Happiness is a journey

Summer is over....

2011-08-12T22:17:00.000+02:00

It has been a very long summer holiday and finally everyone will be back to school and work again as usual. I did not do much this summer. We were mainly at home. Went to couple of friends house for dinner, BBQ and social gathering. Other than that nothing special really happened this summer.

I am finally starting with my Graphic Designer course this coming Monday and I am so looking forward to it. It felt good to finally be back to school again. Staying at home this summer for many months and doing nothing is really making me nuts. I felt so lost and trapped, I felt like I cannot go anywhere and everyday is just the same.
Thank god that I have 3 wonderful loving and caring children.

Elrener finally finishes her college and will start university in January and as for now she is working full time for a telecom company. She is such a responsible, sweet, caring and loving daughter.

Vel finally is interested to go back to school again with very high motivation to study but this time with different courses.I am so happy for her. She changes to be very much happier and social girl again. She is so much in love right now and I am happy to see her happy. No matter what blood is thicker than water and nothing can stop me from loving her as my daughter.

My last baby boy, Gabriel will start in Primary 2 in 2 weeks. ( Time flies...)He is with me day and night. Comes cudding and kissing me all the time. I gave him all the attention and love he needed.

I love all my 3 children till death do us part.

There are so many people who also comes and go in my life during the past years and months. One very special friend that have left me for a year now. I do miss her alot and I think of her most of the time especially when I am alone. I miss chatting with her like we used to. We wrote email to each other almost everyday as we are so far apart. Even though I get to see her again back in 2009 only for a short while when I came back to Singapore and I didn't know that it will be my last view of her. I still couldn't believe it that she is gone forever. At times when I felt down especially in a moment like this, I wish she were there to listen to me like she used to and gave me the womenly support that I needed. My dear friend Mel, I know you are happy somewhere out there and I always think of you and you have a very special place in my heart forever.

In a moment like this, I just want to be close to my friends and family. Someone that I can talk to and laugh with together. That is one thing I have missed being an expat for many many years living in a foreign country. I am not here and neither am I there. Home is always where your heart is. I know that I have to make it happen by myself someday being able to pay for the flight for me and my children for holiday, travelling back to my home town at least once in every year with the children like most all other expat could do it and no one can make it happen except myself. I have my aim and I will focus to fullfilled that. I want to spent the last few years where my parents are able to see me and my kids every year. They are old and I want to spent time with them so much I could. Gabriel hardly know his grandfather and granmother. He cannot even say the word nenek and yayi. He forgot... It is me that have to make it happen..

Ainy - Elerner - Veldiner - Gabriel

Studenten - Graduation 2011

2011-06-01T13:43:00.001+02:00

Elrener took her studenten (graduation) from college this year in 27th June 2011. We the family, are standing outside her school with hundreds other parents.

She is the only one who graduated from two different college. She graduated in the American college with High Honor back in 2008 but unfortunately when we moved back to Sweden, she have to start all over again back in the first year of Swedish college. It does not stop her from studying all over again. She continue taking her Swedish college and finished them in 3 years. So she graduated from two different college in her life,the American College and Swedish College.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Graduated in Namer American College, 2008-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Graduated in Åva Gymnasium (Swedish College), 2011-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

It is really nice to see her graduate finally. I am proud of her from the bottom of my heart. She is always studying hard to have a bright future and her year end results is very impressive. She will start in the University in January 2012 and as for now, she has got a full time work for 6 months before she start with full speed in the University again. Elrener will be taking her Master Degree for 5 years later and she will graduate as a Civil Engineer.

Elrener requested that we throw her a graduation party which we did for her of course.

Actually Elrener is in Amsterdam now with her boyfriend, Filip. She left to Amsterdam the day after the graduation party which we held for her. I got her msg the first night when she arrived, that it is nice, everything is fine and she is on her way with Filip for dinner.

We were waiting for her in front of the school when all the student came running out after the graduation.

----------------------------------------Elrener with farmor (father's mother)-----------------------------

Two posters which we prepared for her that day. The posters have to be a photos of her when she was small. So Katarina have prepared a photo of her when she took it with the snow man which she built in 1998. The other poster was prepared by her sister Veldiner who stayed up till late decorate them.

----------------------------Proud little brother, Gabriel holding her sister poster----------------------------

----------------Another proud daddy standing outside her school with her poster in his hand.-----------------

---------------------------------------------Look how happy she is---------------------------------------------

---------------------------Elrener with little brother, Gabriel, her friend Karla and her sister, Veldiner-------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------Elrener with her friend, Karla-------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------Sister and little brother--------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------Veldiner, Elrener and Katarina (Aunt)--------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------Mother and daughter-----------------------------------------

Swedish graduation tradition where all students will go on a truck later after they go out from the school. The truck will drive around with extremely loud Music at the back and they will dance to celebrate their last day of school.

------------------------------------Right on her head and she is totally wet-----------------------------

All the student waving goodbye to their parents and families for the last time before the truck started drove off.

