She’s not spoilt. Really. Well, maybe just a bit.

I know, I know. It’s almost New Year’s Eve and I’m just writing about our daughter’s first Christmas experience now. The reason? Well, it has taken me several days to unwrap and unpack all of her presents. Our wheelie bin doesn’t know what’s hit it, what with all of the cardboard and bits of plastic that used to help to securely display her many new toys. Then there’s wrapping paper. Needless to say, it’s a time consuming business, especially considering not only that baby’s patience runs out after a while so I’ve had to constantly abandon my “wrapping up Christmas” activities (or unwrapping, as the case was) but also that I’ve tried to let her play with each and every new item as it has appeared, taking photos with each which I will be able to send to the relevant gift givers in appreciation of their contribution to her pile of loot… and what a pile it is. Read More…

Happy Birthday to You!

Well, we did it. We made it six months. Yesterday, Alexandra turned six months old. Ok, I know, it’s a bit OTT to be recognising half birthdays, but as this is her first, I’m going to anyway. It’s not like I threw her a party or anything… I didn’t even buy her presents. She did spend a decent chunk of time in her brand new Fisher Price “Take Along Hop ‘n’ Pop” activity centre, complete with lights/music/rattles etc, but that was technically an early Christmas present from her Daddy so it doesn’t count. OK??? Read More…

Australian Idol – Maker or Breaker?

Wow… Marcia Hines and Richard E. Grant go head to head. It seems that Richard has spoken out against Australian Idol, much to Marcia’s distaste. This is a tricky one. You see, I have always liked both of these people. Indeed I found Marcia Hines the only bearable part of Australian Idol, far better (and in a far better position career wise) to make appropriate comments and judgments on true music ability. Unfortunately, in this instance I must disagree with her. As far as I’m concerned, Richard E. Grant hit the nail on the head, and his words should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks Idol will make them. If indeed that were to happen, it’d be through sheer dumb luck. Given Idol’s audience, fickle as they are, the most an Idol contestant can usually hope for is to be a one hit wonder that then rapidly fades into obscurity. These hopeful musicians get their faces on television, which is a novelty in itself. Some of them may even by talented (I know, it’s a stretch, but it’s possible.) Read More…