Noosa Trip : Water

As most people do in summer, we try and spend alot of time near, in or on the water. Noosa is great for this.

The beach is amazing. The sand is incredibly soft and white. The water temp is refreshing but lovely. The boardwalk is doted with amazing cafes, restaurants, shops and people.

The river is a short drive away and is the main attraction for watersports. Boats, jet skis, paddle skis, sailboats, swimmers, fisherman, all use the river from sunrise to sunset.

We hired a boat one afternoon and set course down the river to fish and enjoy the passing scenery of riverfront mansions, old houseboats, treehouses, waterskiiers and marine life.

My parents house has a small plunge pool in the yard which we used every day. At one stage, we had so many floats in there, you could barely swim a stroke but the kids loved it.

Here are the best of the 'water' photos from the trip.

James and Edward enjoying a dip

Abi riding, what appears to be a deer. We don't know why anyone would make a deer pool float? Deers don't swim do they?

Edward, a Piscean, is very comfortable in the water.

The lone pool noodle

Abs cooling off by the pool

Noosa Main Beach. It reminds me of Amity Island in the film, Jaws. The water is so clear and calm.

Abi in her beach get-up. I am super strict about being sun smart. My poor kids will be wearing these suits forever!

Noosa River

Edward having a steer of the boat, with a little help from his Pa.

Abi's turn to drive and she loved it!

Water-skiers sailing past our fishing spot.

My special little girl

Summer on the river

Roadtrip: Sydney to Noosa

We decided to drive the 1200kms from Sydney to Noosa for our summer holiday. We have done this drive twice in the past and we are big fans of road trips, country towns, and the lovely country people you meet along the way.

Heading northbound, we took the New England Highway which heads inland. This freeway is safer than the Pacific Highway and much more quiet. Most of the drive, we had no cars around us which makes the drive much more safe, in my experience.

We stayed in Glen Innes, a gorgeous little celtic country town in Northern NSW. Our motel room was a little dusty and noisy but fine for 1 night. We ate chinese food, we showered with thongs on, we checked out at 6am and were back on the road again. Driving through Brisbane was a bit hectic. The new motorways aren't quite complete yet and we zig zagged all over the outer suburbs with our sat nav directing us in confusing routes. We knew the way so plotted our own course and finally headed north on the Bruce Highway to the Sunshine Coast. 

Here are some photos of the drive, Sydney to Noosa.

Just north of Scone

Abi all set up with movies on the ipad and new headphones for Christmas

Abi and the Golden Guitar in Tamworth

Poor Edward, he was SO sick with croup and a middle ear infection. He was such a trooper on the drive though. Here we are in Tamworth for lunch

My man behind the wheel near Amidale. He did most of the driving on the 1st day because I had a virus and wasn't feeling up to the immense concentration needed to drive the highway.

The main street of Glen Innes. Lovely little country town. We always stop here on the way north.

Here we are at 6pm at the Dragon Court Chinese restaurant in Glen Innes. We ALWAYS eat here when we do the road trip. The restaurant is TINY, it holds about 30 people. But the food is hot, tasty and cheap. The locals are cheerful and friendly too.

We didn't stay here but I love the architecture. It's a complete time warp back to the 1970's. The highway is scattered with a bundle of hotels like these. Gorgeous.

Day 2 - Glen Innes to Noosa. Here are the beautiful mountains between Stanthorpe and Warwick in Sth QLD. The drive over the mountains is a little scary!

Finally, we have arrived at my parent's house. Let out huge sigh of relief.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Burning Man Festival. Held every year in the Nevada Desert, this festival is a very special one. The event is described by many participants as an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance. It's impossible to describe what it's all about, so check it out here on their website. I've never been, many friends have, and have said it is LIFE CHANGING. 




I would love the chance to one day experience this festival, this community. But I have a feeling it might take YEARS of convincing on my behalf, to get my husband to come with me. So until then, check out the amazing video above. Burning Man festival go-ers quoting one of my favourite Dr Seuss books, Oh The Places You'll Go.

Coachella Music and Arts Festival

James and I did something completely spontaneous this morning, at 5am. We booked tickets to Coachella Festival in Indio, CA.  

