Miss Portugal Canada - Herman Alves & Breaking Stones.

Dear friends,

Help us celebrate portuguese beauty!

Thanks to Herman Alves' restaurant BITOQUE and his wonderful book BREAKING STONES I will be on my quest to represent Canada in the Miss Portuguese Republic competition August 27th in Lisbon, Portugal. We believe in supporting youth and encouraging them to read, study and surpass their dreams. (The way Herman Alves did.)

For this reason we're holding a dinner at BITOQUE, 3706 Notre-Dame O. on Saturday July the 30th at 7pm. It's $30 for an all inclusive, 3 course portuguese dinner (BYOB). It is to help cover my expenses and entry into the beauty pageant.

You may RSVP on facebook or call Herman Alves at 514 816-8022 to reserve.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211859755526771&view=wall

Would love to see you amongst us ... Thank you for all your love and support!

Photographer: Eva Blue

Caros amigos,
Vamos celebrar a beleza de ser português.

Breaking Stones e o seu autor Herman Alves apoia a juventude porque:
-Defendemos a importância de Ler.
-Acreditamos que é preciso renovar-se e enfretar novos desafios.
-Queremos que os jovens da nossa comunidade pratiquem o português e sigam em contacto com os nossos costumes e valores.

A vida consiste em partir pedras, superar obstáculos, renovar-se e seguir em frente.

É por isso que Herman Alves e Breaking Stones apoiam Tracy como a Miss Portugal do Canadá, aquando a sua próxima viagem á Portugal e participação no concurso Miss Republica Portuguesa. Falámos do sucesso de vencer lá fora, mas de estar para sempre ligado á nossa pátria.

Para angariar fundos para a Tracy e para desejar-lhe Boa Sorte e Sucesso, propomos um evento inesquecível de apoio e união nacional.

Para tal, os seus amigos organizam uma festa jantar sábado dia 30 de Julho, ás 19 horas, no restaurante Bitoque, 3706 Rua Notre-Dame Ouest. Montreal. 30 $ por pessoa – Jantar. Traga a vossa bebida.

Reservas pelo Facebook ou Herman Alves 514 816-8022
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211859755526771&view=wall

Gostaria de vê-lo entre nós ...


*I'd personally like to thank Herman Alves for all his help and great ideas. This wouldn't be possible without him.
www.bitoque.ca
www.breakingstones.com

Thank you aswell to everyone who cannot attend but are still doing all they can to help me out. I cannot thank you enough. XoX
Mommy & Daddy you are so amazing and supportive, as per usual!

The Randomness of Tracy, 100 Questions.

Inspired by Sarah's newest blog post (Check her out! http://www.versass.com) , I thought it would be fun to do the 100 questions game...
Here you go. Just a little way to get to know the real Tracy even better. =)

(Random indeed, LOL)

1. Grab the book nearest to you. Turn to page 18, line 3. (What does it say?)
The Carrie DIaries - Candace Bushnell "He winked at you. In calculus class."

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What can you touch?
Nothing.

3. Before you started this survey, what were you doing?
Watching TV and having a snack.

4. What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Selena, the movie.

5. What color are your sheets?
Black. (Yea, thats right!)

6. What time is it?
4:47pm

7. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
My TV, the TV in the living room and someone mowing the lawn outside. (Can someone say noise pollution? Wow.)

8. When were you last outside? What were you doing?
When I came home from work at 5am!!

9. Did you dream last night?
I don't specifically remember dreaming but apparently you always do.

10. When did you last laugh?
Today, when my sister and I were 'attacking' our mother to get my cell phone back.. we seriously got abs, laughed 5 minutes straight!

11. What color are the wall in the room you're in?
My bedroom walls are grey. =)

12. Seen anything weird lately?
Yes, yesterday before work on St-Laurent street there was a man wearing S&M clothing being whipped by someone else as people recorded it. (Gotta love Montreal Grand Prix! Right?!)

13. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Hangover 2. (Hilarious!)

14. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
The caribbean. Love the culture, lifestyle and beaches!

15. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
A house for my parents and a house for myself.

16. Tell me something about you that most people don't know.
I'm a collector of many items. I want to be surrounded by things I love.

17. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would it be?
Simple. Feed the hungry.

18. Do you like to dance?
YES! YES! YES!

19. Would you ever consider living abroad?
Yes, and I'd like to at least once in my life before I settle down. Change is good.

20. Does your name make any interesting anagrams?
Ummm nope.

21. Who made the last incoming call on your phone?
Murddock. =) (King Jelani)

22. What was the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
One of KOD's songs =)

23. Last time you swam in a pool?
Last week.

24. Type of music you like the most?
R&B

25. Type of music you dislike the most?
Heavy Metal.

26. Are you listening to music right now?
No.

27. What is on your bedroom walls?
A lot of pictures, art and quotes.

28. If you could change one thing about your home, without worrying about expenses. What would it be?
The outdoor space. Make it bigger, add a pool, jacuzzi and gazebo.

