I know, I know - the "beanie bag" story is getting a little old. I promise that this will be it's final mention.
Last night Phil suffered a sports injury and had some rather severe knee swelling. Of course, I encouraged him to ice it (duh!) and, of course, he said "I'm fine". Of course, my encouragements with Phil do not stand solo. Of course, I keep going until he finally understands that I am right (haha). Well....he remained quite persistant with his "I'm fine" until I said, "hun.......try the beanie bag then."
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
"Okay" he said with a big smile.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Our "On-EXIT" Routine.
You know that double check you do before you leave your house? You know....the one where you make sure the lights are off, the doors are locked, the dog's inside? Well, ours goes something like this:
Lindsay: Do you have the keys?
Phil: Yes.
Lindsay: Do you have 5 L.E. for cab fare?
Phil: Yes.
Lindsay: Do you have your wallet?
Phil: Yes.
Lindsay: Do you have __________________? (The blank is filled in according to excursion. In terms of gym excursions, I would ask if he has gym cards and water bottles).
Phil: Yes.
(Role Reversal).
Phil: Do you have the keys?
Lindsay: No.
Phil: Do you have 5 L.E. for cab fare?
Lindsay: No.
Phil: Do you have your wallet?
Lindsay: No.
Phil: Do you have __________________? (The blank is filled in according to excursion. In terms of gym excursions, he would ask if I have gym cards and water bottles).
Lindsay: No.
Consider us checked, checked, and double checked. Haha - God bless his exceptional organization skills.
Lindsay: Do you have the keys?
Phil: Yes.
Lindsay: Do you have 5 L.E. for cab fare?
Phil: Yes.
Lindsay: Do you have your wallet?
Phil: Yes.
Lindsay: Do you have __________________? (The blank is filled in according to excursion. In terms of gym excursions, I would ask if he has gym cards and water bottles).
Phil: Yes.
(Role Reversal).
Phil: Do you have the keys?
Lindsay: No.
Phil: Do you have 5 L.E. for cab fare?
Lindsay: No.
Phil: Do you have your wallet?
Lindsay: No.
Phil: Do you have __________________? (The blank is filled in according to excursion. In terms of gym excursions, he would ask if I have gym cards and water bottles).
Lindsay: No.
Consider us checked, checked, and double checked. Haha - God bless his exceptional organization skills.
Friday, February 26, 2010
"Legs"
That is what we did at the gym TWO DAYS AGO.
OUCH, OUCH, OUCH. Thank goodness we purchased that beanie bag!
OUCH, OUCH, OUCH. Thank goodness we purchased that beanie bag!
MAGNOON!
Yesterday an unusual thing happened in Cairo....it STORMED! Yes - we had pouring rain, thunder, lightning and.......(the most unusual thing)...HAIL! Luckily, Phil, our two friends and I were in a taxi with Egypt's worst driver..........and on the road with millions of other well-experienced storm navigators (baha - insert sarcasm HERE).
Eyes-closed seemed safer last night, so here are some photos from our eyes-open walk this morning:
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Surprise! (or should I title it...Surprise Wrecker?)
Phil has been trying his darn hardest to surprise me lately. However, for some bizarre reason, I just won't let him to do it! Allow me to share my two most recent incidences of surprise-wrecking:
Incident #1:
PHIL'S MISSION - To purchase flowers.
HIS PLAN - To make a quick purchase and speedy return while I was otherwise engaged.
WHERE IT WENT WRONG - Just got home from the gym. I usually shower STAT, but decided to go on Facebook for a brief gander. Frequent inquisitions about the "WHEN" of my shower caused him to get BUSTED. (The flowers were REALLY pretty though!).
Incident #2:
PHIL'S MISSION - To give me a book that relates to our upcoming Kilimanjaro climb.
HIS PLAN - To surprise me with it at an "appropriate" moment.
WHERE IT WENT WRONG - There is a book fair this week at our school. I saw the book he purchased for me...and I wanted to purchase it for myself. Poor guy. He had to say SOMETHING. BUSTED (again)! (The book is REALLY thoughtful though!).
Cheers to preemptive "thank you's". AY AY AY! Fingers crossed for more surprises (haha) that I can leave un-wrecked :)
Incident #1:
PHIL'S MISSION - To purchase flowers.
HIS PLAN - To make a quick purchase and speedy return while I was otherwise engaged.
WHERE IT WENT WRONG - Just got home from the gym. I usually shower STAT, but decided to go on Facebook for a brief gander. Frequent inquisitions about the "WHEN" of my shower caused him to get BUSTED. (The flowers were REALLY pretty though!).
Incident #2:
PHIL'S MISSION - To give me a book that relates to our upcoming Kilimanjaro climb.
HIS PLAN - To surprise me with it at an "appropriate" moment.
WHERE IT WENT WRONG - There is a book fair this week at our school. I saw the book he purchased for me...and I wanted to purchase it for myself. Poor guy. He had to say SOMETHING. BUSTED (again)! (The book is REALLY thoughtful though!).
