Blue Eyes, Brat-titude and Other Gifts For My Daughter...

"Who do they look like?"

When you have a baby, this question is one that you'll hear more than most others. It is also one that you'll be pondering yourself.

When my daughter was first born, it was obvious that she had inherited my husband's big blue eyes, and, oddly enough, my toes. As she's grown, her inherited features have only become stronger - she has my bone structure and her daddy's mouth.

However, what I find myself thinking about more often is what personality traits of ours she may receive and in particular, what traits I would like for her to have.

I hope she gets B's athleticism - this is a man who, in his yearbook, is noted in every. single. sport. Football? Check. Cricket? Check. Cross Country running? Check. Athletics? Check. Swimming? Check. Rugby? He was the captain. There's not much that he doesn't excel at. He is also incredibly driven, with an amazing work ethic. And above all else - the reason that I fell in love with and married him - he is more devoted to his family than any man I have ever met.

As for my own charming qualities? I hope that she inherits my love of reading and my obnoxious need to know everything. And whilst I don't necessarily wish for her to receive my temper - a gift from my father, it is famously fiery and incredibly short - I do hope that she sticks up for what she believes in and stands by her opinions.

But more than anything - and stay with me here - I hope that she grows up unashamed of her intelligence. I was fortunate to attend a selective high school, so we never had to deal with bullies picking on the "nerds" because, let's face it, we were all nerds* in our own special way. But I am very aware of the appeal to be found in playing down your intelligence, especially for young girls. I want my daughter to feel secure enough in herself that she can be above that sort of behaviour.

When my dad teases me for being arrogant, I like to jokingly respond with my nose in the air: "There's nothing wrong with being awesome." However, when it comes to one's education, it's a statement that I completely stand by: There is nothing wrong with being smart, with enjoying learning and succeeding at school. I hope that this is an attitude that I can pass on to my Liv.

..and if she doesn't feel the same, then God help me, I will make her.

* I despise the word nerds. It is only permissible when used in an affectionate manner between loved ones. Or, when uttered by Liz Lemon in frustration. Because sometimes, a maddening situation just calls for a shaken fist and a NERDS!

LOVE RIVALS :: Why Can't We Let Go Of Jen vs Ange?

I'm quite particular about my daily digestion of news. I like to start at the top and work my way down. Once I'm finished with the respectable journalism, I move onto the tabloid papers for some fluff pieces and barely hidden bias.

I was leisurely browsing the Daily Mail yesterday whilst Liv napped and, in between your usual gems about Home and Away starlets and various Kardashia, I came across this:

I believe my exact words were: "Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me."

Here are the facts: In January 2005, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston filed for divorce after marrying in 2000. In April 2005, the first photos of Brad and Angelina Jolie were published, showing them on a beach in Kenya with her son Maddox. The first public acknowledgement of their relationship came in January 2005, when Angelina confirmed she was expecting a child with Brad. Since then, they have adopted another child from Vietnam, and welcomed biological twins in 2008. After almost 10 years together, they married in France in August 2014.

Since splitting with Brad, Jennifer publicly dated John Mayer and Vince Vaughn and has been engaged to actor-writer Justin Theroux since 2012.

All gossip and speculation aside - Brad and Jennifer clearly appear to have moved on. He is married with 6 children and she is engaged to a man she has been with for almost 4 years. So why does the media insist on continuing with this #TeamJolie vs #TeamAniston narrative? (FUN FACT: It is said that after the split, Team Aniston T-shirts outsold Team Jolie 4 to 1. I would like to meet the women buying these shirts.)

I can't think of a time when I have ever seen male celebrities pitted against each other as LOVE RIVALS in the press. Is this because we expect and accept that men will naturally compete for the fair maiden's hand?

