Theatricalities

I saw Anna Popplewell at A Streetcar Named Desire this week. It was a great production, Rachel Weisz was terrific.

There were other luvvies there but I could not recognise them.

Other highlights were the production of Samson by Handel at the Royal Albert Hall. My Proms attendance is continuing apace. Had much hilarity checking out the Promenaders. I hate to say it but gosh, what a large contingent of weirdos. Politer thing to say would be people marching to the beat of their own drums. Lots of beards, people reading books, having a snooze, chatting to each other. Endless entertainment. And the music was fantastic!!!

Finally, I went to the first day of the Fifth Test at the Oval. It was great fun but tragedy, of course, has since struck and we have lost the Ashes.

Garden!

I have to share this picture - D has done a magnificent job on my garden. We will meet again in October so I can choose my plants in time for spring.

Next stop is carpentry and painting and decorating. It all kicks off tomorrow. I am hoping to move in the week of October 17 (give or take). Fingers crossed.

Oh Man...

We've lost the Ashes.

It is a black day. No 3BTs are even possible.

Mad Men

1. After everyone else in the universe has seen it, at long last I have discovered Mad Men. Great TV show, waiting impatiently now for Season 2 via Love film.

2. Spaghetti and tomato sauce for lunch - simple but delicious.

3. No rain today. It has been torrential this week in London - so nice just to wear a t-shirt, 3/4 length jeans and my pink birkenstocks. Mum and Dad arrive soon.

I OWN A HOUSE!!!

I am freaking out but - hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Must I leave? Yes, cruel girl...

I went to see the Royal Danish Opera's production of Partenope at the Royal Albert Hall last night. It starred my favourite opera singer, Andreas Scholl. He sang an aria Ch'io parta? that was so beautiful I was in tears when he finished. You could have heard a pin drop in the hall while he sang, it was so still. When he finished, there were cheers and shouts of Bravo! It was amazing. Four standing ovations as well at the end. Wonderful stuff - I will always remember it.

I found this clip on YouTube of Andreas Scholl singing this aria. I will be buying the DVD when it comes out in September.

Another Naked Actress goes down in my estimation

Why does this so-called serious actress feel the need to pose semi-naked in a magazine? Sad.

Because I Can

Culcha Vulture 2

Over the last few weeks that I have not been posting I have been to a fair few theatre things and concerts. Quite liked Beyonce (to my surprise). Saw some good stuff at the National too. The Doll's House at the Donmar was a highlight, Toby Stephens, Gillian Anderson and Christopher Ecceleston were excellent. Thanks to R for the tickets!!

The theatre pinnacle, of course, was Jude Law as Hamlet. We had waited over a year to see this and I was ready to rip him to shreds since last year's handbag incident. I have to admit, it was a good production and Jude was pretty good. It surprises me to say so but 'tis true.

One last star spot before I sign off... L and I saw Elaine Paige this week at Nicole Farhi's while having lunch. We were celebrating our fifth anniversary of joining the mothership.

It has been a while!!!

Gosh, I really must keep this blog up to date. I have been so busy over the last few months. No excuse, but there I have it. So what are my 3 BTs for the last few months?

1. I am completing on my new house next Friday. I will officially become a property magnate! As usual, I am procrastinating. At this rate I shall be moving in September.

2. I have been to St Lucia on holiday and saw Amy Winehouse twice. Best of the star spots was in the gym when it was just me and her. Amy looked good

3. I went to see The Killers at the Albert Hall who were PHENOMENAL. Love, love, love them.

I am going to try to keep up with this blog. I will do my best.

Recent Star Spots

Peter Stringfellow ambling on his bicycle up Davies Street, grinning like a loon.

Too Long since I have posted but here goes...

1. Trip to Abu Dhabi - fascinating and great fun. Especially the Grand Mosque (Sheik Zayed Mosque) which was wonderfully spectacular - I know that the Taj Mahal looked like that when it was first built.

2. Visiting Archie yesterday. So cute! Not enough to make me feel wistful about any kids I might have had but so sweet when he just sits on my lap.

