25 minutes to go......

And I REALLY don't know if I'm going to make it!  My hope is that writing this post will keep me alert for a wee bit longer..........

Tonight we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Stephen (homemade gnocchi!) followed by lots of lounging about!  It's been relaxing and perfect.  New Year's Eve - OUR STYLE :)  

If I DO make it until midnight, I believe it will be the first time I have in THREE YEARS (at LEAST)! 

I hope this evening finds you HAPPY and SAFE - whether you're rocking fake eyelashes and heels or pajamas and slippers :)

XOXO

GOODBYE 2012!

Wowee!  Another year has come and gone.  Can you believe it?!

Let's reflect on a few STAND-OUT MEMORIES from the last 12 months......

* Traveling to London on April break.  One whole week in my favourite city with my incredible husband = TOPS!

*  Finding out about Baby P!  Oh that magical day - June 7th.  I will never forget it.  This highlight is size extra large because it makes our hearts extra happy.  

*  A weekend in Dubai.  I braved my fear of dolphins and Phil took the "Leap of Faith" at Atlantis!  

*  NYC for our second anniversary. This is the week that morning sickness really kicked in.  It made the pregnancy all so real and.......INTERESTING!    

*  Spending the summer in Canada and renting a sweet little studio apartment in the Beaches area of Toronto.

*  Touring Oman with two great friends - Stephen and Emily.  At the same time, we made another great friend who has already been to Kuwait to visit us!

Of course, we cannot leave out the day-to-day joy that comes from coaching and teaching.  And I'm being honest.  We are so lucky to have jobs that we LOVE.  Well - not just jobs.  We are so lucky to have YOU, each other, this baby, our health, our home................OH WE ARE LUCKY!  And thankful. 

Bon chance to those of you who wish to see midnight tonight!  I don't believe it's part of our new year's eve plan, but as Bieber has said, "NEVER SAY NEVER!!!!!!"

All the best in 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

During an IMMEDIATE phone call......

Emily: (answers the phone) Hey!

Lindsay:  HEY!!!! I HAVE THE BEST NEWS EVER!!!

Emily:  What?!

Lindsay:  (screaming excitedly) Kim Kardashian is PREGNANT!!!!!!  She's having Kanye's baby!!!!!

Emily:  (bursts out laughing)  I thought you were calling me with legit good news!

Lindsay:  This IS legit good news!!!!!

My New Look for Decades to Come?

How else is one supposed to keep their 'sleepy-as-ever-but-can't-remain-closed' eyes OPEN?!  

GREET THE DAY!!!!!!  xo

The Nesting Instinct.

Oh it's real.  And it's hit me like nobody's biz-nazzzz.

I think one example will suffice.  Yesterday - on my own accord - I began to disassemble the Christmas tree, pack away the Christmas napkins, take down all Christmas and birthday cards, return my Build-a-Bear to her annual clothes, and re-hang our everyday pictures in place of Christmas decorations.  (Should I have asked you to sit down for this?)

This behaviour is completely uncharacteristic of me.  I dread taking down anything labelled "WINTER HOLIDAYS".  I'm the type that would leave the themed-decor up year-round if it were socially acceptable.  In fact, last year I believe we almost made it to Valentine's Day before Phil insisted that the time had come and I had a little cry about it.       

I know it's a 180, but I think I'm feeling okay.  I mean, my sanity is still intact.  At least it is in my unbiased opinion of myself...... 

The point is this:  I want to clean.  I want to purge.  I want to tidy.  I want to organize.  (Key word is "WANT", ladies and gents!) 

And you know who is very pleased about this sudden strike of "nesting"?  PHILLIP.  If I wasn't before, I am certainly the GIRL OF HIS DREAMS now!!!!

Off I go. 

To clean. 

To purge. 

To tidy. 

To organize. 

Preferences that UNITE us!

While serving dinner last night....

Lindsay:  You know what I've learned about myself this week?  I've realized that I am a "bowl/little spoon" kinda person.  I don't like using plates if I can avoid it.  And big spoons are the worst. 

Phil:  Well, I'm a "plate/big spoon" kinda person!  I love plates.  And I love big spoons.

Lindsay:  That's why we are the perfect match!!!!!!! 

