Holiday Letter

Here is our Christmas letter and photo for 2010!
Click on each image for a larger view!

Happy to make my Housekeeper smile!

We found a great, reliable housekeeper. She actually started out as our cat sitter, and now does a once weekly cleaning of our apartment. She is here with her husband and has a little 1 year old boy. So, as far as that goes, she is one of the few who are not here away from immediate family, on a sponsored visa that makes her work for a Kuwaiti family and get treated like dirt etc... so she is always in relative good spirits and just a nice person.
She asked a while ago if I knew of anybody selling a used, inexpensive washing machine, as she has been doing laundry with a semi-automatic, labor intensive one. I didn't at the time, and never really thought much about it. Robb's company had downsized from 2 company apartments to just one, and was in the process of selling the furniture and appliances. He felt bad as just the week before Kumari asked, they had sold the washer/dryer. Well, he found out today that the buyer never showed up! So....he has offered the washer AND dryer to her free of charge. She was very pleased and appreciative. We are going to deliver them to her in a few days. She is so nervous, she does not want us to see her apartment, she says as it is very small. I told her we do not judge, and are just happy to help out.

Hi!

It has been over 1 month since I have posted. We had a great time in Dubai, my studies are going well, when I find time to sit and study!. My trip to Singapore never happened, as we are in the middle of residency paperwork here in Kuwait, and I was not able to get my passport back in time. I still hope to make it there soon!

We are on the countdown to even MORE travel. Dec 15th we fly home to Canada for Christmas, where we will spend some time in BC and Alberta with the families. The kids are super excited to see everyone, have already made their Santa list, and the winter and Christmas crafts have begun! I am hoping for much better weather than in the last two, as it had been very cold and not fun!

I now have a Dodge Durango that is being used exclusively for trips to from school and the grocery store. Taxis and buses are not a viable option here, especially when it comes to kid safety and car seats. Plus, it makes life a bit less stressful living here (except of course, the stress of actually DRIVING it on the roads here!). We had not planned on spending the money on a vehicle for me while here, but some things you cannot plan for, and safety of the kids and the family do not have a monetary value. As my dad says, You can't take the money with you!

We have become part of a small group of kids/moms that hang out fairly regularly, with two playdates this week...one for Christmas crafts! So, the socialiation factor is improving. Robb and I are going out for a Christmas Party this weekend, and it will be the second time EVER we have had a for-pay babysitter. I have asked a 17 year old daughter of a friend to watch the kids, as we know her and trust her, and the kids have met her several times. I have a hard time leaving my kids, even in our own house, with a stanger that may not know how to communicate properly in an emergency. Wish we lived closer to Grandparents!!

I will TRY to be more proactive with posting, time seems to speed up sometimes!

Blog? What Blog?!?

Oh, THIS Blog!
Well, I will try to update it soon!

So much happening!

So much to update on!

Leanne hitting the books:

I have decided to do a two-year distance education program from the Canadian School of Naural Nutrition. I will obtain a diploma in Registered Holistic Nutrionist. I did it for many reasons. Firtly is to get my health back - practice what I preach so to speak. I have had a rough few years being sick and losing hair from my colitis. I want to feel healthy again. My family will get healthier in the process as well. I also did it to 'pass' the time here in Kuwait. i can do exercises and reading while the kids are in school and at night. Once i return tothe US, I have to take two upgrade courses in order to be recognized by the Nutritional Assiciation there. I feel it will be a great field to work part time, in any one of a number of areas/. This way I can still be around for the kids, but have my own thing going on for me. In fact, my books just arrived today, so tonight I will start the course!

Heading to Dubai:

In order for us to get our resident visas here (me and the girls) we have to do a medical test outside of Kuwait and get it certified by the Kuwait Embassy before re-entry. So, we will be spending the first part of November in Dubai dealing with this, as well as making a small vacation out of it, as we will be there over the weekend. It works out well, as Robb has to stay for a few days longer for work meetings. Jessie will turn 3 while in Dubai, so we will have to plan a special activity for her, as I wasn't planning a party or anything for her. I may send cupcakes into school for her classmates. Saige spent her 4th birthday overseas and flying, so it is fitting that Jessie gets to do the same :)

Leanne is OUTTA HERE!!!

One of my great friends from home has been living in Singapore as an expat for a year now. I was wondering if and when I would get the chance to see her while she was there, as it has been years. Robb told me the other day that he gets 10 days off of work in mid-November for a national holiday, as do the kids. SOOOO, a well timed Skype call convinced me to see if I could pull some strings...and as a result, a spur of the moment, 5 day kid free trip to Singpaore is in the near future! It worked out great, I was able to use reward miles and it is basically a  'free' trtip, and Robb doesn't need to take any time off of work to watch the kiddos.  It would have been nice to take the whole family, but I decided that I needed a few days for me. Darlene and I have always made a point of trying to connect when we can, as she moved from BC to Ontario at 23. I have made a few trips to see her there, once for her wedding. Robb's extended family lives near her, so I am able to meet her whenever we rarely head there (for weddings and funerals). She has made the trip to BC to visit several times as her family is still there, plus has driven to see us in Kelowna while we were vacationing in BC as was she. I made a trip to go canoeing/camping with her as part of an extended work/visa trip to Toronto. She made it to Houston to visit me while we were both preggo (our daughters were born 1 month apart). I barely missed seing her this summer when we were both home from overseas. and finally, it has been years, we will CONNECT IN PERSON! No more Skype, facebook, emails, phone calls. OK, yes, I am excited.

Halloween will be celebrated with some parties at school and the Mom's Group. We won't get to trick or treat, but I think enough fun and candy will be had by all so they won't miss the door to door so much.

