One of the things I was especially looking forward to doing on our holiday was reading. I hadn't done any for a while and there was a stack of books mounting up which required my attention. I got through three and they were all superb in their own very differen ways.



In The Cut by Susanna Moore

I bought this as a cheapy on the discount table because I'd heard something vague about it when the film version with Meg Ryan was released. Anyway, I haven't seen the film but the book was fantastic. Beautifully written erotic thriller.



Sucked In by Shane Maloney

The latest in the wonderful Murray Whelan series. I love love love these books. And to think how very accidentally I stumbled upon Murray all those years ago in the gloomy book section of the Perth City Target. How easily I could have chosen another book and not had Murray in my life. Sucked In is just as enjoyable as those which came before, I loved every page. All I can say is, Murray Whelan for PM!

Specimen Days by Michael Cunningham

This is the latest book from the author of The Hours and while I haven't read that book I did see the film and cried so much at the end I thought I'd burst a valve. So I did go into Specimen Days with a touch of trepidation. Which was validated because this book is powerful and it made me feel, really feel, and think... two things which I obviously avoid doing as often as possible (hence my reality tv addiction). It hurts to really feel and think and I've decided I don't like it. I need it but I don't like it. Reading this book hurt, a lot. It is beautiful on every level and I am so glad I read it but I wish I hadn't read it on holidays. It is not a book to read by the side of a pool on a hot day in gorgeous Phuket. It is a book to read on a rainy day at home with a cup of tea and box of tissues.

We returned from Phuket on Saturday and while I'm exhausted from the through-the-night flight home and the subsequent sleep deprivation my head is still filled with the beautiful, crazy sights and sounds of the place.



It was the most wonderful holiday we've ever had. The Evason Resort on Rawai Beach where we stayed was magical. Three gorgeous pools, including the inifinity pool overhanging the ocean where we spent many hours contemplating the state of the universe with a Heineken and a Mango Daquiri in hand and the family pool where we spent many hours playing with the kids with a Heineken and a Mango Daquiri in hand.



There were the many beautiful restaurants both at the hotel, near the hotel and in Patong itself where we spent many hours devouring super delicious, super cheap local seafood (but not the Australian beef - sheesh!) with a Heineken and a Mango Daquiri in hand.



The kids had a great time in Kids Club (every second day, I just felt too guilty putting them in everyday even though they had a fabulous time there and were asking to go - I'm a good mother, really I am, repeat x 100).



I did struggle somewhat with the shopping. Look, it was OK once I got a handle on the bargaining thing but overall it didn't sit well with me. I don't like to bargain but when the initial asking price is crazy you soon start to get into the swing of things. However, we ended up buying some things and missing out on a whole lot of others because we'd refuse to go higher, they'd refuse to go lower and then we'd end up too tired and pissed off to carry on and ended up leaving without the item/s in question. No huge loss really as how many pairs of fake Billabong shorts does one husband really need?



The best parts were the people who were endlessly accommodating and happy to please; the simple relaxation of a day doing close to nothing; the stunning scenery; the scrumptious food I didn't have to prepare or shop for; the endless cocktails. Well, you get the picture... it was just a friggin' fabulous holiday. Enough said.

By way of explanation for my lack of blogging of late I can only blame Telstra and the internet situation, or lack thereof, at our new home. Suffice to say a letter has been sent to the Telecommunications Ombudsman. We are mad as hell and sadly we'll continue to take it until we blow a phoo-phoo valve.

The T-shirt reads "glamour is my occupation" (by Small Paul - TOO CUTE!) but it should read "BRING BACK THE BIFF".

Bless me father for I have sinned. I have been a very bad blogger of late.

There is so much to blog about (in no particular order).

Stupid lesbians.
OzIdol.
The rollercoaster ride of parenthood.
My dear Anthony becoming a dad.
Politics.
How much I hate Telstra.
Other stuff I can't remember right now because my brain is a sieve.

But I have no time right now.

We're off to Phuket on Wednesday to spend 10 days relaxing in this amazingly beautiful place.

I promise to be a better blogger on my return (technology allowing).