutes in the US, how much I love Brazilian food. My husband's Uncle is like a Tasmanian devil in the kitchen, swirling and twirling at speeds invisible to the naked eye.  He made amazing creations in the kitchen.  A shrimp would offer himself up to be cooked by this man.

But don't be fooled.  You can't live in my country and not have a little something sneak in. You may not learn the language.  You could only shop at shops of your native lands.  You could even refuse to buy our footwear.  But you can't avoid everything.

The American in that home was the simplest form of American,  yet one of the most highly debated.  The television. Oh yes, 3 tvs in the house. One in each bedroom and one in the kitchen.  And 2 were on almost all the time. The one in the kitchen blared each and every time someone was in that room. It may have been Brazilian soap operas, but it was still being shown in an oh so American way.

So what did I learn? I saw a lot of me in this. I had a mini, baby, very adorable, expat chip on my shoulder. You know because I am so well adapted.  Bullshit!  I'm such an American living in Brazil that it's ridiculous.  No adaptation required because I have created my mini-America right there in my house.

"Sorry, The national language in the house of Rachel is American. You are going to have to speak your Brazilian outside in the hallway."

On a serious note, I must say that as much as we Americans miss the conveniences of our country, I think expats to our country may have it harder.  We complain about Brazilian bureaucracy, but at least they are open to immigrants.  Americans seem to have their panties all bunched up their nether regions when the subject comes up.  Have we really forgotten where we came from and what we have fought for?  Are we becoming exactly what our ancestors ran away from?

Food for thought American friends and readers.  Where are we going with all this and what are we really accomplishing?

The evil TV

I went to a wonderful brunch this morning and I noticed an important piece of furniture missing from the living room, the TV.

That got me thinking, how did the TV get such a bad rep?  I know there's a whole anti-tv movement but where did it come from? Is it a backlash from families watching in the 1950s?  Kid watching in the 60s?  TVs being on all over the nation all the time in the 80s and 90s. I blame Mtv and rap. I just had to throw that last one in there. 

But why hate television? What did it ever do to you? Why is it "bad" for our children.  I understand if the parents don't enjoy TV but why deprive their kids. I don't particularly like yogurt but I let my 3 year old eat it.  You must understand, I'm a TV person. I like TV. I like turning it on for my kids to watch. I like that it babysits them for free for a good 30 minutes while I get dinner started and the laundry done. 

The bigger question is why is it considered bad?  I strongly agree that kids shouldn't be inside all day glued to the television.  Video games, another TV related issue, should not be the main form of entertainment.  On the other hand, having your kids in 10 different activities, such as: singing class, judo, cheer, tap, violin, Spanish and so on, isn't healthy either. Kids are not executives and shouldn't have 12 out of the 24 hrs a day scheduled with activities.  They need the downtime just like we do. 

When we're at home the TV is on at least half the time if not more.  I'd say at least half of that time, my boys aren't even paying attention to it.  They are excellent independent players. They play blocks, do puzzles, play playdoh, pretend play, look at books, etc etc. 

As for the intelligence thing, that's just a big old load of stinky poo. The TV doesn't make your kids stupid.  Your kid is either a little stupid or you need to actually spend some time playing with them. Playing is an excellent opportunity for learning.  

I know, I know, I can be a bit of a Snatch.  Your kid isn't stupid, just special. wink wink

Kids are like little molds of clay or monkeys, if you will.  You play and teach.  Later, you get them started on an activity, stay there for 15 to 20 minutes, and walk away. Let's be honest, we parents don't have the luxury of spending the day playing and we're not doing them any service by trying to. They need to learn to play on their own. 

For those of you who are going to use my clay/monkey logic against me, yes I will let the TV mold my boys a bit. I think Dora and Diego rock, Steve and Blue have a good thing going, and Mickey's Clubhouse is just plain cool.   You aren't going to convince me, I'm a TV person. We go way back to the neighborhood if you know what I mean.

Disclaimer:  My youngest is at the park twice a day during the week and my oldest once because he spends the afternoon at school. Balance.  Kids need to get outside too