3. Went to IKEA today - time to start planning the Big Move!!

Off to the UAE!

Leaving for Abu Dhabi in the morning. Right now I should be packing... instead I am mucking around on my computer. Oh well. Hope I have fun - and go Australia in Friday's match!!

The Marathon

1. The fantastic achievement of Mark and Mark in the London Marathon. It was so much fun being there to support them.

2. All the people dressed in costumes for the race; too many to mention but there were all outstanding.

3. The 62 year old woman who ran it in 4hrs 22 mins. Unbelieveable. Inspiring for me - I must get out there and get running!

William Hurt

On Wednesday Mum and I went to see Madame de Sade starring Judi Dench, Rosamunde Pike and Frances Barber. Excellent Play - did not deserve the bad reviews.

Anyway, we had great seats in the fifth row of the stalls right in front of the centre of the stage. Sitting to my left was William Hurt. He was there on his own.

Mum and I could not speak properly from the sheer weirdness of a Hollywood superstar sitting right next to us.

The seats were narrow, Mr Hurt got up to take his jacket off, in the process elbowing me. "I'm sorry," he said, as he reached down and touched my shoulder. "That's ok," I muttered back.

We then proceeded to have a conversation about how narrow the seats were in this theatre compared to others in London. He then asked me if I had seen the play before. I said no. He said he had. I replied that this production had had some really bad reviews but that friends of mine had seen it and enjoyed it.

"In my experience, " said William Hurt as he looked me dead in the eye, "most critics are old farts".

I laughed, because he said it dead pan and it was funny. Then the play started. And that was it - the end of my conversation with William Hurt. This means I have a Bacon number of 3. Very cool it was. I had a crush on William Hurt once upon a time. You know, if Mum had not been with me.... ah sigh, another of the roads not taken.

Warm Days

1. Sunshine and warmth as I drove the scooter to the solicitors' office - at long last I felt hot wearing my gear.

2. Pret's Chicken Caesar Salad - fresh and tasty.

3. AP bought icecreams for the whole floor because the A/C was not working - he is such a nice man!

Susan Boyle

Because no blog would be complete without her.



Susan Boyle Sings the Titanic Song for Larry King (CNN) - video powered by Metacafe

Jennifer and Gerard??

This is probably not true but Perez Hilton says that Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler are hooking up.

Really? Sadly I agree with Perez - Gerard is a total player and NOT what our woman Jen needs! Unless, of course, she is just using him for sex in which case I totally approve.

DNA

1. I have received the results of my DNA test, quite interesting but no close rellies yet.

2. Seeing Jean and Jane, the founders of Benefit Cosmetics, in Selfridges doing makeovers on "senior ladies". The champagne and cupcakes that were liberally distributed while this was going on was definitely a great touch!

3. M has achieved an ambition and will be part of helicopter ambulance rescue. Well done!!

Say What?

I don't really care that Amber Rose wants to pose naked in an advert with her boyfriend, Kanye West, save that he is fully clothed and she isn't. What message is Louis Vuittno trying to say here? That submissive shit just pisses me off. Another six steps backward for the women of the world.

Recherche Bay, Tasmania

I listened to a very interesting Radio National podcast today, The Gardener of Recherche Bay.

Like many Australians, I tend to assume (erroneously) that early Australian exploration was achieved by the Dutch and the British. Not true - this podcast was a fascinating account of an early French settlement that took place temporarily at Recherche Bay in Tassie. I learned a lot.

Easter 3BTs

1. Four days and not in the office.

2. Spending 2 days at B's beautiful house on the Coast. Freezing cold yesterday but the amazing sunshine, great sunshine, yummy food and walk on the beach today made it all worthwhile.

3. Lovely drive through the South Downs on the way back - lots of cute English villages.

With or Without You

Lovely cover of With or Without You by U2, I discovered thanks to Cover Lay Down.

Success!!

Oh Dear God. The Vendor accepted my offer and now I am buying a house.

A HOUSE!!!!

I am too excited, slightly freaking out about the enormity of the task ahead of me (can I really manage 2 properties and not go bankrupt in the process??). I have faith in myself. And the house is just great. I love it!

