Arsenal and my life's random thoughts! :)

Subsidy. Was the strike worth it in the end?

2012-01-24T14:06:00.001Z

So sometime last week, the nationwide strike in Nigeria which was called in protest of fuel prices was called off, and people could finally return to work. It begs two questions- especially for those of us a bit clueless about the situation, due to not being present in the country at the time-, the first one being why exactly was the strike called, the second what purpose it achieved, if any.

I was still half-pondering these two questions when I received a LONG email from my mum early one morning, pretty much giving her own view on the situation. Seems she was just inspired to write out her feelings on it, and I thought I'd share. She said she'll try sending it to Punch newspaper for publishing, so I'm sure she won't mind me posting it here, whether or not she eventually sends it to them. I found it enlightening, and hopefully, if anything, it'll be enlightening to you too.

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Subsidy- I HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED INDEED!

If there was anything President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan promised those of us that voted for him in the last election, it was transformation. I was so willing to vote for him that I had to spend my election weekends away from my place of residence to where I was chanced to register, so as to be able to perform our very very important civic responsibility.

I not only voted for him, I did a lot of personal campaigning for him because I appreciated his calmness and tolerance during the death of our late president Musa Y'aradua. I watched with great interest how Nigerians fought the so-called 'invisible and invincible Cabal' for the transfer of power to him as the acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I saw in him a man that was faithful to his Boss even in death. This seemingly good attitude endeared many of us to him, and made us vote for him.

In my character, my interest in governance always ended at the polls. My vote vis-a-vis my governance right has been handed over to the candidate, and he could do and undo as it pleases him until another election period. I never bothered to ask questions as to what is being done or not, because being a Nigerian is enough of a burden for me to bear on a daily basis. The troubles and struggles of fending for my family, generating my electricity, my water, my security and managing my private business without any sincere and genuine help from the government and the search for how to pay the never ending levies from local, state and federal governments have dealt enough blows to me that I have spent major parts of my life running from pillar to post in order to make both ends meet.

Although I do listen to news regularly, this 'Garman Garman' lifestyle of the typical Lagosian ensured I never digested the information. I just listen with one ear, and it goes out from the other ear. I would only hear that the Federal Budget and the State Budget have been presented and that would be the end of it. I knew when the 2012 Budget was presented to the Senate but I never showed any interest in it. With me as usual, it was alright, and as the National Assembly was responsible for its approval on my behalf, what was my business?

I was opportuned to watch the Town Hall debate but I still could not make sense of the trouble the civil rights groups were making over the fuel pricing. I was just wondering how troublesome these people were. When the NLC and TUC were calling for a strike, I was very irritated about it, knowing that they would be disturbing my never ending daily struggles to make ends meet. I had spent a better part of my life trying to be my own government because I felt that was the only option left for my survival. I prayed silently that there would be no strike until the harsh reality of the hike in the fuel price was biting more and more from all sides.

I paused for a moment and reviewed everything and saw a great sense in the call for a strike. For the first time I lost interest in my own personal struggle for survival. I chose to join in this worthy cause. I began to tell everyone like me to be prepared for the strike by rounding up on essential jobs, loading the house with food in readiness for the battle not knowing when to resume work. For the first time I did not calculate how much I would lose in my business, rather I saw the need to liberate myself and even my children from oppression. It was one period in my entire life that I never thought of my business. All I did was to listen, digest, investigate every argument on different television stations, and I was buying newspapers to learn more about what has been done with my vote and right as a citizen of this great nation called Nigeria.

For the first time I discovered what a careless Nigerian I had been. I realised I had carelessly mortgaged my life and the future of my children in the hands of “Political and Economic Theorists” who when the chips are down cannot even run private businesses successfully, except to fight to occupy political offices where money-making at our expenses is easy. They go about quoting big, big figures and terminology that never solve any national problems. Their statistical data never rhyme and you often wonder about the source. They have succeeded in brainwashing us to belief they have the solutions to the nation’s problems. Instead, our problems go from frying pan to fire. I sincerely felt disappointed with myself for this unpatriotic attitude of mine. For the first time I read the proposed budget, I studied and digested it. I could not believe the figures being quoted for government expenses. I then realised I had only been searching for solutions to life challenges in the wrong direction. As good as it is that I should manage my business, run my home and my life, it would forever be an uphill task if I should neglect the very core of my being a Nigerian. That is, knowing how the economy of my nation is being managed and how I am being governed.

If there is anything that we have all identified as the bane of our nation it is this ten-letter word CORRUPTION. I buried myself studying the proposed budgets and listening to the different presentations of patriotic and intelligent Nigerians, and staring me in my face with piercing clarity in our proposed national budget was this ugly word Corruption! For the first time I appreciate the struggles of the different civil right groups, I appreciate the Odumakins, Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana and Pastor Tunde Bakare, Professors Pat Utomi and Tam David West who I had carelessly branded trouble-makers, but knowing better I now salute their courage; their defiant boldness is appreciated. I tolerate even their so-called “excesses” in this struggle. I appreciate the entire team of Nigerian artistes that took part in the stuggle; they made us proud. Kudos to the youth activists that made the difference indeed. Because if there was anything they have achieved in the lives of we hitherto sleeping Nigerians, it is that we have woken up from our slumber and things, I believe, will never remain the same.

Throughout the five or shall we say seven and a half days of the strike I cannot remember eating seriously or even sleeping much. Though I was not able to be at the freedom square, I was so engrossed in the monitoring and researching of facts and waiting for the outcome of every meeting as if I was in Abuja. I was quite nervous and worried that there may be compromise on the side of Labour leaders. I spent time praying for wisdom for everybody involved in the struggle. I waited all night for the outcome of their meeting with the President. At about 1:30am when the NLC president came out alone to talk to the press I was there. I was however more worried about his look. He was looking like somebody who had escaped from the battle front to come and relay information to the press. As much as I appreciated that, I however smelt a rat in the whole thing as I could not make sense in the information he brought, and I was getting more agitated and was beginning to sense a possible betrayal from Labour.
I decided to be patient and wait for President Jonathan’s address to the nation at 7:00am. I was even more disappointed with the speech as it was not a fatherly speech to children who have been bruised and disappointed. It was not reconciliatory either. I saw in that speech that he was disappointed with us for protesting, he was not even as tolerant as I thought he was. I felt more pain and anguish with the speech. To add more salt to injury was the fact that our freedom square had been barricaded with heavily armed SOLDIERS as if there was war. This I saw to be political, rather than protective of us. And this was supposed to be a democracy! I was still pondering over this and not knowing what to do or say when I learnt the Labour leaders would address us. I tried to encourage myself to wait for the next move from the address at 1:00pm. To my greatest shock and surprised the strike was called off by Labour. All I could feel were pains, betrayal, disappointment and of course confusion.

In moments like this I always result to prayer and it did work for me, because suddenly I realised I have been in another realm of life for the past seven days. A part of me that I never explored, a part of me that was probing for truth, a part of me that was ready to fight for my right. I was prepared to be on strike until God knows when, now realising that prior to this I had lived a life of suffering and smiling. Honestly speaking, I tried to recover from it all. It was like I had been catapulted into another realm and now trying to face reality. I could not believe the TRANSFORMATION the whole revelation had done to my life. I became a new Nigerian and I now know better.

In all of it I saw God at work. I believe it was a divinely orchestrated “ERROR” on the part of Government to remove subsidy at the same time they are presenting the national budget, because if there was anything I could say I enjoy as a Nigerian, it was the fact that our fuel is not really expensive. So, removing the so-called subsidy in a chunk like that was like removing the hope of the common man. It is the only blessing we enjoy, leaving the rest to the Government to do as they like. It is the only hope of the ordinary Nigerian. It is very fibre of our tolerance. The audacity to remove the subsidy led us to actually probe the spending. This then opened the can of worms we have been living with as Nigerians. I believe that if the subsidy removal was done much after the budget, we would not have seen the light. I must however appreciate the role of Labour and their decision to end the strike, though I may have been disappointed with them, but it was a wise thing that they so did. This really helped to douse the tension.

I believe a lot was achieved, but even if it seems as if nothing was achieved, the fact that we Nigerians have woken up from slumbers and our eyes of understanding have opened is a big achievement for us. We must now be in control of our destiny by asking questions. This is a window of opportunity for us to seek the truth, demand for the truth from our leaders, and I believe God purposely permitted it. We must maximise the use of the Freedom of Information Act. I know that should we have succeeded in bringing the pump price of petrol to sixty-five naira, the next weapon of the government would have been fuel scarcity. We must realise that there is no way we want to fight corruption that it will not fight back, as we saw with the soldiers at the freedom square. But we remain undaunted. We shall not give up.

One thing however surprised me in the whole saga. It was the role played by our spiritual and royal fathers. I would have thought it was a golden opportunity for them to lend their voices to condemning this evil called corruption we have all been praying and fasting against. They all had the opportunity to condemn it in the open, but none did except for an Anglican Bishop in Ado Ekiti that lead a protest, and the Islamic clerics that spoke at the freedom square. I cannot remember any open condemnation of this evil from majority of our spiritual and royal fathers that we all look up to. We did not expect them to leave their lofty thrones and anointed pulpits to come out on the streets to protest, but perhaps a staff of office message from the pulpit would have gone a long way to add credence to this sincere struggle. Well, I take solace in a message once preached by my Pastor from Luke3:1-2, that when the Word of God was to come, it bypassed the governors, priests and all manners of leaders of that time and it came to John the Baptist in the wildernesss, who one would likely describe as an ordinary man compared to the listed leaders in the passage. We must not be too disappointed as we know God moves in mysterious ways to perform His wonders.

Another thing that was a surprise to me was the fact that one would not have thought the moment was a good opportunity for the mysterious and so-called Boko Haram to strike. I cannot remember any seriously documented attack. This leaves a question in my mind as to wonder if this mysterious group is not the handy work of some disgruntled Nigerians, though the SSS Chief claimed it was because they never abdicated their responsibility. I sincerely pray so, but I know whatever the truth is, time will tell.

And to the critics of our peaceful Lagos protest because many wondered if it was a protest or carnival. If anything should be learnt, it is that you must always find a positive way to channel your pain and your anger, and that was exactly what the music did. It gave strength and succour to the protesters, and you will notice there was no vandalism of any sort, despite the mammoth crowds. This was wisdom at work and you could only experience such for the first time in no other place that our Centre of Excellence. I can only say to the critics, WELCOME TO LAGOS- The Centre of Excellence.

But one message is very loud and clear in all this. It is that we the youth (I believe I am one as I am not yet fifty) of this great nation must rise up with one voice that says YOUTH AGAINST CORRUPTION. We must fight it with all our being because it is our future at stake here. I know many are still angry with the aborted protest. It is not a case of going home to lick our wounds; rather we should channel our bitterness by never giving up. It is still a case of our popular saying of “NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER”.

I believe in change, I believe there is a greater weapon to change than violence, I believe in living to fight for my right than dying not achieving my course. I believe in resilience and wisdom, though it may appear a longer route to change than violence, which does not necessarily guarantee change. I have never been more convinced of a better Nigeria. A Nigeria that will indeed be the giant of Africa! A Nigeria that we will all be proud of! A Nigeria that will be the envy of nations!

GOD BLESS NIGERIA AND GOD BLESS US NIGERIANS.

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I guess that's where I got my ability to write LONG blogposts in one sitting! ;-)

But there it is, food for thought for every Nigerian, or anyone that has an interest in the country. I guess we just have to wait and see what happens next, and keep praying that God's hand continues to rest on this country.

Forever last-minute!

2012-01-05T17:03:00.004Z

So I'm supposed to be going to Paris on 25 February with a bunch of other girls for a day trip. Sounds like fun! It's a little less than two months away, but I might not actually be able to make it. Story of my life. Why? Having a Nigerian passport means I have to apply for visas all the time, and whilst this isn't too much of a problem, except for spontaneity, I always almost run out of time. I'd initially said I wasn't going, when my friend Esther mentioned it to be last year, because I thought I wouldn't be able to make it, as there are 3 weddings in Nigeria in consecutive weekends in Nig, of family and friends. I'm not too bothered about the first, but the other 2 are people I know well, and as I thought the Paris trip was in early February, I wouldn't be able to do both. It isn't, so in theory, there's no reason why I can't do both.

But as luck will have it, I might not be able to make either, and it's all to do with the annoying fact that my current UK work permit ends bang in the middle of February! If it ended in January or March, it wouldn't be a problem, but as it's in the middle of February, it certainly has to be renewed before Nigeria or Paris. Renewing it is pretty straightforward (amen), it's just that it takes what seems like forever. Before Paris or Nigeria came into the picture, I'd planned on sending off the application and all this month, get my passport back whenever hopefully with the extension. But then, both came into the picture, and it became apparent that sending off the application in January might be cutting things a bit too fine, if I plan on going to either, as it apparently takes 4-6 weeks to process, and if I was to go Paris, I'd have to make another application for a Schengen visa, and this takes about 2-4 weeks. This hit me on the day payment for Paris was to be made which was in the middle of December, which was incidentally when I realised that it wouldn't be early February as I'd initially thought. So after much hmm-ing, I decided to pay for Paris, send off my application in December, and hope that I get the passport back in time to then apply for a visa, my calculation being that if I sent it before work closed for Christmas on 22 December, 4-6 weeks from then would be very early February, and I can then apply for the Schengen visa in time for 25 February, or just get a Schengen visa in Nigeria, if I do end up going for the weddings.

So true to my word, I sorted out my application in about a week- filled the ridiculously long form, asked the Uni for my payslips and gathered all the required documents, and paid the bloody expensive fee by way of postal order. Good thing payday was early in December!

But despite having sent off the application in December, there is a real possibility that I won't have my passport back in time to make it to any of the weddings, or to even make it to Paris. An ideal situation would be buying tickets to Nigeria well before February, but I certainly can't do that right now, because I really don't know when I'll have my passport back. I initially thought the 4-6 weeks was from the date the application was made, but what with the move for biometric residence permits, the processing times is actually based on the date you register your biometric information, and you can't do so until you've received a letter from the Home Office confirming that your application has been received. It's exactly 2 weeks today since my application was received, and I'm still waiting for the said letter. I put my correspondence address as my work address, as I included a self-addressed special delivery envelope in my application so my documents could be returned securely, and there's no chance of the delivery being missed, as opposed to at my flat. But then I'm slightly worried that as the Uni was closed all through Christmas, so if the letter was sent to me by special delivery- which really, it shouldn't be, it being just a poxy letter- it would have been returned undelivered, as there would have been no one to sign for it. Other regular post would apparently just be held at the sorting office until the Uni then opened in January.

So I'm hoping that the letter just hasn't been sent yet, due to the them being very busy over the Christmas period as if it has been sent and then returned undelivered, I'm really not sure what their next step would be. I'd hoped I'd have received the letter sometime this week and enrolled my biometric information (which can be done not too far from me through a walk-in service for £20) so time can start counting. But it's all getting very tight right now. 6 weeks from today is 15th February. Wayyyy to late. Damn, I've just checked, and the first wedding I really want to go for is 4 February. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah! :'(

But fingers still firmly crossed- at least for Paris- because I have a history of successful late applications!

The last two times I've had to apply for Schengen visas- first on tour to Spain with my football team at the time, and second to Spain for a Christmas cruise in 2010- I applied outside the recommended timeline, and I remember that they almost didn't even take my application for the Christmas cruise, but I applied, hoped and prayed that I'd get my passport in time, and I did! I think for tour I went to collect my passport the last working day before we were to fly out! And for the Christmas cruise, it got posted back to me in time, even with the postal services always going to pot round about Christmas!

Seems like I'll be in the same boat third time running! I pray it works out well again this time! Although it really isn't going to be my fault this time, I probably need to promise not to leave it to the last possible minute next time...

Maintaining the status quo

2012-01-05T14:40:00.001Z

First of all, happy New Year, Blog! Hope you had a lovely time of nothingness, like I did. I've not been on here lately, but I won't lie and say I've been busy- I really haven't- I've just not really felt like it, like so many other things. It'd probably be unbelievable to you if I said I haven't really been up for much sport of late, but it is true! There have been a whole LOT of football matches of late all in a short space of time, and in the past, that would have been like heaven to me, but I've either been forgetting (or not even being aware!) or I've just not felt like it. There have been so many times my dad has called me up of late to discuss a match currently on, and I'm like "umm, what? Whoops, didn't realise it was on!". Unbelievable. And it's not just football. There's cricket on right now down under, late night cricket. In the past I've been staying up late to watch, but now I never even remember to check the updates in the morning, not to talk of staying up all night. And then there's tennis. I was at the O2 at the beginning of the World Tour Finals in November, I think it was, and I haven't watched any matches since the tournament began. I've just realised that the Australian Open in starting in about 2 weeks, and I'm not even excited about it!

Very weird. So don't feel bad, Blogger, it's not just you that I've been neglecting of late. I'm not sure yet whether this is all a good thing or a bad thing, but I hope I get back on top of things soon! Oh, I've just thought of what could be the cause of it! I recently stopped drinking Coke, round about October/November last year. I used to have it all the time, and I suddenly decided to stop, because too much of Coke can't be good enough for you, and I didn't want to be addicted to it, but hmm, that has sort of coincided with my declining interest in things I used to love doing. Withdrawal symptoms? Maybe I should get back on it? I have been falling ill a lot lately too, and my energy levels feel very low. Maybe it's just the Coke detoxing process! I'll give it a month or so, and if I still feel low and not entirely interested in sport, I shall be getting back on the Coke-wagon! Not as much as before, but just a little to keep me going! That said, it could all just be Joel's fault, taking up all my time and stuff! :p

Anyways, last time I checked in, it was in relation to my work dilemma. The deadline for applying for Johanna's job was in December, just after we closed for the holidays, and I didn't make up my mind what to do until the last possible moment. Funny enough, after I'd decided to talk to Filippo about it first, he came up to me and was like we needed to talk! I was worried initially that the whole thing had blown up on my face, or that he had bad news for me, but it turned out to be a good conversation in the end. It was about career options, and even though I didn't mention Johanna's job directly, it helped me in making my decision. I explained to him that I was considering going into the academic side of things, and he pretty much said that there's no hurry, and it's best to keep my options open. It's never too late to join academia, or early I guess, but he felt that at this stage, and with my qualifications, experiences, etc, that it would be a good time to consider applying for training contracts and going to law school. There's this process going on at the University right now, called REF, whereby academics are getting their works graded, and need to be up to a particular standard. Academics prefer to do research on whatever area they want, whenever they want, but right now, they are being dictated to as to what they can or can't do, and when they ought to do it by. You also have to publish a certain number of work in a certain number of time, and they have to be up to particular standard, and he explained that it is really hard to get into academia, in maritime law, right now and that there really is no funding available at the moment. It might be much better in a few years, but in essence, now is not the best time for it, especially if you have better options available.

The reason why he wanted to speak to me initially was because he'd been going through some training contract applications for a particular law firm that he is a Consultant at, and he felt that based on the CVs he saw, there's no reason why I should not be able to get at least one, and he felt strongly about it, which was why he wanted to talk to me about it, so that I start considering applying. He also said that he had mentioned me to one of the Bosses at another maritime law firm where he's a Consultant, who was willing to have a look at my CV. It all brought home the point that my mum is always making to me, when trying to convince me to go to Law School, that once you're qualified, you are qualified, and if you have the opportunity to do it, why not take it? And as Filippo said, it's easy to get into academia, or a P&I club, if you are a lawyer, than the other way round. But the bit that really got me was when Filippo was explaining to me how law firms work behind the scenes. One of the reasons why I felt I didn't want to be a lawyer, is that I felt there wasn't much room to get involved in research, unlike as an academic, as research is my strong point. But Filippo was telling me about a conversation he had with one of the lawyers, who explained that a huge percentage of staff they hire are primarily for research purposes. You see some lawyers at the front of the house and imagine that that's how all the others are, but at the back of the house, there's a huge team of researchers. Not just legally trained researchers, but qualified lawyers. I've only ever thought of the "front of the house" lawyers and felt that really wasn't my cup of tea, but there's certainly no reason why I can't excel as a "back of the house" lawyer, where I can put my research skills to use. And also, most fronthouse lawyers- the ones who deal with the clients face to face most of the time- always start from "back", and as they gain more experience, then start to feel more comfortable with being fronthouse, but the point really is that I can choose to be qualify as a lawyer, without having to give up research. Not bad!

I did apply for training contracts straight after Uni, with no luck, but with my experience so far, I'm beginning to see Filippo's point that it shouldn't be as hard to get one this time round, God-willing. I worked on my CV a few weeks after that meeting with Filippo and have sent it to him now, and hopefully when he's back at work next week, he can have a look at it and forward it to the contact. I definitely will be on his case! So yes, I have decided to apply for training contracts this year. I need to have a look at specific deadlines, but majority of them will be in summer, with the odd ones in January. Most training contracts, however, are 2014/15 starts, and with you having to go to law school for a year prior, if I do get one, I'll most likely have a year or so to play with. More on that when the time comes...

But that's the future anyways. So how did I resolve Johanna's job dilemma? If you haven't figured it out already, I decided not to apply in the end. As much as it's a fabulous job, it doesn't do a lot for my career prospects really (even if I was hell-bent on an academic one), and as they say, "don't fix it if it isn't broke!" I still didn't shut out the possibility of applying until the last day I work, when I sent Johanna an email, saying I wouldn't be applying. This was Thursday, with the deadline being Saturday. And Saturday came and went, and I didn't feel as if I'd missed a trick not applying, so seems it was the right decision in the end. Another time, maybe, and I'd have jumped on it, but there were just too many factors making it a too risky one, especially with renewing my work permit and all.

So the 5-month saga is over, and I'm very glad it is! Hopefully they'll find a suitable replacement, and as I said to her, I wouldn't mind helping out in anyway I can, but I think I'm better off staying put. Oh yeah, I tried to get two of my friends to apply. Funmi decided to, but Faye chose not to in the end. Fingers crossed she'll get called up to interview!

I guess I'll let you know if there are any developments on that, as well as my training contract applications and stuff.