The 'Santa' talk

While in the car last week, I decided to bring up Santa. I rarely use 'Santa' as a form of bribery ie - "You had better be good if you want Santa to bring you a present" etc.. Instead, I wanted to start asking what the girls would want Santa to bring them, because living where we do, there may be a bit more planning to do on Santa's part to make it happen. I explained to them that it needs to be something small so it can fit in Santa's sleigh with all the other toys for the other boys and girls. (or, perhaps, the suitcase for the plane ride to/from Canada). So, as of October, here is what the wish list consists of:

Saige - flippers for the water to swim faster (I think Santa can do this one)

Jessie - A princess snowman (whatever floats her boat, this can also be do-able with a bit of imagination and pink fabric).

I am sure the list will change a few times. In general, my kids are not greedy Santa listers. Because a Princess Snowman can only make it back to Kuwait as a digital photograph, I will keep working on Jessie for a more tangible item for her wish list.

In other, more seasonal notes: Happy Thanksgving to all my Friends and Family back in Canada. We will be joining a group of Canadians having a delicious catered Turkey Dinner. Can't wait!

Just an update

This is about nothing in particular. Just random goings on in our life.

Last week Robb had to fly to Calgary for 8 days. I was just starting what felt like a cold. It turned into what has been my very worst sinus infection yet. I suffered (as did the girls) for 3-4 days until I decided to go to the Dr. for help. The reason for not going sooner (mainly) is this: I have colitis, and the last time I had a sinus infection, I ended up in the hospital with my diagnosis. I did not want to repeat this experience. I did have a few things going for me this time: I have not been taking any Advil cold and sinus (Advil (ibuprophen) is a colitis no-no). I stocked up on yogurt and probiotic tablets to counteract the antibiotics I was eventually going to get. I was better able to anticipate a reaction, so i made sure I was extra hydrated in case a reaction DID happen. So, via IM, Robb demanded I head to the doctor. A lady who's daughter goes to the same school as Saige and Jessie offered to watch the girls. I went there, got the diagnosis and medications and was home within an hour. The infection was MUCH better the next day, and gone by 2-3 days post antibiotics. The sniffles and coughing still linger, but I am so much better. I had a tough time dealing with the kids and the almost migraine headaches that came with the sinus infection. The pain meds were not at all helping, and lask of sleep and inability to be upright with my eyes open took it's toll.

The girls each got to go on a field trip this week. The school took them to the Natural Science Museum to see a T-Rex display, dig for bones and have a picnic. They were so excited to ride on the bus (they even had car seats!!!) They are really loving school. Jessie seems to fit right in with the 'Monkeys' class. Saige will benefit from going 3 days/week next term, as she is the only one going 2days/week now, and they cover SO much stuff. I can't see doing 4 ro 5 days just yet - she will have enough of that next year for Kindergarten...

We have finally got our banking situation figured out, so we can make some purchases for the house. We still need mainly storage items and wall hangings. Robb says our home is too 'hospital-like' and sterile with bare, white walls. We were losing so much in exchange rate loss using our US based debit and credit cards. But, let the buying games begin! The weather is finally showing signs of cooling, so we may venture out to the Friday Markets to see what goodies we can come across.

I have hired a cleaning lady for a once per week scrub down. She has turned out very well. I feel a slight guilt, but it is my treat to me and I am going to try and concentrate on experimenting with cooking etc. I have made arrangements to buy a car at the end of the month, so in the meantime, we are renting one. It is from a non-brand name rental compnay, so I will see if it sees me through to the end of the month! I am happy to have transportation, though. I did use a taxu last week to collect the kids from school, and it was an over all pleasant experience. We may have to head to Dubai as a family at the beginning of November. Robb needs to go there for work, and the girls and I may have to do a 'visa' run, meaning leaving the country to have a medical done to obtain a civil ID. If this happens, we will celebrate Jessie's 3rd birthday there. If not, I will make cupcakes for her class and let her choose what she would like to do.

The weather is showing signs of cooling, especially at night. We have had a few days of taking the scooters outside for a spin, and heading to parks at sundown.

A Day in the Life

What a morning. It started early, as sleep isn't a thing we do much of in this house. Robb is away (in Canada in the Fall of all the beautiful places I'd rather be). After a caffienated drink and a few cartoons (I don't attempt to entertain this early in the morning), I made a yummy, from scratch pancake breakfast. It was the perfect opportunity to get dressed, head to the store before the crowds and traffic, stop at the company apartment to drop off clean sheets I washed this weekend and come home to swim. We started towards the grocery store (as I had to go for the very basics - toilet paper, cat food and bananas). Gas light came on...grrrr...I have no cash to buy gas. Bought the groceries, tried 3 bank machines to withdraw money to buy gas - all out of service. OK, I have enough gas to get back home. Stopped at the company apartment...the reserved spot is parallel park - and I am not saying I cannot parallel park, I admit I am quite capable. But NOBODY could have fit in the space that was left for me. Because it was the weekend, there were no spots to even sneak into for just 5 mins. GRRRR, I will try again tomorrow once people have all the cars at work. Had to drive PAST the house to go to the only bank I know of to get money...haul both kids out of the car into a flithy, non-AC mall amid what seems to be only males who like to stare and me and the kids, scambling to get out of the car seats in a parking spot made for a Corolla, but I have an FJ. OK...have money in hand. Stop by the gas station, fill with gas. Notice a DRIVE UP bank machine that was working. OK, store that in the memory for next time. Go home, notice it is only 10 am.....I need a drink and some cough medicine! Is it bedtime yet? :)

I'm back!

Have I fallen off the face of the Earth? No. Have been half way around the Earth? Yes. And back again? Yes.

I will not attempt to give a play by play of the vacation, as we did so much, but here is a Photo Tour of the trip.

We arrived home from our 5+ week vacation to Canada to all of our 'stuff' in boxes. It was so nice to see some of it, and others may not be making the return trip. We brought alot of toys with us, as we knew the girls will outgrow them if we didn't. The nice thing is that there are alot of people who will feel very grateful for some of the toys and clothes I will give them once we leave.

We are almost finished putting the 'stuff' away, there are a few small things waiting for us to buy storage for, and we are waiting to see where things will go before putting up the big pictures.

