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!!!!!!!