Lucas, Brazilian, 24 years old, hard mode.

[Jason]

And just in case it hasn't been clarified, female butt.

[ether]

Lucas! Keep it up and know that you deserve that job and a happy life! If anyone can escape the Favela it's you!

[Lucas]

@Jason: You did, I actually enjoy writing jocular posts like the last one—yes, that was an example of my special brand of humor; it is... an acquired taste. And my skin is thick, so political incorrectness hardly bothers me—moreover, my standard is high: I have once met a foreign guy who seriously believed that Brazilians lived in trees, which is kind of hard to top, right? And in any case, truth be said, one could not completely deny the accuracy of your remark, both metaphorically and literally—in this country we have our share of singing blue dragons, and boy do they generate dividends! But, like I said, I am an anomaly, I am not really into talking about bodily parts, thus I will respectfully decline to answer your last inquiry.

@ether: Thank you very much for your comment! I think I have got more than I bargained for—while still young, I have realized many mismanaged things in my life before it was too late; I think I have now at least a chance of doing well in some areas. I am not sure about deserving, I do believe I have exactly what I should expect given the way I had lived up to recently—and just yesterday I saw a picture of Clint Eastwood holding a shotgun, captioned "deserve ain't got nothin' to do with this," and the image is still with me—but, God willing, I will put my best effort towards the happy life. Again, thank you very much!

[Jason]

Hold it. So you're saying you don't live in trees?

But isn't that the best place to look at all those big butts?

[Lucas]

@Jason: I do not think so. Well, at least I think I would have noticed by now—who knows? And I have never considered the logistics of the matter to provide you with details regarding best observation positions.

[Jason]

Come to think of it, you might have point and that's why they have everyone looking up at the dancing girls in the strip clubs.

At least that's what my friends tell me.

[Lucas]

After what may have been my first actually productive week in my entire life, I have suffered a major setback. I have a huge liability, and I do not know how to eliminate it without jeopardizing most of the systems I cannot do without at this juncture, but inaction will produce the same disruption or worse.

Some of my plans are also in need of re-calibration. For instance, working with the idea of getting a degree in order to, borrowing from BRUTE's words, become a highly desired immigrant, I had assumed I could do that for free by studying in a federal institution, but I forgot about their schedules—taking classes in the morning and the afternoon would inviabilize holding a job in parallel.

I have considered some ways of turning the above into a source of opportunities, but I would have to change my entire project; nevertheless, although the road would be harder, I believe that the reward would be far greater over the long haul than that of what I previously had in mind. I have also had some interesting ideas about how to deal with what I currently perceive to be far more relevant concerns.

But I have more pressing concerns at the moment, beginning with establishing some income streams in order to get my degree without incurring any debt—rather being able to invest in the meantime. Being approved in the government admission exam would take me a long way towards that goal, and I have but a few more months to prepare. I will see how things go from here.

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@Jason: Then again, I would not know about that.

[Jason]

Well Lucas, if you're going to continue to be an obstinate fuck about the whole big butt solution (that seems to suffice for the rest of your countrymen), I'll just pray for you. And I don't want to get into some unseemly theological debate over it. Just let me do it and see if anything changes. You have nothing to lose. Its on me.

[Lucas]

@Jason: I have met a number of people over the years who would probably tell you that "an obstinate fuck" is an accurate description of yours truly. In any case, your prayers are welcome—and I will pray for you myself, God willing.

[Jason]

Ok. This is what I want you to pray for. You can include things of your own but make sure you work these in:

(1) Money. Tell God I want money. And by money, I mean a shitload.
(2) To help me cut down on my internet porn use. It's getting time consuming.
(3) I want immediate smiting of any and all assholes who throw lit cigarette butts out of their car windows. Who the fuck thinks throwing fire around at high speeds is a good idea?
(4) A fourth season of Deadwood. Or at least a movie. David Milch gambled all his money away so I think there's a possibility here.
(5) To be a better person. Not that I really want to, but it looks good and might help with #1-4.

Thanks.

[Lucas]

@Jason: I will go with number 5. And #3. And since we have established the whole "obstinate fuck" thing, you surely realize how pointless it would be to argue, right?

[Fish]

Hope all is well Lucas. You have a very engaging writing style and you are missed here. Please stop by and let us know how things are going sometime. Best wishes to you and to your future.