We left after the truck took off and went home straight. We started preparing for her party as we have invited more than 35 people that night to celebrate her graduation.

That evening everyone started coming at 18:30 and we mingle around and talked to each other for a while. Around 17:15, proud daddy, Peter started giving out his speech for his daughter Elrener to all the guests. It was very touching and few people actually started to cry when they heard the speech.

---------Elrener eyes was filled with tears. She is very sentimental girl and she had tears in her eyes at that time.-----------

--------------------------------------------------Cheers---------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------Elrener and her boyfriend, Filip--------------------------------------------

Later that evening, Elrener was standing out in front of all our guests and gave out her speech. She speak out of what she was thinking when she was young and how she is now. She also thank everyone for coming and everyone gave her an applause and cheers together.

She cut some cake for all the guests. Thanks to my friend Aida and her daughters for making this Graduation cake for her.

Home Party

2011-04-19T13:40:00.000+02:00

Lena offered to come earlier and help out before the party begin. Really appreciate that and she is wonderful and sweet person. Peter as usual seeing in this photo is hanging around talking non stop. Proven!!

I did chicken and meat satay with satay sauce. Prawn warp, spring roll, samosas, roti john, Thai salad wrap, peperoni woth stuff cheese.

Elrener stayed and join my party. She bought along one of her friends, Jeanette.

While Vel also came home that day to help out and she also stayed and socialize and join her parents with their friends at at the party. Gabriel was practically following her sister and her friends all night.

Maco to the right of this photo is Peter's working partners with Noble Beds. Maco is a wonderful, sweet and kind man. Anders to the left of the photo have just started joining Noble Beds and working with Peter and Anders full time right now.

Murre and Goran, friends of my husband.Murre came that night with his 2 daughter who is 8 yrs and 10 yrs old. SO he left home early that night.

Jeffrey and Mike, the American Navy guys. Jeffrey have moved to Stockholm with his wife and daughter for only a few month this year. Mike to the right have just moved to Stockholm for 3 weeks now.

Lasse and his wife. Lasses was a childhood friend of Peter since they were small. They once played marbles, climbing trees,cycling together and now after all these donkey years, they are still friends and meet up regularly. Lasses owns a magazine company.

This are Cecilia to the left, followed by Olveig, and Ylva. I have not seen Cecilia for almost a year and now we finally did meet again after at this house party.

right: Janna, myself, Crystal( wife to Jeffrey) Kim(wife to Mike)
Crystal prepared the cup birthday cake. It taste really wonderful and fantastic.

Lena and Catrin. Lena was the lady who came at 5 and helped me in the kitchen before all the guest came at 19:30

Catrin and me. The Birthday girl that day celebrating her 40th Party........

My daughter Ellie and my close Singaporean friend Aida.

Again another photo of Catrin and me but this time with my husband on the background smiling away. It seems that I took photos with everyone that night except my husband. It is so typical of Peter and I who always never stay together, not even for one minute during parties. Normally he will be in his own friends and I will be mingling around with another group of people. We normally meet each other again only when we wanted to go home together.

My second daughter Veldiner, her boyfriend Krille and her good friend Gabriella.Vel was indeed very social that night mingling with all her parents friends and dance with us.

Peppe and Nina, both are friends from the birthday girl, Catrin.

Daughter Elrener and her daughter Jeanette.

Kim...

Jamak she is a funny and lovely lady. Love her sense of humor and you could discuss almost about anything and everything with her. Next to Jamak is Janna.

Yes this is the only one candid shot of my husband dancing with me.

My favourite baby boy, Gabriel. He was the one who goes around with the camera that night taking all the photograph. Love you baby!!!

Nobel Beds and Nobel Living Stockholm, Sweden

2011-03-16T10:09:00.000+01:00

Nobel Bed and Nobel Living
Grev Magnigatan 9
114 55 Stockholm
Sweden

Started by my husband Peter Törnquist and his partner Magnus Edenmark.

On a one beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, we pass by his showroom. Since I have not been there for a long time, I saw few other new collection which he have brought in to his showroom and they are really beautiful.

So coincidently that day I was going around town taking photos for my photographic courses, the camera with me and I began snapping some nice photos in the office which Gabriel became my model.

This is really beautiful big Hugh photo frames of a unique Eiffel Tower, carried by Gabriel.

Love the color combination of this photo. It is unique and really bring out an immediate notice when the first time I saw it. The price are very reasonable too which I am very surprised by the sizes of the big frame.
In fact all the frames are very unique and have good high demand from customers.

Size: 119 x 169

So if you love beautiful, unique and reasonable price range photo frames that will bring out your wall, I would strongly recommend this.. We had a nice ones at home too which is hanging perfectly well at our living room and I will display it someday here on my blog.

This a nice Marilyn Monroe Partitions (Skiljeväggar in Swedish) and sold to an American Lady who lives here in Sweden. I am sure young teenage girls would love to have this in their room.

