Friday the 13th.

If someone asked me, "are you superstitious?", I would very promptly respond with a "NO!". Superstition is just a silly mind game, isn't it?

Well - it turns out that I am a LIAR. As soon as I figured out that TODAY would be THIS DATE, I freaked. I thought of everything we are supposed to do today, everything that could go wrong with everything we are supposed to do today, and, basically, decided that going NOWHERE would be the best idea. (I especially think it is the best idea, because going nowhere ultimately translates into "staying in Lefroy with Tayls and Joyce"). Unfortunately, I have already slept through a goodbye with Scott, been ignored and outcasted by our niece, and am feeling the effects of a looming "G-word". Maybe it doesn't matter where you are....the day just GETS YA! That being said, I'm praying for a safe drive to the Parkinson residence and AVAILABLE tickets to the opening night of EAT PRAY LOVE!

To all of you - please stay safe on this day of superstition!

Sometimes, you just need to PLAY!

Yesterday we made our way to Lefroy for one final visit with Taylor, Scott and Joyce. It was a pretty emotional drive up - with two cries pre-Vaughn Mills Mall, one cry AT Vaughn Mills Mall, and a long, "I need Kleenex" cry down the 400 North. Poor Phil - he is just so sensitive during our final days in Canada. BAHA - ya right! It is obvious that I'm the sobbing one in the story. Anyways, the point is this: I just DO NOT want to say the "G" word. Nor the "F" word (farewell), or the "S" phrase (so long). I don't want to bring up the alligators or the crocodiles. I want nothing to do with it. Childish, right? Maybe.

It turns out that being "childish" is exactly what got me out of the slump and back into the groove. Last night's trip to the park worked like a charm! We played on the swings, collected rocks, drove a flashy red car, screamed down the slide, and splashed around at the beach. My only concern is when the effects will wear off. Hopefully we don't have to find an "emergency playground" on the way to Wheatley this afternoon. Poor Phil - his wife is so sensitive during our final days in Canada.

An A & C Philosophy.

Following an argument,

Phil: I'm sorry, hun.

Lindsay: Me too. But I'm happy it was only a squabble.

Phil: What's a squabble?

Lindsay: It's like a scribble in colouring. A minor tour outside of the lines. You just get back in there and re-focus.

Phil: You and your arts and crafts references! Ya, I'm glad it was just a scribble too!

A Canine Debut.

Introducing Coco - my beautiful, lovable, Lakefield "puppy" dog that has yet to be featured on The Pearl Curriculum. (Shameful, right?!) How could we possibly forget about a puppy so Clifford-like?! I mean, even with our eyes closed, she is always present with her tip-tapping on the hardwood floors, slobbery "wake up and play" kisses and "rub my belly, please" vocals. Did I mention that she is STILL a puppy? BECAUSE SHE IS....and a growing one TOO! Welcome to the blog, Coco!

More Strict, Indeed!

As Ramadan approaches, I have been looking into how celebrations in Kuwait may vary from the ones we are familiar with in Egypt. My early research tells me that the major difference is the "no eating or drinking in public" law that is being enforced by the Kuwaiti government. Although we respected the daylight fasting of our friends and colleagues in Egypt, we were never forbidden to eat or drink in public areas. In Kuwait, if a citizen or expat is caught doing either, they could face a fine of 100 KD, one month in jail, or be deported to their home country! I suppose we will have to be extra-conscious of this when we arrive - unless a return ticket to Canada is what we are hoping for! We've heard that public picnics have gotten foreigners "home sweet home" in the past...

Lightbulb Moments.

You know when you have a REALLY, REALLY good idea, but you have to take a breather, think it through, and make sure it will all work out? Well - Phil and I have one of those right now. If the idea proves reasonable, you'll be hearing about it soon! Stay tuned.

A Darling Place for Reunions :)

This picture was taken today at the Kawartha Coffee Company. To me, it is the most whimsical place to catch-up with friends! We have been here twice now, both times with the same great gal who we see on occasions extra-special to us. Perhaps that is part of it's charm, but in our own fancy nook, with a warm cup of tea and a blueberry scone, the place is pure MAGIC! If you are ever near the sweet town of Bobcaygeon, make it a must-go-to on your itinerary!

WOO HOO!!!!

Our VISA's have arrived from the Kuwait Embassy!!! They are secured in our passports and ready for our departure on August 26th! Until then, we are PUBLICLY holding hands AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

Our Niece "Joycicle"

We spent the last few days in Lefroy and were lucky to stay with Lindsay's sister Taylor, her boyfriend Scott, and their beautiful daughter (and our amazing niece!) Joyce.

I wasn't sure how I would respond to having a niece, as being the youngest in my family hasn't offered much practice. I had only ever held one or two other babies in my day, and I'm often bothered by the screams of infants on airplanes and in other public areas.

What I didn't realize was how different it can be when the young one is someone you have an attachment to. I am absolutely in love with "Joycicle", and could spend entire days watching her. I'm always smiling or laughing when she is around.

She has recently developed her own unique personality, and this includes laughing on command, being the world's greatest dare-devil, and flirting with those she is interacting with. She grows and changes so quickly that even if you are away from her for a week it seems as though a different child is before you. One of the saddest parts of moving back overseas is that we won't see her until our return.