The girls started pre-school twice a week, and so far they love it. I have hired a housecleaner once a week, as a Middle East treat to myself. I will try not to get used to it. We are in the process of buying a car for me, as taxi's to and from school seem like a hassle, although I haven't tried them yet. I will have to for the month of October as I won't have the car yet. Life is getting a bit less stressful. I plan on using the great little gym in the building more and more, now that I have a few hours to myself each week. The weather is showing signs of cooling, so we are hoping to start a more outdoor lifestyle soon. I am also enjoying flipping through recipe books for ideas, I just need to get organized and make of list of what I need to make these yummy recipes before I head out shopping. I seem to fall into a rut, making the same things over again, but I am still getting comfortable with what is available here, and substitutions for things. Robb seems to have settled into the office here, and will start a bit of traveling soon. And so it begins....

Leaving on a Jet Plane

It is about 45 minutes before we have to leave for a 21 hour journey (about 26 door to door) from Kuwait to Houston. I am traveling alone with the kids, which always psychs me out. I have butterflys, but I know once we get settled on the plane, it is a matter of sleeping and keeping occupied. The issue I have is that the flight leaves at 1 am...so we have already been up since about 7 this morning. The kids have had just over an hour nap earlier in the day. It is already past bedtime, and they may snooze on the 30 minute drive to the airport. I have had ALL day to stress over it, think about what I may have forgotten to pack. I much prefer getting up in the morning, showering and hitting the road (or sky). I don't do well with no sleep, and it is about 38 hours of being awake. I have a good friend meeting us at the other end, so I don't have to worry about getting a shuttle to the car, installing car seats, driving an hour home, then finally heading to the ER for a broken finger for Jessie....I am hoping for an injury free trip this time.
We have 4 days in Houston to get over jet lag and see friends. Then we fly to Alberta for a week and 1/2, then to BC for 2 weeks, where Robb will join us. Then another week in Alberta before we fly home again. Wish us luck! Poor Daddy will be without his girls for 3 weeks! (he has the cats to snuggle, though), The cats are gonna miss us, I feel so bad leaving them for so long.
See you on the flip side of the world.

Progressive Driving

I think I have had the perfect situation for preparing for the driving experiences I have had. When I was young, my Dad would let me sit on his lap and steer the truck on the old logging roads while out gathering firewood. Then, eventually, he let us actually drive when we were big enough to reach the pedals and see over the wheel. At 15, my mom let me take her car to basketball practice every Saturday, using the 'back roads'. Once I turned 16, Dad spent countless hours with me driving down the streets of Prince George, parallel parking on 3rd Avenue till I got it right. It was a mild paced city, perfect for learning how to drive properly and safely, even in the snow and ice. Fast forward to school in Edmonton, a bigger city with divided, multi lane roads and freeways. It was there I learned the proper way to navigate through a traffic circle, or round-about, from a taxi driver. I then had to take my first professional driving course for my job, where I was to drive numerous vehicles large and small through the mountain passes. It was a defensive driving course where you learn to anticipate moves of the drivers all around.
Fast forward again to getting married, moving to Houston, Texas...the 4th most populous city in the US. I was SCARED to drive there...freeways, exits, not really sure where I was going. I would actually take frontage roads for miles so I didn't have to get on the freeways. I eventually got the hang of naviagting the highways and by-ways, and spent numerous hours making my way through rush hour Galleria traffic.
Now that I am in Kuwait, I feel so lucky to have had these past, progressively challenging cities in which to drive. It is a free for all, rules not apply place to drive. I actually feel sorry for anyone who has to LEARN how to drive here, as there is no way to learn properly. Apparently it is mandatory to have professional training to get a license for the first time here, so that is good, I guess. I don't think I will be signing up anytime soon to be a driving instructor here ;)
In my years of driving, I am happy to say I have had 2 incidents: A slide into a ditch from the ice, and having my Dad's truck slide down an icey driveway, scaping the egde along a light pole :(  DAMN ICE- I hope to continue my streak of safe driving - no ice here!

I am SO looking forward to driving the back roads and secondary highways in Canada in the next few weeks. I may even stop on the side of the road (because I CAN), roll the window down, breathe in the fresh air...and enjoy the pleasure of being there.

Pita Pizzas

Pita bread (called Arabic bread) here is CHEAP..like $0.50 for 5-6 pitas. I had some day olds, and some pizza sauce. I used some left over chicken, grilled some zucchinni chunks, cut up some tomatoes, sprinkled cheese and VOILA! Dinner. I am not talking gourmet, but easy, healthy and kid-friendly. Saige loves to help, Jessie loses interest pretty fast. We cut up some fruit for a tasty after pizza trwat. The kids devoured it (their's was made of turkey meat....)

Saige spreads the sauce

Big plate - small pizza

Playing with the Macro setting on the camera

Kitchen Sink Chicken salad

I meant to make it to the grocery store today to buy some fresh veggies for salad and cooking. That didn't happen. Well, I *did* make it to the grocery store, but not the one I buy veggies from. Long Story.

I had chicken thawing, and no idea what to do with it. So, I threw it into the oven to bake with some spices and garlic and olive oil. Once it cooled, I chopped it up, then raided the fridge to see what I could make that would be edible. I threw in some green onions, tomatoes, cheese, apple chunks and mayo. I put it in some fresh pitas, and that was dinner. It was quite tasty...more of a lunch fare, but food is food.

Tofu Fried Rice

More food pictures. I am putting more energy into finding easy, healthy and/or fun meals for the family. Today I had some left over rice from the Indian meal I made other day, plus I took some tofu out to make black bean/tofu tacos on Wednesday, but they didn't materialize as we had made last minute plans to go out. A quick search online found this easy and tasty Tofu Fried Rice to use up both ingredients. I also played with some color and macro settings on the camera ;)

Close up

Eat your Greens :)

I have wheels!