This is another Partition (Skiljeväggar). Gabriel is pretending to hold one of the building in his hand. It is in classic black and white. Yes I forgot to mention that the photos are actually on both front and back.

Probably I do not take really a good clear photo of this partition but honestly, when I saw this, it felt like you are far up and above, viewing those fantastic building underneath. Amazing! You have to pass by if you in Stockholm to see this yourself!!

Below is a photo frames of Snowy mountains. Comes in 5 separate frames.

There are more different types of frames, partitions etc in the show room but I guess this is enough for now.

The Nobel Beds.......

This is Uppsala Adjustable beds. All my 3 children have the same comfortable bed in their sleeping room. Gabriel love playing with the controller from the bed the first time he got this to his room. Exclusive with mixed of creative design of beds and furniture.

Nobel Beds comes in various design, color and sizes. We can pick and choose different bed legs and the best part is the hardness and softness on the bed itself, depending on your weight.

This is the Continental Frame Beds which Peter and I had for ourself. Is the best bed we have ever had for ourself. That explain why I have difficulties to wake up in the morning :)

This last folded bunk bed in the photo are becoming very popular and demand especially to hotel with family room, hostel and family with small apartment.

Gabriel have requested his dad for this bed instead of the adjustable bed. Probably would be good for him to have this folded bed instead as he do have friends sleeping over sometimes and would be excellent to just pull out the folded bed.

We have met several of our friends who are actually looking for such folded beds for their children and they were very surprised that Peter had it all along in his showroom.

Gabriel Favourite Game Site.

2011-03-10T18:51:00.001+01:00

Christmas 24th December 2010

2010-12-24T17:46:00.000+01:00

It has been a nice cold and white Christmas for certain this year. Full of snow and I am freezing all the time. The past few days the temperature has been ranging between -12 to -18 degree. We had a nice family dinner. Gabriel excitedly opened his Christmas presents.

Our first family photos for a long time now.

My 7 years old boy waiting excitedly to open up his presents.

I am peeling the potato and preparing for the Christmas dinner.

Elrener nicely folding up the Christmas Napkin.

My two pretty grown up daughters and my lovely boy.

Gabriel cannot wait to open up his presents, so we decided to let him do it before the dinner.

Typical Swedish Christmas Food which most of the families would be serving during their dinner for generation after generation. My husband and I have been preparing all the dinner together.

Our red table cloth and table set up.

We are quiet hungry as we ate very small breakfast and saving our stomach for the Christmas food. Elrener had nothing to eat the whole day. Surprisingly, we ate very little and the dinner did not last more than 30mins.

After dinner the family played Alphabet (Scrabble) in Swedish while I decided to update my blog while I still have the time. It was indeed a nice day we had together.

Birthdays

2010-12-23T10:33:00.000+01:00

Vel turn 18 years old on the 16 December 2010. She had few friends over and did some dinner.

Elrener turn 20 years old on the 14 November 2010

Birthday cake made by her friend Lisa.

Peter had his 51 Birthday on the 18 December 2010. Dinner with family.

Paper Cookies House

2010-12-23T09:43:00.000+01:00

This is one of Gabriel's paper cookie house made for the Christmas. It was done and decorated by his sister, Ellie and him.

Our Christmas Tree 2010

2010-12-23T09:38:00.000+01:00

We go for the gold theme of Christmas Tree this year. Completed the decoration yesterday on the 22nd December at around 7pm. Today is the last day of filling up the presents under the trees.

Time flies and soon it will be 2011

2010-12-22T09:39:00.000+01:00

It is really amazing that it is December now and few days to Christmas. I have been so busy with my studies that I have had no time for surfing, watching TV during the last couple of months. Just last week was my last day of school and now that I am having my school holiday together with all my children, I am totally free as I have passed my last paper before the holiday. Yet I have several years of studying before I finally take my Degree someday but now, I will totally relax and enjoy myself during this Christmas holiday till the 10th January before my courses start again.

I have so much to say here and I think I will take it as it comes. First of all I have not got any photos today but I am sure I will put up some nice photos in the next couple of days.
We just got our Christmas trees up yesterday and still they are not fully decorated and today I have to go out and get all the presents and decoration. Then when it is all done, I will put up some nice photos on my blog.

Mixed and jumping stories, the winter this year is so amazing. So much snow just like in the Alps. Just in front of our apartment door, the snow is almost reaching to 1 meter and yet it is still snowing non stop now. Yesterday the temperature went to minus 15 at 21:00 and I swear that I could hardly breath when I go out. It is also due to my flu and blocked nose that I have to start breathing from my mouth and with this extreme cold, I could not take it. It was so difficult for me.

I have to go for now but I will update this blog more often before my hectic schedule started again.

Gabriel 7 yrs Birthday Boys Party.

2010-08-30T11:40:00.001+02:00

Gabriel had his birthday party on Sunday 29th August 2 days earlier since 31st August falls on Tuesday. He invited the boys in his class and they had lot if fun together. We organised some games for the kids at our back garden.

