Team 'D' Tuesday, Week #15

Sarge and Captain are at it again, this time coming up with a Holiday jingle to jump start the December donations! They ask that you please sing along to the tune of Jingle Bells!

Dia-betes, Dia-betes,
Let's help make it go away!
Linds & Phil will run, Iceland's mar-a-thon,
To help find a cure someday.... HEY!

Dia-betes, Dia-betes,
Please help us, What do you say?
Your support is great, Thx in advance,
Donations are just a "Click" awaaaayyyy!!!

Cirque du......

"NO FREAKIN' WAY!!!!!" Not in the "this is SO AMAZING, WOWEEEE" sort or way....but in the "ARE YOU KIDDING ME, WHAT THE HEK?!" kind of way. According to Phil and I, Kuwait has lost it's place on the Middle Eastern pedestal of organization and efficiency. Contrary to previous opinion, the country is right back down there with Egypt in terms of "event management". Here's why:

Remember our post about scoring TWO tickets for a first-time-ever Cirque du Soleil performance?! Remember our feelings of excitement and suspense that went with it? Well - it happened on Thursday night and ten minutes in I was whining, "I hate Cirque du Soleil".

Like other events with unassigned seating, attendees were asked to arrive early to get "good seats". The ticket said "doors open at 4, show starts at 7", but we assumed a 6:00 arrival would suffice in the land of inshallah. We left the house at 5:30 and set out to find "Entertainment City" - a place that sounds popular and easy to get to. Well - it took us several phone calls and lots of patience to find the venue. We arrived at 6:30.

After we parked the car, we worked our way towards the "door". Hmmm.....well, there wasn't one. But, there was a fence! Guess what?! The performance was outside. Okay.

Not wanting to miss any of the performance, I decided that I should go to the washroom before the show began. Kristen and I found the washroom together, which turned out to be an easy task, as the line-up was a massive one. Why was it massive? Because there were only two stalls for thousands of people....and 12 year old "babies" were cutting the line with their mothers. It took us 45 minutes to get to the front and it took an aggressive approach to get us there. I really regretted that final tea before we left the house.

While waiting in the epic toilet line, we missed half of the "Moscow Circus", who served as the opening act for Cirque. Of course, Phil missed that half too because he was worried about us and kept his eyes in our direction to make sure he didn't lose us!

Moscow Circus had some great acts, but by the time they were finished it was around 8:30 and everyone was starting to get really cold (yes - desert nights are very, very cool here!). Since we didn't know the event was outdoors, we weren't exactly prepared for the evening's drop in temperature, but our excitement for Cirque kept our minds off the weather and on the stage! However, just before Cirque was supposed to go on stage....an announcement declared a 30 minute waiting period. WHAT?! Over half of the audience left due to the cold, but we decided to stick it out.

"Sticking it out" entailed finding ANYTHING warm. Our automatic thought was "coffee and tea!", but of course, neither of these items were on the menu. So - we found the next best thing - nachos with WARM CHEESE. Too bad the cheese wasn't actually warm. We walked back to our seats and huddled. Phil thought he had frost bite on his toes and I was getting to my "I'm so cold I could cry" point. We ate the nachos and crossed our fingers for a shorter-than-anticipated wait. More and more people left, and the ones that didn't were bundled up with friends or running around with light-up toys. In retrospect, I should have purchased the latter and joined the fun.

When Cirque finally began, I was beyond the point of "coping well" and within only a few minutes, I was telling Phil how much I "hated" Cirque du Soleil. This made him laugh, but he could tell I wasn't finding the situation that hilarious anymore. He sat on my feet and I hid my face on his shoulder to protect myself from the cold. Bah - it made me think of Kilimanjaro....and we are in KUWAIT! We considered getting a taxi, but "Entertainment City" was an odd location and little traffic passed the area we were in. Brrrrrrr!

I missed the visual part of the first two acts and then said "to hek with this". I stormed off to make friends with the shwarma man, who let me stand right beside the gross meat-machine thing. You know how much I hate meat - especially meat that is dripping something suspicious....but I was FROZEN, and in my mind, this was my only option for survival. Phil came and joined me. After downing a "thank you, sir" shwarma, Phil and I decided it was time to find a ride home. We secured a lift with a bunch of sympathetic event organizers, who saw me shivering near the meat concession and Phil ran to tell the rest of the gang we were leaving. It turns out they were freezing too, and so we were able to kindly decline the ride home and pack into Kristen's car. THANK GOODNESS her car had HEAT! I am not sure I would have made it otherwise.

