How come January isn't over yet?
I mean, it's already lasted a thousand weeks and therefore I think it's about time it did one - am I right?
Every day, I feel like I am climbing a mountain, trying to get through each day, skint, tired and deflated.
I really think there should be some kind of rule about January.
We should make it the shortest month of the year if only to save the sanity of people like me.
Of course, as Storm Brendan wreaked havoc earlier this week, I was soaking up the rays in South Africa thanks to Love Island's first ever winter series, which arrived on our television screens to brighten up a dismal January.
Ok, so I wasn't actually there, I was watching it from my cosy living room but somehow, taking in the beautiful scenery of Cape Town gave me hope that the bright evenings and warmer temperatures will return to us at some stage.
So, you know how it works.
In the opening episode of the ITV2 reality show, we meet a new group of singletons who have jetted to South Africa on a quest for love.
While we are still only getting to know the five boys and seven girls (including twins), it is hard to really make a judgment however there is one thing I am pretty sure of already, there are some strange people lounging by that famous pool.
I can't say I was impressed with the initial five lads - one had terrible dress sense, one has veneers that quite frankly were too big for his face (who was also called Mr Bean by his mates) and another who is super rich and totally spoilt.
And some of them were only in a few hours when their eyes began wandering especially when blonde twins (who can't stop licking their lips and flicking their hair) walked in.
By the second episode, the twins had wrecked two couples and after three days, rich Ollie had quit.
As far as I can see, Shaughna and Sophie are the only genuine ones.
I've taken a dislike to Paige as she keeps going on about how she once dated singer, Lewis Capaldi and how his hit song, Someone You Loved, might be about her.
I really need her to shut up and leave. (Lewis Capaldi is mine and only mine)
I can't say I'm enjoying the first winter version as much as the summer one but time will tell.
Of course, it doesn't matter how bad it is, I'll keep watching.
After all, there ain't no drama like someone else's drama.
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Awards season is well under way in the US and as predicted, Ireland's Saoirse Ronan has once again been nominated for an Oscar.
The 25-year-old, who has been previously been nominated for her roles in Lady Bird, Brooklyn and Atonement, has been noted fourth time around by the Academy for her role in the re-make of Little Women.
However, the Irish star faces stiff competition from the other nominees in the same best Actress category. They include Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger, Scarlett Johansson and Cynthia Erivo.
Come on Saoirse, we know you can do it.
We hope this year is your year.
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Competition
January always feels like such a long and dismal month, so how do you fancy winning a treat for you and your friends?
Drumbo Park, based at the Ballyskeagh Road in Lisburn, is back on winning form after recently being reopened by a former employee.
The venue has been re-branded as a conference and events venue, as well as a racetrack.
And, in addition to fully utilising the high-spec facility, Greyhound Racing has been re-introduced on Saturday nights.
So, if it’s an exciting night you’re after, why not give it a go.
John Connor, manager and co-owner, said the venue has a lot of positives.
“We’ve a bar and restaurant plus our car park can facilitate over 200 cars and we are very competitively priced compared to the city centre.”
To celebrate the new venture, The Irish News is giving one reader the chance to win a treat for four people, including a two-course meal, admission and race programme and even a bottle of bubbly on arrival.
Further information about Drumbo Park is available online at www.drumbopark.com
If you fancy winning the prize, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, January 21, 2020
(Q) On which road is Drumbo Park located?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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The winners of the Zuni Hairdressing competition are Catherine O’Hara, from Belfast and Daniel Quinn, from Cookstown
