A post that lacks cohesion

Today is, for some reason, the birthday of about 10 people I know, but most importantly, it's the birthday of my wonderful sister Mim. Word on the street is that she's celebrating by going to a Radiohead concert, and I'm as sorry as ever to be on the opposite side of the world as her. She's had the most amazing year - getting a summer cadetship at a public service department, a cadetship that turned into a permanent, full-time job in Canberra, and finishing her Master's degree (she handed in her thesis a week or so ago). While we stay in touch as best we can, it's no substitute for being in the same country, and I'm really looking forward to seeing her in December. But anyway, happy birthday, Mim! You are wonderful!

( Life and mini-reviews behind the cut )