Under The Sea.

This is how we spent our lazy Saturday afternoon - at the Scientific Center's Aquarium! We made the trip with a colleague and his family and - let me tell you - sharks never STOP being cool. If it weren't so bustling with people, we could have sat in peace and found our zen for the week ahead! There is something so calming about watching marine life pass by......

Our First "BIG" Event!

Here it is - another soiree to add to the oh-so-eventful "Kuwait" memories we've been building.....

On Thursday evening, we attended a "farewell party" for a Pakistani couple who have lived in Kuwait for three decades! We didn't actually know the couple, but we had an "in" with a colleague at work and she invited us to experience her culture in a fancy setting! The party was held in a special room at the Crowne Plaza and we were lucky to be seated at a table with the Brit's, our American neighbours, and an American girl who teaches at our school, too. The food was delicious and on-going (we were informed that they LOVE to feast!) and the games were full of excitement and competition (Richard won chocolates in an altered version of the well-known game of BINGO).

Later in the night (in addition to MORE and MORE food....and encouragement to eat it), they played Pakistani music from the 60's and we all had a good laugh over being the only table who couldn't follow along with the lyrics (handed out to all guests in Urdu). A microphone was being passed around throughout the sing along and different people took turns blurting their heart out to their childhood music. Richard and Phil were disappointed that the much-anticipated karaoke took the format of traditional songs, as they had been practicing "Don't Stop Believing" and other Glee Soundtrack favourites on the cab ride there. Oh well, Jenny and I considered it a positive thing for both our marriages and for the Ambassador of Pakistan, who was also in attendance that evening.

At the end of the evening, each table was asked to recite the poem they wrote to the departing couple. Phil didn't want to take the credit for being the author of such brilliance (really - he's my ROMEO!), so I had the pleasure of sharing it with the crowd. I think they appreciated our effort in making the most of a goodbye party for strangers!

Once that was finished, we (the cool ones) rode the space-ship like elevators a few times before hopping into a cab home and calling it a night.

Here are some photos from our night of SPLENDOR:


FEATURED ABOVE: Two ladies enjoying some "SUPER-DUPER-MOCKTAILS" - a very pretend 'daquiri' and an even-more pretend 'mojito'.

FEATURED BELOW (on purpose): Two men forbidden from even a mocktail. This is what a "too-outrageous-already" companionship does to you. "Just SIT and be QUIET!"

Things that are bothering me....

1) AY AY AY! I have never seen so much fast food consumed by school children......EVER. Healthy eating does not seem to be a priority in this place and it makes me want to scream when I link this to obesity rates and type 2 diabetes. YEESH - it is tough to see the preventable.

2) SLOW THE HEK DOWN! What's the rush?! Why not take the foot off the pedal a smidgen and save lives while you're at it? JEEZ.

3) Trips to the "female" doctor? Hmmm - only if you're married. Because why would a SINGLE woman require medical attention....down there? GAHHHHH.

4) PLEASE and THANK YOU. Two little words that take two little seconds....or less! Does money eliminate manners? It seems to. Here.

5) Take care of your belongings. Be sad when they break. Not everyone can just "buy another one".

Sorry. I feel better now.

P.S. the lemon is a meditative link for certain readers ;)

Necessities.

While browsing the "Office Depot"....

Lindsay: Phil - I NEED these. (Shows Phil a box of Crayola Mini-Stampers - "Expressions" Edition)

Phil: What are they for?

Lindsay: Hun, they are mini-stampers. And these ones are particularly handy for "expressing yourself".

Phil: Okay...but what are you going to use them for?

Lindsay: For expressing myself, of course. Let's say I wanted to write my Daddy a letter.....I would write "Dear Daddy (smile mini-stamper), I (eye mini-stamper) love (heart mini-stamper) you very much (exclamation point mini-stamper)." Do you get it?

Phil: Alright....if you NEED them.

Five hours later, while making a calendar for the month of October....

Lindsay: (Speaking loudly, out-loud, on purpose) Hmmm...October 22nd.....Kuwait Little Theatre to see "Mad Musical" (music note mini-stamper). Ohhhh - October 25th.....our four month anniversary (heart mini-stamper).

Phil: (laughing)

Lindsay: (also laughing) I just want you to know that I told you so!

Phil: I'm glad you're having fun!

BOB THE BUILDER.

Ah - my hubby's new name. He has been in our living room BUILDING THINGS all day long! Thanks to his hard work and dedication to (baha) my "bathroom renovation project", we have two fancy white cabinets (a his and a hers) to organize our getting ready/cleaning up items.

Good job, love. Now - onto my "bedroom enhancement project".....I'd like "us" (baha) to start it tomorrow....

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

To stay in tune with Kuwaiti culture, Phil and I have made "going to the mall" a weekly event (recall: SHOPPING is a recreational event here. It is number two after camping with satellite dishes............and there is no number three.). Every Friday morning (when the traffic is nice and....SAFE!), we journey to the Avenues for some "Starbucks-in-hand" people-watching (last week we watched a fairly accurate representation of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE - LIVE), some big-time grocery shopping (watch-out CARREFOUR, we have a long list this week!), and some "the house could really do with one of these" browsing around (my focus this week is: bedroom and bathroom items). We often consider sleeping in and skipping this outrageous tradition, but always stick to the plan and get excited to head out the door.

Today I am particularly eager to shop around because we are also on a hunt for Halloween costumes! With no "thrift shop" to resort to, this year may take the lead in "costumes that required the most effort" (haha, either through extra tutoring or creative arts and crafts!). On that note, Survivor has concluded and Phil is encouraging me to hop in the shower!

HELLO AVENUES! HERE WE COME!!!!!

Friday BLISS.

Right now, Phil and I are sitting side-by-side, drinking vanilla tea and enjoying some fresh banana bread. He is following "Survivor" on the t.v. and I am reading comforting messages from home.

I couldn't be happier.

Team "D" Tuesday, Week #8

In honour of THANKSGIVING, we ask you to check out our "THANKS" tab! Here, you will find the names of the individuals who have so kindly supported TEAM DIABETES! Your name can be there too! Visit our "Team Diabetes" page to make a donation!!!

Teach THIS!

During an economics class on consumerism....

CONVERSATION ONE:

Teacher: What things did you have to consider before buying your Bulgari watch?

Student #1: Bulgari or Rolex?

Teacher: Okay...looking back at your purchase, are you satisfied with it?

Student #1: No. I should have taken the Rolex. It was more glittery.

Teacher: (no comment).

CONVERSATION TWO:

Teacher: Alright, let's hear from someone else. What things did you have to consider when purchasing your new Mac?

Student #2: Nothing...

Teacher: Well - were you replacing an old computer?

Student #2: No.....I just wanted the newest one.

WHAT do you say in these situations?! Haha.....we are in ANOTHER WORLD over here!

A Queen and Her "King".

While trying to fall asleep in the new bed......

Phil: Lindsay......we have a KING SIZED BED and I have the same amount of room I had with the double!

Lindsay: Yes....because you like to sleep in a ball. If we got an even bigger bed, you would STILL sleep in a ball. I like to maximize my comfort. I take advantage of the space that is available to me....YOU DON'T!

Phil: That's because I can't!!!

Lindsay: Don't be silly. Goodnight hunnie.