WINDY / WARM / RAINY / COLD

Those four words seem to sum up the weather the last few days.  Within minutes, the conditions change from one of those to the next and it's quite difficult to select an appropriate outfit!  Throw in some hot flashes and some unusual cold sensitivity and you have one CONFUSED woman!

The holidays continue to be swell.  On Boxing Day, I spent the morning with some visitors from Saskatoon (coffee, walk, Science Center!), while Phil went to look at some used car dealerships with our friend Jamie.  Yesterday we found a new walking path perfect for STROLLING with a STROLLER and practiced our navigation skills while cruising around in search of a rocker/glider for the nursery.  As for today, we are heading out nice and early for me to practice my driving at a relatively low-traffic time and this afternoon the delivery man is coming to drop off and assemble some new purchases. 

The Bump and I - soaking up some fresh air, exercise and sunshine!

There has been a wee bit more relaxing than our previous days.  The painting is finished and we've had to wait around for our new furniture before continuing to decorate the guest room and nursery.  That all will change later today!  Haha.

Phil has enjoyed watching some sports documentaries with his new wireless headphones at night time and I've been trying my best to be AS QUIET AS A MOUSE each morning so he can sleep in as long as possible.  I figure these days will soon be over for him....so SLEEP WHILE YOU CAN!!!! 

Then there's my sleeping pattern.  Or lack of.  I am enrolled in quite the training regime for motherhood, I tell ya!  This morning I woke up at 4 a.m. - in tears - that I had barely slept a single wink.  I feel as though I do everything OTHER than sleep in the night:  roll over, roll over again, go pee, roll over, go pee, get out of bed to stretch my back and legs, go pee, roll over.............(repeat).  Then the baby starts to move, my stomach starts to growl, and I'm achy all over.  And I call it quits.  Victory:  INSOMNIA!  It doesn't help that I'm an over-Googling, CRAZY, mama-to-be.  My mind never stops.  Alas, I'm optimistic that these frustrations are all blessings in disguise - preparing me for what's to come.  Have I told you how excited I am to meet our little girl?!!!

Anyways, I better get my "game face" on for the roads.  Breakfast #1 has been had, but second breakfast is quickly approaching!

Wish me luck and Phil some sanity (who else would put up with me?!).

This is WHERE WE LIVE.

"You should practice your driving over the Christmas holidays - when no one else is on the road." 

BAHA.  There's so much I could elaborate on but I will stop with a mere giggle. 

YA WE DID!

In terms of Christmas Day celebrations, what's more unusual than an unsuccessful whale-watching excursion in Sri Lanka or building a bamboo house with machetes in Nepal?  Well, this year we ate Christmas brunch at a furniture store in Kuwait....(are you laughing?)...

After filling my family in on our plan, I believe they felt this celebratory option was a WEE BIT SKETCHY.  And it sure does SOUND that way.  But allow me to show you some pictures to clarify any "why on Earth's?!!!"......

Here it is - the furniture store (hey - if IKEA can have a restaurant, so can this place)!  Furniture shopping burns a lot of calories, you know.  It's the non-stop getting up and sitting down on couches, beds, dining room chairs, etc. that does the trick.  What better way to replenish all those calories than with a mid-shopping meal?!!!  I think it's BRILLIANT!

Of course, even the dining room sets in the restaurant are for sale.  This price tag accompanied our Christmas-Day-dining chairs.  Just multiply that number by about 3.5 and you can get a feel for how comfortable they were!!!  Talk about heaven in a cushion.

Oh - and we can't forget about the artificial tree that added some privacy to our dining experience.  The roots must be gold-plated.  Then again, I suppose the price isn't too lofty for something that "lives" FOREVER!!!!!

Here we are - the Christmas Day Trio!  And perhaps the only people brave enough to make Christmas brunch reservations at this wonderful establishment?!  Haha - we had the place to ourselves!!!!!!  This equates to EXTRA-SPECIAL treatment from the servers :)

As for the food itself, there was a great selection of holiday starters, mains, and desserts.  Steve went with the holiday lamb, but Phil and I (being the plain jane's that we are) opted for........the traditional, everyday breakfast!!!! Haha.  Yes, we DID go to this place for their affordable Christmas dining options.  And YES, we DID NOT choose to embrace the options available upon arrival at the restaurant.  But we are happy to report that our meal was DELICIOUS just the same!!!!

