The Next Best Two Years

Today marks the second anniversary of my return to the United States after a year and a half in Brazil. I have been thinking about all the things I miss about Sao Paulo.

-Pastels!

-Tapioca (different from tapioca pudding)

-People watering their concrete
-Three tongue clicks
-Dodging buses in Santo Amaro

-Getting violated on buses during rush hour

-The crazy music blaring on the streets in favelas

-Cops driving around with their heads hanging out the window

-Crazy motorcycles
-No snow!

-Guarana Kuat

-Sao Paulinos

-Corintianos

-Favelas

-Vielas

-Random trees planted in the middle of the road
-Cipo

-Evening mist

-Motorcycles getting hit by buses

-Crazy evangelicals holding their bibles over their hearts

-Crazy evangelicals taunting you during their services

-Crazy evangelicals in general

-Igreja Universal

-Rice and Beans

-Pao de Queijo

-Parque Ibirapuera


There are so many more things that I know I am forgetting, but these are things I have remembered throughout the day.

Moving to Brazil

I made the decision today that i am moving to Brazil each September through the first week of February. Thats what it takes for my Colts to win the Super Bowl. They broke my heart again today against the Chargers. 3 turnovers inside the 20 yard line. It should have been a blowout. I am kinda jealous of Keith and the Eagles...but I am sure that will only last for a few days. At least the Colts are a playoff team!

Another thing that influenced my decision to move to Brazil was hearing the beautiful portuguese language in church today. There is a girl from Rio in my ward and she has only lived here for a month. She was asked to give the closing prayer, but was given the choice to do it in either languages. It was amazing! I was able to talk to her for a few minutes after church. My portuguese is still pretty good!

Next Top 10...and other stuff

It is the day before Christmas...I dont know where the last year has gone! I was talking to Shaylee last night and she asked me about the differences of being home for Christmas and being on a mission. My answer surprised me. I think it was easier to be on a mission around Christmas because you really appreciate it for what it is. In Brazil, Christmas is not nearly as commercialized as here in the US. Even the most affluent families only get their children one or two presents. Also, as a missionary life is a lot simpler. Because of the work we were doing, it was much easier to focus on the whys of Christmas than what comes from it. Although, nothing can replace the joy that comes with being together as a family during the holidays.

Jake spoke in Church yesterday. He did a great job. I really liked the sports analogies he used. They had a little get together at his house afterwards, which was fun.

Now on to the next Top 10 list. This one will be my favorite songs of the year. Here it is.

1. So, In This Hour... - The Rocket Summer
My favorite song from my favorite CD of the year. One of the highlights of the year was seeing The Rocket Summer. Since this was a newer song I wasnt sure if he would play it or not. FInally, he came out for an encore and satisfied me.
2. Rollerskates - Treaty of Paris
Just an upbeat, fun song to listen to.
3. Song In My Head - Sherwood
Even though it has such a catchy melody and upbeat sound, this is actually a downer of a song. At one point, it was the best way to explain what was going on in my head.
4. Roc Boys (And the Winner Is...) - Jay-Z feat. Kanye West
My favorite rap song of the year. It doesnt take much for this position, but lyrics that talk about Black Bar Mitzvahs are hard to beat.
5. Light Up the Sky - Yellowcard
The first time I heard this song, I was sitting at work. Near the end, there is a big drum solo. After hearing it, I had to walk out to my car and listen to it louder to completely appreciate it.
6. Realize - Colbie Caillat
Sometimes we just need to take a second and look around at what we already have before wanting more.
7. The Shade of Poison Trees - Dashboard Confessional
I still have no clue what this song means, but I like it a lot.
8. Imagine - Jack Johnson
A great cover of a classic song. Personally, I feel it is better than the original. Everything Jack touches turns to gold in my book!
9. Stay Close, Dont Go - Secondhand Serenade
This song was included on the re-release of their first CD. I could see myself singing these lyrics on a regular basis.
10. Thriller - Fall Out Boy
How can I keep a song with an intro by Jay-Z off this list? Not only that, but the Jay-Z part was probably my favorite ringtone of all time.

Honorable Mention
The Second Coming - Juelz Santana
Movement - The Higher
Underclass Hero - Sum 41
Direction - The Starting Line
Brink of Disaster - Mae
Lose It - Cartel
You're Not a Whore - The Format
I couldnt choose one song from the new Jimmy Eat World album!

Stay tuned for a few special Top 10's to come. Since I missed 2005 and 2006 on my mission, I am going to do a Top 10 new albums and songs from the new stuff I have discovered since being home. Also, a Top 10 movie list is on its way, but I am going to wait and see Juno before making that list, as I feel Juno will end up pretty high!

Feliz Natal para todos!!!!