I've wanted to attend this festival for years. YEARS! And now I am. Yes, I am nervous about leaving the kids for 7 nights but I know they will be in good, safe hands of my mother and mother-in-law. The mother guilt kicked in, as I clicked "confirm order purchase" but then James reminded me that it's been nearly 2 years since we've had a holiday together. I'm 30 and still want to do everything on my "life list" before I get too old, before I have another baby, before many things.

The timing, when will it ever be right, to leave the kids. But right now, we have the money, and James has a break from Grad School and it's our 5 year wedding anniversary in June, and the lineup, MY GOD, the lineup is so amazing. Read those bands, it's SO up my alley. I know a whole bunch of people going too. Friends from Sydney, New York, London, Dubai, all coming to Coachella to dance in the desert and soak in the sun and tunes.

I am beyond excited. Wet my pants excited. Heart beating fast excited. Since we are going to the States in October for a month, this trip in April will only be a quick one. 2 nights in LA, 3 nights in Palm Springs. I am perusing accommodation choices in LA. On previous visits to LA, I've stayed in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and on Sunset Blvd, so I really don't mind where we stay.

I plan to shop till I can't walk anymore. To eat mexican food till my belly hurts. Drink margaritas till I giggle. I cannot wait. And when I come home, I will cuddle and kiss my babes and be content, that I did something for me. 

California, here we COME!

Currently - The Xmas/January '12 Edition

Whoops, I'm a little late with this one, but Xmas and the New Year just came around so quickly. Here we go.


Current Book
My generous mother-in-law bought me a kindle for Xmas. I was so surprised and excited at once. Finally I can start reading all those books I have on a wishlist in my mind. First cab off the rank is Tina Fey's 'BossyPants'. I'm about 1/4 way through, so far, so good.


Current Playlist
Wow, this is so hard to pick at the moment. SO much great music out at the moment. Here are my current favourites.

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

This is my pick of albums for 2011. Each and every song is brilliant. Do yourself a favour, have a listen. This album will take you places. I'm seeing Bon Iver in March at the Sydney Opera House and I can barely contain my excitement. There will be tears shed, for sure.


The Black Keys - El Camino

A close runner-up for album of the year. Every track on this is fun and fresh. And I bet your husband's will like this one too. Turn it up LOUD and enjoy!


The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence

This is the final album released in the trilogy of albums for 2011 by this amazing new artist. It's definitely not kid friendly, lots of cursing and lyrics about sex, drugs etc. This album was only released 3 weeks ago but it's already a favourite.


SBTRKT - SBTRKT

Another fabulous album, this is my dance selection for the playlist. I'm seeing them next month at Laneway Festival in Sydney, cannot wait.


Singles that made the cut:

• Lana Del Rey - Off To The Races, Video Games and Born To Die
• Miike Snow - Devil's Work
• Avicii and David Guetta - Sunshine (Bootleg Remix)
• Iron and Wine - Flightless Bird, American Mouth
• Girls - Vomit

Current Colour

Blue for water. It's all around me. The ocean, swimming pool, my drink of choice, cold showers on hot afternoons. 

Current Drink
Water. Kirks Lemon Squash and Pasito. Coffee from my new Delonghi Nespresso machine, bliss.


Current Food
Smoothies. Fruit. Lamb. Chicken Schnitzel rolls. Ice blocks. 


Current New Favourite Show

I am halfway through the latest season of Gossip Girl. It's the best season in years. Except Liz Hurley is in it which makes me want to barf. She is the worst villain ever. About to start watching Downton Abbey which I've heard is good. American Horror Story and the new season of Mad Men (finally!) are also on my radar.

Current Wish List
I'm about to start the Michelle Bridges 12 WBT program. And I'm terrified. Diets and exercise programs have worked for me in the past, like Jenny Craig and personal training at the gym, but I'm really nervous about what lies ahead in the future. So I'm wishing for courage and motivation, I'm going to need it!

Current Triumphs
I only gained 300grams over Xmas/NYE. This is miracle because I ate my weight in salad, ham, and ice cream. 2012 is the year I start living like a normal healthy person. 


