You've already met him.

I've just downloaded nVidia drivers for the first time in ages; why in the shitting hell are they 440 fucking MB?

Well I'm certainly posting in the wrong thread, that's for sure.

If the phrases "updating drivers" and "first time in ages" are in the same sentence, you're doing it wrong.

That's a fir size

I broke up ages ago... Technically.

Did anyone here break up for Christmas today? If so, HAPPY HOLIDAY TIME!!

This is me! MERRY FECKING CHRISTMAS!

Bad Santa.

Is that the Secret Santa variant where you either open a new present or steal someone else's?

I assume all in-laws are completely bonkers, but then I see someone on the internet posting that their in-laws are the best and nicest people in the world, so I assume those people posting are the ones who have the weirdo parents.

I have lovely, lovely in-laws. Gaz's family are all so nice and normal.

But then Gaz. Odd how that happens.

I think it’s extra special to have supportive and loving in-laws. Russell’s grandparents welcomed me into the family with open arms. Russell’s Grandad and I have a daily chat conversation. It’s magic. It’s great to know you have that support network, Jem x

We’re hosting my family for three days. It wasn’t even my idea. Joking aside, my family are pretty easy to host as they all muck in. However, having just been to North London’s favourite food retailer (tm), it has to be said it’s bloody expensive. We haven’t bought the perishables yet, such as most veg, the bird, creams for puddings and a lot of the booze, yet we still managed to crest >£800

We’re hosting my family for three days. It wasn’t even my idea. Joking aside, my family are pretty easy to host as they all muck in. However, having just been to North London’s favourite food retailer (tm), it has to be said it’s bloody expensive. We haven’t bought the perishables yet, such as most veg, the bird, creams for puddings and a lot of the booze, yet we still managed to crest >£800

You wha?! What have you spent it on?

I love Christmas parties. (Well, parties. Socialising, really.) One of the suckiest parts of being a freelancer is not having people to have a Christmas do with. I was really pleased Gaz's boss invited me to theirs the past two years (I do occasional work for them, it wasn't just out of pity )

I love Christmas parties. (Well, parties. Socialising, really.)

I’m rubbish at socialising. I don’t like drinking, which is fine, but I’m also really nervous around drunk people, and the louder everyone else gets the quieter I get in response.

I’m happiest sitting sideways on the sofa with my feet up on Russell doing crosswords in the evening, watching University Challenge and Only Connect.

Have mine this afternoon, I organised it all and will expense it, but I always let my team choose what time they slope off to the pub (within reason)

So this year its 3 pm, I'm strategically getting a taxi from my house at 3.30 which will get me to the pub at 4 pm

Find it always wise to miss the first hour where everyone bangs 4 pints down them

Like you love a good night out, we invite people who have left the dept as well, just can't cope with lots of booze anymore, partly age, also 2 small unforgiving kids!

Like you love a good night out, we invite people who have left the dept as well, just can't cope with lots of booze anymore, partly age, also 2 small unforgiving kids!

A friend of mine is a freelance journalist and he too really laments that lack of social contact, especially around Christmas party season. He did try and organize a freelancers get together in London but that fell on its arse. You don't really have the tissue of shared work experience to make the company of strangers less weird.

I’m rubbish at socialising. I don’t like drinking, which is fine, but I’m also really nervous around drunk people, and the louder everyone else gets the quieter I get in response.

I’m happiest sitting sideways on the sofa with my feet up on Russell doing crosswords in the evening, watching University Challenge and Only Connect.