Christmas in NYC.

I already had a strong desire to visit this city, but after watching all of the holiday festivities going on....I CANNOT WAIT TO GO!!! Phil and I are still contemplating our summer plans and NYC has been brought up several times. Perhaps we should delay this MUCH-ANTICIPATED trip until DECEMBER 2012. How magical would that be?! I bet it's the perfect place to turn 27 too ;)

And one more thing....

Today is the LAST day of NOVEMBER!!!! Don't forget to get your advent calenders ready for DECEMBER 1st!!! I found a Spiderman one for Phil at the mall this weekend :)

That's DEGREES CELSIUS!

You know how you're not supposed to wear the same outfit to work all week long? TOO BAD! My North Face fleece has become my go-to "sweater" and will continue to be such until Mr. Sun decides to shine a little stronger for us :)

Luckily, today is JERSEY DAY and I am wearing THERMAL "Livestrong" pants with my soccer jersey!!! Ahhhh - a perma tea to warm my hands may also be in the works!!!

Come on OVER!

As tweeted by Kim Kardashian: I just got sent some beautiful pictures and info on Qatar and Kuwait would love to visit soon thanks http://Sheeraz.com Who has been?

Not only have we BEEN, we are HERE!!! Oh please come, KIM! It will be much easier to "keep up" in the same country :)

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

* Tomorrow is SPORTS JERSEY day at school! I have been waiting MONTHS to sport my "Barcelona" jersey, purchased way back when I was offered the middle school position last year! YIPPEE! The best part is that Phil is going to wear his too, so we will be..........MATCHING!!!!!!! (I will try to get him to pose for a photo, but I cannot make any promises.)

* 'Tis the season of giving! If your cleaning lady drops her cellphone in a bucket of water, give her a new one ;)

* Our niece, Joyce, is turning 3 years old on December 18th! She is having an "elephant picnic" birthday party at Taylor's dance studio. BUMMER. So wish we could be there for that event. I hope those who do attend also serve as avid photographers!!

* Phil is officially retired as a soccer coach! His team finished first in the season, but lost in the last minute of yesterday's playoff match. Good season, HUN! Next up - BASKETBALL!!!!

* WELCOME BABY SOPHIE :) Today Jeff and Amy welcomed a new little girl into the world! We can't wait to meet her!!!

* It was nice to see some jewellery from "Claire's" on display today. But I suppose Dior doesn't make BFF necklaces :)

* Time is FLYING. I can't believe I am preparing the grade 6's for exams! We will be in Nepal before you know it!!!

Off to enjoy Subway with the Lynes and Phillip!

MISSING YOU!
XOXO

GRINCHES.

They're EVERYWHERE. Complaining left and right about the celebration of Christmas. And it's not just here in Kuwait - it's in Canada too (right, Tayls?). Yeesh. Here's what I think: if people choose to celebrate Christmas earlier than YOU, let them. Their tree is in THEIR house. Their lights are on THEIR house. Their christmas gifts will be put under THEIR tree. I mean, since when did humming songs and spreading joy become a bad thing? For goodness sakes - if you choose to be a scrooge, be a scrooge ELSEWHERE! Let people be happy. And let that happiness rub off on YOU.

Favourite Phrases of the Day:

1) In reference to the freezing cold weather today: "MISS!!!! Wouldn't you rather be cozy in bed with a hot chocolate?!"

2) Also in reference to the freezing cold weather today: "Miss, I thought you were Canadian!"

3) As an introduction to a science presentation on fungi: "We are the FUN-GUYS!!!!!!"

4) In response to my green scarf, sweater, and earrings: "Miss, can I call you Baby Bop today? You look and act like Barney's friend Baby Bop!!!" [Please note: this is the second time a student has related ME to BARNEY/BARNEY CHARACTERS.]

5) After a discussion about our upcoming Christmas holiday: "Huh? I thought we had two months off at Christmas. Why is it only two weeks!!!!" To this I say: GOOD QUESTION!!!!!

6) "MISS! You are SO COOL! You drink Starbucks!!!!"

Our Sunday :)

Today is the Islamic New Year and so we did NOT have to go to school! YAHOO! Here's what we did instead:

* This morning I went to the mall with the Hussain's and Pat to do some Christmas shopping. I didn't have too much to purchase - only a secret santa gift and stocking stuffers for Phillip. We decided to introduce a "STOCKINGS ONLY" rule this Christmas and are going to open them up on December 16th - the day before our flight!