So there you go - not so sketchy, was it?!  Haha.  If you come to visit us in Kuwait (HINT, HINT!) we will take you there for the best meal of your life!

After brunch, we headed to the mall to pick out our Santa gifts.  Where else can you pick out your VERY OWN gift, AT THE MALL, on Christmas Day?!!!  It didn't take us too long to do this either.  We both had something in mind and it happened to be an identical something - a BASSINET for Baby P!!!!  Lucky for us, a Christmas miracle led to a same-day delivery and we are now getting used to that extra little bed in our room at home. 

Later in the day, we watched a movie and relaxed.  Appetizers were put in the oven around 7ish and Steve came over to enjoy them with us while we watched Home Alone. 

It may not have been the most traditional Christmas Day, but we worked it out with NO TEARS (woot, woot!)!  We hope you had a similarly enjoyable day with the people you love :)

Hmmm.....I wonder how many more days Phil will allow me to keep the Christmas tree up for.  Every day I dread the words, "Linds....I think it's time to put it all away until next year!"  Ahhhhh - I will have to distract him with other areas of the house......

XOXO

CHRISTMAS EVE!

Finally!  Phil just finished painting for the day and everything is set up for a wonderful and RELAXING Christmas Eve together.  The "fresh balsam" candle is lit, the Christmas tree lights are on, a yummy assortment of appetizers is cooking in the oven, an apple crisp with vanilla ice cream is prepared for dessert, and our "sleepover" in the living room is set up!  We're both sporting some red and green (check out my adorable TREE hairband!) and the NORAD tracker is right beside us so we can keep track of Santa's incredible journey.  Two Christmas movies are ready to go - The Holiday and The Family Stone - and.......wait for it......Phil just listened to "The Polar Express" for the first time ever!!!  We had to alter the Hoit tradition just a WEE BIT and move the reading to dinner time rather than bedtime..............you never know when this pregnant lady will fall asleep!  Alas, the book was enjoyed by the both of us and I know it's a tradition that will continue when Baby P is here :)

Oh how I love Christmas.  The house is cozy and I have my best friend here with me.  We are so lucky.

Wherever you are, we hope you're keeping safe and happy with friends and family!

Lots of Love,
The Parkinson's
XOXO

Practice Makes PERFECT!

It's Christmas Eve morning.  I'm practicing the art of "swaddling" with my sparkly snow leopard, Zoe.  Both of us dressed up for the occasion.  Me - in my fancy reindeer antlers that jingle.  And her - in her flashy red Santa suit.

I wonder what Phil will say when he wakes up...........

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE, EVERYONE!!!!
XOXO

What Does Your "RELAXING" Look Like?

This is ours. 

HA!

You see, neither of us are very good at sitting still and being lazy.  We like to think we are because the thought of it always sounds so nice.  I mean, doesn't "getting coffee, strolling through the mall, and watching movies" sound good to you?  It does to us!  But then we get to Starbucks, leave before our beverages are cool enough to sip, proceed to enter stores on a mission to "check things off the list", and get home to continue purging, organizing or decorating.  I will admit we TRIED to watch a movie............but it took us THREE NIGHTS to do so, since I could only watch it in 25 minute intervals before passing out from exhaustion.  (Side note:  "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" is a real GOODIE!). 

I suppose reading all of these pregnancy books - and what must be done before Baby P arrives - is driving me a little crazy/irrational.  I'm overwhelmed and eager to get everything done (whatever "everything" means).  Then I get things done, go back to reading my book, and find out that everything I accomplished is not done the right way at all!  According to the authors, that is.......yeesh!  Do I toss these "resources" away and wing it?  Or do I try to prepare us for the baby's arrival and tough out the stress and INSANITY that comes along with it?  I don't know what the right answer is.  But I do know that I'm leaning towards the former option of throwing in the towel and relying on common sense.  

In other news, I drove today.  FOR THE FIRST TIME IN KUWAIT!  And - for the FIRST TIME with Phil in the car!!!!  Eminem's "Lose Yourself" was playing in my mind as I wheeled around the mean streets of Hawally....."palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy....."  HAHA!

