"Who will rise? It would be so nice to hear you say, 'Thank you for the good times'."

- Andy Bell

With this whole new format I've got going on, updating as I see fit and just covering the highlights of the days in between each blog post, I've realised that it's important to focus on the big things that have happened, be they good or bad. However, one thing I've come to notice is that over these last few days, there's been absolutely nothing to complain about; not even the tiniest little thing.

I always say to my friend John that when reality finally hits us, it's gonna be horrible. I imagine the word 'reality', in the graffiti writing, sculpted in the shape of a fist, coming out of nowhere and twatting me a good one right in the chops, but only after twatting John first, just so that I get a glimpse of what's to come. Until that inevitable day, however, I figure I might as well ride the wave of happiness and just take it as it comes.

The Mancs turned over Schalke in their own back yard with a 2-0 win, but in fairness they thoroughly deserved it so no complaints there. All eyes were on Manuel Neuer, who has definitely got a future as one of the best goalkeepers in the world (and you can take note of that one). Barcelona also managed to do a job on Real in their own back yard, mimicking a 2-0 scoreline, but in a very different game. The tie, in particularly Lionel Messi's brilliance, was tarnished by poor referreeing decisions (Pepe sent off for a nothing challenge) and a constant barrage of diving and harrassing the referee from the Barca players. I'm not suggesting that Barcelona wouldn't have still got the same result, but the decision to send Pepe off changed the game and took away the quality of Lionel Messi's abilities.


In unrelated news, I've spent the last two days catching up with Robbie and Mark, having lunch and a chinwag with both. You always know when you've got good mates like them two, cause you can just pick the phone up, meet up and the crack will be exactly the same as it was when you left them. Good to see they're both doing well.

As for the rest of today, it's looking like a night in with Danny and Matty. I can only imagine it will include getting drunk. dabbling in films, PES 2011 and takeaway food. Ah, life is sweet. Anyway, must dash, it's time to pick my poison for this evening.

Ciao for now.

THD.

"Tell me tomorrow, I'll wait by the window for you..."

- Stephen Fretwell

I'd like to tell you that it's been a massively eventful last couple of days, but alas that's not the case. It's been pretty much same old, same old with regards to catching up with friends and getting the latest on the scandals that have graced the walls of Bedlingtonshire and beyond.

I might sound pessimistic, but deep down I know I'm really appreciating being back. In particular, it's been good to get back and see my best mate, Danny, who's like the Smithy to my Gavin (yes, that's right, I'm going to be referencing G&S a lot for the next couple of days). Nice to be getting up to the old antics and having the luxury to just chat with him about shite all day. I haven't had the chance to catch the other muskateer of the clan, Matty, but I'm sure I will before we both head back to uni.

I was out for my casually-adopted uncle's birthday on Sunday night, which was a real good laugh. Always enjoy the company of Uncle Maxwell, and Sunday was no exception. Most of the lads who were out are lads who I met through football for the Block & Tackle, when I was playing for their pub team. It's amazing really, the team has changed so much  and there's so many new faces, but the crack has never changed. It might not be the best football team, but it's definitely got the best crack around.

Spent most of Monday chilling, apart from a cheeky bit of BBQ food over at the Kewn residence. And yes, this chilling did happen to include the watching of two seasons worth of Gavin & Stacey, which has left me with only the 3rd and final season to watch, along with a head full of out-of-date G&S banter; but nevertheless, I'll still be rinsing it to death.

Looking ahead, I'm eagerly anticipating tonight's Champions League tie between Man U & Schalke, hoping that zee Germans, or should I say Spaniards in reference to their new hero (if you catch my drift, amigos), can put a dent in the Red Devils' armour.

But for now, I must shower... got a day's worth of dirt on from yesterday & it's just not right.

THD.

"Sympathy is no substitute for action."

- David Livingstone

Well... it's been a while.

I have to be honest, given the fact that I've let the blog drift so far from my ability to catch-up, I really considered just closing it down. The rigours of university had very nearly beaten me, but I guess in the end I just miss having the opportunity to think aloud and vent the shit in my head.

It's been a long couple of months, in between creative projects, portfolio submissions and book reports, I seem to have been filling the gaps with nights out and the usual social escapades that occur in the life of a student. Writing more stuff just isn't appealing after 10,000 odd words of 'work', and alcohol consumption is always going to win the race to favouritism.

Most recently, I've been on tour with the football lads at the Lloretfest 2011; and what a tour it was! Although the football side of things was disappointing, (the fact that I played literally five minutes of one of the most shambolic, Mickey-Mouse football tournaments I've ever experienced, followed by leaving straight after on the tour bus should tell you a lot about it) the social side very much made up for it. It was good to spend some quality time with my close mates, as well as expand upon and make new friendships with some of the lads I only partially knew.

Other than that, it's good to be home again. Never really missed the family that much while I've been away, cause I know they're only 5 hours up the road, but I think this time round I've been really looking forward to seeing them all, for whatever particular reason. Still waiting for the mother to get home from Tenerife, but so far it's been good to see my brother and my Nanna.

Anyway, Arsenal vs. Bolton on the box, so it's TTFN.

THD.