Current Abigail

My baby girl started pre-school this week. The centre is brand new and only opened this week as well. So it's been a huge week of us in the McKinnon household. Also, Abs is becoming such a little fish in the pool. Yesterday after kindy, Abi and I swam for an hour and half. With no floaties on, just diving and jumping and leaning to blow bubbles. I am so proud of her. At the moment, all Abi talks about is how much longer before we go to Disneyland? And I tell her, it's only 8 months to go baby!

Current Edward

My little man isn't little anymore. He is 10 months old this week and the light in our lives. He crawls and cruises around the furniture. He likes the water, but doesn't like the beach very much. He loves to eat toast, sandwiches, yoghurt, custard, watermelon, bananas, and pasta. He sleeps from 7pm - 7am, every night, like a little trooper. I can't believe how lucky I am to have him in my life. 

Current Celeb Crush

Ryan Gosling... What a lush!

Current #1 Blessing
We survived the road trip to Noosa and back. I was really dreading how the kids would go in the car for 2 days but they were fantastic. My in-laws generously gave James and I solar heating for the pool as our Xmas gift. We had it installed the week before Xmas. Currently my pool temp is hovering around 32'c. Yes, you read it right, 32'c. Balmy and lovely. We stay in the pool for hours. 


Current Excitement

• About to begin Michelle Bridges 12WBT program
• Planning Edward's 1st Birthday party
• A bunch of close friends just had babies in the past month so I look forward to lots of cuddles with newborns and lots of socialising with my friends and babies.
• Going to Laneway Festival in February
• Going to see Bon Iver in March
• Planning our big trip to the States in October. 4 weeks of fun filled family time in the USA. We cannot wait.

Current App

Instagram. My favourite app for quite some time. I am really enjoying playing along with Telle at fatmumslim, the January Photo-A-Day challenge is fantastic. Get on board!

Merry Xmas

As you can see, my children don't do Santa photos. This is Abi's 3rd consecutive year of crying while having her photo with Santa. And I love it. It's hilarious isn't it. The things we do for... tradition? Why do we do this? To show our kids all the weird things we used to make them do? Either way, it's a quick way to blow $50... on Santa photos at my local shopping mall.


The big day is almost upon us. I wish you all a very Merry Xmas and safe holiday season. If you are driving anywhere, please drive safely. And slowly.


I hope you spend this festive holiday with your loved ones, as I will be.


Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, my favourite day of the festive holiday. The 25th December is just so manic and crazy, that I like the quietness that Christmas Eve holds. We watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and sit around the tree and reflect on the year and all our blessings. I am heading to Woolworths at 7AM tomorrow morning to buy food and champagne, wish me luck.


I am hosting a Christmas breakfast and having my in-laws over for croissants, fruit, champagne and gifts.


Then we are heading to my Mum's house up the road for our traditional lunch with family. Mum is planning something special this year and has kept a tight lip about it. I'm sure it will be spectacular as always. My brother is up from Canberra and I look forward to spending quality time with him.


THEN, we are heading to my in-laws house house for a hot dinner, long conversations, playing with puppies and laughter.


Boxing Day, we are doing it all over again. My aunty and uncle are coming to my Mum's place for more festivities. And my inlaws host an annual Boxing Day BBQ too so we will stop in there for more holiday goodness.


I would like to thank every person who read this little blog, left a comment or sent an email/tweet. I promise to be back, bigger and bolder than ever in 2012.


xx Sam xx

Puppy Love

Meet Ziggy, the latest member of my in-laws family. My inlaws have 3 gorgeous daschunds.

Oscar who is the old man on campus at age 16. Ruby is 1 years old and she is crazy & hyper. She doesn't like anyone really, which is pretty typical of daschunds.  Then here is Ziggy, who is 8 weeks old. His coat is so soft, he whimpers like a baby and he fits in the palm of your hand.

James and I discussed getting a dog this year, but felt that a new baby was enough for 2011. Maybe next year, when we can commit the time to train and nurture a new pet like we want to. And we need to agree on which kind of breed to get. James wants a German Shepherd. I want a Labrador or Beagle.

So until then, I get to indulge all my puppy wishes onto Ziggy.

Shake It Out

Last week, I jumped onto ticketmaster as soon as the ticket presale started and it paid off, because I have front row seats to see Florence and the Machine in May 2012. I cannot wait. If you listen to one song this week, make sure it's this one.


It's always darkest before the dawn. So true Flo, so true.