Sadly, I think more than anything this comes down to the almighty dollar. Since 2005, magazines have thrived off the back of Brangelina and Poor Jen. Whether it's pictures of the beautiful Jolie-Pitt kids, or speculation about the occupancy of Jennifer's uterus, magazines with a Jolie/Pitt/Aniston story on the cover have consistently done well at the newsstand. At the end of the day, a fierce rivalry will always tempt readers more than a pleasant friendship. Ange vs Jen, Lauren Conrad vs Heidi Montag, LeAnn Rimes vs Brandi Glanville - these are just a few of the famous "catfights" that have been plastered on the front covers of our tabloids.

I just wish that we could do better than this. I wish there were more stories out there of women supporting each other, rather than tearing each other down. As long as we continue to let the media portray us as bitches who hate each other, the longer that society will continue to assume that's what all women are like. The longer that employers will overlook women for positions because they think they're catty and unprofessional. And most importantly, the longer that young girls will think that it's acceptable to be horrible to each other, because "that's how girls are."

I'll leave you with a quote from Caitlin Stasey - feminist babe and my new hero. Be kind to each other, ladies!

"Women - love each other, support each other, defend each other. It comes at a greater cost to you to attack the women around you than it does to empower them."

mamamedia liveblogs :: The 2015 Golden Globe Awards

Welcome to the 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards!

12:00: Aaaand we're off! (Re: time difference - I'm in Sydney, Oz, so this is being televised Monday midday, yet I'll be referring to the show as happening "tonight".)

12:01: "You despically spoiled, minimally talented brats!" And in her first line, Tina has referenced the leaked Sony emails about Angelina. God I love her.

12:03: "Boyhood proves that there are still great roles for women over 40, as long as you're hired when your under 40."

12:05: "We should explain...cake is like...a fluffy dessert that people eat on their birthdays! "And birthdays are something that people celebrate when they admit that they've aged."

12:06: Rewinding Tina's line about Amal Clooney, because it is just too good and I need to transcribe it for you so you can enjoy it with me...

Here we go:  "George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin this year. Amal is a human rights lawyer who worked on the Enron case, was an advisor to Kofi Annan regarding Syria, and was elected to a three person UN commission investigating rules of war violations in the Gaza Strip...so tonight, her husband is getting a lifetime achievement award!"

12:10: "...and Sleeping Beauty thought she was just getting coffee with Bill Cosby." BIG oooohs in the room at that line.

12:12: WOW that is quite the split in Jennifer Aniston's dress. Careful on the stairs Jen!

12:14: First award: Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. I believe I backed Ruffalo. Let's see if my blind pointing was right...

12:15: ...nope. J.K. Simmons it is!

12:17: well, my TV just skipped a bit during J.K's speech, so not sure if I've missed anything. I'm hoping it just went to an ad break!

12:20: Jeremy Renner is an Avenger, but J.Lo looks like the superhero.

12:22: Fargo wins Best Miniseries/TV Movie. I've heard it's well-deserved, so congratulations, Fargo team!

12:26: Billy Bob wins Best Actor, Miniseries/TV Movie for Fargo. Again, congrats.

12:30: Awkward North Korea bit with Meryl & Margaret Cho. Seems like it's dying in the room, too.

12:32: "HFPA President, and tall Dutch drink of water, Theo Kingma!" ...Can't comment on his tall-drink-of-water-ness, since he reminds me of another tall Dutchman - my grandfather.

12:33: Kingma receives a standing ovation for his moving statement on behalf of HFPA regarding recent global events. Very well said sir.

12:37: Best Actress - TV Series, Comedy/Musical: I backed Taylor Schilling for OITNB...

12:37: ...damn, 0 for 2. Gina Rodriguez wins for Jane the Virgin.

12:38: "Dad used to tell me to say 'today's going to be a great day - I can.' Well dad, today is a great day, I can and I did." Aww, what a beautiful speech. Happy for her.

12:39: Best TV series - Comedy/Musical. I abstained from voting in protest...

12:40: ...and Transparent wins. A seemingly deserving show, so well done to the team. I am gracious in B99-related defeat.

12:48: Johann Johannsson wins Best Original Score for The Theory Of Everything. They'll be partying in Iceland tonight.