Birthday Decoration with balloons.

Kids finding dried branches and start with their warrior.

They played their first game. It's typical Swedish game called KUBB.

Gabriel team up with Erik, Loke and Gordon.

The other team is Abdoulie, Matio, Philip and Whilliam

Gabriel did his first shot down.

Peter preparing for the next game called Pinata while the boys are playing Pinata.

Gabriel's team won the kubb and they hug each other.

Hip Hip Horray!

Matteo ready to close his eye to give a shot hitting the Pinata.

Birthday boy is happy.

Cute boys waiting for their turn!!!

Vel trying to get them in line but not easy as boys will be boys, they run around!

Cute little William. He is the smallest 7 years old among all boys..

All had their turn but no one manage to bring down the Pinata.

The rules change so everyone will get to chance to hit the Pinata together without closing their eyes.

This is absurd, after so many times the boys trying to hit the Pinata, it does not want to come into pieces. I came to rescue.

Matteo with goodies in his mouth.

Haha Whilliam with his nice teeth.

The boys doing something. Not sure what but the sofa are fulled of pop corn and chips after they walk away.

Another game!! Music stop and they will have to find a place to sit!

One down and 7 more to go. Winner Abdoulie!!

Abdoulie mom helping out with the next sack game.

They were supposed to hop to the line and run back.

Small body with a big sack.

Good Abdoulie!!!

Gordon turn in gabriel's team.

Cute Whilliam is almost struggling himself with the big sack.

Gabriel's turn!

Gabriel really try his best..

Go boy!

Gabriel's team won again in this game!!

Cake cutting time.

Elrener and Katarina did his birthday cake with Nutella, Cream, banana and strawberries.

Everyone are singing for him.

Whilliam is really singing well, LOL!!

He is blowing the cake.

He took a very big piece for himself.

The moment he is waiting for. Opening of presents!!

Gabriel really love the Football table he got from Abdoulie.

Finally the party ended at 15.00! We were so relieved when the 2 hrs are up, parents start coming by to pick up their children home. Gabriel had a great time!

Memories of my Best Friend....... Maznah Sulaiman whom I called "Mel"

2010-08-05T23:58:00.002+02:00

MY LAST MESSAGE TO MY BEST FRIEND..... MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE, I pray for your happiness after life. You going be miss so much and you have a place in my heart forever somehow.... somewhere....

Never knew I felt that I could be feeling so hurt like this. I realized you're gone forever.

This link song below is especially for you.................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqjEL_bpmFg

(We took this photo together in a studio during our younger days one day)

I could not even believed or want to believe,,, when I heard the news today that she is gone forever!!!!!

We had so many of our young memories together. We have been through so many ups and down together but nothing have ever seperate us apart. We drifted apart when I left Singapore but we are very much in contact through email, sms and phone call often.(Never miss to update what happen in our life)
It touches me so deep down inside to lose someone whom been so close to me after all these years and sharing many things together. I admit I cry and tears just came down each time I think of you, even though I try to hide them ....... No way I could hide them each time I think about you, Mel.

I remember our youngest day, we spent so much time together. I remember one day when you got so drunk and I took care of you. I dragged you to the taxi and we checked in to a hotel together and you could hardly walk but I was there for you when you threw out and I put you to bed. There are thousand things which we did together, walk down by the beach at 3 in the morning sharing our life........ (Beautiful good friend memories together)
You slept at my house uncountable time. We just spent wee hrs till the sun rise talking and listening to music together.
We travelled through different places together. It is so rare what we have done together in the past as most people only does this only when they were young.
Somehow everything what we did together in the past change, we drifted apart as we get older, matured and our life have to move on. I have my new family and you had yours but through all these we still kept in contact.

I was very happy when I heard you got married again. I know you have gone through so much in life. YOu talked to me few months before you decided to settle down and how much it has change your life again. I encourage you to take the challange again. You did it!!!!.............. BUT AGAIN I heard the news someday that he left you not long after you shared your happiness together. His death was very sudden and you were so down and depress after that. I know you think of him every single night. You told me how much you miss him and how much you felt alone. I remember you mail me almost every week and even told me after exactly one year of his death anniversary. I know you were depress.................You mentioned that you felt so down and very lonely. I wish I was there for you.

We wanted to meet each other so much and we always said that we have so much to talk to each other when we are together again. That was a nice moment as we always talk about what we have done in the past and we could have a good big laugh about it when we meet again someday. I know you needed that company and someone close to share your life with but we never got the chance till you said GOOD BYE to me suddenly!!

When you had the stroke, I was shocked. Days after your stroke, you send me an sms everyday and kept me update even the message was more or less unreadable. It was jumble up and even after I confess with you, you didn't admit it as it is because of your messy phone that need to be change.

Mel, I had so much to say to you........ and we actually plan to meet again in April 2010 until you got a bad stroke few months before we will be able to meet. After that we never get any chance till you say EVEN Goodbye..

