Please donate to the P n B cruise fund.

Pretty please with pink sprinkles on top.

So you book the cruise of your dreams and you’re all, “Wow, this is a good deal for all we get!”

Then you start looking at airfare and are like, “Mmm, well, it’s a once in a lifetime trip. It’s okay that it’s adding up a little.”

Then you look at the freaking excursions and crap yourself (or as Mrs. M says, you tinkle on your leg).

Guys- they’re so expensive! That was the deal breaker. Will was only going to let me and P go by ourselves as long as we went on the group excursions.

Fine. In fact, I was excited about them!

Then I looked up how much 53 excursions are going to cost (alright, I’m exaggerating on the 53 thing) and had to walk to the BIDFY.

Very carefully. 

P-Dub~

I simply can’t believe you’re 18. I feel so full of adult (albeit parental) feelings right now, and once again I’m reminded that you’re grown up and are about to venture out on your own to begin a whole new part of your life.

The last 18 years of my life have been full of so many fun memories, and so much of that is because of you! I love you so very much and hope you’re having a great time in NYC. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

As you can imagine, this is one of those posts where I could drone on and on, but I figure I ought to save that emotional crap for when you leave for school. Probably a good idea, right?

So here’s a short list I compiled about all the FUN and EXCITING things you can do now that you’re the big 1-8:

*Drink in virtually every country other than Kuwait and America.

*Rent rooms from sketchy back alley motels. 

*Be tried as an adult- and then get sent to seriously terrifying maximum security women’s prisons where you have to bunk with a 7 foot tall hairy-legged woman with Russian ancestors. Oh- and you’d have to wear those scary orange jumpsuits too- except for every 6th Tuesday- that’s Pajama Day.

*Run for public office. You could totally instate Cute Belt Day!

*Vote. For yourself. Do I smell a write-in?

*Get into posh clubs- where you can handout pamphlets about your campaign.

I’m sure there’s more… but it’s been a few years since I was 18 (ha ha, I sound so old!)

I love you bunches. I hope today is full of happy surprises- and a little bit of warm weather! Come home soon- I want sushi!

Just a few pictures over the last year:

(last year’s b-day)

Oh and PS- you look totally gorgeous in this last picture. 

Love,

Britter

My sister is going to New York for a week next Friday. The kids here get 10 days off for a Kuwaiti holiday (!) so she’s off to meet up with some of the girls she paged with last summer.

Uh- how come our parents never let us do stuff like that when we were teens? I swear the first child is just a test run!

We found the cruise! Now we just need to book. Have I mentioned how excited I am about this trip? Between you and me- I must admit, I’m a LOT tad stressed about having to be the responsible one on this trip. Will always keeps track of everything when we travel. This time I have to be Will! AHHHH!

I must premise this post with a big: Hang With Me, Friends.

This post is going to be here, and there, and up, and down, and- well- you get the point.

Just hang with me. You’ll be happy you did (well, maybe you won’t, but I will be happy you did, and that counts for something, right?).

After work Friday I went to a baby shower for my friend “Ethel.” Do you guys remember her? It’s been a while since I’ve posted about her. Anyway, I had a lovely time and it was good to see her.

After the baby shower I headed over to P’s. Remember? We were going to have a big date night and I was going to try sushi for the first time! We went to The Avenues Mall and ate dinner at Maki. Guys- Maki is where I broke my sushi virginity. P was so cool about the whole thing. She didn’t laugh when I looked like a complete moron with chopsticks, and she was really discreet about teaching me the correct way to hold them-again, and again, and again. By the way- those things are painfully impossible to master on the first try. I looked like such a weirdo. P was so patient and really helped me figure it out. Unfortunately, everything went into short term memory and I have since forgotten, but darnit- for those 30 minutes I was Master Brittny.

We had the best time- once I got over the moronic chopstick issue, of course. We had an array of sushi and guys- I did great! I was really proud of my braveness. We had this amazing sushi with sweet potatoes and rice… it was so good. Obviously much safer than the salmon I had. It was good too, and I’m glad I did it. I promised P another night of sushi in which I would be even more adventurous than I was that night. She’s convinced I need to try eel. We’ll see. It was actually good and I felt healthy afterwards, not disgusting like I do when we go to must restaurants. Well- I should backtrack- I felt healthy until we went to go for dessert. Yeah, it was all over after that.

You couldn’t end a girl’s night of fun just on sushi- right? Of course not! So- we had to end the night with chocolate, and there’s no better place for chocolate in Kuwait than The Chocolate Bar. See? I told you guys we have real food here. You seriously need to click on this link. For some reason some of the best desserts aren’t on the site… oh well. You’ll just have to take my word!

That place is simply amazing. There are no words to describe the edification brought from a huge chocolate-y dessert.