I have had my driver's license since the day I turned 16, and have owned my own vehicle from that day as well. I have been driving for 17years. Even some of my past jobs have involved driving, ALOT. That means the freedom to go whereever I choose, whenever I choose. Imagine the suffocating feeling of having the freedom of mobility taken away.
Fast forward (actually, it has been very slow motion) to almost 2 months in Kuwait. No vehicle, hot as hell, two bored kids, one bored Momma, one Daddy who has to head out shopping as soon as he gets home to appease his family and maintain sanity. My awesome hubby has managed to get me a car to use for a few months. I have had it for two days, and I am a brand new person! Yesterday, we made a trek to the Sultan Centre for groceries. We really didn't need much, just milk and bread, but I COULD, so I did...Today I took the kid to play at the pre-school where they will be headed to in the fall. It is only just over a mile away, and in any other season I would have walked, but today, I could DRIVE. That means I have 1 more thing to do to entertain the kiddos. Tomorrow, I plan on taking them to McDonalds fro breakfast....just so they can PLAY. Happy kids = happy Mommy. Having a car = Mommy being able to make the kids happy and wear them out. It's a win win.

Public transportation is not all that great here, and taxis are not an option because of car seats. If we lived in a more modern city with modern, safe, reliable transportation, then things may be different. In a hot, rude Middle eastern country where a woman is not equal to a man, I prefer the comfort and safety of my own car.

I have already been scouring the ex-pat websites for a reliable used car to buy for when my temporary freedom ends!

Vegetarian?

So, the meat here is gross. The beef here is putrid. I cannot stomach it, I gag at the smell. I refuse to buy beef here, so we are now eating mostly chicken, with a lot of veggie dishes. Since I have nothing better to do, I have been researching and trying new recipes. Robb thinks I am a dork, but I have been taking pictures fo some of the dishes....here are some:

Oatmeal Cookies (not healthy, but delicious!)

Chicken 'Pot Pie' - Rice and cheese crust

Eggplant Parmesan with Lentil Soup

Glowing Missiles

We have made Thursday nights (which is our 'Friday') treat night. Tonight we decided to walk to Cinnabon for a treat, and there was a playground there that the girls played on since it wasn't TOO hot tonight. I was sitting there and saw a glow stick on the ground. A few minutes later, we saw one hit the playground. We looked up in time to see another one being dropped from the 18th floor. Robb yelled at them and they (assuming 'they' are young kids bored out of their minds) quickly popped their heads in and shut the window. While they may have thought it was random fun, that could have hurt somebody REALLY badly. The lady that was there with her little boy told Robb better to just walk away than confront anybody (he was ready to head up there and knock on the door), because if it was a Kuwaiti family, it would be to no avail...

I am hoping it was young kids having fun and not somebody actually trying to hurt us.
The girls were happy to have 'flashlights' to walk home with. :)

Bottomless Pit

Saige cannot be fed enough. She is never full, asking for food constantly. She eats her regular meals, then 1/2 an hour later asks for a snack. She asks for and is offered healthy snacks, but will pack away anything we put in front of her. Today after lunch, she promptly asked for a snack, where she downed an apple, 2 yogurts and a handful of almonds. Did I mention this is AFTER a lunch of lentil soup, bread and fruit? The funniest is when she asks Jessie - "Are you going to finish that?" I will have to see how much she weighs next time I see a scale. This is the biggest eating/growth spurt yet...

Today, she also swam for two hours, so that was probably an appetite creator right there.

Jessie, while she isn't packing away the amount of food, can polish a plate off in minutes. But, when she is done, she is done. Saige will pick at her food for hours if we let her...it's like she grazes all day.

I am getting a glimpse of what it must be like having growing adolescent boys to feed...on a smaller scale.

Beautiful day

I was doing my usual tea consumption while checking e-mail first thing this morning. I looked out of the window, and it was such a beautiful, bright day. Now, not to say it isn't sunny here everyday...but there is always a varying amount of sand blowing around, making visibility a bit hazy. Today, however, it was a clear sky, the ocean seemed to go on forever, the passing ships visible. The girls and I headed out to the play area, and BAM, there it was, the blast of retina-burning heat that comes with such a bright beautiful day. The wind felt like we were standing in front of a life-sized hair dryer on high heat setting. ugh.
But, happy to report the air conditioner is finally working again in there....so we could stay for more than 10 minutes.

We also ventured into the gym area today. I had been keeping them out of there, since it is an 'adult' area with heavy equipment. But, the last few days, several parents have had their kids in there playing on the machines to burn off some energy. I turned on the treadmill for them, Jessie did OK, but was a bit too short to hold on properly and walk properly at the same time. Saige did about a kilometer on a 3.5 setting, she loved it. Maybe I have found another sugar bug burner....

I want to be a Cat

Saige: Mommy, you know that day where we get to dress up and go to the neighbors houses for candy?
Me: Yes...Halloween...What about it?
Saige: Well, last year I was a ghost and I think I really scared people, so this year I want to be a cat. A cute cat that doesn't scare people
Me: OK...
Saige: Can I draw the whiskers on?
Me: Sure

So, I am not even sure if there WILL be a Halloween here this year. I would imagine some of the ex-pat community does something...I better start searching so I can have a happy, non-scary kitty cat.

MILK

Both my girls do not drink regular cow milk. Saige has never been a huge milk drinker, so at a very early age, she prefered the taste of regular (and vanilla as a treat) soy milk. Jessie has a mild dairy allergy - and soy was upsetting her even more, so she has been using rice milk (sometimes almond milk to mix it up a bit) since she switched from breast-feeding/formula. They don't drink alot, one glass forcefully offered to them in the morning, but still, I would buy it by the case at Costco and it was very cost effective. Fast forward to Kuwait. Soy milk is $4.50 per liter - so I have switched Saige to lactose free cow milk - 1/3 of the cost, as Jessie's rice milk, which was not an option NOT to buy, was $4.90 per litre. And I was only able to find the rice milk at one store (luckily the one closest to us). We ventured out to a new store yesterday...and I found ORGANIC rice milk for $3.32 per litre! I was so happy. What made me even happier is I was checking my receipt this morning, and they only charged me for 2 instead of 4 - making it $1.66/litre. YAY!! I love a good deal, even if it was somebody else's mistake :). I guess I could be nice and not so cheap and buy Saige some soymilk...she really does not like the milk at all, and I had been using the remaining stuff she didn't drink in my coffee in the mornings before it went warm :)

Designated Driver

Robb informed me last week that his business visa ran out last week, and until his Civil ID arrives (in a few weeks) I will have to drive. I am not sure if I have been able to portray how vicious the traffic is here, so I was apprehensive. Tonight we were heading out to get groceries, and he handed me the keys and asked me if I wanted to drive (he has been driving even though he shouldn't because I have been a chicken S&%T). I agreed.