* During my shopping excursion, Phillip did his favourite thing ever (besides play sports) - LAUNDRY!

* In the afternoon, we headed to school (I know...the whole point was to NOT go to school today) for basketball practice and to do some work. Phil had a good turn out with his basketball team and I got a lot of work done in my classroom. It feels good to start the week ahead of the game :)

* The rest of the day was spent on the treadmill, baking (two banana loaves), making dinner and watching a movie (Master Harold and the Boys). Oh yes - Ian and Alex stopped over for a nice chat and we bugged Cathy and Shahid for an hour or so too :)

* And the most exciting part of the day........we spoke on the phone with rental owners in Toronto! We are looking at renting a studio in the beaches area of Toronto this summer! Tonight and tomorrow we will finalize our plans :)

Real school starts tomorrow. Good thing we LOVE our students!!! :)

LUCKY US!!!!

Yesterday we spoke to many family members on the phone: my sister, my Dad, cousin David, Grandma Lod, and Uncle Byron!!! WHAT A DAY!!!! We hope to talk to more of you today and tomorrow!!!

Sending out lots of "HOLIDAY" love to our friends and family around the world!

XOXO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!!!!

Yesterday was Alex's birthday party. She had the fabulous idea of going to "Colour Me Mine" to paint pottery and have tea. Here is a photo story of our outing:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDEED! Look at all the paints we could choose from!!! Selecting your colours is similar to playing a game of bingo.

Next time (when we return as pro's) we know to select a variety of colours and share them with everyone at our table! This will save both time AND paint!!!

Some inspiration before it's our turn. LOVE THAT TEAPOT! The artist may very well become a BFF in the future.....

So many smiles! The only two missing are......IAN AND PHILLIP!!!!! Ian actually became a good sport about the whole thing and painted a dish. Phillip remained adamant that a party photographer was necessary.

The Huffho's take arts and crafts SERIOUSLY. Look at the birthday girl's concentration! WOWZERS! Her almost-final product says "TEA HEE HEE" along the base of the mug. CLEVER, right?!

Those who caught a glimpse of Ian's creation might have mistaken this birthday party for an art therapy session. Do you SEE what's on that dish?! Just sayin'.....

My pride and joy of the afternoon - a DADDY MUG! There he is - happy as ever, enjoying the sunshine (who is also full of smiles). You may also notice that he is wearing that proposed "twin" shirt that I blogged about a few weeks ago.

These words decorate the other side of my mug. "How is your tea my dear?" is a key phrase in any daddy-daughter tea party of ours. We get to pick up our pottery pieces in 7-10 days after they have been glazed and fired. And then......every time I have tea, it will be with him!!!

Oh, HEY PHIL!!!! Turns out he WAS part of this glorious day!!!

Check out her "wish" position!!! She is SO ready to make the best 27th birthday wish EVER!

By the birthday girl's request, Disney Princesses were also at the party! "Belle" is her current fave and Emily and I were able to find her on napkins! YAHOO!

WE LOVE BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!!!

Only ONE Month AWAY!

Who doesn't love a good mob?!

Pictured below is my DREAM......and the ONLY thing I want for my birthday......


A FLASH MOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phil agrees it is a good dream to have, although he has hinted bluntly informed me that my birthday wish list is a little bit unrealistic. I suppose I can see the potential difficulties in executing such an OUTSTANDING gift, but my argument is that ORGANIZING is his specialty and "movement studies" was his major! If anyone were capable of planning a surprise "mob", it'd be HIM!

My Dad wrote me this morning with a heads up on a new television show called "MOBBED". I hope to preview it this weekend with my oh-so-incredible hubby! The tagline for the program is "changing lives in a FLASH!" I can't wait to repeat this line over and over.......in fun voices.....just to get the point across ;)

Reasons for my current EXCITEMENT:

1) Britney is on the cover of SHAPE - MIDDLE EAST.

2) X Factor is on tonight and the Huffho's are coming to watch!