Carol Time

I love me a good carol. A good Christmas album. These are the current favourite Christmas CD's on repeat in our festival house at the moment.

She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

I love Zooey Deschanel. A have a girl crush, you can read about it here. This Christmas album is gorgeous. Zooey's voice is hypnotic. Sip a few eggnogs, and enjoy some classic favourites with a modern spin. I highly recommend this.

Christmas with the Chipmunks

My husband used to LOVE the chipmunks when he was a small. Now Abi loves the latest mod chipmunks too, so the chipmunks live on in our house! I put this on for James yesterday and he was thrilled. Me on the other hand, I need to skull a few glasses of Christmas sherry before I can handle this album. The things you do for love. Listening to Chipmunks singing Silver Bells. The kids will love it though.

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas

A classic album. This is always on high rotation at my house, my Mum's, my in-law's place. Yes, Mariah Carey is annoying. But damn, she can really belt out a Christmas tune.

Glee The Music - The Christmas Album Volumes 1 & 2

I like Glee. I'm not a total Gleek, but I do enjoy some of the songs they cover. Both Christmas CD's are fun and easy to listen to. I find some festive albums get a little holier than thou and become overkill. These CD's are great background music for the lead up to Christmas.

Sweet Sacks

I just purchased these for the kids. I can't wait to fill them on Christmas Eve with lots of cute little treats. You can purchase them from Cocoon Couture.

Turning Page

This song is stunning. Yesterday while driving around, doing the Christmas shopping, I found myself crying my heart out when this came on my ipod.


It features on The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 1 soundtrack which is where I discovered this gem of a tune.


Happy listening, or sad in my case.


xx

Marcel The Shell

If you only watch one youtube vid this week, make sure it's this one.

Totally cute and adorable and sweet and quirky and brilliant. Naomi at Rockstar Diaries is a fan too.

Endless Summer

Finally the warm weather is here. A welcome change, from that "in between" spring weather when you still need a jacket and jeans.


After reading some summery posts by Corinne from The Daze of my Life, Kristi from Giggles Down Under and Emily from The Beetle Shack, I've been inspired to post about the upcoming summer season.


I love summer...

Late night dips in the pool, the first ocean swim, bbqs with family and friends, fish and chips, sunsets, drinking a really cold beer, the smell of fresh cut grass, sunscreen, beach hair, wearing thongs or even better, barefoot, maxi dresses, watching the cricket over the xmas break, wrapping xmas presents, big storms, starting a new year with a fresh perspective and hope.


And I've found my theme song for the summer, check it out below.

Currently - The October '11 Edition

Current Book
Various cookbooks from Donna Hay and Bill Granger. I am looking forward to buying some ebooks for the kindle to read over the summer break.


Current Playlist

Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials. Holy Moly, this album is brilliant. I highly recommend it. I cried listening to a few tracks, I really connected with so many lyrics penned on this album.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. I have been waiting patiently for this album and finally it is here! This is great music to drive to, clean the house to, just general awesomeness.

Beyonce - 4. You've got to hand it to this girl, she can sing. And dance. And her catchy songs get in your head. Abi and I put this on in the car and turn it UP! Stand out tracks are 'Countdown' and 'Run The World'.

The Weeknd - Thursday. This music isn't for everyone, but I love every single track from this album. The language and lyrics are a little controversial so this is 'Adults Only' and not car friendly at all. Let's just say, I feel a little bit cooler for having this on my ipod.


Current Colour
Green for avocados. Pink for watermelon. White for lightning. Yellow for sunshine.


Current Drink
Water. Coke Zero.


Current Food
Fresh fruit. Gelato. Salad. BBQs. Ice-blocks.


Current New Favourite Show
An Idiot Abroad. Do yourself a favour, watch a clip here. Thank me later. This show is hilarious. And annoying. And brilliant. I am biased though, being a huge Ricky Gervais fan.

Current Wish List
A magic elf to appear and do all my Christmas shopping for me. And wrap and write on cards too.


Current Triumphs
Not many triumphant moments for me in October. I have lost my willpower to ban sugar and have been drinking coffee like a mad woman too.