Priscilla!!!

1. What an AMAZING show was Priscilla! We had the best time, it was brilliant fun.

2. Getting my hair done. It always feels great walking out the door and my hair has been cut shorter. Love it!

3. Dinner with Mum and Dad to celebrate my birthday. Went to a great Chinese restaurant near where they live, half of the town was there. Really looking forward to going to see Dame Judi in a few weeks with Mum.

AND in a state of nervous excitement. I have put the offer in on the house, sealed bids, I find out tomorrow. I am trying to brace myself for the inevitable rejection.

Deep Breath

One major beautiful thing. I put an offer on a house in today. I think the estate agent might take it to sealed bids. Bugger. Please Oh Powerful God of the Universe - let my offer be accepted, I want that house!

What else?

2. Fun dinner this evening with C and B at Harrison's.

3. I'm going to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert tomorrow!!

Marylebone High Street

1. Lost by Annie Lennox. A truly haunting song, I will never forget how it was used in The Valley of Elah. I cried my eyes out on the Virgin flight... so moving.

2. Stripped white pine floors. I am going to copy it.

3. Black cabs when you want them most.

And another piece of earth shattering news

A teenager draws a penis on his parents' roof in order to attract attention on Google Earth. Apparently it was there for a whole year before Mum and Dad found out.

I do not know why I find this funny but I just do.

Cloris Leachman has Epic Sex with Gene Hackman

I love unexpected celebrity pairings. And I love it when older women let rip about things they did when they were wild and free.

Cloris Leachman has revealed in her autobiography that she once had "epic sex" with Gene Hackman. Gene Hackman!!

"[S]he recalls bumping into Gene Hackman while both were shooting movies in San Francisco in the 1970s and dining with him at their hotel.

"As we moved into the main course, it was as if a cosmic wind enveloped us. Some giant space magnet was pulling us together," Leachman writes. "We didn't finish the meal. We went upstairs, flew into bed and made love. It was epic. And the next morning, Gene went back to his film and I went back to mine. I haven't seen Gene since that night, but I remember well the feisty lad he was."

The Cosmic Wind. The best One Night Stands should be like that - Strangers in the Night, Ships Passing Through, etc etc. Good on Cloris. I bet Gene in his heyday was a marvellous lover.

AFL - In A League of Its Own

I love this commercial. God, it makes me so nostalgic for Melbourne and Aussie Rules.

Twitter

1. Think I have figured out Twitter. Not sure whether I will use it much, I find keeping this blog up to date challenging enough as it is!!

2. M stayed last night. It was good to see him, have not had 1-2-1 time with my bro for a while.

3. Scones and jam and cream. 'Nuff said.

The smell of roast chicken

1. Roast Chicken - the smell from my oven is scrumptious.

2. Sunny warm weather.

3. Mum has bought me my birthday presents early - I accidentally opened them. Officially I cannot confess what those gifts are until the great day itself :-)

Culcha Vulture

This week's cultural highlights included:-

1. England People Very Nice at the National Theatre. The play has garnered a lot of criticism because of its language and perceived racial stereotypes. The play was an overview of the last 400 years of immigration to Great Britain. The thing is, no nationality or religion comes out of the play looking good, none of them! I thought it was great and am very glad I saw it.

2. Enjoy! by Alan Bennett starring Alison Steadman. I thought the play was weird, to be honest, although there were moments of mirth. I am not a signed up member of the Alison Steadman fan club - she murdered Mrs Bennett and my view is she overacts. Alison did not redeem herself in my eyes on this occasion but hey ho, a lot of it was probably down to the play which WAS NOT GOOD.

3. Just finished my first Georges Simenon novel. Not sure I will try another but it was good to dip my toe into the water.

Looking for a New House

1. The builders have come around to quote on the works for my current place.

2. I have seen 3 houses - see houses!! - in the past 2 days. I am officially on the search. Beating procrastination is the best thing ever.

