2009 is next...

Soon we are entering a completely new year and what is going to happen in that year is beyond everyones knowledge. When I was little I always made New Year's vows just to have one to pronounce on New Year's eve. To actually follow what I've just dedicated myself to for a whole year was something completely different...Luckily, I've learned from my mistakes and nowadays I don't make promises I know I can't proceed with.

This year's vow (or vows depending of how you see it) might be a challenge but I don't think it will be impossible. Until today, I haven't really thought about my New Year's vows for 2009, but what I have been thinking about is change. I want to change (a bit -not completely, haha) and I want to actually live to the fullest. And I am not meaning that I will become party princess Sandra -available for booty calls 24/7, I mean that I want to start appreciating things more and allowe myself to feel like an it-girl. I'm one of a kind and so is my life. A bad day is not going to destroy my precious life anymore. 2009 is going to be a year filled with love, happiness and development for me and I promise myself that I am going to be sexier than ever (even though I might somedays still wear sweatpants and a Hello Kitty T-shirt :P).

Ooh, I can't wait until the clock strikes 00.00 -I am so welcoming 2009 :) HAPPY NEW YEAR little blog!!!

Oh, and I am also going to practice on not closing my eyes on pictures! x)

REDilicious

Fierce, sexy and feminine are the leading words for my 2009 and it starts with RED.

Linné Hörnan with Maria

Sometimes all you need is a delicious (and big, hehe) cake and an extremely lovely friend to light up even the coldest days here in Sweden. Even though it was -5°C when I biked down to town, it was totally worth the 2½ hours Maria and I chatted away at café Linné Hörnan. It's funny how a newlyfriend can make you feel like you've known that person forever, haha. Maria is great! =) And we even (or I) made a deal about meeting next week, so she can help me with the stupid physics paper we got before hols. I am so relieved about that....:)

However, I was not as relieved about how much my chocolate cake -that was called brownie, but didn't look like a brownie at all so I have no idea why they call it that! ^^- cost. I mean SEK 39 for that!? Okay, it was damn good and they decorated it pretty well, but I can get like three of those at Secret Recipe! Hahaha...I suppose I have to stop comparing the prices here in Sweden with the prices in Malaysia, because I am really starting to get spoiled...

Lovely Maria x)

Lovely cake...chocolate OF COURSE :)

finito for this year -.-

I'm done with Uppsala. Not literally done with living here -more done with the yearly after X'mas SALE. That is what I have been up to these past few days, and that's the reason why this little blog had to remain untouched. Because whenever there is a sale somewhere, I am automatically standing there in the crowd beside a bitchy I-woman with a cabom-cabom bigger than Mount Everest that over and over again tries to squeeze me aside. Before, I used to do nothing but now I learned that a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do; I push her harder and get my lovely tank top. *I'm so sorry D. Lama for not being humble at moments like this!

I don't really know how to put this, but to go on sales is kind of mine obsessive compulsive disorder, and it gets even worse in Malaysia when the malls are like 5 football fields! I love the sales in Malaysia...=) However sales is over for me right now. I don't want to go to anymore sales until I am fully recovered from this year's. Hope I don't have to ampuatate my legs -that's how tired I am...^^

Flawed but honest: Holy Night

Christmas Eve puts a special kind of pressure on singers. I honestly want to sing my best for all the right reasons. I recognize that my contribution to the service is about honoring God and celebrating Jesus' birth. At the same time, I can become consumed with a psychosis about singing a song like O Holy Night which is the beloved Christmas moment of so many. I LOVE singing the song, but it never seems to come out the way I intend. Invariably, I mess up the words, or overpower some subtle line which I am likely the only one paying attention too anyway. The details seem to get in the way so often and I start "in a mental hole".

I sang last night, and I enjoyed making music and contributing to a lovely service. When I listened to the recording this AM, I wasn't pleased at all. For me, the sound was "too far back", the pace a bit frantic at times, and the lines became disjointed all too often. My excuses continue and are disabling and discouraging on many levels. This led me to think that I should not post it for anyone else to hear, but then I remembered the smiles of the congregation and the tears of so many friends. I didn't set out to be "great", I set out to sing and share my heart for Christ through a glorious gift of music.