29. What was the last thing you bought?
Baguettes for dinner.

30. Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?
Yes. My uncle has one and my father knows how to drive them as well.

31. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
Yes, I'd love to try sky diving.

32. Do you have a green thumb?
No, I wouldn't say I do.

33. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?
No, I don't sing it often enough. But I do know most of it.

34. What is the first thing you think of in the morning?
Gotta check my phone and what time is it?

35. If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
Oprah.

36. Who sent the last message to your phone?
David, all the way from CT. =)

37. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card in?
Winners / HomeSense (Brand name clothing, accessories & housewares)

38. What time is bedtime?
Whenever I'm tired & it also depends on what has to be done in the morning.

39. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
LOL, yes I have. (Miss Portugal of Montreal)

40. How many tattoos do you have?
3 at the moment.

41. How many piercings do you have?
8. =)

42. What did you do for your last birthday?
I had an amazing time at Beachclub with my closest friends.

43. Do you carry a donor card?
Yes, I've signed a organ release card.

44. Who was the last person you ate dinner with?
My mother last night.

45. Is the glass half empty of half full?
Imma go with half-full!

46. What's the farthest away place you've been?
Touched down in Germany but i'd have to say Portugal.

47. When's the last time you ate something homegrown?
In Portugal, my grandma has fruit trees.

48. Have you ever won a trophy?
Nope, but wouldn't that be nice?

49. Are you a good cook?
No, I can't say that I am. Sorry guys.

HALF-WAY THERE!!
50. Do you know how to pump your own gas?
Of course I do.

51. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school?
Yes, all of high school and to be honest it was great.

52. Can you type without looking at the keyboard?
Sometimes, but mostly not.

53. What's under your bed?
Books and other storage (blankets etc..)

54. Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. I think you need to really know someone to fall in love with them.

55. Think fast, what do you like right now?
Summer and the sun!!

56. Where were you on Valentine's day?
Can't lie, being treated like a queen.

57. What time do you get up?
Depends on when I go to bed.

58. What was the name of your first pet?
I've only had fish.. so I cannot remember.

59. Do you receive any magazines in the mail?
Yes, Cosmo.

60. What are you doing next weekend?
Going up north for a birthday with my ladies.

61. How are you feeling right now?
Lazy. Hey, it's a sunday, what can I say?

62. What do you think about the most?
What Im going to do with my life that I actually enjoy...

63. What time did you get up in the morning?
Well it was one in the afternoon.

64. If you had a BIG win a lottery, how long would you wait to tell people?
Not long and I wouldn't allow for people to act differently around me, it shouldn't change a thing.

65. Do you sing in the shower?
Yes.

66. What do you do most when you are bored?
Check the internet / social networks or watch TV.

67. What was your last job?
Being a travel counsellor at Voyages Campus.

68. What's your dream job?
Something that allows me to travel, have time for my family and make people happy. Something that suits me will come along.

69. Which came first? The chicken or the egg?
The chicken.

70. How many keys on your key ring?
Two. My house and car key.

71. What kind of car do you drive?
Honda Civic

72. What's your favorite color?
Coral.

73. What are your best physical features?
My eyes and my smile. (Thanks mom and dad!)

74. What are your best characteristics?
Loyal, affectionate, open-minded and caring.

75. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go?
Brazil.

76. What kind of books do you like to read?
Romances.

77. What is your favorite time of day?
Nighttime.

78. Where did you grow up?
Montreal.

79. What are you reading now?
The color of water. (A Black man's tribute to his white mother.)

80. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
Only if I rly push down my nose =P

81. Can you raise one eyebrow at a time?
Nope.

82. How many rings before you answer the phone?
Depends on how far I am from the phone...

83. What is your best childhood memory?
Spending summers in Portugal with my sis and grandparents.

84. What is most important in your life?
Love, Family, Friends and Serendipity... <3

85. Who is your favorite actor / actress?
Will Smith and Julia Roberts.

86. Favorite musical artists?
Trey Songz, Keri Hilson, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Usher, Beyonce.

87. What is your natural hair color?
Black.

89. Do you want to get married? Have kids?
Yes and YES! (Only with the right person)

90. Favorite TV shows?
Sex and the City, Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, 90210, Desperate Housewives and Criminal Minds.