Thanks for reading! :-)

Corporate espionage and things! Okay, I'm somewhat exaggerating...

2011-11-15T15:26:00.001Z

Hey blog, it's been ages, but I won't bore you with excuses. Let's just crack on with it.

I started writing this post on the 1st of September- yeah September- and although I didn't finish writing it then, stuff has reared up its head, and I feel now will be a good time to talk about it. The beginning is all fun stuff, but it'll eventually get to the point. So here we go.

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Yes, I know I haven't finished my last post, and neither have I mentioned birthday runs, but I will get back to it, I promise.

So the last couple of weeks at work have been pretty easy. I could have done it all in my sleep! No stress whatsoever, no late nights- very welcome reprieve from the usual. The reason for this is that we're running a course at the Hilton Hotel - "Southampton Short Course"- for 3 weeks with delegates from all over the world, and majority of the lecturers I work with are involved with that, so they're busy with it. Also, the majority of my work is done before the course, so I've done my part, all that's left being minor things that can be done easily.

So I've been taking things easy at work. 3 weeks is a long time to be cooped up in a hotel studying, so the Institute organises events for them to attend, for a small fee. The good thing about this is that we that work at the Institute have the option to attend these events, but free of charge! Good times!

The first event I went for was just dinner at the Hilton- a British themed dinner- the whole point being to mingle with the delegates and show our support. When I first heard that the dinner was British-themed, my immediate thoughts was fish and chips! There actually was the option for fish and chips, but most people went for Roast Beef, and it was quite good. We had some soup for appetisers- pea soup I think- and it was quite nice! Couldn't stay for pudding though, but if I did, it would have been bread and butter pudding. No real loss I guess. But anyways, glad I went, becuase well, that was dinner sorted! That was last week Wednesday.

The next event I went for was definitely the best. It was the next day, and we went to Chichester Festival Theatre to see Singin' in the Rain, with dinner afterwards at the Brasserie in the Park there. It was absolutely brilliant! The show, that is. The food was good too, but the show was incredible!

I'd been saying I hadn't been to the theatre until Thursday, but I realised the other day that I actually had been. That was at Uni, in my first year, when there was an adaptation of "The Country Wife" in the Weston auditorium. I'd been so excited! I'd read the book at A' Levels and loved it, so was over the moon that it was being shown as a play. I remember going alone, because no one I knew could be bothered. But I was too excited to care! I even remember sneaking in my own microwave popcorn! Haha.

Weston Auditorium, UH- outside

Weston Auditorium- inside

But anyways, glad I had forgotten, because it was nothing compared to this. I hadn't actually seen Gene Kelly's Singin' in the Rain, so had no idea what to expect, but it totally blew my mind! Saw the movie post-theatre, and it wouldn't surprise you to learn that I preferred the theatre production. It was simply brilliant. The stage was fabulous, the acting on point, and they even had real rain! On stage! I was captivated.

I've just 'stolen' some pictures from Google. Million miles away from the Weston auditorium. One of the bosses hadn't seen the film either, and he was as excited as me, too! The Singin' in the Rain song performance was just before the interval, and he was like saying how we wishes he could go on stage and play about on the water that was on the stage! I won't obviously spoil the show for you, although I checked, the last showing is on the 10th, and it's all sold out! :'( Yes, I wanted to go again! But I heard a rumour that the show- same cast, I think- might be returning next year, in London! I'm so there! [I've just done a quick google search just now, and it seems it's is coming to London in February! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!!!!! I really am so there! "I'm singing in the rain! I'm singing in the rain! What a glorious feeling I'm happy again! Hey Joel, We are so going to see this, just so you know! :-*]

The stage

The star of the show, Adam Cooper, 'singin' in the rain'!

You really need to see it! Okay, I'll stop banging on about it now. :'(

We didn't get back to the hotel until really late, as we then had dinner at the Brassiere in the Park at the theatre. Nice touch from the skies, as it was raining outside when the show finished! It was raining even harder when we got back to the Hilton. Torrential rain, even! Got a lift from a work colleague, and I think I got home about 1am or something, but I don't remember. Glad it was a work-do, so need to rush in to work the next day! Awesome.

That was the height of the work perks, but I got to go on other not-as-cool-but-cool-enough events. The next event I went for was a boat trip on the next Tuesday, a cruise around the Southampton docks. I've been on it in the past, as every year Maritime Law LLMs get to go on the trip, as it's quite educative, and I went when I did mine. It was good fun though, and as it started at about 2pm, didn't have to go back to work. The funniest bit of the trip was towards the end, when we got chatting to the delegates. There were some Nigerians, and as me and one other colleague are Nigerian, they started teasing us about finding us rich husbands in Nigeria, and arranging a wedding, and all we need do is turn up! I was laughing/smiling so hard, my cheeks hurt. They were like they'd charter a private plane too, to transport our other colleagues if they wanted to attend to! Hilarious.

It really is a small world though, because a few days before the course started, one of my Nigerian friends from Southampton had to move back to Nig, as she couldn't find a job, and shortly after the course, I find out she's gotten a job in Nigeria, so I send her a congratulatory message. She then replies saying, that "Oh, my boss said he met you guys at the Short Course in Southampton!" Turns out her boss was the leader of the Nigerian-wedding chat! He's like a top maritime lawyer in Nigeria. So I guess if I find myself back in Nig looking for a job, I know someone I can turn to!

Some pictures...

We were on the Princess Caroline. Obviously...

The view from just the docks, before we sailed.

At some point at sea.

Uhh, not sure what this is... Oh yeah, cars are being loaded onto a ship. It was interesting at the time!

Something something.

Good trip!, back to the other trips! The next one was the next day, actually, this time Wine-tasting at a Vineyard in Winchester. Sounds like fun, but most of the time was spent being taught about how wine is made, and we were shown round the vineyard, the wine-presses, etc. It was long! The only thing I really remember from it was the way they plant their grapes, using the "Geneva double curtain".

Can you see it?

Our tour guide, and I think Boss of the Vineyard. I took his picture because he reminded me of one of my former lecturers.

Can you see it? More obvious in the previous picture, I think...

We eventually got to the wine-tasting, and- if I can say so with my limited knowledge of wine- it was good wine! We tried wine made from just one type of green grape, a combination of two types of green grapes, a combination of red and green which was Rosé, but eugh, he saved the worst for last. Red wine! *puke* Red wine is the most disgusting thing ever!

Wickham Vineyard wine. Notice how there's no Red in the picture. Much better.

Another successful dinner! I only really got to go for one more event, and that was a themed dinner at the hotel, this time Indian. Turned out much better than the British one. This time it was a buffet, and it was really nice food. Lots of it. There was also a 'surprise', which we knew nothing about.

We were all just waiting in the bar area, making small-talk and wondering what the surprise might be, when we heard the loudest noise! It sounded like a massive clatter, like someone dropped a lots of pots and pans in the kitchen, but then the 'noise' settled into music, and it turned out to be two Indian drummers! They were really good. And was it a good surprise? I think so. It fit with the theme, obviously, and other than the fact that we had to suspend conversation while they were drumming, it was a nice surprise. Another successful event!

The main event of the 3 weeks though, was the Gala Course Dinner at Osborne House on (in?) Isle of Wight, but I didn't get to go, as I had Joel staying round, and it was only for staff and delegates, but it was fine, really, as I can always go next year! And ah, that leads on nicely to the main topic! Apologies it's taken so long to get to it, but you gotta set the scene! ;-)

So the day after Singin' in the Rain, still on a high, and not in a rush to get into a work, I get an email from a work colleague (remember my lecturer-friend from a previous post?), asking if I want to go for coffee. I'm like 'no problem, we'll go as soon as I get in'. So I get in, and we go for coffee. There was me thinking it was just ordinary coffee, but there was more! Ooooo...

She tells me that she's off on maternity leave in January for 6 months (I didn't even think to ask if she was pregnant because well, if she wasn't explicitly volunteering the information, I wouldn't ask, and neither would I assume), and she was going to put me forward to replace her. She pretty much sold it to me there and then, and I was going to consider it. She basically has the same job as me, but I am a Research Assistant, while she's a Research Fellow and a bit more. I work for a number of lecturers, but she pretty much works for just the one- Professor Rob Merkin. He was actually my dissertation supervisor for my LLM, and I actually got him to be one of my referees, when I applied for my current job, so he knows who I am, and Johanna was like Rob's happy for it to be me to replace her for those six months.

But our conversation was off-the-record, she was just informing me, just so it wasn't a shock to me if I was asked about it. She's like my Boss will probably contact me soon to let me know about it, but she kind of warned me that my Boss might not be too keen. As I was (am?) initially on an 11-month contract, which runs out end of January, with the option of a further 11-month extension, and my issue was whether when the 6-month job is over, I'd get to go back to my old job. That'd be the perfect scenario! But my Boss is err, different sha. But anyways, before we get to that, my off-the-record conversation with Johann finished, and I headed to my office.

As soon as I got in, and before I had time to gather my thoughts, I get told that my boss was looking for me, so I pop down to his office, and he starts to tell me about Johanna's job! But the way he's telling me about it, it's like 'err, don't you even consider it!' He pretty much was saying that if you go for those six months, you won't have a job to go back to. Not in those exact same words. Not even in similar words, but that was the vibe I was getting. He's like Johanna's job is a lot of work, and it's not really relevant to you for your future career, it's only 6 months, etc. I asked about the possibility of a job-share, we hiring one more person in our department (it's slightly confusing, but the department I work at- the Institute of Maritime Law- is quite separate from the Uni, who Johanna works for. Although I did find out recently that she's a member of the Institute too, but like I said, it's confusing)- and we covering Johanna's tasks, so I didn't have to leave the Institute, but he wasn't having none of it. Johanna had mentioned that he's very protective of his staff, he likes to keep them to himself, if that makes any sense, that he's rather keep the Institute work separate from the University's work, and he pretty much said the same.

He then says that our conversation is 'strictly confidential', then asks if Johanna had already mentioned the job to me, and I'm like err, no, remembering she said it was an off-the-record conversation. So Filippo is like the next thing that will probably happen is that Johanna or Natalie (the head of school) would contact me about it, but that he'd go about processing the extension of my contract. The same way Johanna had sold the job to me earlier, was the same was Filippo pretty much 'unsold' the job to me. It was funny, because Filippo was like Johanna would probably try to convince me to take on her role, and that she can be quite persuasive! I think they both know each other quite well! Actually they should, seeing as Johanna had my old job!

But anyways, I kind of decided that I wouldn't take the job, what with it only being for 6 months, and Filippo not being too keen. I discussed it with my cousins when I went back home a few days afterwards, and we decided that it'll be a good idea not to take the job. The question then, was what to do next. Johanna was expecting Filippo to talk to me about the job, and Filippo was expecting Johanna to talk to me about the job, but none of them knew that I'd spoken to the other, as both conversations technically did not happen. So I'm like, do I go speak to Johanna, tell her I'm no longer interested in the job, without mentioning that I'd spoken to Filippo, or do I go to Filippo and tell him that I'd subsequently spoken to Johanna, and tell him that I told her I wouldn't be taking it? On like the final day of the Short Course, there was a farewell lunch for the delegates which I went for, and I got a lift from Filippo. He asked me again if I'd heard from Johanna, and I just had to swallow hard and say no! Lies.

It was such a tricky position to be in, and it proper felt like I was somehow involved in some corporate espionage! But obviously, that's over-dramatising! It was a sticky position, but nothing more than that. I was worried one time though, that Filippo would find out that I'd spoken to Johanna already and that I lied to him, and he won't be impressed, so I was careful not to send any emails to Johanna that would give me away as having spoken to her prior to Filippo, just in case my emails were being monitored! Talk about paranoid! Considering that both conversations happened pretty much right after the other, either could have easily come before the other. Amyways, wasn't too comfortable with the situation. I guess that's what happens when you have "confidential" conversations!

I eventually decided to send Johanna a carefully worded email, saying that I wasn't really interested in the job anymore, as it was only for 6 months, and I wouldn't have any job security after that, so I left it at that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[today's thoughts, now]

But Filippo was right though, she doesn't take no for an answer, and even though she keeps saying that she's not trying to convince me to take her role, she's *kinda* succeeded.

I've been thinking of late of what direction I want my career to go, and we recently had this event in London, the Donald O'May lecture, an event which has been run by the Institute of Maritime for the past 29 years, and I was involved in setting up for the event, and we displayed a number of recent books that had been published by Informa, but had been written by the members of the Institute. I'd seen most of them before, except one, by Ozlem Gurses, a recent Ph.D student turned lecturer, and I couldn't help feeling that I'd LOVE to have a book published one day. I've had a couple of articles published, but how amazing would it be to have my own name on a book!? Like how cool!

And that's why all of a sudden, Johanna's job looked even more attractive. She has lots of articles published, as well as books, in conjunction with Rob Merkin, who I mentioned earlier. She runs the newsletter, Shipping and Trade Law (which was where I had my two Articles published), so she's responsible for sourcing articles from willing LLM and Ph.D students, as well as other contributors, and if need be, she writes articles for the newsletter, to bulk it up if there aren't enough. She's the editor. She also does other weekly newsletter-y type things. I always get an email once a week from her, and it includes a brief summary of all the maritime law cases that have been decided in the past week. She also runs this book publication, the Ratification of Maritime Conventions. It is an already published book, but it is updated online as soon as a convention is ratified by a member state. So basically, she's on top of all the recent maritime law happenings. And to add to that, she is also Rob's Research Assistant, and Rob is even more busy than she is! Oh, and did I add that she lectures, too?

That seems, and is, a whole lot of work. Can I handle it? Well, maybe. But first things first, I have to apply for the job, if at all I will be. It'd be great if I got it, because I'd get to work for Rob, and actually do full on research work, because at the moment, I don't do strictly research work. I pretty much do the bits the lecturers can't be bothered with. Proof-reading, finding new cases, and the occasional research work. I love researching, and it'd be work-heaven for me, even if it might get overwhelming. But then, it's only 6 months. I'm considering maybe doing a Ph.D afterwards- either after 6 months or 11 months, which ever the case may be- and I'd want Rob to be my supervisor. Working for him now, I'm thinking it'd be a good opportunity to find out possible ideas for a Ph.D, or a research project- something long-term. But then, I'd be nailing myself to the mast for an academic career. Am I ready for that? I don't know.

But the question now though, is what to do next. I really want her job- hmm, am I finally admitting it to myself?- but I don't want to cross my boss, whom it didn't seem, was pleased with the idea. But he did say that if I was interested, I should speak to him about it.

I guess initially, I wasn't sure whether it was a viable option for me, but now I think it is, and having talked about it with a couple of people, I've decided that the best way to approach things is first of all to speak to Johanna, find out what EXACTLY the job will entail in those 6 months, and if I am convinced that I can handle it, I'll go directly to my Boss and lay my cards on the table, explain why I think it'd be a good option for me, but at the same time make it clear that if at all I do 'leave', I don't want it to be on bad terms. To be honest, if he's going to be very upset, I'd rather just stay where I am! Me I don't like wahala. Obviously he wants me to stay because I do a good job, so I always have that as a bargaining tool, in asking whether there's a possibility of me deferring my extension until after the 6 months. (my contract has currently been renewed until July 31, not December. It was split into two, something about HR wanting contracts to run in line with the financial calendar). It gets slightly confusing when it gets to work permit extensions, but that's a bridge to crossed another day!

You might have wondered why it all kicked off again, as I'd said I wasn't going to bother, but Johanna kept drip-feeding me info, like she's writing up her notes for her replacements; she's found someone for my former boss, Aleka (I saw her at the Donald O'May lecture, and she said she was looking a research assistant, so I told Johanna about it as she knows lots of capable ex-students), and she's also considering him as her replacement, but she thinks I'll be her perfect replacement; etc etc. Then she told me that the job was going to be advertised in the next few days/weeks, and I should have a look when it comes out, see if I'm still not interested, and that's kind of when the cookie crumbled.

I know her job is going to pay a bit more (how much, I don't know, and I'm not too bothered), and it hit me that if I'm going to act on it, I better do it now, before it gets advertised and the salary then gets revealed, because it'll seem (probably) to my boss that I'm only after the job because it pays more! I'm not sure when exactly it'll be advertised, but I need to speak to my boss beforehand, so he doesn't think I'm 'running away' because of the money. He's away now for a week, but I aim to speak to Johanna today, so I know for sure that I'll be applying, then I'll send him an email asap, knowing that I need to speak to him when he gets back, about the conversation we had all those months ago!

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

I planned on finishing this blog last night, but I was still typing it at 1am so had to stop, so here I am, finishing it up at work. It's past 3pm now, and I really ought to head to Johanna's office now and speak to her.

But first though, need to mention other stuff. This story (it's crazy long already, apologies), is far from over, but I'll continue when there are any further developments!

In other news, it's Joel's graduation today, woohoo! Yes, we are in November! University of Hertfordshire are silly like that. Mine too was in November, despite the fact that courses have ended in May/June, and you know already what your results are. Heck, some people have already found jobs and have moved on! But it's November UH graduations traditionally hold, so November it is. It starts at 7pm today (another ridiculousness), so I'll be popping down straight after work today. I'm not actually going for the ceremony itself, because you only get two tickets, so he's going with his mum (who flew down from Georgia just for it) and his Uncle. I'll meet up with them afterwards. Slightly nervous, as I haven't met either before! But it'll be the briefest of meetings though, as it'll be late by the time it's all over, and they have to head all the way to Harrow. I'll just spend the night at my Aunt's because the graduation is in St Albans, and she lives there. Easy for me.

The plan was to head back down to Southampton in the morning- I took tomorrow off- and play football with my team (yes, I joined the Uni's ladies football team this academic year, like I did when I did my Masters!). We always play Wednesday afternoons, but as I work full-time, I haven't been to any, so the plan was to finally play. But the plan has changed now.

Seeing as Joel's graduation starts at 7pm, all the way in St Albans, there's no scope to actually have a party or celebrate on the actual day, so he's decided to use Wednesday to celebrate somehow. The plan is to go see Wicked! (it might seem like it, but this blog isn't about shows! :p) in the afternoon, and probably go out to dinner afterwards. So now that I've cancelled football (gutting, but there'll be other Wednesdays), I'll be going with him and a few family members to see Wicked!, not sure yet if I can do dinner afterwards, but we'll see. It'll be another chance to meet his family, as I have only met his sister so far (and well, I'll be meeting his mum and uncle tonight). Should be err, interesting. I better be on my best behaviour!

I'll let you know how it all goes, as well as how it goes with Johanna and my boss. I've got to go now, but I guess you'll be right in saying that this blog is finally back! Again, apologies for the length, but it just had to be written!

See ya! ;-) xxx

The love of my life :) And birthday! :) Warning- LONG post...

2011-08-10T23:50:00.004+01:00

So you've probably been wondering about me and Joel, and now seems like the perfect time to tell you about us :), and how we came about.

So, a long time ago, in 1988, on this warm summer's day in August, two different sets of parents were going through the pain and agony of childbirth, and, oh wait, that's not what you wanted to hear about, my bad! ;) We were born the same day though, so I'm sure there's a story along those lines. One I don't know about, for obvious reasons!

So yeah, it's both our birthdays today. We're both old, man. 23. Ouch. But I digress!

Part 1.

I don't actually remember when we first met, actually, but I do know how we met. It was way back in 2007, in my 3rd/final year at Uni. I was a total geek at Uni, it was (un)believable! I was always on StudyNet, the Uni's web portal, either answering law questions other students had posted on the discussion pages, or listening to lectures, but I was almost always on it.

I remember seeing an advert on StudyNet, at the start of 3rd year, looking for people who wanted to join the International Students Association team, either as secretary, president, public relations officer, etc. I don't know why, but after seeing it, emailed the gut placing the advert, Roy Cotton, saying I was interested. If anything, it was the wrongest year to want to get involved in any extra-curricular activities, but for whatever reason, I put myself forward as secretary. It was a very small society, because most people hadn't heard of it before, even me! I got elected as Secretary, because I made a couple of my friends come just to vote for me, and there were only a handful of people there, so that was a smart move!

So yeah, I became Secretary, and this other Nigerian guy, Kennedy, was the Campaign Officer. We used to have meetings in the library every week, and even organise events, mostly serious stuff though, like safety on campus talks with a member of the local police. Numbers were thin, so people used to bring their friends, although none of mine turned up, because it was on the other campus,! Even though it was the main campus, none of my friends ever went there, as we had absolutely no dealings on there. We lived on the other campus, and the law school was even in a different town! So if not for ISA, I probably wouldn't have been anywhere that campus, College Lane. But I digress again. So Kennedy used to come along with his friend, Joel. Those 2 were inseparable. If you saw one, the other one was probably there as well, or round the corner! So that's how we met. It just used to be 'hi' and 'hello' stuff, and we never really saw each other outside ISA gatherings.

I was a year ahead of them, and towards the end of the year, since I was leaving, I had them round for dinner, as well as one of their other friends. Kennedy's very friendly, so we sort of kept in touch. After that year, I left Hertfordshire, and went to Southampton for my Masters. Kennedy and Joel both went on placement that year, Joel to Littlehampton, Ken to somewhere somewhat near Littlehampton, can't really remember where. We all weren't close, per se, the odd text here and there, but I remember they both came to see me in Southampton one time, and it was raining, unfortunately! But we went to KFC first, then the cinema, afterwards. I remember I'd not yet been to the cinema in Southampton before, so it was a bit of an adventure trying to find it in the rain! But we managed it! I think it was Casino Royale we saw, but don't remember clearly. Let me see if I can find any photos... Ah, found some, but only putting up a couple...


Me and Ken... No, the scarf belongs to me, not him. He's a United fan. Meh.

So this was right after the movie, and we umm, won something in some raffle draw thingy, according to Bow Tie man. Riiiight...


Me and Joel. There's just something about this photo...

Me and Joel's glasses...