3. I love the freedom of the scooter. This afternoon is the first really warm day since I bought it. Just wonderful being outside in the fresh air, no matter how smoggy ;-))

Scooter Time!

Wow, it has been over a week since I wrote any of my 3BTs. However, the wait is worth it, because I have some good ones:-

1. I passed my CBT and picked up the brand new scooter yesterday! Today I spent cruising around in the spring sunshine. Could not exactly map my way to work thanks to the St Patricks Day parade. No matter... it is a beautiful day and the whole world seems to be promenading around London.

2. L stuck up for me in front of T and K. I think things are going to change. I feel I have more security now.

3. Saw A and R for dinner on Thursday night. Great to see them both, hope A's firm is a real success. So brave!

No to Bike Parking Charges in Westminster

I am going on 31 March

Smithy's Team Talk

Utter brilliance - he said what we all think!!

Little Buddha

Finally got to watch Little Buddha last night, 18 months after returning from Tibet. I don't why it took so long for this to arrive in the mail, but I am glad it did. Reminded me a lot of my trip. And Keanu as Buddha was quite good!

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

I'm very much looking forward to seeing this movie.

Tatiana del Toro

I have been enjoying American Idol on ITV2, perfect television to watch first thing on a weekend morning over breakfast.

I am very glad that Tatiana Del Toro's 15 minutes of fame came to an end. I was genuinely concerned that the judges would put her through but they did not - thank God.

I find American Idol interesting, mainly because it shows the cultural differences between young Americans and young Europeans. The song choices are always interesting - a 17 year old English girl would never choose Whitney Houston or ABBA to sing. No, she would be choosing to sing Pink, Lady Ga Ga or Katy Perry. Sometimes American youth seems so old. But maybe it is not them, perhaps it is the producers who are seeking a more middle of the road approach? Not sure, either way, X Factor is much more contemporary and current.

Besides, the inadvertent blow job joke made by Ryan Seacrest made my day. I wonder how many complaints they had over that one? Simon Cowell yelling "Watershed!" topped it off.

Cannot believe I have just posted about American Idol.

Cultural 3BTs

Goodness Gracious Me! Quite a while since I recorded an entry here but man, I have been busy. So, here are listed three "cultural" highlights of the last week:-

1. Watching Manchester United defeat Tottenham in the Carling Cup final at Wembley. Too bad the London team did not win!

2. Bear Near Me at the Donmar Warehouse. Much much better than West End Whingers thought it was!

3. Last but not least, the utterly tremendous Tina Turner at the O2. My God, the woman was amazing!!!!! Loved the dancers, loved her, loved the song, loved the box, loved it all!!

Scooter!

1. I bought my scooter today. I pick it up in 2 weeks time - cannot wait.

2. Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Really liked the film - wish I had enjoyed Barcelona more when I have been there!! I have always felt the issue was me, not the city. Anyway, good film and Penelope Cruz was terrific.

3. Porridge for breakfast.

Jeffrey Foucault

I have just downloaded some free Jeffrey Foucault tracks - he is a great singer and musician.

Chocolate Fondant Pudding

1. Cafe Boheme this evening in Soho - great food, fabulous company. The chocolate fondant was delicious, the pear endive salad very fresh.

2. The F Facelift. Gosh that made me laugh!!

3. Viva's air conditioning is back so she is no longer sweltering.

Distressing news that Daylesford is now under risk of bushfires again. Hope tomorrow goes well (it is the danger day). W has been a hero sorting out the rescue services. I hope they are all safe in Melbourne tonight.

Another Important Beautiful Thing

Daylesford has escaped from a bushfire but it was a close run thing. I am so glad K&W and the boys are ok.

Back to Work

1. People seemed glad to see me back.

2. I ate fruit salad for breakfast, salad for lunch and went to the gym. I feel healthy and I did not die in the process for lack of carbs!!

3. Someone has finally stood up for Jennifer Aniston - and it is my Fug Girls. I am not a Jen fan but boy does she get a hard rap. I thought exactly what they said as I watched the Oscar Highlights last night.

And here is another Brilliant Oscars Summary just for good measure - it has had me laughing all day.