One thing for sure, I have to admit that you are part of my family and my life. I will always remember you and even a small part of you stays in me, it will be forever.

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND....

Camping in Furuvik Gävle.

2010-07-20T15:26:00.001+02:00

I have not been updating my blog since January 2010 as I could see. Well for several reasons, I have been busy with my own personal things.

I decided to update our family trip to camping in Furuvik today as it was the first time for my son, Gabriel sleeping in a tent in which he have been looking forward to it. On Friday the 16th July, we went straight away after Peter got home from work to get ourself a tent and drove straight to Furuvik.

We arrived Furuvik at 21.00 and setting up our tent was the first thing we did when we arrived.

The Kids Paradise.

I join my son for a short slide and we played in the water. It felt nice as it has been so warm for us for days and being in the pool hour after hour is just great.

Daddy looking through the hole waiting for Gabriel and here he came.

Gabriel have never been so happy being in the water hrs after hrs. He played around by himself for the first time without bothering mom and dad. At times, we join him in when we felt for it, otherwise he just go up and down the slide and run around by himself. Finally after the small ride on the slide in the children down, he take the courage to go for the adult long slide down.

It was not so bad after all. He enjoyed it and after the first try, he went up and down the slide for at least minimum 20 times.We got back to our tent after spending more than 4 hrs by the pool just swimming. We decided to drive down to a nearby supermarket to get some food for our grilling dinner that night. We also manage to get a camping table and chair, freezing box to store our drinks, and lots of food as we were so hungry.

Our one time disposable grill.

Trying to put Gabriel to sleep that night. He felt cosy and love being in the tent.

It rain that night just after we finished our dinner. Luckily we had a small space by the tent for shade outdoor sitting. Kind of cosy with rain drops and candles all around us.Just love the colours of the flowers here in the summer. Amazingly colourful and bright.Here is Furuvik 2010 decorated by lovely beautiful fresh red flowers. I was here the same place same spot when I was pregnant with Gabriel. He is then almost due and I was so big around my stomach when I was there back in 2003.Gabriel being friendly with the goat.

Ok this is one of his talked about place. We had a TV program here in Sweden for children which was held in this place. The kids will compete between one another doing different activities.

He tried his first game, a bucket filled with wood, hanged on the rope. He was supposed to hold on to the rope as long as possible and the record was a girl who manage to hold the rope for an hr. Well Gabriel didnt last that long obviously, not for an hr. COUPLE OF MINS.. and his hands get so red. All the kids there manage to hold not more than few mins.

Second try was to walk on a pole as quickly as possible. That was easy for him.After a long walk, we went to swim again. Somehow this time I did not swim at all, I sat watching him swimming which at times being accompany by his dad.Another slide down again.

Daddy trying to teach him back stroke. Bought him to the deepest side of the pool.

He trying to catch up with dad.

We had a nice short relaxing weekend trip to the camping. We probably might be going to different camping place this weekend if the weather is nice.

Swedish Grammer

2010-02-09T11:39:00.001+01:00

Swedish Grammer has never been easy. Even most Swedish itself that I have talked to, knows the language by hard throughout their childhood. Below are Perfekt Particip, one of the Swedish grammer which I have studied in the past few days. I am cracking my heads off as to when I should be using this group each time. Finally, I went to library and grab a few swedish grammer books trying to find out and get it into my head. I also bought myself a Swedish verb book which actually helps. Of course I read and study few hours a day without fail.

Here are few example of Perfect Particip which are divided into so many different types of groups.

Group 1.
Luckily the group 1 is far and away the most common of all the groups. 67% of all the verbs are in this group. Which I may say, I will learnt in along the way.

The Infinitive
(infinitiv)

att grilla
(to grill)

This is the kind of verb you would use to create the FUTURE(Futurum) and CONDITIONAL TENSES (Konditionalis1)

In this group, the infinative form is exactly the same as the Imperative (Imperativ)

grilla combined with r : creates the present tense (presens) Grillar
grilla combined with de: creates the past tense (Preteritum) Grillade
grilla combined with t: creates the supine Form ( Supinum) Grillat

Group 2

Group 2 has 2 sub group, 2a and 2b. The difference between them is the formation of the past tense. Group 2a accounts almost 11% of the verb while 2b accounts only 6%.

