BOY or GIRL?????

Everyone's trying to figure this mystery out! 

When Shani was over the other day she said, "in Sri Lanka, if you have lots of beauty, then you're having a girl.  I think it's a GIRL!" 

However, less than 12 hours later I had an Arabic teacher tell me, "because of our culture, I think it's a boy because you got a little bit ugly!" (YES, SHE SAID UGLY!)

Then there are those that continue to say, "you are pretty big for 4 months.  Are you sure you aren't having TWINS?!"  

Haha.  Unless Baby P is playing a serious game of "mirror" with another wee babe, there is DEFINITELY ONLY ONE IN THERE!  As for being ugly or not, who knows!  But I do know that this may be the only instance ever in life when someone calls me ugly and I just laugh and smile.  Baby P - you're ALL WORTH IT to this MAMA! 

CONGRATS RANCIC'S!!!!

Ahhh - their dream of becoming parents has FINALLY COME TRUE! Baby Edward is HERE and Giuliana and Bill are officially "MOM" and "DAD"!!!   I couldn't be happier for this lovey-dovey duo!

P.S. Notice I selected a picture of them dressed in winter wear. It was inspired by the fact that THIS HOUSE is an IGLOO. If Phil doesn't wake up soon, I'm opening up both balconies to invite the warm outdoors into the living room!

ON MY MIND. And everyone else's???

My "baby bump" better win this "who's the biggest?!" competition.  The attention my other "bumps" are getting is much too embarrassing for this NONSENSE to continue.....

How did YOUR day go?!  ;)

One HECK of a "WATER" PARTY!

Today after school I took the bus to Emily's house for tea....which turned out to be water....not because Emily couldn't prepare the tea....but because I couldn't bring myself to drink it. AGAIN. Ha! Water and p.b. on toast sure did hit the spot, though!

So - Gemily arrived yesterday night and while we were chatting away, she began to unpack her suitcases. One would think that the majority of things in one's OWN PERSONAL SUITCASE would belong to them. But not when it comes to this gal! As I watched her pull things out of each bag she would say, "this is for this person" and "this is for that person". In the meantime, I kept thinking, "WHAT ABOUT YOUR OWN THINGS?!!!" Anyways, there are TWO points to this story:

1) EMILY'S heart is BIG!

2) Baby P is going to be (and already is!) spoiled by one super duper AUNTIE! Here's what came out of her luggage for us:

One adorable onesie after another!  And a book to read to Baby P "in utero" called "OH, Baby, the Place You'll Go!".  The book is a great introduction to every Dr. Seuss classic!!!  Soon Baby P will be able to respond to the bedtime story with kicks and jabs!

Wait - perhaps there are three points to this post.  Because the following must also be said:

In the picture below, the onesie on the left is suitable for babies born everywhere OTHER THAN Wawa, Ontario.  The onesie on the right is suitable for babies born in Wawa, Ontario ONLY.  AHHH - it's wide enough for TWO BABIES!  And it's Baby P's first souvenir from the (dare I call it a town?!) place and I'm sure Emily will keep the Wawa goods a comin'!   

Okay, one FINAL POINT (I swear!):

Here is a picture of LOOMI.  Pre-summer, Loomi was a wee little kitten.  Post-summer, Loomi has turned into a trouble-seeking JUNGLE CAT!  He's HUGE!  And with his little maple leaf bandana, he's looking like a REAL CANADIAN BOY!

Alright, I'm DONE!  Phil's made me a steamy cup of hot cocoa and I can't wait to snuggle up and watch a show!

GOODNIGHT ALL! 

Still Breathing!

This morning I told you that I was afraid to move forward with this day. It started on such a bizarre note, that I wasn't really sure if a continuation was welcomed.  Well, WE MADE IT!  Our first day back with colleagues was A-OKAY!  We were productive in our classrooms and had fun chatting with our "new additions" and veterans alike.  Here are my COMPLETED (yahoo!) bulletin boards for the start of the school year:

Bring on the CHEESE!  This board is at the back of my classroom.  The green blobs "caught" in the web are the different topics we'll be covering this year.  I really like the web.  SO DOES SPIDEY!

This board is in the hallway - just outside of my classroom.  I'm hoping it peaks the interest of some young scientists as they "read on" to find out more about these INTERESTING SCIENCE FACTS!

And this....is not in my room.  But it's in Phil's office and it serves as his BIG DECORATION!  I had to take a picture because he MAY have spent as long on this set-up as I did on my boards!

Reasons I FEAR Today:

1)  I had "FRESH" SOUR milk in my cereal.  After one bite, I was dry-heaving in the bathroom for ten minutes.  And now I'm worried....because milk USED TO BE one of my cravings.  Calcium supplements may be coming my way in the near future....

2)  As Phil cleans up around the house this morning, he is whispering singing to Baby P, "CLEANING CAN BE FUN!  CLEANING CAN BE FUN!"

3)  Although Phil has "organized" the house - I don't know where ANYTHING IS!  "Where's my camera?  Where's my phone charger?  Where are my sunglasses?"  AHHHHH!

4)  Jetlag is still with us.  We thought it was gone, but NOPE.  That evil mister is STILL HERE!

Today's HAPPENINGS:

*  We went into school again to work on our classrooms.  Phil got his office all ready and I finished decorating my two big bulletin boards.  There was also socializing and catching up with our colleagues who decided to venture into work early too!

*  Phil continued to organize the house while I baked some blueberry muffins and worked out.

*  We made a DELICIOUS stirfry together for dinner.  I love cooking meals ensemble.  It is so fun to act like chefs and chat away :)

*  The Hussain's stopped by to deliver a gift!  It is the SWEETEST thing - a baby book for Baby P!!!!  There are some things I can already start to record and I can't wait to get to it!  Baby P is going to have a nice keepsake thanks to Cathy and Shahid!  THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH! xoxo

*  EMILY IS HERE!!!  She arrived safely at 6 p.m.  YAHOO!!!!

*  Ian and Alex popped in for an evening chat.  They're fantastic.  (Even though Ian couldn't smile in his Minnie Mouse Ears at Euro Disney!)

Tomorrow is our first OFFICIAL day of work.  Students don't begin until September 3rd, but we have lots of meetings and planning on the agenda!

Well, here's to hoping a GREAT night of sleep is ahead of us!  We're going to settle in with a movie and maybe.........a hot chocolate with marshmallows!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

HOORAY!!!!!!!!

Last night I slept from 9:30 p.m. until 6 a.m.!!!!!  There was no tossing and turning for HOURS.  No getting up halfway through the night.  It was strictly all Zzzzzzz's!!!  Ohhhh, I can't stop SMILING!  The benefits are HUGE.  Benefit #1:  I have better odds of looking like a normal person at school today!