Cheers to preemptive "thank you's". AY AY AY! Fingers crossed for more surprises (haha) that I can leave un-wrecked :)
LUCKY! Bus rides are never this hilarious :)
Today Phil got really excited about a teaching resource that he found online. He introduced the topic in a really excited, leprechaun-like manner - a side of him that I rarely see. In fact, when it comes to us as a duo, I am usually the overly-excited leprechaun.
Of course, I could not let this "never ever happens" moment just pass us by. I had to let him know that he was acting this way. He responded well, and made a great attempt to re-introduce his resource with a leprechaun voice. I use "attempt" with intention, as Phil's do-over sounded much like that of Gollum from The Lord of the Rings.
We're STILL laughing...
Monday, February 22, 2010
SURPRISE! Another Long Weekend :)
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear PROPHET,
Happy birthday to YOU!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Boys and their sports....
Phil has been updating some sports website every few minutes for the past two hours. This is the way he “follows his teams” in Egypt, as we have no television here at home and the internet connection is really too poor to do anything superior.
Tonight it was an Ohio State versus Michigan State basketball game. Phil was cheering for Michigan State and I really think his cheering was effective, as the differential between the score got less and less with each browser refresh. Too bad an impressive comeback doesn’t equal a win. The final update broke his heart as he realized his team had lost the game. I made the mistake of saying “at least it was a close game, hun”. And now I know – that is “one of those things” you simply do not say to your boyfriend :)
Oscar's First Birthday Party
It was getting really exciting around the house with Oscar's big day approaching. Balloons were inflating, meat was marinating, and baking supplies were itching at their chance to produce masterful cupcakes. Lindsay and I left for school in the morning knowing that we had much work to do to prepare our house for Oscar's guests. We got great news when we were told there would be a bus leaving the school at noon for all high school staff that wanted to head home early for the weekend (exam week). We jumped at the chance knowing our schedules were tight, what with our friends Alex and Lulwa hosting "Games Night", weights that needed lifting, and food that needed to be eaten. We arrived at our front door, and I was in a fantastic mood, happily explaining to Lindsay my plans for tomorrow's party, describing all the things I would do to make my best friend's birthday one for the ages! We opened the door expecting our usual loving greeting but Oscar was nowhere to be found...
The feeling that encompassed me as I heard Lindsay sadly whisper those two horrifying words "Oh Dear", can only be described as gut wrenching to the point of fatigue. I nearly fainted as my eyes made contact with what looked like a war zone in our living room. I quickly scanned the room both to find out what had been torn, and to find out where the culprit was hiding. Our couch was missing its third back cushion with foam thrown this way and that, spread out over our tile floor. Oscar had his eyes closed, head down, and was slouched pitifully under the kitchen table with his tail between his legs.
It should here be noted that I never over react :)(Ha) In fact I'd like to think that I'm known for dealing with such situations in a calm, collected manner, never to jump to conclusions...
"What a Jerk!" I screamed, pulling him to the garden where he would be spending the next few months. "Get on the internet, we're putting him on Craig's List!" I panicked. "You love him honey", Lindsay repeated but it was in one ear and out the other. "I don't, I don't, I can't believe he'd do this, and the day before his party. You know what, cancel the party, we're not hosting!" I murmured under my breath, head deep in a pillow, shuttered with sadness.
Trying to find the words to bring me back to earth must have been a tough task, but Lindsay in her wisdom was able to do so. She convinced me that our guests were coming to enjoy a bbq with us, and that the party for Oscar was indeed with "our" friends. "It's your party!" she said with a smile, rubbing my back just right. "I don't care Linds!" I responded, "I don't want to have the party anymore!" Immediately, as if she had set me up in the moment, Lindsay began to sing "It's your party, you can cry if you want to! Cry if you want to! Cry if you want to!"
Her song and positive response to the situation eventually made me realize that the party must go on, and go on it did. Oscar had over ten guests, and each time the door rang, he would race to the door to see what treats were being brought. It ended up being a great day, with unbelievable weather, good food (courtesy of Uncle Rolando on the grill), and great friends. Oscar pulled in a pretty good amount of loot too!
I just hope Oscar doesn't associate ripping up our couch with receiving parties and gifts! Oh, and every time someone rings the doorbell, they better be bearing treats!
The feeling that encompassed me as I heard Lindsay sadly whisper those two horrifying words "Oh Dear", can only be described as gut wrenching to the point of fatigue. I nearly fainted as my eyes made contact with what looked like a war zone in our living room. I quickly scanned the room both to find out what had been torn, and to find out where the culprit was hiding. Our couch was missing its third back cushion with foam thrown this way and that, spread out over our tile floor. Oscar had his eyes closed, head down, and was slouched pitifully under the kitchen table with his tail between his legs.
It should here be noted that I never over react :)(Ha) In fact I'd like to think that I'm known for dealing with such situations in a calm, collected manner, never to jump to conclusions...