Let me tell you, I have not driven for a month, and it was wierd just getting used to the feel of it again. I wish my first time out on the roads of Kuwait wasn't with such precious cargo! We headed up the 'Death Highway', but it wasn't quite rush hour, so I felt OK about it. We managed to get to our destination - the Lulu Hypermarket (not to be confused with my favorite althetic wear store lululemon ). Here I am - proof that I drove here.

We opted to get a Toyota FJ Cruiser so we wouldn't be so small on the road, since size does matter here - in terms of safety and respect on the road. It also depends on who is ahead has the right of way, regardless of how crappy or arrogant of a driver they are...anyway, I live to tell the story...and to be honest, it wasn't TOO bad. The passenger seat driver was a bit nervous, though, verbalizing all the hazards on the road, whether I saw them or not!

Robb will still continue to drive himself to work since I am not about to get up at 6 am with two kids, trying to make my way back to the apartment, then repeat 9 hours later....

Pre-school registration

Tomorrow we are heading to Happy Chappies Montessori to register the girls for the fall. Jessie will be in the Monkeys class, with possible upgrade to Crocodiles in January. Saige will be in the Lions class, which is a pre-K class known as KG1 here. They said we had the option of doing KG1 at a pre-school or sending her to a 'real' school campus. I opted to keep her in a pre-school setting for many reasons - ease of me getting them to/from the school, keep the girls together for the first year, as it is a huge transition, and I really am not ready to send Saige off 5 days per week on a bus to a large campus that has no comforting setting at 4 years old. The school we chose is British run, and the owner is open and inviting. It is a bright, new villa with all the learning resources the kids will need for pre-school. More updates when they actually START school!

We still spend our time in the pool, play area and squash court (where we play soccer and do relays). We haven't really met playmates yet, although a few kids here and there are coming out of the woodwork here at the apartment. I have met a few kids through a Mom's group, but with the moms working, and me immobile with no vehicle, we have yet to meet for play.

We booked a trip to Canada for August. The girls and I will be heading over separately, with a few days in Houston, before heading to Edmonton and PG. Robb will meet us for a few weeks at the end. Now, the task of finding a reliable cat-sitter for Myko and Pepsi....I have 4 weeks, I better get on it.

French Fry Fascination

EVERYTHING here is served with french fries. I know we have been eating out alot since we are out alot at dinnertime buying and browsing for stuff for the house. With kids, we have been frequenting faster food places, as it is too painful to sit and wait for food with them. I KNOW we can NOT order the fries, but they are part of very meal, so we usually throw away most of them, after nibbling on a few. Anyway, I was already feeling icky from being sick and eating out all the time. Last night, we were out (again) and decided to hit the pizza joint that was attached to the grocery store for a bite. We decided on sharing a family sized Arabic Chicken pizza, the picture looked yummy, and the description said it was a nice light choice. It came, the picture did not duplicate reality. ALFREDO sauce instead of pizza sauce, about 3 bits of tomato and onion, some Arabic flavored chicken, STUFFED crust with cheese, and the cheese so thick on top that you could not even tell it had no pizza sauce on it. But wait...what is this? FRENCH FRIES!! On top of all the cheesy goodness. We each managed to eat one piece out of starvation, but vowed that this was the final straw to maybe hit the veggie stand and munch on carrots until we could find some REAL food....

Saige said she liked it and asked for more.....:)

Random Thoughts

Firstly, Happy Father's Day! I am feeling pretty badly for Robb this father's Day. I was very sick all weekend with a colitis attack, so I was unable to prepare anything for him. Even if I wasn't sick, getting out to get anything is near impossible. Anyway, I have the stuff to make an Indian dinner tonight, we went out to the bakery next door for fresh bread and a treat for after dinner, and that will have to be Father's Day for this year...Sunday is a work day here, so he even has to work on Father's day!

The chicken I thawed was just perfectly still frozen enough to cut easily, and I was very excited. THAT is called BOREDOM! LOL.

Something seems wrong about taking off shorts and tank top inside the house and putting on pants and long top to go OUTSIDE in 45C weather....nuts! One of these days I am going to forget to chance, then I'll feel really exposed! The malls seem to be the place to go to be able to wear 'cooler' clothes, but even then, it is a t-shirt and knee length shorts...and that is rare to see. I will keep the pants and tops for going out, don't want to be setting a wrong example!

My Night Off

Robb so wonderfully (and unselfishly) used his expiring Hilton reward points to give me a night off. The new apartment is great, but without yet having curtains, we have been up early (after many late nights) and the cats seem to think 2:30 am is a great time to start the day. They are unsettled, without many 'nests' to cuddle in yet, and thier middle of the night meows were echoing in the halls, keeping me up at all hours.
Anyway, enough complaining, here is a chronicle of my evening: Robb dropped me off at 5pm for my massage. Just being in the spa rooms was relaxing, the massage was a sweet bonus. Robb and the kids toured the resort and met me in my room. The girls had roses for me, and a fresh fruit tray and mini baclava tray also met me! We headed for a yummy asian dinner, the girls fed the koi and played on the playground. Once back in my room, i quickly made a cup of camomile tea, poured a bath (using all the little lotions and potions). Once dry, i polished my toes and decided to blog about my wonderful evening. I now plan on finishing my tea with a baclava or two, read my magazine, and fall into a deep sleep:)
Thanks, Robb - happy Father's Day weekend to you! ;)

Temporary Apartment

I had hoped to be more settled here by now. The plan was to stay in the company apartment for a few days while we looked for/bought basic furniture for the new apartment. But there has been some HUGE issues with the new apartment, the 'building manager' had been collecting depoits and rent from tenants, then decided to skip town, with no records of our lease....we had been strung along, as were others, by this guy. He knew that expats were the main tenants, and we were always told that 'that's just how is is done here'...by that meaning cash, no reciepts, take your word for it. NO MORE...we have all learned a lesson. So, with this consuming our time and attention (even it is just alot of waiting for answers), we have held back on buying beds and tables...We should hear more this afternoon (so, maybe by Thursday!) and we can get the keys and start furnishing the place. Lots of expats in and out of here, so opportunities to buy good quality used furniture, rather than spending alot of dough on new stuff. I also hope to get a cell phone. Robb set up a computer for me, which has been a lifesaver.

