New Years Eve

On New Years Eve everyone goes to the local square. In our village there was a concert competition among local businesses to put on a play, or skit or dance. We had our dancers perform and of course won first prize!! Unfortunately, one of the the performers from the hospital's squad had a son on the jury - which just meant that they could announce Ainalain (us) as the winner, but the first prize(a televison) would be of course be awarded to the hospital. This was all made very clear on stage in front of everyone at the square. Nothing like a little shameless corruption to ring in 2009! On a brighter note, we got some funding from the local government and during the concert we had some of our kids and workers hand out free tea and coffee to attendees, wassailers, merry makers, etc. It was much appreciated by everyone, but its clear that next year we are going to have to really ramp up the bribing to straight cash i think if we are going to take home some hardware in 2010.

youll notice in the middle picture the christmas tree - clock has a mustache (i secretly put it on there). It was a hard fought victory but in the end truth and honor reigned supreme and the mustache remained)

"dave, did you ever think that you would be up til 3 in the morning sewing and stitching girls dance costumes in kazakhstan? your not even good at sewing!!" and to that i say "Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball." - Billie Jean King. i mean, do you think Brian ever thought he was going to activate the transmitter while retrieving the hatchet? booyah.