As for Phil, he was up for most of the night doing some fantasy sports draft.  I found him sleeping on the couch and sent him back to bed for a couple more hours!  That boy and sports, I tell ya!  I love him.  SO MUCH! 

OH, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!  Now to celebrate my sleeping victory with a SOLO cereal party (MISS YOU, SIBS!) and E! True Hollywood Story on B. Spears (my 10th or 11th viewing of this episode).

P.S.  Today is EMILY DAY!!!!!!!!

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR (DECAF) TEA.

*  I love that our tv guide is jam-packed with holiday movies right now.  Both Easter and Christmas films have filled our living room with JOY the last few days!

*  No luck on the jetlag front, although some improvement has been made - 2:30 a.m. is my current "fall asleep" time, which is MUCH better than the initial 5 a.m.

*  We've been BUSY, BUSY around here!  At home we're rearranging furniture, organizing (Phil's fave!), and purging (SHOUT-OUT to IAN & ALEX for the help!).  At school we've been putting up bulletin boards and setting up my classroom (SHOUT-OUT to PHILLIP for all HIS HELP!). 

*  The entire "Kuwait Family" is almost accounted for!  The Hussain's arrived this morning (HIP, HIP!) and Emily gets here tomorrow night.  I can't wait for all of us to be reunited once again!

*  Pregnancy update:  I have some serious aversions - meat of any kind, the smell of coffee, strong perfume scents - ICK!  I'm doing my best to ignore them, but at gatherings like this afternoon (a coffee date with the fam), it gets a wee bit tricky!!!  I've also been experiencing some random nosebleeds, dizziness, and back pain.  All minor....and in many instances, FUNNY :)

*   Phil's birthday is fast approaching.  He is really serious this year about NOT having a birthday dinner/party.  He won't even let me have people over for tea and cake!  And he also made a firm statement about NOT having an "un-birthday" party either.  Where's the fun in this?!!!  Perhaps he's saving all of his "birthday energy" for MY PARTY ;)  Haha.

*  Our first day of school (for staff only) is on Tuesday.  Coincidentally, Phil is also having his first basketball practice of the year that afternoon.  Keep in mind, the basketball season spans a period of 6 weeks in January/February.  That passion we've talked about before?  STILL THERE!!!! 

Okee dokee....I need to go DO SOMETHING before I end up comatose on the couch!  There's mopping to be done in the hallway and LOTS TO ORGANIZE in the apartment (according to a certain SOMEONE).

Hope all of you had a WONDERFUL weekend!!!
XOXO

Blame it on being OVERTIRED ;)

While struggling to get to sleep last night....

Lindsay:  If I can't sleep tonight, I'm gonna cry!

Phil:  NO..........NOT AGAIN!

Lindsay:  Again?  I haven't cried in a LONG TIME!

Phil:  You cried this morning.

Lindsay:  (pauses)  Oh ya!  But that was a LONGGGGGGG TIME ago!!!

NOT WORKING....

Any other suggestions?!

A Sleep Aid in DISGUISE?!

I'm sipping away on some hot cocoa made with MILK instead of water.  Inshallah, this pregnancy-friendly beverage will ease me into a long and restful sleep! 

But before I drift off into Dreamland, here are a few notes from our FABULOUS doctor's appointment this afternoon:

*  There's a NEW due date - February 10th!  This means that I'm actually 15 weeks and 4 days pregnant!
*  Contrary to the 15 pounds I thought I've packed on, it's only been about 4.  Perhaps I'm not as "HUMUNGOUS" as I think I am?! Haha. 
*  We heard Baby P's heartbeat for the very first time!!!  OH MY GOSH.  IT WAS INCREDIBLE!  I could have listened to that sweet sound all day long :)
*  Baby P is "a very active fetus".  The doctor kept giggling because our baby is already prepared for the next big Cirque de Soleil event! 

Okay ENOUGH!  If you read my post from earlier today, you're probably wondering THIS:  did they find out the sex of this wee babe? 

The answer?

WE THINK SO!  But due to Baby P's acrobatic routine,  we will not be 100% sure until our next appointment on September 13th.  Which means y'all will be kept in the dark for a few more weeks! 

Now, I better start crackin' on those "gender reveal" ideas..........

Shani, THE SAINT!

You've heard me rave about this woman before.  And now you're going to hear me rave about her AGAIN.

Shani is our cleaning lady.  And she is....a SUPERHERO.  A real one.  I swear to you.

Yesterday we arrived at our apartment at 7 a.m.  By 4 p.m., after Shani had finished work, she came over to our place to do even MORE work.  Allow me to elaborate:

She cleaned the entire inside of the fridge....and the microwave.  She took out all of our kitchen stuff and dusted every inch of the cupboards.  She washed all of the pots, pans, and appliances that were exposed to dust during the summer.  She washed the dirt and grime off both balconies.  Scrubbed all of the floors.  Washed the OUTSIDE of our 7th floor windows - risking her life at several points.  She dusted every single area and object in the living room - picture frames, books, and other decor.  She took away smells that were coming from the bathrooms.  She re-made our beds so that things were fresh and fluffy.

I could go on...............................and I WILL!

She said to me, "Miss Lindsay - what can I make for you to eat?"  So I told her about some of my aversions and within minutes she had a menu all ready for us.  On Saturday afternoon, she is bringing over spicy beans and garden salad with egg for me, chicken curry for Phil, and some white rice with nuts for the both of us!  WHAT A WOMAN!!!  A SUPERWOMAN!!!

I could go on.............................and I WILL!!!

I went to pay her for all of her hard work and she said "No, you just traveled and you need the money."  After I INSISTED she take it, she replied with, "No MISS!  You need to save for the baby!" 

I literally had to FORCE the money into her hands before she would accept it. 

I love her. 

Oh Shani.  Our Saint.  

HAPPY 15 WEEKS, BABY P!!!!

Here I am - 15 weeks preggo in my "dry-fit for the 40 degree walk to a taxi, long sleeve for the inevitably blasting AC inside the store, stretchy enough to accommodate my growing bump" grocery shopping outfit. I'm not sure these clothing items will be appropriate for that much longer....but for today, they seem to be working out just SWELL :)

So - I've been looking non-stop at some of the baby blogs I follow.....scanning for weekly "baby bump" shots in particular.  And here's the thing:  some people have absolutely NO SIGNS of BABY until much later on...until like weeks 20 and up!  What gives?!  I mean, I do agree that mine is becoming more adorable by the day, but STILL - I've had to purchase maternity clothes ALREADY for crying out loud!  Am I growing a SUPER-BABY?  A human baby?  Is there really only ONE in there?  I've been having crazy dreams about the doctor saying, "WHOOPS!  My error - you're having TWINS!"  But that could all be due to some anxiety about our 3:15 p.m. doctor's appointment today........