I have had a few days to get warm, calm my anger, and thinking logically about the whole night. And still, my opinion is this: I HATE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL. Baha - Kuwait, you've really done it!

An Un-Equal Picnic.

Normally I am the lunch-maker in the house. I put in some sort of main course (rice, pasta, sandwich), some snacks (granola bar, nuts, dried apricots, etc.), and then some sort of beverage (always water, and sometimes, but rarely, a soda pop for Phil). I never usually put a dessert component in there - unless I am struggling with other ideas on how to brighten Phil's day.

Well, today Phil added a little something extra in both of our lunches. While we were having our picnic today (a spontaneous one due to an electrical issue in Phil's office), I was surprised by a brownie! Here's the situation that followed:

Lindsay: YUMMY! Thanks hun! What a nice treat!

Phil: (Smiling like a hero) I thought you would like that! (Phil opens up his brownie container).

Lindsay: HEY!!! (doing a quick size comparison) PHIL! Your brownie is more than DOUBLE THE SIZE OF MINE!!!!!

Phil: (smiles and avoids eye contact)

I have a confession to make...

On Friday morning I went shopping for Phil's Christmas gifts.

On Friday afternoon, I gave every single one of them to him.

Team "D" Tuesday, Week #14

It's time to LACE UP! We're serious about this Team Diabetes thing - so serious that we have OFFICIALLY registered for the Dubai Marathon on January 21st! This is DOUBLE the distance we ran in San Fran, but we are training hard, cheering loud and getting excited to run our first ever 26.2! Your donations have been motivating throughout our training and each time we feel like giving up, a new donor reminds us of "WHY" and we get MOVING! You can support our run with Team Diabetes by clicking on the "Donate" tab!

MAKE IT STOP!

Cough syrups pulled off shelves, a new "deadly" drug available to teens, miners trapped in New Zealand, "Two and a Half Men" man in the bad books, top 5 most dangerous cities revealed, suicide bombers in Germany, arctic blast in the States, protests over airport security, the demise of Eva and Tony, DWTS fans shooting at televisions, cholera in Haiti.......

Tell me something GOOD!

YIPPEE! Spread the WORD!

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!

Dinner-Time Entertainment.

Tonight I had the best laugh I've had in a long while. Phil decided to use his undergraduate degree in "Movement Studies" to perform an interpretational dance to Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream". Wish you were here for it. Although he's probably glad that you weren't.

Nothing You Can Choose.

Lindsay: I hate the song "The Reason". I think it is the most overplayed song of EVER.

Phil: (jokingly) That's a shame. I really wanted that to be our song.

Lindsay: Ewwww! (excitedly) I wonder what our song will be!

Phil: (confused) I thought we had a song? Remember? We picked one out?

Lindsay: Ya, but I've been thinking - we can't just 'declare' a song as ours. I meant to tell you a while ago, but I think 'our' song just has to come to us.....we can't pick it....it has to pick US! You know?

Phil: Thanks for keeping me in the loop! We're song-less. Okay.

FEEL THE BURN!

Every day, Jenny and I must climb four flights of stairs to reach our classrooms. Yes, there are elevators at the school. Yes, we have an elevator key with our names on it. Yes, everyone else takes the lift. Yes, people invite us into the lift with them. But, NO - we have NOT embraced this fitness-busting behaviour! And for the record - peer pressure and odd looks won't budge us!

How are we supposed to encourage wellness by modeling convenience rather than health-conscious decisions? The health benefits of physical activity (especially in this diabetes-stricken place!) must be highlighted and it is a no-brainer that students should engage in a little bit of exercise every day. I'm sure a trek to science is just what the doctor ordered and I tell my little huffers and puffers that it will get easier as the year progresses (especially with some fitness activities outside of school)! Jenny and I are already pro's at the climb and with a little encouragement, our students can be too!

