Birthday Celebrations Part the Second

And God said, 'Let the festivities continue!' National holidays were declared in some countries. It was front page news in New Zealand. On Friday night, we headed out to a restaurant called Prime, in the GPO building in Martin Place. Lovely setting (we got out own cosy little section off to the side), pretty nice food too, without being overwhelming. Of course, the company was outstanding (thanks Leah! thanks Chris! thanks Argiro! thanks Mel!) and a few bottles of wine later, we were ready to carry on into the night. We ended up at The Loft for champagne, because who doesn't love champagne? Who? You? Bah. You don't know what you're talking about.

Jo and in a prime position at Prime. (I know. One of my best.)

David and Mel put on their best seductive looks. (I fell for it.)

Meaty


Chris, me and Leah looking almost too happy.

Everyone loves a group shot

Leah and I

Unfortunately, the next morning i had to get up at a relatively decent hour to go shopping for the BBQ we would be having with 20 people later that day. The night before, of course, i blithely waved away any notion that this would be a problem. When i was jerked awake by the shrill of the alarm, however, i saw things a little differently. (Jo calls this feeling "the harsh reality of daylight".) Nonetheless, the chore could not be avoided, so off we trotted to Westfields where the traditional It's-Nearly-Christmas panic seemed to have set in. Ahh the holidays.

Some of my wonderful friends and family came over to help me cook and prepare - thanks Maria! thanks Sonali! thanks Adam! (who also stayed until the very end, helping me clean all the grotty left-overs and showing me just how easy it is to pack a dishwasher to capacity without wanting to hurl plates at the wall in frustration) - and were entertained by Jack, who was very fascinated by Adams iPhone, and its ability to play Chris Brown on command.

Jack learns about technology (as all 2 year olds should...)

As the masses arrived and the party got started, i reflected on my uncanny ability to get other people to do all the crap work for me. Where, for example, would i be without Tony, BBQ-er extraordinaire, always willing to stand over a hot grill and be the last one to eat, always willing to clean up the mess, always there to calm me down when i freak out because i think there won't be enough food (only a fellow wog could understand the sheer terror of this possibility).

Men-folk - Con, Jo, Tony and DT

The gang(ers)

Jack and I

The night ended as they always seem to - watching music videos, singing, and making fun of the 80s. What an era to have been born in, and what a lucky gal i am to have such great people to spend my birthday with.

I'm off to spread some yuletide cheer by decorating our Christmas tree and annoying the boys with Christmas Carols. Cause y'all know that once you get Jingle Bells in your head, there ain't no getting it out, suckerrrrs.