We, as artists and musicians have to let our art stand for what it is. My song last night was an exploration of sound, story, and love bound by emotional thread and unimaginable power all expressed in the story of a simple birth. Musically, it may have been flawed, but my intentions were honest, and I can and will practice to improve. If God allows, perhaps I'll get another chance next year, or even sooner.

Merry Christmas to all!

2008 is unwrapped

I was this happy or should I say am? xD

Let's just face it -I am spoiled. I know I said earlier that presents are not the most important part of Christmas, and I still don't think it is but still, I am not going to lie and say that I don't enjoy getting them x). Love and thanks go to Mum, Vicki, Gong Gong, uncle Kevin, uncle Alvin and Santa...that appears to live next door =). And Merry Christmas to the rest of the world that celebrates today!

the Gan family is very...generous towards each other, hehe...

Thanks again for my gorgeous treasures!!! xD

Now I have another reason not to go out! Hahaha...x)

Santa brought the whole a family a box of Merci....Thank you!

real Christmas

My morning of "real Christmas" couldn't have started better. Risgrynsgröt, julvört (with lots of raisins:P) and some honey glazed ham is really all I need. Even though, it's time for the opening of the Christmas presents now... -did not have time to unwrap all yesterday since we watched a awesome documentary Chinese School; highly recommended, hehe. See you later, little blog!

the Gan's yearly Christmas dinner

Every year mummy puts up the best Christmas dinner, which is both good and bad. Good because it tastes amazing (especially the honey glazed ham that was new for this year :P), but extremely bad when you are finished and when you can barely move, and it gets worse when you realize that you can't see your feet anymore -.-...I have over the years realized that that's not a very good sign. So, after each Christmas dinner we always learn the lesson of what you shouldn't overconsume for the next dinner (eat Christmas food the 24th and 25th -that's it, and enough!). The thing is just that, even though we might learn a big (?) lesson for the next occasion...it never seems to stuck until the next year. Maybe, because a Christmas dinner is a Christmas dinner and mummy's is to good to not overconsume once a year.

Christmas morning

Do you know it's Christmas...? -No I really don't -.-, hehehe...I just realized it when I woke up beside a cute little X'mas morning present =P. Thanks mummy! Now I am going to look damn sexy in grey Sweden, that actually is about to transform into white Sweden. -If the mini snowflakes keep on falling all day =)

Another thing that I realized as well is that, I suck at Christmas wrapping! Next time I will hire someone to do it for me and maybe I won't get injured...-.-

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

Christmas wrapping

I still haven't melted that it's X'mas tomorrow - but if not the media, people around me, my phone or my watch is lying...it should be X'mas tomorrow. At least in Sweden, since we weirdos celebrate the 24th instead of 25th like the rest of the (normal?) world...Do we really love this day so much, so that we must have an extra day of it? Haha, who knows...

Enough with this, I have to start wrapping. The evening of the December 23 means Christmas wrapping and I am so in for it! Hahaha...

from Friday

Some pics from Friday then as promised 3 years ago...x)

Me with my a bit destroyed straitghtened hair (damn rain, took me 1.5 h -.-)

They said I looked like Keira Knightley, so I had to strike a Hollywood pose, haha.


Cute Christoffer looks like he's enjoying life xD (Vixxi, Christoffer, Shilan, Sabina, me, Maria)

Ain't no Thai massage in this class no!


Me and cute little Lewar (that only looks like an angel on this picture, the thing is - she's not x))

mini-Maria, Sabina, and Shill

A picture of today's dress-for-success had to be taken...

before hugging my beloved ones goodbye for this year ;( (once again, why is moving to Uppsala such a hard thing!?)

day before X'mas

Sick the day before Christmas? No, it's impossible. Tried to drag myself up early this morning, so I could get some exercise done before all the food and laziness that is coming up tomorrow. Let's just say that my plan did not work very well. A snotty nose (better now), eyes on the edge of plopping out, while opened, and a literally dead body don't really go hand in hand with swimming, do they? Decided to stay home instead and just rest. Meaning that, half the day was spent on the coach reading "The sorrows of young Werther" (Den unge Werthers lidanden in Swedish). I must say that it is quite good actually, haha. Every book the teachers are forcing us to read is actually not so bad =) - or is that just me that thinks so...? Anyhow, hope I will feel better tomorrow, because there is only one Christmas each year.