91. How old are you?
Turning 24 this month.

92. Any hobbies?
Painting/Drawing, photography, dance.

93. Favorite soft drink?
It has recently changed from Coca-Cola to Ginger Ale.

94. How many siblings do you have?
1 sister. Love you!

95. What are your fears?
Long airplane rides, extreme heights, being surrounded by insects.

96. Favorite foods?
Sushi, Seafood, Steak with egg & fries, meat lovers pizza and peanut-butter dumplings.

97. Ever been to Disney World/Land?
No, but I'd love to!

98. What do you buy the most of?
Pharmacy products. (Nail polish, hair products, makeup etc...)

99. In relationships how would you describe yourself? And what is your longest relationship?
A hopeless romantic who likes to have fun. Treat me right and I'll be your queen. Longest relationship was around 4 years.

100. Who inspires you?
My grandparents. They've done so much with their life and hearing their trials and triumphs has been very inspirational. <3

Murddock Photo Shoot in Montreal

I was in serious need of new pictures, more updated ones to post on the website created for the Miss World Portugal pageant. (They have now changed the name to "Miss Republica Portuguesa" which translates to Miss Portuguese Republic.) My good friend and photographer Murddock did an amazing job! So I had to share 7 of the photos taken because he's a true #Montreal artist! Although his specialty is sporting events, nightlife venues and most recently weddings, I think these turned out very VERY well and what can I say? He's a true professional! www.mpfirm.com









Don't forget to check him out on www.mpfirm.com or follow him on twitter www.twitter.com/mpfirm (He's also one of the funniest / most random people I know!)



Photographer: Vaughn 'Murddock' Bailey
Hair & Makeup: Patricia Rodrigues

Pageant website: http://www.wix.com/missmundoportugal/2011

My top 15 destinations 'wish-list'

For those who know me well they know I'm very interested in travel and have studied tourism for several years. I believe it stems from... well, let's just say my first transatlantic trip to Portugal when I was two years old.

So I've compiled my TOP 15 destinations that I wish to see in my lifetime. (In no particular order) & they are all cities I have yet to visit. Enjoy!

1. Brazil

Beautiful beaches, the Amazon, Carnival & most of all (this is obviously a biased opinion lol) the language. Brazil is the largest portuguese speaking country and the only one in South America) There's just something about the culture I want to experience.




2. China

One of the world's oldest civilizations and with the Great Wall known worldwide this destination caught my eye a while ago. From the Yangtze river to Beijing's culture & the city life of Shanghai this country holds many treasures.



3. India

Where do I start? The magnificent Taj Mahal, bright & embellished saris, henna, jewels and the expressive music & dance. It is the second most populous country in the world that holds the origins of a modern favorite, yoga.



4. Australia

Typical right? Well I want to see Kangaroo's, Koala's & Emu's with my own two eyes! Not to mention the Sydney Opera House, The Outback, sandy beaches & hear the accent everywhere I go. Because I dislike rain I wouldn't mind visiting the driest inhabited country in the world.



5. Greece

A vision of blue and white, Greece has interested me ever since 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' & 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'. From the cuisine, Greek Island hoping tours to the Acropolis & Parthenon Greece is a definite must see.


6. The Netherlands (Holland)

Where else can you find clogs, canals, a Red Light District, twice as many bikes as cars & 206 Van Gogh paintings? ...did I mention the laid back yet carefully regulated Red Light District? (Enough said.)



7. Italy

Historic, fashionable, culinary and religious, Italy has it all. From the Colosseum, to the leaning tower of Pisa, the Vatican, gondola rides in Venice & the Trevi fountain. A definite must-see for hopeless romantics like myself.



8. Spain

A vibrant nightlife, beaches, bull fights & a laid-back lifestyle are only some of Spain's selling points. Beautiful architecture & religion mesh when it comes to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Spain also has one of the best soccer teams in the world.



9. England

England offers so many landmarks & attractions: Big Ben, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, Double Decker buses, red phone booths & most importantly the Queen & Buckingham Palace. It is also the home of the prehistoric monument Stonehenge.


10. Turkey

A definite gem, Turkey has the best of the Middle East & Mediterranean all in one. The Blue Mosque is not to miss as well as the ruins of past empires, hamam's, markets & numerous historical/archeological marvels.


11. Egypt

The Pyramids are my favorite wonders of the ancient world. Famous for its ancient civilization, the Nile, camels & a majority of Islam tradition, Egypt is complex & monumental in many ways. It is also the largest city in Africa.



12. Cape Verde

Located on the Western coast of Africa, Cape verde is an archipelago consisting of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. A portuguese colony, Cape Verdeans have their own creole. Its capital is Praia which means beach. A non-traditional island getaway.




13. The United Arab Emirates - Dubai

Known to be a little over-the-top, Dubai is a modern wonder. Dubai lures tourists with world class shopping and the world's tallest man-made structure, tallest hotel, biggest mall & biggest aquarium. Less than 20% of its population is actually locals.


