There are certain experiences in one's life that just don't EVER get any easier. Like meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time.

Last weekend I thought it might be a lovely idea to go to the first night of the Sydney Festival. What I didn't realise was that the entire population of Sydney thought it would be a lovely idea too.

As one of a small skeleton staff who had to work over the Christmas and New Year break, it's taken some effort not to feel a wee bit disgruntled when I've hit the alarm button every morning and felt like the rest of Australia — my husband included — was snoring away merrily, ready to enjoy another carefree, sunny day.

It all started innocently enough — a nice, carefree game of tennis to christen the lovely new tennis racquet my mum had bought me for Christmas. Sure enough, it was doing wonders for my game and I was definitely in the zone, returning the ball with strength, accuracy and pizzazz (for me, anyway).

I've been to some pretty elaborate weddings in my time, but none can compare to my recent experience of my first traditional Indian wedding, which went for three whole days. (Don't worry, we were allowed to go home and sleep in between!)

The last time I brought my daughter Queenie into the office for a few hours, I swore I would never do it again. She was about 18 months old at the time, and within an hour of her arriving she'd literally turned my office upside down — emptying out every cabinet, drawer and bowl she could get her hands on.

A year or so ago, we were on a family trip to the beach when my husband Jimmy decided to organise an impromptu treasure hunt with our two children, Max and Queenie.

Aaaah kids... honest little things aren't they? Especially when it comes to commenting on your appearance.

Last week our company had its annual Christmas party, which of course is a wonderful chance for the Woman's Day team to have a champagne together.