Now I have some stuff to take care of, but will be back late today with some pictures from Friday (Lewar finally sent them). Ciao!

the yearly "julrush"

It seems like the the time just goes quicker and quicker now before Christmas. Yesterday, I followed my dear mother to town to buy the last Christmas gifts...and it added up to quite a lot :P One of the reasons why I love shopping with mum! =)

There is something special about shopping just before Christmas. Some people hate the "julrusch" as we call it here, but I simply love it. People everywhere on the streets, laugher, smells from bakeries. I just find it so joyful in dull Sweden. I mean it's like the days before Christmas, are the days when people actually go outside, and I like that. Haha, it sounds like I am the person that would die if I won't go out and see people every day. - The thing is that I am not. I love being at home, but I also love going out. I can stay inside for a week (okay, maybe 4 days :P) and still feel like I love my home. But in the same time, I love to go out shopping, dining and meet my friends.

However, I think I'm more of the "stay at home Sandra" in Sweden and "want to go everywhere Sandra" in Malaysia. I think it really has to do with the people and the culture they are brought up in. In Malaysia, there is really no time of the day when there is completely death somewhere; whereas in Sweden - it wouldn't be normal if that would happen. What I 'm trying to say is that, I love both calmness and everything that the word hectic brings. And right now I am totally in for the "julrush"

Christmas break

I am a free woman now. Or almost free anyway. Unfortunately, I did not get to bring my dear sister's camera to catch some pictures of the (sad an happy) day. But I of course fixed it and told my little friend Lewar to take some for me =) The problem is just that she haven't sent them to me yet...note: that little lady is soo looking for trouble! Haha, just kidding...but I will post them as soon as I get them.

Besides that, I am extremely satisfied with my grades. I really were kind of astonished by some of them, but in a happy way. It just feels like I actually can handle and manage this now. That my hard work has payed off...with better results than I expected. And before leaving the ladies (sob,sob -.-) I told them that we shoudn't be sad, cause next year is going to be our year. We are going to rule next year, and we are going to do it damn well. =)

Miss everyone already...Why does everyone live far away from Uppsala?

in 2 hours...

The day has finally come. The day where Christmas break starts! 01.oo pm I have to be in the assembly hall in school, then we will ahve some coffee and cake with my lovely class before I am free!!! I'm going to miss all my freinds in school that I can't meet during the break, though like mini-Maria and Sabina -.- How sad ;( --- but on the other hand I won't be sad the whole break, since I will have time to meet friends I haven't met in like a decade. I really hate it when it gets to that point...

Just got on the phone with one of those. My godsis. haven't spoken to her in ages and it just felt so great to get the chance to do that today =) She asked if we maybe could hang out some day during the break. I couldn't be more relieved, I mean I haven't spoken with my precious little godsis since September (?) and she didn't call me to yell at me. She called to ask if I had some free time during Chriztmas to spend with her. God I love that girl, she's the sweetest. xD

tomorrow is a new day

I am totally not a nice person, actually I must be the word starting with a B---

I don't understand. Am I honestly so cold? Why can't I be happy? I got an A, but not the way I wanted to?! Reading that sentence just makes me feel even more like a pure B.

For such a long time I've been sober from these kind of thoughts. That I am not good enough, and that I can't compare with others. The thing is, that I know that thoughts like that aren't good, and especially comparing work with others is one of the worst things you can do towards yourself. I tell my friends so too, when they are feeling down. So, I do not understand why I have come to this point of obsessing about silly marks.

I am going to change. I might have had a bad day today, but I am not going to let that ruin my life forever. I am going to allowe myself to be as angry and upset about it today but tomorrow is a new day.

give me back my shows!

I really wonder how the people working with television think. All the good shows and series start at exactly the same time period. When you have no time to watch them. And then they suddenly end when you have all the time in the world...(or maybe not all the time in the world, but some, hehe). I just know that I certainly will miss my One Three Hill, Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty the whole semester...

3rd Advent

Today's dress-for-success

The planning for this beautiful day (not really) is that sis and I are heading to town to check out what Christmas presents to buy, and for me: what to wish for -.- But hey, I already breaked the deadline - Friday 10.00 pm - by more than 24 hours, so why not make it 48!? Hehe...besides I've actually come up with some wishes. x) I followed Christoffer's advice and just sat down and thought about the big world with all kinds of stuff available for little Sandra in Sweden...