"What a Jerk!" I screamed, pulling him to the garden where he would be spending the next few months. "Get on the internet, we're putting him on Craig's List!" I panicked. "You love him honey", Lindsay repeated but it was in one ear and out the other. "I don't, I don't, I can't believe he'd do this, and the day before his party. You know what, cancel the party, we're not hosting!" I murmured under my breath, head deep in a pillow, shuttered with sadness.
Trying to find the words to bring me back to earth must have been a tough task, but Lindsay in her wisdom was able to do so. She convinced me that our guests were coming to enjoy a bbq with us, and that the party for Oscar was indeed with "our" friends. "It's your party!" she said with a smile, rubbing my back just right. "I don't care Linds!" I responded, "I don't want to have the party anymore!" Immediately, as if she had set me up in the moment, Lindsay began to sing "It's your party, you can cry if you want to! Cry if you want to! Cry if you want to!"
Her song and positive response to the situation eventually made me realize that the party must go on, and go on it did. Oscar had over ten guests, and each time the door rang, he would race to the door to see what treats were being brought. It ended up being a great day, with unbelievable weather, good food (courtesy of Uncle Rolando on the grill), and great friends. Oscar pulled in a pretty good amount of loot too!
I just hope Oscar doesn't associate ripping up our couch with receiving parties and gifts! Oh, and every time someone rings the doorbell, they better be bearing treats!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Singing for HELP!
Last night we watched "Enchanted" - one of my movie favourites! Phil had never seen it before and I think he quite liked it :) We laughed a lot together, especially this morning when we reminisced the funniest parts.
There is one scene in particular that had a certain relevance to our day. In this segment, the leading lady calls on all of the city's creatures to help her with some cleaning. She does it with a simple "aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw!".......and what do you know?! In come the pigeons, the rats, the cockroaches, and the mice of New York City. Within minutes, the apartment is a SPOTLESS abode!
So today Phillip tells me we need to do some chores. Chores, eh? Well, alright! To the window I went, with a simple "aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw!"...........
Bad news - it didn't work! Not a single pigeon, rat, cockroach, or mouse came to help out. Not even a house fly, a street cat, or a stray dog.
I tried it out again tonight at Phil's basketball game. Can you believe that his team was down 30 points and not a single creature came to the rescue?!
Perhaps I don't have the song down right. I will practice and get back to you :)
There is one scene in particular that had a certain relevance to our day. In this segment, the leading lady calls on all of the city's creatures to help her with some cleaning. She does it with a simple "aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw!".......and what do you know?! In come the pigeons, the rats, the cockroaches, and the mice of New York City. Within minutes, the apartment is a SPOTLESS abode!
So today Phillip tells me we need to do some chores. Chores, eh? Well, alright! To the window I went, with a simple "aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw....aw, aw, aw, aw, aw!"...........
Bad news - it didn't work! Not a single pigeon, rat, cockroach, or mouse came to help out. Not even a house fly, a street cat, or a stray dog.
I tried it out again tonight at Phil's basketball game. Can you believe that his team was down 30 points and not a single creature came to the rescue?!
Perhaps I don't have the song down right. I will practice and get back to you :)
A Pure Coincidence.
The other day, Phil and I went shopping for recipe cards. I hope I don't disappoint you when I relay that they were not purchased for kitchen use, but rather for a "Cranium - Science Edition" board game. I have big dreams for semester two and a weekly review in "best game ever" format is part of the plan. Anyways, the cards were purchased without a hassle and I have plenty to facilitate a semester to remember. Moving on....the real story behind this post begins at the check-out, where I spotted my newest "present" from Phil.
Here it is: my microwavable bean bag!
Sitting at the till was a basket FULL of these glorious, heat-radiating creations! Their placement at this spot must have been a business-store ploy.....you know, taking hidden gems out of hiding and placing them irresistably near the exit. Whatever - this marketing strategy worked for me and I knew I had to have it. I think Phil could see I desired it too, as I sadly said "No, I don't need it" while looking at the price tag. Thanks, PHIL! You have allowed me to add to my "stay warm" toolkit :)
You will probably assume I have the best of luck (or perhaps the worst), as I got to use my microwavable bean bag that same evening - for TWO different reasons! Reason one: I suffered a "leg injury" during Thursday's training session at the gym. Reason two: I had an achy stomach that required treatment of some sort. Isn't it a coincidence that I purchased something therpeutic on a day such as this? Well, at least this is what I believe. Phil is convinced that I pulled a leg muscle on purpose.....and that I exaggerated an achy stomach! But, I swear that both of these occurrences were the real deal! I'm not sure why he feels that I have to "justify" the purchase with such un-happy events. I think my microwavable bean bag is a great buy without explanation! It is GREEN (my favourite colour), it has a FUN print(my favourite quality) and, if necessary, it can be used to keep you warm (my favourite temperature) or to make you feel better (my favourite "I can help you" task)..........(haha).
Just wait until his next weight-training session. He will be begging me to "throw it in the micro"!
Here it is: my microwavable bean bag!
