counting down to Christmas - 2 sleep to go!

So Christmas is just a sniff away. It wasn't as easy as I thought when you have other things happening or as they say, "life getting into the way".

For the second last posting on this year's Christmas countdown, I've chosen John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Happy Xmas (War is Over). Click on the link to read about the background to this song on Wikipedia.

Although not necessary the same level as Vietnam War, the wars in the past few years; and the on-going wars around us, continuously begs the question "is it worth it"?

And as another year comes to an end, you can't help wondering...

So this is Christmas and what have you done,
Another year over, a new one just begun.

And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun,
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fears.

And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong,
The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long.

And so happy Christmas for black and for white
For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.

And so this is Christmas and what have we done
Another year over, a new one just begun.

And so happy Christmas we hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.

War is over if you want it, war is over now.

Only if you want it to.

counting down to Christmas - 4 sleeps to go!

A while ago I heard this cute-sy lovely song on the radio.

Now, I'm not sure if the Thames will ever froze again, considering the last time it froze over was in the eighteen hundreds. But never say never since with all this global warming and climate change happening around us.

Anyways, the song makes me want to go ice skating. Man, I think the last time I ice skate was like in my college years. I went skating once at The Mines with my two of my college mates.

Or maybe I should finish my ski lessons...

For now, I'll just be contented with the drive home for the holidays. Will it snow this Christmas?

When The Thames Froze lyrics by Smith & Burrows

God damn, this snow
Will I ever get where I wanna go
And so I skate, across the Thames
Hand in hand, with all my friends
And all the things, that we planned
My son's eyes in the outline of his hand
And even though I hate the cold
Constant reminder that I'm getting old
Another year draws to its close, entire London slows
When I dream tonight, I'll dream of you
When the Thames ... froze

God damn, this government
Will they ever tell me, where the money went
Protesters march out on the street
As young nerds sleep amongst the feet
Another year draws to its close, entire London slows
When I dream tonight, I'll dream of you
When the Thames froze

So tell everyone that there's hope in your heart
Tell everyone or it will tear you apart
The end of Christmas day, when there's nothing left to say
The years go by so fast, let's hope the next beats the last
Tell everyone that there's hope in your heart
Tell everyone or it will tear you apart
The end of Christmas day, when there is nothing left to say
The years go by so fast, let's hope the next beats the last aaaaaahaaaahaaahaaa

counting down to Christmas - 6 sleeps to go

Okay, so I'm bending the rules and it is not a Christmas song.

But how can you not love this?! I guess my excuse is that this song was vying to be Christmas 2011 number 1. And I believe it did achieve that.

Wherever You Are sung beautifully by Military Wives Choir was released today as a single. A beautiful song written by Paul Mealor inspired by the letters and poems between ladies and their men out on the battlefield. The song was well conducted passionately by Gareth Malone. And more importantly let's not forget the beautiful voices that made the song inspiring and moving.

counting down to Christmas - 11 sleeps to go!

Today is a very busy day of office Christmas celebrations for many since next Friday is the last day before Christmas, that is if you don't work on Christmas Eve Monday.

So for myself it is no difference from others.

For those who are not aware, I work in Edinburgh which is about 1 hour 15 mins commute one-way on a good day, to as bad as 1 hour 30 mins on a bad day, not considering an extremely bad day could be longer than that but those days are rare.

So anyways, I will having my Client team Christmas lunch next door to the office then proceed with my own company Christmas Dinner / party / disco in a famous football stadium in Glasgow.

Therefore, travelling to work tomorrow should be rather interesting. Train from where I live via Glasgow to Edinburgh and then a bus ride to work or I might be lucky enough to get a ride from a colleague depending on my arrival time in Edinburgh. All in all public transport will take me roughly 2 hours to get to work, costs about £13-£15 depending on if I'm taking the bus or not.

So as I prepare for my oinkety oink day, I thought the following song would be rather apt. I mean as cheesy as it sounds and I'm sure it will be played at the party / disco. Plus I love that the video reminds me our, TheOtherHalf and I, annual trip to Dobbies where they see these lovely Christmas towns.

Hope you have a good celebration if you are partying too! I know I will have a few drinks as I wind down from the past seriously stressful weeks.

Enjoy!

counting down to Christmas - 13 sleeps to go!

There is something about Christmas that seems to be about love. The one where jewellers trying to tell you to buy sparkly and expensive things to show your love. The one where it seems folks expecting to propose or be proposed.

Of course Christmas is a time where you spend time with your loved one, be it your family or a particular someone. However, not everyone necessarily have the same privilege. Some may even prefer to spend time on their own, to rest and recharge.

And thus comes to my post today about Coldplay's Christmas Lights. I love the tune in the song and the chorus. Unfortunately the song has a sad tone to it, at least the beginning of it and then slowly moving on to a song of hope.

It is a lovely video too. :)

Looking forward to quiet evening walks admiring the lights, those Christmas lights, lights from the street, and lights from the home. I hope you will enjoy the lights too and may all your troubles soon be gone.

