It's The Weekend!!!

Since Lindsay and I will be busy with end of the year exams, and some travelling in the next couple of weekends, I'm extra excited that Thursday is finally here! Here is the agenda for our weekend (At least until Lindsay edits my plans :)

1. 6 Mile Training Run (To be completed tonight)
2. Television Watching
3. Movie Watching
4. Nap
5. Eat
6. Repeat (minus #1 on list)

Here's to hoping it's a lazy weekend!!!

The Embassy.

Most people have the impression that going to their embassy in a foreign country is a welcoming experience. You know, one where you feel comforted by fellow Canadians that are going through the same "living abroad" experience. Many would expect a welcoming "HELLO!", the friendly "what is the weather back home like?" talk, or at the very least that characteristic Canadian smile that appears when you meet fellow Canadians around the world.

NODDA.

Phil and I were there yesterday for what we would call a very opposite experience. Our embassy greeted us with an un-welcoming (and harsh!) "what do you need?", an un-friendly (and condescending) "we can't help you" talk, and an un-smile that appears when you hate your job.

If it weren't for that "Pub Night" invitation we received this morning, their awful first impression would have stuck! Giving them the benefit of the doubt, we must have caught them on a bad day!

"Howe" Do You Do?

A couple of weeks ago I got an email from my Dad that was filled with exciting news, and seemed to represent the greatest single day in his life. That's right, it trumps his wedding day, and the days me and my brother were born! My Dad got to spend his day at work hanging out with his hero, Gordie Howe!!!

Like me, my father has been a dedicated Detroit sports fan his entire life, and over the years he has collected loads of memorabilia (specifically that of Gordie Howe) to decorate his office. The other morning (without warning) there was a knock on his door, and in walked "Mr. Hockey" himself.

It was great to imagine how happy this must have made my old man, and I couldn't help but brag about his chance meeting to anyone that would listen here in Egypt. He talked hockey, got some memorabilia signed, and even got a picture with Gordie Howe giving him a headlock.

I'm glad you got to spend such a great day with your hero Dad! I can't wait to be home in a month to spend a day with my hero, sitting on the deck, drinking a beer, and watching the boats drive by on the Lake!

A New Passion...

Well it looks as though Lindsay's "passion" for breakdancing finally has a worthy competitor. Recently (through one of her many google searches) Lindsay has been putting her attention in the direction of Photography Contests. The irony of her recent discovery is that both of our handheld digital cameras have recently gone on the "Injured Reserve" with some technical difficulties. However, due to some great pictures that were previously taken, she has furiously tried to meet deadlines in all sorts of competitions trying to take home some cash, or in other instances some great prizes.

My personal favourite contest that she has entered asked for shots of your pets exercising. Not only is Lindsay now a proud member of the website www.dogasaur.com, she's also hoping to win first prize, or at least the consolation prize of a "Spot" DVD.

She's also spent time giving her photos titles, and describing them in 3-5 sentences to meet the guidelines of Social Justice issues, as well as enjoying the chance to go back through old albums finding shots that suit the qualifications of each contest.

I've always wondered if our investment in a beautiful NIKON camera would be worth it, and heck, it may soon pay itself off! Best of luck with your new passion Linds!!!

The Month of June.

This June may mark more hustle and bustle than the Christmas holidays! On our agenda:

Grade 12 Graduation. Father's Day. Birthdays. Report Cards. World Environment Day (haha...). End of Year Staff Party. Final Exams. Garage Sale. Apartment Packing. High Mileage Training. Alexandria. Final Goodbyes. Cards of Appreciation. Thank You's. For One Last Time's (e.g. felucca, dinner at Max's, twirling dervishes, etc.).

And after it all......we get to see YOU! We can't wait to fly home on July 2nd!

Living In An Outside Apartment.

You have already read about the lizards. Well, let me add a few more critters to the list.

1) Ants. The most persistant, un-shy ants you will ever come across. AY AY AY! Phil has "Raid"-ed the kitchen at least two times and those darn insects refuse to take cover elsewhere.
2) A mouse. Or two. Or three. Who knows?! The only evidence they've left is some chewed-up arts and crafts and "droppings". Does this ever anger me! It is one thing to bring their A-game to an intense game of hide and seek. It is simply another to use my A&C materials for their own pleasure. I urge Phil everyday to pursue them in their sneaky match.
3) FLIES. Thank goodness Phil is a fly samarai. He uses that swatter with such ease and grace. I'm not sure where he received his training, but I'm sure "Northern Ontario" had something to do with it.

Anyways, I am only willing to share the apartment with humans and golden retrievers. Until the residents of our place meet these requirements, I will be freaking out and yelling "PHIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

Instant Smiles.

Egypt is famous for impromptu holidays. We are often surprised with unexpected days-off throughout the school year, thanks to the Moon, President Obama, and the celebration of historical moments. Although tomorrow is not a full-out no-school day, we do get to go home early! It is election day for the Shura Council and we will have shortened afternoon classes in order to beat the traffic home! WOO HOO!!! What a great announcement to hear at the end of a long school day!

A Copycat.

I have blogged many times about Phil's impecable organization skills. For him, information retrieval is a breeze! He can locate any item on cue, as everything he owns is particularly arranged and accounted for. I used to believe that I, too, was skilled in this area, but after meeting this man - I know I am far from super at keeping track of my things. Optimistically, this feeling of sub-par has motivated me to play copycat for the past few days! Since the grande purge began, my computer has been reduced by 8.63 GB and a clean-up of my office has produced two big boxes of recycling. Skill-development continues for me tomorrow, as I tackle the rest of my classroom!

World Environment Day 2010

Lindsay: Hey Phil.........(in an "I have an idea" voice)

Phil: Yes....(with an "I know something is coming" tone)

Lindsay: June 5th is World Environment Day. Cairo is hosting the event at Al Azhar Park....

Phil: Oh ya...

Lindsay: So - I was thinking....we should go...

Phil: (no comment, long pause)

Lindsay: I knew you would be less-than-inclined...but guess what?! The abbreviation of World Environment Day is "WED"...which is similar to "WED-DING" and this summer we will be "NEWLY-WEDS".

Phil: (laughing at my remark, yet acting as though he doesn't hear me)

Lindsay: But hun, you LOVE the environment!

Phil: Not really...I only LIKE it because YOU LOVE it!

Lindsay: FINE! I'll ask the girls!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

To the girls for an incredible engagement party and to Mr. Clean for a spic and span house to come home to :)