Well, massive redners all round. I can't believe the like total transformation in Yours Truly. I'm like Danielle in Cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model. At least I think it was Cycle 7. I never thought I'd be unsure about tv facts but I haven't watched any in so long. No, I'm not in a flat somewhere on the Northside (although I'd probably have like a million satellite channels if that were the case) but I've been living in Africa. I like to say "Efrikaw" like Meryl Streep in "Out of Africa" (Martina's favourite flick). I'm back for Christmas (hence blog update) but have been hanging out in Malawi. Well, more like working my ass off for Oxfam. I've met so many people and am having such a great time that I have totally let my roots go and probably won't even bother getting my hair done while I'm home. Nools met me at the airport and actually started crying, going on about the real me and inner beauty shining through and other such nonsense. Basically, Basil and her got together. When I think about it it makes sense. They're like totally suited and stuff. In fact, she's moving in with himself and Barry. After making a massive moron out of myself suggesting we become flatmates a few months ago Basil sat me down and said that they were going to live with a guy they knew through Mapi. He's called Derek and is from Malawi. He said they just wanted to keep it All Boys but I was welcome to call round whenever. I completely took him up on this (mainly to show them what a great flatmate I could have been). Anyhoo, turns out Derek is totally sound and I got to know him really well when the other two lightweights were asleep in front of a dvd or out at gigs or whatever. He told me about his country and all the problems there and how it's one of the places Oxfam has volunteers. So, I'm like totally looking at the lack of direction my life is taking and thinking I should do something good- not like adopt a baby like Madonna- but at least try to help them with my hands and my heart. And perhaps meet Angelina Jolie one day. The folks were worried sick about my decision until they met Derek and we told them exactly what I'd be doing out there. It's the Oxfam Livlihoods Programme and I'm working on a Youth Project co-ordinated by the village development committee. The kids are so cool. Zoe Ball came out recently. I was mega excited because I was addicted to "Grease is the Word", which she presented. She gave me gazillions of backstage gossip. The video is up on the Oxfam website and You Tube. I was in the bit where she visits the orphanage but they cut me out. I don't mind because I am becoming a dead ringer for Angelina and I'd ask for me to be cut if I were Zoe.

So I'm back 4 days now and haven't felt one urge to go to Dundrum, or even into town. I did all my shopping in like 20 mins on the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop and Unwrapped (I'm not brainwashed or anything). It's just that now I've seen how amazing the gift of an animal or even a toilet can be to these people so the Unwrapped section should be checked out. And the Fair Trade gifts aren't gack at all. I couldn't help but buy some jewellery for myself.

So I've never been happier. Derek's coming out after Christmas as well. I hope he doesn't cramp my style. I'm working it like Meryl Streep.

A.

xxx