Well - I must get back to assisting my wonderful hubby.  We are working on rearranging the storage room to make more space for baby stuff (car seat, stroller, etc).  I just finished cutting the tags off all of the baby clothes that have been given to us, which I read must be washed with a non-irritating, chemical-free detergent prior to use.

Let the "relaxing" continue.  Steve's on his way over for "make your own pizza night".  Perhaps we should have opted for the "someone else makes you pizza night".  Oh well.

C'est la vie!!!
XOXO

Here's PROOF!!!

As per our holiday plans (mall, Starbucks, repeat), we returned to the mall earlier today. Check out this room in PB Teen! I may be a Parkinson by marriage, but my former initials are claiming this space as MINE!!!!!!!

If I got trapped inside a mall.........

....everything would be A-OKAY so long as I could live inside the Pottery Barn Teen store!!!  (Well....there would also have to be a "peanut butter & tea" delivery person.  Which I'm sure they have.  Because PB Teen has EVERYTHING). 

Phil and I visited the store for the first time yesterday.  It JUST OPENED and I felt FULL OF HAPPINESS (think:  butterflies, rainbows and unicorns) the minute we walked through the ballooned-and-carpeted entrance.  It was like we had just won free admission to one of the best theme parks ever.......and I'm not ASHAMED to admit it!  In fact, this 27 year old (YEP, I AM ONE OF THOSE NOW!) believes that Pottery Barn Teen is far superior to Pottery Barn...ugh....Adult??

No purchases were made during our visit, but when you LIVE AT A PLACE - you have it all!  Here's to hoping that I get trapped inside the mall one day.......and am asked to live inside the Pottery Barn Teen Store.....where there is a peanut butter and tea delivery person.

HAPPY SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!! 

DECORATING: Frustrating AND Fun!

At our former school in Egypt, there was a charity art event held annually called "Art for Action".  Students in kindergarten through grade 8 would create pieces of artwork for the event that would be auctioned off to benefit local charities.  During our second year at the school, I happened upon the quilt below:

The quilt spoke to me INSTANTLY and I told Phil we HAD TO HAVE IT.  I'm not really sure what came over me, but I remember feeling particularly attached to it.  Phil could see how badly I wanted it and waited around the auction table all afternoon to make sure we had the highest bid.  When he told me it was ours, a light went off in my head and I knew the theme of our future nursery had been decided - "AROUND THE WORLD"!!!   

I think the quilt tugged extra hard on my heartstrings for a few reasons:

1)  It's one GIANT arts & crafts project.  AWESOME!
2)  Our darling Emily is the WONDERFUL person who started "Art for Action".   
3)  The quilt was a collaborative effort made by a junior kindergarten class.  I feel it represents teamwork, creativity, a love for learning, and childhood innocence - all in ONE!  
4)  There are faces of children from many different parts of the globe.  We have always said that we want our baby to be a "global citizen" :)

Two years later, finally being pregnant and under pressure to decorate a nursery, this quilt is posing two challenges:

1)  People do NOT believe in brightly coloured baby rooms (the quilt's border is bright red!).  In fact, many people gawk at the thought of anything other than pale shades of pink, blue, yellow, or beige!
2)  Finding bedding for the crib that is one solid colour - free from designs - is incredibly difficult.   We just got home from a day long search!!!  The options we saw today will not match the quilt that I love so much.  Babies R Us, Mothercare, Mama's and Papa's, and Baroque really wanted us to go for a traditional baby theme with traditional baby colours...... 

Alas, after re-examining the quilt when we got home, I think that Pottery Barn Kids might have a suitable option for the bedding.  Tomorrow we will return to the mall with the hopes of securing something that matches!

In other news, we picked up Shannon's vehicle last night and today we were cruising around for the first time with Phil in the driver's seat!  Having a car sure does make getting errands done easier.  We even explored some new stores that helped us to pick a colour scheme for the guest bedroom.  The sales we found were TOP NOTCH, too!  I have taken some "before" pictures and I can't wait to show you the "after" ones.  At least one of the two "to do" rooms is moving along :)

Okee dokee.  Yoga begins in 30 minutes.  I better fuel up!!!!
 

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR (DECAF) TEA.