3) I purchased an advent calendar from Carrefour tonight for 1.9KD!!! It is VERY ADORABLE and sure beats the 20KD one I spotted at Pottery Barn Kids :)

4) Jeff and Amy are having their baby this weekend and we purchased the GIRLIEST little onesies for "Sophie". Can't wait to see her wear them!

5) Tomorrow is Alex's birthday party and we are going to a pottery cafe to decorate our own mugs!!! Yep - Phil included :)

6) It is ONE MONTH until Christmas Eve!!!

7) Phil should be getting home SOON!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

To all of our American friends. But mostly to Ian and Alex, who once remarked "you have a Thanksgiving, too?!!!!"

WOWEEEEEE! Have a wonderful weekend with family, friends, football, and FOOD!!!!

Silly me.

After spotting a beautiful diamond necklace with charms of different letters.....

Me: Oh I love your necklace! Does it say your name?

Student: Miss! It says "Dior"!

Me: (embarrassed) Oh yes, of course! It's really pretty!

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

* Tonight was the first night in weeks that Phillip beat me home for the evening! And if I weren't out gallivanting with Pat and Cathy, it would have been me who was home first :) Sports day will be finished after tomorrow and I will be happy to spend time with him this LONG WEEKEND.

* Wait a minute! Speaking of the weekend, I thought I'd have some quality time with my husband until my Dad reminded me that it's a big football weekend for American Thanksgiving. BUMMER.

* You know the word "SCRAM"? As in "get lost"? Well - I decided that I want to bring it back. As a teacher, I anticipate it's usage frequently.

* This weekend I plan to do some shopping. I haven't been to the mall in two weeks which is a real shocker by Kuwaiti standards ;) I need to purchase the following items: a baby gift for Jeff and Amy, work gloves for Nepal, and some new sweaters for work (fingers crossed that H&M still has their sweater sale on)!

* Today my students were lining up for class and the girls started a "shoulder massage" line. It was ADORABLE. They do the cutest things.

* We are starting to plan for our summer! Yep - ALREADY! Our current idea is to rent an apartment in Toronto for a month and then gallavant around to the usual places :) (Sadly, Thunder Bay has become one of those places, haha).

* Private Practice was INTENSE this week. And that may be an understatement. YEESH! If only Amelia's colleagues had the nerve to say "SCRAM!" (<---- see....it's a GOOD ONE)!

Lessons of the Day:

1) Poptarts and microwaves DO NOT MIX. If you can't find a toaster, forgo the heating process.

2) Sometimes backpacks that resemble your favourite animal bring out your inner thief. (No - I didn't steal it, but today marks the first day I've ever considered that naughty deed! )

3) It's officially North Face weather in Kuwait.

New Hall Art!

Arts and crafts are my favourite way to spend prep periods! I wonder if there is a job somewhere that requires you to decorate bulletin boards all day long......

Best Part of my Work Day?

Listening to my grade 6's giggle about fun new words like "flagella" and "paramecium".

A New Experience.

Back in April, Phil and I visited this Baha'i House of Worship (Lotus Temple) in New Delhi. Besides being a beautiful place (LOOK AT IT!), we became quite interested in the Baha'i religion itself, as the visitor's center was dedicated to teaching you about OTHER religions. AH HA - world citizenship! It appealed to us instantly.

Anyways, one of our colleagues is of the Baha'i faith and invited us to a devotional meeting at his house this morning. The theme of the meeting was "service to humanity" and the program followed the format of a prayer and two readings followed by a discussion on each reading. We all took turns reading and contributing to the discussion and, because there were other educators in attendance, emphasis was placed on how we can use our profession to better serve humanity. It was very interesting and left us feeling reflective and happy. GIVING FEELS GOOD. Christmas in Nepal is going to be AMAZING.

GO TEAM!

This morning a group of us went to cheer on our U14 girls soccer team. It was quite the entertaining match, especially the second half which had us up and down on the bleachers (HELLO QUADS)! Despite numerous scoring chances, the game resulted in a 2-2 tie. I think they're saving their full-out WINS for the playoffs ;)

P.S. I am so proud to be sitting with these THREE! They really do put their heart and soul into every raw-raw-raw :)

HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

Last night we hosted a surprise 40th wedding anniversary party for Pat and Kelly with the traditional 40 year "RUBY" theme in place! (Yep, 40th - you read that right)! The decorations were red, the guests wore red, and the cake was RED too! It was fun to plan, difficult to keep secret, and nerve-racking like you wouldn't believe. Alas, they were surprised and the party was a big success.

