Merry Christmas

Yes, it's that time of year again, when families get together, punch each other out, go to the beach, punch each other out, drink too much, punch each other out... and so on. Fortunately, my lovely family are not the punching out type... although my brother tried out a few wrestling moves on me which could have had some bad outcomes, except that I know how to make him cry. I am surprisingly tough.

My mother gave me a Country Women's Association Cook book and Handy Hints Guide, 53rd edition, in the hopes that I shall one day be an excellent wife. My sister gave me a tea pot, in the hopes that I shall one day invite her to my place for tea, rather than whisky. My grandfather gave me nothing, but very politely introduced himself to me immediately after assuring me he is cured of dementia. My brother and sister-in-law told me that they "may one day" visit me in London, before shaking their heads at each other when they thought my back was turned.

A good time was had by all.

Anyway, as is our tradition, we had a Christmas lunch, followed by a mass exodus, and then my father, mother and I spent the rest of the afternoon packing (I am going back to London tomorrow and they are coming with me for a holiday) and watching TV, before settling down with a glass of port. My mum is onto her second glass, so this is clearly the craziest day of the year for her.

As they say though.....

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

38 degrees? Bring it on.

Still in Australia, still enjoying the heat and the sun. It's been beautiful :)

ther than lazing about, doing nothing, I took a thrilling trip down South to Busselton. This was really just an excuse to do nothing but go to the beach and lie by the pool. We also went horse riding, which resulted in my sister becoming BFF's with a Perthonality, a natural horsemanship guy who is apparently quite famous in these parts. I couldn't help thinking he is one of those people who was born a hundred years too late. He would ha e enjoyed being a cowboy I think. Have spent the last few days doing noting but my stupid moot work, which has involved me going to my old uni library, which I SWORE never to do again. The mott is forcing me to do all kinds of things I didn't want to do!

I also caught up with some of my old uni friends, in particular Katie who is a BAD INFLUENCE. That's all I'll say about that.

Being at home has made me realise the things I miss and the things I don't miss. I don't miss constant sweating but I do miss the warmth. I don't miss Australian flags on cars, but I do miss the way it smells when it rains. I don't miss the transport system, but I do miss those perfect clear days when the ocean seems to go on forever. I don't miss being surrounded by Australian accents, but I do miss my family (who's Australian accents aren't as bad as everyone else's). So it's a balancing act I suppose.

Going back to London on the 26th, provided that it's not snowing and that Heathrow is open. Not sure what I'm hoping for in that sense...

Home sweet home

24 hours and four movies later, I'm back at casa familia enjoying sunshine and remembering just how oppressive the heat of the Australian sun can be. Already the memory of the plane trip fades, and part of me is thinking "oh, it's not so bad" when in reality, it IS that bad, and when I fly back to London I will curse myself for deliberately forgetting.

24 hours without sleep, owing to a very strong coffee at Dubai airport. 24 hours without eating, unless you count smarties. 24 hours of uncomfortable sitting. It's horrible I tell you.

It was worth it though. It's great to be home, back in the bosom of the family so to speak, enjoying sunshine, redskins, balmy evenings. It's nice to have a break from the cold, and to regain feeling in my toes, which I thought had dropped off from the sheer force of cold weeks ago. But no! There they are! Huazzah!

Other than that.... Step up 3 is the worst move I have ever seen, and only the fact that I was on a plane prevented me from switching it off IN DISGUST. Plane food is the worst thing ever, though that's no new news. But maybe it is, given the gusto with which everyone was tucking into it. Have you all forgotten the warnings? Has hunger overridden your sense of taste? Really!

Big congrats to little Bradles too, for graduating uni at long last. His robe made him look like he was in a Quidditch match (well done him), which I think he would have preferred to university.

Speaking of Quidditch..... Google the American Quidditch League. Yes they can! But maybe they shouldn't.

Homecoming

Yes, I'm flying out of the cold and into the summer tomorrow! Can't wait!

ITS GOING TO BE SO SO SUNNY!!!

So, so long London, for now. Don't do anything fun without me......

New tea, new day, same me

Two more sleeps until I leave! Can you tell I'm excited? So ready for a holiday, my head is already completely gone. I can't pay attention at uni, my moot work is terrible, I'm not doing any readings, I'm just chilling and being lazy, and sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. Who knew I missed my family this much?

Julian Assange has apparently turned himself in. This is a huge bummer as he was my future husband. I love a rebel. Although, to be honest, if you're going to go to prison anywhere, better Sweden than some CIA hiding spot where you will never be seen again. Apparently the Swedes have five star prisons.

In other news, I'm officially out of underwear. I'm having to do a desperate load of washing, hoping it will dry by tomorrow or else.... I'm going commando. And it's really too cold for that.

But guess what? Two more sleeps and then my mum can do my washing for me! Hurrah!

Grey Monday

No more early mornings, please everyone. I had to get up at 8 AM this morning! Can you believe it! Then I literally just pulled on trousers and ran for the bus because I had to be at uni at 9. And then when I got there I was to tired to contribute anything, so it was absolutely pointless to even be there. For real. Early mornings are the worst. I want a job where I don't have to start until 10. Or live in a country where I am on a different time zone, so I think it's 11 when it's 7 or 8.Hmm, possibilities.

Anyway, good weekend. Worked all day Saturday. Went to someone's house for dinner on Saturday night. Had a church Christmas lunch on Sunday. All kinds of crazy fun (not really. Crazy that is. It doesn't get so crazy at church. But the pork was great). Good weekend :)

Week stretching ahead with so much to do. Flying out on Friday! So excited I am already packed! This is largely because I won't have any other time except for today. My suitcase is so small, I can't believe how little stuff I'm taking. It's not like me at all! I'm using the bag I used for hand luggage when I came here. And half of it's gifts! I am becoming a minimalist.

Told my dad I got another piercing today. The look on his face. It's almost worth getting more for that look of horror. Although maybe I shouldn't. To preserve his life and happiness. Hmm, thoughts.

I want to do something truly London tomorrow because it will be my last chance before I go. Maybe hit the Tate. Don't quite know.

Occupation

The uni is being occupied. By students!!

Now, I know that many of you are reading that thinking, umm, so what? Isn't it always? To be honest, that's what I thought. But this is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT apparently. Students have taken over some of the UCL buildings and are sitting tight and refusing to move, despite the uni trying to get a high court injunction forcing them to leave. The students have been there around the clock for over a week. I personally am impressed. But also a little thrilled to have somewhere warm to eat lunch from now on. They have been protesting in the quad, covering it in chalk drawings, and some of the art students have taken over the Slade buildings. They are saying they won't leave until the uni promises not to raise fees. The uni says it will prosecute the students. Who will win this standoff??

I don't know. But I am currently doing a sit in in my living room and I WILL NOT MOVE until I move the sit in to my bedroom, and then I WILL NOT MOVE until sometime tomorrow. Yawn. (But seriously, total support to them. It's the Right Thing).

In other news, there is a few inches of snow on the ground which is causing some drama with the slipping and sliding and the freezing-ness. But I'm dealing. Got my dissertation title approved! Then had a three and a half hour moot meeting. Tres tres tired. Tres.

Tomorrow? Work. In a week? Australia! Sunshine! Yay!