Ah, BEATS ME!  I keep reading that every pregnancy is different.  Even between first, second or third pregnancies in the SAME WOMAN - they are different.  So......as long as my diet isn't all donuts and Big Mac's.....and my daily routine doesn't involve sitting on the couch 24/7......I think everything will be A-OKAY - back pain and ALL!   

In the meantime, I'm working hard at finding "meat alternatives" for me and Baby P (for those of you who don't know, meat is OFF the menu for now).  Tonight we're having soft tacos for dinner.  Phil's will be of the traditional beef-filled variety.  As for me, I'm going to load up on the vitamin A and protein with some mashed sweet potato and kidney bean burritos (a former ELK LODGE favourite)! 

One hour to go until doctor time!  I feel like I'm a contestant being weighed in on The Biggest Loser.....HAHA.  And...you never know........MAYBE....just MAYBE.....we'll be able to find out if Baby P is a BOY or a GIRL!!!!

Always the optimist,

LINDS!
XOXO

Better Late Than Never.

While unpacking our suitcases......

Phillip:  Sometimes....because I'm O.C.D.....it just gives me more work to do.

Lindsay:  (bursts out!) REALLY?!  You're just having this epiphany NOW?!!! 

Prime and CURRENT Example:  He finds a business card during the unpacking process.  He goes to get his "business card folder" from its "spot".  Then he has to go through this folder to remove old, unwanted contact information.  Anything removed from the folder has to be ripped into tiny pieces.  Then thrown into the garbage.  Then he has to make sure that there are three specific groups of cards:  Canada, Kuwait, and International.  Then he decides he must rearrange the entire collection to leave no spaces between cards.

OH HUBS.  We'll be "unpacking" for days at this rate!  (Good thing I ADORE you!)

WE MADE IT!

Although neither of us slept a wink, we still managed to smile upon our 36 degrees Celsius arrival in Kuwait.  We are HOME!  Maybe not "home, home".....but still, HOME!  (Ya with me?)

It is so great to be back.  A couple of things worth mentioning:

1)  Patience is virtue.  We've been spoiled with REAL high speed internet for a couple of months now.  Our return has left me scratching my head and twiddling my thumbs between page loads.  Okay....so maybe I'm being dramatic...but it's not like LIGHTNING QUICK, I'll tell ya that much!

2)  Phil and I were both able to nap for four hours this morning (WOOT, WOOT!).  During my dreams, I was having non-stop visions of pigeons flying into the apartment via balcony door.  What's up with that?

3)  Our place seems MASSIVE due to the tiny wee space we rented during the summer months.  I mean....even our bed is MASSIVE.  We can sleep "together" without even touching.  It's HEAVEN!

4)  The filtered water is acting lazy....leaving little white chunks of SOMETHING with every turn of the tap.  We've let is run, rinsed out the filter, crossed our fingers.....NODDA.  Phil will be venturing out for a new filter soon!  (And groceries....INSHALLAH!)

5)   Many people have reported problems with their AC.  Phil tipped our superintendant EXTRA in June to ensure that he came in EVERY SINGLE DAY to check the state of ours.  So...I'm not sure if THAT is the reason for my state of near-hypothermia.....or if we just got "lucky" this year.  Regardless, I'm a popsicle.  You don't even want to know how much fleece I'm wearing this minute.  It's rather alarming considering the predicted high of 46 degrees this afternoon......

I'm thrilled that both the tv and interweb are up and running.  And that dust didn't take over the apartment (or dust of SERIOUS measure, at least!).  Shani is coming at around 2 o'clock to clean for us!  I can't wait to hug her and hear all about her summer in Sri Lanka!  We'll also be seeing the Huffho's later today.  And maybe even Sophia!

YIPPEE!!!!!  WELCOME HOME, US!!!!

Picking Names. Middle Ones.

During a serious discussion about baby names....

Lindsay:  I want the middle name of our baby to mean something.  So, if it's a girl, I'm thinking "Noelle".  It means "Christmas" in French!!!

Phil:  Absolutely not.  We're not giving our baby girl a French name. 

Lindsay:  But it's the middle name.  Which would never be used....except for by us!

Phil:  Lindsay...NO.

Lindsay:  (pause) What about Prancer?

Phil:  (no comment)

Lindsay:  FROSTY?! 

(long pause)

Lindsay:  (smiling) Hunnie....where's your holiday spirit?! 

4 MONTHS, 5 DAYS.

After expressing a random urge to "read the newspaper" in the past two days.....

Phil:  (laughing) Where is this coming from?  Why do you all of a sudden want to read the newspaper?  

Lindsay:  I'm not really sure...but in our last remaining days here, I'm upset that I didn't take advantage of current events...........in print sources!

Phil:  (shakes his head with a smile) Well the hotel should have some.

Lindsay:  (excitedly) Maybe there's one waiting outside of our door!!!  Ohhh....I will go check!  I feel like it's Christmas morning!!!

Phil:  Well...it's not really like Christmas morning....

Lindsay:  (opens up hotel room door)  THERE IS ONE!!!!  Ah - CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!

Haha.....I can't help it that I want my favourite holiday to be discussed as much as possible.  As for the newspaper, I haven't read it....yet.  But Phil has!  And I can tell that he is happier because of it :)  

P.S.  The hotel's shampoo smells like a Christmas candle!  You know those red, cinnamon-y and spice-y ones? 

A Nightmare, ON REPEAT!

Hoarders....Storage Wars....and now THIS?

While I respond to messages, plan for school, and exercise in the hotel room, Phil can be found glued to "Beyond Scared Straight" - a program about really naughty teenagers who visit jail in an attempt to redirect their future.  The worst part (besides the fear of one day being a parent to a troubled 13 year old), is that A&E seems to be hosting a "perma-marathon" of this show.  It's been on for every WAKING MOMENT of our stay at the Holiday Inn Express.  GAHHHH!  I can't seem to escape the haunting remarks that come from their "used to be sweet and innocent" mouths.  And the bleeping is as out of control as the kiddo's!!!!   

Thank goodness we don't get this station in Kuwait.......or else I'd be calling up our service provider and blocking it SO FAST! 

We'll be shuttling to JFK at 5 a.m. tomorrow morning.  Heaven help me if the airline's entertainment system includes B.S.S. 