The Infinitive
(infinitiv)

att fylla
(to fill)   drop the "a" and combined with

er creates the present tense fyller
de (2a), te(2b) creates the past tense fyllde (2a)
t creates the supine form fyllt

att fylla belongs to group 2a.

example of group 2b is fästa (fasten, attach)
create the past tense fäste (2b)

Group 3

Group 3 is the most infrequent group, accounting for less than 2% of the verbs. This verbs are usually very short only 2 or 3 letters long. the infinative always ends with a vowel beside a.

att tro
(to believe)

tro combined with r: creates the present tense (presens) tror
tro combined with dde: creates the Past tense (preteritum) trodde
tro combined with tte creates the Supine form (Supinum) trott

se
(look, see)
oregelbunda verbs:
se combined with dd: creates the present tense (presens) sedd
se combined with tt: creates the past tense ( preteritum) sett
se combined with dda: creates the supine form ( Supinum) sedda

Group 4
This group is one of the toughest group of verb. Either you study by hard every single verb or you speak the language from young to know it is the right verb being used. This group is so called strong verbs that do not follow any rules and that are so complicated that you may not want to bother about them. The verbs in this groups account 15%, unfortunately they are some of the most common verbs we will use.

Most group 4 are the oldest verbs in the swedish language.

Example of fews strong verbs:

Infinative   Imperative   Present    Past Tense     Supine Form    Engelska
Infinitiv     Imperativ     Presens    Preteritum     Supinum           English

binda        bind            binder        band               bjundit              bind, tie

brinna       brinn          brinner      brann              brunnit            burn

dyka         dyk              dyker        dök                  dykt                 dive

krypa       kryp             kryper       kröp                krupit             creep, crawl

Example of few Irregular verbs:

Infinative   Imperative   Present    Past Tense     Supine Form    Engelska

Infinitiv     Imperativ     Presens    Preteritum     Supinum           English

be               be                ber           bad                 bett              ask for, beg, plead

lägga          lägg            lägger      lade                 lagt             lay, put

BUT if you see the word "lägga" the same word with additional of av, ner ut, sig, sig i, på, på minnet, undan behind it became totally different.

lägga av    lägg av     lägger av     lade av      lagt av     finish, stop, cut it out

lägga ner lägg ner    lägger ner    lade ner   lagt ner    shut down permanently

lägga ut    lägg ut     lägger ut       lade ut      lagt ut      lay out money, gain weight
                                                                                        pay out money

lägga sig   lägg dig    lägger sig     lade sig   lagt sig      go to bed, lie down

lägga sig i lägg dig i lägger sig i lade sig i laft sig i meddle, be nosy

lägga på   lägg på     lägger på     lade på    lagt på   hang up the phone

lägga på minnet   lägg på minnet lägger på minnet lade på minnet lagt på minnet     memorize, remember

lägga undan lägg undan lägger undan lade undan laft undan put aside, lay away.

Obviously regular practise makes it perfect. I heard all foreigners absolutely having the same problem in trying to understand the grammer which comes in so many irregular forms and complicated rules of understanding.

Good Luck me!!

Christmas in Stockholm 24th December 2009

2009-12-29T12:37:00.002+01:00

Normally most countries would be celebrating their Christmas on the 25th of December which is quiet common but somehow the Swedish has always celebrate their Christmas on the 24th December.

Every year we would usually book a cottage in a ski resort to celebrate our Christmas together but somehow this year we decided to stay in Stockholm.

Indeed it has been a nice white christmas with full of snow this year.

Decorated the house with red christmas flowers and candles everywhere. Lighting around the windows which brings the christmas atmosphere. The small green santa card, a brown santa sitting and a white santa candle in the green pant was done by Gabriel in School.

Elrener help to start the fire on the fire place as the house felt cold now during the winter time.

This year we did not have a Christmas tree since the space is limited in the house and we just had the

presents for the children

Daddy helping out food for Gabriel.

The ladies next in the kitchen self serving their own food.Nice cosy dinner with the family.His First choice of present to be open from Uncle Jonas, Star Wars Lego which he have wish for.A very happy boy with all his presents.

Elrener and Vel got 1000 cash each from their uncle. 500 each for cinema tickets from grandpa and grandma and silver braclet from aunt Katarina. Anna and Per gave the girls 1000 shopping spree each in H&M .

A happy girls with their presents too and cannot wait for the Christmas sales to starts on the 26 for them to spent on their money.Hugging farmor and farfar is a way of showing their appreciationg and saying thank you.We gather together to help Gabriel built up the lego as it woud not be easy for him this big ones.Ready finally.The tradition chocolate which most people ate during Christmas.

This are couple of simple star wars lego which he got from aunt katarina which he can built himself.

Peter's 50th Surprised Birthday Party

2009-12-21T14:39:00.002+01:00

One of the photos which I have picked out of Peter was when he was a baby and following up his growing ages throughout the years till he's holding his son in his hand right after the birth.

It was a cold full snowy winter. My husband, Peter turns 50 on the 18th December 2009, Friday.It took me several weeks, I could say more than a month to have full speed organized for his surprised party.
First of all, it turn out very well. I am very pleased.
Peter was so surprised, happy and was very touch when he walked in. It was a moment of surprised and sentimental mixed feeling for him.
I gave my special thankful to these people who have helped me out to make this surprised party possible;

Per Ankarlou and Anna Ankarlou
Walter Ankarlou and Lilit Ankarlou
Jonas Törnquist
Aida Nilsson
Maria Parent and Rod Parent

My two wonderful daughter's, Elrener and Veldiner who have helped me from day to day basis and even on the actual day, pushing the big trolley full of all different kind of glasses, plates and pulling it all the way in this nasty snowy weather when we cannot get any transport there.