Pat and Kelly seemed to have a wonderful evening, even though they didn't go to the much anticipated "booked up until March" restaurant that they expected to! Way to go FLOOR SEVEN! WE DID IT! And, more importantly, CONGRATULATIONS to Pat and Kelly! We wish you many more happy years together :)

The event venue :)

Part of the "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SIGN". Please pay attention to the detail....

One half of the party-planners :)

The other half of the party-planners :)

HOORAY to an EVERLASTING LOVE!

This Week's Confession....

You know that show Bridalplasty?

I watch it.

And I can't stop.

It's sorta like watching a train wreck....

The Annual Christmas Bazaar!

Just got home from our holiday outing! I didn't make any big purchases, although I did find a small something for my Nan and Phil's mom! My favourite part of the event is photographed below:

My first picture with Santa in a couple of years! (Believe me - I waited my fair share for this snapshot!)

My gift from Santa - a BROKEN candy cane! I suppose he saves the full-sized treats for those who are under the age of 25.....

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

* My sister tells me that Tim Horton's now serves lattes! YUMMY! You will have to enjoy one for me! (We really are lucky to be Canadian. How much more proof do we need?!)

* After a busy week at school, we couldn't keep our eyes open to watch X-Factor last night! We saw two performances before calling it quits. I will have to secure a copy of last night's episode at some point today.

* This afternoon I am going to a Christmas Bazaar with Pat and Cathy! I can't wait!!! Phil will be playing basketball with his men's league team during this time. Can you believe he chose BASKETBALL over CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?! Haha.

* I love starting my mornings with a walk to Starbucks! Cathy and I left our sleeping husbands behind and set out for some Christmas-style coffee! It is SO beautiful outside - the perfect weather for walking!!!

* We leave for Nepal in LESS THAN ONE MONTH! I am so excited to be a BUILDER for two weeks - just like my DAD :)

* Ashton and Demi. Did you hear the news?! When the rumours were circulating weeks ago I told Phil that every break up begins with such media chaos. I really hoped that this duo would be the exception to the rule. Alas, they weren't. Bummer.

* Yesterday was sports day for grades 5 and 6 at school. Phil was in charge of organizing this day, which entailed COUNTLESS hours of prep time this week. He was at school last weekend, stayed late every day this week, and went into school early yesterday morning (a.k.a. I MISSED HIM A LOT). The good news is that all his hard work paid off!!! The kids had a wonderful day and the teachers seemed to enjoy the day too! Next week he will be preparing for the grade 7 and 8 sports day on Thursday. Good thing our next weekend is a LONG one! He is going to need that time to rest :)

* Our (or YOUR!) Christmas cards have been mailed out. Let's see how long they take to reach you THIS YEAR! Our fingers are crossed that none of them arrive to your doorstep "as if they were sent through a fish tank with piranhas" (<----- analogy used by Phil's cousin David).

* On Wednesday night it poured rain in Kuwait! We didn't wake up from the storm like others did, but it was still nice to know that it happened :) When you go so long without rain, it becomes something that brings you lots of joy. And when you see children go so long without rain, it brings you EVEN MORE joy! You have no idea how many times I heard "MISS!!!! DID YOU SEE THE RAIN?!!!!" at school yesterday :)

Time for a tea party with my hubby. He's finally AWAKE and we need to catch up!

Wishing you a HAPPY WEEKEND!
XOXO

You know what's freaky???

Showing up to your flat and finding a doll head in front of the elevator. Just the doll head. With blonde pigtails and lots of pen on her face.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON, TWO

We woke up to TWO great pieces of news today:

1) Zan and Chantal had a baby girl!!!! WELCOME BABY SCARLET!!!
2) Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 2 is OUT! LOVE HIM. THANKS, BRO!!!!!

ZIPPITY-DO-DA!!!!!

One of my super-adorable students was wearing this super-adorable outfit with sparkly black TOMS today! My gosh. It made my day. She is one of the HAPPIEST students I have and never fails to put a big grin on my face as soon as she enters the classroom.

