SKYNI

Linn is really looking forward to her 7th birthday next month. She has prepared a list of things she wants… such as a doll’s head that she can apply make up, a boomerang, and also a Tinkerbell movie.

When I asked what she wants from me, she gave me a rather amusing answer. She has been very fascinated with the SPY kids movies and said that she aspire to be a spy when she grows up! Hence, she wants me to get her some ‘spy clothes’. Of course, she did not believe me when i told her that there is no such thing as spy clothes! Spies try to hide their identity and there is no uniform.

Looks like Secret Agent Linn is not going to be a very good spy.

Today marks the 4th year we have been in Stockholm.

Many have asked me how the four years have been and those in Singapore asked when will we come home. My answer has been the same since we moved here. We have no plans to move back to Singapore as much as we miss our family and friends there. It is no longer what Nicke and I want but what is best for the kids.

We have built our modest and simple home in Stockholm and have grown accustomed to the lifestyle here. It is definitely not as convenient and comfortable as Singapore at times and I really experienced a new level of the famous acronym D-I-Y. Waking up at 5 am, getting on the public transport to seek shelter from the cold, eating freshly baked bread from the supermarket, rushing home to get kids out of school, cooking inspired by the Masterchef series, looking at simple home improvements, enjoying the neighbourhood pizza occasionally, doing the housework on autopilot, completely exhausted and sleeping by 10 pm are just part of everyday simple life. Do i crave for my favourite laksa or char kway teow? Of course i still do…only if i think about it. But i do master the courage to invent my own dishes and make Nicke try them.

The children are speaking swedish fluently although I cannot say the same for myself. I see the Swedes’ amused look when i try to speak Swedish and how they try to get me out of my (or their) misery by responding in English. I need to try harder I tell myself everyday.

Jonathan is happy and don’t complain so much about going to school. Linn is growing up so fast and enjoying school.

I am enjoying many new found friendships and also discovering a new culture. Personally, I have gone though different struggles here but there is really no turning back. The world is small, but with internet and facebook, I am consoled that my loved ones and friends are never too far away.

So for now, I am contented to call Sweden our home.

It is the long awaited summer holidays. The children are thrilled.

I never thought it is possible but this summer, the temperature did soar to 28 degrees. The children spent many weeks at Farmor, enjoying being with Farmor and playing outdoors.

Now that they are home, Nicke has been bringing them to the lake for a swim or two every day. I still cannot bring myself to go into the water as it is too cold for me. But i am very proud that Linn and Jonathan managed to swim all the way to the wooden raft. Something that I don’t think i myself can do.