After our gluttonous night, I took P home. On the way to my house I started to feel sad. Really sad- and it wasn’t just because I was feeling fat! P and I have been together for almost 18 years. We’ve rarely been apart. I began to think about how hard it will be to let go, and to be separated by an ocean and it really began to make my heart hurt.

As I drove home I also thought about Will and how he must feel that way about his family back home. I began to feel bad for all the little daily things we’ve missed in their lives that are generally quite trivial, but things that seem to add up after a whole year of missing such things.

And so, the wheels of my mind began to turn…

If you’re around me for very long it won’t take long before you hear about my beloved “dream vacation.” It seems to be to be a topic that has consumed my mind as of late. After taking Will’s dream trip to the Super Bowl, it was only fitting that I begin to think about when it would be my turn. It’s been a thought that has occupied a lot of my thoughts for months now, and I’ve been raring to finally take this trip already!

So- as I drove home I began to think, “Brittny? What would make you and Will happy?” I mulled that idea around in my head and gave it some thought as each mile passed.

As I waited at a stoplight it hit me:

Will needs to go home and spend some alone time with his family, especially his dad. He doesn’t need his wife in the way of that quality father-son time.

I need to cherish this time with P. Before I know it she’ll be off to the states, living such a grown-up life and time together will be incredibly sparse.

SO- I came up with a plan.

After a few conversations and a little convincing it was decided that Will would go home for a few weeks this fall to catch some OU games and spend time with his dad

AND-

THIS SUMMER P AND I ARE TO GO ON MY DREAM MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE!!!

I honestly don’t think I’ve been this excited since my wedding day.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking- “Shouldn’t you make Will go with you on this dream trip?? After all, he dragged you to the Super Bowl.”

I thought about it, but the truth is, I really think I’d have more fun with P. We would have a freaking BLAST. I have no doubt about that. Will would go with me and be just fine, but he’s not nearly as excited about this trip as I am. To be quite honest- I really want to go with P. I just think it would be nice to spend this time with my sister doing something I know we would love before life changes. Plus, I figure it would be nice for Will to see his dad sometime in September or October without me tagging along. I guess I always thought it was weird when people would take separate vacations. I was sure that meant that they were having trouble, but in this case, I really think it’s a great idea and it’s something that would make us both really happy. We’re both excited for each other, and we’re both excited about our prospective trips.

Only- I think I’m more excited.

I wish you could see my right now- I’m beaming! Yes- beaming. Beaming as in everything within a 10 mile radius is radiating because of my excitement.

Just imagine the wealth of blogging material that will come from this trip!

The hardest part has been convincing my mother choosing the right cruise. We have to make sure P has enough time to pack up her stuff here and get to the states for college. Plus, everything is booked. I think we’ve about narrowed it down to 3. The one we REALLY want to go on is 20 days, and, well, it’s a little (okay a LOT) out of the questions. Surprisingly, it’s cheaper than some of the shorter ones! I’m hoping to book by next week. AAAH! I’m so excited!

More fun to come… you can bet on that.

<3

I just learned that The Marble Slab is coming to Kuwait next month.

I’m pretty sure if they brought in a Walmart I’d be set for life.

Or just the rest of the time we plan on being here.

The link is funny. They’re not coming to Al Koot mall, it’s Al Kout.

But whatever.

That’s neither here nor there.

They’re coming.

Speaking of that, I’m a bit in a snippy mood this afternoon.

I tend to become really...hmm...what’s the word

Pissy

if I’m not able to go to the gym on a regular basis.

I was so excited because I today I was making a point to leave on time so I could go to the gym, but then a wrench got thrown in my plans.

We asked my parents out for dinner.

I either needed like a 5:00 dinner or an 8:00 dinner. Nothing in between would do. 5 would give me enough time to eat and then get to the gym before it closed. 8 would allow me enough time for a quick work out and time to get ready for dinner.

“How about 6!?”

The story of my life, right?

How is it that the most TIME OBSESSED PERSON E.V.E.R is ALWAYS being faced with time-related issues?

I swear…

Anyway, I can’t budge much because my sister is getting on a plane tonight to head to Amsterdam where she will do lots of heavy liquor shots and smoking near the red light district will be attending a Model U.N. meeting. (only kidding, mom)

Too bad the Marble Slab isn’t already open. I could round out my lack of workout and a terrible dinner at TGIFridays with some slutty indulgent dessert…

<3

Good “whatever it may be” friends (I figure if I say morning this post won’t be finished until the afternoon, and knowing me I may not even publish until this evening… we’ll just stick with “whatever it may be.” It’s safe)!

Well, here it is again- Thanksgiving. The good news is that this year’s holiday (hopefully!) won’t be another Angstgiving as in years past. We can only hope, anyway.