Anyways, them coming to Southampton was a mini-surprise, but a good one! I see from the date on the photo that it was November, which was close to (UH) graduation. I didn't see Joel then, so not worth talking about! ;)

So again, the odd text here and there. The next time we really talked was sometime in the 2009, towards the end of Joel's Littlehampton placement, about May/June? I remember him calling/texting me, telling me I had to come visit him in Littlehampton, because it was close to Southampton and I'd never been, and it was like his last weekend there soon. I said yes, seeing as there wasn't any reason not to, and I wasn't uncomfortable around him or anything. Got there late on a Friday, and he'd booked a table at this restaurant close to his, but I was too tired, and lazy, so we just chilled, then slept in his room, while he slept in the spare room. We went to Brighton the next day, as his mates, from work I think, were meeting up for a drink. His flat mate, can't remember her name, also worked where he did, and if I remember correctly we all headed down together. It was a fun day. We went to the Red Snapper, had a fabulous meal, then headed back down to Littlehampton. I remember something funny one of the guys did- one of the other guys left the table, either to go to the loo or have a meal, so the other guy says to the waitress, 'It's XYZ's birthday today'. So she said she'd bring a cupcake with a candle when he was back at the table, like a surprise. So he got back to the table, no one said anything, and right on cue, the waitress brings this cupcake on a plate, and places it in front of him, and we all sang happy birthday (including staff and other guests, I think), trying to hold in our laughter! Why? It wasn't his birthday! The guy was as surprised at anything! But at least he didn't blow it and ask who's birthday it was! So so funny! Would be a good thing to try one day... So dinner over, we went to a nearby pub for drinks, and headed back home afterwards.

I was leaving the next day, so Joel had planned for us to see like a carnival thingy in the area? But I was too lazy, and there was cricket AND F1 on (hey, don't judge me! ;)), so we just stayed indoors, played catch with a baseball bat and gloves, and I made him watch F1 and cricket! Sorry! Haha. But yeah, it was a good weekend, and we became a little bit closer. I do not have any Littlehampton photos, unfortunately!

Funniest bit of the weekend, now I look back, was speaking to my friend Oyinda on the Friday, and when I told her I was off to a guy's house for the weekend, and I'm sure you can guess her reaction. But I was like, 'nah, he's just a really good friend, nothing's happening at all'. There was this male friend, Kelvin, who was really close to the girls (another story for another day!), and he was round theirs a lot, them round his, but he wasn't going out with any of them. It was never really going to happen, he was just a god friend. And I remember telling Oyinda that Joel was just like how Kelvin is/was to them. LOL now, right?

We talked more after that, but we pretty much were just friends. He obviously moved back to UH for his 4th year after placement, and I moved back to St Albans after my Masters, although a bit later, as I was in Southampton until September. I kept saying I'd come see Kennedy at him at Uni, but it never happened. Then I found out we were birthday mates! It was the year I had a barbecue for my birthday at my Aunt's, and I told him he had to be there, and he was like it was his birthday as well, but he wouldn't be able to make it, as he was going to America. Disappointing, but you know, I couldn't like tell him not to go to America! At this point, ofcourse, there still wasn't anything there.

The next time we got to hang out was in November (2009), this time in St Albans. There was a fireworks display in town for Guy Fawkes, so Joel, Kennedy, my cousin Derin, and I all went. It was good fun!I took a few photos, mostly of fireworks, though. I found out later on though, that I was a bit anti-social that day, tweeting away and taking photos, not really saying much. Ooops!

Only non-fireworks photo...

We got to hang out not too long afterwards, this time in London. We're both massive tennis fans, and there was the ATP Tour Finals in London. I wasn't expecting there to be tickets available, and was just checking the ticket website and realised there were some available, most likely a Roger Federer match! I was on the phone almost straightaway to Joel asking him if he was interested, and I must have seemed crazy, because I was literally on the moon! He said yes, we bought the tickets, and we went to the O2. It was amazing! Joel was/is such the perfect gentleman! Maybe I should have noticed the signs then, but I was just crazy excited! I remember there was a Champions League match just before the Federer v Murray match was about to start, and as it was Arsenal playing, I HAD to find somewhere in the O2 where the match was showing. And we found somewhere! He bought drinks for both of us, and listened sweetly while I went on about the match. He's not much of a football fan, and he was well within his rights to not be happy about watching football while there was a perfectly good tennis match (doubles) going on before the Federer match, which our tickets were valid for. But he didn't mind at all!

Arsenal match found in a bar, yippee!

Post-match smiles.

Awwww! (If I may say so myself...)


And King Rog, after dispatching Murray in 3 sets!

Loved it. And this time, even though I took loads of photos on my camera, I wasn't as anti-social as last time! Right, Joel? ;)

Part 2

Now it gets interesting! ;)

So we kind of lost touch a bit shortly after the O2. I guess he was busy with Uni work and stuff, I was trying to find a job, etc. And as far as this blog is concerned, we've almost come full circle. This post, which I wrote in early March 2010, was about the day it all started. But before you go running off to read it (but who am I kidding?), it doesn't say anything! I remember when I was writing that post, contemplating whether to mention what I will mention now (haha), but deciding against it! You know, you don't want to be jumping the gun and end up with egg on your face, so I played it coolly.

That post mentions how my friend Esther got me and Chris to go for her cousin's graduation party in Hatfield, but it doesn't mention anything about the party. So I said I hadn't kept in touch with Joel much after tennis at the O2, so I was pleasantly surprised to see him at Esther's cousin's graduation party! He lived closeby, so not too surprising, but totally wasn't expecting it. I hate parties, just in case you don't know, because I hate small chat, because it seems to me to be fake more often that not, and I'd rather do something active (dancing doesn't count!) with strangers than be in a room with loud music and food with strangers. Totally not my comfort zone!

So yeah, I was very happy to see Joel there, and I bored him some more with Arsenal talk, because we (Chris and I) were coming straight from the Emirates. I'd gotten Nikky B's autograph (don't have it anymore, as it was useless- dark background+dark pen=pointless autograph) and was really excited about it and the game itself. I was tired too, so socialising wasn't top of my list. I ended up just sitting on the stairs instead of going into the (unlit) room, but Joel stayed with me. He even got me food and drink, and tried to make me dance with him. I did eventually, but it was horrible as I was so embarrassed, but he says otherwise! As I was spending the night with Esther in another friend's flat, I pretty much couldn't leave until Esther was ready, but I had good company, so wasn't too worried about it. He didn't stay with me all through, because unlike me, he isn't anti-social, but he stayed with me as much as he could. But eventually, it was time to go. He left before me, and just as he was about to leave, he kissed me on the cheek! I was kinda surprised, and almost didn't think much about it, except Esther and Zainab, another friend, were both there, and after he left, Zainab was like, "Is that your boyfriend?" and I was like no. Then Esther was like "You look cute together." and I guess that was pretty much when the wheels started to turn in my head. Oooooooo... ;) It was like a lightbulb moment!

He'd mentioned that night that one of his friends hadn't been to London before, so they were planning on taking her to London sometime, but he wasn't sure when, and would I be interested? I said yes, and he was like he'd let me know when. But anyways, with the wheels turning in my head, I text him the next day, something along the lines of "fancy seeing you yesterday!". But I didn't get a reply or anything, and the wheels pretty much got stuck that day. But I heard from him a few weeks later, about the London trip. Turns out he didn't get the text, or he say it wayyyyy late, one or the other.

I know you'll ask why our meetings seem to have Arsenal connections, because the day of London trip, I had to be at the Emirates, for a match screening. Spurs away. That match brings with it so much hurt, so I'm not even going to go there. But yeah, with both events happening the same day, as contemplated for a long time whether or not to go to London, as I only knew Joel and Kennedy, and there were going to be other people there (obviously), but well, I eventually did. Was late, but it was fine. We met at London Bridge, I think. The one with the London Eye? We had some food, then continued the 'tour' they were on. I've got some photos! :) None of both of us, unfortunately...

Building somewhere I do not remember...

Clocks? Same place as the previous picture...

Kennedy. Oh, and Buckingham Palace gates! ;) Saw the changing of the guards!

Great view!

Can't remember what shop this was!

That's a photo of a bus that had hit the bus stop earlier on. HAD to take a photo. And Joel thought it was funny.

It was a nice day out, and *cheese alert*, I just wanted to be next to Joel all the time. I tried as much as I could, and tried to remain cool, too! Haha. We both aren't much talkers (it's true!) but he kept asking me questions, most of which I had no answers to, but he said he was just trying to know me better! "Favourite food?" "Umm, I dunno." "Favourite colour?" "Umm, I don't have one!", etc. I think it was also because I was trying to suss out whether or not he liked me or not! So many times I thought yes, and so many times I thought no. But that's all part of the whole thing, isn't it? Random, but I remember him buying me waffles, and ice cream, because I wanted some. It's the little things, isn't it?

So yeah, it was time to go :'( I remember there being a problem with the tube, so we had to take the bus for just two stops or so. Packed bus, so we stood instead. Do not laugh, but we were standing kind of next to each other, holding the same pole, and I wanted SO badly to put my hands over his! I almost did it, if not because we were getting off the bus. It was a bit weird, and I think that's where he hit me that I definitely like him. A girl's worst fear, isn't it? Knowing you like a guy, but not being sure whether he likes you or not. Torture. SO much better the other way round...

But I got off the bus, wished I didn't have to, but I had to dash to the Emirates. Awful. Not talking about the Emirates.

So this was April 2010. 14 April to be exact (thanks, camera!) I was off to America the week or so after, and we pretty much text back and forth before I left, while I was away. All. Through. It was awesome! (to be continued...)

Weekend almost over, 3 days to birthday, woohoo!

2011-08-07T19:21:00.004+01:00

So the weekend's pretty much done with. It dragged a little, in a good way, because I kept thinking yesterday was Sunday, for whatever reason! Probably also because the weekend *kinda* started for me on Thursday, because Joel came round Thursday evening (even though he was a bit ill, bless him), and didn't leave until Sunday, although I had to go to work on Friday! :'( We didn't really spend that much time together, as he got here Thursday evening, did some food shopping, got back home kinda late and tired, then I had to go to work on Friday. I made sure I left work at 5pm, so we could spend as much time together, as he was leaving early-ish on Saturday for a barbecue. I'd hoped for the weather to be awful so he wouldn't have to leave, but that didn't happen. But yeah, enjoyed the little time we spent together, and he's back on Tuesday evening, so it isn't all too bad.

Finally went to church in Southampton today! We moved to a new building fairly recently over a month ago, while I was away, and I've been back almost a month now, but it's actually the first weekend I'm spending in my flat, so was finally able to go to church here. It used to be somewhere far, and I had to depend on the church bus to get there (cabbing it costs about £15 one way!). But the new place in on my way to work, so it's much easier to get to. It's a nice church and everything, and I was contemplating finding a new church during the service, as I don't really feel 100% at home there. I've been going there a long time, but I don't speak to anyone there. Like today, I just went in, and as soon as the service was over, I disappeared! I think I was even the first person to leave! Obviously it's not the church's fault, I just find it difficult to talk to 'strangers', and when I don't know people somewhere, instead of being friendly, I almost always have this unapproachable look! I do go for the weekly life group on Tuesdays ans speak to people there, so even if I do end up going to another church, I'll probably keep going for it. I might just stick with it, seeing as church isn't about making friends! Anyways, it doesn't matter much, because I'm hardly ever in Southampton weekends, these days!

So got back home after church at about 1pm, and I finally cooked! Was slightly worried that I'd mess it up, seeing as it's been well over a month since I cooked, but I've still got it! It's like riding a bike, isn't it?! I also cooked and cleaned, and add that to laundry yesterday, it's been a productive weekend! I also unpacked my suitcase (yep, same suitcase I took to America),and I even had Joel help me out! I hate unpacking! But it's done now, so yay!

So I've done everything I planned on doing this weekend, all I have left to do is watch tv, but I never need a second invitation for that! Oh, I'm also waiting for my cousin. She's got work experience relatively close by for a couple of weeks, so she'll be staying at mine, which isn't a problem. I hardly ever use my bed, so she can stay in my room. So I now have a legitimate reason for sleeping on my sofa! It's actually a sofa bed, so ideally I should use it as one, but it's just long transforming it into a bed, so I just sleep on it as it is. I probably wouldn't if I was taller, but I'm not, so whatever! :)

Really looking forward to Wednesday! I don't think I've mentioned it yet (ofcourse I haven't! ;)), but it's my birthday on Wednesday! And I've got the day off! Not sure what I'll be doing on the day, but I'll be spending it with Joel, which is more than good enough for me! Then at the weekend, I'm umm, Go Apeing? How does one say it? "I'm doing Go Ape"? "I'm going for Go Ape"? Anyways, so long as you know what I'm on about, it doesn't matter, right? The best way I can describe it, is that it's like NYSC boot camp! Having said that, I haven't actually done NYSC, so I could actually be wrong! Idiot, right? But yeah, it's a physical activity thingy- swinging through trees, zip-wiring, stuff like that. This video's on their website, so it explain it better!

I'm going on Saturday, with a group of 13! Should be fun! I'm looking forward to laughing at people! But I won't be surprised if I'm one of the ones being laughed at! We couldn't get an early slot, so we'll be starting fairly late, at 3pm! I split is into two groups, so 8 people will be starting at 3pm, the remaining 5 starting at 3.30pm. That way it's kinda flexible. the 'slow' ones can start at 3pm, or people who are late can start at 3.30pm, and we'll all finish roughly the same time. It lasts between 2-3 hours, so we'll probably go out for drinks afterwards or getting something to eat, depending what everyone feels like doing. I actually wanted to do this last year, but people chickened out, but they're surprisingly up for it this year! I guess everyone's growing up, haha.

Anyways, that's next weekend sorted. And it's in London, so probably another weekend I won't be spending in Southampton. I'm not sure whether my cousin will be staying at mine over the weekend, but if she is, I'll probably just go for the day on Saturday, but I doubt she'll be. I haven't got any friends in Southampton anyways, so I don't have mind staying in London another weekend, except it's expensive, and I don't have unending pockets. Wish I did...

But umm, not sure there's anything else to report on from the weekend. But my memory 'leaks' sometimes, so I'm probably missing something out! I'll stop typing now, as I'm just rambling! Have a good week, whatever you get up to! I'll be sure to report on my week, and weekend, sometime soon!

Kisses.

Weekend update.

2011-08-03T07:46:00.001+01:00

It's quarter to six, I'm awake, I don't need to be up until 8.30am. No better time to blog, I guess!

My last post was about the weekend plans, right? The weekend went pretty much according to plan. Finally dragged myself away from the cricket and went to my Aunt's. Got there about 8.30pm, and basically just chilled with my cousins. Good times. Didn't go to church on Sunday for one reason or the other, so headed for the Emirates, with a brief and pointless detour to Watford. My cousins were going shopping, and the plan as to get there early-ish, so I could get back in time to catch the train I needed, but we left too late, and barely 20 minutes after getting to the mall, I had to leave. Pointless, right? Didn't even get to look properly in any shops!

Anyways, made it to Fiinsbury Park, where I was to meet everyone, in good time. Was meant to get there for 1.30pm, but seeing as F1 started at 1pm, I made SURE I was at Finsbury Park before 1pm, just so I didn't get stuck underground and miss the start, which is like the best part of the race. I did miss it in the end, pesky internet reception. Was in the Arsenal store trying to buy a replica kit, and at the vital moment that I needed the internet on my phone to load really quickly, it just took it's bleeding time, and I missed the first three laps! Annoying, but at least I got to watch it in the end. Didn't watch everything, though, and when we eventually got to the Emirates, they were actually showing it on the screens in the food hall, so I watched the last 10 or so laps there. I was recording it at home, so I just re-watched the whole thing when I got home. Don't judge! ;-)

So yeah, jersey bought, F1 on my phone, all I had to do was wait for the others to turn up. Chris and Ibukun turned up first, then we had to wait for Joel and his sister, but not for too long. I was a little nervous, but really didn't need to be. They turned up, she gave me a hug, I said 'happy birthday', then we headed off to the stadium. She's actually a bit similar to me, in the sense that we're both crazy, I'm talking random dancing and singing on the street! It was funny, and good to see that she was having a good time. It was her first time at the Emirates, and she seemed to have a good time throughout, so I guess it was a good idea, afterall!

Not going to bore you with details of the games. There were two matches, the first one being the irrelevant one, as it didn't involve Arsenal, that's why I was able to watch F1 during the first game. The second one was the good one, and it had Henry playing against us. It was all good fun, and apparently, according to Twitter, there was some booing at the end, because we drew, but I honestly didn't hear it at the time. Oh yeah, probably because I was a bit tipsy! No, I'm not an alchy! But I was forced to down a bottle of Smirnoff Ice! After watching F1, a wanted to get some food, and I noticed they had Smirnoff Ice, so I thought, 'why not?'. Bought it and headed to my seat, but the steward was like 'Sorry, you can't take any alcohol past this point.' Annoying, because I wouldn't have bought it if I realised. So I had to down it, so I could go to my seat, the effect being I was a bit intoxicated, prematurely, the effect being that I was sleepy! But anyways, it was a good day out, and the weather was lovely. Took one or two pictures, but seeing as we were on the upper tier, it's hard to tell who's who! Here are a few of them:

F1 on tv at the Emirates, with fellow losers :) There were quite a few of us, actually, and this was only one tiny section of the Ems.

Oh umm, AC Milan at the Emirates. I think he got confused...


Arsenal players warming up at the top right.

Pre-match line-up.

I think it's Henry just on the edge of centre circle, left side of the photo.

This was after the first goal. Our only goal...

Post-match. Podium also being set-up for trophy presentation to Henry's team.

Henry being a sweetheart and doing a lone-man lap of appreciation. We love you too, Titi!

The rest of the photos aren't much better.

So, match over, time to head home. Was so so sleepy on the long train home, it was ridiculous. Kept falling off, but didn’t want to miss my stop! But when I actually got in, about 10pm, I all of a sudden wasn’t tired! I don’t why your body plays these mind tricks on you sometimes.

Oh yeah, so I got my iPad 2 from my Aunt’s house on Saturday, and I’ve been using it a bit since. It’s cool and everything, but so far, it hasn’t added that much to my life. It’s just seems like an overpriced toy, and because I’m not an Apple person, the first couple of days were annoying, as I kept getting stumped as to how to do one or two things. Much better now, but I guess I need to find a good use for it. Bought a book on Amazon for the Kindle app, and I actually started reading it. Girl with the Dragon tattoo. The beginning is a hell of a lot boring, but Janine, Joel’s sister, is a huge fan and she said to keep with it, that it starts off slowly, but gets a whole lot better. I have no idea what the book is about, as I try avoiding reading book covers (not like a got the option this time, seeing as it’s an e-version!), but I even have no idea what genre it is. Guess I’ll find out soon enough. Anyways, I digress!

I mentioned that the iPad had a story, didn’t I? It’s a funny story, but I’ll try to keep it short. A while back, before we went on holiday, my mum was asking me about getting an iPad for herself, and she wanted to know whether to get a 3G one or a Wi-Fi one. I told her 3G was best, especially as she lives in Nig and all. The plan was to get my uncle in America to buy it for her, so she could pick it up when she got there. They all got to America a day before me, and when I got there on Friday, the iPad was bought already, but it was a Wi-Fi one. My mum didn’t want the Wi-Fi one, so she planned on selling it, then buying a 3G one. Not sure who’s idea it was, but we decided to auction it on eBay. My cousin, Tolu, was the one sorting it out. We were sort of impatient, so we only let it run for about 3 days. It was exciting, because I’ve never sold anything on eBay! My mum wanted it to sell for $750, and my cousin kept updating us with bids, when they came in. There was a bit of a mini-drama, like a day before the bid was to end. Scammers kept sending my cousin emails saying, O, it’s my son’s graduation, I’ll pay you a huge amount, but I need you to send it to XYZ address asap, blah, blah blah, and one of them kept bidding, and was the highest bidder at the time. My cousin actually had an encounter with the scammers once, so he’d already learnt his lesson! He tried selling his iPhone one time, and one of the scammers actually had him, and he’d already posted the iPhone, I think to Nigeria or something, when he finally realised it was a scam! Lucky for him, there was like a rain delay, so the postal services people were able to get the iPhone off of the plane before it departed! Talk about lucky escape! So this time around, he was more cautious!

Anyways this was Sunday, and we were at my other Aunt’s house, and Tolu got my other cousin, Bimbola, to become the highest bidder, just to see it the person wanting him to post it to XYZ address would bid higher or not. But they didn’t, so umm, Bimbola was the highest bidder, with only a few hours to go! Tolu was panicking for a bit, because he hadn’t told anyone else that my cousin was going to bid, so he was hoping and praying that someone else bid higher! Someone else did, phew, so that was Bimbola off the hook! The bid was about five hundred and something dollars at the time.

So yeah, the auction eventually ended, and the highest bid was $635. My mum wasn’t too happy with it, but she was okay with selling it at that price. All that was left was for the winning bidder to pay, and the iPad to be sent to him/her. I think eBay gives you 48 hours or so to contact the seller to arrange payment, but umm, the winning bidder never did! So after all the time and drama, the iPad 2 didn’t even get sold on eBay. Time wasted, but it was good fun monitoring the bid and everything.

We really couldn’t be bothered to go through the whole thing again though, so we had to think of alternatives. My dad eventually decided to “buy” it off my mum, so I thought it was case closed. My mum bought herself a 3G one, which she named “My Beautiful iPad”, which was all so very funny at the time, and it came in handy at one point during the holiday. I still need to blog about this holiday, and I will. Eventually...

So holiday over, went back to England. My parents and brother stayed like a whole week longer than me. Lucky them! Shortly after they got back, a got a call from my dad one evening, asking if I wanted to but the Wi-Fi iPad 2, and how much I'd pay for it. Seeing as I didn't really need it, and didn't really mind having one, and seeing as I would be doing him a favour getting it off him since he obviously didn't want it, I said maybe £300. Not like I could really afford it, but I just said that. He laughed, said he'd think about it and get back to me. He called me the next day, said he'd thought of my offer, but that they decided to give it to me as my birthday present! Totally wasn't expecting it! Was tempted to say no, but you can't really turn down an offer like that, can you!? So yeah, since my Aunt was in Nigeria at the time, it made perfect sense to send it through her, to me.