14. Japan

Overall, the Japanese are the most polite & hospitable people. Technologically advanced while preserving cultural values keeps Japan unique. Temples & gardens are popular tourist attractions. However, sushi is where my real interest lies.


15. Hawaii

Hawaii is picturesque & has something for everyone. Surfing, culture, luaus, beaches, flowers, waterfalls, volcanoes & coffee. Hawaii is the 50th state of the USA and is comprised of four countries. Each island has its personal flair.


I hope this motivates you to discover your own interests whether they include traveling or not.
=)

Saying " I Love You " 25 and 50 years later...

My parents have been married 25 years, going on 26... They just came back from a vacation together and it made me smile to hear about their adventures, having fun without family stress and sharing moments together.
Everyone grows up in different family situations and that's well... life, but I must admit I am VERY lucky.
Many of my family members have been married for what seems like forever!! (Round of Applause)
It's actually quite inspiring.



I'm hoping one day I'm lucky enough to spend my life with someone for just as many years.
Trust me, I know it is NOT easy, not in the least. It takes commitment, love and mutual understanding.
But getting through it, discovering what life has to offer and having your soul-mate by your side must be the best feeling in the world at the end of the day.
Yes, I realize, times are different. There are more options, people refuse to settle and marriage isn't always the best option for some. Although this is true, (I strongly believe) there is someone for everyone. I also believe that there are situations where divorce is the best option for the sake of children being in an unhealthy environment or where a relationship is abusive in any way.

That being said, my maternal grandparents are going on 50 years and all I could feel is a sense of awe when I see them together, happy in their retirement years living it up. They really believe in the sacred vows that read, "to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part" I witnessed this with my paternal grandmother almost 2 years ago with an upcoming 50th anniversary before the loss of my grandfather. It devastated my grandmother but I know she has no regrets in regards to her life PARTNER.

So this is to them and all the couples sticking together when nowadays its all too common to divorce or find a simpler solution.
I still believe in the sanctity of marriage.
Maybe I have an old-school mentality but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Thank you Mommy & Daddy, Vovós e Vovôs, Aunts & Uncles.
I LOVE YOU beyond words.

Self-Discovery. (A personal goal)

Because I once loved, I yearn for it everyday.
It's my downfall in a way.
I look for more, even when the person or timing isn't right.
Lose myself,
Wanting the attention,
Feeling helpless...
Emotionally, I am not me.
Physically going through the motions,
Talking, cuddling...
Wishing he'd love me.
Whoever 'he' is.
Love is beautiful.
It consumes you, heightens you, shields you from reality.
Experiencing all I have regarding love there are almost as many negatives as positives.
So as I lie here I wonder... was it really love?
This answer will only come with time.
Could only come when I'm in a loving & mutually strengthening relationship.
So what I struggle with now is being me. Alone and free.
There is no better time.

New experiences, new environments...
No more losing the ones who do come into my life because I wish there was more.
I must learn to control my emotions.
Life is a roller coaster,
And I want to enjoy its ups, get through its downs and experience the thrill.
No better time then now
Because no one should need a relationship to feel complete.
Regardless of what anyone says this is me, the real me.
Vulnerable, honest & exposed.
My values, my interests, my willingness to learn and get better than I am & most importantly knowing I am enough.
Confidence and independence is sexy but also necessary.
So that's my goal for the REST of 2011; to discover Tracy.

I'm not going to listen to any more bad reviews about myself because the real people know what I'm about, they know Tracy's potential even when I don't see it myself and it's these people whom I cherish and thank, endlessly.
-XoX

Live your life. For yourself.

I will be the first to tell you, I'm not perfect, far from it.
However, I've made sure to make certain decisions to ensure I do not have too many regrets, a bad reputation or unnecessary drama. Its inevitable to run into problems or people whom think differently than you do but living in Montreal it's especially difficult with its "2 degrees" of separation between people.
This isn't a rant, and no matter what I love this city but there is one thing everyone should remember...
"Be TRUE to YOURSELF!"
If you know the person you are and you're comfortable with it then no one can bring you down.
If someone wants to talk badly about you they are just insecure in themselves and have nothing better to do, focus on yourself and there is no better time to do so then NOW.
Don't ever lose yourself because thats when you'll truly be unhappy.
A lot of times we think we want something, we work hard to convince people that we're worth it and personally I'm done doing so.
If someone doesn't see how wonderful, caring and smart I am then it's 100% their loss.
No ifs ands or buts about it.. if something is meant to happen, I truly believe it will.
*Serendipity*
-Me, Myself & I discovering what truly makes me happy.