What the Hell

It is my blog, I can post what I want!!

Being Sick

1. Being Sick meant I got to spend all afternoon catching up on my DVDs of Season 2 of Grey's Anatomy. And, at long last, I have found the man I plan on divorcing Richard Armitage for: Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Why, oh why, did they have to kill his character off? I'm devastated, I could not muster much enthusiasm for Meredith and McDreamy getting back together, I was in grief! Denny Duquette (was) divine. Thankfully JDM is still around to keep me entertained. No more toyboys!! I am a woman of the world again.

2. The Oscars. Watching Live from the Carpet from E! at the moment - it is a repeat, but so what, it is brain candy and I am still upset about Denny dying ;-))))))))))))

3. Being at home when everyone else is at work, even though I am genuinely sick.

Naps

1. Sleeping for nearly 3 hours this afternoon to get over my cold.

2. Lark Rise to Candleford.

3. I smiled at the neighbour who was cleaning her porch area and she smiled at me.

Sunshine!!

1. Beautiful almost spring day in London.

2. The piper playing at the entrance to the church as I walked by; a melodic sound of Scotland in the metropolis.

3. Lunch at R's; the chocolate brownie was to die for.

The Bushfires by Thomas Keneally

From a wonderful article about the fires and my homeland by Thomas Keneally in today's The Guardian .

"I always throw Nome, Alaska, at anyone who expresses doubt about climate change around our place. Admittedly, Nome is a long way from Australia, but last summer my wife and I saw there a number of moored, well-rigged but unexceptional yachts that had come through the Northwest Passage. That is, they had made without drama a journey that defeated Cook in the 18th century and killed Sir John Franklin and all his expedition in the 19th century. Only Arctic melt made this possible.

Then, a month ago, my grandson and I went with others for a flight over the coast of Antarctica and the South Magnetic Pole. A scientist on board pointed out clearly discernible blue melt-pools on the surface of the tongue of an ice shelf, an utterly new and unprecedented symptom of increasing temperatures.

And in between, Australia with its long-term droughts and violent storms and awful catastrophes, its wonderful ancient bush inhabited by spirits utterly different from those of Europe, atmospheric as anyone could hope for; surpassing strange. And with fire on its breath."

My Day Off

1. The Shirodhara massage was very relaxing (as it should have been).

2. I finally made it to Breads Etc. It was a good place, reminded me a lot of the brunch places that one finds back home and all over the US but have sadly failed to materialise anywhere else. Kind of enjoyed listening to the 2 media guys who were talking at top note about the Brit awards. And felt resentful that they had the kind of lives that allowed them to hang out on a Friday as you do.

3. I like my new haircut! Craig did a fab job. Was lovely to see F after so long - she looked great, have dropped FS a note to let her know we bumped into each other.

A Musical Pairing I Never Imagined

Coldplay and Gary Barlow!

Jade Goody

What is happening to Jade Goody is unbelievable.

It will be sad when she dies - she is only 27 with two young sons. It is a cliche to say it, but you could not make it up. I hope the custody situation with her boys gets sorted soon. Poor, poor girl.

The Dark Knight

1. The soundtrack to the movie The Dark Knight is awesomely good.

2. All the crowds out in the West End for Valentine's Night. I have not seen so many people out on a Saturday night in quite a long time. Guess the world was feeling romantic!

3. My third favourite 3BT is actually from a few days ago (so it is slight cheat). The Wine and Chocolate Tasting at the Club was terrific - met some great people, enjoyed the wine, the chocolate was delicious and I will definitely be returning!

Been a while

I have had such a busy week so here are 3 favourite things I remember from it:

1. The employee reps who told me that they appreciated when I took their side on a point.

2. The Pitman Painters at the National. Initially I wrote off the artwork as not being very good but after seeing the play, I re-evaluated.

3. Mum's happiness at being with Archie and the joy in her voice when I spoke with her. I wish he could stay for longer.

An Important Video

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Whitney's back

She looks amazing if not slightly medicated

Whitney Houston at the 2009 Grammy Awards
by TheDlisted

Melting

1. The fact that I was rescued from doing the call with the lawyers and the Bank this evening by other people.

2. The gang want to meet for dinner on Feb 26.

3. I think I have finally solved the syncing problem for my itouch!

And it is not a beautiful thing, but... these bushfires in Australia are awful.