Sitting at the till was a basket FULL of these glorious, heat-radiating creations! Their placement at this spot must have been a business-store ploy.....you know, taking hidden gems out of hiding and placing them irresistably near the exit. Whatever - this marketing strategy worked for me and I knew I had to have it. I think Phil could see I desired it too, as I sadly said "No, I don't need it" while looking at the price tag. Thanks, PHIL! You have allowed me to add to my "stay warm" toolkit :)
You will probably assume I have the best of luck (or perhaps the worst), as I got to use my microwavable bean bag that same evening - for TWO different reasons! Reason one: I suffered a "leg injury" during Thursday's training session at the gym. Reason two: I had an achy stomach that required treatment of some sort. Isn't it a coincidence that I purchased something therpeutic on a day such as this? Well, at least this is what I believe. Phil is convinced that I pulled a leg muscle on purpose.....and that I exaggerated an achy stomach! But, I swear that both of these occurrences were the real deal! I'm not sure why he feels that I have to "justify" the purchase with such un-happy events. I think my microwavable bean bag is a great buy without explanation! It is GREEN (my favourite colour), it has a FUN print(my favourite quality) and, if necessary, it can be used to keep you warm (my favourite temperature) or to make you feel better (my favourite "I can help you" task)..........(haha).
Just wait until his next weight-training session. He will be begging me to "throw it in the micro"!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Humdallah...it is the WEEKEND!
The perfect way to spend a Friday evening....having a tea and watching a movie :)
Playing Chef
One of my favourite things to do with Phil is play “Chef”. I am not sure if this is a legitimate, well-recognized game or not, but either way, our rendition of the game is as follows:
While playing “Chef”, participants are asked to (insert imagination HERE)…
1) assume the role of a cooking professional (examples include, but are not limited to, Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, Julia Childs, and Gordon Ramsay).
2) draw on their exaggerated YEARS of kitchen experience to prepare an exceptional evening appetizer or entree.
3) practice “good sportsmanship”, modelled through sharing ideas, strategies and words of encouragement.
4) yell out remarks such as “Hmmm….(while tasting dish)….it needs more (long pause)…………….PAPRIKA!” (an obvious rule intended to maintain game validity).
*** Please note: The number of players is limited by kitchen size.
As a favourite game of mine, Phil and I engaged in a round of “Chef” while making tonight’s dinner. Chef Phillip created a delicious “Chikato Mush” (Chicken, Potatoes and Mushrooms – with spices, of course!) to accompany my “I-wonder-if-this-will-become-my-signature-dish Bean Salad” (Kidney beans, Chick peas, Corn, Onions – with spices, of course!). As a cooking pair, we decided that either dish could be combined in a soft tortilla shell (which I chose to devour) or eaten separately as its own meal (which Phil decided to enjoy). Mmmmmmmmm……here are some photos captured by the new Nikon:
While playing “Chef”, participants are asked to (insert imagination HERE)…
1) assume the role of a cooking professional (examples include, but are not limited to, Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, Julia Childs, and Gordon Ramsay).
2) draw on their exaggerated YEARS of kitchen experience to prepare an exceptional evening appetizer or entree.
3) practice “good sportsmanship”, modelled through sharing ideas, strategies and words of encouragement.
4) yell out remarks such as “Hmmm….(while tasting dish)….it needs more (long pause)…………….PAPRIKA!” (an obvious rule intended to maintain game validity).
*** Please note: The number of players is limited by kitchen size.
As a favourite game of mine, Phil and I engaged in a round of “Chef” while making tonight’s dinner. Chef Phillip created a delicious “Chikato Mush” (Chicken, Potatoes and Mushrooms – with spices, of course!) to accompany my “I-wonder-if-this-will-become-my-signature-dish Bean Salad” (Kidney beans, Chick peas, Corn, Onions – with spices, of course!). As a cooking pair, we decided that either dish could be combined in a soft tortilla shell (which I chose to devour) or eaten separately as its own meal (which Phil decided to enjoy). Mmmmmmmmm……here are some photos captured by the new Nikon:
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Our Pancake Tuesday :)
"Banana Pancakes"
Can't you see that it's just raining
Ain't no need to go outside...
But baby, you hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song is meant to keep ya
From doing what you're supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it's the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining
Ain't no need to go outside
But just maybe, laka ukulele
Mommy made a baby
Really don't mind the breakfast
'cause you're my little lady
Lady lady love me
'cause I love to lay here lazy
We could close the curtains
Pretend like there's no world outside
And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining
Ain't no need to go outside
Ain't no need ain't no need Mmmm MMmmm
Can't you see can't you see
Rain all day
And I don't mind.