12:49: Prince presenting Best Original Song...looking very...Prince-like.

12:51: YES! John Legend and Common win for Selma! Chrissy Teigen - Mrs Legend - is looking stunning as always.

12:52: Amazing speech by Common. Beautiful words about the faces of civil rights in America.

12:59: Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series - C'monnn Bomer...

1:00: YES! Nailed it! Matt Bomer for the win!

1:03: "And if we've learnt one thing, it's that famous people are above the law...as it should be." Love Ricky Gervais. What I also love: his drinking on stage.

1:04: Best Actress - Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical. I backed Emily Blunt...

1:05: ...damn. Ahh well, congrats Amy Adams!

1:14: Best Animated Film...I think you know how I feel about this one...

1:15: WHAT! LEGO MOVIE WAS ROBBED!! Everything is NOT awesome.

1:18: Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical. Team Emma!

1:18: ...damn. Congrats Patricia Arquette! Seriously though, my tips are going abysmally right now. Good thing I didn't have money on this.

1:25: Oh no, they've brought Margaret Cho's North Korean character back. Sigh.

1:27: Awkward-funny Kristen Wiig-Bill Hader bit. Reminds me of her & Will Ferrell a few years back. TOMMY LEE JONES IS UNIMPRESSED.

1:34: "It's nice that men are finally getting the recognition they deserve." Sassy Jane Fonda is brilliant.

1:35: Best Actor - TV Series, Comedy/Musical. As with the best series category, I abstained from voting. SHOW SAMBERG & BRAUGHER SOME LOVE.

1:35: Congratulations to Jeffrey Tambor, who dedicated his award to the transgender community. Lovely.

1:43: I mentioned it on Twitter, but I'll say it again here: Lupita Nyong'o is looking absolutely STUNNING tonight. I think she's my pick for Best Dressed this year.

1:47: Kate Beckinsale presenting Best Actress in Miniseries/TV Movie - all I have to say is, she loves herself a high bun.

*** Had to take a break here to put Liv down for her nap, but I'm back! Commentary is now delayed a bit, so I'll be steering clear of Twitter, lest I be spoiled.***

2:10: Tina & Amy have had a costume change. Amy is now in a sleek, sexy black and/or navy gown, and Tina - oh God, be still my heart - Tina is in a lady tux, complete with undone bowtie hanging casually around her neck.

2:12: Best TV Series - Drama. I picked Game of Thrones...

2:13: ...I AM SO BAD AT THIS. The win goes to The Affair.

2:14: So not only was The Affair's acceptance speech played off, but they couldn't get them off the stage either. They were still milling about behind Catherine Zeta-Jones as she started her intro.

2:15: Best Actor - TV Series, Drama. I picked Dominic West through the highly scientific method of closing my eyes & pointing...

2:15 ...which turns out to be a horrible method, as the award goes to Kevin Spacey for House Of Cards. Next awards show, I'm doing my research!

2:17: "This is the EIGHTH time I've been nominated...I cannot fucking believe that I won." Kevin Spacey wins best one liner in acceptance speech tonight.

2:22: "Because in a town and an industry where it is so easy to lose touch with who you are and what really matters,  he has never been anything but real." Julianna Margulies and Don Cheadle are giving an amazing tribute to this years winner of the Demille Lifetime Achievement Award, George Clooney.

2:29: Oh my God, George and Amal are so cute, it kills me. I think they're going to make it guys.

2:37: "Fine, you can take your own helicopter home." - Anna Faris & Chris Pine presenting together are just adorable.

2:38: Best Actress - TV Series, Comedy/Musical. I picked Viola Davis for How To Get Away With Murder...

2:39: ...and my losing streak continues! Ruth Wilson wins for The Affair.

2:41: Best Actor - Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical. C'mon, Michael Keaton, break the streak!

2:42: The GG goes to Michael Keaton! THAT'S ONE FOR ME!

2:50: Time for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Due to the one-two punch of musical and Kendrick, I voted Into The Woods.

