#67. Wikipedia search - Brazilian Carnival

A friend from college spent a year in Brazil and always talked about Carnival.  I've heard about it hear and there over the years but never really new exactly what it was about.  I thought it was time to look into it more.  The following Wikipedia information can be found here. 

• Annual festival held 40 days before Easter
• The term "carnival" comes from carnelevare, which means "to remove/raise meat" since part of the tradition is to abstain from consuming meat and poultry.
• Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil
• Festivities last for about a week, day and night
• The consumption of beer accounts for 80% of the annual amount and tourism receives 70% of Brazil's annual visitors
• Modern Carnival originated in Rio de Janeiro in 1641.

#67. Wikipedia search - The Queen Mother

I'm watching The Queen and it got me interested to learn more about The Queen Mother (Mum) whom I haven't read much on yet (I've read a lot on the Tudors). So I did a Wikipedia search and discovered a lot of new things:

• Her full name is Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon
• She is a Queen consort (i.e. by marriage) as she was married to King George VI
• King George VI became King when his brother, then King Edward VIII, abdicated (denounced the throne) to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson.
• She lived to be 101 years old.

Plus a lot more information which can be found here. So it looks like I've started my Wikipedia goal. Now to remember to read something once a week for the next year.

73. Half Marathon

After my pregnancy with Natalie, I ran a half-marathon as a way to get back in shape.  I decided to do the same after I had Claire.  I completed my 2nd post-pregnancy half marathon (#73) on November 7th.  I actually even ran it a minute faster per mile and didn't feel nearly as sore as I did after the first one.  I may have to do this again.  Also, during my training, I finished doing 30 days of the 30 Day Shred (#72) (although not 30 days in a row) -- I like doing that workout once in awhile, but lets face it, working out everyday straight with 2 kids is just never going to happen.

I also voted (#93) in something other than the Presidential election on November 2.  It was actually a great feeling to be contributing in that way.  I plan to continue voting during more elections.

A few weeks ago, Emile and I went to see True Grit (#43) one evening.  It was a great movie; one we'd recommend.  And of course, it's always wondering getting time away with just my husband.

I made a curtain (#81) for our guest bathroom which I'm very proud off.  I think it actually turned out well.  Having finished the curtain also means I've finished decorating another room in the house. Plus I have finished my office. Two more rooms done (#78).

Last night I finally finished and order Natalie's 2nd year photo album (#48).  Now to finish Claire's 1st year. 

Since my last post, I've only sent out one birthday card to my father-in-law (#95) but there are a lot of birthday's coming up!

Although we didn't take Claire because she's too young, we did take Natalie to see her Oma's production of the Nutcracker (Continental Ballet Company) (#26).  She loved it and even got to dance with the lead, "Clara", after the performance backstage.  Here's my favorite photo from that day:

Shortly after Claire turned 1 yr. old (December 3), I weaned her from nursing (#52).  She was exclusively breastfeed for the entire year (i.e. no formula), 12.5 months.  I'm proud of myself for doing this for both of my girls!

I also organized the storage room, finally (#80).  It is so much easier to get to things, and so much more room, now that it's organized.  Emile and the girls helped assemble a shelf system.

My friend Jenny has started a professional photography business, Sweet & Sunny Images.  We had her take a family photo (#97) of us for our Christmas card this year.  I love how it turned out so much that we got a 16x20 print made that we'll be framing for our living room.

Apparently I've been pretty busy with these in the last few months.  I've completed an additional 9 since the last time I posted!