Currency Exchange

Strictly due to my obsession with organization, it has fallen into my hands to handle financial matters in our household. Usually I'm the one holding the money, and since we're both together 90% of the time, there are many days where Lindsay has no money on her at all. Of course, there are other times where Lindsay needs money and so she simply asks, and then receives. My usual response is to throw 20 Pounds, Dollars, or Dinars her way depending on where we are in the world. This was never a problem in Egypt, nor in Canada, but Lindsay has quickly adapted to the higher currency rates in Kuwait, where as I have taken longer to clue in. 20 Egyptian Pounds was merely $4 Canadian, a $20 bill in North America is a $20 bill, but here in Kuwait 20 Dinars equal approximately $75 Canadian. What could she possibly be doing with all these 20 Dinar bills??? I'm on to you sweetheart!!!!!

Thump, Thump.

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.

I am so, so, so IN LOVE with this man.

I have a question for you....

Why is optimism so often associated with "stupidity"?

I am an optimist. I am happy. I believe in love. And Santa Claus. And magic. I love my imagination. I play pretend. I dream of adventures. I have faith in strangers. I think peace is possible. I get excited for little or no reason. I cure sadness with tea. And I know positivity is contagious.

But do these things make me "stupid"? I don't think so. But, I've never been one to be negative.

Some Back-Up.

I have been working on a collage this weekend and came across this little saying while browsing old magazines. It didn't really tie into the theme of my collage, but I figured it is one of those things that always has a place on the fridge. I wonder what Phil will say when he sees it.....

There's Something About Words on a Cup.

Remember these? "The Way I See It's"? Well, these numbered quotes are one of my initial reasons for becoming a Starbucks consumer in the first place (before this time I was a Tim's-ONLY gal). Perhaps its silly to choose a coffee based on the inspiration attached to it, but nonetheless, I LOVED the added "joy" that came with the end of a Starbucks experience. I promised myself that I wouldn't look under the cardboard "this is too hot to hold" sleeve until I had finished my beverage and, at this point, my day's (or week's) words of wisdom would be revealed! They didn't always apply to me and I couldn't always relate to them, but I knew they applied and related to SOMEBODY and I knew that my words would come with the next cup. It was especially exciting when you were having a coffee date with your girlfriends, and each of you received a different quote! Sharing them was a special wrap-up that left everyone going home happy.

Well, where did they go? They were not in Egypt, they are not in Kuwait, and they were not in any Canadian or American cities I visited this summer! So - where did they go?! I can't imagine a complaint led to their demise. After all, words of encouragement on a paper cup are much easier to avoid than advice given in person. If you don't like what the cup has to say, you can simply toss it. Right? What gives? And how can we bring them back?

I miss my coffee time encouragement!

Stay-cation Days....

Let me fill you in:

1) We attended a delicious BBQ on the rooftop of a colleague's building yesterday. It was nice to be outside, play with babies that weren't ours, and eat food that makes you feel at home.

2) Phil may pursue a career in "backup singing" at some point in the future. He's been practicing his moves and "ah's, mmmm's, and oooooo's" in the living room. I'm not in a position to make a statement because A) I am a terrible singer and B) I have dreams of becoming a break dancer. However, I'm sure he'd welcome comments from some of you (ah-hem!).

3) Private Practice is our new favourite show. Season one is complete. Season two is five episodes in. Who knew a spin-off could be so intriguing?

4) We are up to date on Glee. This week's episode (guest starring Gwenyth Paltrow) is perhaps the best of the season's (sorry, Brit - but it wasn't REALLY you). If it ever rains in Kuwait, you know where I'll be (under my UMBRELLA...).

5) The woman we absolutely DETEST on "Survivor" has been voted off. For those of you who follow the show, don't you think BRENDA is a (insert your own nasty words here)? Thank goodness we don't have to listen to her next week!

6) My arts and crafts room is COMPLETE! Phil spent a lot of time the other day building things, moving things, and hanging things up in my own personal space! Oh - I LOVE IT! I have ample storage space for arts and crafts, a bulletin board to post my dreams and ideas, a world map to practice geography, a full-length mirror to look my best at work, and a giant desk to do some scrapbooking (or other activities)! I LOVE IT. And I know I am LUCKY.

7) This morning we ran 26 km - the farthest we have ever run before! It took us two and a half hours, although it went by rather quickly with some new hit songs on the iPod. There's nothing like a little Taylor Swift to warm you up and Rhianna to get you to the finish! "I want you to make me feel...."