*  How do you like the new look?!  It's clean and fresh with more space to upload large photos and a personalized signature to boot!  This is all thanks to a wonderful young mind that I happened upon a few weeks ago.  She redesigned my blog without charge!  What a gem :)  Thank you Francesca! 

*  If tomorrow really is the end of the world, we have a whole lotta Christmas treats to eat tonight.....

*  My birthday was WONDERFUL.  I felt so spoiled by all of you.  Gifts, messages, phone calls, and cards.  It was non-stop LOVE and I thank you for making me feel so darn SPECIAL! xo

*  I can't believe that Gossip Girl was LONELY BOY all along!!!  Who knew?!  Last night we watched the series finale and I'm missing B & Co. already. 

*  This morning we woke up to a serious thunderstorm - loud BOOMS, big flashes, and pouring rain!!!  It was such a wonderful wake-up call at 5 a.m. this morning.  And I'm not being sarcastic.  When you're in the desert, rain is always welcome and enjoyable :)  

*  Exams are MARKED.  Report cards are FINISHED.  Week one in January is PLANNED to a "T".  Hip, hip!

*  Today after school I went to get a mani/pedi with Heather and Emily.  We decided to orchestrate a "Sisterhood of the Traveling Nails".....with all of us sporting a cranberry colour for Christmas!  Emily is headed to Kenya/Ethiopia with Shannon and Heather is off to Scotland with her fiance.  I believe the "substance" of this make-believe tale will have to come from those two ladies.  I'm not sure what material I can generate during a Kuwait stay-cation......

Speaking of which....we are officially on a two-week holiday from school!!!!  And although we will be staying right here (and my heart hurts from missing a much-needed "Christmas Back Home"), I am thrilled to have so much quality time with the best husband ever.  I know that our lives will become much busier in the months to come and I can't wait to soak up our final weeks of "just us two" before our little lady joins us.  We have plans to decorate the nursery and guest room, practice driving (in fear), prepare the hospital bag, go car shopping, and RELAX. 

Right now Phil is painting the guest room and openly thankful that we don't have to hop on a plane this evening.  I am also in bliss on the sofa - happy to be resting my achy-as-ever legs.  Tonight we look forward to the final week of The X Factor!!!!

Safe travels to those of you traveling over the holiday!

Inspiration From A Younger Generation!

Today I saw a little girl wearing bright yellow rain boots at school and I thought to myself, "YOU GO GIRL!!!"

Life's too short to live in a box.  Rain or shine, BE YOURSELF! 

TWENTY SIX.

Oh Age 26, you were a REAL GOODIE.  I welcomed you with new friends in Nepal and I will bid you farewell with my ALMOST-FAMILY-OF-THREE in Kuwait.  Thanks for the challenges and for the changes.  We shall part with the greatest LOVE and RESPECT, as you were with me when we were told we couldn't and also when we found out that we could.  And we did.  You were there.  WE ARE SO LUCKY!!!

I hope you bring the same happiness to my younger brothers and sisters.  They will be meeting with you soon-ish.  Treat them well.  My recommendation of you is a darn SWELL one.  

Christmas CONTINUES!

Very soon after last night's post, there was a knock at the door. It was our neighbours from floor 6, stopping by to deliver a Christmas gift for the Parkinson family! Surprises are my favourite and THIS SURPRISE was a real special one. Inside the nicely wrapped bag was a "Baby's First Christmas" stocking for Baby P (which I'm pretty sure should be used by Santa this year!) as well as a princess tiara ornament for the tree. Can you believe our fortune?

Well, it gets better.  This morning Emily asked us to stop by her room to pick up a Christmas gift.  All the way from Wawa, Mrs. Abbott sent us wee moccasins for Baby P (among other little goodies)!!!!!  Naturally, I started to cry because the moccasins are so little and charming.  I can't believe feet actually fit into footwear that size!  HUMAN FEET!!!!  Ahhh!  We're having a BABY!!!!

Despite the lower back and leg pain (HELLO TRIMESTER #3!), today was a SUPER DUPER DAY!  I was out all evening earning some extra MOU-LA for the family, but I am home now and quite happy to be resting on the couch - catching up with y'all.  Phil is telling stories about "The Birthday Fairy" and Baby P seems to like the tales quite a lot.  It sounds as though we may awake to a sunrise treasure hunt!!! 

