The Petroleum Pipeline Express

I am so excited to learn that Continental Airlines has received tentative approval to fly from Houston to Rio de Janeiro nonstop.
This will cut down the travel time between Calgary and Rio de Janeiro to about 16 hours door to door and no stop in Sao Paulo. Ah the luxury of it!!! I have been travelling to and from Brazil for over 15 years and FINALLY there is a decent connection. I gave up on Air Canada when Varig went belly up and having to endure 9 hour layovers in Sao Paulo with two children and 6 suitcases.
If this route is approved, one can leave Calgary at around lunchtime and arrive in Rio de Janeiro the next morning. I am crossing my fingers. Hopefully this will facilitate the petroleum industry as there are companies in Calgary, Houston and Rio de Janeiro with offices in all three cities. I have yet to fly on the 'Petroleum Pipeline Express' and not sit next to someone involved in the petroleum industry.

Brazilian Banned in New Jersey

Apparently there is a big possiblitity that New Jersey will have a lot more underbrush this summer. The Division of Consumer affairs(which oversees cosmetic procedures) is considering banning the "Brazilian" after two women got infections and were hospitalized from having the procedure.
Cautionary tale? Absolutely. Summer is upon us(in some parts of the world,except Canada) and the bikini wax is in high demand. No matter where you get your Brazilian done, there are a few things you must keep in mind. First and foremost, the wax must be individualized. The hot pot of wax sitting on the counter should be for you and only you. Do you want the same wax as the last client? The spatula was dipped in there before you got there and even though your waxer is using a new spatula for you, the wax was used on someone elses privates ...(Pause for visualization and subsequent "Ewww!!!) Ask your waxer to use a new pot and wax for you. I have my own wax and heating pot and I have never had a problem.
Be sure that the salon or spa does not recycle the wax. Ask to see the wax.
Another alternative is to use sugar wax. This wax cannot be recycled and it can be rinsed off. This is the same wax used by the J Sisters in NYC.
The most important thing is the cleanliness of the establishment and the staff. If in doubt, LEAVE! If the place is very unhygienic, report it to the local health board.

Life and Love In A Recession: A Survival Guide

The talk on the street is all about Bernie who 'made-off' with millions of other people's money , the bailouts and executive salary caps. The price of oil is hovering around 50 dollars a barrel, down from a high of almost $150 less than a year ago. (This affects my hometown of Calgary more than you know) Everyone knows at least one person who has been affected the recession.
But there is something that nobody is talking about. How does the recession affect us in the life and love department? What are people's reaction? Is there a downturn in the bedroom too?
How can we keep things up when the market is down?

1. Going out for dinner will be even more of a luxury. Snag yourself a guy who can cook. If you are already in a relationship, up the ante in the kitchen. Preparing food together can be the best aphrodisiac out there. Not a natural Martha Stewart? Find a cooking class. Go and LEARN, this is not Home Ec circa 1980. The way to your beloved's heart is through their stomach. This is valid for both sexes... I personally think that a guy who can cook is sexier than David Beckham in his skivvies,and boy is Becks sexy.

2. I have no clue how much a movie is these days, but with all of the top movies going from the screen to DVD in a flash, have a movie night with popcorn and the whole nine yards. Apparently there are alot of the Oscar nominated films on DVD as I write. Home theaters are taking the place of the cinematic experience.

3. I can't emphasize this enough ladies.. GO OUT AND BUY A DECENT SET OF BRA AND PANTIES!!!!!!!!!! If you are willing to follow anyones financial advice, at least follow mine, the dividends will be worth the investment. Don't skimp, go lacy and sexy. Gentlemen.. I have three words for you. Jockey Y Fronts. Skimpy banana slings just don't cut it....

4. Once the weather gets better, go for a nice long walk in the mountains with your significant other. There is something about the altitude and the fresh air that does wonders. Best of all? ITS FREE!!!

5. Beauty upkeep should NOT suffer because of the recession. Buy the tools and do your nails yourself. Sally Hansen has a great line of polish and base coats. Blow and straighten your own hair. Can't afford to do Botox every six months? Cut your bangs and stretch it out to 8-10 months between tweeks. Waxing? Learn to do it yourself. I have the recipe for the same wax they use at J Sisters in NYC. Oil of Olay has a great moisturizer that is just as good as the $350 creams, yet costs one tenth of the price. Preserve your perfume by storing it in a dark place, not in the hot humid bathroom on the counter. Drink water(its free) and wear sunscreen.

6. Give your man a break. Men are overwhelmed with what is going on and being the hunters that they are, they are worried about their jobs and their financial situation. This stress can cause anything from impotence to full on depression. Tone down your princess attitude, and be a little more compassionate to your man/hunter. I agree that a happy wife equals a happy life, but right now it is time to nurture the man in your life. Tune into how they are feeling. They won't tell you straight out( unless they are Oprah addicts) but be aware of their moods. If you want them to put up with you when you are PMS-ing, its the least you can do. Be gentle, be a good listener and run your fingers up and down their neck. Think of it as a "long term investment". When things look better, your investment will pay off.

7. Don't talk shop after business hours. Say 'How was your day?', not 'How was work?'. If possible, set one day aside for a 'Technology Free' day. No computers, iPhones or Blackberrys for 24 hours. Use the phone to catch up with friends, not for business on this day. If you are in a relationship, stay in bed all day and have fun!!! Block out the outside world and just be the two of you between four walls (my favorite math equation)

8. You are not alone. this recession has hit the whole world.

Keep your head up. This too shall pass.

Super Mom in the Great White North

In an earlier post, I talked about Norma Bastidas AKA Supermom. She is presently in the Arctic Circle racing a 130 km Ultramarathon. She is beyond inspirational. Her courage and determination together with her inner beauty and sense of humour are a rarity. I am humbled by her strength and love for her children and the cause she represents.
I wish there were more Norma's in this world.

Unbelievable............

A scandal involving the Catholic Church and the medical profession has reared its ugly head in Brazil.
A nine year old girl (yes,nine years old...) had been sexually abused repeatedly by her stepfather and as a result became pregnant with twins. Due to her young age and the circumstances of her pregnancy, an abortion was performed by a team of doctors. In the eyes of Brazilian law the procedure was legal. In the eyes of the Catholic church it was not. I am not here to debate the legality of abortion, I believe it is something that is private and should not have to involve the law or government.
The local diocese condemned the procedure and threatened to ex communicate the medical team. The local bishop declared that the abortion was worse than the rape..UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Commentaries

After receiving an anonymous commentary that was very cruel and offensive, I have changed my settings to only allow registered users to leave comments on my blog. Obviously my entry about 'Beware of the Girl from Ipanema' has ruffled a few feathers(from Brazilian women), but I stick by my opinion that there are alot of women in Brazil looking for a way out...even Paulo Coelho wrote about it in '11 Minutes'. There are wonderful people in Brazil, yet a small minority ruin the reputation of many more by their 'me first' attitude. If I tick people off, too bad, I have the right to my opinion...