2:51: Aaaaand The Grand Budapest Hotel takes it out. Wonderful.

2:56: Best Actress - Motion Picture, Drama. For once, I am #TeamJen...

2:57: OH COME ON! Julianne Moore for Still Alice. ...Although I do love Julianne, so I'm happy for her. Her turn as Nancy Donovan in 30 Rock is one of my favourite guest spots in a sitcom of all time. OF ALL TIME.

2:59: Best Actor - Motion Picture, Drama. Let's go, Redmayne, bring it home.

3:00: YES! ANOTHER FOR ME! Congratulations Eddie, such an amazing portrayal of an incredible man.

3:01: Awww, he had to cut his honeymoon short to come to the Globes. I am now extra happy that he won!

3:02: OK, we're at the tail end now, people. Best Motion Picture, Drama. I picked The Theory Of Everything...

3:03: ...but Boyhood takes it home. A deserving winner though, and one 12 years in the making!

And we're done! Sad to see the end of Tina & Amy's reign as Golden Globe queens, I don't think anyone has done it as well as they have for a long time.

And in terms of my tips...well, I don't think I need to do the maths to work out that I royally sucked. Next time - doing my research. Thank God I didn't have money on this.

If you're still reading at this point, thanks for sticking with me! We'll meet back here for the Oscars!

2015 Golden Globes :: My Expert Predictions

My favourite thing about awards shows is what a mindless form of entertainment they are - no story lines or characters to focus on, just pretty people in pretty outfits receiving statuettes of shiny men.

After the tragedies in Paris over the past few days, I am especially looking forward to a bit of levity in tomorrow's Golden Globe Awards, hosted for the third time by dynamite duo Tina Fey & Amy Poehler.

So, let's talk winners. Keep in mind - I once predicted Masterchef would be a disaster for Channel 10 when it first launched here in Australia...I believe my exact words were, "who's going to want to watch a cooking show 6 nights a week?" ...so I obviously know that of which I speak.

Don't take my tips to your bookies, in other words.

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Boyhood
Foxcatcher
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory Of Everything

mama's pick :: I am backing The Theory of Everything, based purely on my love for Eddie Redmayne and the fact that I have not seen any of these films.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Jennifer Aniston - Cake
Felicity Jones - The Theory Of Everything
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild

mama's pick :: I have heard nothing but praise for Aniston's role in Cake and I would love to see her win. It's time she's known for something other than just Friends!

...although I do love Friends. FUN FACT: When my daughter was born, one of the first things I said to her was a quote from the scene when Rachel gave birth to Emma: "Thanks for coming out of me!"

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler
David Oyelowo - Selma
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory Of Everything

mama's pick :: TEAM EDDIE.

BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Into The Woods
Pride
St. Vincent

mama's pick :: Into The Woods, as it combines two of my favourite things: musicals, and Anna Kendrick.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Amy Adams - Big Eyes
Emily Blunt - Into The Woods
Helen Mirren - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Julianne Moore - Maps To The Stars
Quvenzhane Wallis - Annie

mama's pick :: Emily Blunt, as hers is the only name I've heard mentioned as a contender for this award.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Michael Keaton - Birdman
Bill Murray - St. Vincent
Joaquin Phoenix - Inherent Vice
Christoph Waltz - Big Eyes

mama's pick :: Hmm...I'm going to back Michael Keaton, for two reasons:
1. Birdman is said to be amazing.
2. Charlie Clausen from TOFOP loves him.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Big Hero 6
The Book Of Life
The Boxtrolls
How To Train Your Dragon 2
The Lego Movie

mama's pick ::  LEGOLEGOLEGO. LEGOOO! No contest. Hands down, my favourite film of 2014.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Jessica Chastain - A Most Violent Year
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman
Meryl Streep - Into The Woods

mama's pick :: It's hard to look past Meryl, but I'm picking Emma in Birdman. Again, mainly based on my love for her.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Edward Norton - Birdman
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

mama's pick :: Oh God, I have no idea...Mark Ruffalo!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I may or may not have made this pick by closing my eyes and pointing at a name.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

