Hi, dear Hivers
I have not been feeling myself lately. Lots of things.
Last Saturday I celebrated my 18th birthday. It was supposed to be a very transcendental moment, but it was my second birthday away from my parents and sisters and I could not help feeling nostalgic.

I took this picture after I sent my father my customary serious look and he virtually pulled my ear and demanded a wide smile.

I was not planning to have any kind of celebration. We had celebrated my grandmother's birthday the week before and I depend on my aunt. I know she spends a lot already on my preparing for college, so I did not ask for anything. However, she got me some surprises and some of my friends here were able to come over.

I was able to talk to my parents via video call, which always leaves me with mixed feelings. But it wa great. I connected with my aunt in Chile too, and of course, my mother and sister in Puerto Ordaz.

I had my first beer. Now I can legally drink. Not that I like drinking, anyway. I wish I could do other things, like having my own bank account. I still can't here in Brazil. Being a foreigner is not fun, even when you have all your basic needs covered. I can't complain about that, but still there is this feeling of non-existence. It will take me some more paperwork and fees to have my status in order so that I can have access to certain documents and opportunities.

Here a better look of the table, thanks to one of my aunt's friends, who has an amazing phone with a better camera. My aunt got me this boat full of delicious Japaneses food. All my favorites. The cake was quite unusual. I love cookies and painting/drawing, so I guess the cake represents all that. It was cool. My parents also sang me happy birthday from their respective places and ate cake or something to that effect in my honor. I miss them so much. I can't wait to see and hug them again.

My aunt's friend also got me this dress as a birthday present, so I was very happy for that.

It took me all these days to make up my mind about posting about this. I do not want to sound ungrateful, but you have no idea how fast I would have changed all this for a day with my parents and sisters.At the end of the day, Family means everything.

Thanks for stopping by