8) I turn 25 in ONE MONTH today! Finally - a quarter century! Many of you have expressed memories of tears and worry with this milestone, but I am excited to welcome this age with enthusiasm! For my birthday, Phil has planned an entire day of elephants in Sri Lanka and I will be with my Cairo sister, too! I cannot wait to be "twenty-five" (doesn't it sounds "official"?).

A Scary Tactic.

While cleaning up the kitchen....

Lindsay: (hiccup!) Ughhhhhh! I can't stop hiccuping.

Phil: Shoot - I forgot about something! (rushes out of room)

Lindsay: (continues to tidy)

Phil: (quickly pops back into kitchen with a loud and scary voice) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Lindsay: (jumps) WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?! You really scared me.

Phil: I was trying to make your hiccups go away.....

(two minutes later)

Phil: Are they gone?

Lindsay: (still angry) No comment.

Phil: I KNEW IT WOULD WORK!!!!

Phil Thinks EVERYONE Can DONATE!

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

Monogrammed Masterpieces!

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!!!!

An Un-Meltable Addition.

In line at Starbucks....

Phil: Why don't you see if that festive tumbler is here? I'll get it for you!

Lindsay: (has already searched for it and has a look of disappointment on face) It's sold out!

Phil: Aw - okay, well we will look at the next Starbucks.



While walking through the mall, post-Starbucks....

Phil: Do you want to go in here?

Lindsay: No.

Phil: Do you want to go check out that store?

Lindsay: No.

Phil: Linds - I thought you wanted to come to the mall today!

Lindsay: I do....(sees "the next" Starbucks)...let's go in HERE!

Phil: I can't believe we came to the mall today because of that mug! Admit it - that is the ONLY reason we came today!

Lindsay: (smiles and rushes towards one of the final "festive" tumblers)




While in line at Starbucks #2....

Lindsay: (admiring the snowman in the bottom of her travel mug) What should we call him?

Phil: (acting like he didn't hear)

Lindsay: Do you think I should call him Frederick?

Phil: (continues to ignore)

Lindsay: Or what about Collin?

Phil: (fails to acknowledge the conversation - not even a little bit)

Lindsay: Alright then - I will call my snowman FREDERICK COLLINS!!!!! I can't wait to have tea with him EVERY DAY!

Phil: You're embarrassing. Stop.

Lady at the Counter: Do you want anything else? Warm or cold beverage?

Phil: (in a slightly frustrated tone) No - we've already been to Starbucks this morning. See - she is still holding her coffee from the first Starbucks we went to. Just the snowman mug, please.

Lindsay: (BIG SMILE) Welcome to the family, Frederick!

Avenues Chatter.

In reference to baby/toddler mannequins in a storefront....

Lindsay: HUN! They are SO cute! And they don't even have heads!

Phil: (Laugh. Pause. Laugh) Did you really just say that?

A Definition for "Relaxation" / Synonym for "Staycation"

1) Sleeping in until 10:30.
2) Watching 7 episodes of Private Practice in one day.
3) Having 5 cups of tea in one day - a different type each cup!
4) Not leaving the house...for the entire day.
5) Having the maid come over.
6) Showering out of desire, not necessity.
7) Remaining seated, despite "accident" sounds on the highway.
8) Seeing the same show air on "OSN" three times....simply because the television has not been turned off.

Tea, the RIGHT Way!

Ah - some visuals of "The English Tea Lounge" at the Kuwait Sheraton (the place we went following our Canadian Ice Skating Adventure)! I must say, the Brits felt quite at home in this fancy place, where we listened to a beautiful harp player, sipped on flavourful teas, and indulged in plate after plate of "tea party" treats! The food was delicious - little sandwiches (with no crust!), a variety of scones, crepes, tarts, milk chocolate fondue.....OH it was worth EVERY penny! When you come visit us (BAHA), we will bring you HERE :)

An Un-Home-Like Experience.

Since we arrived in Kuwait (and even more-so since I decided to celebrate Christmas), I have been begging Phil to take me to the ice skating rink! It's not that I am a big fan of ice skating, nor that I am exceptionally great at it - I just craved for something that was like "home". With Tim Horton's and "waiting your turn" off the option list, I knew my best chance of un-homesicking myself would be at the rink. Well, the other night, WE WENT! And although I didn't feel even close to being in Canada, the adventure sure did cheer me up!