The telephone is singing
Ringing it's too early
Don't pick it up
We don't need to we got everything
We need right here
And everything we need is enough
Just so easy
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
Don't really need to pay attention to the alarm
Wake up slow, yeah wake up slow
You hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song is meant to keep ya
From doing what your supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it's the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining
Ain't no need to go outside
Ain't no need, ain't no need
Rain all day and I really really really don't mind
Can't you see can't you see,
You gotta wake up slow
- Jack Johnson
Oscar's Valentine
Since Lindsay and I had pushed forward our Valentine's Day from Sunday to Friday, the only member of our family that was really excited about Feb. 14th was Oscar. In fact we took him to "Oscar's Park" that night to burn off some puppy chow, but on this particular night love was in the air.
I have to admit that it has been tough seeing my son grow so quickly from a white fluff ball to the grown size he now stands. I still can remember our very first game of fetch, the first time he was able to jump onto the couch (Note to future pet owners: Encouraging puppies to learn to jump on the sofa is not going to be funny within one month of them accomplishing this feat), and of course how could I forget picking him up like I was "Rafiki" and he was "Simba" from the Lion King. (See Photo) I could go on with such a list, but I never realized that even with the immeasurable amount of love I have for Oscar, how disappointed I would be with his first "Valentine".
I don't know many fathers that would be offering their blessing on their child's first love, but Oscar really didn't set his sights too high with this one. Her name is "Pushma" and she is homeless. On top of this she keeps her figure by ripping through the neighbourhood trash cans for her nutritional needs, and running away from rocks thrown at her by the locals. She is currently pregnant and expecting her second litter in as many years. Her skin condition can be referred to as "itchy" with respect to the insects that must be nibbling at her ever move.
But there he was, prancing to impress her, smiling to woo her, chasing her around the park. I did my best to yell, I did my best to scream, I did my best to get in between them, but it was no use. And then it happened...
Oscar's first kiss!!!! He kindly knelt down beside "Pushma" and proceeded to engage in what can only be described as a moment of passion.
When I finally got rid of "Pushma" and put Oscar back on his leash for the short walk home, I discussed with him the merits of looking for certain qualities in a woman that would be important for him if he was to ever meet a life partner. I looked no further then describing his mother Lindsay, and he listened intently until finally uttering a call of despair...
"Dad, I'm neutered..." he said with a frown,
and somewhere Bob Barker was smiling...
I have to admit that it has been tough seeing my son grow so quickly from a white fluff ball to the grown size he now stands. I still can remember our very first game of fetch, the first time he was able to jump onto the couch (Note to future pet owners: Encouraging puppies to learn to jump on the sofa is not going to be funny within one month of them accomplishing this feat), and of course how could I forget picking him up like I was "Rafiki" and he was "Simba" from the Lion King. (See Photo) I could go on with such a list, but I never realized that even with the immeasurable amount of love I have for Oscar, how disappointed I would be with his first "Valentine".
I don't know many fathers that would be offering their blessing on their child's first love, but Oscar really didn't set his sights too high with this one. Her name is "Pushma" and she is homeless. On top of this she keeps her figure by ripping through the neighbourhood trash cans for her nutritional needs, and running away from rocks thrown at her by the locals. She is currently pregnant and expecting her second litter in as many years. Her skin condition can be referred to as "itchy" with respect to the insects that must be nibbling at her ever move.
But there he was, prancing to impress her, smiling to woo her, chasing her around the park. I did my best to yell, I did my best to scream, I did my best to get in between them, but it was no use. And then it happened...
Oscar's first kiss!!!! He kindly knelt down beside "Pushma" and proceeded to engage in what can only be described as a moment of passion.
When I finally got rid of "Pushma" and put Oscar back on his leash for the short walk home, I discussed with him the merits of looking for certain qualities in a woman that would be important for him if he was to ever meet a life partner. I looked no further then describing his mother Lindsay, and he listened intently until finally uttering a call of despair...
"Dad, I'm neutered..." he said with a frown,
and somewhere Bob Barker was smiling...
Monday, February 15, 2010
Mr. Clean
Phil LOVES to clean..and I mean, LOVES TO.
Crazy, right?! I am convinced he uses house chores as some rare form of therapy. We wake up - he cleans. We get home from school - he cleans. We get ready to go to bed - he CLEANS! Now, let's compare this to my therapy of choice - drinking tea. I wake up - I drink tea. I get home from school - I drink tea. We get ready to go to bed - I drink tea. Haha...
Anyways, above all of the possible house chores (gardening, dishes, sweeping, dusting, etc.), I would have to say that his most favourite chore is doing the laundry. He has it down to a science. Yes, A SCIENCE. I mean - you have heard of "whites and darks"....but Phil goes beyond this, having piles of "reds and pinks", "towels", "dry-fit items", "dry-clean items", "pashminas"...........and the list goes on. Of course it doesn't end there. Phil has also read and re-read the instruction manual of our new, Italian-made washing machine and confidently changes settings to suit each load he tosses in.
Now, if we were to discuss the "folding and putting away of" laundry, I would say he has it down to an art. Yes, AN ART. Clothes are folded with care and items to be hung up are arranged according to type (gym wear, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, coats, pants, etc.). And, not to fear! The drying rack always looks colourfully decorated, as the cycles of washing continue throughout the week. It is quite the production!