So yeah, that's the story behind the iPad. Now that I've told it, it doesn't seem as interesting as it was in my head. Oh well! I need to make it worthwhile and find useful apps. I should get back to reading that book, too.

It's quarter to 8 now, I better get my act together and get ready for work. Was extra late yesterday as I woke up at 9.30am! Unbelievable!

Hopefully I get to blog before my birthday on the 10th. Actually, I plan too! ;)

Have a good week!

Hello again!

2011-07-30T17:08:00.000+01:00

It's been a busy week! Wait, that should have read 'lazy' week! I've actually left work at about 6.30pm everyday, well, apart from Monday when I left at quarter to 10, but other than that, it's been a relatively stress-free week. But I didn't blog, because I was too lazy to put on my laptop, and was also too engrossed in tv. I just felt like chilling all week. But with football returning for real, well almost, this weekend, WOOOOOHOOOOOO! I just felt like relaxing all week, because it's going to get a whole lot busier!

So I didn't get up to much all week. Wait, what happened last weekend? Oh I remember. I was in London for my friend, Titi's graduation, then went to the hairdresser's, got my eye-brows done, etc. Nothing remarkable. We both went to Oyinda's on Saturday to hang out, Joel met us there, and it was just more chilling, really. Went to Titi's church on Sunday, watched tv, oh wait! I actually watched darts! I remember my cousins always teasing me about my sports obsession, and my excuse was always: "Well, I'm not that bad, I don't watch Darts!". But I guess I can shelve that excuse. Having said that though, it wasn't my choice! I'd forced them to watch F1 earlier (they did enjoy it, however, and what I brilliant win that was for Lewis!), so I couldn't really say "no, can we watch something else?" It wasn't terrible, but I don't really count two fat men playing a pub game as a real sport. Sorry!

Anyways, that was pretty much my weekend, the highlight ofcourse being getting to hang out with Joel. But with another weekend spent away from home, it meant another week of take-out for lunch/dinner. I just cannot cook during the week! Okay, maybe I can, but I refuse to! I don't even have any food in my house to be cooked, so it isn't really an option. Weekend is for food shopping and cooking, weekdays are for going to work and relaxing afterwards. But seeing as I'm away this weekend, it's going to be a question of who bites (harder) first. My pocket or me!?

Enough rambling, I hear you say! And what's happening this weekend? I'm home right now, but as soon as I'm done blabbing on here, I'll be heading to my Aunt's house, to get my iPad 2! Birthday present from my parents! My Aunt was in Nig, and just got back yesterday. It wouldn't surprise you to hear that there's a story to this iPad, one that I'll be telling when I collect it. But more importantly, I'M OFF TO THE EMIRATES TOMORROW! WOOHOO! It's been a long time since I was there last! I feel like I'm the prodigal 'son', and want to say to the Emirates that I'm back! And I'm not going anywhere! (Okay, I'll be going back home after the matches are over, but I'll be back often!) It's the first weekend of games at the Emirates, one being on right now. It's still pre-season, but once the Emirates Cup comes round, it's an indication that the Premier League season is about to start! I honestly really unbelievably indescribably excited about this! Until we lose a match, then I'll be back down to earth, but for now, I'll just get excited about the fact that I'll be seeing my boys tomorrow, woohoo! And also, we'll be playing against Thierry Henry's team, so there's the likelihood that he'll be playing! His team were playing today, but he didn't get to play, meaning that he'll probably play tomorrow! I'll have my camera at the ready!

I'm not sure if you could tell from the last paragraph, but I'm really excited about going to the Emirates tomorrow ;-) But there's more! I'm going with Joel, Chris, Ibukun, and Janine... Joel's sister. I've been to the Emirates with Joel, Chris and Ibukun before, but never with Janine. Not just that, but I've actually never met her before. So not only am I excited about tomorrow, I'm slightly apprehensive. What if she doesn't like me? It's her birthday tomorrow, and I don't know why I suggested it, but when I asked Joel whether he wanted to come to the Emirates with me, and he was like he couldn't, as it was his sister's birthday, I suggested that he ask her if she wanted to come. She's an Arsenal fan, so unsurprisingly, she said yes. I guess I was going to meet her at some point, and meeting her at the Emirates is a good place as any to meet her. I'm a bit nervous, but I guess I really shouldn't be, really. I bet she doesn't bite! Anyways, the Emirates is my territory, so it should feel as if I was meeting her in my house! I'm sure it'll be alright. I'm just a scaredy-cat! I'll let you know how it goes.

I said I'll be heading off as soon as I'm done writing this blog post, right? I've changed my mind! Watching a briiliant spell of test cricket right now, so I think I'll wait until it's over! Take a bow, Stuart Broad! Hat-trick in test cricket? They don't come round very often! Brilliant stuff! Wish I didn't have to go anywhere, but it takes 3 hours to get to St Albans, so I better not wait to long!

Adios, for now. I think the cricket needs my full attention right now. Have a good weekend! :)

Sorry!

2011-07-21T22:16:00.000+01:00

So I put on my laptop specifically to blog and post holiday photos, but I'm having such a terrible headache, not sure I can manage a proper post. I've not got any painkillers at home. Or rather, I don't know where I put them. Or am I just too lazy to look for them? Anyways, this will be brief.

I'm off to London for the weekend, as it's my mate's graduation tomorrow, so will be going to her house to celebrate. Will use the rest of the weekend to get my hair treated, get my eyebrows done, and ofcourse more importantly, catch up with friends, and Joel. We have birthday plans to make :)

Goodnight, and have a great weekend. I'll blog when next I can.

You really don't know!?

2011-07-18T00:08:00.003+01:00

So this weekend, I went to my Aunt's in St Albans. She actually wasn't around, as she went to Nigeria on Friday. But my cousin was home from Uni, and my other two cousins were home, as well as the grandparents, so it was pretty much a full house.

We planned on going to see Harry Potter on Saturday afternoon, but the weather was such a turn-off, so we didn't go in the end. One of the main reasons why I went to my Aunt's, apart from to see everyone, ofcourse, was to get my hair relaxed. My female cousin, Derin, was supposed to get it done for me on Saturday, but she was out the night before, I didn't get back early, so agreed to do it Sunday morning. Church wasn't on the agenda, unfortunately, as my Aunt wasn't around, so no one to drive us. One of my cousins does drive, but he says he doesn't like the church we go, so that wasn't happening.

Anyways, long story short, I planned on leaving home by 1pm, meet Joel either at Kings Cross/Waterloo, before heading on the train to Southampton in order to get home early, but that didn't happen, as we decided impromptu to go see Harry Potter. As I had to relax my hair in the morning, the earliest time we could see the movie was 14.40! But the movie was good, though, so not complaining about that! And just in case you plan on watching it, I'm not going to mention anything about what happened.

So Harry Potter over, went straight to the station so I could get home, after meeting up with Joel for a little while. Got on the train at 17.44, and the plan was to meet him at Kings Cross, which was where I was getting off the train. Spoke to him before getting on the train, and he said he'd be a bit late, as he was at his sister's.

Got to Kings Cross, and there was a text from Joel, telling me he was close to Kings Cross, and also asking what time I wanted to get on the train from Waterloo to St Albans. So I text him back, telling him that I'd probably miss the 18.35, so will probably get the 18.55 one. So there was I, waiting at Kings Cross for my boyfriend to show up. Was getting impatient, because it'd been 25 minutes, and waiting too much longer would mean that I miss the train from Waterloo.

My phone rings, yay, and he's like 'where are you?' I'm slightly upset, so I'm like 'somewhere, where are YOU?' so I could go find him. But he's like he's at Waterloo! That made me really upset, as I felt I'd just been wasting my time in Kings Cross for no reason, which technically, was true! I quickly got off the phone, said I'd meet him there and rushed to get to Waterloo, in the hope that I'd have calmed down a bit by then.

I got to Waterloo just in time to catch the train actually, but seeing as I'd been looking forward to seeing him, and despite my 'upsetness', I said I'd get the next train. Who knows, maybe it was partially because I wanted him to know exactly how I felt about being left at Kings Cross. So yeah, we had an argument, but not a massive one, fortunately! Joel's very level-headed and calm, and I generally am, so there wasn't any shouting or anything, just him explaining his bit, and me trying to make him see why I was upset.

Turns out it was just a case of miscommunication. He'd tried sending me a text telling me to meet him at Waterloo instead, so that I wouldn't miss the train waiting for him, but it the signal cut out, so I didn't get the text until after I'd actually spoken to him. I ended up crying, but not actually because I was still angry with him, or anything, and that's why I'm writing this unfortunately long post.

So he said the reason why he decided to go wait at Waterloo, was because he thought I was actually going to get on the 18.55 train, whether or not he turned up at Kings Cross, so he thought he'd stand a better chance of getting to see me at Waterloo, since that was where I'd be getting the train to Southampton.

And it was what I realised there and then that made me cry. I realised that he didn't realise (haha), how much he means to me, that why he thought I'd get on the train just like that, without even seeing him! Like hell I was going to do that! It's not like getting on that train was life or death! And even if it was, I would have found a way of seeing him, even if it was for half a second! I know I'm not great on the emotional expression font, but surely you ought to know, after us being together 9 months already, how very important you are to me? And just in case you still don't know, I'm telling you now, Joel Matthew Fletcher, that you mean the whole world, and more, to me, Adebowale Morayo Awofeso, okay!? Maybe I ought to tell you/show you more, but if there's only one thing you know in this world, it's that you're the most important person in my life, and you'll always be my baby, as long as it's God plan. Never forget that!

I eventually got on the train, and despite the little tiff, I was glad I got to see him, even if it was just for a measly 40 minutes, more than half of which was spent being upset and in tears. I'll make it up to you next time, I promise! But yeah, I spent the whole train journey half-sleeping, half-wiping tears off my face, but in a way, I guess it was a tiff worth happening, since it made me realise that I've probably not been doing enough to let my boyfriend know how much he means to me which is criminal, and I'm going to try to do better at showing it. It's not my forte, but the best I can do is try, so from now on, I'll be doing my best to ensure that you have absolutely no doubt about how I feel.

*Phew, my laptop crashed a few moments ago, luckily my looooong post was saved by Blogger!*

It might have been a far-fetched conclusion to draw, but I'm glad I drew it! I did apologise about being upset and everything when I got home, although we'd gotten over the miscommunication before I left.

Anyways, I'll stop boring you! I should go to bed soon anyways, don't want to wake up at 10am again this week! Do have a great week, and hopefully I'll get the chance to blog during the week. Be safe! :)

Back to the real world.

2011-07-16T18:22:00.000+01:00

So I've been away on holiday for the past two weeks and a bit. Got back on Sunday afternoon, started work on Monday. As you can imagine, I haven't had time to unpack, cook, or do anything sensible. As a result, my flat that was neat and tidy, is now a mess! Not sure when I'll get to tidy it up, because I'm away this weekend, will be the next, and who knows, maybe even the one after that! I blame jetlag, though. I've been waking up late all week, even woke up at 10am on Thursday, when I usually get to work at 10am! Not helped by the fact that I went to bed at 4am the night before! But like I said, it's jetlag's fault! ;) But at least I made it through the week, and I plan on mainly resting this weekend, so I can get back into the swing of things.

I had a good time in America, although I didn't do much resting! Took LOADS of photos, majority of them rubbish, majority of them not including me. I'll post some of them, as well as the low-down on the holiday, in my next post. This post is just a brief one to say hi, and that I'm back! Hope you've been keeping well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Season finale! Part 2.

2011-07-03T23:26:00.000+01:00

It goes without saying, but do watch (read) Part 1 before this! ;) Hopefully this shouldn't be a long one...

So interview over, time to check my email a million more times. They did say they'd be in touch by the end of the week, the interviews having taken place on a Wednesday, or the next week at the latest.

By end of the week, no email. Week after, no email. Cue manic panic. Kept checking their wesbite to see it they'd updated it with the name of their new hiree or something, but nothing on there either. I checked my cv thoroughly- was there a lie in it? Nothing. Phew. I remember Johanna saying they would frown upon any mention of doing a PhD alongside the job. *Thorough examination of my cover letter*- no mention of a PhD. Phew! But what on earth is going on, I wondered?

On the Wednesday after, I called the Secretary, Anita, to find out what was going on, but she said she didn't know anything. She suggested calling HR, as they'd be the ones to send out the email or whatnot, which I did, but they said they didn't know anything. At least thy didn't say I wasn't successful, so that was a good thing, I thought. I called back the next day, still nothing. No email either. I also checked the online application thingy to see if mine had been updated, but nothing. Really couldn't function much at work. Called HR again, and it turns out the person who was in charge of the job I applied for had quit, so someone else just started dealing with things, so that was probably why there was the delay. I was told I'd get a call back soon, once the new person had caught up to speed.

Temporary relief for the weekend, but not completely. Waited for the call, but nothing on Monday. Called again the next day, and they said I'd get the call back. Later in the day, I finally got a call back to learn my fate. To finally get put out of my misery. Or so I thought.

Turns out everyone already knew their fate. Everyone else except me! The HR woman said they weren't going to contact me until they were very sure, but since I'd been calling them repeatedly, they thought they'd let me know what was happening. They didn't contact me because they'd already offered the job to someone else, but I was like the reserve candidate, just in case things didn't work out with the other person! Talk about bitter-sweet! Turns out I didn't do too badly in the interview, but I didn't get the job. Or rather, I wouldn't be getting the job unless the other girl (dunno why I always assumed it was a girl!) turned the job down, her security checks didn't turn out, or worst case scenario, she dropped dead! I remember saying to Natalie that maybe I should, you know, get myself a hired gun! Obviously didn't mean that, but it was so so depressing. I remember being so 'depressed' when I wasn't sure whether or not I'd get called to interview, but this felt so much worse.

*Random alert*

Oh wow, watching Burlesque for the first time, and who do I see? Eli Gold from the Good Wife! I was thinking that he looked familiar, but a quick IMDb search and it turns out that it's him as Alexis in Burlesque! I'm so going to look at him differently when Good Wife resumes, haha. Just in case you didn't know, Eli's my favourite Good Wife character!.

*Random alert over*

Sorry about that! So where was I?

Ah. So the HR person said I should just keep calling, and maybe things would go wrong for the other girl. Fat chance, right!? It's amazing how when you want something badly, how you try and find clues in your favour in the littlest of things. Johanna told me there might the possibility of them hiring two Research Assistants, so I kept stalking the website for anything. There's a bit on the website where it says:

"The Institute maintains a fully staffed office and employs Research Assistants to assist with Institute projects."

I saw "Research Assistants", and in my mind, when I went on the website before the interviews, it said 'A research assistant'! Who knows, it might not have ever changed, but I just had to believe that that meant they were going to hire two people! At least it made me feel somewhat better!

So I called again the next week, but called the Secretary more, as I thought she'd know more. She did tell me that the contract had been sent to the other person, and they were just waiting for her to sign it. I called the HR person one last time, and she told me flatly that she doesn't see them offering the job to anyone else. Fair enough, I thought, and decided not to bother calling after that. Was ofcourse disappointed, but I just felt that there was no point stalking the poor people any longer. If things did indeed go wrong, they had my email address, my address and my contact number, so they knew were to find me! I did pray one last time, and I even remember saying that if I got it one way or the other, I'd give a testimony in church! But yeah, all I could so was continue with life and continue with other applications. Sigh, how I hate applications!

And continue with life I did! I'd started driving lessons a while back and finally decided to book my practical test, as I felt I was ready. Somewhat! I'd orginally settled for 18 February, a weekday, but I'd planned on taking that day off work. But I had to change to another date, when I inexplicably thought I had nothing planned for that day when Natalie asked me, and she then booked her assessment centre for that same day! When I eventually realised the error, it was too late for her to change her test date, so I had to move mine. Sigh! The earliest date I could eventually find afterwards was 4th March. Annoying, as it meant paying for more lessons, but not much I could do about that.

I'd previously gotten an invite from Johanna to come down to the Uni on 27 January to be a judge at the first year contract law moot competition, as they didn't have enough judges. I agreed to do it, partly because it sounded like fun, and partly because I really thought I'd get the job, so it'd be a great opportunity to maybe meet people I'd be working with, and maybe I'd even be able to do some flat-hunting. But ofcourse, none of that wasn't happening! I didn't pull out, but dragged myself down to far-away Southampton for the moot, wondering wistfully whether that'd be my last time there. It turned out to be good fun, and I was glad I went, even though it was bitter-sweet and I didn't get home until about 1am. And apparently I can put it on my cv, so it wasn't a bad idea to go!

No real luck with any other applications, so all I had to concentrate on was Chiswick work. Oh, and driving lessons. And it was after one of such driving lessons that my phone rang. Was in the kitchen washing up, when it rang. I answered the phone, and who was it calling me? Filippo Lorenzon! My heart was thumping straight away, but I knew what it was. It couldn't have been anything else. He was calling to offer me the Research Assistant job! After the usual pleasantries, he offered me the job, and after I said yes, he was like 'Can you start on the 14?' I was a bit in shock and good thing I didn't say yes a second time, because that so wouldn't have meant starting in less than two weeks, as this was the 4th February, and I obviously had no where to stay in Southampyon! I knew they needed someone urgently, so we settled for 21 February instead. I remember telling my Aunt, who was in the kitchen, about it when I got off the phone. She seemed more excited about it all than me! I am very bad at showing emotion, but I think I was just in shock, really. I'd sort of accepted that the job wasn't mine, so wasn't even expecting the phone call! Told my parents about it, everyone was happy, etc. Who says God doesn't work miracles, right?

I did have to get off cloud 9 asap though, and start figuring out how to find myself somewhere to stay. Had to go down to Southampton the next week to meet the people I'd be working with, so used that opportunity to do some flat-hunting. I was able to see two that day, but no satisfactory one. I did manage to get like 10 different viewings for the Saturday after, so my Aunt and I drove down from St Albans. I really HAD to find something that day and sign a contract, as I had only one weekend left, which ideally ought to be my moving in weekend. My Aunt loved the second one we saw and pretty much made her mind up there and then that that'd be the one I'd be getting! But I convinced her that we should look at other ones, just in case! We ended up having two choices- the second one we saw, and the last one we saw. They were from different agencies, and it later turned out that the girl who showed us the second one and the guy who showed us the last one, were a couple! Not married, but they lived together. It was kinda funny! My Aunt even suggested they open a lettings agency together! We did go with the one we'd seen earlier, and luckily were able to sign the contract there and then, and we were told we'd be able to get the keys the next weekend, so just in time for me to start work on the 14th! Phew! I was lucky my dad had sent me some money for some exam, if not I probably won't have been able to afford to move in on pretty much very short notice. It was an unfurnished apartment as well, so had to buy a bed, wardrobe, fridge/freezer, washing machine, etc. It was a nice newly refurbished one-bed flat not too far from the station, very decent price, so I didn't really mind. We bought the bed and wardrobe that same day, and the plan was they'd deliver the next weekend, so at least if I didn't have time to buy anything for my flat- and I was running out of money- I'd at least have a bed to sleep!

So yeah, great end to the job saga! I don't know why my life attracts so much drama! I should have just gotten the job in the first place and avoided all the heartache and drama, but I guess God wanted it that way for a reason!

I've got to end this here, as I have to leave literally now. Gotta go see my cousin in a minute, so have to stop typing like now! More drama occurred, but I guess that can be left for another day! Flat drama, driving test drama, etc! Maybe that'll be the DVD extra scenes, but other than that, 'current affairs' can begin, woohoo!

Season finale!

2011-07-03T18:22:00.001+01:00

Hopefully by the time I'm done with this blog, I should be able to blog about current affairs! Won't that be great!?

So after the surprisingly fabulous mini-cruise to Spain, back to the real world! Resumed work at Chiswick the next day. Colin and Aleka were away on holiday to Greece, and Natalie was having some time off, meaning I was the only one around. It's amazing how trusting the Sheppards can be, allowing a relatively complete stranger in me have complete access to their house! I'd only been with them for about 3 months, and they didn't even blink twice about leaving me with pretty much full access to their house. What if I was some Nigerian crook (won't that be surprising!) merely biding my time? Would have had a field day selling all their stuff and stealing all their money, if indeed they keep any money in their house. But in a way, I guess it was nice to know that they trusted me that much! They are pretty decent and nice people, and you sometimes wonder why there aren't more people like them in the world!

So yeah, everything was back to normal early January with everyone back. But I was nervous pretty much every time I got an email, because I was expecting either an invitation to interview or a failed application notice from the job I applied for. I hadn't mentioned the application to Aleka or Colin, even though I'd used both of them as referees. Didn't think it was necessary, especially as they'd have been expecting me to make applications, anyway.

An email eventually came, but it was to Colin's email. With Colin not being fully computer-literate (the only gadget he uses is his Blackberry), Natalie saw the email first, and already my heart was thumping! It was a letter asking Colin for a reference. Aleka also got a similar email. They obviously had no clue what for initially, but I told them the details and we discussed it briefly, and Aleka seemed very sure I'd get the job! My brain obviously went into overdrive! Were they asking for references because I was definitely going to get interviewed? Was everyone's referees getting the same email? Couldn't get much work that day, and just kept on checking my email over and over again.

With interviews scheduled for 19 January, I finally got an email on the 6th. I remember when the email came through, I couldn't bring myself to open it, and had to get Natalie to open and read the email for me! You can imagine the relief when it turned out that it was good news! I could finally breathe!

Can't really remember much of what happened in those two weeks (probably because nothing much happened!), but I tried to prepare for the interview as much as I could. Read my cv and cover letter again just to remember what I wrote in it! I emailed my lecturer-friend, Johanna, to see if she had any idea what it'll be like and stuff. She didn't really know much, other than that there'll be a panel of 3. Filippo Lorenzon, Yvonne Baatz and Charles Debattista. I was a bit relieved, because all 3 of them had taught me during my LLM. Not that they knew me personally, but at least I was familiar with them, and kind of knew what kind of characters they are. I also called the Secretary, Anita, to see if I could find out anything from her, but she pretty much told me what Johanna said.