Usually, I am one of the worst skaters on the ice - the embarrassingly old girl who doesn't know how to participate in her national past time and sticks close to the boards to avoid falling. I usually quit after five minutes, complaining of being too cold or having sore ankles. And then I go inside and hope that everyone gets bored really soon so we can have tea and be done with it. (Sidenote: Isn't it weird that I would select THIS activity as the one to bring me comfort?! Haha.)

Well - there was nothing "usual" about the other night! In fact, I still wonder if it was all a dream! Phil rated me as second best skater in the whole place and first best skater if he wasn't there! Hey Daddy - you should have seen me! I felt like a Lady Gretzky - wearing BOY skates (Ya, that's right! NO PICKS!) and looping around the rink with confidence and semi-grace! I was doing things I had never done before - lapping others, impressing young children, and giving "skating tips" to the Brits! It was a real mood-booster for me and I'm hoping this experience translates into something miraculous the next time we are skating in Canada! Watch out Clear Lake!

All bragging aside, on this night Phil and I were shown the true meaning of "friendship" as the Brits did their darnedest to ice skate with us! They laced up like good sports and smiled while attempting an activity so foreign to them. THANK YOU, BRITS! You made our night!

Team "D" Tuesday, Week #13

Today we received our very first Christmas card. It was a cute one - characterized by two wee bears, decked out in winter clothing and ice skates. This was our first clue that others have decided to celebrate the holiday season.

Clue number two arrived hours later, in the form of a telephone call with a relative from Canada. The chat ended early, as the loved one was off to the mall for some Christmas shopping.

Based on exhibit A and exhibit B, we have concluded that holiday cheer is up and hearts are wide open. With that, we kindly inform you that donations to TEAM DIABETES is at the top of our wish list! Please celebrate the season of giving by clicking on the "Donate" tab!

WORLD DIABETES DAY: "The First Day of Our Future"

Today we would like to share with you this message from the President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Professor Jean Claude Mbanya:

"People from all corners of the world will literally bring diabetes to light on 14 November. No matter where you are, it is your efforts that make World Diabetes Day a truly global success.

14 November 2010 will be the first day of a future:

* In which we will be able to say 'we acted to stop a global catastrophe in diabetes'.

* With a coordinated global response to diabetes

* Where there will be worldwide access to affordable quality diabetes medicines, technologies and care.

* Which will stop a disease that has been largely preventable and treatable for 90 years.

* In which type 1 diabetes is no longer a death sentence for children in many parts of the world, despite the existence of life-saving insulin.

* Where governments, business, foundations, international organisations, researchers and the scientific community invest significantly in research into the causes, cure and better management of diabetes.

* When the world was forced to face the fact (or the world was forced to acknowledge) that every 8 seconds someone somewhere in the world dies from diabetes – and do something about it.

* Where people with diabetes will be able to exercise their rights to life and health.

But it will not be a turning point for diabetes without your support. We need to unite, act, and bring diabetes to light. We need to stand together behind IDF's A Call to Action on Diabetes on World Diabetes Day. Then we can be sure that tomorrow will be the first day of a future for people with diabetes worldwide.

We are united for diabetes. We are all in this together."

Please celebrate WORLD DIABETES DAY with a donation to TEAM DIABETES. Click on the "donate" tab to make a difference!

14 MILES for NOVEMBER 14th!

This morning we woke up early and took a taxi down to the Gulf for a 14 mile run! It was the farthest we've ever run before (longer than our half marathon!), but we managed to enjoy every mile thanks to the fresh air, blue sky, cool breeze and photo ops! We didn't even believe we were in Kuwait, as the scenery brought us back to the incredible 11 mile run we had during our wedding week in Cyprus! Although, that memory is intertwined with Team Parkinson, while today's session was dedicated to TEAM DIABETES - and to WORLD DIABETES DAY! Tomorrow, November 14th, is a day to unite for diabetes awareness. Please show your support by donating to our fundraising campaign with Team Diabetes. Click on the "Donate" tab to make a difference!

Towers and Teppanyaki.

These photos highlight our first official "stay-cation" outing - a trip to the Kuwait Towers, followed by some yummy (and entertaining!) teppanyaki! The Brits joined us on this kick-off adventure which brought us great views of the city, an exciting tea party in a rotating observation deck, and some awe-inspiring chef magic at a nearby Japanese restaurant. Not too bad for somewhat of an "opening ceremonies". Bring it on, Kuwait!

EID STAY-CATION.

