And this is why we don't do christmas anymore. We stopped the whole present buying (for everyone!) a good ten + years ago, after we realised we bought the kids everything they needed/wanted during the year and xmas just was simply buying for the hell of it. 
Granted when I was growing up xmas was not a big deal, and santa wasn't a part of it, and my husband hated the way his parents overdid everything, so when we finally made that decision it was such a relief. 
Now, it's all about a massive food feat with whatever family is around, and those that want to do presents can, they know that we don't give any. For this reason, I do enjoy doing most of the catering/menu organising. 
This year, three of the five of us are interstate so it'll be a picnic by the beach on the day (husband is home from work) while our other kids and extended family are spending time with my dad. 

After I got past the very boring first half of the first episode, I mentioned to my son who had already watched the series, there was something odd about the old man. I didn't know what, just that there was more to meets the eye with him.  I was right. 

The urinating part was the bit that got me saying 'nah'.  If I drank that much water I'd be so unproductive at work because I'd be on the loo every 5 mins.
I had looked at this, and then metaphorically screwed up the page and lobbed it into the bin.  
Some people are happy to follow 'the rules' and not err from them, in order to get things done, most of the rest of us are flexible in that we move them around to suit what life throws at us and still get the job done. I feel stressed just reading the rules.  

Funny review and spot on. 

I understand the idea of gender disappointment, to a certain degree. I got pregnant quickly after my second was born, then miscarried, and ultimately we decided to try again - there are five years (+ a week) between 2 and 3. My husband wanted to know the sex because he didn't want to be disappointed, hoping for a daughter. With three boys, I couldn't be happier, and looking back we both agree I wasn't meant to have girls. I believe these things are already decided for us.   As for the FIFO comment, anyone who has ever been in a FIFO relationship (especially last year) would know it's the stupidest comment you can make to someone. We've done FIFO for years now and it's only marginally better with older kids - they still need parenting and can be more difficult as teenagers.
Oh, and I love my boys to bits, I can only say we've done something right, as with one young adult and two twenty-somethings, they still talk to us.

gotta love this. I'm finally on trend! ha. I prefer the term 'bed head' as a good friend puts it, and I totally own it.

I had an emotional affair several years. Our marriage is better than ever. I feel worthy. Loved. 'complete'.