I also remembered from checking the website, that they had someone, Matt, who was filling in temporarily, as Jennifer had left almost suddenly, so he was filling in until the next month or so, when he started his training contract in a Law firm. So I called him up the day before to find out more about the job, what he's been up to, so I could casually mention it in the interview when they asked me what I knew about the role that I spoke to Matt, blah blah blah, just to show that I had done my research well, haha! And also in the hope that might know what type of questions they might ask, as he most likely was interviewed before got the job, you never know! And he actually did tell me one of the questions they might ask! He was like they might ask you what you'd do in a situation whereby one of the lecturers wants you to do something for them by a particular deadline, and another person comes to you with a similar deadline. How would you deal with it? My initial answer to that would have been that I'd prioritise and try to do the most important one first, etc, but Matt was like the answer they would be looking for is communication. That I should mention that I'd let both of them know about the other person's deadline, just so they both know what's going on. So I filed that in my brain, just in case.

Since he was being very chatty, I also asked him if he knew anything about the candidates they were interested in, how many people were being interviewed, etc. And he actually knew! I think he said 8-12 or so people were being interviewed, out of about maybe 120 applicants or something, can't really remember the exact numbers, although I wrote them down. He also said there was some guy being interviewed who was coming all the way down from Australia or something, and he was like that person wasn't really a strong candidate, seeing as they'd like someone to start immediately. He also told me that they were interested in two candidates in particular, both of whom were Yvonne Baatz's former students. And seeing as I'd be taught by Yvonne Baatz, that made me even more nervous!

So interview the next day. Got there about 30 minutes early, tried to read the the articles I'd had published, which were on my cv, as Johanna had told me that I'd probably get a question about it. I was too nervous, so was only able to browse through all but one. And you guessed it, I got asked about it! It was a very simple question though, about what the article was about. I knew it was on arbitration, but couldn't for the life of me remember the exact bit it was on. Talk about embarrassing! That question was from Charles. He also asked me another question, this time on a specific area of maritime law, and I did not know the answer! What made it worse was that the next day at work, the work I had to do was on the answer! If only the interview had come after, not before! Sigh. I answered Filippo and Yvonne's questions well, at least! Yvonne did ask me the exact same question Matt had told me about, and thank God, I remembered the answer the Matt told me was more important. She kept nodding her head all through, so that was a good sign, I thought! I was worried about not answering Charles' questions right. Oh yeah, I also got asked where I saw myself in 5 years. Although Johanna had told me that I'd be asked that question, I still stumbled!

I remember thinking to myself that maybe I'd be the only black girl being interviewed, and who knows, they might hire me just so as not to seem racist! What a silly thing to think! And ofcourse, the next person being interviewed turned out to be a black girl! That was that theory out of the water, straight away!

All in all, I wasn't too happy about my interview, as I didn't think I did well enough. But I'd done all I could do. The rest was in God's hands. All I could do was wait.

Okay, this post is getting WAYYY to long! And like every good season finale, there has to be a Part 2! But not to worry, it's a double-bill, so it's coming up right away, after the obligatory advert break... ;-)

Christmas, huh?

2011-06-28T08:20:00.001+01:00

First of all, apologies for the youtube spam last two posts, but I was just in some crazy music mood that day, it was ridiculous! Hopefully it doesn't happen again. Or rather, next time it happens, I'll steer clear of Blogger!

Anyways, so the plan was to talk about Christmas. But to be honest, I'd more interested in 'talking' about what's happening in my life right now, in terms of relationships, as I feel I need to process things- get things out of my head- as it's new territory. Besides, I spend so much time thinking about it, so it only makes sense to focus on that! So the quicker I'm done with old news, the more time I can spend on the things that matter now.

I have been meaning to write up this Christmas post ages ago, but I needed some photos off of my cousin, as my phone had a mini-meltdown one time and deleted almost all of the photos, pictures and texts on my phone, leaving random ones! :( I am yet to get them off of my cousin still, so I'll make do with what I've got, and upload the others when I get the chance to get it off my cousin.

.................................

Christmas and beyond...

Where was I? Oh yeah, finished my application in time, and all I had to do was wait. All through Christmas and new year, as interviews were scheduled for 15 January.

Christmas, last few years, have pretty much been dull for me, as I'm usually at my Aunt's, and with everywhere shut, we're literally stuck indoors all day, doing absolutely nothing! Well, eating I guess, but seeing as food doesn't really feature too high on my list of important things (awful, I know...), it's not really a highlight.

But this time around, my cousin suggested that we do something different, and go on a mini-cruise! To Spain. Just the kids. So me and my 3 cousins- Derin (girl, younger), Kunle (guy, my age), and Yinka (guy, older than me). It was a very short cruise- 24th to 27th, if I remember correctly. I had to get a visa, and knowing me, there had to be some drama involved! We didn't make up our minds early enough, so I couldn't get an early enough appointment date. Had to keep watching their website hoping someone would cancel theirs, so I could get an earlier date, although you weren't allowed to make multiple appointments! But thanks to some smart (dodgy) thinking (adding an extra number/letter to my passport number so it seemed like a different applicant), I was able to get an earlier date. Despite that, they were even like the visa probably won't be ready in time, as they needed a certain number of days to process it, and I was going to be short by one day or two. And what with it being Christmas time, they were quite busy. It was slightly funny, because this was my second time applying for a Spanish visa, and both times, I had the same issue! I got it the last time, although that wasn't as busy a time as Christmas. But I said I'd take the gamble anyways. Why not?!

Long story short, I got it in time. A couple of days early, even. Although unbelievably, I was disappointed! I really wanted it to go down to the last day, so I'd have had to dash to London on the day we were meant to leave, then dash to Portsmouth, where we were departing from, and barely make it onto the boat! Very disappointing, right? Haha.

It was a budget cruise, so we really had no expectations. I'd only just been on one in summer, but that was like a proper one, for a whole week, and a whole lot more expensive. I definitely wasn't expecting a similar experience! But we were pleasantly surprised, though. It was a small ship, and our rooms were very tiny, but for the amount we paid, it was great! I was expecting it to be like some run-down ship or something, and that we'd have tales of woe to tell, but there was nothing, absolutely nothing to complain about! We didn't pay for our meals beforehand, because we were worried it'd be naff, but in the end, we had dinner there almost every night, and the food was really good. Fairly cheap, too. Not sure whether it was Christmas Day or Boxing Day, but they had these MASSIVE turkey thighs. Absolutely MASSIVE, and totally delicious. No complaints whatsoever.

The entertainment wasn't all that, but it suited the audience, as it was mainly old people, or married couples with their young kids. We ended up just chilling on the deck, watching the activities below. Oh, we even got to play Bingo! That was quite fun, actually! But it gives you an idea of the type of people they were mainly catering to! They did have a magician on the last day, and he was brilliant! I even recorded one or two of his performances, but it's no longer on my phone! My cousin has it, so hopefully when I get it off him, I'll upload it.

It really was a good break, as we pretty much just chilled. But with nice scenery, and people to watch/laugh at! Haha, there was even this little kid, who kept trying to climb down the stairs, but her mum kept pulling her away, but she'd return to the stairs. She eventually had her way, but kinda fell at the end! It was very funny, because you knew that was exactly what was going to happen! And best of all, I got it on tape! Maybe I should send it to one of those 'You've been Framed' type shows or something and make myself 50 quid or something, haha. It's only funny because the kid was fine, I should say! I'll upload it if/when I get it.

Oh, I remember something else! Everyone who knows me ought to know that I'm a Federer-lover! Not in a crushing type way, but I just love him to bits. He's just amazing! But anyways, Derin spotted this Federer look-alike! A bad look-alike, though, but I kind of amused myself by stalking him! No, no, not that way, haha! I just kept trying to take his picture stealthily. It was really funny! But it all ended when he happened to be seating next to our table one day, when Arsenal were playing Chelsea, and we found out he was a Chelsea fan. Didn't take any more photos, as he was no longer cool! :(

We spent most of the time at sea, other than the Sunday, when we docked at Santander. It would have been fabulous if any stores and things were open, but it being a Sunday, nothing was! Well, other than the odd corner shop. At least the weather was relatively lovely. We just walked round, enjoying the scenery. Lovely place! And ofcourse, I took a photo of a Santander bank in Santander! Wouldn't you!?

Anyways, you get an idea the type of holiday it was. Very good value for money. And the last night was pretty amazing. After the magician was done, and the kids had all gone up to bed, it turned out to be a party below deck. We were up, but you could see what was going on down. There usually was a party every night, but this time around, they played love songs, and all the couples were on the dancefloor, dancing in their partner's arms. There was like a newly married couple, some who'd been married for ages, and the dj/host got them to like say stuff about themselves, and it was all really lovely. Made you wish you had that special somebody, or that they were there with you. Sigh. But ofcourse, it all had to come to an end. *Sniff*.

But it did its job. Lovely break away from the boredom of England at Christmas, with lots of memories. Not bad. Here are some of the few photos my phone was kind enough not to delete:


First night. Tourists! :p


Not a bad sunset!


Christmas Day festivities


Santander. Not the bank, unfortunately...

What can I say?! (Coke addict!)

There were so many miniature dogs everywhere! Literally!

Ice-rink somewhere...

The day Fake-Federer's secret was revealed! :-\

Magician...

Ah, took this photo, as the fat dude just got engaged/married to the girl next to him. Go figure...

Magician... The old Derren Brown table-in-the-air move, but only video I could find.

And unfortunately I don't have any more photos/videos, but in due course, I'll add more, hopefully.

The only thing left to blog about before I can (finally!) get into 'current affairs' is what happened with the job application. I'm very sleepy right now, so will have to do that next time.

Fingers' crossed, that'll be tomorrow night...

How could I forget???

2011-06-17T13:55:00.001+01:00

Gosh, how could I forget to add this song yesterday?! Love it so very much!

Panic at the Disco

And the video's quite alright...

Oh, and this too! If you're a tennis fan, you'll love the video. I'll stop after this...

Martin Solveig & Dragonette- Hello

Music

2011-06-16T23:28:00.004+01:00

I know I said the next post will be about Christmas, but this will be a short one, well, in terms of words! ;) Was listening to the Radio 1 today and most of the songs came up, and I soon as there was one I liked, a sent a link to Joel, and I've just been in a music-listening/singing mode today, more than usual!

So I thought I'd just post youtube videos of the songs I'm currently loving right now. Won't be surprised if I look back in a few weeks and wonder why on earth I liked the songs!

Oh, one more thing, it might be better to ignore the videos, as I've found out that videos almost always spoil the song! Maybe I'm just talking like a radio lover, but I can't count the number of times I've wished I hadn't seen some videos, as Joel will testify...

So anyways here they are, in no particular order:

Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had.

'You turned out to be the best thing I never had'. Luckily I have never been in that position before!

Pitbull, ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer- Give Me Everything

"Excuse me, but I might drink a little bit more than I should tonight. And I might take you home with me if I could tonight. Baby imma make you feel so good tonight!' Haha, love Pitbull! Well, kinda...

Nicole Scherzinger (aka shirt-singer)- Right There

'I like the way that you talk dirty. Don't wash your mouth out I like it dirty.'- Oooh, Nicole! Tut tut! haha

But I just love Nicole! Maybe it's the Lewis Hamilton connection, I dunno, but I just do. And oh, I wish I had her body.

Above & Beyond, feat. Richard Bedford- Thing Called Love

Lady Gaga- The Edge of Glory

Stromae- Alors On Danse

It might not be in English, but that's what Google Translate is for. 'Alors on danse'!

Alexander Stan- Mr Saxobeat

Neon Trees- Animal

'Oh, oh! I want some more! Oh oh, what are you waiting for, what are you waiting for?! Say goodbye to my hear tonight!'

Pendulum- Crush

Pendulum- Watercolour

Pendulum are just great, no need to say more.

David Guetta Ft. Nicki Minaj Flo-Rida- Where Dem Girls At

Nicki Minaj- Super Bass

Not a Nicki Minaj fan, but that's two of hers in a row...

Scouting for Girls- Love How It Hurts

So cheesy or whatever, but I was loving it today.

DJ Fresh ft. Sian Evans- Louder

Foo Fighters- Walk

And you can't talk about Foo Fighters without mentioning this:

SO gorgeous and inspirational, too!

My Chemical Romance- Bulletproof Heart

The Prodigy- Invaders Must Die

The Last Shadow Puppets- The Age of Understatement

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl, feat. Boy George- Somebody To Love Me

'But, tonight, I crossed the line! I used to know her when my house was sober. I, could find, lessons in life, over and over, is it really over?'

Ludovico Einaudi- I Giorni

Only an instrumental, but it's beautiful!

Wow, that's quite a lot of songs! And I've been disturbing the peace, listening and singing along, but who cares, right? ;) )

I don't really have a favourite genre, well- as you probably guessed!- but I like pretty much all that can be found in the current top 40 charts, which I listen to on iplayer every week.

Just one more, and who better to end with that Adele!? I love pretty much all her songs (well, those I know), but I'll end with this:

Adele- Set Fire to the Rain

'There's a side, to you, that I never knew...'

Chiswick contined.

2011-06-11T01:23:00.001+01:00

So. Internship over. Part-time work about to start. I should state at this point how indebted I am to Aleka and Colin. Not only did they not have to take me on as an intern, they also did not have to take me on as part-time staff, because to be honest, they probably could have done without me. There were literally times when there wasn't work for me to do, and Colin would have to think up some random work for me to do, whether it be writing case summaries of arbitration cases he probably knows from cover to cover, or admin stuff that isn't really urgent.

Having said that, it was good for Natalie that I was there, meaning she could take days off, knowing full-well that Colin wouldn't be stranded, as I could type and send whatever emails he needs to send, print out his emails for him, and do other admin stuff, like make invoices. Working in arbitation is definitely a viable career option. You automatically invoice £150 for every nomination you get (everytime a party sends you an email asking you to be the arbitrator on a case), and most of the time, the dispute settles without you having to do any work, and you've earned the easiest £150 you can ever get! And once you have contacts and are established, you can get as many as 3 nominations per week! And also, for every email you get/send, you get to bill the client/ I learned a whole lot about being a self-employed arbitrator, and don't be surprised if when I retire- and build up my contacts-that I become an arbitrator. Free money! Haha. That said though, it is really hard work, like Colin will testify! I definitely will consider it many many many years down the line. I even did this "Introduction to Arbitration" course at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, thanks to my dad, and I can even become an Associate Member, if I pay membership fees. See, that's the beginning! ;)

So yeah, with Chiswick being a part-time role, I obviously needed to focus on getting a more permanent role. Pretty much what I was doing before Chiswick, but Chiswick being there to keep me sane! I'd learnt from Johanna (lecturer-friend) about this shipping law case- the Cendor Mopu that was being heard in the Supreme Court (former House of Lords) towards the end of August, which I went for. Not like I had anything better to do, anyways! It was a 2-day hearing, and I went for the second day. There were a few people there, who I knew from Uni, one being Jennifer Lavelle, one of only two English people on my course. We chatted at lunchtime, and I found out from her that her employment contract (as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Maritime Law, University of Southampton) was running out, and she wasn't sure whether she'd renew it. I was pretty interested in her job, to be honest. She said she wasn't really sure if she'd stay on or not, but she did say that if she didn't stay on, the job would get re-advertised on the Uni jobs page. Would you believe I actually bookmarked the page and kept checking pretty much everyday, in case something would come up. (As usual, I've got my dates wrong, and it was actually end of July! I'm like a month out of sync, what's going on!?). Anyways, kept checking the page since the hearing, end of July, like a stalker. Oh, and like a proper stalker, stalked Jennifer's facebook page, just to see whether she'd mention anything about it.

So that's how August rolled by, September, then October, then November. You'd have thought I'd have given up by then. A similar role did apply on the website, but it wasn't in maritime law, and I didn't get it. Then sometime towards the end of November, I got a message from Johanna, telling me that Jennifer had gotten a job in Geneva, at UNCTAD, meaning, obviously, that her position was vacant, and that it'd be up on the website. Got home later that day, and no surprise, the job was already advertised. I swear the role was perfect for me! I felt that I ticked all the requirements, and there weren't asking for any experience! And even if they were, I was working at Chiswick as a Research Assistant (well, seeing as I was self-employed, I could pretty much call it anything, but the role advertised and what I was currently doing to me seemed similar), so that was experience! Boo-yah!

So perfect role, not to talk about great pay! Definitely the highest paid job out of all the ones I'd applied for previously, so I was hoping this was definitely 'the one' (it's amazing how many jobs I've hoped and prayed were 'the one's'). So yeah, the advert said latest day for applications was 20 December, meaning I had close to a month. Enough time, one would think! And it was a pretty simple application process. CV and cover letter, basically. But as it was an academic role, you need 3 referees.And none of them personal referees, I think- either professional or academic.

My cv was ready, and having used it a million times and re-edited it a million times, it was near perfect to me (or maybe it wasn't, seeing as I didn't get that many positive replies from applications!). All that needed doing was the cover letter. It wasn't really a cover letter, it was just a question which you had to answer, but the answer was pretty much what your cover letter would cover. The said question was this:

"Please explain how your experience and skills are relevant to this post, referring to the person specification."

I had to think long about that one, because you want your answer to be perfect, ensuring that you didn't leave the tiniest bit of relevant detail out, and that you didn't include any irrelevant information, even though there wasn't a word-limit.

The other thing I had to do was find three referees. I was going to use Johanna as one of them, seeing as she works at the Uni, but she advised against it, on the basis that there might be someone who doesn't like her at the Institute, so she didn't want to jeopardise my chances. I had two other referees I could use- Colin/Aleka, and my dissertation supervisor from Southampton- Prof. Rob Merkin. Seeing as he's as well-known, if not even more, than Aleka, I really wanted him as one of them. So I emailed like 3 or 4 of my teachers from UH, to ask if they'd help out, although I left it so late, I didn't even hear from any of them until after the deadline had passed!

So the important question. Did I get my application in on time?

I don't understand myself sometimes. This was a job I wanted badly, that I'd checked the website day after day for almost 2 months, and as late as 19th December, I wasn't ready to send it off. The 'cover letter' wasn't even halfway done! My excuse was that I wasn't to leave it as late as possible, giving me more time to think of relevant stuff to add. But in the end, I managed to get it all done in time, and sent it like in the early hours of 20th December. Talk about leaving it to the last minute! Seeing as I hadn't emailed my UH teachers on time, I had to use Aleka and Colin as 2 separate referees, with Rob being the third. So at this stage, I'd done all I could you, the rest being in God's hand. With interviews meant to be held on 15th January, all I could do was wait. And ensure I enjoyed Christmas!

Gosh, it's almost 1.30am! I really ought to stop now, and go to bed! This post is pretty much done, anyways. Next blog post will be about Christmas, then! Not like much happened then, but well, Christmas comes before January! ;)

November/December- Chiswick and all.

2011-06-10T22:48:00.001+01:00

The last thing I mentioned about a job, was way back in October, when I mentioned that I was interning with a Shipping Arbitrator in London (Chiswick). Then I mentioned that my internship was coming to an end, and there was a possibility of getting a job with them afterwards. Not sure I even mentioned how I got the internship in the first place, but I'll do so now.

So I finished my LLM (Maritime law) in September 2009, or technically in January 2010, which was when we got our final results, with graduation happening summer 2010. And with the bloody recession and all, I struggled to find a job. Not for want of trying, I must say! But given that at this stage, I had next to no experience, none as far as shipping law was concerned, getting a job was even more tricky.

Anyways, I resorted to calling random companies up, asking for internships or what-not. I did manage to keep myself busy somewhat, as one of my lecturers from Uni, who is the editor of a shipping journal, got me to write articles for publication, to help boost my cv. I only managed to do two, which wasn't bad, given how much research one needs to do. It is somewhat funny that this whole opportunity came about through a simple "I'm bored" facebook status update! But I digress.

So this my lecturer friend, Johanna, who keeps sending me jobs to apply for, tells me about this chap who did the LLM with me, Edward, and how he met this shipping arbitrator, Colin Sheppard, at some event, and he there and then offered him the chance to intern with him for a month, which he did, and she suggests I give him a call. I'd been doing that recently anyways, so it wasn't a problem. You only live once, eh?

So I call him up randomly one morning, and I tell him I'm interested in interning with him, if that was a possibility. He obviously is surprised, as I'd called him up out of the blue, but he's like I should send him my cv, and he'll discuss it with his wife, ,who's away in Greece. Odd, I thought. Why on earth does he need to discuss it with his wife!? But at least I got a somewhat positive response, so a good thing, I thought.

Few days later, probably Sunday, I see a missed call on my phone, and a voicemail too, and turns out it's Colin's wife. I call the number back and she suggests I come for an interview sometime in the week. Can't remember what day it was. (See, I should have just watched episode 5 when it aired, as I can't really remember what happened in the other epiosdes! Oh well...)

Anyways, I go down to Chiswick for the interview. It was a pretty informal interview, and they just asked me what I'd been up to since Uni, etc, but not proper interview questions that you have to think hard about. I think the fact that I did my Masters at Southampton University made them interested in me (thank you, Chris Kirkbride- me Equity & Trusts lecturer at Hertforshire for telling me not to go anywhere other than Southampton for my maritime law masters, even though UH had a similar course. I'm forever indebted to you! See, that's what happens when you are an "over-sabi". I digress again, but the only reason why I was having this conversation with Chris in the first place, was because after I'd gotten my final year grades, I actually went to my teachers for a review of my exam papers, just so I knew where I had gone wrong. Like seriously, who does that after final year?! I did so, and I got good (unrelated) advice, and as far as I'm concerned, that's the only reason why I'm where I am. Where, you say? I'll get to it soon! ;))

ANYWAYS! The interview was a brief one, pretty much them trying to get to know me and stuff. I remember his wife asking me if I could do admin stuff, and I had to blag my way into that somewhat, as I had no admin-related experience. Long story short, they asked if I could start the next day! Definitely wasn't expecting that! I said that was a bit short-notice, so we agreed I'd start the next Monday- 25th October. (See, I haven't forgotten it all!)

