♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ "Patti-Ann Lothian, Carimac Student, died February 1, 2010" ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The title of this post is from a Rihanna song, I really don't remember the name...it could be 'Hard'... well, that's your homework (lol). In my previous post I spoke about 2010 being the year of change, for various reasons. I got 'reports' from some of my friends about their year so far, and it has been confirmed that it is the year of change. As some of my friends would say " A SEAL IT SEAL" (lol).

I know its the 7th of January and the year isn't exactly new anymore. However, its better late than never they say. :). So although I am chronically hungry right now I am going to write this blog post, because if i get up for food the blog post will never be done (well at least not for now). On that note, I want to shake off procrastination this year. I am such a procrastinator, such a huge lazy-ass. So instead of setting resolutions that I never keep anyway I have decided to make 2010 the year of revelation. I am going to rethink, revamp, redecorate my life.

There is always so much whoop-la before Christmas. Once December starts its all over on the streets. Roads are packed with traffic all day. Closer to Christmas it only gets worse. My family and I believe people get crazy at Christmas time. All of a sudden everyone is a dare devil on the streets, driving like they have nothing to live for and you don't either. *sigh* A few years ago my parents and I stopped exchanging Christmas gifts. I'm not sure if it was because my sister migrated, but somehow this gift-giving was phased out. I had no problem with it. I must say I am quite fortunate and thank God for my hardworking, loving parents. They always ensured I had all I needed and I am eternally grateful for that. So, the phasing out of gift-giving wasn't really a problem, because I didn't really need anything.

ME AND MY HAPPINESS Since prep school I have always had people come up to me and ask me why I'm always this happy.... So, when I really sit and think about it. I am always happy, or seemingly happy because as long as you have life, there is hope. As long as there is life the bad situations you are going through can change, the hardships can be easier, the barriers can be moved and the wall can be broken down. You might think it's pretty cliche`, but I believe this whole heartedly.

So, this blog was originally for politics related issues. Our say on whats happening in Jamaica, but all of this is too depressing.... so let's share some happy moments :)...raise a glass [well, maybe not so much a glass, since its school time] rather raise a hand, put on a smile and we'll share these moments. Before I mislead you, let's be real. Life is not all about happy moments, so there will be some somber ones too. But I assure you it won't be as depressing as the daily news. Cheers to a new beginning !

There has always been debate about the Grade Six Achievement Test, even before its inception in 1999. This test was seen as the deciding factor in determining where you went after primary education. In the final year of primary education, when the student is in grade 6, the GSAT is taken. Prior to the sitting of the examination students are told to make a list of choices of the high schools they would like to attend. In 2000 when I sat the GSAT there were only 3 choices, as opposed to the 4 or 5 choices they have now. The grades you received in the series of tests that made up the GSAT , were averaged and each high school you chose had a minimum entrance level average. Your average determined if you were placed in you 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice, it also determined if you were not placed (as was the case with one individual at my preparatory school).