I came up with small ideas only, but in a way that's kind of good. Means I am quite satisfied with what I have =)

¤ Lindor chocalate ~ yummie tradition

¤ A folder (!!!) ~ must have one for all my papers before I go crazy!

¤ Red nailpolish ~ want to look fierce during the dull winter

¤ IKEA velour tracksuit ~ something to wear on the to the airport :P

¤ GLAMOUR ~ some holiday reading

¤ A printer ~ Vicki forced me so that she has a bigger chance of getting one...

ICT Assembly

Y3G had fun showing the Digital Document Camera in the sharing assembly on the Thursday 11th December. Mr G showed his Roman coin, which was 1800 years old.

VET IN DISTRESS

My name is Terry Travers and I'm the webmaster of this blog- one of six I try to post on a daily basis.

Allyson's plight came to my attention through her twitter activity and I decided to give Matthew Burnett's story a forum.

Comments are welcomed and encouraged.

If you'd like to post content, you may send it to me at 1960reunion@gmail.com

Thank You

~Terry A. Travers.

By the way, our campaign was successful and Matthew Burnett got the benefits he was entitled to. Thanks to all who helped.

M'AIDEZ M'AIDEZ

CALLING ALL MEDIA

To whom it may concern,
My name is Allyson Burnett and I am writing on behalf of my father, Matthew. He is a gulf war Navy veteran and now terminally ill due to chemicals he was exposed to during his service. He has been battling the VA now for almost eight years trying to get service connection. It now seems that, after getting in touch with Secretary Shinseki to seek help with the matter, his claim has been patently denied by appeals management. It is out of their jurisdiction to deny his claim, especially after the judge that heard the case wrote a decision which stated “I find no evidence on which to base a denial”. That being said; the law which governs VA policy specifically states “in the absence of contradictory evidentiary information, the Veterans Administration is bound to find on behalf of the service member.” Having been remanded to the appeals management center for “further development”, it was not the mission of AMC to “approve or deny” his claim, only to further develop and prepare his case for the ratings board. It seems odd to me that after naming names to Secretary Shinseki himself, my father’s case was almost immediately denied after having sat dormant at AMC for nearly two years. Part of the dormancy is AMC’s ineptitude to accomplish their own mission goals. For instance, for over a year they have been asking for his military files from the Department of the Navy. AMC has stated after multiple queries that said records are “unavailable for review”. However, with a single phone call to NPRC records custodians, my father was told that the chain of custody showed those records already at AMC. My father finds it more than coincidental, even retaliatory, that these actions took place so quickly after contact from the Secretary’s office. To date, my father has provided scientific evidence that links the chemical use to his illness. He has also provided medical evidence, sworn affidavits provided by service members who had first hand knowledge of his use of the chemicals, and case studies and reports from both CDC and NIOSH which show the adverse health effects from the use of those chemicals. He has even provided a medical opinion from one of the VA’s own doctors linking his condition to his service, though it was apparently not written in plain enough English for the people AMC. How is it that after nearly eight years and with more than enough evidence to rule the claim in my father’s favor, the people at AMC are still sitting on their thumbs trying to deny him what he is owed? How is it that after ten years in the service, my father can be treated like a leper? I will tell you first hand that my father is, without a shred of doubt, the hardest working and most honest person I have ever known. He is not simply seeking compensation out of laziness or lack of wanting to work. My father used to THRIVE on work, and now he can barely even walk. He suffers from scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and reynauds and is considered terminally ill at only 47 years of age. He recently added amputee to his list after having two fingers removed due to complications of RA. I am 23 years old and have dedicated my time to taking care of my father since he fell ill when I was in high school. I did not get to attend college, nor did I even get to finish high school. I will never get to earn a degree or work a “real job” because all of my time and attention is focused on taking care of my father. Do you know what it feels like knowing your father won’t be there to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day? What it’s like knowing that the person you love most in this world won’t get to see you succeed and grow as a person? I do, and it’s heartbreaking. This situation has put a great strain on the personal lives of everyone in this family. I watch my father fade away in front of me every single day, trying to come to terms with how I’m going to survive when he is gone. I watch the man that used to stand so tall and proud sink into depression before my very eyes. This battle with a very corrupt VA has gone on for too long. The stress of this fight makes my father’s health condition worsen which each letter and phone call from them. I’d like to make it very clear that I am not just seeking justice for my father, but for ALL veterans that are in the same boat, so to speak. It is so disheartening to know that government is turning their backs on the people that fought for the freedom of this country, on the men and women that risked their lives so we could live in a safe and somewhat peaceful environment. It is NOT ok to string their cases along without resolution just waiting for them to pass away so the VA never has to take responsibility for what they’ve done. MY FATHER IS DYING AND I DO NOT APPRECIATE SUCH HEARTLESS AND DISTASTEFUL BEHAVIOR FROM THOSE THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SETTING AN EXAMPLE. I do not appreciate the cold and callous attitudes of those that work for the VA, nor do I appreciate the fact that the stress from trying to get this case handled is KILLING my father. He no longer has the strength to fight this battle himself, and I am more than happy to take it on. I will not stop until my father’s story is heard and he gets the justice he so rightfully deserves. AMC has had more than enough time and been given more than enough proof and evidence to rule my father’s case in his favor. At this point, after their retaliatory actions, I feel that I have no choice than to expose this story and the VA’s corruption to the media. Especially after President Obama made such a push for change, promising help for veterans everywhere. The veterans aren’t getting any help. They are left to die because the VA cannot seem to stand up and do what is right. We have sat in the dark and kept our mouths shut long enough and it is time that these stories see the light of day. It only takes ONE person from the media to help set things straight and make a difference in thousands of veteran’s lives.
Sincerely,
Allyson N. Burnett