The Affair (Showtime)
Downton Abbey (PBS)
Game Of Thrones (HBO)
The Good Wife (CBS)
House Of Cards (Netflix)

mama's pick :: Game Of Thrones - this is their second nomination for Best Series and between their huge fanbase and massive profitability, I feel that they've been dominating the landscape over the past 12 months.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Claire Danes - Homeland
Viola Davis - How To Get Away With Murder
Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife
Ruth Wilson - The Affair
Robin Wright - House Of Cards

mama's pick :: HTGAWM seems to be a bit of a runaway success, so Viola might have this one in the bag.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Clive Owen - The Knick
Liev Schreiber - Ray Donovan
Kevin Spacey - House Of Cards
James Spader - The Blacklist
Dominic West - The Affair

mama's pick :: Ummm....Dominic West!

...and yes, this may or may not have been another blind pick.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Girls (HBO)
Jane The Virgin (The CW)
Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Silicon Valley (HBO)
Transparent (Amazon Instant Video)

mama's pick :: Well, last year my beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine won this category and I am displeased that there is no B99 love this year. Ergo, I am refusing to cast my vote in protest. TAKE THAT, HOLLYWOOD FOREIGN PRESS.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Lena Dunham - Girls
Edie Falco - Nurse Jackie
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Veep
Gina Rodriguez - Jane The Virgin
Taylor Schilling - Orange Is The New Black

mama's pick :: This is Taylor's second nomination for OITNB, so I'll vote for Piper.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Louis C.K. - Louie
Don Cheadle - House Of Lies
Ricky Gervais - Derek
William H. Macy - Shameless
Jeffrey Tambor - Transparent

mama's pick :: Again, I am abstaining from the vote as a form of protest. Andy Samberg won this last year - WHERE'S THE NINE-NINE, HFPA?!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Uzo Aduba - Orange Is The New Black
Kathy Bates - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Joanne Froggatt - Downton Abbey
Allison Janney - Mom
Michelle Monaghan - True Detective

mama's pick :: It's gotta be Crazy Eyes Aduba.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Matt Bomer - The Normal Heart
Alan Cumming - The Good Wife
Colins Hanks - Fargo
Bill Murray - Olive Kitteridge
Jon Voight - Ray Donovan

mama's pick :: Oh, I love me some Bomer.

...that was a lot of awards. I'm exhausted.

At this point I'm still tossing up whether or not I'll liveblog the ceremony, but at the very least I'll be tweeting - follow the shenanigans @mamamedia_au

So - what's your pick? Who was your favourite this year? Do you share my raging passion for #B99? Comment away!

2015 :: A To-Do List

...because resolutions are lame.

Post more regularly! :: Because we should start with the most important task first, right? Seriously though, I really do want to get in the habit of sharing my ramblings more often. THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT TAYLOR SWIFT. (And yes, that is in reference to a post coming soon. I can feel your anticipation from here...)

Finish pregnancy journal :: I began a journal when I found out I was pregnant, hoping to document my thoughts & feelings as I went along to be able to look back on in the future...of course, I ended up being so distracted by the whole process of, y'know, growing a teeny human that it fell by the wayside. HOWEVER - I would like to finish it anyway, just so I don't forget things as time goes by. Which leads me to...

Fill out Liv's baby books :: Seriously, I have 2 of these things, NEITHER OF WHICH HAVE BEEN WRITTEN IN YET. As she hits her milestones, I note them in my phone calendar so as to not forget the date. Hopeless. Speaking of phones...

Back up phone on a regular basis :: Every six months is not acceptable. Especially when almost every photo of your daughter is stored on it. Also: this means mother will yell at you less. Win win. And on the topic of photos...

Learn how to use SLR camera :: Seriously, I have no idea how this thing works. I was adamant that my baby's photos weren't going to be taken on an iPhone, and yet, here we are. I just can't work it out though. I WILL conquer you this year, Nikon. You are my Everest. 

