Well G'day! Why I am sitting here inside when the sun is a scorching 30 degrees and then some outside, I'll never know.

Firstly I want to say a big thank you for all the text messages and emails sent to remind me that yet another year has passed! Seriously, great to hear from so many of you. Thanks for remembering my birthday when I'm so far from home (this should do it to make those others who didn't feel guilty!).

I spent my birthday in glorious sunshine on Manly Beach. Our time in the sea was, however, shortlived as there was a public announcement warning that blue bottle jellyfish were drifting in to the shore. We didn't fancy risking a big sting with no cure (apparently weeing on someone doesn't work).

The great day with Leah and some more of the crew ended with a curry (not quite Naaj Moon) and a few gins. A good day was had by all. Big thank you to Mrs Minky - she sent me a cake all the way from England! It arrived in one piece and was very nice indeed. Even the other side of the world, I get a birthday cake from my mum - brilliant! Made my day!

So the latest - where we live is affectionately called Pokeyville (should be Marrickville). House Party One - someone tried to eat our goldfish, our front room seat was stolen (and since retrieved) and we were all racing around in shopping trolleys. House Party Two - someone stole our goldfish (again, has since been returned) and three naked boys took a shower in our ensuite! As you can see, I have totally regressed and am surrounded by complete idiots but it's not a bad life!

Except for...a poisonous spider was mooching around our house!!!! I spotted it - it was literally the size of a small gazele and inches away from my feet. Slowly and calmly I vacated the area (if you believe that, you'll believe anything) whilst a housemate disposed of it. She didn't even kill it - damn animal lovers. So it's still roaming around outside.

With all the fun and games, you'll be surprised to hear that I have actually managed to secure a job. Don't know a great deal about it but it's in a pub, 5 minutes from Pokeyville and I start tonight. A prerequisite was that had to take a 12 hour course to prove that I am responsible when it comes to alcohol. I passed!

Oh my friends, I am coming to the end but couldn't leave without informing you of our first major crisis. Jellyfish and spiders aside, the worst and most unimaginable thing happened - the straighteners broke!!!! Probably due to overuse. So frizzy haired, we made the arduous journey to the shopping mall and bought another pair. All is well once more.

Keep your messages coming, miss you all,

Love from a slightly more tanned Katherine xxx