where did my wishes go?

How can it be so difficult to write a X'mas list? I am serious about not knowing what to wish for. It must be something wrong with me. I mean, is there simply nothing that I want? Can't be, the human mind is basically based on wanting stuff...OMG, maybe I am not human!? Then what am I? Am I actually living?...

Oh, let's skip all that philosophical stuff -but must say that Ric Sims, must have done a good job since he really challenge my thoughts sometimes :) Haha, goodness I must come up with something! I can't hand in a blanc X'mas list to mummy. That would be insane...Maybe I have to sleep on it and I'll come up with something tomorrow...

Haha, it's a funny thing, huh? Not knowing what to write when there is some kind of deadline on it. When you are just doing it for fun (even though making your X'mas list should be fun!) it just comes all these ideas bombing your mind...

oooh, what a day...=)

What a day. I was suppose to post something this morning before breakfast, but kind of overslept a bit, hehe...Today the whole family headed for Stockholm. We got (or mum) this invitation from the Malaysian Embassy a while ago, saying that we were invited to Tastes and Crafts of Malaysia. I already knew it was going to be quite stressful today since we were suppose to got to this delayed Första Advents dinner at Trudel's, but that nasi lemak and those two curry puffs, and the OH-SO-PRETTY handmade scarf mummy bought me were so worth it. xD

a rainy noon in Stockholm

passed through a market with food and pastries from different countries

give me fudge! Sickly expensive though...SEK 28/100g and one piece way like 120g !?

Mmmhmm, todays lunch, nasi lemak - I couldn't resist :)

curry puffs!!!

I couldn't believe that he actually made that by hand =)

NK's famous Christmas windows were the last stop in the capital

two of them, out of many...and then the rotating Christmas tree inside...

I still had to do some homework, so brought Candide with me to read...and I finished it tonight as well! :)

Okay, fun is over...back to physics....-.-

Investment can't stop for music education and opportunities.

Economic times are tight, perhaps the tightest in my adult life. I read an article in NY TIMES which stated that American's appetite for spending is down. Indeed, I agree that we should be reducing spend on "consumer" items.

I believe that it is critical that we invest heavily now in our future via education for ourselves and our children, and for opportunities to grow as individuals and artists. As we seek out Obama's new deal, I hope that he will include investment in the arts, in diverse education experiences and opportunities. Our society will be judged, rightfully so, by the impact we have on our world in relationship to the legacy which we leave for generations in arts, intelligence, science, exploration, etc. "We the people" cannot afford to stop investing in the people "ourselves". Communities, composers, schools, and music/arts must be at the center of the 21st century "new deal".