Here's a SHOUT-OUT to my sister, TAYLOR, and our niece, JOYCIE GIRL!  HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both.  May the year ahead bring you much happiness and adventure!  XOXO

CHRISTMAS IS EVERYWHERE!

I was doing my daily (yes, I admit it!) Pinterest browse and I have to say that this Christmas quote really sums up my last two days at school.  I have been SO SPOILED with the generous holiday spirit of colleagues and friends.  Here are some examples of my luckiness (sorry in advance if I forget any of your kind gestures!):

*  Shani delivered pineapple and mangoes to my classroom on Sunday morning!  They came all the way from Sri Lanka, courtesy of her brother in law.  DELISH! 

*  I arrived to school this week to find a Christmas card, Christmas candle and candy cane on my desk from a special colleague :)  This is up there with my other "all-time best arrivals". 

*  Yesterday afternoon, Phil ran into a colleague who happens to be a breastfeeding coach.  I met with her today and she lent me a book to read over the holidays and gave me her phone number.  Can you believe that she is willing to visit me in the hospital to assist in the first few days of breastfeeding?!  She must be an angel. 

*  Today I found a USB stick in my mailbox that said "ENJOY!".  There was no name attached, but my secret someone left two very GIRLY and CHRISTMAS-Y movies on the device!  THANK YOU TO THIS SWEET-AS-PIE PERSON!!!  (Please tell me who you are!)

*  I tried to walk home from school today.  But then I was busted by a colleague at our school who INSISTED I take a ride home with her.  She didn't like the idea of me walking with bags and being pregnant.  As much as I resisted, she refused to move the car forward until I hopped in! 

* Our science department is having a meeting tomorrow afternoon and today we were asked about our favourite Starbucks beverage.  It seems we deserve a warm treat courtesy of our trusty head of department :)

* Also tomorrow, we were invited to a "chili and cornbread" gathering in one of the teacher's classes.  It will be our first official "chili and cornbread" affair, EVER!  Can't wait!

In honour of all this good holiday cheer, I have decided to pay it forward and bake some treats for our staff party on Wednesday afternoon. 

TO THE KITCHEN I GO!!!!!!!!!

HELLO MONTH #8!!!!!

Wowee! Baby P's expected to arrive two months from today! 

I am sitting on the couch right now - watching as my stomach shows ripples of movement that make me laugh out loud.  She must be doing her own version of a happy dance.  I was explaining these little bursts of excitement to her earlier today.

We love you, DARLING GIRL!  Soon enough you'll be able to witness your Daddy's "happy dance".  He spent four years mastering the art of "movement studies".  In other words, you're in for a real spectacle! 

XOXO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

Last night we had a planned "X Factor" evening with Emily, Heather and Shannon.  The finale is approaching and we love to listen to the contestants, mock the hosts, and critique the judging panel each and every week for a good laugh.  On weeks where we can do this in-person, it's even MORE FUN!

This particular X Factor gathering was especially enjoyable.  It was not just ANY X FACTOR gathering - it turned into a marvelous birthday surprise as I was instructed to "hide in the other room" while the ladies prepared a celebratory tea party!!!!! Although I hated my period of exile, I was OVERJOYED to see the spread of sandwiches, snacks, and treats when I came out into the living room!  They had everything planned to a "T" - with authentic tea party trays, treats and dishes!  It was so thoughtful and sweet.  They sure know how to make a gal feel SPECIAL :)

The kind-hearted crew that made MY DAY!  Check out all those SNACKS!!!!!

Somehow, Phil managed to luck out too!  The girls picked him up a meat lover's pizza and a Spiderman cup!!!

SO SPOILED.  A pretty "XOXO" necklace, a bean bag to heat up in the microwave, and a new "bump in the night" nightgown and housecoat!!!  The girls made a great point - the red p.j. outfit is suitable for both Christmas and Valentine's Day.  And with the green bean bag, I will be looking quite HOLLY JOLLY this holiday!  In fact, I think I found a perma-outfit for Christmas vacation :)

Thank you ladies for the wonderful night!  Baby P certainly enjoyed those mini red velvets and I know she'll be eager to have another taste later today :)

XOXO

ONCE IN A LIFETIME!!!!!