So far the girls and I have survived life in a two bedroom apartment. Our mornings consist of watching an Elmo video, then gettnig dressed after breakfast. We do what we can for exercise (jumping jacks, sit ups) then try to draw/color etc for a bit. Jessie has a very low attetion span, so she is getting into things ...Saige is happy to draw/color for an hour at a time. By lunch time, we are all happy to have a bite to eat, then Jessie goes for a quick nap while Saige colors. After naps it is pool time...in the shade. Then daddy arrives home, we eat or head out to eat and shop for stuff (by shop, I mean look, as the before mentioned issues have prevented alot of actual buying). Last night the girls slept int he same bed together. Robb and I were each sleeping with one, but I was not getting sleep...I am a light sleeper, and they toss and turn. It worked OK...took a while for Jessie to stop chatting. They will be sharing a room (not a bed) in the new place, so this is good practice.

This morning, I was facing the boredom whines by 9 am...so I went out and discovered about another hours worth of shade in a different pool, so we headed out for an hour - this is perfect to wear them out! Jessie was a bit whiny today, but Saige is LOVING the swim vest we have, she and I did about 20 widths of the pool. She was begging for lunch by 11 am...and gobbled it right up. at 12:20, she was asking for a snack! I am hoping for good naps, too. While I am all for wearing them out, going to the pool twice a day is tiring...load up the suits/toys/towels....carry them to the pool...carry them back home...wash up, wash hair...get dressed...but hey, we have NOTHING else to do!

I have joined a Mom's group here, many expats form US/Texas, haven't seen any Canucks there yet...hope to meet some people soon...but with no vehicle, hopes aren't high...

OK, enough to bore you for one day...

Toys

My kids have never been big toy users. We had a toyroom full of toys that they rarely played with. Maybe 10 minutes here and there of Legos, dolls, puzzles. Since being deprived of most luxuries (such as toys) they seem very thrilled at the small kids meal toy they got for dinner tonight. A wind up animal that hops when it is wound...they raced them, compared colors, played with it endlssly tonight. My hope it that once the toys arrive in the shipment, the deprivation from all things un for 2 months will make them play for hours on end, giving Mommy and Daddy a sanity break...I can only watch Dorothy the Dinosaur DVD so many times! Maybe getting a computer at the apartment will let them watch some old favorites online...the cartoon channel here SUCKS!!!!
So, with one more plastic toy added to the rotation, I am hopful of having fove more minutes of non-confrontational peace tomorrow :)

Week 1 in Kuwait

Well, we have been here almost a week, I had better get started on the blog before we start packing up to leave!

The house in Sugar Land is packed up and now has tenants caring for it, I hope it goes well for them! We tok a limo to the airport to start our journey. We left the house at 1:30 pm on a Sunday, and arrived at the company apartment in Kuwait at 1:30 am on Tuesday...LONG day. Traveling itself was fine, the kids are troopers, and the cats seemed to fair OK. We let them out and they drank, ate and used the litter box, in that order. Too exhausted for baths, we went to bed and actually had a good sleep.

Now that are clcks are reset, we areadjusting to life here. We are not yet in the rental apartment (more on that later) so we are hanging out in the 2 bedroom company apartment with two cats, 2 kids and 2 stressed adults. Moving overseas with two kids is as stressful as it sounds...actually, imagine how stressful it might be, then times by 2, that ought to do it!
Sights around Kuwait are a bit different. The traffic here is scary, and on any given day along the freeway, there are scraps of cars just laying around after accidents. Thery speed, don't wear seatbelts, and the sight of blood on the airbags and wndshields is horrific. My children see other kids standing and jumping in cars, and I tell them that is is unsafe, I only hope we never have to witness a car crash involving kids....
We have gone for groceries numerous times....out of need perhaps, or maybe for an outing in Air Conditioning. I suspect the food bill to be about double than it was in the US...but that may go down once I change my views of cooking and eating. There are numerous marks that sell fruits/veggies - but we are all about one stop convieience for now. I even discovered an online grocery store that delivers! This will come in handy for those days where I don't have a car and I need milk!

We went to the LARGE Friday Market, where you can get anything from shampoo to capets to bedrrom sets and goats. I lasted about 45 minutes, went through two bottles of water, and suggested to leave before I faint. Me and the kids were attracting attention with our white skin and rosy (RED) cheeks. While the market looks great, it will have to wait until mid-winter before I can stand to be outside for that long!

The pool has been our almost daily event...the only way to get the sugar bugs out of the kids. It'll be nice when they re more adept int he water and less whiny...swim lessons on the agenda once we get settled!

Anyway, more to come. Not many pictures, we are concentrating on making sure the kids don't get run over when out rather than photographing the events! :)

In the thick of it

Life has been hectic since getting back from Kuwait. It took a few days before we adjusted our sleep. We have been busy with dance class (Saige's first recital), end of school activities, plus numerous get-togethers with friends for a last goodbye. On top of that, there has been the process of getting everything ready for the move. The cats needed to be vaccinated, flea protected, certified to fly in plush sky kennels...they should be good to go soon. We only had to buy plane tickets, no mulitple doctor appointments needed!
Today we are getting a new roof put on, one more step in the prep work to get it ready for our tenants (although, it would needed to be done, regardless of us moving or not!). The house is getting inspected for a rental license this afternoon. Next week is shipping and storing. Not a moment's rest, and I don't forsee rest in the immediate future. Once we arrive in Kuwait, we will be full steam ahead on buyng essential furnture for the new place (beds, dining table etc). I will be sure to update as much as possible...depending on our access to a computer!