A VERY HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

Today - while wearing my nonrestrictive, cozy & stretchy maternity track pants - the gentlemen working at airport security asked me with confidence, "have you picked out any names yet?"

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, TODAY could very well be my graduation day.  From the grey zone.  The embarrassing zone.  The "she might just be chubby" zone.   

Hallelujah!!!  I think the "She IS Pregnant" era has arrived!!!!

P.S.  FOUR MONTHS until my birthday!  [Yes, I know Phil's is only about two weeks away, however he'd rather us not discuss it ;)  Direct quote from him, "You're NOT throwing me a birthday party."  As a rather straightforward character, I'm not sure I should push this one.....although I want to SO BADLY!!!]

Wardrobe UPDATE!

BIG NEWS!  Today I purchased maternity clothes for the first time ever!!!  Yes, this growing bump is so ready to be dressed up (thanks to the kind and helpful staff at Thyme Maternity)!  My shopping focus was "work-wear" - dress pants, skirts, blouses, etc. - as I hope to maintain a certain level of professionalism (and CUTENESS!) throughout my pregnancy.  Some of the items (e.g. tops) will have to wait a WEE BIT LONGER before they're charmingly wearable....but the skirts and pants are definitely ready for use!  Ahh - I can't wait to get myself into that one pair of stretchy sweats for tomorrow's flight.  I think my go-to Lulu's are on the OUTS.....

Back to the packing.....we got a late start because we've been out at "The Balmy Beach Club" with the neighbours.  Thank goodness "Titanic" is on tv....that should give us a good five billion hours of entertainment whilst we tend to this dreading task.  

NIGHT ALL!
xo

HOME SWEET HOME - HUNTING

Phil and I have gotten REALLY serious about this whole "being an adult" thing in the past two years.  We paid off our students loans.  Got a coffee maker (extra points for this move!).  Started our retirement fund.  Began going to bed at 8 p.m.  Now we're expecting a baby (HOORAY!) and.......................................HOME-HUNTING!!!!!!  Mmmm hmmmm.....we're BIG TIME GROWN-UP'S ;)

Anyways, it's about time we find a place of our own to enjoy during the summertime.  Phil's dream location would be somewhere in Thunder Bay...probably beside Uncle Byron on Lake Superior.  Mine would be somewhere urban I think.....where we can walk to everything that we need!  But, since I'm not willing to be in Thunder Bay all summer long (away from all of MY PEEPS!) and Phil's not willing to be in a city near every amenity you can think of....we had to come to a compromise.  His request is that we purchase somewhere on the lake....with trees and nature around.  As for me, I have two key requirements: to be close to Dad's house and to be able to secure an internet connection of considerable speed.  I think we found the perfect solution!  

While in Lakefield this week, we met with a realtor and went to see eight waterfront properties in the Kawartha Lakes area.  The area seemed to suit the both of us and of the eight places we saw, three had some Parkinson family potential!  In fact, the one evening Phil called to make an offer on one of the properties!!!  The whole process was rather scary, then exciting, then disappointing, and then frustrating.  Someone had called to put an offer on the same place that very morning!  Apparently they have first dibs, since their offer was accepted conditionally.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that MAYBE, JUST MAYBE it doesn't work out for the other buyers!  But if it does, I know there will be something EVEN BETTER waiting for us in the future :)   (<--- Phil's not so optimistic!)

Throughout the whole home-hunting process, we had two all-star inspectors with us (Dad and Julie!) who helped to tell us what to look for as they crawled under, over, and through anywhere and everywhere.  They were a HUGE help and we wouldn't have had a CLUE what we were doing if they weren't with us!  So - THANK YOU GUYS!!!  We really appreciate all your help!!!

Okee dokee, we're off to make some less serious purchases!  It's our final day in Canada and we're doing some last minute shopping, then packing it up! 

Enjoy your SATURDAY!!!  :)

For Emily, as PROMISED:

Introducing the "is she chubby or is she pregnant?" stage!  Some of you have been far too kind, insisting that I fit in with the latter of the two options.  Thanks for that!

Grow BABY grow!  We already love you SO MUCH!

Do Weird Things Come in TWO'S?

It's a question raised by the following two happenings: 

1)  At the start of the week I tripped TWICE within 30 seconds.  On a flat surface.  A smooth surface.  A "you are never, ever gonna trip on this" kinda surface.  Yet, I did.  And Phil was worried.  After a double-check for untied shoelaces (NEGATIVE!), he asked if I should sit down for a while and take a rest.  But that's what we'd been doing for the previous two hours at the movie theatre.  I was rested and GOOD TO GO! 

2)  Yesterday afternoon, a bug flew directly into my eyeball.  It caused me to pause, squint in horror, and recall why the woods and I don't always get along.  Dad helped me get it out.  Fast forward to FIVE MINUTES LATER.  Same thing happens.  A bug flies right into the SAME EYEBALL!  And it was a different bug.  Because the first one was a gonner.  This time Phil was the one who came to my rescue.  The bug was removed from my eye and I hopped into the car - fingers crossed that I'd be protected on the inside.  

Both events were strange and embarrassing.  Which is why I'm hoping the ODD-NESS stops here.  At least for the rest of the week.  I'm overtired and sappy as it is.  Any more weirdness could lead to a crazy-pregnant-lady breakdown in public.  And I'm afraid such a scene will attract those "stranger magnets" I discussed in the last post.  

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR (DECAF) TEA.

*  You'll notice I've changed the name of this feature post and I have to admit that even the modification is a bit of a lie.  I haven't had tea of ANY SORT since my stomach turned in NYC at week 6!  Alas, "if you were here for a glass of 1% white milk" just doesn't have the same ring to it.....

*  Summer television has been much more drab since the ending of the Olympics coverage.  When Bachelor Pad and Big Brother become the programs you follow religiously, the situation is NOT GOOD.

*   On Monday night we went out for one last dinner with Phil's Dad.  We were meeting to return the cell phone he lent us, but Dad surprised us with a pre-paid postage envelope so we could keep the phone with us until we left!  It was INCREDIBLY THOUGHTFUL of him!  Even MORE THOUGHTFUL......I found butterfly stickers inside the envelope....FOR ME!  Thank you for dinner and the use of the mobile over the summer!!! WE LOVE YOU!  XOXO

*  We took our first trip to a maternity clothing store!  I responded to the lady's "can I help you?" with "yes, I'm pregnant".  To this she replied, "OH I KNOW, HUNNY!  YOU'VE POPPED GIRLFRIEND!!!"  I remain skeptical about this "popping business" because I feel like I'm in that oh-so-awkward "is she chubby or is she pregnant?" phase.  I will post a picture soon for you to decide.  (And I won't be offended!).  For the record, no maternity clothing has been purchased to date :)

 *  The other day Phil took me to see "Hope Springs".  It was a great movie and we felt right at home with our fellow viewers ;)  Although, as the youngest attendees, we did need to shield our ears from the excessively elevated volume.  