Första Advent

There were some change of plans today. Actually we were invited to a Första Advent's dinner at Trudel's house (my mum's best friends daughter). She always has that as a tradition, but since her child Noah became sick, she has decided to postpone the dinner to next Saturday. That means that next Staurday I will be going both to Stockholm and to Trudel...which means that I'll be busy, busy next week again, haha...

Actually, I don't really mind not going to that dinner today. We are just going to have our own lovely Första Advent at home. Mummy said that she is going to bake some cupcakes and I am (hopefully) giving myself a facial...just a lovely Sunday =)

Here are some pictures of yesterday...

in my pyjamas

Here I am sitting. It's almost midninght and I'm sitting here in my pyjamas - YES, I am because it is freaking cold all the time, so no hotpants here, no! My updating has sucked lately and I don't really know what or who to blame, but what I do know is that I miss sitting here. Listening to the sound of my fingers on the keyboard...it's sad that you sometimes have to give up something you really like for something that is for your own good. However, blogging makes me feel kind of good so why give it up?! :P

Haiz, the drop-dead-gorgeous fur jacket (fake) I put up a picture of a while ago is finito everywhere =(, I am so sad but mum tries to comfort me and says that she will buy it as soon as it reach the stores next year, "because it is a classic model that always will arrive" - that did not make me any happier so instead I went buying this little cutie at Gränby Centrum's new wing the day (Thursday) when they had the big grand opening.

the view of the new Gränby from our livingroom

Nevertheless, today mum, sis and I went down to town, for a nice afternoon in the cozy Första Advent spirit the city has prepared. Första Advent is like a mager thing for the Swedish people and really gives them that Christmas feeling. It is the last day of November every year (always on a Sunday) and there are like four advents before Christmas arrives...Ooh, now it is Första Advent here. 30 November. That means that later today I have to get up and do a lot of stuff...better go to bed.

In search of "Standard"

Thanksgiving brings a time of preparation and reflection for most. When you are a musician, this calm before the storm is critical to surviving the month of Dec with its onslaught of emotion, opportunity and music, on top of music, on top of music. I read a lot of reviews these days, most are not about me thankfully, and as an artist I seek the affirmation of the critics, audiences, and beyond. In my book there are two ways to do it. In the first approach, I attempt to do everything as it has "always been done" just execute better, be better, more perfect. In the second, I embrace a sense of identity and passion verging on arrogance. With the confidence of a mature adult, I seek my own path and performance "within the rules" of course. Both of these approaches can be successful and indeed, a great artist must blend the two.

As we all continue into this new 21st century I propose that we use a new standard. We measure our art by the impact that it and our service to it has on all those involved. From the audience, to the artists, we must strive to make a difference in their world. That is the standard whether on the stage at Carnegie Hall or in the choir at Huguenot Road Baptist. The old concept of perfection is perhaps imperfect. We need to respond and lead our audiences, but not be totally subject to them or the critics. I understand my standard as a goal, but I will spend a lifetime pursuing it. Every day and every performance is an opportunity to explore and seek a balance of perfect tradition coupled with innovation and dynamic exploration.

Kung Fu Panda: Secret?

What a great movie for a family. It has something in it for everyone...

The theme of the secret to "infinite power of awesomeness" is believing.  Po believes and has passion, he follows it with discipline brought on by a master and finally he uses his knowledge of who he is to save the world and make a difference.   His secret power stemmed from first believing that he could do it.  This resonates deeply with me and ties so closely to my personal journey as a musician with Da Capo and our "way".  Love the movie, love the depth of the messages and the imagery from the noodlehead all the way to the ascension of Uguay on a cloud of petals. 

AWESOMENESS!  

white November

I still don't want to believe it. This is just suppose to happen on Christmas. When you know that you aren't going out the next day and just think that it adds up to the coziness of Christmas. Snow. Before December and it's not little. I really wonder why I am still livng here or maybe I should wonder why mum decided to settle here in the first place?

On the other hand, if I would live somewhere warmer I wouldn't be able to find these kind of cute things, would I? :P Unfortunately, I couldn't find my size; already sold out but I am going to continue the search. I must have it!!! But I think I will look for the black one, because I don't want this cutie to turn grey...

dropping by...