So many new things

Now that we have found a place to live, I can concentrate on other things that will affect my daily life. Tody we will try to locate and see two pre-schools in the area. I also found a pilates gym right down te road from our apartment, so i am excited to have the chance to tone up again.

The numbers in Arabic are different than what I am used to. While most places have both Arabic and 'regular' numbers on a price tag, some off-the-path places do not. So, here is my lesson plan for th next few weeks:

Also on the lesson plan is dealing with the Kuwait Dinars and fils (Dollars and cents). It is a thousand based system, versus a hundred based at home. Eash Dinar is worth about $3.50 US, so I will have to do a bit of math until I get used to what things 'cost'. I am sure in a few months I will stop converting, and just know what the price is! I say this, but after 7 years in the USA, I am still converting Farenheit temps into Celcius in my head! So...we will see how I do.

We are planning on heading to the mall after Robb gets home fro a work meeting. I was in such a tizzy trying to leave, that I don't have much in terms of birthday gifts or cards. This will give me an opportunity to use my Currency skills! (or, most likely, I will just hand over the plastic and Chase Bank can do the math!)

Kuwait Day2

We had another sleep in this morning, so a late start to the day. We went to Robb's office here and met some of the employees, and the agent. Spoke with the agent's assistant, and she has us set up for the cat transport...one of the top concerns about the move. We lucked out and the agent also owns one of the 3 animal hospitals here in Kuwait, so they are all set up with the import/export of animals. whew. We made a few appts with people to look at apartments tomorrow. Because we are not yet residents, we have to go through the agent to lease an apartment, so we will look at some in the next few days with an escort.
The talk of the town this week is the weather. It has been remarkably cool, and the small sprinkle of rain that fell yesterday was apparently about 1/3 of the total rain for the year...I don't think it barely wet the pavement!!! Also, while we were recovering from jetlag, a large, sky darkening sand storm blew through, another rare thing. We missed it, but everyone is commenting on it.
The girls continue to attract pats and smiles and general affection. Bizarre. They are letting it get to their heads, and smile and wave at EVERYONE now. The 'black ghosts' are normal for them now, so no more looking for rocks to crawl under.
There are 4 pools here on the grounds, and Robb took them to the one nearest the beach today...apparently in 31C, it was too cold for them. Maybe they will like it here in August afterall...freaks.

I forgot my camera on our latest excursions. Tonight we went to the Al Kout mall for a Mediterannean dinner, and they have musical founains there, a smaller version of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. We went to our second grocery store, there is no lack of variety, and prices seem OK...we will find cheaper areas and Friday markets once we settle, and purchase fruit and veggies for the week there. But, until I am comfortable with that, I am fine paying a bit more for the safe mind set of a large grocery store.
The malls here are just like Texas...there is nothing I can't here that i can get at home. It really is quite like a replica of the Galleria. Again, i am fne with these big box stores until I know what is available elsewhere.
Hopefully pictures to follow tomorrow, I will pack my camera in my purse right now...

Kuwait - Day 1

We have ventured to Kuwait with the intention of finding a place to live when we move next month, plus maybe check out a few pre-schools and get a general feel for daily life here. The traveling went well, it was a long day, but that was expected. A bit of a wait for the visa once we got here, but it may have seemed longer because we were tired. It also could have been because I was looking for a rock to crawl under after Saige pointed to all the 'black ghosts' (aka - women in burkas). I swiftly corrected her and we left without incident. The first night of sleep hopefully reset our clocks, so we can be on a routine schedule. We didn't get up until noon today, so our itinerary was shortened to exclude apt. hunting. We decided to head to one of the malls to get a few essentials (hair dryer, IKEA items for the company apt., groceries so we don't need to eat out all the time). We were prepared for the girls to gawk and point at some of the non-traditional sights they would see back in Texas, but I was not prepared for the gawking in the other direction. I lost count how many times people, everyone from grown men to young ladies, came up to the girls, mainly Jessie, but Saige too, to 'pet' their hair, touch thier cheeks, give them a hug. The blonde hair and blue eyes and light skin were too irresistable. i was quite taken aback by the boldness of this, and it made me uncomfortable. In the end, it was all in a very friendly, non-intimidating manner (all asked to touch the hair or cheek, except for the odd person just patting them on the head as we walked by). And my non-shy kids were more than happy to dole out hugs and smiles. I will still never let my guard down, no matter how many times this happens. It is a very safe-feeling place, and children are free to be kids, as far as I can tell already.
Back at the apt, we went out to the pool area to meet one of Robb's work colleagues, who also lives in the complex. We ended up spending the evening visiting and Saige played in the water with the other kids, not wanting to leave. Dinner was served in the form of PBJ toast and fruit, as it was too late to headout to eat. The weather is really nice, but expected to heat up as the week goes on. Until tmorrow....

Conversation with the cat

Saige: Pepsi, when we were in Canada, what did you do?
Pepsi: -silence-
Mommy: What did she say?
Saige: She said she played with Myko nicely.
Saige: Pepsi, when we go to Kuwait, do you want to come with us?
Pepsi: -silence-
Saige: She says she is scared of flying.

So...I guess the cats are undecided about this trip they have no idea they are going on...although they are told several times a week about it. Poor kittys will have a LONG day!

Title Change

So, I got the go ahead to officially change the Blog Title and announce the big news. The "Isaac 4" are moving to 'The Land of Sand" - Kuwait. It's been in the works for a while, but the ducks are in their rows, and plans are made. It was a tough decision to up-root us and the kids to move to a very much culturally different place. But, the kids are young, and we decided now or never. It should be for a period of about two years. We fly over next month to locate an apartment and possibly school/pre-school for the kids. Then the big move will be at the end of May. Exciting times....let the adventure begin!
We will now test my blogging skills, since this is the real reason it was created (as Robb questioned my cat blog, he then gave the go ahead to blog on more exciting things!)