Oh Christmas lights
Light up the street
Light up the fireworks in me
May all your troubles soon be gone
Those Christmas lights keep shining on

counting down to Christmas - 19 sleeps to go

The past few days have been extremely cold. Whilst the temperature may be a bit very slightly warmer than yesterday's -4c(!) it has been a very wet morning with still icy pavements.

Times like this, you think, "it is extremely cold out there" and as the weather gets only colder and when the snowing / blizzard-ing starts again, the song "Baby It's Cold Outside" comes to mind.

Coupled with a nice warm fire keeping cosy indoors, I often enjoy the snowing sights outside of the window. But this is not happening now. Perhaps when it does happen, I do hope that I will be with TheOtherHalf and we can have freshly popped popcorn. I can just hear him say, "this is so Amerrrrrican". ^^

Enjoy Michael Buble and Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "Let It Snow" in medley.

counting down to Christmas - 31 sleeps to go

Last year I found out that Sanda's a Scotsman!

Santa's A Scotsman by Santa Quest

Santa's A Scotsman

It's Christmas time in Scotland, and my kid said to me.....
Just one question Daddy, before I go to sleep....
How will Santa find me, so I said... wherever he may roam,
Santa will find you because he's coming home

Don't You Know
Santa's A Scotsman
He's Loved Everywhere he goes
He moved form Glasgow to Lapland...following Rudolf's nose

Don't you know
Santa's A Scotsman... Come on make a fuss
Too many pies not enough exercise....of course he's one of us.

He only works one day a year and then he takes a break,
He'll have a nip of whisky and a bit of Christmas cake
He likes a pudding supper and when he arrives tonight
He'll come in through the window 'cos the chimney is too tight.

You can listen to it here as well.

Or the other versions of where Santa came from within the British Isles.

Personally, I think Santa's a Scotsman is the best version of the lot. ;)

And I cannae believe that it was out since 2006 and I've not heard it before!

advent.2011.#1:fairytale.of.new.york

Since it is the 1st of December, that means another 24 days to Christmas, why not countdown to Christmas with my favourite Christmas songs. One a day, let's see how far I can go with this.

Let's kick it off with Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is one of my all time favourite Christmas song since I first heard it in 2001. I like how clever this song was written, the differnt tempo and style. The crudeness of it, yet, there is something about this song in the beautiful city of New York.

Bittersweetness they say...

It is different no doubt.



Click here for lyrics.

happy.hogmanay.2009

AULD LANG SYNE
by Mairi Campbell and Dave Franci

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought tae mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
For auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my deor
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine
And we've wander'd monie a weary fit
Sin auld lang syne

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But the seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my deor
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

HAPPY HOGMANAY 2009!!!

o.holy.night

O HOLY NIGHT by Josh Groban

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!

Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!

christmas.isn't.christmas

CHRISTMAS ISN'T CHRISTMAS
By Jon and Joy

Christmas isn't Christmas
Til it happens in your heart
Somewhere deep inside you
Is where Christmas really starts
So give your heart to Jesus
You'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas
Really Christmas for you

oh.come.all.ye.faithful

OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL by Faith Hill

Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels

Oh, come, let us adore Him, oh, come, let us adore Him
Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation
Oh, sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing

Oh, come, let us adore Him, oh, come, let us adore Him
Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

fairy.tale.of.new.york

It's almost Christmas and I thought why not share with you a few of my favourite Christmas songs. Starting with my all time favourite...

FAIRY TALE OF NEW YORK
by The Pogues Feat. Kirsty MacColl

It was Christmas Eve babe
In the drunk tank
An old man said to me, won't see another one
And then he sang a song
The Rare Old Mountain Dew
I turned my face away
And dreamed about you

Got on a lucky one
Came in eighteen to one
I've got a feeling
This year's for me and you
So happy Christmas
I love you baby
I can see a better time
When all our dreams come true

They've got cars big as bars
They've got rivers of gold
But the wind goes right through you
It's no place for the old
When you first took my hand
On a cold Christmas Eve
You promised me
Broadway was waiting for me

You were handsome
You were pretty
Queen of New York City
When the band finished playing
They howled out for more
Sinatra was swinging,
All the drunks they were singing
We kissed on a corner
Then danced through the night

The boys of the NYPD choir
Were singing "Galway Bay"
And the bells were ringing out
For Christmas day

You're a bum
You're a punk
You're an old slut on junk
Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed
You scumbag, you maggot
You cheap lousy faggot
Happy Christmas your arse
I pray God it's our last

I could have been someone
Well so could anyone
You took my dreams from me
When I first found you
I kept them with me babe
I put them with my own
Can't make it all alone
I've built my dreams around you

drive to you

Being alone used to be just fine
Now life without you is just passing time

When you're not here, it feels like a hole in my chest

So I drive to you tonight
I was blind, now I have sight.
I couldn't leave you even if I tried
Your heart beats inside of me
Like a star in the dark of night
Like birds lost in flight
Like clouds in the sky of blue
I belong with you

I can't stop, won't stop
Love is what we've got
I know I've reached the top
When I put my arms around you
I can't stop, won't stop
You are all I want

So I drive to you tonight
I was blind, now I have sight
So I drive to you tonight
I was blind, now I have sight
I couldn't leave you even if I tried
Your heart beats inside of me
Like a star in the dark of night
Like birds lost in flight
Like clouds in the sky of blue
Like clouds in the sky of blue
Oh, I belong with you

skinnamarink

Skinnamarinky dinky dink
Skinnamarinky do
I love you

Skinnamarinky dinky dink
Skinnamarinky do
I love you

I love you in the morning
and in the afternoon
I Love you in the evening
and underneath the moon!