I totally abandoned my poor little blog. Or actually I didn't do it on purpose. It just happened since I've had so much going on these previous weeks. The really big things started from last Friday when sis was installing copy of photoshop she received from her friend. When photoshop was installed, internet was gone. My worst nightmare. I had been saving all my school work for the weekend and then internet was totally blocked! I was so pissed, until I cooled down after a nice visit to my friend Maria´s student home on Sunday. Sunday was also the day when the refridgerator stopped working -.-...

Thankfully, some good news reached me on Monday when I recieved the nice grade A on the history test, made a couple of weeks ago. Fredrik (the teacher) told me that my homework assignment where I got a F now was history and beyond his mind. I was sooo happy =). Tuesday was a long day though, so I was most happy about going to bed, which I was able to do like 01.20 am. after going to the theatre in Stockholm to see Hamlet. I had a really good time (besides the cancelled train...which always happens to me) and I would really like to go to another theatre some day.

Oh dear, my eyelids are so heavy...I haven't got my beutysleep for ages so I better get it now. A long but still short Saturday is what lies in front of me...

//Nights

The Road-wise Ranger theatre group entertain us!

Year 3 joined KS1 for an hour's entertainment on Thursday afternoon. There was a serious message associated within the comedy sketches however, it was all about obeying the rules of the Green Cross Code and crossing the road safely!

Year 3G's British Museum photographs are here!

This photograph shows everyone in Year 3 posing in front of the British Museum in London. We all look really excited don't we because we're about to go inside!



This is Geevitha posing with one of the Isle of Lewis Chessmen at the British Museum Children's Shop.





This is Mr. G standing beside a Roman artefact (it's a kind of inkpot!)found by his friend Justin Hayes in a field near Bishop's Stortford 30 years ago. Mr. Hayes sold it to the British Museum and he received so much money in payment for it that he was able to buy a house!

Legacy

As I awakened this morning, I thought of the freedoms provided us by the millions of American veterans that have gone before. I had the privilege of interacting with a Va Vets organization during the recent election and I was amazed at their energy, confidence and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

I am not a veteran myself so I cannot provide a legacy like theirs to his world. However, their example set my thoughts in motion. Some other people who leave a legacy for us are ministers, musicians, and even builders of all types.

Our churches exist because dutiful ministers have followed God's call and struggled through good times and bad despite the frequently despicable actions of congregation members seeking power and self recognition. For that I am thankful for a place to worship that is profoundly beautiful in intention and facility.

When I was about to graduate from Drewry Mason HS I spent the Summer working for a construction crew. This taught me the value of the men and women who "make" our world and sometimes even fix it. I cut down trees, cleared trash, poured foundations and even did some basic carpentry work. To this day I can go by those condominiums and homes and feel proud to have played a part in their construction. I am thankful for the millions of tradesmen who make our world work and provide for us.

Perhaps of most importance to me is the legacy given to me by musicians who have gone before. To this day, I'm not sure how a small town guy from Ridgeway VA gets to NY, the Juilliard, and the classical music traditions that I cherish now so closely. I got there because of the legacy of the musicians who helped me. I am the musician I am today because of my colleagues, peers, friends, family and because of the thousands of musicians who have gone before. I learn from their artistry. I am inspired by their technique, spirit, and elegant performances. I strive to remember as I create. I am not the first and will not be the last. Their legacy and mine intertwine to "make" music for today's world.

I pray that my legacy to this world will be built with music, ministry and excellence. I am thankful to so many who have sacrificed their lives for me to have the freedoms and opportunities that I now enjoy.

On this Veterans Day 2008, I offer up my words to honor those who have provided their legacy to me.

Perfect Breakfast c.1999

don't panic

To read about the Renaissance and Classicism is both interesting and not that difficult. It is only if all the information will stay in my head between 03.00-05.00 pm. tomorrow. Please, bless my brain for the day that haven't yet arrived! And just in case I am going to wear my Buddha, protective medallion, I mean just so I don't panic. :)

Now I'm going to read the chapter through one more time and then finish this Sunday with One Three Hill and Gossip Girl. Wish me luck that my essay is going to blow my cute, little Swedish teacher Joakim's mind - or maybe not, because I really wouldn't want that to happen...aaahhh, I just wish myself luck!

//Nighty!

let the countdown begin -.-

The weakly Kaya is officially finished. From 3 jars to 0. Now my countdown to summer has begun for real...