Well - there's more to this story. I want the same outfit. Yep, I DO! She tells me that it can be purchased at Juicy Couture. The only problem is - she doesn't know if they make it for "OLD PEOPLE". Luckily, this OLD LADY has purchased kids clothing recently and will do her darnedest to fit into a girls-sized JUICY COUTURE track suit! If not, I will have to buy one for Joycie and live out this leopard-print dream through her.

That's just "EGGS-ellent".

While making a late dinner....

Lindsay: I think I'll make myself a scrambled egg!

Phil: (doubting my egg-making abilities) Do you want me to scramble one up for you?

Lindsay: No - I'll do it! (proceeds to turn on oven and get out pan)


5 minutes later.....

Lindsay: (cracks an egg into hot pan) AHHH!!!!! PHIL!!!!

Phil: (rushes over) What's wrong?! (sees smoke rising from the pan) OH LINDSAY! I asked if you wanted me to do it.

Lesson learned: Don't scramble an egg on "MAX" heat. Thank goodness Phil saved my meal with his quick reaction time!

Exhaustion:

Knowing that a caffeinated tea at 9 p.m. will do no harm.

P.S. I realize we just had a week long holiday.

My Apres-School Snack!

How much do you think I love tutoring my wonderful grade 7 student?! SO MUCH! Check out the cookies we enjoyed at our tutoring tea party!!!

HELLO CHRISTMAS!!!! SO NICE TO SEE YOU.....EVERYWHERE!!!!!

GO BLUE!

Wowee - I cannot believe a year has passed since the last time we were celebrating World Diabetes Day. At this time last year, we were probably in somewhat of a panic - trying to brainstorm ways that we could raise $12,200 for our marathon with Team Diabetes. BUT, HEY! We did it. And YOU helped us get there!!! THANK YOU again for your generosity and support! We will continue to raise awareness about diabetes in Kuwait and we hope you will continue to spread the word in your realm of the world :)

Sarge's Holiday in Pakistan!

Sarge returned to Kuwait yesterday morning after a week long adventure with the Hussain family. Despite being exhausted from so much socializing, he is eager to share his photos with you. Take a peak into his first Lindsay-less adventure:

Having tea with Cathy and Shahid - my wonderful escorts.

Whoa! Lindsay would never let me sit UN-BUCKLED-UP on the dash! YIPPEE! I LOVE THE HUSSAIN'S!!!

Chilling with an Uncle.

Look at me in a tuc tuc! The driver was a very STRANGE STRANGER. I think I made him feel uncomfortable....

A chair to myself! (I think they really liked me)!

Time with the kiddies!

Chatting with the FC college swim champion!!! WOOT, WOOT! He's the one on the left :)

A ladies man I am!

Wearing our poppies with PRIDE....

Thanks to STEPHEN!!!

TWINS!

You know how much I love MATCHING, right?! Well, I think I found the PERFECT shirt to purchase for me and my Dad! Dad - what do you think?! GOOD, EH?!!!

This Makes CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Easy :)

After walking into the kitchen to see YET ANOTHER paper towel on the counter....


Lindsay: PHILLIP!!!! I am the Lorax - I SPEAK FOR THE TREES!

Phil: What?!

Lindsay: You are killing our forests!!!

Phil: Well, we live in the desert where there are no forests.

Lindsay: EVEN WORSE! You are killing OTHER PEOPLES' FORESTS!!!!! (walks out of kitchen)

That's it. Emily (a compulsive Kleenex user) and Phillip are getting hanky's for Christmas.

Confessions:

1) Last night we served our guests snacks using HOLIDAY NAPKINS!

2) Right now we are watching "True Hollywood Story - The Kardashians". I have already seen it two times.

3) On the topic of re-watching television shows, sometimes I lie to Phil about having seen an episode of Giuliana and Bill just so that I can watch the duo be charming all over again. (Or because I don't want to watch ESPN). HEE HEE.

4) Last night we watched "Pretty Little Liars" before bed and it took me about an hour to fall asleep for fear of "A" being somewhere in the flat. As the episodes indicate, that girl is EVERYWHERE!!!

5) I really love tea. But I'm starting to also like coffee. Shh!!!!!

6) I wore thermal pants TWICE this week. IN KUWAIT. OUTSIDE. IN THE AFTERNOON.

11/11/11