Woo Hoo, Wednesday Lunchtime

Being a blogger, I like to read other blogs too. I really appreciate the enormous amount of effort and time people invest in their little online treasure troves and it inspires me to work harder on mine (I think it may get a new look when I have some time over Christmas).

There are heaps I like, but one of my favourites is a little bit more like a weekly newsletter of funny stories than a real blog (sorry Tony, I know you take your role as "blogger" very seriously). Anyway, the blog in question is The Scrivener's Fancy.

Described as "lowbrow commentary in elegant surrounds" every week it contains 4 articles written by Tony Martin, Avril Rolfe, Matt Quartermaine and a guest writer. They are usually stories based on the minute of life, written from a comedian's point of view and without fail, I enjoy them every week. It is published on a Wednesday.

So despite the temptation to put off my work and just straight online each Wednesday, I save it up as a special treat to enjoy over lunch. It is great, an excellent lunchtime read and the perfect way to mark the middle of my week. And it is surprising how often they relate to me! For example, after wrestling with the BigW DVD scanner today, it was highly amusing to come back and read Tony Martin's article on the same topic.

So if your mid-week needs a lift, give it a go!

First impressions

So today I've been putting smiles on a lot of other people's faces.

I decided I needed a water bottle on my desk, I'm just not drinking enough of the good stuff. But I'm not a fan of plastic, so I wanted a glass bottle and it occurred to me that a Bombay Sapphire bottle would be perfect - they hold quite a bit of liquid, are nice and solid and best of all are an attractive blue colour.

For those of you not familiar with Bombay Sapphire, it is a very nice gin, one of my favourite tipples! Of course water looks much like gin, particularly when in a gin bottle, which makes it appear that I'm swigging my way through glass after glass throughout the day.

The significant pauses that have been made as people stop to evaluate just what is happening at my desk, have kept me amused all day!

Tip of the day

Don't you just love a time/money/effort saving tip?

Today I discovered that hairspray works just as well as any kind of anti-static spray for clothes. My inappropriately clingy skirt has been dealt with and is now floating gently around my legs rather than adhering suggestively to my rear end.

Other recent discoveries have included: vodka in the water will keep tulips from drooping, don't store your cucumbers with apples, pears or stone fruit as they will go off quicker and if you have an open bag of potato chips, store them in the freezer and they stay fresh (just need to give them some time to go back to room temperature).

Don't you just love a good tip?

Food and friends, a good combo!

On Sunday nights I like to cook for friends. Cooking a nice meal for people I love is one of the best things in the world.

Tonight I made this chicken cacciatore with baked potatoes and brocolini. It was delicious and filled my friends up with yummy (and healthy) food. A glass of wine, good food and fun friends, a perfect way to wrap up the weekend.

A tango, a scavenger hunt, pancakes and flowers

I know this is repetitive, but I really have the best friends.

Things have been super busy and a little crazy recently, so my flatmate - Gorgeous A - decided to spoil me and her boyfriend, who happens to be my best friend and dance partner and who has also been flat out with work.

First she organised for us to have a dance studio to ourselves for an hour. We have both been so busy we haven't had much time to dance recently. We didn't do anything training like, just danced and enjoyed the opportunity.

Next she sent us on a sort of treasure hunt. We were sent to the pancake parlour to find Paul. He seated us, presented me with flowers and then food and drinks arrived! Gorgeous A had organised it all, right down to knowing the perfect things to order us. I think it did confuse the staff somewhat that Mr M's girlfriend had organised it for the two of us but it was wonderful.

Stuffed full of delicious food, Pancake Paul arrived again, now bearing movie tickets, but we decided that we would prefer to go with Gorgeous A, so wrapped up and went to find her.

It was such a lovely unexpected morning, I really enjoyed it. I am so lucky to have people who would go to that effort in my life.

Oh my, I've got a very full tummy

My Mum sure can cook. She can create a feast, there is no doubt about it and when it comes to a special occasion like a birthday, she goes all out.

Tonight was an early birthday dinner for my brother-in-law and that means the traditional birthday dinner - roast duck with dumplings and red cabbage. Is your mouth watering yet, let me describe it in a little more detail.

Mum has perfected the art of roasting a duck. She produces crisp skinned, succulent meat where the fat has melted away (but is reserved to fry potatoes in later) leaving just juicy, duck perfection. She takes the drippings and turns it into rich gravy which we pour over potato dumplings and red cabbage till they are infused with that ducky goodness.

It is the kind of meal where you end up picking up your duck bones to crew every last morsel off, where plates are scraped (and licked when no one is looking). It is a meal where you eat till you are full, then eat a bit more because it is just so good.

And when you think you may explode, the chocolate mousse arrives.

What a meal, thanks Mum it was brilliant.

Vampire Attack

I saved three people's lives today - yup, you got that right, three people! And I did it by sitting in a chair and I got rewarded for it with a chocolate milkshake.

Yes, I gave blood. It always makes me feel good, well not literally, it usually makes me feel a little light headed. But it gives me that good feeling that I really am helping people.

For anyone who hasn't done it, give it a try. I'm terrified of needles, but I make myself go to help me get over that fear and because your donation really does save lives. And there is nothing like starting your day with a bunch of people thanking you - the donor staff are brilliant.

So go on, let the vampires have a go and donate blood today!