Skinnamarinky dinky dink
Skinnamarinky do
I love you

{Sharon} I love your singing -- I Love you
{Lois} You're all terrific! -- I love you!
{Bram} We'll see you next time! -- I LOVE YOU!

TOO, BOO, BOO BE DO!" {blow a kiss.}

Now that you know what the lyrics are, try singing the song and more importantly do the actions!



The Elephant Show.

lost in time

A wee while ago, I was telling TOH about this girl band that I loved so much but I can't remembered their name.

Took me a while to think about their songs and then tracked them down okay, Googled them. Voila! Found out that their name is M2M.



Okay... M2M are like waaay in the past.

So in the past that I didn't know they disbanded in 2002!

At least they are still singing.

Not too bad. Still, the same type of music I like. (I can so just imagine TS saying... 'YOUR kind of music!').

Anyways, also found out some really interesting facts about them (and meself).

Marit Larson and Marion Raven are Norwegians!

And how cool is a name Raven! (Okie, originally Ravn) I've always like that name. I remembered, those were the days when my ICQ name was WhiteRaven. Aaaahh....

They did very well in Asia (platinums and all!), no one prolly have even heard of them over here!

I even had their Shades of Purple special Asian album! Sad I know... but those WERE the days!

I've always classified them as 'bubblegum pop' but apparently they are 'folk pop'

That explains...

I think I have a thing for folk pop. The Corrs, Jewel...

Right, I can't wait to go home (to KL) and download their album onto my iPod! ...and all my The Corrs albums and what other weird and wonderful albums I have back home...

Gosh! I miss them...

fear

This is dedicated to TS
(since you liked it so much and thanks for sharing this song with me),
THANKS for noticing. A true friend as always.


F.e.a.r. by Ian Brown

For each a road
For everyman a religion
Find everybody and rule
For everything and rumble
Forget everything and remember
For everything a reason
Forgive everybody and remember

You got the fear

Final eternity arouses reactions
Freeing excellence affects reality
Fallen empires are ruling
Find earth and reef

Fantastic expectations
Amazing revelations
Final execution and resurrection
Free expression as revolution
Finding everything and realizing

lobo

TOH and I were talking about dogs/puppies name. And then it suddenly dawned on me, Boo, as in 'Me and You and the Dog Named Boo'.

I can't believed that TOH has never heard of Lobo.

So I You Tube-ed it and found a good remix of this song, with a really nice video.



I remembered when we were much much younger, we always listen to songs from Lobo (as well as others from that era) on long distance journeys.

I think we were quite articulated on popular songs that our parents listen to that time, even though we were around two to four years old.

*sigh* Memories.

Then I clicked on the song 'How Can I Tell Her' and OMG, I now reliased what the song was about. I was like WHAT?!!!

Oh well... Anyways, just a snippet of childhood... Lobo...

coughing

James Blunt is on tonight at Carling Academy.

I want to go because...
... I can afford it.
... I like/enjoy James Blunt.

I don’t want to/can’t go because...
... travelling there is a wee little bit of a hassle.
... the final episode of Hugh’s Chicken Run is on tonight.
... I’m still having terrible coughs.

Imagine...
JB: You’re beeoooooutiful...
Somewhere from the audience: *cough cough cough cough cough cough cough*
JB: You’re beeoooooutiful...
SFtA: *cough cough cough cough cough cough cough*
Somewhere else in the audience: shhhhhhhhhhh!
SFtA: *cough cough cough aaaaaaaaccccccccckkk cough cough cough cough*

I'll probably get thrown out...

since we met

Ever since I first heard this song, it is one of my favourite Tommy Emmanuel songs.

And since I just went for his concert, plus how much I love this song, it is only fittingly that this song is shared with my beloved.

Tommy, and I'm sure with all songwriter, has a story behind each song they composed. And this was no exception.

'Since We Met', was written in the back of the taxi that Tommy was travelling in. He was in love with somebody at that time and he wanted to write her a song. He only had 20 minutes to write this song. So, Tommy took out his guitar from his case and his cassette recorder that he carried with him and told the taxi driver to drive slowly while he wrote (and recorded) the song. And just as the simple title says it all, a love song written by a lovesick guy, it is such a beautiful song that I loved ever since I first heard it.

Since We Met by Tommy Emmanuel

To my wonderful bf, this song is dedicated especially to you!

I had the best three months with you.

You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I'm forever thankful of that.

A very patient person (when I don't push you overboard, but still VERY patient even when I do drive you to the edge) and a great listener, you understand me better than anyone I've known.

You are such a sweetheart.

As much as we know the distance seems unbearable but it is also amazing how well we use it to our advantage.

And as usual, weekends means more to us, and we look forward to each one of it with much anticipation.

With lots love... xx