*   Our visit with Tayls and Joycie was WONDERFUL :)  We did arts and crafts, had an all-girls tea party, played a hilarious game of "guess that animal", participated in a funny-face photo shoot (compliments of Joyce), and enjoyed some good ole pizza!  Tayls sent us off with two baby books - one for mama's (ME!) and one for papa's (PHIL!).  I am 60 pages into mine, Tayls!  THANK YOU!! XOXO

*  Do you know what we watched the first night at my parent's house?  HOCKEY.  I swear, if there's a hockey game on, this family is the first to locate it!  

*   Our friend Alex put it best - there is a magnet between a stranger's hands and a pregnant lady's baby bump.  The "how many strangers have touched my belly" tally is at TWO.  It's weird.....and that value is bound to increase as the weeks progress!  Hmmm....I'm pretty sure I was on the "stranger" side of things at one point in my life - touching random bellies without even thinking! 

 *  MORE PRESENTS.  Yes, we got MORE.  We've been spoiled....or "Baby P" has been spoiled....with an adorable Canadian onesie (his/her nationality will NOT be mistaken with the current wardrobe!), as well as some Canadian animal finger puppets to be placed in our "around the world" nursery!!!  Thank you Dad, Julie, Graeme and Aubrey!!!  XOXO

*  Peanut butter cup smores (a better name is in the works!) were tested by SIX individuals at the Hoit residence last night.  The entire team expressed great satisfaction with the creation, noting an enhanced experience only with the presence of a certain DANA HOIT.  (We missed you!)  Will we ever be able to eat those "usual" smores again???

*  Yesterday afternoon we met Sara at Chapters.  She had a BIG SURPRISE for us - her niece ADELE!  Finally - I got to meet this famous little person.  She was so jolly and interesting to watch.  As for Sara, her conversation topics were kickin' ;)  Baby P was spoiled some more with a yellow-ducky-blanky-thingy (oh gosh....what's the name of it???).  Thank you Sara!!!  XOXO

Happy 14 weeks, Baby P!  26(ish) more to go!!! 

HERE COMES THE BOOM!

This one looks REALLY GOOD!!!!

CHARACTER > PODIUM

I cannot believe this FRONT PAGE HEADLINE on the Toronto Sun today.   

Of all the things that could have been featured the day after the 2012 Olympics, those words - "Canada's medal hopes fall short" - are the ones chosen for the cover?

I'm appalled.  Here's why:  

Paula Findlay finished last in the women's triathalon.   She was in TEARS apologizing to Canada for "letting them down".  Well, you know what?  She fought through emotional and physical pain to get to that finish line.  In doing so, she taught our nation about PERSEVERANCE. 

Jared Connaughton stepped on the line during the 4 by 100m relay.  This caused the team to be disqualified from the competition, losing their bronze medal.  What did he do?  He took complete ownership for breaking the rules of the sport.  With that, he taught our nation about RESPONSIBILITY.

Alexandre Despatie smashed his head during a dive in Madrid this past June.  His concussion led to three weeks of missed practices and some feared he wouldn't be ready for London 2012.  But he told them otherwise.  Finishing 11th in the 3m springboard final, Alexandre taught us about COURAGE. 

These are just three examples of outstanding character that make me PROUD to be CANADIAN.  And guess what?  I COULD GO ON.   

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our athletes!!!!  You represented our country with CLASS!!!

I HATE GOODBYES.

Hate them.  I'm fine once I get to where I need to be.  But that period of transition - the constant "farewells" leading up to a departure......those?  I DETEST.  They make me feel sick to my stomach.  Anxious.  And just plain old SAD. 

You'd think that four years of practice would make the matter a tad bit easier.  But, no.  Each and every goodbye remains as difficult as the previous one. 

It's not nice. 

It's HORRIBLE.

However, it is the life that we choose.

So......to ease my own sorrows, I thought a "WHAT I REALLY MISS ABOUT KUWAIT" list would be appropriate for the occasion - a small reminder as to what awaits us on the flip side of "SEE YA LATER"....

THE LIST:

*  Shani, our maid.  And not just because she irons our clothes, mops the floors, and makes delicious food.  But because she is SO SWEET and wonderful.  She always makes us smile, even when we walk in the door exhausted at 7 p.m.

*  SCHOOL.  Lame, I KNOW!  But I really do miss it.  I love meeting my students, watching them grow, and cheering them on.  I can't wait to see how much my grade 6's from last year have changed!  I'm also excited for Sports Day and spirit days!!! 

*  Maneesh, our DVD man!  He has perfect timing.  It will be 6 p.m. on a Friday night and we're dying for a new selection of movies to choose from.  Then we hear the doorbell!  And it's HIM!  He just KNOWS. 

*  OUR BED.  OUR GLORIOUSLY LARGE, KING SIZE BED.  The one that allows us to sleep together without touching.  It's the best.  OH.....WE MISS IT!

*  The Hussain's - right across the hallway!  Did something funny just happen?  Do we need to borrow an egg?  Are they thirsty for a cup of tea too?  Having them within walking distance is SUPER DUPER.  We really do feel like family. 

*  The Huffho's - who will be ONE FLOOR UP next year!  They are silly and fun and always a welcome knock on the door.  

*  EMILY!  During the year, I see her EVERY SINGLE DAY!  During the summer?  NOTTA!  I think we have too much to talk about for this Skype chat nonsense.  I can't remember what any of our material is.....but I do know that it's A LOT!  Haha.

*  Pat and Kelly.  Pat's sweetness and delicious cooking.  Kelly's joking and story-telling.  They will be living in a different building next year, but their balcony (and BBQ!) will be sure to draw in the crowds ;)

*  Basketball season!  It doesn't actually start for MONTHS, but Phil will begin practicing the first week of school and I just love seeing him and Steve Q. do their thing :)

*  The Avenues.  Not that I need to purchase anything.  Not that I've been mall-deprived.  I just love our Friday morning, mall-going culture.  A coffee, a chat, and a good stroll.  I LOVE IT!

*  MONEY.  Let's face it - it's something we all need!  Our students loans are gone and now we're saving up for a "recreational property".  Living where we do, with the jobs that we have, we are lucky to have the chance to bank some moula ;)  But I suppose what I really miss this summer is our "FUN MONEY" - money earned through extra hours of tutoring.  My wallet has not seen the same cash flow it's become accustomed to! 

