Jingle Bells

Four more sleeps until Christmas and yet I feel about as Christmassy as mid-July. Every year I tell myself I will get more organised and buy presents throughout the year. Every year I tell myself next year will be my year and I will finally organise my life and stop forgetting birthdays and important days. Ah well, bring on 2011!

B and I can’t decide where to go yet on Christmas Day. I was planning to cook, but then the oven thermostat died again so that is not even worth considering. Muscat Mutterings has done a fab round-up of what is going on over the Christmas and New Year period so hopefully I will get myself sorted soon. If you haven’t checked out his list yet, get over there soon and have a peak.

As for present buying – that begins and hopefully ends on Thursday! B now knows that I have this blog, so this year I will bypass Santa and put my Christmas list up here. Take note ;)

1) Espresso machine. It is costing me a fortune for my daily caffeine kick, might as well invest. Any suggestions on a good one that isn’t going to cost the earth?
2) Gym membership. Might as well combine my present with my New Year’s resolution to tone my behind up.
3) Cinema “season ticket”. Well we might as well seen as we spend more time at the movies than at home.
4) A nice relaxing mini-break in the style of Bridget Jones – without the poetry and boating on the lake!

What have you all asked Santa for this year? I have a feeling B is up to something... but who knows.

Oh and as a little bonus to all you iTunes fans who have iPods, iPads, iPhones and all that shebang.... iTunes are giving away free gifts for the 12 days of Christmas after Christmas! It starts on December 16 and runs until January . Each day you receive a free app, film, song, music video or game. It is free to sign up for and brilliant. I used it last year and got some great freebies that I still have on my iPod. For more info, click on the iTunes site here.

Merry Christmas all,

OB xx

Admin, Christmas & Fireworks

Right, sorry for that little delay. Things have been rather busy as I try to sort B out with his seemingly never-ending paperwork! Did you all enjoy the holidays? I have been following this very new blog, The Anglo-Omani Observer, - it's only been up for a few weeks, and already I felt the need to comment. Normally I am too lazy to do so!

Christmas is right round the corner and I haven't even began to consider what to buy. Each year my family claims anything would be great.... or that old chestnut, "oh we don't need a present, you coming home for a few days is present enough." What utter B011ocks! If I turned up at Heathrow empty-handed saying, "Oh did you actually want a present?" She will do a 360 in the car park and be gone before you can say, "Bah humbug." How will you all be celebrating this year? Can't decide between going out for dinner, cooking at home or just chilling at the beach with a bbq on the go - decide for me please?

The World Firework Championships have been taking place over the past few weeks. It has been nice to watch, but hilarious to hear how everyone in Muscat is now an expert in explosives. I however, being a complete hypocrite was full of advice for the competitors!

So far my favourite show has been the English company Merlin on December 10 - I know I might be accused of being biased but I just thought everything from the fireworks chosen, to the colour scheme, the music, the pace... oh and that finale, was spot on. Hong-Kong is a very close second, while Italy is close behind. America and Australia - I promise I don't have a problem with countries beginning with A! - were a real disappointment but I think the USA is currently bringing up the rear, so to speak. The final show is France on December 17 and we will find out the judges choice on December 18. Does anyone know how the judges will actually be judging because something one person likes another might not... how do you judge pretty explosions?!