Christian Bale Rant

I only just heard this - wow! I love Christian but yes, he does need help, his sister is right he has anger management issues Has this sound guy (Shane) given an interview yet or sold his story?

Benjamin Button

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I saw it earlier today and it is hard to get this film out of my mind. It has raised interesting ideas around aging and perceptions about what people can do. I suspect the message of this film will stay with me for a while.



2. The colour of the sun in the sky this morning when I went for my early morning run... it was almost peach, very unusual, eerily beautiful.

3. Roast chicken straight out of the oven.

Hidden Gem

Check out Ringo - what a dude.

S&S

1. The mini S&S reunion. It was great to see so many old friends, surprising who I no longer had anything in common with, and those that I did. All round good fun.

2. No queues in the Wandsworth Parking Permit Office.

3. Finally met the Leader. The earrings were cool.

Mango

1. My melon, blueberry and mango salad from M&S

2. Arriving at work early and having time to sit in Pret and read my book (Loving Frank) and munching a croissant.

3. The sun is still shining and the snow has not melted.

Pink Sky

1. The unusual pink sky this morning as I left for work; very pretty against the snowy streets.

2. K's email about queuing round the block. Yes, time to get my arse in gear.

3. The nice woman who went out of her way to hold a door open for me this evening as I went to the gym. It was a courteous thing to do.

London in the Snow

1. Waking up to centimetres of snow outside the front door - so much fun coming into work. Clapham is like a winter wonderland.

2. The huge snowman built on Clapham Common - it was about 15 feet high and wore a hat. And there was still plenty of snow around it!

3. Grouchy barista at Eat smiled for once. Guess the winter weather brings out the Happy in all of us!

First Frump to First Fox

I caught this interesting article about Martha Washington thanks to the Huffington Post. It seems that Martha Washington may not have been dowdy in the way that historians have tried to paint her.

This kind of history always interests me.

Archie

1. Sitting with Archie sleeping soundly on my shoulder for, more or less, 3 hours. Too cute.

2. K looked glowing and happy - she proves that motherhood is a beautiful thing.

3. M is a great dad who obviously cares for his son. I am really proud of him.

St Anton... my 3BTs

1. There is nothing like the sensation of speeding down a slope, perfect blue sky, powder snow - total freedom and the joy of being alive.

2. D&J showed interest. I am not dead yet.

3. The Majesty of Mountains.

Songs that Will Remind Me of St Anton

Cry For You by September




The Final Countdown by Europe



And Finally.... Human by The Killers. Perfect song to ski down a slope to.


Human Video

Angelina Update

It seems that The Fuggers agree with me about Angelina at the SAG Awards.

Hooray! Maybe I can get me an alternative career when I need it as a fashion commentaire extraordinaire?

D-Day for Project Winter

1. Nobody killed me and took the news with good grace.

2. I leave for St Anton tomorrow!

3. I finally realised it does not matter what the team in Paris do - I cannot control it.

No blog for a few days - I shall be skiing in St Anton where it has been snowing AND the sun is reputed to be shining!!

Why do they do it?

I always wonder why successful actresses feel the need to pose naked in magazines as a way to receive validation. Do they want to be judged on their talents or on how they look? Can they have both? I'm not sure. How many male Oscar nominees have you seen draped over a couch with no clothes on? The day that Sean Penn, Brad Pitt or Leo di Caprio feel it is OK (or even necessary) to pose naked in a magazine and get good film roles, well, then we will have real equality.

So, in the first of an occasional series, I shall mark the low-water mark for heretofore serious actresses who choose to bare their flesh to promote a movie. I find it sad. First case for the prosecution, Kate Winslet in December's Vanity Fair.

Elegant but Boring

Angelina's yawnsome outfit at the SAG Awards. It is worthy of a "Fug" or "Fab" from the Fuggers but it has passed them by (for some reason)

Australians All Let us Rejoice for we are young and free!