Current Abigail
Still loving her swimming lessons. We went to the family beach house on the weekend and she went straight into the pool, no worries. She swam and ran and dived and jumped. James and I were stoked. She also loves to help with housework by folding laundry, putting things in the sink/dishwasher and I even caught her CLEANING HER TOILET last week with a toilet brush. She loves to sing Katy Perry and the Tangled soundtrack which she quotes daily. She is very excited about all the Christmas movies coming to the cinemas including Happy Feet 2, Winnie the Pooh and Alvin and Chipmunks, 'Chipwrecked'.

Current Edward
This boy can EAT! Which is a lovely change from the struggle I had with Abi as a baby. Ted eats an avocado every day, plus weetbix, fruit, cruskits, pasta, meat, anything we feed him. He hasn't turned down a meal yet! We are still breastfeeding, 8 months on. I'm so proud and humbled by the experience. He is saying Dada, Mama, Nanna, Bubba, and makes animal noises too. And today, he mastered clapping!

Current Celeb Crush
Kirsten Dunst. I've always loved her work in film. She steers clear from the spotlight of Hollywood and I love that about her. Her latest movie, Melancholia, is receiving amazing reviews. I hope to drag James to the movies to see it.

Current #1 Blessing
My husband has been been a real tower to lean on lately. I've had some rough days these past few weeks and he has offered a shoulder to cry on and an open heart to listen. 2011 has been a truly testing year for us both. I can honestly say I am very much looking forward to 2012 rolling in.


Current Excitement
Abi got accepted into a fantastic new Kindy for next year. She has never been to preschool, daycare or kindy. So this is a HUGE change for her, and me. I am excited for her to make new friends. And for Ted and me to have some 1-on-1 time together for 2 days every week.


Current App
Speaking of lovely husbands, James bought me the new iPhone 4S. And it's a fantastic little gadget. I have been playing an annoying little game called "Early Bird" which I had to play every day until I finished every level. Cut The Rope, Instagram, Shazam, Pkt Weather and Twitter have also been on open on my phone all month.

7 Billion Inhabitants

The world's population is expected to hit seven billion in the next few weeks.


After growing very slowly for most of human history, the number of people on Earth has more than doubled in the last 50 years.


And me? I am 4,544,406,922nd person alive on planet earth. Pretty impressive isn't it. To find out your special number, click here.

Thursday

6:30am
Woken up with James sitting on my feet as he sits on the end of the bed and ties his trainers and leaves for the gym. Roll over and snooze.


7:30am
Wake up to hear Teddy talking through the monitor. Bring him into my bed and we cuddle then Abi comes in, crying, asking for me to put on Disney Junior so she can watch her 'shows'.


8:30am
Repair guy from Fisher and Paykel arrives to fix the double dish drawer. He takes 45 minutes to replace a part while I feed Ted and Abi breakfast.

8:35am
Slice finger open with knife trying to remove stupid child proof cap on baby food. Major ouch.

9:30am
Put Ted down for his morning nap. Abi watches ABC2 while I clean and do washing.


9:40am
Make coffee and consume quickly.


11:45am
Ted wakes from nap and we play and cuddle and laugh.


12:30pm
Unload stuff from my car and bring inside. Boxes, clothes for Ted, etc. I come back to find Ted here, not under his climbing frame but on the floor with his feet under the sofa. EEK! He moves! He crawled, did I miss it? Or he rolled over many times in a row and I missed that too? Damn it.

12:45pm
Feed Ted and Abi lunch. Abi enjoys cruskits with Nutella, Ted has banana porridge and then yoghurt.


2pm
Put Ted down for his afternoon nap. Abi and I play all afternoon, doing puzzles, building cities out of blocks, just enjoying each other's company.


4pm
I give in and let Abi play Mario on the Wii. She can't really play so I end up helping her. Then I end up hijacking the whole thing and playing for another hour! I'm a HUGE Mario Brothers fan from way back. Picture me, getting upset as I lost to Bowser many times. Then I realise the time and turn it off.


5pm
Ted wakes, after a HUGE nap. We play and cuddle and watch Abi dance around to music with her wand, casting spells on us.


6pm
I make Abi's dinner and feed Ted. He has pumpkin with cous cous, avocado and chocolate custard which he doesn't finish but Abi polishes off.


6:45pm
Bathe and dress Ted for bed.