Here the story goes, weeks before his birthday, I have started sending out invitation to all his friends and relative trying to get confirmation. Turns out well. Most replied with either yes or no. Then my plan goes on.

Trying to look for the venue. That was not easy as Christmas is just around the corner and most restaurant are fully booked for christmas dinner and private function. If there is a venue available, the venue price just shoot high rocket high.
Almost 3 weeks before his party, I get very desperate, stressed and felt helpless after searching, writing and calling to so many places and not being able to get one place confirmed.

My next step was to write to all the friends I knew here for help. My head line in the email to all my friends here was, "NEED HELP DESPERATELY." All of them replied very promptly and different help to serach for venue was immediately supported. I have several choices in the end.

Maria Parent was one of them who offered to help and she had a nice centralized venue which the party was taken place in the end. Thanks Maria if someday you should ever read this. It was such a relieved when she offered me this place. Without hesitation, I straight away agreed and asked her to confirmed the place.

Two weeks before the surprised party, I met a good friend of mine Walter who offered to help me with the catering. I bought Gabriel with me as we were supposed to go and watch movie, "UP" together after that. At first I am afraid he would somehow blurred out the secret to daddy but he was very secretive and have kept his words. He did not say a word to daddy about the surprise party until the day when the daddy got in to the place. I love him but I bride him to keep this secret with n exchange of a nice toys in the end. "It works"... lol

At 9.45 am in the morning, I was already there meeting Rod who gave me the keys to the venue. Shortly after came Jonas and Matz who delivered all the cases of wine, beers and champagne. I rush home again to prepare for some of the dishes that I need to cook for the night (but I never made it in the end as I have no time). Met my good friend Anna not long after who just arrived the night before to Stockholm at almost 1am to help me out with the decoration of the place. She have bought along with her all the decoration for the place; flowers, candles, cakes, table cloth, lighting and many more. Thanks Anna, I love you.....and I know you were very sick the day after and cannot get up with all the torture of the work that day. To be honest, I felt the same the next day when I went to bed at 4.30 in the morning and and I set an alarm to get up at 8 so I could go back to clean after the party. It was hell with my head, eyes and body to take more of the work but I just have to finished up once and for all. My 2 lovely girls help me out though. I woke them up at 8 and without any shower and sleepy eyes, we put on clothes and just rushed out to the place to clean them up. Got back at almost 11, I just went to bed straight away again. I felt dead for many hours.

I woke up with several phone call coming in during my sleep but I never picked any of those call. Eventually Peter came in at almost 2.15pm and told me that we should be at one of his friends house who was there last night for his 50th party as he is also having a gathering for his own 50th party at 15.00, I have to excused myself. No way i can make it to any more party that day. Somehow, Peter took a quick shower and went with his brother to his friend's 50th birthday.

Here are photos of the lovely, well successful 50th Birthday party for my beloved husband Peter Törnquist. I love you and with the milestone of his life that he have passed through, I wish and prayed for more wonderful and successful life to you and us, as a family. In regards to all that we have been through, I wish that you will always be surrounded by many wonderful caring and thoughtful family and friends all your life.

Before the party started. Gabriel came over after his school just to see his mummy trying to finishing up the last decoration before all the guests started coming at 7:00

We arrived shortly after all guests are there. Peter was shocked, happy, very touch and speechless for a moment. Tears of happiness came from him shortly after.

It was where when he steps in, everyone started to sing for him a Birthday song.

Look at the happy people faces who are so looking forward to the surprise party.
Peter went around to each guests feeling so delighted.

He gave a few small speech of thank you and little history of the past to couple of his friends whom he had known for many many years.

Per lighted up the candles on the cake for the guests of honor to start his silence wish before blowing off the candles.

These are last few group of people who actually left behind after everyone left at almost around 1.00 in the morning.

We stayed till almost 4 in the morning.

Aida and her husband Bengt, Anna and Per, stayed behind to help us cleared away the balance into a taxi so we would not have so much to clean the next morning.

The last shot of the 50th Birthday Boy at almost 4 in the morning before we left the place.

Veldiner Birthday 16th December 2009

2009-12-19T16:05:00.000+01:00

Vel Celebrated her 17th Birthday with her family.

I did her favourite dinner followed by her favourite chocolate cake.

After dinner her sister Ellie, lighted up the candles and we sang her a birthday song.

Gabriel seems to very excited to eat the cake even though it is past his bedtime.

Blow 1

Time for cake cutting and eating the chocolate cake.

Obviously the first cake will be to his little brother who cannot wait to eat them and look how happy he is .

Snowing just the right time.

2009-12-15T17:22:00.000+01:00

It was snowing so much today that everything surround you became white. The Christmas atmosphere with the white snow makes people feel very happy.