My family and I are celebrating a little early this year because of our trip to Jordan. The plan is to have Thanksgiving tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed. See, unfortunately there’s a chance I might have to work. I’m just going to put my foot down and tell my boss I’ve got a freaking 16 pound turkey that’s been defrosting in my fridge since Sunday night and dang it, that bird is getting tossed in the oven, and if not- HE’S going to be the stuffing!!

What do you guys think?

My coworker and I agreed we could come in Saturday, so hopefully that will suffice. I even said I could do some work from home while the bird was in the oven. While we’re on the subject of work, will you guys say a prayer for me? I just found out some disturbing news that might have me searching for something elsewhere. I really hope not, but please just say a prayer for me. My stomach feels yucky over everything.

Okay- this post is NOT about work. It’s about Thanksgiving! Let’s get back on track!

The original plan was for me to go over to my parent’s house tonight, bird in tow. I was going to stay the night with them so I could get up early and make the turkey at their house. You might remember last year’s Thanksgiving drama. As you can imagine, I don’t want a repeat of that, so I thought it best to let Will do his own thing in the morning and let me get the turkey ready at my parent’s house. Transporting the stupid thing was a sloshy juicy mess last year, and this plan will not only make for a happier wife, but a happier Thanksgivng overall.

I’m not sure I’m going to go over there now, though, if I’m going to do some work from home. I figure I’ll be distracted if I’m at my parent’s house. There’s no way I can resist goofing off with P. Besides- what loser tells their sister, “Now now, pipe down. I need to focus on my studies!”

Exactly.

I’m sort of bummed because I thought it would be fun. I know all I’ll do is worry if I go over there instead of taking care of my crap. We’ll see. Again- PRAYERS guys, please. I really want to seek God’s will for my life and job.

So- plans are still up in the air for tomorrow’s festivities. The plan is for me to make a desert tonight and the turkey tomorrow. We’re going with rather unconventional desserts this year. My mom is making key lime pie and I’m making a chocolate buttermilk pie- only because it’s from a Semi-Homemade cookbook and it was one of the first pie recipes I turned to. Plus it’s chocolate and you can’t go wrong with that.

I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Did I ever tell you my sister and I have a really morbid Thanksgiving tradition? We LOVE to watch The Shining Thanksgiving night. How random, right? I don’t really know what started this tradition, but it’s become a staple in our holiday fun. Will and my parents don’t get it, I can’t understand why. Will already informed us he won’t be participating in this year’s viewing. What a party pooper. Oh well.

Back to turkey. I’m making the same one I have the past two years- the orange-y one. I had pictures on my old blog, but when I had to transfer all the archives (copy and freaking paste. It took FOREVER) over to this blog, I got lazy and didn’t insert all the pictures. So- sadly, if you ever read the archives (ha ha yeah right), I have a ton of posts where I’m all, “Look at our trip! Here’s me with P doing such and such, and here’s Will skiing in Dubai!” only there aren’t any pictures underneath. I suck.

Okay- this post has literally taken me all stinkin’ day to write. I started this morning and got so busy that now it’s time for me to leave- and the best part of all is I GET TO WORK FROM HOME! 16 pound orange-y turkey… get ready to be basted!!

Love you guys. Pictures of the big day to come tomorrow! 

P has no idea this post is “all about P,” so perhaps I should begin with a small note:

P-

This entire post is, well, all about you.

Love,

Brittny

PS- Don’t kill me.

Okay- moving on. I have three P related “things” I want to share today! The first is sort of serious, the second two are so freaking funny.

This first bit is my sister’s short entrance essay into one of the colleges where she’s applying. When I read it, I loved it (and it’s not just because she’s my sister either!), and I wanted to share.

Here it is, and by the way- I took out the school name. It just says “university” in place of what she really wrote. I’m the moron- not her.

I go to a school where my classrooms seem more like the United Nations, rather than a high school. When I walk down the corridors, my ears are bombarded with Urdu, Afrikaans, Arabic, French, and Hindi. I’m not sure if they are talking about the AP Biology test they just failed or what they had for dinner, but I don’t mind. I adore knowing that my hallways are crowded with people nothing like me; people who greet me with a kiss upon each cheek rather than a “What’s up?”, people who pray five times a day to a different God than I do, and people who sometimes wear strict traditional dress, rather than Abercrombie and Fitch. I am satisfied with the fact that “road tripping” isn’t an option for me, because I know that would just get me to the Iraqi border. My eyes have adjusted to minarets dotting the skyline. My body has grown accustomed to the 115 degree temperatures that plague this land for several months out of the year. My life has been dramatically altered while living in this Middle Eastern nation and I would not have had it any other way.