7:15pm
James walks in the door from work. Ted is enjoying his last feed for the day. Abi is asking to play her itouch.


7:30pm
Abi is on the sofa playing Angry Birds. James and I both have a Lean Cuisine for dinner. It's mildly depressing but healthy.


8:30pm
I head to Woolies to buy some essentials. Tomorrow night we are heading to my Mum's for dinner and I am making Lasagne and Rice Pudding for dessert.


9:30pm
Driving home, pull onto my street and a teenager up the road is having a HUGE party. An 18th Birthday perhaps, or an End of Yr 12 party? Either way, it looks pretty fun. Maybe 75 cars I passed, all parked down my road. I drive past slowly and see teenagers making out, getting drunk, dancing in the rain, music pumping, strobe light flashing. I seriously wanted to pull over and go inside and see what a young party looks like again. But remind myself that;
A) I'm a 30 yr old Mum, who would appear ancient to these young kids.
B) I'm wearing leggings, nike trainers, an oversized red flannel shirt that Abi calls the "Jessie Cowgirl" shirt, hair in messy bun, looking a wreck.


10pm
Watch videos and read tributes for Steve Jobs, who passed away today. A true genius, a real inventor, a man who changed the world. Sure, he wasn't perfect, but no-one is.


10:52pm
Hit 'publish' on this post, then head to bed with a bowl of yoghurt and 2 new magazines.


That was my Thursday.

Currently - The September '11 Edition

Current Book
Again, nothing at the moment. But I just bought my husband an Amazon Kindle for Father's Day so I fully intend to borrow it often.


Current Playlist

• Bon Iver - Perth
• Jonsi - Go Do
• Friendly Fires - Hurting
• Nero - Promises
• Bon Iver - I Can't Make You Love Me
• The Jezabels - Endless Summer
• The Jezabels - Mace Spray

Current Colour

Grey for rainy days. Red for the new gym. White for clean sheets on the bed.

Current Drink

Water. Coffee. Milk. Coke Zero. This category will be boring until I finish breastfeeding!!


Current Food
Yoghurt. Museli. Dried fruit and nut mix. Cheese.


Current Favourite Show
The new season of Glee has begun and already drama has erupted. I love Dianna Agron's new haircut.

Curb Your Enthusiasm has finished for another season and it was absolutely brilliant. I actually cried in most of the episodes, they were so funny. The Office has just started again, the new season without Steve Carell. It will be interesting to see if the show tanks without him as the star.


Current Wish List
More motivation to head to the gym every day. Good fortune. Personal training with Michelle Bridges.


Current Triumphs
I joined a gym, haven't stepped foot in a gym since 2007 so it's a pretty big deal for me. And I've lost 2kgs since. Again, not alot, but I'm taking baby steps to be more healthy.


Current Abigail
Abi is now swimming most lessons without ANY floaties at all. She loves to swim but hates her goggles. She loves to dive and jump and chat in the pool with her teacher. Abi is Edward's favourite person and she is a very good little helper with him. Almost every day, she asks to watch the movie 'Tangled'. And her doll of the moment is 'Hazel', a baby Cabbage Patch doll which she pretends to breastfeed and burp.

Current Edward
Teddy, as we call him, loves to eat. His favourites are custard, yoghurt, blueberries, banana, broccoli and pumpkin. He is sleeping through the night and wakes most days at around 7am which is fantastic. His favourite time is bathtime or reading and chewing on books. He said his 1st word, BUBBA, a few weeks ago. And he is almost saying MAMA too. He is 7 months old next week, I cannot believe it.

Current Celeb Crush
Kate Winslet. Mother of 2. Hero. Actress. I love her. And her body? Insane.

Current #1 Blessing
My Mum has been a real support to me over the past few weeks. Yes, she is my best friend and we have a fantastic relationship, but the last few weeks have been a little trying and she has offered verbal and physical support, which without, I would have really struggled. Love you Mama!


Current Excitement
Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Abi is already talking about it, the tree, the "party" at Nanna's house on Christmas Day, going on holidays. I'm excited about James having 2 whole months off from Grad School from November to January.


Current App
OzWeather - to get current and accurate weather updates before I head out with the kids to the park, shops, etc. Nerdy but essential.