Help?

[paintmylover.livejournal.com]

One quick question- why is it that I constantly see a russian phrase/sentence with )) at the end? I have noooo clue why I see it so often, and I've wondered about it for awhile. What does it mean? 



And as of right now, I'm real frusterated with Russian. Gahh, whenever I see even a few sentences put together it looks so.. intimidating. = /

Going to learn Russian in St.-Perersburg 2006/2007?

[ponka682.livejournal.com]

Hallo!
Our family lives in the nearest suburb of St.Petersburg (Russian St.-P). We will be glad to provide free place to live and other benefits to native English speaking student for playing, reading etc. with our 3 y.o. son 3-4 hours a day.
We wish to invite a young girl from the UK or US in fond of children and dreaming of studding language in St.-Petersburg University or other uni to do a good career in the future.
Our family consists of grandma, grandpa, mam, dad and son. All family members have higher education and are working in different spheres: audit, hi-tech, comp. science.
We can suggest exelent living conditions: private room in the familiy's villa in 45 min from the city cener, meal and friendship.
If you are interested and are planning to learn Russian in St.-P, please, do not hesitate to write me about yourself by e-mail ponka682@yahoo.com and I'll provide you with more information about place of living, family, child and some references and photos.
Irina