my hero of the week

I have a special verbal award I say to people who have made my day a little better, or who take a step out of their way to do something for someone else. I tell them they are my "hero of the day."

My conversation with the FedEx man went like this:

Andrea:
You're my hero of the week for delivering this.

FedEx Man:
Smiles, scans the envelope, and hands it to me.

Andrea:
I can go to Brazil tomorrow now.

FedEx Man: You cut it that close and trusted FedEx to get it to you on time?

Andrea:
Nod with a, Thank you?! and flash a big smile.

FedEx Man:
Well, have a great trip! Laughs, gets in his truck and drives off to his next delivery.

Phew. I'm going to Brazil tomorrow.

Tonight I am headed to the Seattle area to stay with Sara for the night and then flying out of Sea-Tac in the late morning.

After looking at my frequent flyer miles and determining that I'd like to visit South America (my quest for continents), I considered Rio de Janiero (inspired by Stan Getz' song, The Girl from Ipanema) or Buenas Aires. However, after finding out that I have a friend, Shaun, from Antarctica, living in Sao Paulo, I booked my ticket there. He has kindly offered to let me stay at his place while I'm in the country for a week. This will be a much-needed mental break for me; although, I will continue job searching a bit while there.

Buenas Aires, Tierra del Fuego, and Macchu Picchu remain very high on my South American to-do list, but for another time.