Being the Eid al-Adha holiday, Phil and I have ONE lucky WEEK of "NO-SCHOOL" (insert jumping up and down HERE)! Some of our colleagues have decided to travel - to Turkey, to Egypt, to Lebanon, to Syria, to Dubai, to Bahrain, to Pakistan, to Europe.......but not us. We are having an "already-has-been-so-wonderful" stay-cation right here in Kuwait! With a beautiful apartment to enjoy, a new country to explore, and lots of "sleeping in" to catch up on, a holiday in our place of residence is the only option that agrees with us :) Please stay tuned for highlights of our "EID STAY-CATION"!

Dear Friends,

Wishing you a happy holiday!

Love,

Lindsay and Phil

Boundaries.

While trying to get to sleep last night....

Phil: Why are you right beside me? We have a KING SIZE BED.....you don't need to be against my back.

Lindsay: But I like to be close to you!

Phil: No - you like to hog the bed!

Lindsay: But mostly because I like to be close to you.....

Phil: You know what?! I have a great idea. I am going to invent invisible fencing for beds.

Lindsay: What?!

Phil: Yep, soon enough, you will be just like Coco. Zapped if you make a move for someone else's property!

Lindsay: That's mean.

Phil: I bet I'd make a lot of money. And sleep better.

Sweet ZZZ's.

While getting ready for work...

Lindsay: OH, HUN!!!! Can I please tell you about my dream last night?!

Phil: (rushing to get into the shower) Okay, be quick!

Lindsay: Well.....it was a really good one....because I dreamed that Violet was ALIVE! And I walked into the kitchen and there was water EVERYWHERE because she was playing in her water dish! But I couldn't even get mad at her because it was so cute.....

Phil: (walks away)

Lindsay: Where are you going?! It gets better!

The "Bad News Bear Cubs"

I was recently approached by one of our Middle School Guidance Counselors at "BBS" and asked if I would consider co-coaching a Little League Baseball Team with him. Immediately I was excited about the prospect, and had to find a way to sell the idea to Lindsay. My schedule was already pretty full with my commitments to the Varsity Soccer Team, and JV Basketball Teams at school, and I needed a way to justify giving up more of my time. It just so happens that the Guidance Counselor didn't just want me, he also wanted Lindsay to come aboard as "Team Mom"...

I went home that night trying to wait for the perfect moment to ask Lindsay, and eventually I just went for it. I recall the conversation going something like this...

Phil "Linds, you know how you love kids so much"... (Cut off by Linds)

Linds (Interrupting me) "Yeah, they're so cute, and adorable, and huggable, and I can't wait have some of our own"...

Phil (Worried about where this conversation was heading) "Well, wouldn't it be neat to be in the role of 'Team Mom' on a youth baseball team... Is that something you'd be interested in?"

Linds "What do you mean?"

Phil "I was asked to co-coach the 'Cubs', a Little League team with six of my Grade 5 boys on the team. On top of that, they want you to be TEAM MOM!!!!!! It would be really fun doing this together!"

Linds "Oh, your Grade 5's are just so sweet, that would be great!"

Phil (In his mind, careful not to say it out loud) "Check Mate!!!!!!!!"

I arrived at my first practice with the team last night, and was expecting similarities to the "Mosquito Selects" whom I coached back in 2002 to an Ontario championship. I had to laugh to myself when we arrived at a field that was a sand, sand, and more sand! The group of youngsters were excited to learn, but completely new to the game.

Accomplishments at practice #1....

1. Two players on our team can throw from shortstop to 1st Base without the ball hitting the ground.
2. Three of our players knew not to stand directly on home plate when heading for batting practice.
3. There were a few times when we fouled off some of the pitches from the pitching machine.
4. Our team cheer went well... "GOOOOOOOOOO CUUUBBBBBBSSSS!!!!!"

Lindsay is going to fall in love with our team members, the second she meets them. We even have two girls on the team. There's nothing like "Little League!" I'll keep you updated on how we progress throughout our season.

Team "D" Tuesday, Week #12

Diabetes is neither here nor there....this terrible curse IS EVERYWHERE!!!!! Work with us by raising awareness in your nook of the world! Tell your family! Tell your friends! Tell your colleagues! Tell your neighbours! SPREAD THE WORD and celebrate "Diabetes Awareness Month" with a donation to TEAM DIABETES. Click on the "DONATE" tab to make your November an EXTRA-SPECIAL one!

