Lesson 22 - Comedy boxsets you must own

There's nothing like you and your housemates chilling out in the lounge, possibly nursing a hangover, watching a lovely little comedy boxset. Here's my top 5 pick of the best of British, because home-grown comedy is the best type of comedy.

The Office

The British comedy to end all British comedies. I'm ashamed to say, I've never actually seen all of it, but I came into my house on numerous occasions to find my hungover housemates giggling in front of David Brent et al. It's so easy to watch episode after episode of this programme without realising how much time has passed. If you don't "get" it initially, just go with it. It's easier that way. 

Green Wing

My brother and I have spent far too many hours quoting this genius Channel 4 comedy at each other. It's never seemed to get the recognition it deserved in my opinion. Maybe that's because I have a warped opinion due to the insane amount of quoting that goes on in mine and my brother's emails. Look out for "you bloody bloody bastard" as well as "you will never feel my super-vagina again" and basically anything that the character Sue White (played by the hilarious Michelle Gomez) says.

Spaced

Nothing quite says "student" like this sometime-surrealist comedy does. The early work of the makers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, it's hard to believe that only 2 series of Spaced were made. Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Jessica Stevenson have all since become some of the most recognisable faces in British comedy on both the small and big screen. If you understand all of the pop culture references and jokes, you're a better person than I am.

The Inbetweeners

Since the first series hit our screens in 2008, the popularity of The Inbetweeners has soared, with a movie being made and EVERYTHING. Based around 4 teenage boys, this comedy will make you laugh and make you cringe. It's hilarious because the situations and characters are recognisable to any young person. We've all got that friend who is hopelessly in love with someone to the point where it's embarassing. (If you don't have that friend...you know that guy/girl you text every day...you're Simon, they're Carli. Go figure).

Gavin and Stacey

You'll have to forgive me if I gush about Gavin and Stacey, because I love it more than chocolate. It is beautiful. Written by and starring the wonderful Ruth Jones and James Corden, Gavin and Stacey brings people from two worlds (well, Barry Island and Billericay) together. What started as a little BBC Three comedy has gone on to win BAFTAs, an NTA and was aired in a primetime BBC One slot on Christmas Day 2010. It makes me howl with laughter and weep with silent tears. If I'm ever feeling a bit down or a bit stressed, I just shove it on and everything's fine, for a bit at least. I can't recommend it enough. Well, I probably can, but I don't want to bore you...

Chuck your suggestions in the little comment box below please!

Lesson 21 - 21 signs you've become an adult

I've been in full-time work for 3 months now, so thought I'd write a cheeky little post about the transition from student to adult, and the depressing realisation that I'm a grown up now...

1. You own a season ticket.

2. You own a security pass to get into your building.

3. Your alarm wakes you up at 6am every morning...

4. ....and you consider waking up at half 8 at the weekends a "lie in".

5. You own a suit.

6. You receive details of a pension plan in the post. (Kill me now). 

7. Saturday Kitchen becomes a must-see programme at the weekends.

8. You accidentally answer the phone in the same way you answer the phone at work. "Hello The Indepen...oh hi Uncle Paul!" (This actually happened).

9. You have an old lady who you say hello to on the walk to the train station every morning.

A couple of these = drunk (see number 10)

10. A couple of glasses of wine on a night out and you are completely wasted.

11. You have to arrange nights out with your friends weeks in advance.

12. A "quiet drink" after work is literally a quiet drink. It doesn't get out of hand and you don't end up at a  nightclub because you have to get up in the morning.

13. You go and see a comedy gig with your mum and you really genuinely enjoy it.

14. Staying in is equally appealing as going out.

15. You are disappointed to discover that Just a Minute isn't on Radio 4 that week.

16. You know what day of the week it is by what you're watching on telly, because your life is dictated by routine.

17. You bake shortbread biscuits for your colleagues.

18. The prospect of a decorating competition in the office fills you with joy.

19. You always know exactly how many days it is until the weekend/payday/the holidays.

20. When you go back to uni for a week, you spend about £300, mainly on buying drinks for your friends because "it's ok, I've got a job".

21. You intend to write a blog about becoming an adult about 2 months before you actually get round to it.