Although it might not be complete, this list sure is a good start!  I hope our Kuwait family reads this post with a smile, as they are reminded of the things that keep them going back each year.  We're all in this TOGETHER!  And that should make the end of summer a little less sappy.

INSHALLAH......

UNO WEEK-O!!!!!

My gosh.

In ONE WEEK we leave Toronto for NYC!  Then it's two short nights at the Holiday Inn Express before departing for Kuwait. 

Here's what this week's schedule looks like:

TODAY:  Breakfast with Steve and Nicole, Closing Ceremones @ 4p.m. (WOOT, WOOT for SINCLAIR!)

MONDAY:  Doctor's Appt. #1, meet Dad P for dinner

TUESDAY:  Doctor's Appt. #2, drive to Lefroy to see Tayls and Joycie, drive to Lakefield to see the Hoit crew (including AUBREY!!!!)

WEDNESDAY:  Be REAL adults and tour properties with a realtor for the first time EVER

THURSDAY:  Enjoy the day on Clear Lake, drive back to Toronto to return the car

FRIDAY:  Shop for last minute necessities, PACK

SATURDAY:  (repeat of Friday)

SUNDAY:  GOODBYE TORONTO!!!!!!!!!!!

If you'd like to squeeze in a little bit more time with us, let us know and we'll see what we can work out!  Otherwise, we can thank the interweb for allowing us to have almost-in-person conversations when we're actually thousands of kilometers apart. 

DAY TRIPPERS!

Yesterday.....all my troubles seemed so far away we went to see the musical "Backbeat" with Dad and Julie at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.  Although my first show of choice was "Beauty and the Beast", Backbeat proved to have some catchy tunes and enough of a love story to keep my interest throughout!  Did you know that there was a "BEATAL" named Stuart?  And another named Pete?  Well, I DO NOW!!!  The storyline highlighted the group before "Beatlemania" hit the world, filling us in on how they COME TOGETHER! came together and worked their way to BIG-TIME stardom.  The ending may have been the best part.  Not because it was over - but because the whole crowd got up to dance as the band played some extra numbers!

Thanks Dad and Julie for the nice afternoon!  Perhaps we can see "The Book of Mormon" when it comes to Toronto next June!!!

BLISSWEAR.

This shoe is something I think you should purchase.  Especially if you're a teacher.  Especially if you're a teacher somewhere hot.  Especially if you're a teacher somewhere hot, at risk of a potential "overweight luggage" situation en route.

These babies are LIGHTWEIGHT and WASHABLE.  They BEND and SQUISH with resilience.  They are Heaven.  In a shoe.  They are.................SKETCHERS Go Walk shoes! 

Girlfriend's PROMISE - you'll LOVE THEM also :)

OH BROTHER, BIG BROTHER!

Ah - BROTHERLY LOVE.  Is there anything like it?

We had a great visit in Wheatley with the Parkinson family.  In addition to cooking up a storm (GO US!), many more happy memories were made during our three-day stay.  

*  Stephen and Phillip cooked hotdogs, roasted marshmallows, and played horseshoes in the rain.
*  The ladies ate SMORES - prepared by the brother duo!
*  We played with Oscar Boscar and watched him tear apart the brand spankin' new toy Grandma bought him.
*  The girls (Grandma, Mom P, Nicole and I) went out for lunch and then tackled some shopping in Kingsville.  I was spoiled with a new scarf from Grandma and Baby Parkinson was SUPER SPOILED with a "Sophie" toy from Mom P and a Canada hoodie from Grandma!!!
*  Phil went golfing with Stephen.  They got to eat poutine and grilled cheese too.  I know everything.
*  Phil, Stephen and Mom P had a grand old time on the deck while Grandma and I hit the hay.  I'm not really sure what they got up to.  But it did involve life jackets.  Sometimes it's best NOT to know EVERYTHING.
*  We went to the dentist - Phil's FAVOURITE ACTIVITY!  Our dental hygienist is somewhat of a BFF to us, so it was wonderful to see her and catch up :)
*  BIG BROTHER VIEWING!  It was the Parkinson's who got me hooked on this summer drama and it is the Parkinson's who continue to get me hyped up for each episode.  Nothing beats on-screen nonsense. 
*  OLYMPIC VIEWING!  We are so happy that Team Canada won the bronze medal in women's soccer.  Phil says our students will be SUPER IMPRESSED with our country!!

This morning we had to say farewell to Grandma and Mom P.  It was not a nice task.  Thank goodness Mom P ran out in the pouring rain with a box of "Kleenex Auto".  We sure did need it!  I think the words that choked us up were, "thanks for giving me the chance to be a Grandma."  Yep, that line had us crying a good way down the road!

We love you PARKINSON FAMILY!  Our time together was really special and we look forward to seeing you again SOON.  Yes, SOON.  Ten months goes by quickly.  Just ask Phil.  He claims we went from "not pregnant" to "second trimester" in a BLINK!  

MASTER CHEF: WHEATLEY!

Yesterday afternoon, Mom P and I teamed up to make the following three dishes from "The Oprah Magazine Cookbook":

1)  green pea and mint hummus with toasted pita triangles
2)  fried green tomatoes with homemade ranch dressing
3)  blueberry bumble

It was a lengthy process but a definite enjoyable one.  Each dish was DELICIOUS and well worth repeating in the future (right, TASTERS?!!!!).  Talk about SUCCESS in the KITCHEN!  That, my friends, is something that doesn't always happen.................for me ;) 

Shout-out to Grandma who volunteered herself for dish duty!  Our job would have been much longer without your hard work behind the scenes!!!

XOXO

"IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!"

Does this line sound familiar to you?  It comes from the baseball movie, "Field of Dreams", and in the circumstance that Phillip used it - the words STILL make me cry!

REWIND!

Some back story is required.  And you've been outta the loop.  Welcome back in. 

In May we were told that becoming pregnant might not happen for us.  (I won't get into details).  

Enter:  A BAZILLION TEARS.  I was heartbroken.  Did the doctor REALLY say that?  

I had been taking such good care of myself for over a year in preparation for BABY.  I had read two books about "pre-conception health" - making notes on what I needed to do to up our odds of both pregnancy and a healthy wee one.  I was eating lots of fruits and veggies, taking my vitamin, exercising, limiting caffeine, and getting lots of sleep.  I assumed my age was associated with PRIME baby-making potential yet, still.....I listened to those books and took each chapter's lessons as "ABSOLUTELY MUST-DO's", not just "SHOULD DO'S".

After some time, a few weird signs took me back to the doctor which led to the crushing news. 

Hmmm.  Now what? 