My True Identity.

Since Phil's "I Am Spiderman" nonsense, I have been on a grand search for my own true identity. I'm not exactly sure why I feel like I need one, but I think my search is inspired by the way Phil "signs off" on emails during the work day: Love, SPIDERMAN. Catchy, isn't it? His cool wrap-up has made me jealous and I suppose I crave an alter-ego that I can pull out at the end of a message, too.

Well, I think I've found it and I used it for the first time the other day...in an email to Phil:

"Hi Hunny,

I hope your day is going well. I can't wait to go home and have tea with you!

Love,

CINDY LOU WHO"



My claim is just as easy to support as his - with my Kuwait Christmas Tree in the living room, a cup of hot chocolate by my side, and a stack of Christmas Cards on the coffee table in front of me. My blood isn't the rarest, but I betcha it sings and beams with WHO-VILLE CHEER!

Have a GREAT Monday, Sweet Readers,

Love,
CINDY LOU WHO

(yep....that felt good.)

A Salute to Edison Pena.

He trained underground. What excuse could I possibly have?

Today I am rooting for "The Runner".

Just Another Manic SUNDAY!

Lindsay: (rushes into bedroom to make sure Phil is getting ready) HUN!!! Where are you? We have to leave in 15 minutes!

Phil: (with little time to react to my imminent entrance) Um............

Lindsay: (finds Phil in bed, under covers) PHIL!!!!

Phil: Hun, I'm sorry. I heard you coming, but I didn't know whether to get up quickly or just hide from you. (Starts to laugh when he sees my rage). I guess I should have got up quickly.....right???

Lindsay: You're darn right you should have! Now, MOVE IT! We have to go!

Run Q8!

This morning Phil and I woke up early and headed down to the Scientific Center for Kuwait's first-ever 10 km run! The event was a joint initiative between an eye care program in Kuwait and WHO's "Vision 2020" Campaign, and worked to raise awareness on eye health in the country. We were amazed at how well organized the run was (being in the Middle East, we didn't expect much!) and there were countless volunteers available to help you at any moment! Water and energy drinks were given out every couple of kilometers, medics were on standby, police lined the street to keep the route safe, and a pre-race warm up was led by a qualified fitness instructor. Not only that, but we also received quite the loot at the finish line - two free t-shirts, a reusable water bottle, a finisher's medal, pens, keychains, a journal and reading material! To top it off, the weather was pleasant (borderline COLD) and the route was a good introduction to Kuwait's "Corniche". We hope to go back for some early morning runs during the next few months!

When we arrived home from the race, Phil said to me, "Hun, I know I am a grouch about doing things, but I am happy you encourage me to do them! They are always so fun in the end." Haha, well GOOD! Because I picked up brochures for Kuwait's first half marathon....

Here It Is:

Our Kuwait Christmas Tree! Of course it varies from the traditional type, but it is enough to make us feel at home for the holidays!

Our mall outing was a great one today. We started with Starbucks - skinny lattes in CHRISTMAS CUPS - then went on to admire the shops (decorated with red and green, snowflakes and Santa's, garland and tinsel, etc). Oh - it was lovely!

We are home now, waiting for a movie to begin on Showtime. The lights are dim, with only the tree lights switched on. Chocolate chunk brownies are baking in the oven and tea is in the works. What more could one ask for?

Well....maybe that gingerbread house kit from True Value......but at this point I know I really shouldn't 'push it' with Phillip.

The Holiday Season is HERE!

Haha - for us, at least. I held up to my end of the deal, now Phil has to hold up to his. He pinky-sweared that we could begin celebrating Christmas after Halloween has passed. Well, it has! Goodbye Halloween and Hello CHRISTMAS!!!

Here are my list of reasons to begin celebrating my favourite day of the year TODAY:

1) I repeat....it is my FAVOURITE DAY OF THE YEAR!

2) We won't be in Kuwait for the real deal and we sure aren't going to pack a Christmas tree for Sri Lanka. The two weeks of sitting around the tree have to be made up for sometime, don't they?

3) Ontario has had snow.

4) The more the merrier. I'm certain this applies to "number of days", too!

5) IKEA is ready for Christmas. Our satellite provider is ready for Christmas. I'm ready for Christmas. What's the hold up?