I was literally over the moon! I wasn't going to get paid much- £100 a week to cover my expenses- but when you've been searching for a job after Uni, and you've been turned down mainly for lack of experience, you'd be ecstatic if you got something literally out of the blue which was related to the area of interest. It's like "Finally! Someone wants to give me the experience I badly need!" The day even got better, because as I was finding my way home, I got a phone call from one of the numerous jobs I'd applied for, asking me to attend an interview that week. It was a six-month contract, an administrative role, but in Miller, an insurance company that I was interested in working with. I went for the interview anyways, even though I wasn't totally interested in working in admin. I didn't get the job, which was no surprise! This time around, it was a proper interview, and what did I say when they asked me what type of role I was interested in? I pretty much said I didn't want an admin-type role. Muppet! Not that I'd have accepted the job anyways, but it was good (future) interview prep. I swear the Chiswick interview was my first real job interview, and it wasn't even a proper one! But I guess it only takes that one interview...

So that's how the Chiswick internship started. Oh, did I mention I was a muppet? Remember me wondering why Colin had to discuss things with his wife? If I'd done my research properly before making the phone-call, I'd have realised (or maybe not), who his wife was. After the interview, I remembered Colin mentioned her name- Aleka. It sort of rang a bell, so I did my (belated) research, and turns out she's Aleka Mandaraka-Sheppard, who's famous in maritime law circles, and beyond, probably. She even wrote one of the books I studied during my Masters, which was why her name rang a bell. I totally had no clue who she was during the interview! In hindsight, maybe that was a good thing...

The internship was meant to last four weeks, and afterwards, we'd discuss what was to happen next, whether I'd stay on in a more permanent role. I did enjoy those four weeks (and a bit), and although it was a bit of a pain getting there and back home everyday- St Albans to Chiswick is not a joke: bus, train, tube, tube, train, walk. But it was worth it. I didn't know too much about Shipping Arbitration at the start, but at the end, I got to draft an "Awards and Reasons" for a real case! It was a Small Claims Proceedings (SCP), so not a lot of money or drama was involved, but that's one proud moment for me! Obviously I wrote it on behalf of Colin, but I was especially glad to see that none of the parties had any complaints afterwards, and accepted MY ruling! Sweeeeeeet!

But yeah, the internship was coming to and end, so it was sort of make or break time. Was I going to stay or leave? (Actually I was wrong! The internship started last Monday in September, not October! *facepalm*) Anyways, I spoke to Aleka towards the end of October, informally, and we agreed I'd stay on, so it was just a matter of how long for, and on one terms. Colin's self-employed, so he works from home (and Aleka sometimes). He's such a very dedicated man, because he's turning 80 next year, if I remember correctly, and he works flat out everyday, just so he can afford to see his son- their only child- all throughout Uni. He's a bright boy, sha. Did his first degree in Oxford in History and Music, I think, now he's doing a second degree in Law, this time in Cambridge (or did he go to Cambridge first?) Anyways, there is a lot of money to be made in arbitration, and although Colin is hardly a poor man, he just prefers to continue working until he no longer needs to support his kid. He takes care of his health, though, so I'm not too worried for him! Colin is also computer-illiterate- he can only manage as far as a Blackberry! Meaning all his emails, Awards, Reasons, all need to be typed up by someone else. He's got a Secretary for this, as well as other admin reuquirements- Natalie. She's brilliant!

I totally didn't mind staying longer, and to be honest, I'd have stayed even if I wasn't getting paid! After Aleka changing her mind a million times, we finally agreed that I'd stay on a monthly rolling contract, 3 days a week, £10 per hour, 8 hours a day (10am-6pm), with the possibility of over-time. Not a bad deal, really. Except tax and NI were to be my responsibility, meaning I was self-employed! That was scary initially, but Natalie assured me that it wasn't a problem really, and Aleka was nice enough to get her tax accountant to email me about what I needed to do, afterall, Colin and Aleka are both self-employed.

Gosh, this is one seriously long post! And we're still in November/December! Gulp. I have missed this, though. I'll end this post here now, but I'll start on the continuation in a separate post, which I'll post at some point tomorrow.

It's good to be back! :D

Long time.

2011-06-10T21:33:00.000+01:00

This time around, I'm not even going to bother with an apology. There have been too many apologies of late. Let's just say it's been a crazy busy past few months in my life, and hopefully I've reached a certain level of normalcy.

So much has changed for me recently, and I've been mearning to blog about it for AGES! And the awful thing is that I couldn't really blog about things going on at the moment, without actually blogging about what's changed, in a chronological order, so as not to 'spoil' future posts. The only way I can describe is when you have a favourite show, which is always on, let's say every Thursday at 8pm. You miss an episode one week- episode..... 5, and no matter how many weeks pass, you can't watch any further episodes until you watch that episode 5. Not that you don't love that show, but you just can't watch any further episodes until you watch episode 5. You just cannot move onto episode 6 until you've seen 5.

It's been that way for me. My episode 5, as far as blogging is concerned, happened in November. And no matter how many months have passed, I'm still stuck in November. So I'm going to spend the next few hours/days 'watching' episode 5, and the rest of the episodes I've missed, so as to bring me up to date, so I can finally get to watch my favourite show when it's actually on tv.

Make sense? Basically, I'm going to blog as much as I can on the happenings since November, so that I can actually blog about current events. Not that I haven't blogged since November, I've just tried to avoid any 'spoilers'.

Anyways, I better get cracking.

Barcelona 3 -1 Arsenal (4-3 aggregrate).

2011-03-08T22:00:00.000Z

Arsenal FC, we're by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen! And it's Arsenal!
The match's just kicked-off- 4 minutes on, now. I think my nerves have gone, now. It was probably the wait that was killing, but now WE'RE ON! So this is actually a love blog. Well kinda. I have no idea how it's going to end!

It's been so easy in the build-up, to forget that we actually have the lead. 2-1 it finished at the Emirates, just in case you forgot. So as it stands, we're going through, woohoo! I'm just rambling now, as I really cannot think straight. What's my name? Not sure I know. Is it Arsenal? Maybe, seeing as that's all that's on my mind now. Anyway I'm sure I'll remember at 10pm!

Can't believe Robin's actually starting, you know. After all the talk about him being out for 4-6 weeks! I wonder if Arsene knew all along that it would only be a short spell out, after he picked up an injury during that game.

It's been an underwhelming game so far, though, with 12 minutes gone. Whoa, spoke too soon! Messi was kinda clean through, but Koscielny did brilliantly! A wrong move and it would have been a penalty and a Red! Phew! But as I was saying, there haven't been any shots on goal, yet. To be honest, I don't mind it staying that way! Barca have had about what, 90% of the possession so far? Just a guestimate, by the way.

Oops, first yellow of the game. Koscielny. Bang on 15 minutes. Can he hang on for 65 minutes without picking up another booking? Well, he better!

Ooh, from the resulting free-kick, Szczesny seems to have picked up an injury! Dani Alves fired it straight at Szzesny and he gathered it, but he looks like he did something to his fingers. The medical team is at work now. Not sure what he did to it, though. OH NO! Almunia's warming up! And HE'S COMING ON! OH GOD! PLEASE SAVE US! And it seems everyone on my timeline feels the same. But hey, Szczesny can say he kept a clean sheet at the Nou Camp! Just don't ask him how long he played...

Oh no, is Nasri down, now? Not for long, though, thank God! I am actually shaking. I guess the nerves aren't really gone... I've got my laptop on my lap (haha), hope I don't drop it, especially if we score...

Koscielny, be careful! You're on a yellow already! Oh right, that was Robin with the foul. No fluency to this game as of yet. Neither team keeping possession. But Pedro just had a curling effort, but wide of the post! It's building. Sagna with a yellow now. What did he do!? No idea!

Ooooh! Messi just tricked his way past a few players into the box, but the awesome Mr Djourou was there at the vital time to boot it away! Haha, he just fell in the box, but no penalty! You gotta appreciate the small things at this point. Oh wait, it LOOKED a penalty! Oops!

And now Villa just had the chance to score, but his effort was weak and easy for Almnunia. Who still managed to spill it, but only about an inch in front of himself. There was someone covering anyways. Oops, he's just booted the ball against the back of one of us! But Jack was there to mop it up! Phew!

Apologies if anyone is reading this post, as they don't come any more disjointed than this! We keep losing the ball! 10 minutes to go until halftime. It's almost like a game of chess! Ooh, Adriano just hit the bar! Now free-kick to Barca. Wave after wave! But we're doing enough. Just.

Gawd, Almunia scares me. They just showed a close-up of him. Scary!

We need Arshavin.

What, a free-kick?! That so wasn't one! They better not score from here. Defended well.

Finally we attack! But a Barca player is down. Will the match ever get going?

Haha, Robin just got a corner from a ball that came off, umm, him! I told you, the small things. WILSHERE DOWN! Iniesta challenge. Whoa, handbags! Robin getting involved. Not really sure what's going on.
5 minutes of added time. Jack's back in! Yellow for Robin now. It's getting hot now.

Messi with a shot, STRAIGHT at Almunia! Bloody hell, this looks like one of those games where 1-0 will do. Hope WE score that goal!

And Messi scores. Feck. Who on earth was trying the clever back-heel on the edge of the box? Nor so clever. It was Fabregas. Straight to Iniesta, who found Messi, who found the back of the net. Wow, what a reaction from Pep. Could have done his back there! Did the commentator just say "Messy with a y for Arsenal. Messi with an I for Barcelona"? AWFUL!

Half-time. As it stands, Barca are through. Ah, TIMELY stat from Opta! "4- The team that has opened the scoring in the last four encounters between Arsenal & Barcelona have failed to win. Comeback?". I love you OptaJoe. Seriously. Will love you even more if we win!

Just seen a replay of the goal. What a pre goal-attempt flick by Messi! I've just been umm, reliably informed by Twitter that it's called a "Sombrero"!

31% possession in the first half. Umm, BLATANT lie. It was so less then that!

Oh soz, second half's started. More of the same, really. Djourou with an interception! It's all about our defence today, isn't it?

Woohoo, a corner to us! Won by Nasri. AND A GOAL! Hahahaha, Busquets! AS it stands, we're through! Oh hell, and we almost conceded straight away! And Almunia's got a kick in his face for his troubles! Right, our goal. The corner was swung in by Nasri, on to the head of Busquets, and into the net. Simple as! except ofcourse, Busquests plays for Barca!

WHOA! Red for Robin! WHAT THE HELL! He was offside, but carried on, but the ref then sent him off for having a shot! Unjust.

We're in for it now. Wave after wave, again. Almunia's just had to make a save.

Not sure if I can continue this. Dani Alves should just have scored, but he blazed it! Squeaky bum time, and we still have 30 minutes to go. Everything's shaking, now.

Save by Almunia from David Silva!

I think I can only manage to type in short bursts. Gawd, it's 67 minutes on the clock, and I just thought it'll soon be 80 minutes gone. That's how dire it is. Oh, Xavi just scored. But it's not over! Extra time and penalties as it stands. See-sawing, much?

Sigh, penalty. Koscielny on Pedro. Come on, be a hero again, Almunia! Scores. Game, set, match? This could get even messy. But Arshavin's coming on! For Rosicky. But we aren't even attacking. Not getting the chance to, really. There's been an inevitability about the game since the Red. Such an undeserved Red. In the words of Cesc, "how much are they paying you?" I jest, ofcourse. One must learn to find humour even in the deepest of pains. See, football's turned me philosophical. Cesc is off?? Understandably, really. Bentdner on. Almunia's just denied Messi his hattrick. Small mercies.

Almunia again!

5 minutes plus added time remaining. Haha, Pedro should have scored! Empty net, but he rolled it wide! Still some hope left in me. Ohhhh! Bendtner almost won it for us! But poor first touch=Barca recovery=chance gone.

Out of interest, I wonder how many efforts Barca have had. Full-time, by the way.

Not the greatest of spectacles. Felt subdued all game, but especially after the sending off. There really wasn't much more we could have done. Credit to Barca.

19 attempts, 10 on target. No attempts, none on target by us. There it is. Amazing.

Can I just end this post here? Can't really say much else right now. But as I just tweeted, "Credit to Barca. But extra credit to our boys. Played their hearts out. Champions League's only a luxury, anyway. Time to focus on league.".

The joys of being an Arsenal fan... (Part 2)

2011-03-01T18:31:00.000Z

So. Where was I? Ah, Newcastle. 0-3 and cruising, chow mein being the only difficult part of the day. The room was absolutely buzzing! The 4th goal duly came with 26 minutes on the clock. 26 minutes, 4 goals. Newcastle fans were already fearing the worst, some already leaving the stadium, not able to handle it anymore. That's got to be some record! First half not yet over and the walk-outs have already began! One would have thought we were at the Emirates! (Joke!). But yeah, the first half was brilliant, and it was disappointing that we didn't score anymore in the 19 minutes left in that half. What an absolutely useless team! 4 goals in 26 minutes, 0 in 19 minutes?! There should have been a refund! I jest, ofcourse. There were similar jokes on Twitter, everyone was all jolly.

Second half kicked-off, and we wanted more of the same. But as that football cliche goes, it is a game of two halves! Pretty sure NO ONE would have predicted what happened subsequently at half-time, and it all would not have happened (probably) if not for a moment of madness. Actually, maybe some of the events were predictable. Ofcourse Joey Barton would try his hardest to do something stupid/rile our players. Ofcourse Joey Barton doing something stupid to rile our players would lead to someone getting sent off if they took the bait. Ofcourse one of our players being sent off would increase the pressure on us defensively, us being away. Ofcourse Joey Barton doing something stupid/riling our players, one of them who then takes the bait, them then getting sent off, thus increasing the pressure on us defensively would lead to us conceding goals. Ofcourse Joey Barton being Joey Barton, one of our players taking the bait, then getting sent off, then increasing the pressure on us defensively, then us conceding goals, would lead to us maybe conceding four. Ofcourse... I'll stop there. You get my point.

It wasn't predictable ofcourse, but it wasn't all that surprising in the end. Joey pissed Diaby off. Diaby got sent off. Newcastle pressured us. We cracked. They scored 4. End of. Oh wait! I remember, it was not that simple! First thing to go wrong for us in the second half was Djourou going off injured. Massive blow, he being our best defender since our other best defender Vermaelen got injured all those years ago. Not cool. Then shortly after was the Joey Barton/Diaby incident. I was pretty mad that day. But who was I mad at? I wasn't, and I am still not, too sure. Maybe Diaby for taking the bait? He could have retaliated in a more sensible manner- tackled him equally as badly, but when the referee was not watching. He could have punched him when the whistle went off. So many things he could have done, but in the heat of the moment, do you actually think that deeply? Or maybe I was furious with Joey Barton. He is a hideous creature and him simply being on the pitch is enough to make you angry. How DARE he tackle one of our players so recklessly, especially Diaby with his history of ankle injury caused by a similar tackle? How DARE he be Joey Barton! But well, he is, and he did do what he did. And it did lead to Diaby being sent off. And it did... and so on.

So that was the red card. Then came the goals. A penalty (scored by Joey Barton ofcourse). Then a goal. Then another penalty scored by. Then a screamer of a winner, sorry equaliser, 3 minutes from time. The first penalty. Was that the dodgy one? Well, in my mind right now, BOTH were dodgy! Oh, and after the penalty, Nolan should have been sent off for arm-wrestling Szczesny to the ground, which was in effect the same thing Diaby did! But the end result? A yellow to Szczesny for keeping hold of the ball after the penalty. In all honesty it was all Newcastle at this point, but it could all have ended differently if Nolan had been sent off. Their first goal came after 68 minutes (Diaby's red was after 50 minutes), and less than 10 minutes later, the second one came. Leon Best. I can't remember what the goal was like (and you can't blame me for not wanting to relive it!), but it was a deserved goal. Deserved in the sense that just a minute or so before, they had put the ball in the net , but the linesman flagged someone offside. But they weren't, as Rosicky was playing them on!

It was crazy at that point! Newcastle had the wind in their sails, and we were rocking! It was almost like we were a ship that's been sailing smoothly, and all of a sudden, one wrong steer and we were in the worst weather ever! Were we going to sink? Or were we going to survive, but with our ship severely hit by the storm? 15 minutes more and we'd be at shore! Could we hold on? We weren't helped by the most ridiculous refereeing decision ever! Since when was that a penalty??? There'd be millions of penalties every game if that was a genuine penalty. It wasn't! But not according to the referee. Unbelievable. And who was there to tuck it in, if not the probably-grinning-from-ear-to-ear-on-the-inside Joey Barton. At this point I wouldn't have minded if one of our players had seriously decked him! Well, obviously that would have been highly stupid, but it would have been perfect in that moment! But anyway, he tucked it in, and the pressure on our increasingly fragile "boat" was immense! 8 minutes plus injury-time to score a goal and complete- cliche time- the comeback of all comebacks!

Wish I had a picture of how Club level looked at that point in time! Everyone was probably like me- on the edge of their seats praying like MAD that we'd hold on! But their 4th duly came, Tiote blasting in from long range! The only positive from that game was that the Newcastle fans who had left before half time had missed an UNBELIEVABLE match! all that's left now is for the same to happen to their Emirates counterparts... Not that I want us to concede 4 goals in a miserable first half display, but you know what I mean. But anyways, I digress!

4-4, and with 4 minutes to go, and 5 minutes of time added on, either team could have gotten the winner! Although it would have been cruel on the other side, but we both came close! I think the Newcastle effort was dragged only just past the post, whereas van Persie's brilliant effort was offside. Not that we knew immediately, as we all thought we'd nicked it! But full time eventually came. Who'd have thunk it? Breathless stuff! In all that drama, it totally skipped my mind that Sol was on the bench! He didn't get on in the end, though.

I think it was one of those incredible football games- like the 4-4 at Anfield- where it'd be a pointless exercise faulting one person or the other. It was simply a brilliant game of football, and one that demonstrated exactly why we all love the game. It's unpredictable, and is at its best when there is a complete disregard for the script. It almost felt as if there was nothing we could have done about the game- it was meant to happen. Match of the Day didn't even have it in them to criticise us! It was just one of those extraordinary games that come about every once in a while. And luckily for us, it turned out to be a decent weekend for us, what with Manchester United losing their (fortunate) unbeaten run to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Wait, what? Oh sorry, Wolves at Molineux! See? That was an even worse result than ours! And I think Chelsea lost as well that weekend. It was a generally bizarre weekend, football-wise, and we ended up closing the gap to Man. Uinted by a point! I know, I know, we could and should have closed it by 3, but at the same time, we could well have lost!

Memorable game, though, and I guess that's the whole point of sports. Lasting memories. This blog is pretty long already, so umm, it's high time I called it a day! And oh, I missed hip-hop classes! Well, intentionally, but I was looking forward to it yesterday. Maybe I'll go next week...

I'm going to head home soonish- Chelsea v Manchester United in on in an hour and 15 minutes! Awesome! *Squeaky voice* Come on Chelsea! Bleurgh!

Oh, if I ever say I'm going to an away screening, punch me so hard, that I'll be knocked out until the game is over! ;)

The joys of being an Arsenal fan...

2011-02-28T19:31:00.001Z

Ah, Arsenal. I have so much to say, but the first thing I ought to say is that I love Arsenal. Well, obviously. It's a weird one, but no matter how many times the team disappoints, when you look at things in the cold light of day, you cannot help but love them more! I did say it was weird...

Anyways, where was I? The last time I blogged, I mentioned that I was going to the Newcastle live screening, right? And what a memorable game that was! Shame it id for all the wrong reasons...

I planned to get to the Emirates early, when I got to Finsbury Park where I was to meet Chris, I found out that he'd be quite late, meaning I had to walk all the way to the Ems on my own. In hindsight, that was NOT a good sign! Anyways, so as not to be "on my own" for too long, I walked as slowly as possible, although it was ridiculously windy, I would have been better off walking as fast as possible!

Got to the Emirates on time (ofcourse) got my drink, found somewhere comfortable to stay whilst waiting for Chris. Pre-match entertainment was Charlie George answering a few questions. Just your bog-standard questions, nothing remarkable.

The general mood was one of quiet confidence. There were no nerves or anything, it seemed. 5 minutes until kick-off, still no Chris, so went to have a look at the pitch (through the plexi-glass) where they were doing that thing they usually do with the UV lights, I think?

It looked cool! I almost missed the first goal as a result! Newcastle feels like a million years ago, given what happened on that day and yesterday, but we did have our good moments. Theo's goal was amazing, less then 40 seconds in as well! And before we were off that high, goal number two! This time by Djourou. Chris hadn't turned up still at this point, and I was extra pleased I didn't choose to wait for him. (I'd learnt my lesson before! I remember the Blackburn game last season that finished 6-2. We went for the game together, but unfortunately, he had the tickets. I say unfortunately because he was so late, we could only make the second half! Lucky for me I waited for him outside the Arsenal shop, where they were showing the game, so I didn't miss any of the goals. Would have been much better to have been in the stadium for the half, ofcourse, especially as it was 3-2 at the end of the half! Sorry, Chris!)

Anyways, less than 5 minutes gone, and it was 0-2 already, and HUGE smiles on everyone's face (or is it faces? Nevermind!), and oh, there Chris is! Had to find somewhere else to stay as there weren't any seats where I was and it wasn't the most convenient place to stay. But seeing as there were screens everywhere, finding somewhere else to stay wasn't a problem. Went round the corner, had to move a few chairs over, but eventually found a decent enough spot, but before we could contemplate sitting, 0-3! Robin! Pretty much sure EVERYONE, including the Newcastle players thought it was game over at that time. Ofcourse it was! Oh wait...

I'd bought myself some Chinese from the Arsenal restaurant (bloody pricey it was, but I couldn't resist! Not because I thought it'd be great, but because it was at the Emirates!) And seeing as they think everyone at the Emirates can handle using chopsticks, that's what was available. I remember thinking to myself that I was having more trouble dealing with my chicken chow mein that the boys were having going through the Newcastle defence! Famous last words (thoughts), huh?