Crazy Cat Lady

Robb likes to call me the Crazy Cat Lady because I have two cats that adore me, and swarm around me the moment I sit down or the kids are in bed. I put it down to the fact that I rescued both of them from a life on the street, and they've got it pretty easy here. Tonight I was giving them their nightly treats, and the new package I opened was called Party Mix. I fed a few to each cat, then as I walked away I said, "Party On!" Did I really just say "Party On" to my cats? Ugh

Great Urban Race

Yesterday, a friend and I took part in a fun fund-raiser for St. Judes research Hospital. The Great Urban Race was in Houston for the first time. The concept is teams of two (who have to be dressed identical, or have a 'theme', get clues they need to solve to get more clues as to where they need to go to get credit for locations they go to. We had 12 clues that ranged from solving a cryptogram, and search a wrod, etc that tells you to go to say a clock to take a picture of all teammates at certain times, so the timing of locations in important. We have 12 stops to do total, and it took us around downtown and Mid-town and Montrose area, by foot and public transport...no other help was allowed. We finished in about 3.5 hours. A must do again if it ever comes back in to town....

Our team name was 'Hot and Spicy'...and we only had a day to get our costume in order....next time we will be more prepared, both in what to expect in the game and costumes!

The Sounds of my Days

These are just excerpts from the conversations in the Isaac house:

Use the brakes Saige, your going pretty fast...1...2...3...WHAM...WHAAAA. Ugh

Watch your head on the car door Jessie, it's open...1...2...3...WHAM...WHAAA. Ugh

Yay!!! Mommy went potty - Good Job Mommy! (I feel so accomplished)

Mommy, please stop talking, I want to have a conversation with Daddy. (yes, polite, but I also want to have a conversation with Daddy...not happening until 8:30 pm)

Mommy - I need to go Potty ...race to potty....NO! I don't wanna go potty! (ugh)

Mommy, your the Bestest! (OK - I LOVE that one!)

Valentine's Day

I am not a huge Valentine's Day fan...overpriced flowers and the pressure put on us (especially the men!) to show your loved ones your admiration. But, I have to admit, now that I have kids, it is more of an excuse to do extra crafts and bake sweets. After the past week, full of dance and school parties, plus two birthday parties, I was cupcaked out! I decided the Isaac house didn't need any more sweets, so I filled a small pink bag with stickers, mints and a small toy. Consumable, practical, and sugar-free! (Although, I *did* buy a small bag of peanut M&M's for us all to share, but that was more me and my impulse buy personality). Robb did well - even though we have a 'no-gift' policy, neither of us follow the rules. Knowing my hatred of over-priced flowers, he bought me The Biggest Loser game for the Wii. I could have taken it the wrong way, him subtley telling me I am in need of some extra exercise, but I didn't - I really like the gift, and actually used it. The kids enjoyed it too, doing the moves along with me and Bob Harper, the trainer. (Maybe, though, next week he can surprise me with non-overpriced flowers, because I do not have hatred for that). You would have thought it was Christmas Morning around here by the way Saige was so excited and giving out hugs and kisses freely. It was a fun day, with an afternoon trip to the park and dinner at friends. We even had a bit of romance to the night - the power went out where we were, and we had to spend an hour in the living room by candle light :). I Hope everyone had a wonderful day with their loved ones, flowers or not.

Money in the Bank

I was explaining to Saige this morning what we had planned for the day. One of our stops, I told her, was the credit union to deposit some money into her bank account (bottle money from Grampa, Birthday money, etc). She asked why? I started explaining to her that when she is older, she can save and use the money to buy something she really wants, special clothes, maybe even a car. Her response was: "Mommy, I just want to go and drink my milk and watch a show." I guess I will save the financial talk for a few years....:)

It's really only 10 days

Robb does alot of traveling for work...more than I care for. Anyway, each time he tells me he is leaving for somewhere (lately the Middle East) he tries to sugar-coat it. I think it is proof he needs a few lessons in basic counting skills! For example: his upcoming trip. He leaves on a Sunday eveneing, so to him, that day doesn't count...but it really does count as a day, because he will be doing laundry and packing all Sunday before he leaves, leaves mid-afternoon to head to the airport, and I have to feed, bathe and put the kids to bed...THAT IS A DAY! So, he also counts that he is leaving his destination on a Thursday, so he doesn't account for the fact that it is a 20 hour flight home, arrives late Friday afternoon, then jet-lag dead until the weekend is over. So, to me, that is 14days...two weeks...to him and his math skills, it is 10 days. I think I will let him do single-parent duty for "10 days" and see if he is counting :)

The anticipation of him leaving for these trips is sometimes worse than the leaving itself. I get so worked up about it, turn into cranky mom, which is unfair. Once he actually leaves, it really doesn't seem as bad as I anticipated. You would think I would know this routine by now...but it still occurs every tme.

My First Attempt at Blogging

As in the description, I will try out blogging to keep family and friends (who care) aware of what we are up to...wish me luck!

For the entire month of January, I have been getting up at 4:15 every morning (M-F) to take part in a fitness bootcamp. While I love the class and actually see results, I am not keen on the early wake up call. I get so tired and cranky by the end of the day, I am sure my kids are glad for it to be over, too! Robb rarely sees me, as i put myself to bed minutes after the kids go to bed. My hope for the bootcamp was to motivate me back into shape. Since results were seen, i will attempt going back to the gym on my own to continue the effort of getting/staying in shape. Tomorrow is my last day (!!!), and final fitness test...we will see if it was worth it.

Because of this early morning. I have been taking whatever car didn't have car-seats, so this morning I had the luck of driving the Murano, and the low-fuel light came on. So, at 4:30 am I was pumping gas with 1/2 open eyes. Then, as I was taking Saige to pre-school later in the morning, the Mazda low-fuel light came on. What are the odds of this? Very good, I would say.