As I sit here writing this post, Phil is in the living room doing his favourite thing. I am trying to multi-task by making a grocery list. First thing on the list? Blueberry and vanilla tea. "Is there anything else I should add?" I ask him. Phil yells back, "fabric softener". Haha, whatever keeps you calm.
Crazy, right?! I am convinced he uses house chores as some rare form of therapy. We wake up - he cleans. We get home from school - he cleans. We get ready to go to bed - he CLEANS! Now, let's compare this to my therapy of choice - drinking tea. I wake up - I drink tea. I get home from school - I drink tea. We get ready to go to bed - I drink tea. Haha...
Anyways, above all of the possible house chores (gardening, dishes, sweeping, dusting, etc.), I would have to say that his most favourite chore is doing the laundry. He has it down to a science. Yes, A SCIENCE. I mean - you have heard of "whites and darks"....but Phil goes beyond this, having piles of "reds and pinks", "towels", "dry-fit items", "dry-clean items", "pashminas"...........and the list goes on. Of course it doesn't end there. Phil has also read and re-read the instruction manual of our new, Italian-made washing machine and confidently changes settings to suit each load he tosses in.
Now, if we were to discuss the "folding and putting away of" laundry, I would say he has it down to an art. Yes, AN ART. Clothes are folded with care and items to be hung up are arranged according to type (gym wear, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, coats, pants, etc.). And, not to fear! The drying rack always looks colourfully decorated, as the cycles of washing continue throughout the week. It is quite the production!
As I sit here writing this post, Phil is in the living room doing his favourite thing. I am trying to multi-task by making a grocery list. First thing on the list? Blueberry and vanilla tea. "Is there anything else I should add?" I ask him. Phil yells back, "fabric softener". Haha, whatever keeps you calm.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Oscar "Park"inson
I feel terrible that I have yet to complete our family profile. You have read a little bit about Phillip....you have read a little bit about me....you have read a little bit about us as a couple. But you have yet to hear about the most enthusiastic member of our family (yes, there is someone MORE enthusiastic than me)......(drum roll please)............our golden retriever..............OSCAR!
(Oscar - here goes your BLOG debut....)
Oscar Parkinson is a rather active puppy who enjoys playing with squeeky toys (my gosh - that is an entire post on its own), ripping up papers when no one is looking (you will be happy to hear that we share the same love for magazines), and going for "walks" with his BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD, Phil.
Oh Phillip and Oscar. A pair indeed. I think I come second to Oscar in terms of "ability to make Phillip smile" and I definitely come second to Phil in terms of "ability to make Oscar happy". They really are best friends and one is certainly grouchy without the other.
Phil and Oscar usually go for a run everyday together. Of course it is intended to be a "walk"...but if you saw them in action you would agree with my use of the faster verb. Phil will say, "I'm going to take Oscar for a WALK". I laugh in my head, thinking "Okay - so Oscar is going to take you for a RUN". Haha - I love them both.
Just this week, Oscar and Phil discovered something special on their evening "run" - a secret park! It has been the highlight of this week's conversations and Phil took me there for the first time the other night. I was not a huge fan of it in the dark, but I was quite impressed with it this morning during "family time". I made a tea in my new Starbucks tumbler, Phil grabbed a dirty tennis ball, and Oscar waited excitedly "to be leashed" at the door. Off we went - to the PARK!
The park really is something else...especially since parks are so difficult to come across in Cairo. (The only "official" park we have cost millions and millions of dollars to build and was placed somewhere strategic, somewhere "on purpose"). Anyways, the proximity of this park to our house and the clean, green space inside make it a hidden gem of our neighbourhood.
When we arrived at the park this morning, which we have now coined "Oscar's Park", I anticipated a little walk around, or perhaps some fetch. Well - these Parkinson boys don't settle for a mediocre time. Oh no - they go above and beyond in the activities department - playing tag, hide and seek, follow the leader.....AY AY AY! I was tired simply watching them play together.
I wish I was able to capture some video clips of their games...but I did happen to capture a few photos that are worthy of sharing. Here they are, featuring the BFF's that I live with.....
(Oscar - here goes your BLOG debut....)
Oscar Parkinson is a rather active puppy who enjoys playing with squeeky toys (my gosh - that is an entire post on its own), ripping up papers when no one is looking (you will be happy to hear that we share the same love for magazines), and going for "walks" with his BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD, Phil.
Oh Phillip and Oscar. A pair indeed. I think I come second to Oscar in terms of "ability to make Phillip smile" and I definitely come second to Phil in terms of "ability to make Oscar happy". They really are best friends and one is certainly grouchy without the other.
Phil and Oscar usually go for a run everyday together. Of course it is intended to be a "walk"...but if you saw them in action you would agree with my use of the faster verb. Phil will say, "I'm going to take Oscar for a WALK". I laugh in my head, thinking "Okay - so Oscar is going to take you for a RUN". Haha - I love them both.
