Loulou's views

I've been thinking about what to wear to BlogHer, because it's literally around the corner. (Squee!) I have tried on so many dresses, and while I feel good about most of my choices, nothing screamed "YES! YES! YES!" to me until today. I found the perfect dress to wear to all the fabulous parties for at least one of the nights. I think I'll fit right in, don't you? Oh, and I decided to leave any traces of my roots at home, because really? I don't want to look like a tourist. (Don't you know Canadians always dress like this?) Also, as if I'd wear a pair of pants that accentuate my hips! I think not. More BlogHer posts to come - stay tuned!

When I was in the fourth grade, during quiet reading time, a disruptive boy started acting up. The teacher warned him not to speak loudly again, as he was making too much noise. She said: "If you talk once more after I have repeatedly told you not to, not only will you be punished for 5 minutes after class, the entire class will be punished along with you. Everyone will have to remain in their seats for an extra 5 minutes, quietly." Of course all eyes were on this young boy, who, of course being a young boy, challenged his teacher and laughed. And of course, this teacher meant business. We were all punished. Out of the 20 children in our classroom only 1 child had caused an issue, but the result was we were all going to have to pay for it. They were repercussions to his actions. It was unfair. But then again, so is life. I remember what I was wearing on September 11, 2001, when I got the phone call from my mother telling me a plane had crashed into the World Trade Centre. Vis...

Sometimes I think back to certain parts of my life, and I miss them. The other day I was pumping gas near my high school. I remember my high school days vividly - the walks to the bus stop after school, my friends, my first car, all the experiences. Later that night, as I lay asleep beside my children, I was so happy to be in that moment, to be at this point in my life, an adult, a home-owner, a wife, a mother of two. I love right now. This morning, I thought of the future, of seeing my boys graduating from University, wondering what they'll become, each of them with their different personalities. There is so much to look forward to! (My prediction? Oldest son: scientiest/doctor/paleontologist; youngets son: the next Michael Schumacher!) Even though I miss the days gone by - University, high school, and being a child reading Sweet Valley Twins and long summer vacations with my family in Greece - I love the present. And as much as I love the present, I look forward to what the futu...

My 6 years younger than me sister had a baby girl last week. My little sister, way more independent than I am, is someone who has never needed my advice because she always knows what she wants. Last night, she called me and asked me for advice. For the first time ever. "Can I store breastmilk in the fridge? And after, am I supposed to warm it up?" she asked. Finally. I was asked for some advice! Just a few days ago, my sister became a mother . It is truly amazing how much I am in love with this new baby girl, perfect in every way - it feels, in a way, that I sort of have a third child - that's how much I love her! My boys are loving their new cousin, too. The first time they met her, they could not stop smiling. It was such a sweet moment. I had really easy labours and deliveries, (as in 6 hour labours, pushing for about 20 minutes with both babies, and both times, I was induced) so I sort of expected the same for my sister. Didn't quite turn out that way for her, t...

So after stressing over whether I should still go to BlogHer or take a best friends trip to New York City two weeks later - I have decided that this year, it's BlogHer for me. I received a lot of comments, emails and phone calls from my best friends and from fellow bloggers, and the one thing everyone agreed on was that I had a hard decision to make. (I have a hard enough time deciding what to wear when I get up in the morning!) My best friends and I see each other all the time. And we always go on one getaway a year together - so I know I'll be joining them wherever we go next summer. And I know they'll still love me even though I won't be in NYC with them. This is the year for me to go to BlogHer - so my decision (finally!) has been made. And I am so excited! Oh, and can I ask a favour of you? Can you pretty please vote for me for the 2010 BlogLuxe Awards ? I was nominated (thank you!) in the Guilty Pleasure category along with some totally awesome blogs. (Um, I...

7 years ago today, I married my high school sweetheart... the smartest, funniest, cutest man I know. My husband is awesome for many reasons. Not only because he teaches me so much, makes me (and everyone around me) laugh non-stop, and certainly not only because he cooks for me... but for other reasons, too. Like his love for German automobiles. His awesome taste in music. His smile. His ability to kick my ass at any video game. The wonderful way he is with our children. And because he is the coolest guy I know. But mostly, above all else - because he gave me the two most perfect gifts in life... our beautiful children! Happy Anniversary, babe. I love you! P.S. Another reason my husband rocks? I'm going to the premiere of Eclipse tonight and he doesn't mind one bit. Of course I invited him, but of course, he said no. Because really... would I want to be married to a guy who would want to see a Twilight movie? I think not! Thanks babe! You know I'll make it up to you! P.P....

Today, my oldest son graduated from junior kindergarten. We've come a long way, baby. In September, I took my son to his new school to meet his very first teacher. He refused to even walk in the doors. He pretty much had a tantrum when it was time to meet his teacher. He was not looking forward to starting school. Then, the first day of school came. He woke up, bright and early, put on his brave face, and smiled for me as I took his picture. "Smile, baby! It's your very first day of school!" At school, he quietly lined up beside all the other nervous children, unsure of what to do. Then when it was time to go inside, he held his teacher's hand, and never once looked back at me. Which is a good thing, considering I was a sobbing mess - tears were flowing down my face and I couldn't stop crying. I could not control my emotions that day - my oldest son, starting school. It was almost suffocating, having to get in my car and drive away, without him. But I did. An...

Remember when I wrote a post about stressing out over BlogHer ? I had reasons to be stressed. Like: "How will I find the time to meet, hang out with, and have meaningful conversations with all the fabulous bloggers I want to meet?' And: "Will I wear my hair with loose curls, or wear it pin straight?" Of course, these remain my two biggest BlogHer stresses, but let's add to that list, shall we? Yesterday, after a hair-cut and my weekly blow-dry at my salon, my favourite hair stylist handed me some awful news. "T, I need to book a hair appointment with you before I leave for New York City!" I told my stylist as I was paying. "I'm not going to be here that week!" she replied. GASP. "WHAT? What do you mean? This can't be! What about L, is she available that day?" "No... she is off then, too. I'm so sorry!" "Well. Can't you like, take another week off? This is kind of a big deal for me, you know!" (O...

The other day, while in our favourite book store, I thought it would be a good idea to purchase yet another plasma car, since my boys love riding them so much. Despite the fact that we already have two, I thought I should buy one more so I could leave it at my parent's house so my boys could have one to ride when they are there. (The fact that I allow my children to ride their plasma cars in our house, through our dining room, living room, family room, hallway and kitchen is another story - our very expensive hardwood floor is now very much scratched... but... my kids are having a blast so you know what? I don't mind!) I showed Dimitry the plasma cars, having picked out the newest colour - a really pretty turquoise and green one. "Dimitry, look how nice this plasma car is! Let me get it down for you so we can buy it." "No, pink." Ignore. "Here you go sweetie, here is the beautiful blue and green plasma car! Go try it out!" "I want the pink....

I'm blessed to have a really great father in my life - a father who has always been there for my sister and I - from every dentist appointment, to every dance recital and school play. My father coached my Greek girls soccer league, and we were awful . It must have pained him to see us play so bad, but he was still supportive, always reminding us we could gossip after the game was over. He stayed up late at night helping me with my homework to the point I'd have stories memorized for Saturday morning Greek school. My father has also been there for me through every car accident I got myself into, including a pretty massive one on the first day I got my license. No matter how many times he received the call from his teenage daughter saying: "Daddy? I hit another car!" he was never mad or upset; the first question he always asked was: "Are you okay?" Even after this, I received an Audi as my 18th birthday present. Despite the fact that my car insurance rates...