On the top of the photos where it looks like a long bridge is actually a very nice restaurant inside called Gondolen. I was amazed when I first walked inside few years ago and discovered the long classy restaurant and bars with amazing view of Stockholm city.

Santa Lucia before Christmas.

2009-12-14T18:06:00.000+01:00

The parents all gather together in school around 14.00. All the kids in the kindergarten will performed to sing 8 Christmas songs for all the adults. Every single proud parents came to see their children sang. Lucia is dressed in white long gown and candles on their head. Gabriel have decided to be a paper cookie boy and he is dressed up in brown. The red is obviously Santa Claus.
No parents are allowed to take any photos while they are performing as it might scares the kids and they will forget their lyrics.

Gabriel Hand Print on the way back from from Lucia. Our first snow that finally stays, as it will be colder and colder this week. Thursday is supposed to be minus 11 and that is why the snow stays to the ground and never melt away.

Gabriel Tornquist and his good friend, Gustav Parent in the classroom after their class concert. All parents are invited to the class room after the concert for coffee and traditional swedish snacks during Lucia. So we mingle around with all the parents in the classroom while the kids played together.

Already started to be very dark here during the winter time at 3 in the afternoon. Somehow today since the snow stays on the ground, it bring much lighter to the day as the whiteness of snow helps.

On the way home........

Cute little Emily Parent watching her elder brother, Gustav performing his Lucia on stage.

Eirk Hassle - Hurtful

2009-11-20T11:47:00.000+01:00

I used to laugh it of
I used to look the other way
I used to save them troubles for another day
I kept my fingers crossed 
I used to never take the blame
I'd pull a sunshine story in the pouring rain
The more I have to change I just stay the same
The same, the same, I stayed the same

You don't know what you got 'til you're missing it a lot
I had to go throw it away 
I was wrong from the start from the bottom of my heart I apologize 
What I did to you was hurtful
What I’m going through is hurtful

I used to bide my time 
I used to be around the bush 
I'd rather give my ego another push  
I used to be a fool 
It was a foolish game I played  
And it's a fool's faith coming mistakes I made 
Once I had it right it was all too late  
Too late, too late, too little too late

You don't know what you got 'til you're missing it a lot
I had to go throw it away 
I was wrong from the start from the bottom of my heart I apologize 
What I did to you was hurtful
What I’m going through is hurtful
What I’m going through is hurtful
It is hurtful, it's hurtful 

Oh what I did to you
What I did to you

What I did to you was hurtful
What I'm going through is hurtful
Oh-ohh
I was wrong from the start from the bottom of my heart, I apologize 
What I did to you was hurtful
What I'm going through is hurtful

100% Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheet Sets - 1000 Thread Count

2009-11-16T22:27:00.000+01:00

The Ultimate Luxury and Incomparable softness found only in our 1000 TC, Egyptian Cotton sheets and pillow cases. These fine luxury bed linens are crafted from two ply yarn grown in the lush Nile River Valley since the time of Pharaohs.
Finally the production for 1000 Thread Count Satin,
100% Egyptian Cotton
Luxury Bed Sheet Set of different sizes will soon start their production for us in a factory based in Cairo, Egypt.

Anyone shows any interest before the production starts, please send me an email at ainytornquist@noblebeds.com

Another neckless completed.

2009-11-16T11:40:00.001+01:00

I did another necklace yesterday. I had those pearls laying around for such a long time and decided to combined it with a mixed of white and silver pearl along with silver chain on the back.

I just need to get the 2 silver crafted chain which cost 15 sek each and it done.

This took me probably maximum 45 minutes to make one ready from stretch.

The Pearl Shop here in Sweden has fantastic collection on any accessories you wanted to design for yourself and they are not expensive at all.

I just love this classic but somehow simple design.

19 years old Daughter.

2009-11-16T11:30:00.001+01:00

Elrener turn 19 on the 14th November 2009. Just a small family dinner together. Since she has been sick for the last couple of days, we made no special plan.

We had toasted Skagen rora as a starter and Seafood Pasta as a main course which followed by Chocolate Birthday Cake for dessert.

I finally did it.

2009-11-13T22:16:00.001+01:00

Its been months since I last sat down to do my own accessories. Thought that it would be nice to do some new accessories to work, so I find time while watching TV to create a simple 3 layers of Grey small tiny beads of neckless.

A Closer Look

It is a very tedious work as not only the beads are small but the hole are very tiny and it took a lot of time to put each bead through.

The Asian Salad.

2009-11-13T22:00:00.001+01:00

The whole of this week I did several different Singapore food here at home. After so many years in Sweden, I never get the chance to cook the dishes which my mom used to taught me until this week, I finally did it. Since my two girls are also craving for Rojak and it is much easier to find all the ingredients needed here, I agreed to do it the next following day. Amazingly..... we had our first tasty Rojak in Sweden.

I could eat this tasty and healthy salad everyday!!