Organize magazine subscriptions for foreign titles :: Because our local Newsagency is hopeless and the possibility of missing issues gives me anxiety. I'm still seething over their failure to stock the September issues this year. SEETHING.  

Practice yoga on a regular basis :: Recently, I fell down an Instagram rabbit hole, and came across Kerri Verna & Kino MacGregor, otherwise known as @beachyogagirl and @kinoyoga. They are a pair of fabulous Floridians, who share, amongst your usual yogic inspiration, a monthly yoga challenge. Kerri shows how to perform the moves for beginners, while Kino handles advanced positions. Let me just say...What these women can do with their bodies...oh my God. I've lost a lot of my flexibility since being pregnant and it's been bothering me quite a lot lately, so I think getting into yoga will be a great way to gain it back. Onto a related item...

Successfully execute a head- and/or handstand :: I have NEVER been able to pull one off without the assist of a wall (or a spotter).
 

Complete Granny Squares blanket for Liv :: I completed the first of her crochet blankets when she was almost 3 months old, started the second, remembered how tedious it is to make granny squares, and the project has slowed considerably since then. SO MANY ENDS TO SEW IN. Also...

Crochet blanket for grandmother :: Because she asked for one years ago, and I'm her favourite, and she deserves it. 

Set up mamamedia Instagram account :: This isn't particularly difficult, I'm just yet to get around to it for some reason.

Have at least ONE WEEK at home where you cook dinner every night :: This is big. I have discussed my hatred for cooking here before, and this is an event yet to occur in our household. I would also score major brownie points with the husband. Again - win win. 

Catch up on podcasts :: Back when I was at an office every day, the thing that got me through those long, painful days was my podcasts. TOFOP/FOFOP/Walking The Room in particular. Since becoming a super smug SAHM, I've fallen woefully behind on episodes. I've decided to start with TOFOP from the very beginning and am currently documenting this journey on my Twitter account - follow me @mamamedia_au - using the hashtag #summeroftofop. Follow along if you enjoy Batman references and quotes that are indecipherable out of context. BLATANT PLUG OVER. 

So, that's my list so far. I'll check in periodically to see how I'm going, and possibly to add new things in along the way. 

So - what's on your list? 

Flashback Friday :: Christmas Eve Wrap Up

So - this stream of consciousness was intended to post on Christmas Eve...but as you'll see, Christmas Eve turned into Christmas morning, and I was falling into bed before I had a chance to hit Publish.

It's been sitting in my Draft folder since, and I had intended to just delete it - but I felt I should share my madness with the masses...

It is 1:42am on Christmas morning, and I think I'm losing my mind.

SO - I've decided to liveblog my descent into madness. It is sure to be THRILLING. Enjoy!

1:42: This event is sponsored by Jacobs Creek 2012 Cabernet Merlot. Ahhh, how I've missed my wine. Oh, and Cadbury's Hazelnut Chocolate. Wine + chocolate = a winning combination!

1:57: "Rosa's even wearing her formal leather jacket!" "The one without any blood on it." Brooklyn Nine-Nine is my new obsession. This boxset is keeping me going right now.

...This is the part where I clarify that there will probably be a lot of B99 quotes in this post.

2:01: SONOFABITCH I just remembered I forgot to put the baby's clothes on to wash. DAMNITALL.

Laundry break!

2:18: Aaaaand I'm back. God this is taking forever.

2:23: Finishing off my Xmas shopping yesterday has kicked. My. Arse. I swear, I haven't been so physically achy & exhausted since I gave birth. Apparently shopping pain is now comparable to the recovery pain of expelling a tiny human from one's body. This is so sad.

2:40: I've given myself a 5am deadline. God, please let me be done by then. WHY DID I BUY SO MANY PRESENTS. AND WHY ARE THEY ALL ODDLY SHAPED. Next year, new rule - only uniform square/rectangular boxes.

