Game time
Two more sleeps and winter's finally here, people. No, I'm not talking actual, literal winter I mean that in two more sleeps Game of Thrones is back.
Adult Education
Giving back
Occasionally, I'm reminded of why I love the internet.
Colds
I grew up in Queensland, so I romanticised the idea of winter as a kid. All that time indoors! Soups and books, crackling fires! How cosy and lovely and … hygge (or whatever that Danish concept is that everyone talks about but no one can pronounce). Cut to adult life in a southern city, though, and I've come to realise: winter is shit.Â
Farewells
My family has the longest, most drawn-out goodbyes in history.
Australian whiteness
I'd love for an Asian-Australian family on TV to be unremarkable. But it's not.
Working from home
It's the best! Except for the occasional shameful shocks - and other people.
Choirs
Group singing is glorious - like a natural antidepressant.
Taking note
One reason writer Joan Didion takes notes: to keep track of older versions of herself.
Water polo
If I were marketing this sport, I'd be targeting bawdy women and plying them with rosé.
The beauty of theatre
As much as people see theatre as the stuffy realm of wankers, good theatre welcomes everyone.
Public transport
I reckon everyone should be allowed one interest that's objectively, indisputably, scientifically dull. Mine is – wait for it – public transport.
Trash TV
I don't trust people who don't have some trash in their TV-viewing diet.
Book awards
Literary awards don't make authors rich, but they do help readers discover local treasures.
I learnt the hard way that scuba diving is not for everyone
"Why did I sign up to this? I asked myself during the second lesson of my scuba course.
Learning Auslan
After my first class, I recall the sign for "embarrassed".
Public speaking
Prepare, show up and feel free to freak out a little if necessary.
Gay uncles
I'm not going to pretend I'm essential. But there's one thing gay uncles can offer.
Being agnostic
To say you're agnostic feels like a cop-out, but I'm a spiritual fence-sitter.
What life has taught me about women
Women: I'm not one of you. But I share your annoyance.
I protest
What protesting gives you is reassurance: you are not insane.
Naked art
ASK YOURSELF: when was the last time you were naked that didn't involve showering, sleeping or having sex?Â
Chinese astrology
In today's Chinese zodiac, a female tiger represents something quite different compared to the past.
Selling the family home
I've never committed arson, but nothing makes you dream about burning down a house and everything in it more than clearing out your childhood home.
Muay Thai
Fun-wise, this combat sport packs some serious punch. Just don't forget the shin pads.
DNA testing
Where do I come from? Who am I? What is going on?
Coming out
Coming out, I've learnt, isn't a single moment.
Better read
Book clubs are a way to engage in everyone's favourite 21st-century pastime.
Home cooking
There are advantages in dating someone who loathes cooking.
Live aid
Most of us don't know how we'll react in a crisis until it happens.
Combing attractions
I take my haircuts seriously. It's taken trial and error, but here's what I've found.