May 24 - WOW - where has the time gone. This has been a busy week. Tuesday I took the bull by the horns and I went and visited the friend that I had met up with at Church on Sunday - we had a really good visit. Was so great to be with positive people - who share the same belief system that I do - something that I really do miss when I am at home in Egypt. She was so happy for me - thrilled that I had finally found someone to love me and happy that I was no longer suffering as I had been - she commented that I 'looked' much happier - that she knew that I had really struggled in Canada prior to my marriage. And it gave me a lot of food for thought. You know - despite all the b'in I do - I do love my husband and I am very fortunate that I live in Egypt and that his family is so wonderful to me. I read about and know women who have left everything to come to Egypt to raise their families and their Egyptian family is not supportive - and for this blessing I thank God every day. My family in Egypt treats me as their own - they are always glad to see me - they cry when I head back to Canada - and I miss them tremendously. I have included a picture of Michele, moi, Peter and Hannah (their youngest granddaughter).

I have been busy sewing - have finished a skirt - and have cut out a tunic - with my mom's help - unfortunately I have packed on the pounds again - and I get so discouraged when I want to sew something and it requires major alterations - but we managed to alter the pattern and today I am planning on getting it sewn up - it is quite simple - two seams, sleeves and the neckline and voila I will be done - lol - if it were only that easy - but I will work at getting it done today. I also need to get out today and purchase a graduation card for my niece. Looks as if I will be heading to Saskatchewan with my folks tomorrow for the graduation ceremony on Saturday - as you can tell I am tickled pink to be going. I do not really know this young lady all that well - and the prospect of travelling for 8-10 hours does not appeal much - not sure why - couldn't be because less than 2 weeks ago I flew half way around the world - hmmm - oh well - family is family and the obligations are there - must admit the prospect of spending 3 days here by myself is quite appealing - but I will do what is expected and I will go - but I do need to get a card - not going to get a gift as I have no idea what to get and besides she is basically a stranger to me.

Yesterday I went to the fitness centre with my parents - what a mistake that was - not really - but my body is letting me know it did not appreciate it - I spent 22 minutes on the tread mill and then did some weights and then did some work on the exercise ball - my arms and thighs are really complaining. Hmmmm - I should either do this all the time or never - I think I will go for all the time. Once I get back to Egypt - and my money is sorted out - I am planning on joining Gold's Gym - it is not really conveniently located - but I have a car - and at least they have top notch equipment - so I will be working at going early in the morning - need to find out when they are open - they were to open 24 hours a day - but you can bet that they are not - they just would not have the volume for that - a) because they are relatively expensive (by Egyptian standards) and b) because they are not at all centrally located - but I will check into it and see.

That is the news around here - last night I barbecued up the last of the meat I brought with me to Creston. I bought a big slab of beef - made wonderful steaks - and a bunch of Italian sausages and then last but not least a loin of pork that I cut into chops - they were very good.
Will keep you posted about my trip to Saskatchewan - will post pictures when I get back - if I can - if Blogger cooperates - LOL.

And, Safa, you are right it is too late now to worry about Aymn's reaction to my hair - but I would LOVE to have a camera at the ready to take a picture when I take my scarf off. As you can tell by the pictures I am being rebellious and not covering right now - will likely don the scarf while I am in Saskatchewan - and must figure out how I am going to keep it under control under the scarf - I am sure I will figure something out.