But umm, on that note, I gotta go! It's 7.30pm and I'm still at work! Need to catch the bus in 10 minutes! Will continue tomorrow! (Sorry Yinka!) :-) I'm sure I'll get round to Birmingham at some point tomorrow! ;-)

Happy anniversary to me...

2011-02-05T09:56:00.001Z

So it's been a year this week since I wrote my first post on here. 2nd of February, to be exact. Feels so long ago. I started one because... not really sure to be honest, it just seemed like a good idea. I lot has changed in my life over the past year, and it hurts a bit that I haven't been able to blog here as much as I would have loved to. But what hasn't changed is the fact that I love writing. I just haven't been able to do that much of it these past few months.

But new 'year', new beginnings, right? I haven't been really settled this past year, but by the end of this month, there will be proper structure to my life and I promise, yes PROMISE, that I will blog more. Honest. There's more I want to write now, but it'd spoil future posts, so I'll hold off for a bit.

This is my first post this year actually (very awful effort), so umm, happy new year! It's never too late to say it, alright?

We've (Arsenal, ofcourse!) been doing pretty well this season, and I'm really optimistic we'll win something this season. We're in the final of the Carling Cup, yay! I may not be going to Wembley for it, but I'm glad I went to the two home games we had in the competitions and I'm glad I was part of those who were able to 'help' the team get to the final. Would have been brilliant if I was going to Wembley, but I'm not mad that I didn't get the chance to get tickets for it.

I haven't been to that many games this season, but hopefully that will change soon. We play Newcastle away today, 3pm. It's not on tv ofcourse, it being a 3pm Saturday game, but I will be going to the Emirates to watch it, as they were nice enough (well, for the small sum of £8) to have the game screened live in club level, so I'll be able to watch it. I'm not reminding you what happened the only other time I've been to one of those live sceenings. It was the Sp*rs away game last season...

But yeah, hopefully the boys do the business.

And hopefully it doesn't take me another 4 months to write my next post!

London buses!

2010-10-17T12:16:00.000+01:00

Another post! Like London buses, eh? Wait ages for one, then two come along at the same time! ;)

Quick one this time around, though, with a number songs I like a lot (There are others, just can't remember them right now!). Don't like Taio Cruz, but I like these two songs!

And this one by 'The Wanted', although the video made me question why I like it! I think some songs ARE better without videos!

That's it for now, laters! :)

Hi! :)

2010-10-17T12:07:00.000+01:00

Last post, 9th August 2010! Awful! Not that I haven't had anything to blog about, but I've been sorta busy and I'll admit, my attention's been elsewhere. Joel, it's all your fault, you know! Haha.

But yeah, that last post was so so long ago! A day before my 22nd birthday, and Joel's too. And it rained that day, unbelievable! Isn't it annoying when it rains on your birthday, especially as it's meant to be summer and all! And I didn't have a birthday cake! For the first-time ever! Don't really know how that happened. Probably because I was dithering for ages over what to to do. Wanted to do the 'Go Ape' thing at first, then thought paintballing, then LaserTag. Then it turned out a friend was getting married on the weekend I wanted to do something, so I decided to do that instead! Cop-out, more like! Wanted to bake a cake the day before my birthday, but I don't remember, I was either too lazy or tired so didn't bake one. But considering I had 4 cakes in total last year, it's not too bad. But I'll still doubling the cakes I have next year!

It's been a crazy few months, though. But unfortunately, there hasn't been much of Arsenal involved. I've only been to one game this season, and that was pre-season even, at the Emirates Cup. And I've been slacking totally. I hardly ever go on ATVO even though I keep renewing my monthly membership. I never know who's injured until when the line-up's revealed! But at least I have been following the games. Having said that, there've been one or two games this season that I've seen zero highlights of! Really bad. We've been a bit dodgy this season as well, which doesn't help! It's still early days though, and hopefully we'll nick a trophy or two!
But I still bleed red and white, and even if I've not been as up-to-date as I usually am, I still manage to follow all the games. And I'm going to the Emirates soon! See, I've not totally pushed Arsenal aside! I'm going to the West Ham game end of the month with Chris, and that should be fun! Hopefully I get to go to more games this season, but this is a good start!

Oh, and I have a job! Okay well, I'll know for definite by the end of this week, but for the past three weeks, I've been interning at a Shipping Arbitrator's in London. The plan was for it to be an internship/trial period for 4 weeks, then depending on how things go, it might turn out to be a more permanent role. I think it's been going well so far, but I guess you can't really be too sure! We'll see what happens at the end of this week, as the 4 weeks are up on Friday! But it's been good fun, though. Not easy, but fun. Although my hours aren't the usual 9-5. I start at 10.30am, to finish at 6.30pm. Usually leave home at 8am, and don't get back until about 8pm/9pm, depending on the buses! It's always tight, as the train gets to St Albans at about 7.55pm, and there's meant to be a bus at 7.55pm, about two minutes' walk away! I've been lucky though, as most times, the bus has been a bit late, meaning I get to the bus stop just in time, or having to wait a few minutes for it. But the other day, I missed it! The next one was an hour later, but there's meant to be another bus 35-40 minutes after the one I missed, but for some reason, it didn't come on time, so I ended up being stuck at the bus stop for almost an hour! And it was raining as well! But at least, I was under the bus stand so didn't get wet! It was very frustrating, as I wasn't sure whether I'd missed the bus or not, because usually, I'd see the bus drive past on my way to the stop, or the bus stop would be empty, which it wasn't. So you spend the first 10-20 minutes thinking, 'the bus might be here soon'. Then you give up, but you think, 'The other bus might be here soon', as it's usually early, and before you know it, you're there for an hour! If I'd known for sure that I'd missed the bus, I could have gotten myself some dinner, especially as the bus stop's right opposite Frango's (Nando's rip-off, but with better chicken!). I love Frango's! But I didn't want to go in to order something, as I kept thinking I'd miss the bus! Or I could have taken a cab home! A bit expensive, but at least I get home at a decent time! By the time I eventually got home, was too tired to even have dinner! Awful! But luckily, I've only ever had to miss the bus a couple or so times.

I might change my hours to 10am to 6pm though. And I wouldn't even have to leave the house any earlier! Usually when I leave at 8am, if I went straight to work, I'd get there for 10am, but seeing as I'd be 30 minutes early, I usually just mess about in the mornings, deliberately miss the train, or do a bit of shopping! Funny the other day, I took a detour to go find some KFC. But the Victoria line was acting up, and I ended up getting to work 10 minutes late! Even worse was the fact that it turned out that they don't actually serve chicken that early (9.30am thereabouts), so I ended up having something off their breakfast menu. No chicken! But at least it was nice! But yeah, the point is, might be much better if I just went to work straight, got there at 10am and left at 6pm, as it'd mean I'd get home about quarter to 8, which is decent enough! But anyways, I should get the job first before thinking of alternatives!

Pictures, pictures! I've got loads to upload! Holiday pictures, Arsenal stadium and museum tour, and other random bits! But it takes AGES on Blogger! I finally have a Flickr account, but I've uploaded zero pictures as of now! It might be easier to upload pictures there, so I'll give it a go one of these days, and post a link up here. No guarantees I'll be doing it any time soon, though!

I don't know if I've ever mentioned driving lessons on here, but I have been taking lessons for some time now. And I finally did my theory test, after changing dates a million times, it seems! But I did really well! I guess you only need to not fail it, but I actually proper studied for it, so I got all the theory questions right, and the hazard perception bit I passed very well too! Can't remember the scores though. Wait, I hope I haven't lost that paper, as I'll need to find it when I'm taking my practical test! But yeah, been having lessons, and it's really good fun! I had my first 'night' lesson last night and it was the best! I should have more 'night' lessons...

Anyways, enough drivel! That's only a snippet of all the things I've had to say the last few months, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view!), I've forgotten most of the rest! Lucky sods! Hey, I mean that in a nice way! But yeah, I haven't lost the art of rambling on and on, I've just not found the time, shame on me. And I still remember how to get on this page! (Good thing I had it bookmarked! ;))

I'll stop now, and I do hope it's not another two and a half months before my next post! Someone shoot me if that's the case! ;)

Oh yeah, something to do when you're bored, 'UrbanDictionary' your name! Should be funny...
Got some stick from Joel for liking the Bee Gees, but I'll leave you with this!

Hello...

2010-08-09T23:14:00.000+01:00

Great song!

That's all, for now...

I've missed you!!!

2010-07-16T21:39:00.000+01:00

I am ofcourse referring to Arsenal (and blogging)! The season, well pre-season football atleast, starts tomorrow and I'm excited as anything! Maybe now with Arsenal to watch and talk about, I can return to something close to normalcy, re blogging. As I mentioned before, it's not really a lack of stuff to write about- I've still got loads of holiday pictures to post and chat about- but it's just that spark that's been missing, and hopefully my love for writing about Arsenal and inane things will be re-ignited once those boys (whichever 11) take to the field again tomorrow against Barnet, our usual (pre) season opener. Wow, that's one long sentence!

Thanks to that wonderful and lovely distraction called the World Cup, I haven't really suffered from the usual off-season Arsenal withdrawal symptoms, and I'm very ashamed to say I've hardly been on ATVO, and the last 2 Premier League games last season which I missed while I was away, I haven't watched. Not even a single highlight! So Carlos Vela's chip against Fulham, I can only imagine what it was like. I'm not sorry I haven't seen the highlights of the Blackburn game, though. The less seen or said about it, the better! But I'm sure I'm bound to relive that disaster sometime during the course of the season! Anyways...

Oh yeah, I was out for a party last week Saturday, and I've got a story to tell! Not so much about the party, but the getting there!

(It's quite a long tale, so why not listen to some music!? One of my favourite (and timeless) songs- Toploader's Dancing in the Moonlight! Please excuse the poor quality, but you only need to listen, ayways! ;-)

So it was Esther's brother's (denim and white themed) house party, all the way in some place in Eest London I'd never heard of before, Purfleet. The plan was to go to Chris' house first, as I don't live to far from him, watch the World Cup 3rd place play-off- Germany v Uruguay- then go to the party.

All was looking well and good. It was a really good game, and we even stayed a bit longer and watched James Corden's World Cup show. Don't really know what it's called as one always feels the urge to change the channel whenever the show comes on, but as our very own Arshavin was on it, why not?!

Anyways, we finally got our act together and left at about half 10 thereabouts, and got to Hatfield station. Just missed a train so had to catch the next one, which was at about 11pm. The plan was to find our way to Limehouse, then catch the C2C from there to Purfleet. Got to Limehouse, only to find we'd missed the last train to Purfleet. Apparently the last train was ages ago, too! The only way to go was back, so we went back a stop to Fenchurch station, hoping to find someone at the station who could I don't know, tell us an alternative route or something. Got there, and the advice was to take the train to Barking, then from there, either take the bus or a cab to Purfleet. Didn't sound like a bad idea, except that the next train wasn't for another 30 or so minutes, and this was already getting to midnight. So Chris and I decided to just cab it from where we were to Purfleet. How hard could that be, right?

Went outside the station to find one, but there wasn't any. The taxi ramp was empty and not being from London, didn't have any can numbers. So we spoke to a couple of the guys working at the station asking where to get a cab, and they're like there's a bus stop round the corner, you might find one there. So we get to the bus stop and not surprisingly, there wasn't any. We were just trying to get our bearings right when this 'not in service' bus stops in front of us. The bus driver- a really nice mature Caribbean dude, Jamaican I think- opens the door and is like, 'Do you know the last bus has gone already?', and he's like where are you going? So we tell him that we're trying to get to Purfleet and he's like jump on the bus, I'll drop you somewhere closeby, then take the bus 25 to Barking, which was really really nice of him. So he drops us off at a bus stop a few minutes away.

So we're at the bus stop trying to figure out where exactly we are and what direction we need to travel. Turns out we're close to Monument station. We do see a Bus 25, but I figured it'd be much quicker if we took the underground from there to Barking. So we don't get on the bus. We're about to start walking to the underground station, when this guy at the Bus stop is like 'Erm, it's a Saturday, the undergrounds are shut already'. Damn. We get talking, where are you going, blah blah blah. He was on his way to Dagenham, and he suggests we get on a cab together, since according to him, Dagenham's on the way to Purfleet. We're perfectly happy with this, because in all honesty, we really didn't have a clue which way to go or anything. Finding the cab is the problem, though.

There was this cab at the bus stop, an Addison Lee cab, but he's like he's not in service and gives us his company's number to call. Hurrah! But it's one of those 0844 numbers, which you can't dial on your contract phone, and you get charged some funny amount. But I had a pay as you go phone on me as well, so I decide to use that instead. It turns out to be one of those automated services, so I got put on hold for a bit, then finally got to speak to someone called Joel. But just as I'm about to finalise the whole thing, I run out of credit. Awesome. To make things worse, I was actually starving! And it's not your usual hunger, but the type where you're stomach is totally empty and you can't take a step without your stomach hurting. Really clueless to why I was that hungry, as I'd just eaten before we left, even though I didn't eat that much. But yeah, we're kinda stranded, and I'm dead hungry, and no shops or anything around are open. Two things I always have in my bag are a tube map and a bottle of water. Obviously, not the same bottle of water all the time, but a bottle of water. But this time around, I didn't have either, and desperately needed them! Water would have been absolutely fine for me at that stage, as I felt drinking lots of liquid was what I needed. Also needed a tube map really badly as I honestly didn't have any clue as to how near or far we were from our destination, or which direction we had to go! But thank God for smartphones! Was able to download a tube map (now permanently saved on my phone). Shame there's no water app!

Anyways, so the dude we met at the bus stop, Dan, is like he thinks there's a cab company around and that we should just walk in and book a cab there and then, so we start walking. I'm in absolute agony, but I didn't have much of a choice, anyways. So we start walking, and chat some more to Dan. Turns out it was his birthday that day, and he'd just been out with a few mates and was trying to get home. He's hungry too, and then tells us that he's a head chef! If only he had some sort of food on him, right? Anyways, we walk from Monument to London Bridge, and come across a Kebab shop! Awesome! I get myself a can of coke as that's about all I can handle, or water, but being a coke addict, I went for that instead! We also ask the woman at the shop where the cab company was as Dan couldn't find it, and she's like it's round the corner. You can't begin to imagine how full of joy I was at the sight of the cab company! Tired of walking, and just want to sit somewhere and sleep! After eating something, ofcourse.

Anyways, so we book a cab from London Bridge to Purfleet, stopping at Dagenham, and it cost £55, which was to me, a very very good deal, Purfleet being as far away as it is, and it being late at night as well. So 3 of us get in the cab, and off we went. Dan is being very chatty, and I ask him about where he's head chef at. Turns out to be a nice cocktail bar at Soho Square, Barrio Central. He tells us about his boss, and that they've got a new menu coming out soon. He even gets us to add him on facebook, and Chris and I are like we'll definitely pop in one of these days. He even told us about his ex-girlfriend, about her being from Spain and them meeting here while she was doing her Ph.D. He then moves to Spain with her and starts working there, only for them to eventually break up. Ouch. He seemed a really nice dude, and to top it off, when we got to Dagenham, he actually paid half of the cab fare, which he didn't have to do, there being 3 of us, and him not going the full distance. So yeah, nice dude. He gets off, and we continue to Purfleet. Yay! Unluckily though, we got off at the wrong house! It was in quite a nice area, but there weren't any street signs- as far as we can see, anyways- and the SatNav seemed certain we had reached our destination. Tried calling Esther and our other friend who was at the party too, Oyinda, but couldn't get through to any of them! I'd changed into these ridiculous heels in the cab, and we had to try to figure out how to find the stupid house! Luckily for us, we could actually hear the music, so it was only a matter of finding how to get to the house, which we eventually did. Phew!

So the party was slated to start at 9pm, and what time did we get there? 2am! (Un)fashionably late, right?! I'm usually shy (anti-social) at parties and stuff, but nothing like an onerous journey and severe hunger to make you shyness (anti-socialness) disappear. I might have felt like crying, especially during the long walk to find a cab company, but it was actually good fun, the journey. I'd agonised for days, whether or not to go for the party and only decided to go, the night before, but I'm happy I did. It was quite the adventure, but it's stuff like that which make life interesting. (Admittedly, I'm a thrill-seeker and love adventure).
Had fun at the party though, even though we'd missed most of it (fine by me, actually. Anti-social, see?!). Party finished at about 4am, but we crashed at the house until about 6am, before then finding our way to Esther's in the morning, for another round of sleep. Adventure and party over.

Took some dodgy pictures with the camera on my (new) phone. I had my proper camera in my bag, but couldn't be bothered to use it, as I'd already dumped my slightly heavy bag in some room. Here are a few of the better ones:

Brother and sister:

Hungry (and now happy) girl and part of Chris' face:

Zainab, Chris and Esther:

Oyinda and I:

Esther and I, too-hungry-to-eat (True!)

Oyinda butting in and spoiling what would have been a good picture!:

Much better:

So I figured out a few things on Sautrday:
*How a car feels like when it's running on nothing but fumes
*Hunger and tiredness makes me hyper and less anti-social!

Anyways, high time I ended this blog before it gets any longer! (proof I'm back to my blogging ways, as long blogs have returned, woohoo!).

Classic Cars

2010-06-20T12:22:00.000+01:00

Long time no write. It's my fault. Well, obviously. It's a bit funny, because I do have stuff to write, I'm just not been able to. Don't worry, I'll not be abandoning you soon, you just have to be patient and before you know it, everything'll be back to normal. Or rather, as normal as they can be!

I'm posting pictures about cars, today! Random, I know! But hey, just doing what it says on the tin! ;) Anyways, in church today, and it being Father's Day, there was something for the 'blokes', a Classic Cars Show! Quite a few cars were on display in the parking lot. I might be an F1 girl, but there's only so much I know about cars, and my car-knowledge is solely restricted to F1, anyways. But some of the cars were/are gorgeous, and I thought I'd take pictures and post it up here, especially since I've been promising pictures of my holiday and haven't got round to sorting them out and posting them. I didn't have my camera with me, but the one on my phone seems to have done a good job!

But anyways, here are the pictures. I haven't got a clue about any of the cars, so there'll be no description from me. The only thing I can say is they're fabulous. Enjoy! (There was a car on display on the cruise, that I can only guess was a 'classic car, so I'm adding it here! It's the first car). Please ignore my photography skills; and the people, it goes without saying! Haha.

Classic Cars show:

There were more cars, but I couldn't take more pictures, as my cousin was in a hurry to get home, and not all of them looked nice to me, anyways.

So yeah, that's about it for now. Hopefully I'll be back sooner, rather than later! :)

I'm actually alive and well!

2010-05-26T12:50:00.001+01:00

I haven't blogged in ages, and I haven't got any real excuses. But I'm back now, and that's all that matters, right? Right?

Anyways, I've been back from my holiday for exactly a week, and it's high time things went back to normal, in relation to blogging and tweeting. It's like I lost all motivation to do both, and thinking about it, it's probably related to the fact that Premier League season is over. There are no Arsenal games to look forward to, until pre-season! But at least the World Cup starts soon, and that's something to look forward to. The French Open is on now actually, and I've been watching it, but I don't really feel up to blogging or tweeting about that. Maybe when it's into the second week...

Back to my holiday. I did enjoy it loads, and considering I was sort of dreading it, that's a massive result! I'll be writing about it and posting the all-important pictures over the next couple of weeks. I took loads and loads of pictures, a lot of them rubbish, by the way. I'll probably use only a few, and maybe I'll put the rest on Flickr, or something. I'll probably blog about Arsenal first, though. I missed the last 2 games, and my feelings towards both were a complete contrast, well obviously, seeing as we won one and lost the other!

On a random note, I was watching 'Terminator' the other day on the iPlayer, and I think it's the first time I've actually watched it and understood it. I probably watched it when I was younger, but the only bit I remembered was when he was plucking his eye out and showing us his bones made of metal! Anyways, I couldn't help but think, when the Terminator's butt was shown at the start, how the Governor of California must feel, knowing that the whole world has seen his butt, or if they haven't seen it, that they know where to go to find it? I'm sure poor Arnold doesn't think about that, but I thought it was hilarious, either way!

Anyways, that's all for now, but I'LL BE BACK! (just couldn't resist! ;) )

The Magic of the Cup. Actually, make that the Magic of Fulham.