1. My boss remembered I was supposed to be on holiday and that it was Australia Day - the latter unprompted!

2. Australia is 221 years old today.

3. I finally finished Breaking Dawn. It is kind of sad that the series has ended but Stephenie Meyer has left the door open for more books even though she denies it now!

Agnetha And Frida - Reunited on Stage!

I will thank them always for the music.

Rumer Willis

Officially, I now have a soft spot for Rumer Willis. She has a hard role model to live up to in her mother. Not only is Demi Moore a famous actress, a beautiful woman who defies age and conventions, but she also is married to Ashton Kutcher.

Now, Ashton Kutcher is not my personal idea of male eye candy. But I get that Rumer "kind of freaked out" when Demi first told her about Ashton. Pictures of Ashton were on Rumer's bedroom walls. On any normal level, it would be hard for a young girl to cope with her mother suddenly going out with the Hollywood hunk who has been plastered all over her walls and daydreams. Not many girls will ever have experienced that kind of feeling. So I am going to give Rumer a break - she deserves it.

Another Weekend, Another Oscar Movie

1. Frost/Nixon; it has been a long time since my intellect has been so thoroughly stimulated at a film. Great acting!

2. The low-key ambiance of Kasbah.

3. Pulling out my ski kit in anticipation of Wednesday. It is exciting just packing my bag in readiness to go.

I can't stop

I love all these Obama photos. Such a nice family. Malia Obama glued to her digital camera is surely the greatest thing ever.

One Man Guy by Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright and Teddy Thompson

I discovered this clip on Last.fm while surfing through various tracks of the Wainwright clan. I really like this song of Loudon Wainwright's and this is a nice performance of it.

Saturday Morning

1. The crispness of the frost on my car at 7.15 this morning.

2. The saltiness of the bacon, perfectly cooked but still somehow moist.

3. Pyjamas.

Nightingales

1. Paul McCartney sitting at the table in the far corner of the restaurant.

2. The beautiful lighting of the room and the view over the square.

3. Having dinner with L&N, it was too long since I had seen them. Magic night, I hope I see them again soon.

Today's Beautiful Things

Happy Day :-)

How to be English

This is quite cute.

Slumdogs

1. They call it a feel-good movie and it was; Slumdog Millionaire was terrific.

2. Walking across the Common afterwards and we saw stars in the skies. Cannot remember the last time I saw stars in the sky over the city.

3. The comfort of the seats at the cinema - it is my new local discovery, cannot believe I have never been there before.

Complicit

1. Saw Richard Dreyfuss in the round in Complicit at the Old Vic. He was good and we had brilliant seats in the front row - it was all I could do not to sing the theme tune to Close Encounters of the Third Kind whenever he stomped past me.

2. My grilled sea bass cooked to perfection.

3. The lift home because it was raining.

No heating

1. After 2 failed attempts, nice woman at Customer Services who tries to get me an appointment to have my boiler fixed.

2. K's slice of birthday cake. Yum!

3. Drinks after work with my favourite team.

Salad!

1. The salad I ate at Pret was nice - lettuce, butternut squash, goats cheese, beetroot, lentils, roti, hummus. Interesting and tasty.

2. I wore my favourite shirt. Nice rose colour that automatically puts colour in my cheeks.

3. The stretch in the back of my calves following my work-out. Loosens everything up.

Golden Globes

Yes, I think we will be laughing. I know Megan Fox (whoever she is) was trying to show us how deep and intelligent she is by having this tattoo done but I fear all she has done is emphasis her vacuousness.

And what was with Kate Winslet referring to Angelina Jolie as "the other one" when she won her award for Best Actress? Weird.

Roll on Oscars - it shall be interesting!

Cohiba!

1. The delicate ladylike Cuban cigar waiting for me on my desk when I arrived this morning.

2. The feeling as the central heating gradually warmed my cold feet.

3. Booking the tickets to Abu Dhabi!

Cadbury's Fingers

1. Cadbury's Fingers are crunchy with a taste of milk chocolate - not too sickly, just perfect for my tastebuds.

2. The scene in What Women Want where Mel Gibson is pitching the ad to Nike. The lone woman pounds the road lost in her own time and own thoughts: "No games, just sports".