The aforementioned is my daily routine, but more recently, it has served as criteria for finding the perfect university for me. It is imperative that I spend the next four years of my life in a place of blending cultures. University is eye-catching; University radiates diversity. Thus stated, when the opportunity to become more well-rounded and cultured is given to me, I cannot ignore it. My desire to study at University is undeniable and I am assured that it would add to my global outlook. Additionally, University is the only institution I am applying to in the United States. I am aware that there are thousands of universities in the U.S., but I am assured that only University can fulfill my international prerequisites, and quench my passion and necessity for culture. The education and experiences I hope to gain at University will be brilliant, illustrious, and unmatched. I am ready to study at University’s own “Melting Pot”.

Aw, she’s so smart isn’t she? She gets it from her sister (Ha).

So, as much as I don’t want her to go away to college, I’m slowly easing into the idea!

So that’s that. I also have a couple more other P related things to share. She actually suggested I blog about this one, so I’m in the clear for telling you about this stuff.

A couple nights ago, P stayed the night in the hospital (nothing serious- the doctor sort of over reacted). Well coming out of the anesthesia she was incredibly loopy and giggly. This is the email she sent telling me about what happened after her scope. The words in parentheses are the English translations of the Arabic words. I don’t know how funny this stuff will be to you guys. It might be one of those “You had to be there” moments, but I sure thought it was hilarious.

OMG I was dying laughing..it was hilarious. it would have made you laugh.
I have a blog topic for you to do if you dont have any ideas:

HAHAHAHHAHA.

Apparently my sister caused quite a commotion with all her laughter. My mom said she was out of control.  I can’t even imagine. I wish I could have been there. I bet she was a hoot.

Okay, okay, last thing and I promise I’m done.

My parents and sister went to Oman last weekend for Eid (the ending celebration of Ramadan) and apparently my sister ate a whole lot and complained a lot about how bloated she felt. What do you guys think??

I told her it was just her imagination. She looks great, right?

Okay, enough silliness for one day. <3

I have to tell you about my almost breakdown last night.

I got totally parental on myself last night.

It finally hit me that my baby sister is graduating, leaving the country, and going to college in like 7 months.

Do you realize we’ve practically lived with each other or 10 minutes away from each other for almost 18 years!?

I was listening to “Mourining Morning” by Just Jack (<3)- mainly because my sister is my music supplier and told me to download it. Anyway, I totally almost lost it there (I'll post part of the lyrics at the end).

What are you doing to me woman!?!

So anyway, I finally realized that this is the last time we'll really be around each other like we are right now- and yes, I got all misty.

Mainly because I'm a nerd and stress about things so far in the future that God might not even be aware of them yet (just kidding, God!).

But that's a legit stress, right?

Definitely. It ranks right up there with world hunger and global warming I'm almost positive.

Anyway, that's today's story.

P-

I really want you to stay but I know you have to go, have to go again

“Mourning Morning”

~Just Jack

Love,

Britter

Dear P,

I know when you went to straighten your hair this morning you realized, “Hmm, this probably won’t work because the cord has been chewed in half by Brittny’s two little demonic furry balls of fury- little CUTE and CUDDLY demonic fury balls of fury.”

Yeah I bet you said cute and cuddly, right? Only I bet you inserted a lot of naughty words in the middle too.

Like the F-bomb, and the S-word, and all sorts of funny variations like “F-ing hell” and “bloody little S-words.” Ha, I bet you called Lucy the B-word big time.

Well, before you grab a sharp Number 2 pencil and pierce poor Boz’s hiney, let me assure you that I have already taken care of the problem.

Upon realizing the havoc they wreaked on your straightner, Boz and Lucy were promptly spat upon, insulted, hanged upside down, and sent to a remote forrest in the Phillipines, where all naughty cord-eating dogs live in exile.

The dogs you see right now are not Boz and Lucy but in fact Roz and Suzy, their understudies. Their stunt doubles, if you will. They are much cuter and better behaved than Boz and Lucy, as I’m sure you’ve already seen for yourself.

I truly apologize for the inconvenience Boz and Lucy have caused you and your hair. Thank God you had a back-up Chi to use. However, I understand after having a Ceramic Tech a Chi is no comparison. Fret not, I will be replacing the Tech with a shiny new one. Now that I don’t have to pay for dog food I can better utilize my money.

Although, are Boz and Lucy the only ones to blame here?

I say those crazy Brits are to blame too. They should have made their cords better and stronger. I mean, who doesn’t get tempted to chew on an electrical cord every now and then? Geez. Boz and Lucy were simply pointing out the fact that these straightener cords are just not up to the challenge of dog chewing. Perhaps they were doing you a favor? I mean, think about if YOU were the one gnawing on that cord, right? They took one for the team.

So in closing, I apologize for the inconvenience. I promise to replace your straightener, as well as keep Boz and Lucy in their Filipino confinement until further notice.

I love you and thank you for being so cool about everything.

Your Sister,

Britter