3:49: "I spent 40 minutes making that water bottle display! This guy's a psycho!"

3:55: "How many guns do I still have hidden? Do I still have my knife? Nunchuks? Axe? Do I still have my throwing stars? ...What kind of woman doesn't have an axe?" Rosa Diaz is my new personal hero.

4:47: "Oh, Canada. Truly, Odie to America's Garfield."

4:49: 11 minutes til I send myself to bed. Oh God, how is it almost 5 o'clock?!?

5:02: It is 2 minutes past 5 and I AM STILL WRAPPING PRESENTS WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME.

5:17: So much for my 5am cut off. I AM SO CLOSE, might as well see it through.

5:36: There is a US breakfast show on right now. Even the Americans are telling me it's time to go to bed.

6:04: OH SWEET MERCIFUL LORD I AM DONE. The sun is up, but I am done!

And now, I get to enjoy two and a half hours of glorious sleep, before I'm woken by a hungry infant. Merry Christmas!

Good times. In 2015, I resolve to start my gift wrapping BEFORE the 24th of December. Mama ain't pulling no all-nighters this year.

Not In My Name.

NOTE: I wrote the following early Tuesday morning - about an hour before the tragic end to the siege. After it became apparent that there wasn't going to be a peaceful end, and that innocent lives had been lost, I decided to sit on it for a while, unsure whether it would ever be posted. I was irate when I wrote it, and felt that the initial aftermath of the tragedy didn't need any more anger. However, I've given the matter more thought, and these are things that I feel I need to say on behalf of my friends. I hope it can be read in the spirit in which it was intended.
My deepest sympathies go out to Tori and Katrina's loved ones, in particular, Katrina's three little children. May they rest in eternal peace.
Jess x

Days like today bring out the best and worst in everyone. In friends, in strangers. In journalism.

When I first saw the news of the hostage situation this morning in Sydney's Martin Place, I braced myself for a fresh wave of Islamophobia to hit my social media feeds. Every now and then, something in the news will prompt those vile and uneducated comments to surface once more. My personal opinion is that there is a subset of the Australian media who report on these matters in an irresponsible way, that only serves to fan the flames.

Take, for example, the front page of Monday's SPECIAL 2PM EDITION of the Daily Telegraph...

(Yes, let's report it's that DEATH CULT - nothing has been confirmed yet, but oh well!)

 



This make me incredibly angry, and I would like to tell you why...

I have friends - beautiful, wonderful people - who feel the need to lie about their faith, because they are judged for being Muslim. Who lie about their ancestry, because they are judged for being Middle Eastern. Who, on days like today, feel that they have to look over their shoulders when walking down the street in fear of attacks.

They love this country, just as I do. They proudly call themselves Australian. Yet all because of the colour of their skin, or the clothing that they choose to wear, they are subject to anger and abuse from people who call themselves "real Aussies."

Well, you know what? Fuck that.

All these years, I've been under the impression that, "for those who've come across the seas, we've boundless plains to share." Where did I get that from again? Oh that's right, our national anthem. To me, that line just sums this country up perfectly. After all, other than our indigenous community, we are all immigrants from one place or another.

So, I say to you so-called "true blue Aussies" - Do not drape yourself in our flag, tattoo yourself in our national symbols, and then abuse your fellow countryman. That is not the Australian way, and you do not speak for me, just as the lunatic at the centre of this siege does not speak for our Muslim friends.

EDITED TO ADD: Today (Friday the 19th) the memorial at Martin Place was disrupted by anti-Islamic protesters, draped in Australian flags, holding signs with statements such as "MR ABBOTT - WILL YOU PROTECT US FROM MULTICULTURALISM?" and "MUSLIM TERRORISTS NOT WELCOME HERE NEITHER ARE THEIR LEFTIST SUPPORTERS." This is exactly the kind of disgusting thing I was talking about above. All I have left to say about this despicable hijacking of a place of remembrance and mourning is - how dare you. How fucking dare you.