Earlier in the year, we had purchased a bunch of baby stuff from a colleague who was leaving Kuwait.  One of the items was a crib that Phil assembled while I was out one afternoon.  When I got home, still sad and depressed about my body's refusal to do what I dreamed of, Phil asked me to look around the house to spot a change.  I remember not really wanting to play this game.  I was in no mood for a scavenger hunt.  What I wanted was bed and a hot shower.  Nonetheless, I played his game and stumbled upon the crib in the spare room.  He looked at me and said, "if you build it, they will come."

Enter:  A BAZILLION TEARS.

I have the sweetest husband in the world.  And you know what?  HE WAS RIGHT!

Enter:  BABY PARKINSON!!!!!!!

THE SECRET IS OUT!

And thank GOODNESS for that!  Emily and I have a motto that "secrets don't make friends", but in THIS PARTICULAR CASE, the secret was MAKING A BABY.  It simply had to be kept! Or mostly kept.  Thank you to the FEW individuals who acted as the WORLD'S GREATEST SECRET KEEPERS!!!! 

Baby Parkinson is due to arrive on February 14th, 2013!!!  Yep, VALENTINE'S DAY!  I couldn't believe it when the doctor told me.  You know how much I LOVE that day.  And how much I LOVE "LOVE".  And FRIENDSHIP.  And GLITTER.  AND HEARTS.  AND PINK.  AND SPARKLES.

You get the idea  :)

There's so much to tell all of you and I don't know where to begin.  I think the best starting point is this:

WE ARE SO, SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today we get to see this CUTIE.

And I'm about ready to BURST with excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make that TWO THUMBS UP!

Despite the loss, the girls soccer team played their hearts out today. Especially this gal here - Christine Sinclair! She played with some serious fire in her eyes and it kept us glued to the television for the entire game.  (<------ With soccer, this NEVER happens!)

Way to go, TEAM CANADA!  Your efforts have already inspired many young soccer players across the country!  We'll be cheering you on in the bronze medal match!!!

Family Reunion in MIDHURST!

This was a two-day (and SUPER DUPER!) affair.  Here's the low-down:

DAY ONE:

YUMMY FOOD (mango salsa, broccoli salad, lemon meringue pie, etc.!). Olympic-viewing ("Bolt" is such an appropriate last name for that man!). A "GOOFY" washer horseshoes outfit (wish I had a picture).  Walking through the field.  Cheering on Coco's football skills.  Cousin time and late night chats.  Playing catch.  Catching up.   

DAY TWO:

A sunrise wake-up!  Walk with Dad and Coco.  Breakfast with the fam.  HOORAY FOR FRESH BLUEBERRIES!  And My Little Pony (haha).  More Olympics (of course!).  And then.........................................................an afternoon at HORSESHOE VALLEY RESORT!!!!!!!!!!!!  Shamefully, the latter activity is the only one that I captured on camera!  Here are some SNAPS from today's highlight:

Two of the tree-top trekkers!  They braved weird maneuvers, HEIGHTS, and zip lining through the forest!  WAY TO GO, TEAM!

"Coco the WONDER DOG"!!!!!  Yes, even Coco participated in our Horseshoe Valley adventure!  She appeared to be the star of the show - stealing hearts and making friends with every passerby.

Papa, Dad and I.  We opted for the Segway tour!  They weren't the sleek-looking machines I had pictured, but the big wheels led us to BIG TIME ADVENTURE (haha!) and we had a great time together. 

Family time is the best.  But this visit was ALL TOO SHORT.  Alas, c'est la vie.....

Thank you ALL for an ULTRA-STELLAR time together!
XOXO

Crafts, JUMPING, and MAX-Y, OH MY!

On Saturday morning, we endured the 5 km/hr movement down Hwy 400 to get to the touristy town of Wasaga Beach.  The good news is this: that part of the day (the much dreaded long weekend traffic!) was the only BAD POINT at all :)  We had a fabulous time with our nieces (Bianca and Liberty) and our nephew (wee little Max), as well as with Nan, Pop, Mom, Ange and Lauren. 

What do you think of these Martha-Stewart-like creations?!  Emily gave me a tutorial on how to make them and I'd say they turned out pretty darn SPECTACULAR!  Bianca and Liberty were TRUE EXPERTS at this crafty activity!

Where should I begin?  Mousey, mousey?  Cheesy, cheesy?  Horsey, horsey?  Kitty, kitty?  Crabby, crabby????  Ah- these three were on this trampoline on and off all afternoon - having a sweaty, BUT WONDERFUL, good time!  The sweetest parts were the girls' cries for "Uncle Phil" during his break times.  Haha.  My husband is the BEST.  OH I LOVE HIM! 

Here he is - the man of the afternoon!  Baby MAX!!!!  Talk about the world's HAPPIEST babe.  Ange says good karma gets you good kids.  Good advice - I'll make a memo and tuck that one away!

I should also mention that Nan, Pop and Mom made a delicious (and MASSIVE!) dinner for the crew.  Slider burgers, big burgers, fried onions, garden salad, roasted potatoes, and so on!  We were STUFFED - and then had to find room for some CAKE!!!!!  (Tough life, ya?!).  Haha.

It's hard to believe that the next time we see these kiddo's, Bianca will have a new range of gymnastics moves, Liberty will be finished her first year of school, and Max will be running around like crazy!!!

Ten months does that.

Ah, only a SHORT bit of time left until our Kuwait departure.  Thankfully, we're SOAKING UP time with some V.I.P.'s :)

LOVE YOU, WASAGA CREW!!!
XOXO

The Plan, STAN!

Starting tomorrow morning, we'll be renting a car for a week and heading out to see LOTS & LOTS of FAMILY!  This may mean minimal blog time, so I'll give you the low-down on our whereabouts for your keeping-up pleasure :)

August 4th - Visit in Wasaga Beach with Nan, Mom and the rest of the Gang!  I am excited to make cupcakes with our nieces (and cousin Lauren!) and I hope I get to hold that smiling baby boy Max again :)

August 5th and 6th - Family reunion at Nana and Papa's in Midhurst!  This means NEW TIME with many of them and MORE TIME with Graemey, Dad, Julie, and Megan!!!!  There will also be a treetop-trekking/alternate activities outing at Horseshoe Valley Resort  :)  

August 7th - Tea party with Taylor, Joycie and Mom!  Tayls and Joyce fly in from Newfoundland this day and are sweet enough to meet us for a quick cuppa something before they head home to bed!  Then it's off to Wheatley!!!