3. The bright sunlight brings out the deep russet red of the brick in the houses in my neighbourhood. I really like it here.

Something to Consider

Love

1. M&D dropping everything to drive to see if I am ok because they had not heard from me.

2. The taste of my first cup of coffee.

3. The vivid orange of the dust jacket to Wallpaper's Pocket Guide to Amsterdam.

Lips are Turning Blue

1. Sing for Absolution by Muse.

2. The colour and texture of a Savoy cabbage.

3. It is Friday and I can wear jeans to the office.

New Life

1. J told me she is expecting her first baby. The non-drinking at K's concert and a few other things I have observed along the way now start to make sense!

2. I found out J2 is getting married, she found out over Christmas. More happy news.

3. The glow of the setting sun looking down Conduit Street

Ray of Light?

1. The prospect of finding a solution to my Project Winter nightmare.

2. Lunch with B at the Running Horse. She was so upbeat despite the fact that redundancy for S is looming. Positive outlooks on life are everything.

3. All the emails from the ex-crew at the almer mater, everyone is so keen to meet up on February 5 for a reunion.

Champagne!

1. The flock of birds flying in unison over the common

2. Seeing Claire from The Apprentice on the tube. I always like a good star spot!

3. The bottle of champagne from my boss that awaited my arrival into work this morning.

Kids eloping to Africa to get married

This story about two kids eloping to Africa to get married deserves an honourable mention - I love their foresight in bringing a witness with them. A Truly Fantabulous Tale :-)

Back to Work

1. Snow falling as I leave home for work.

2. The bracing warmth of my first hot cup of tea.

3. L's deep pink cashmere scarf - it looked terrific on her!

Time to go to the Cinema

1. Discovering the Wi-Fi features of my new ipod touch and watching youtube on it while lying in bed.

2. Hugh Jackman.

3. The white sheepdog being taken for a walk around the city streets in the crisp evening winter air.

Quiet on the Oxford Front

1. Clear blue sky and chill air - a perfectly rare beautiful winter's day.

2. The smell of the lemon/lime scented hot towels at Groom.

3. The bright orange light of a black taxi cab "for hire".

Running at Last

1. The feeling of putting on my shoes, running kit and filling my water bottle - I have forgotten how much I love the anticipation of going running. Almost as good as the elation I have once I have finished.

2. The exhilarating punch of cold air on my face and the stretch of my legs as I begin to run for the first time.

3. A good looking rugby type with a big smile on his face openly checks me out as we run past each other.

It's only day one and I have not been running for months - can't wait to get out again tomorrow!!

Why I Like Genealogy

I have been interested in tracing my family tree ever since I was a little girl. My grandmother used to tell me stories about her father's boyhood in Ireland, his passage to Australia and their life in turn of the century outback Queensland. These tales caught my imagination more than any book; that world seemed so exotic and magical.

Since then, I have always wanted to know more about my family's roots. One of the advantages of living in England is that I have had the chance to visit many of the places where my ancestors came from before emigration to Australia. My family tree is much larger now than I ever dreamed possible as a child. I think I have a convict ancestor but I do not know for sure... it would be wonderful to find out if that really is the case!

This genealogy article caught my eye: who would be King of the USA if George Washington had been a monarch instead of a president? Click here to find out. I have to say, Mr Washington does not look very inspiring. Lucky for America it has Barack Obama instead!! :-)))

January 1st 2009 - Let's start again...

OK - First Day of a New Year, time to revisit this blog and post my new 3BTs.

1. Waking up knowing it is Thursday and I do not have to go to work for another 4 days. Bliss just lying in bed and finishing my book.

2. Discovering these photos of babies celebrating their first birthdays by covering themselves in cake. Simple but effective and funny.

3. Chopping vegetables and thinking about my new healthy lifestyle. I feel calm - and that is a beautiful thing.