Just this week, Oscar and Phil discovered something special on their evening "run" - a secret park! It has been the highlight of this week's conversations and Phil took me there for the first time the other night. I was not a huge fan of it in the dark, but I was quite impressed with it this morning during "family time". I made a tea in my new Starbucks tumbler, Phil grabbed a dirty tennis ball, and Oscar waited excitedly "to be leashed" at the door. Off we went - to the PARK!
The park really is something else...especially since parks are so difficult to come across in Cairo. (The only "official" park we have cost millions and millions of dollars to build and was placed somewhere strategic, somewhere "on purpose"). Anyways, the proximity of this park to our house and the clean, green space inside make it a hidden gem of our neighbourhood.
When we arrived at the park this morning, which we have now coined "Oscar's Park", I anticipated a little walk around, or perhaps some fetch. Well - these Parkinson boys don't settle for a mediocre time. Oh no - they go above and beyond in the activities department - playing tag, hide and seek, follow the leader.....AY AY AY! I was tired simply watching them play together.
I wish I was able to capture some video clips of their games...but I did happen to capture a few photos that are worthy of sharing. Here they are, featuring the BFF's that I live with.....
Mike Ross 5 km "Degla Dash"
Well, I suppose this is my initiation into the "Blog" world. What a great idea by Linds to create a place where family and friends will be able to follow our adventures. I'm certain that my struggles with communication inspired this gift.
Due to the importance of my softball game (Game 2 of the regular season) on Sunday (Valentine's Day), we decided that the holiday would be moved to Friday. The day was filled with gifts (I actually did arts and crafts as per our gift exchange instructions), flowers, girly movies, and a 5km "Romance Run". The idea of the "Romance Run" was to donate money to a worthy cause (Cancer Research) while getting some exercise in a "non-competitive" environment.
We arrived to sign up for the run at Cairo American College and hopped on a bus which led us to our destination (The Wadi Degla Protectorate). We were unprepared for the 2km hike up the dangerous terrain, and on more then a couple occasions I felt Linds was going over the edge into the desert never to be found again. She trooped through the climb and we finally arrived at the start line. Once here, we realized that "sans sunscreen" we would have to wait over an hour before the 5km race began. My "Ginger, Pasty, Freckled" skin would be tested to its limits!
Before the run, we had talked over race strategy and to eliminate any chance of my competitive nature to take command of my body and mind (Refer to the Incredible Hulk turning green) the decision was made that Linds would set the pace. It should now be noted that due to her being deemed "extremely anemic" she has been put on "Vitamin Injections" which, to the International Drug Committee, is also referred to as "blood doping". It was a good thing they didn't ask her for a drug test before the race or we would have never had the chance to strut our stuff.
"BANG!" the gun went off and we began on our 5km run to glory. I was proud of her throughout, as she inspired me with hill climbs, deep breathing, and a desire to compete to the best of her ability. We ran the entire race without breaking stride and were hand in hand crossing the finish line, destined to finish together, as a unit, as one.... But then the unthinkable happened!
All I remember was a loud roar, (almost monster like), and Lindsay broke her hand away from mine, pushed me away, and tripped me, to finish ahead of me! As it turns out she was aware that "the top 50" would receive participation badges, with the remaining runners relegated to cut up oranges and a pat on the back. Wouldn't you know it, Lindsay finished 50th, and I was left at the embarassment of finishing 51st (the best of the worst).
There you have it, a tale of determination, love, and my girl's competitive edge!
Cheers, Phil
Due to the importance of my softball game (Game 2 of the regular season) on Sunday (Valentine's Day), we decided that the holiday would be moved to Friday. The day was filled with gifts (I actually did arts and crafts as per our gift exchange instructions), flowers, girly movies, and a 5km "Romance Run". The idea of the "Romance Run" was to donate money to a worthy cause (Cancer Research) while getting some exercise in a "non-competitive" environment.
We arrived to sign up for the run at Cairo American College and hopped on a bus which led us to our destination (The Wadi Degla Protectorate). We were unprepared for the 2km hike up the dangerous terrain, and on more then a couple occasions I felt Linds was going over the edge into the desert never to be found again. She trooped through the climb and we finally arrived at the start line. Once here, we realized that "sans sunscreen" we would have to wait over an hour before the 5km race began. My "Ginger, Pasty, Freckled" skin would be tested to its limits!
Before the run, we had talked over race strategy and to eliminate any chance of my competitive nature to take command of my body and mind (Refer to the Incredible Hulk turning green) the decision was made that Linds would set the pace. It should now be noted that due to her being deemed "extremely anemic" she has been put on "Vitamin Injections" which, to the International Drug Committee, is also referred to as "blood doping". It was a good thing they didn't ask her for a drug test before the race or we would have never had the chance to strut our stuff.
"BANG!" the gun went off and we began on our 5km run to glory. I was proud of her throughout, as she inspired me with hill climbs, deep breathing, and a desire to compete to the best of her ability. We ran the entire race without breaking stride and were hand in hand crossing the finish line, destined to finish together, as a unit, as one.... But then the unthinkable happened!