August 8th, 9th, 10th - ANOTHER visit with Grandma (minus the trip to Thunder Bay!).  She will be at the Parkinson residence all week and we are thankful to catch her for a round two!  We will also get to see Nicole - who we have yet to see during our time at home!  Can't wait!!!

August 11th - Dad and Julie are coming to Toronto!!! They are taking us to see the hit musical "Backbeat"!  WOO HOOO!!! 

We hope to squeeze in a little (or A LOT) of Olympics time in there too!  Living on replays is just NOT the same ;)

Track and field begins TODAY!  HOORAY!  Other than packing for our week-long excursion, you know where we'll be :)  Well, THAT and I really need a mani/pedi............

Let's Talk About the BEST EVER.....

A TOASTED English muffin - topped with KRAFT (and ONLY KRAFT!) peanut butter.  And not just a little bit of it.  The "best ever" requires for the peanut butter to fill absolutely every nook and cranny of that sucker!

Ah - TO DIE FOR!

ONLY THREE MORE WEEKS to enjoy it!  Shame, shame.

Tunisia Player Asks for Kobe's Autograph

Phil showed this clip to me yesterday. WATCH IT! It's only a few seconds long and it is GUARANTEED to make you SMILE!



Imagine this guy's dream came true AFTER losing to Team U.S.A. in the Olympics! The story gives me goosies!

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

*  How embarrassing is it to get a spontaneously massive nose bleed at a Thai restaurant - ruining their beautiful white linens and frightening the people around you?  PRETTY EMBARRASSING.  I found that out a few weeks ago, but "forgot" to share.  The restaurant's washroom was across the room, down a flight of stairs and in a freaky basement.  I tried to get there ASAP and after I had cleaned up, I returned to our table where a giant bag of ice had been left for me.....along with disposable napkins.  WEIRD, yet FUNNY. 

*  We are absolutely OLYMPIC CRAZY in this house!!!  As soon as we wake up each morning, we turn on the television and we plan our day around the events that we MUST see LIVE.  We are SO LUCKY to have the summer off!  Imagine - our life revolves around SPORTS COVERAGE! (P.S.  WAY TO GO TEAM CANADA!!!!)

*  Did Snoop Dogg really change his name to Snoop Lion?  That's strange.

*  Have you ever heard of a frozen yogurt place called "Yogurty's"???  A location just opened in the Beaches and we checked it out last night.  IT'S SO GOOD!!!!!!!!  Kuwait folks - think "Pinkberry" 2.0!  You can choose from amazing flavours (even peanut butter!) and the topping selection is endless.  Captain Crunch cereal?  Lucky Charms?  Cinnamon Toast Crunch?  Mini peanut butter cups?  LARGE peanut butter cups?  Reese's Pieces??!  Ahhhh!  Of course, the only one of us that took FULL ADVANTAGE of the selection was Phillip.  I kept things minimal with strawberry fro-yo and a couple of mini peanut butter cups!

*  Yesterday I set out on a serious mission to get a hair cut.  I think we stopped by FIVE places.  Oddly, two were closed for "unforeseen circumstances", one was closed for "renovations" and the other two said "OPEN" but remained LOCKED SHUT!  Hmmmm......is a higher power telling me to keep these locks long?  Cuz they are truly dying for a trim!!!!

*  Have you seen that new McDonald's commercial?  For some Bistro chicken or something?  Well, it's DARN catchy and every time it comes on, we feel the need to get our groove on.  McDonald's has OFFICIALLY done something "HEALTHY" by encouraging dance via advert! HOORAY!

*  Is it REALLY August?  REALLY?!  WOWZERS!!!!  Summer always seems to fly by faster than any other time of year.  I have to admit though - we DO REALLY MISS Kuwait in some ways.  We miss our apartment.  Our massive bed.  Our Kuwait family.  Phil misses basketball like crazy.  And I'm getting a little anxious to get back into unit planning.  I have some good ideas going on!

Speaking of school, this afternoon we are headed out to a book store (inshallah!) to find myself some storybooks that I intend to use in my lessons this year.  I love the combination of picture books and SCIENCE!!!  The kids seem to too.

Keep working your inner OLYMPIC cheerleader, eh?!  And ENJOY today's coverage!!!!
XOXO 

I'm NOT Being DRAMATIC.

I've been eating lots of onions this summer.  I love them.  Raw.  Fried.  Whatever.  I love them.

Phil.  He hates them.  A LOT.  Especially the smell.  Which I never really understood........until the last 24 hours.

So - I purchased an onion yesterday afternoon.  It APPEARED TO BE normal - the same kind I always get.  A red one.  A delicious-looking one.  A SO-READY for my toasted tomato sandwich one. 

When we got home from the store, I cut it up - eager to eat my summery supper.  Something I've been eating everyday for the past week, at least.  During the preparation process, very rarely do I get NON-STOP tears that stimulate MORE tears because my eyes are burning so badly.  But it happened.  Yesterday.  Odd, but the tears subsided and I enjoyed a delicious sandwich.  I thought nothing more of it. 

A post-dinner walk ensued. 

DUN, DUN, DUN.  

And then we came home from our stroll.  And......

OH MAN, OH MAN!!!!!

You would NOT believe the SMELL OF OUR APARTMENT!!!!!  AHHHHH!!!!  It was the GROSS-EST, SMELLIEST, MOST UNBEARABLE, ONION-SCENTED ABODE you could ever conjure up!  We were both gagging as we searched for the remnants of "THAT ONION".  Phil started flapping the apartment door, turned the fan onto ULTRA-HIGH, and Febreezed over and over until the smell was STINKY ONION + CLEAN LINEN and I had to beg him to stop. 

Gag, gag, gag.

We washed off any dishes that may have had that poisonous juice on it.  I made sure the remainder of the onion had been sealed away and stored safely in the fridge (which it had been).  And Phil took out the compost to dispose of the "skin and bones".

Ah - RELIEF came in 30 minutes.  Finally.  Who cares that the open-door technique led to a buzz of mosquitoes around the room.  We were rid of that NASTY, NASTY smell and life was good again.

TO SLEEP WE GO. (Buzzzz, SWAT, HAHA).

Fast forward to this morning.  I pour myself some cereal.  Open the fridge door to get out the milk.  And.....

BAM!!!!!!!!!!  "THAT ONION" hits again!!!!!!!!!

The gagging returned!  The Febreeze came back out!  The door flung open!  The fan turned to HIGH!  And Phil..........

.....he threw the entire onion in the garbage.  In the OUTSIDE garbage.  For good.  

Phil says, and has ALWAYS SAID, that any vegetable that makes you cry is a clue that they are BAD NEWS.

He rests his case.

 Is this the start of my ONION-LESS life?  Maybe.