My host family seems to be overextending themselves space-wise so currently Selma, who my host family is sponsoring to go to school at the age of 30 is sleeping on a mattress on my floor while my host mother's brother overstays his welcome. All should return to normal in a week or so, but I'm unhappy that I had to be frank with my host mom about personal space and suggest me moving houses before she gave me a straight answer about how long her brother was staying (the original number of days was 2-3 but it soon became 8 and counting). And what a bummer because I like Selma and hate to be a jerk but definitely did not sign up for a roommate. Goodbye Freshman and Sophmore year of college.
Besides that, everyone has started working a lot and in general seems a little stressed. The funny thing is that this “work” is Herbalife nonsense still. I pray for the day the Herbalife fad fizzels out and means nothing like Slim Fast. It'll hurt them at first but it's better for everyone in the long run.

Last weekend, me and 4 friends went to a 12 hour Reggea festival about 40 minutes away. Julian Marley and Brazilian artist Natiruts (pronounced: nachi-hoots) were the headliners. Julian Marley was alright but not the best. Mostly everyone wished that he was Bob Marley and his best songs were covers. During his performance Kim and I considered what it must feel like to perform in front of a crowd waving flags with pictures of your dad.
Promptly after his set ended it started pouring down rain. The area lacked any type of shade so we just stood there and got soaked, and then Natiruts came out and we all jumped/danced for warmth. At about 5:30am we went to the beach nearby (GORGEOUS) and watched the sunrise with our feet deep in the sand. We got on the bus at 6:30 or so and headed back home where I slept until 3:00pm though I could have stayed in bed much longer. Given that it was a pretty big festival I felt incredibly safe and the crowd was pretty chilled out. I have a few guesses why.
I have exactly three more weeks here. How time flies. It's amazing how three weeks can sometimes feel like forever and other times feel like nothing. I have a feeling this is going to be the latter.

As of yesterday I have exactly one month left in Brasil. Currently I am struggling to be at peace with the fact that I can't stay longer for a variety of reasons, and trying to remind myself that there are things to look forward to in Minnesota...er...

The last month or so has been wonderful---more or less peaceful and full of good energy (despite a few gripes here and there). I told Angela last week that I realized I was living in a Mary Kate and Ashley movie.

I'm training myself in the art of living in the moment and feeling successful. The continuation of this is my only wish for the coming weeks. Keep sending positive energy.

Beijos.