UPDATE:

I SLEPT!!!!!!  I SLEPT!!!!!!!!!  I SLEPT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.  Only one more week until I welcome AGE 27 with OPEN ARMS :)

Random & ON MY MIND.

1)  Who asks for water "80% cold"???  Some of my students do, that's who!

2)  Today I was told to "keep a few kilos on after you have your baby".  Apparently my face is prettier when it's chubby.

3)  Yesterday we secured our driver's licenses.  There's more to the story but it will have to wait until the summer.

4)  I haven't slept in TWO NIGHTS!  Between Baby P's all-night dance party, my over-active bladder, and general "I feel huge" discomfort, I don't stand a chance.  One of these days I'm bound to pass right out.  For hours.  Don't you think?!  Please let it be tonight.

5)  Making extra money after your day job is SWEET.  Exam time is the best time to build up the bank account!

6)  Tomorrow is clash day.  I have a paranoia about this particular spirit day.  Ever since high school, I've had bad visions of showing up to school in clashing attire only to find out that I had the wrong day.  Plus, I'm not sure how much of my maternity clothes "clash".  I will have to get creative in the morning.

7)  I am so thankful for my Daddy.  Yesterday I was SO STRESSED and after one talk, I felt so much better!  (THANK YOU DADDY! xo)

8)  When kids put up their hand to answer a question and let out little squeals that sound as though they are going to literally BURST if you don't call on them............well, it's HILARIOUS.  Today I was laughing in my head as I told my eager beavers to "wait patiently". 

I think that's everything.

Off to meet the Sand Man, inshallah....

VISIT WITH ALEX, DAY TWO!

I know, I know.  This is almost two weeks overdue.  I'm going to excuse myself with the "better late than never" idea.

Before Alex even arrived, he asked us about going to a place called "The Red Fort".  We had never heard of this place and told him that none of our friends had either.  In fact, we tried to persuade him away from this random place because it was a "far" drive (40 minutes) and would likely be a disappointing journey.  Nonetheless, Alex was a keener and was determined to find this Lonely Planet gem.

So - Phil called our trusty taxi driver, Hashmat, and the three of us ventured out early Saturday morning with a bag of nuts and some bottles of water.  We were skeptical the entire drive there - especially since Hashmat had no clue where he was going and neither did any of his taxi driver friends.  But guess what?!!!  WE FOUND IT!!!!!!  It DOES exist and to tell you the truth, it's actually pretty COOL!!!!!  Here are some pictures:

Shadow show on the rooftop!  WOOT!

This room was PITCH BLACK.  Thank goodness we could use digital photography to determine what was in this black hole.

Some of the rooms had been converted into mini-museums where visitors could learn about different aspects of Kuwaiti culture.

It gets BETTER!  Turns out.........the red fort is actually on the 20KD bill!!!!!  WHO KNEW!!!!!  It's significant enough to decorate the currency but not significant enough to be discussed or traveled to frequently.  Haha.

Once we were done at the fort, we decided to extend our drive and follow the signs towards the Iraq border (because what else is there to do here).  It seems that when tourist attractions are limited, you get creative (or crazy) and generate other options.  

I think it took us another one and a half hours total - and most of the drive provided views of.......NOTHING!

Well, there was the odd oil rig.  And camel.

TA-DA!!!!!  There it is!!!  This photo is courtesy of someone other than MOI.  Because I don't break rules on big red signs near scary borders.

In the evening we headed to the Souq Mubarikya where we met up with Shannon and Emily.  It was nice to walk around in the cooler air and enjoy some yummy cuisine in a bustling area.

I love this part of the Souq.  There are different coloured lights that are built into the walk way :)

When we returned home, Alex spoiled us with a copy of The Polar Express and refused to take any money for all of the Christmas cards he took back home with him.  Keep in mind that he had already brought me decaf Tetley tea and Kraft peanut butter!!!!  (THANKS ALEX!!!!)

There you have it.  The title of "First Official Visitor" is no longer up for grabs!  But there is still room for the second, third, fourth, etc.............(HINT, HINT)!!!!

MISSING YOU!
XOXO