6) It will be a great way to celebrate the end of a long week at school. Report cards are finished, parent teacher conferences are over, it's THURSDAY, and there's only one more week until Eid holiday!

Ah - so bring on the hot chocolate, the carols, the baking, and the decor! The Parkinson's (or at least half of the Parkinson's) are ready to show off (and share!) our holiday spirit!!!

Pre-Cleaning.

Rushing around to tidy up before the maid arrived....

Phil: We're those people, aren't we? The type of people that clean before their maid comes over?

Lindsay: We have to be! We don't want her to think we're total slobs, yet at the same time, we have to show her that we need her!

CONGRATULATIONS, GIANTS!!!!!!!!!

I wonder if we brought them good luck on our honeymoon....

Team "D" Tuesday, Week #11

YO, YO, P.C. READERS! This month, make like Eiffel 65 and GO BLUE for Diabetes Awareness!!!

"Yo listen up here's a story
About a little guy that lives in a blue world
And all day and all night and everything he sees
Is just blue like him inside and outside
Blue his house with a blue little window
And a blue corvette
And everything is blue for him and hisself
And everybody around
Cos he ain't got nobody to listen to

I'm blue da ba dee da ba die...

I have a blue house with a blue window.
Blue is the colour of all that I wear.
Blue are the streets and all the trees are too.
I have a girlfriend and she is so blue.
Blue are the people here that walk around,
Blue like my corvette, it's standing outside.
Blue are the words I say and what I think.
Blue are the feelings that live inside me.

I'm blue da ba dee da ba die..."

NOVEMBER is DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH.

Today I was sitting in my classroom on break, browsing "diabetes.ca" to find ideas for my first Diabetes Awareness Month post. I really wanted to find something catchy and insightful...something that would lure you into the month of November...something that would make a compelling argument for your monetary support. I wanted to find something that would hit home and stick with you. Something that you would want to share with your friends and family, your colleagues, and people beside you on the bus.

Well, I think I did.

Here is an excerpt from "The Harsh Reality: Diabetes is a Global Pandemic" (diabetes.ca):

The serious complications

Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death:

•80% of Canadians with diabetes die from a heart attack or a stroke;
•42% of new kidney dialysis patients in 2004 had diabetes.
•Diabetes is the single leading cause of blindness in Canada;
•7 of 10 non-traumatic limb amputations are the result of diabetes complications;
•25% of people with diabetes suffer from depression;
•The life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes may be shortened by as much as 15 years; and
•The life expectancy for people with type 2 diabetes may be shortened by 5 to 10 years.

Harsh is right. It is words like these that make me wish for special online sensorship. Perhaps there could be a button that says, "If someone close to you is affected by diabetes, CLICK HERE". I mean, really....couldn't they have left out a few of those statistics......just for me? Couldn't they have let me keep my "my sister is, and will always be, the happiest person alive" perspective? Who are these intrudors...these looming threats and realities? Why does my sister have to deal with the consequences of something that was not her choice? All these thoughts filled my mind, and at the same time my eyes filled with tears. I grabbed for the tissue box on my desk. We know the significance of ONE YEAR, I thought to myself. How can one begin to argue the significance of FIFTEEN? I sat and cried.

The problem is this: all of these things I have learned before. I have heard them in a biology lecture, taught them to a science class, or read about them in the waiting room. From an academic perspective, I know it all. None of this is new or shocking. None of it is difficult to understand. These are cold, hard facts. And I know them. But it wasn't until TODAY (November 1st, 2010) that I actually made the connection to my sister's future. Why? I have no idea. Perhaps it's because "diabetes" doesn't exist when I'm around her. She doesn't bring it up. She never whines or complains. She simply smiles and lives in the moment. And perhaps when I'm with her, I do too.

Here's the thing about awareness...it MOTIVATES YOU. It makes you want to set goals. It makes you want to achieve. It makes you want to help others. It makes you WHOLE.

In terms of my commitment to Team Diabetes, I don't know if I can work any harder than I am, but I will aim to. I don't know if I can run any faster than I do, but I will try to. I don't know if Phil and I can raise $12,200, but this is our goal. I do know that I can show more passion than I ever have.

This November is Diabetes Awareness Month. In Canada alone, there are 9 million people are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Please LISTEN UP! Please LEARN! And please ACT to make this world a healthier place.

The global family is waiting.