We all have those holiday specials that we look forward to at Christmas time. You know - the ones that pop up on the tv guide during the month of December and replay all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For me, those shows include A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. I love hearing my Dad hollar, "Kids, ______________ is coming on soon!!!" It is one of the best parts of Christmas at the Hoit House (Graeme and Dana, are you in?!). I will sure miss it this year in Sri Lanka, although I'm sure they won't miss my recommended addition to the traditional holiday specials - "A GLEE CHRISTMAS"! Phil and I watched it today and I have to admit - it may have pumped Beast and Britney to my series faves! If only Dad and the gang could give Glee a chance........
It seems far away now, but eight months will go by fast! We are preparing in every way possible on this end - running, reading, and raising! You could be a part of the latter if you like! Christmas is a great time to donate to TEAM DIABETES and by clicking on the "DONATE" tab above, you don't even need to leave your house! Avoid the lines and shop after hours by giving the gift of HOPE :)
Sometimes I think I like soccer. Like now. When we are in Cairo because of a soccer tournament. Yes, this makes the sport very, very appealing.
On November 27th, Kuwait is having a walk-a-thon for Diabetes Awareness (this is a giant step in itself)! As long as I can rearrange my school commitment, we will BE THERE!
Right now, Phil's in the family room - eating french fries, drinking pop and watching his college football team play live. He didn't have to surprise me with a cup of tea 'to help me get to sleep'....but he did.
Our fundraising campaign for “Team Diabetes” was launched in August and currently we’ve raised 8% of our goal. We’re hoping that since we’re currently in “Diabetes Awareness Month”, and with the holidays being just around the corner, we’ll be able to once again jump start our campaign. We understand that not everyone is able to donate $100, but every little bit helps! Even in tough times, hopefully you’ll be able to spend the time, and the money to donate even $25 towards a worthy cause. Here’s a list of 10 ways that we waste $25 every week that will hopefully inspire you to donate this money, rather then just give it away.
1. Filling up the gas tank: We come from a culture where everyone drives, where carpooling and public transportation are not the norm, and where riding a bike and walking are rarely chosen over a quick ride to the store. How about trying to lower your gas bill each week and using your first weeks savings to donate to “Team Diabetes”. Note: You can thank us later for the savings you’ll have from here on out.
2. Taking a week off from Drinking and/or Smoking: For those of you hoping that you’ll find any other way on our list to save the $25, this is probably the one that you will save the most by following. During your week, just remember that Lindsay and I have been in a “Dry” Country since August. Take the week off, and who knows…. You may even have enough saved to make that $100 donation! Note: If you absolutely can’t take the week off, how about choosing to buy a cheap bottle of wine instead of Crown Royal by the glass?
3. Don’t go out for dinner this week: Most of you eat out at least a minimum of the once a week variety, but how about taking the time to cook your own meals this week. Not only will you save money, but you may realize that you have a little more Martha Stewart in you then you thought. Note: You can thank us later for the health benefits of cooking your own food.
4. Buy generic instead of brand-name: From groceries to clothing to prescription drugs, you can save money by choosing the off-brand over the fancy label. And in many cases, you won’t sacrifice much in quality. Clever advertising and fancy packaging don’t make brand-name products better than lesser-known brands. Note: The only two items that you absolutely shouldn’t choose the generic brands for are Q-Tips and Toilet Paper.
5. Turn off your computers: Our electricity bills are ridiculous and some of that blame should be put on ourselves. This week how about we all commit to turning our computers off when we’re not using them, our lights off when we’re not in the room, and our water off when we’re shaving or washing the dishes. Note: Al Gore also thanks you, but stick to donating to “Team Diabetes” and leave Global Warming campaigns for another time.
6. Skip Tim Horton’s and Starbucks: Now I know this may result in a work week that you’re not really awake for, but is that really a bad thing? Most of us spend at minimum $25 a week at our favourite Coffee Shop’s and this week how about putting on the kettle and having a green tea with fresh mint to start your day. Note: If you only go every second day for the next two weeks, you’ll still save $25!
7. Gambling: Take the week off from your usual habit. Avoid picking games on PRO-LINE, and avoid the urge to log on to Pokerstars.net. Note: Maybe you should still buy your lottery ticket, because we’d feel really bad if your numbers hit this week, and think of how much you could donate if they did hit this week!
8. No Mani’s or Pedi’s: Take this week to teach your nieces about putting on their own nail polish, and let them practice on you. Your beauty salon will forgive you for missing out on this week’s gossip. Note: By taking a week off, you’ll re-connect with the reasons you put away an hour or two each week to beautify yourself.
9. Don’t buy Newspapers or Magazines: Read your news on the internet this week, and grab all those magazines you’ve piled up and promised to one day catch up on. Note: If you’re feeling wild and crazy, why not go to your local library and borrow a book for FREE!!!!
10. Be creative on Date Night: Take a tour around IKEA, and finish the date with a delightful Swedish cuisine at the IKEA Food Court. Get a group together and play charades. Go public skating. You get the idea. Note: You don’t even have to tell her that it was our idea!
I hope you find the time to donate to “Team Diabetes” this week… Any and all donations will help us get closer to our goal. If you’ve enjoyed the email and are feeling inspired why not donate right now? Click on the following link, and search for Lindsay or Phillip Parkinson (Wheatley, ON).
https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csSearch.asp?prId=td
Cheers, The Parkinson’s
I would just like to say that these were PHIL'S idea! I suggested plain white ones from Pottery Barn "Adults", but he INSISTED on more traditional ones from Pottery Barn "Kids". I can tell it's Christmas time - Phil's inner 'KID' is coming out!!!!