All I remember was a loud roar, (almost monster like), and Lindsay broke her hand away from mine, pushed me away, and tripped me, to finish ahead of me! As it turns out she was aware that "the top 50" would receive participation badges, with the remaining runners relegated to cut up oranges and a pat on the back. Wouldn't you know it, Lindsay finished 50th, and I was left at the embarassment of finishing 51st (the best of the worst).
There you have it, a tale of determination, love, and my girl's competitive edge!
Cheers, Phil
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Pearl Curriculum
It all started with a conversation about Valentine’s Day. Let me relay our first-ever “what shall we do for Valentine’s Day” conversation:
Lindsay: PHIL! It is almost Valentine’s Day! What are we going to do?!
Phil: Uh……..I’m going to play softball.
Lindsay: (insert the “absolutely not” face here). You’re doing WHAT?!
Phil: Softball game….7 p.m.
Lindsay: Hm. (long pause….lingering disbelief…..down-playing the day’s importance….aiming to be realistic….”getting a grip”….). Okay hunnie, let’s celebrate it on the 12th instead!
Phil: (after checking sports calendar). GREAT IDEA!
This was really just the beginning of our Valentine’s Day planning. The plan developed into something much more extensive. We continued to discuss Valentine’s gifts, dinner and activities, and decided upon making gifts, dinner a la Phil, and a girlie-movie marathon. How could I possibly be upset about the reschedule? Phil was going to do arts and crafts in my honour…..and further suggested I select my three favourite romantic comedies to view that evening. I was full of GLEE!
My glee didn’t last for as long as I hoped for. As the hours got fewer and the day grew nearer, I found myself in some sort of an arts and crafts panic. I lost all of my arts and crafts confidence in a recent craft FAIL – in a project that was intended to bring great joy and many compliments. On the contrary, my custom-made, personally-designed Starbucks tumbler remained looking quite messy and amateur. It serves me right for being so cawky in the creativity department…so I suppose I deserve the stress I felt over creating something crafty for Phil!
I had many ideas in my head for his gift…..a collage of pictures (but we lack many nice ones), round two with the tumbler (but he would never hold something so “un-masculine”), a poem (bah…that was even worse than idea two), an “Adventure Book” like Ellie’s from “UP!” (nah – he hasn’t seen the movie..yet)…..And so I stressed and struggled to come up with something I could make for Phil as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Then it came to me. I had to revolutionize my type of “craft”. I had to make something that he would never, ever be able to guess.
And so I switched to arts and crafts of the electronic kind. VOILA! Here you have it: The Pearl Curriculum - a writing space where we can keep our family and friends “posted” (haha).
I hope this blog leaves you with a smile each visit, as we laugh and laugh off our adventures in the Middle East and elsewhere.
With love,
Lindsay (and Phil….)
Lindsay: PHIL! It is almost Valentine’s Day! What are we going to do?!
Phil: Uh……..I’m going to play softball.
Lindsay: (insert the “absolutely not” face here). You’re doing WHAT?!
Phil: Softball game….7 p.m.
Lindsay: Hm. (long pause….lingering disbelief…..down-playing the day’s importance….aiming to be realistic….”getting a grip”….). Okay hunnie, let’s celebrate it on the 12th instead!
Phil: (after checking sports calendar). GREAT IDEA!
This was really just the beginning of our Valentine’s Day planning. The plan developed into something much more extensive. We continued to discuss Valentine’s gifts, dinner and activities, and decided upon making gifts, dinner a la Phil, and a girlie-movie marathon. How could I possibly be upset about the reschedule? Phil was going to do arts and crafts in my honour…..and further suggested I select my three favourite romantic comedies to view that evening. I was full of GLEE!
My glee didn’t last for as long as I hoped for. As the hours got fewer and the day grew nearer, I found myself in some sort of an arts and crafts panic. I lost all of my arts and crafts confidence in a recent craft FAIL – in a project that was intended to bring great joy and many compliments. On the contrary, my custom-made, personally-designed Starbucks tumbler remained looking quite messy and amateur. It serves me right for being so cawky in the creativity department…so I suppose I deserve the stress I felt over creating something crafty for Phil!
I had many ideas in my head for his gift…..a collage of pictures (but we lack many nice ones), round two with the tumbler (but he would never hold something so “un-masculine”), a poem (bah…that was even worse than idea two), an “Adventure Book” like Ellie’s from “UP!” (nah – he hasn’t seen the movie..yet)…..And so I stressed and struggled to come up with something I could make for Phil as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Then it came to me. I had to revolutionize my type of “craft”. I had to make something that he would never, ever be able to guess.
And so I switched to arts and crafts of the electronic kind. VOILA! Here you have it: The Pearl Curriculum - a writing space where we can keep our family and friends “posted” (haha).
I hope this blog leaves you with a smile each visit, as we laugh and laugh off our adventures in the Middle East and elsewhere.
With love,
Lindsay (and Phil….)
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