2010-05-11T01:02:00.000+01:00

I wrote this post last week for Soccerfanbase, but as it could not be posted, due to server issues, I thought I might as well post it here!
I haven't had much time to blog my usual drivel, and I don't know if I'll get the time to do so before I return to England next week, but I'll try to write at least one post, before I leave, 'try' being the operative word! :)

~~~~~~~~
They've been loads of amazing football stories this season, good and bad. Newly-promoted Birmingham on-course to remain in the Premier League for another season, possibly as high as 9th- amazing. Liverpool struggling for anything resembling the form they were in last season and will probably end up outside the Top 4- shocker. Leeds knocking Manchester United out of the FA cup in the 3rd round, at old Trafford- special. Portsmouth, relegated and broke, getting to the FA Cup final against all odds- the stuff of dreams.

So many more unbelievable stories this season, but the best of all, unquestionably has to be the achievements of Fulham FC. No, not their performance in the Premier League; they've been unspectacular at best. But their achievements in Europe- the Europa League- have been spectacular. How?

Fulham have only ever qualified for Europe twice in their history, the second time being this season, after finishing 7th in the Premier League last season which was a huge achievement in itself. Thier European achievement started against FK Vėtra, a Lithuanian football club, in the 3rd qualifying round. They won that 6-0 on aggregrate. No sweat. Then on to the play-offs, where they saw off Russian club FC Amkar Perm, 3-2 on aggregate.

In the group stages, they were in Group E with Roma, FC Basel and CSKA Sofia. Getting to the knock-out round was not easy, and they had to rely on a win away to FC Basel on the last day. Things looked on track after Boby Zamora put them 2-0 up at half-time, but Basel came out fighting in the second half, and even though Fulham went 3-1 up, Basel pulled it back to 3-2 with about 3 minutes left. But Fulham held on for the crucial win, seeing them into the knock-out stages.

When the draw for the knock-out rounds was made, it was widely-held that Fulham would not make it as they had been paired with Shakhtar Donetsk (current UEFA cup holders) in the round of 32, with the possibility of facing either Juventus or Ajax in the round of 16, both clubs with pedigree in Europe. Not an easy task, and it would not have been a shame, losing to any of those teams.

So Fulham beat Shakhtar 3-2 on aggregate (a home win and an away draw) to go through to the last-16 where they faced Juventus. A huge task this, which only got bigger after losing the away leg 3-1. Meaning they had to win the home leg at Craven Cottage by a margin of 3. And with Juventus scoring inside 2 minutes, it looked like curtains. Zamora equalised shortly after, and when Trezeguet was sent off in the first half, Fulham could sense an opportunity. A couple of goals by Gera in each half, and suddenly, Fulham only needed one more goal to go through. Juventus were holding on gamely, and it took a beauty by Clint Dempsey in the 82nd minute to put them through. Unbelievable result, and unbelievably, Fulham were in the quarter-finals!

Wolfsburg were their quarter-finals opposition, with the possibility of facing Hamburg or Standard Liege. Fulham beat Wolfsburg 2-1 at home, but with the away goal, Wolfsburg had the advantage. But a Bobby Zamora goal in the first minute away at Wolfsburg ensured Fulham won the tie 3-1 on aggregate, setting up a semi-final meeting with Hamburg.

With the final meant to be held at the HSH Nordbank Arena, Hamburg's home ground, Fulham were clearly the underdogs. The away leg was first, endind 0-0. Fulham have an amazing home record in European competition, unbeaten in 15 at this stage, so that ought to have given them some confidence. But with main striker Bobby Zamora struggling with an achilles injury, it seemed like a game too far for the club and this feeling only intensfied after Mladen Petric gave Hamburg the lead with a stunning free-kick. But if there's anything we've learned from Fulham in Europe this season, it is that they are fighters. 2 quick goals in 10 minutes gave Fulham the lead with about 15 minutes to go. With a place in the finals at stake, and a major piece of Fulham history about to be written, Fulham held on.

So Fulham FC in the finals of the Europa League, in only their second-ever season in Europe! Magical. Amazing feat this, and it was only fitting that they were able to enjoy the moment in front of the Fulham faithful at Craven Cottage. They were unfancied at the start and rightly so, but they defied the odds to make it to the finals on their own merit, where they will face Atletico Madrid at the Nordbank Arena. Who would have thought it, that Fulham would be England's sole representative in Europe at this stage? Unbelievable. Huge credit to Roy Hodgson who has transformed Fulham since he took over in 2007, and I am pretty sure no one -not even Fulham's most intense rivals- would begrudge the team and the manager, were they to win the Europa League. There is no question who the Manager of the Season ought to be this season, and if it turns out to be anyone other than Roy Hodgson, they would be an underserved winner.

Make no mistake they are massive underdogs for the trophy, but come the 12th May, every football fan in England will (and should) be rooting for Fulham, and it would be the perfect ending to this fairy tale, were they to lift the trophy on that night.

Come on Fulham, the whole of England is behind you!

~~~~~~~~

Other side of the world. No, I'm not in Australia!

2010-04-29T13:51:00.003+01:00

Hello! Made it safely across the pond. Obviously :)

Really long flight. Didn't sleep much on it, though, as I busied myself with the in-flight entertainment. Can't remember all I watched, but it included 'This Is It', Glee, the 'Inbetweeners' and 'the Invention of Lying' (didn't actually finish it).

I was sat at the window-seat, meaning I could take loads of aerial-view pictures, but also meaning I only left my seat once- the same time the dude next to me left his seat! I find it really difficult to bug whoever's next to me to excuse me. I always feel bad! Well, next time, choose the bloody aisle-seat! Or maybe not, just grow a pair!

Anyways, I took a few pictures, although I felt like a silly tourist doing it, until I saw the dude next to me doing the same!

I tend to always end up sitting close to the wings!

Aren't clouds such fascinating things? When I was younger, I always wanted to touch them, if not for those damned windows! Still want to, actually...

Not the clearest of pictures, but that's actually a ship, at the top of the ripple in the centre!

The descent begins...

Zoomed in...

The 'famous' pond, no?

Almost there, as the wing gets uglier.

And a couple more ships/boats...

Landing soon, the pilot says. Well, obviously!

The views upon landing- pretty rubbish, so didn't bother with more pictures.

No take-off or landing dramatics. Unfortunate, as I like a bit of drama! Oh well, maybe next time...

So great flight. We were meant to leave at about 11.15am, but didn't leave until almost 12pm. That's Virgin for you! But as it was a direct flight, I could forgive them anything. Didn't land until about 10pm. Rough guesstimate, as I was too tired and that info wasn't sticking.

Then a bit of drama at the Immigration Desk. I like drama, but not when I'm tired and just want to get into the nearest bed! Anyways, you had like a couple of cards you were meant to fill in and hand in at the desk. I'd filled mine, but I left the address bit blank. Meant to be staying at my Uncle's, but I couldn't for the life of me remember the address.

I'd filled it loads of times on various forms- when applying for my visa, booking my ticket, checking in, and I even had to fill it on my boarding pass. But I couldn't remember it. I had it in my email, but couldn't access it on my phone.

But yeah, I get to the desk and the dude's like 'Where's the address of where you're staying?'. I'm like 'Err, I can't remember, but I've got a phone number!' He's like 'Go speak to this dude'. I go to speak to him and he's like 'What do you want me to do? You ought to have filled in all this information from the UK'. Blah, blah, blah.

He later becomes reasonable and says he'll get someone to call the house to get the address. I'm like 'Err, not sure there's anyone home, actually!' and give him my sister's number to call, as I didn't have my Aunt or Uncle's number. My sister's in Gainesville, Florida but we were in Miami, and he's like 'Sorry, we can't call Gainesville from here'.

At this point, I'm getting really pissed off, as it's just a bloody address which I'm sure they've got on their system somewhere. I was quite willing to go back to London, though that'll have just been stupid. But they didn't want to let me in without the stupid address. Arrgghh!

Luckily, or unluckily to some extent, as my Aunt was waiting for me at the Airport, they were able to get in touch with her to get the address. Everyone else on the flight had already gone through before I was allowed through.

In all honesty though, I'm not surprised I couldn't remember the address! I may have stayed there for 3 months the last time I was there about 4 years ago, and according to my passport 3 more other times (I only remember 2!), but it's got more numbers than letters! Amazing! And considering my track-record with numbers...

This isn't the real address, but it's close:

19864 NE 232 ST

Miami, FL

33196

All I could remember was Miami, Florida. But really though, why all the numbers?!

Anyways, I wasn't impressed with the whole thing. As Fergie would probably say, 'Typical Canadians!'. Everyone else was nice to me, though- the dude at the baggage area who helped me find my box and load it unto the trolley, and the dude at the baggage-scanner who helped me re-load it. Was in too much of a mood to notice and be nice back, apologies!

Finally got into the car probably about an hour and a half after landing. It felt like longer, though. That's all the moaning I'll be doing, hopefully!

So that was Tuesday. It's Thursday today and I've just been sleeping! Did catch Jose's Inter dump Barca out of the Champions League and reach the final, though. Not yet sure if that's a good thing or not, but AM I BOVVERED?! It's got nothing to do with Arsenal so a massive 'whatever!' Not jealous, not jealous. Ofcourse not.

I also watched Eastenders, last week's Omnibus on my laptop. Don't even ask how I managed that! But I shan't be missing any Eastenders while I'm away-awesome.

Anyways, the parents should be arriving today and we should be driving down to Gainesville for Friday morning's graduation. Should be fun! I hope...

PS: I've updated (or I'll be doing it as soon as I'm done here!) the pictures I said I would in the last post.

Will try and blog at least once more before we live on the Cruise on Sunday.

Laters! :)

Arsenal in April- Heartbreakers. Still love the club/team to bits!

2010-04-25T21:01:00.003+01:00

So I haven't mentioned Arsenal properly for a few games, now. How very remiss of me! I think the home game against Barcelona was the last game I talked about. Poor. Very poor.

After the Barca home game was the Wolves game at the Emirates. I was at that game, and wow, it wasn't good for the heart, seriously! Wolves defended for their lives and we knew that a draw just wasn't going to do. Anything less than a win ans we were out of the title race. The match was even worse for me, because just before half-time, I was in excruciating pain. I don't know why I do this to myself, but I hadn't eaten all day and my left side was terribly constricted! Ironic that food was being sold at the game ofcourse, but I couldn't actually stand up, not least walk to get some. So there I was in physical pain and emotional pain as well, a few minutes to the end. To make things worse, I thought the referee had only added 3 minutes of extra time, so when 3 minutes had passed and we hadn't scored, I was expecting him to blow the final whistle and I was already in tears. But as they say, the rest is history! Nikky B as usual, sticking it up to his doubters. I can tell you that after the goal went in, I went crazy and I think my hunger-pain disappeared as well! How easy emotions change in football, right?

[Got one or 2 pictures, which I'll try and post later- not got my memory card with me at the moment]
Here they are!

'United Colours of Arsenal', I think it says.

Alex Song is so 'Mr Cool', isn't he?

Tomas and Thomas having a moment during a stoppage. Thomas can't be asking for hair-tips, surely?!

Nikky B, super-sub!

After the goal. How I was able to take this picture, I'll never know! Things I do for this blog, eh? ;)

Final whistle. Let's all laugh at Wolves! Shame about the tears, but that's what you get for time-wasting ALL GAME!

I said a couple, I've posted seven. Well, shoot me! ;)

Next game, Barca away. Which we lost ofcourse, thanks to a very Messy four-some! Messi by name, messy by nature! See what I did there?

We got off to an unbelievable start though, Bendtner scoring with practically our first attack of the game after good work by Theo and the feeling after that goal went in was unbelievable! If only the game ended there and then. But barely 5 minutes later, Messi went up the other end and scored. And he scored 3 more later, for good measure! In all honesty, he didn't have to work much for the goals hence them being messy, but he was in the right place at the right time and he took them well.

Champions League dream over, and we couldn't have lost to a better team. Although now that they're trailing Inter 1-3 after the first leg of the semi-final, maybe we could have had them? Huge 'maybe', considering the absentees we had and how unbelievably brilliant Inter are, defensively.

Next game, Sp*rs away. I was at the Away Screening at the Emirates and boy, did that defeat hurt! I was more angry than anything. Not at us, but at Sp*rs. Like, how dare they beat us? Of all times to choose to break their 11-year hoodoo! The tramps! But yeah, losing 2-1 hurt. Not least because we could have actually won it in the end, if not for Gomes making those ridiculous saves from Robin, making his first appearance since November. Great to see Robin back though, even though we lost.

View from Club Level. Not a bad one, is it?! If you look closely, you can see my reflection and my camera's, in the plexiglass!

Ah, the worst game of all. Wigan. I can't believe I'm actually revisiting the game in my head. It ought to be buried deep in head, in the section called 'Do not Access'. If I thought Wolves was painful, or that the Sp*rs game hurt, this was a million times worse! Like seriously though, how did we lose 3-2, after being 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go? Hard to comprehend. The irony of it all was that the player whose goal started it all, Ben Watson, is an avid Arsenal fan and his parents are even season-ticket holders. Couldn't he delay his brilliant performance to the next game? I hope his parents didn't let him back in the house, by the way! I jest, I jest. I watched the game at home with my Aunt (an Arsenal fan) and her friend (doesn't care a jot about football) and I got laughed at for crying. It's the worst I've felt in a long time about football and being laughed at was really helpful. Not. Sp*rs beating Chelsea also meant that 3 points for us and we would have been back in the title race. Big time! But we messed it up. Season over.

Next game then, yesterday's, was home to Manchester City. I was at the game as well. What a snooze-fest! It wasn't a bad game watching in the stands, as the atmosphere at the game more than made up for the lack of real action on the pitch. The best thing was the booing reserved specifically for Ade, and the cheers for Vieira, especially when Patrick got subbed for Ade. I didn't boo, as that would have just been a waste of energy, but it was hilarious, all the same. The dude behind us had a kid next to him and I kind of felt for the little boy. His ears must have been stung by all the swearing! Swearing at Ade, and also the referee (he was pretty rubbish, though)! 'The referee's a W****R'.

Anyways, nil nil was totally unexpected, considering the attacking riches of City alone! But that's what we got. Considering it was my last game of the season, I was a bit disappointed. But nil-nil definitely is better than a defeat- we'd lost 3 games in a row prior to the game, so it definitely was a possibility! Glad we didn't lose. And seeing Robin in the flesh after so long was good, too. And Vieira (first time, actually) and Toure, too! Definitely not Ade. He's dead to me, isn't he?

[Took a few pictures, but not on my camera, so it might be a while until I'm able to get them. Certainly not for another 3 weeks, at least! Or actually, might get her to email them to me...]

I was sat next to Fabrez too, alongside Chris as usual. Great to finally meet you, mate!

So yeah, that's been Arsenal over the past few games. Two more to go, and hopefully we win both. I'm not sure yet if I'll be able to follow both games live, but I'll definitely check that up first thing, as soon as I can! Maybe it's a good thing I'll be away as I don't really care who wins the title now and I'm sure I'd be sick to death of seeing them celebrate, and the media reaction.

Or maybe something totally newsworthy will occur, and it'll be buried under! Can't think of what, though...
Or actually, maybe Chelsea and Man United will both be found guilty of match-fixing, this season. That'll do. That'll do nicely! ;)

Missed me?

2010-04-25T18:36:00.000+01:00

Hello! Long time no write. I've actually had stuff to write, just not the time! I'll write a separate Arsenal-related post, but this one's for my randomness!

I'll start with my favourite song of late. 'Fireflies' by Owl City. Don't know why I love it, seeing as I don't even know other Owl City songs. It's just a gorgeous one!

Ah, so I had my Insurance exam on Tuesday. Very interesting experience! I was finally able to study and was as prepared as I could be for it without any classes, but I kinda figured it might be a bit too much. Especially as I knew there was going to be an entire section involving calculations, and not only I'm I pretty rubbish at Maths, I couldn't for the life of me, figure out what the calculation was! Great preparation, eh?

But yeah, exam day. After an all-nighter(ish) the night before (nothing new there!), I found my way to the Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria. It was a 3-hour exam, standard for me over the last couple of years now, so not a big deal. 3 sections. First one, 8 compulsory questions; second one, 1 compulsory question- the calculations one; final section, answer 3 of 5.

It started at 1.30pm, and an hour and a half in (or less!), I was done! Or rather, I'd written all I could think of at the time. That was a first for me. Being a geek and someone who loves writing, I always tend to almost not have enough time to write all I feel like! I couldn't leave early, though. I prefer staying to the end, even though I'm done in time. It's the same with Coursework. I've never handed Coursework in early, and it's because I'm worried that if I leave early or submit it early, I'd remember something I forgot to add or a mistake I failed to correct, and it'd be too late to make things right!

So yeah, an hour and a half in unknown territory. A few (lots of) doodles on the question paper, a trip to the loo (first time ever during an exam!), a few points/answers I remembered to add and a horrible attempt at Maths. I know I'm bad, but I realised I was shocking! Don't know whether it was my sleep-addleed brain, but I was having problems with what seemed like a simple calculation! Like really, how hard is it to find 75% of say, 55,000? Don't you go: 75/100 multiplied by 55,000? No? Anyways, whatever I tried just didn't seem to work, so I had to go for a 'cheat'. Half of 55,000, then half of the answer, gives you 25%. Subtract from the original 55,000, and you've got 75%! Maybe I should have just gone for this from the start, but at least, it helped while away some time.

I did find the whole situation hilarious, which was good really. I do remember my worst exam, though- I cried during that one. But that was what, 8 years ago in secondary school and I was about... 13. I chose to do Chemistry and I was totally unserious and didn't read for the exam. The predictable happened and I was totally clueless during the exam. I was so upset, I tore up the exam paper and bawled my eyes out! I failed, ofcourse. I didn't think twice about changing from Science to 'Arts' the next semester. Wise move, wise move!

But yeah, this one definitely wasn't on the same level of bad. I did enjoy it, perverse as that may sound. I did the best I could, and I guess that's all one can ask for, really!

So that was last week Tuesday. And this Tuesday, I'm off on my 'holiday'! Holiday in inverted commas, as being with your family for 3 whole weeks definitely isn't a holiday. But wait, does that mean the past 5 or so years have technically been a holiday? Erm... Anyways, point is, if I wanted a proper holiday, I'd go away with friends, away from the parents.

Haha, I just remembered my last post. Wouldn't it have been funny if afterall, I didn't end up going, after the whole Ash-Cloud debacle? That would have been hilarious. But it seems the Ash cloud didn't think it would have been so funny afterall and has sufficiently cleared. So all things being equal, I'll be off on Tuesday. For 3 whole weeks! Sister's graduation on Friday, Cruise Sunday-Sunday (I think), then... I'm not sure what's next, really. I think the whole trip can go either of two ways- a bloody marvellous time, or the worst (or close) 3 weeks of my life! My head is saying the latter, but hopefully it's not. I'd settle for somewhere in-between, really! Not that I've got terribly high standards. As long as I'm able to keep up with football, F1 and tennis, I should be alright. I hope to God I'm able to ger proper internet access during the week on the cruise. It'll be a disaster if I'm not. That's like the most important week of all, sports-wise! Not sure I'll survive otherwise. I've realised of late, how important the internet is to me. How did I survive, otherwise??

Anyways, enough moaning. I do hope I'm able to blog loads when I'm away. Doubt I'll be able to blog before Tuesday and if I don't, I'll be sure to post a quick one when I'm settled. But if you don't hear from me, dearest blog by Thursday, I've probably been blown into a million pieces in the air! Just messin' :)

9th April. Torn!

2010-04-10T04:22:00.001+01:00

An important date for two reasons- tickets to the last game of the season, home to Fulham went on sale; I had an American visa interview.

Pre-visa interview...

Been looking forward to getting tickets to the Fulham game, because I think (hope) we'll win the title that day! One massive problem, though; I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to make it or not! My sister's studying in America and it's her graduation end of this month, so the plan was to go for the graduation, subject to me getting a visa, as my last one expired a while back. My parents are meant to be going as well, but they'll be going from Nigeria.

No problem there as her graduation is on the 30th of April, and since the Fulham game is on the 9th of May, I ought to be able to make both. That seemed perfect, until I found out about a cruise that we're meant to be going for! It's been organised and paid for by my Uncle's family, who my sister stays with during holidays and what-not. Nothing wrong with that of-course, until you realise the cruise ends on the 9th of May.
9th of May, of all dates! Why why why?! 9th of May, I meant to be at the Emirates watching the boys lift that blasted Premier League trophy! Why couldn't it end on the 8th or something, so I can dash back here in time!? I was absolutely gutted to find out about the conflict.

But ah, there might not need to be any conflict if I don't get the visa! It's not guaranteed that I'll be issued the visa. If I'm not, I'll miss my sister's graduation, but I'll be able to make the Fulham game. If I'm issued the visa, I'll be going for the graduation and cruise but will likely be a misery personified on the 9th of May!
Totally torn as to whether or not I'd prefer to get the visa or not. I guess it'd be brilliant to see my family- not seen my mum since August, my dad since November and my sister since... Summer 2007? Not too sure, actually! It's not that much of a big deal really as I speak to them all the time and I'm sure I'll be seeing them some other time soon.
As for the graduation, I don't know whether it's that important to my sister that we're there or not. Personally, don't care much about them. My graduation for my 1st degree was in November last year (odd date really, as Uni finished ages ago in May and I'd already started my Masters!) and I wasn't too fussed about it- if not because my parents were coming down for it, I was seriously considering not turning up. The fact that I was getting an award didn't even do much to make me excited about it. I've got another graduation coming up in July; whether I go for it is another question- got to make sure I don't remind my parents about it! :)
In essence, I don't consider graduations as hugely important events- not too sure why. But then again, there aren't many occasions I consider important! I'm not even big on birthdays. A bit interesting though, that I consider Arsenal winning the trophy as important, but that's another matter!
So yeah, graduation and cruise or Arsenal v Fulham? Not my decision to make I guess, because if the visa's issued, I'll definitely be on my bike. It's just a question of whether or not I'll be disappointed about the outcome of the appointment. I reckon it's 50/50.

To make things even slightly trickier, the Fulham tickets go on sale (to Red members) on the same morning as my interview. Tickets WILL be sold out before I find out whether or not I've been issued the visa, so do I buy the tickets, just in case I don't get the visa? There IS a huge possibility that I wouldn't get the visa. Would be really upset if I lose out on the tickets, as well as the visa. That would be an epic fail!
I agonised for a while about what to do, but as it turned out, the tickets went on sale at 10am and I had to leave home at 9.55am! It wouldn't have been that much of a problem as I've got free internet on my phone, except I had to leave my phone at home as you're not allowed to take electronic devices into the Embassy. Talk about agony! Not only did I have to worry about the visa, I also had to worry about the tickets; hoping they'd not be sold out by the time I get home if I'm refused the visa. Add that to the fact that my phone is like an extension of me and I feel I'm unable to function properly without it and you have a very nervous girl and a terrible few hours coming up! I also have to wear a watch, for obvious reasons! I haven't worn one since my first year. I'm so used to checking my phone for the time, I'm probably going to forget about the watch and keep looking for my phone, all the time!

Anyways, I got the Embassy in time for my 12pm appointment, even though I end up having to wait until about 2pm before I finally get interviewed and told whether or not I got the Visa.

Post-visa interview...
Before I went to bed the night before, I kinda concluded that it wouldn't be that terrible missing the Arsenal game afterall, although I'd be crushed if we actually did win the League and I couldn't be there. Family ought to be more important really, although Arsenal's technically 'family', if you know what I mean! But yeah, I figured it would be more awesome than not, if I got the Visa. Took me a few days to reach that conclusion!

So, did I get the visa or not? Ofcourse I did! I wasn't totally sure I'd get it for a couple of reasons, but I did get it. The interview didn't even last that long, well, if you discount the waiting period!
But how did I feel? I was surprised for a brief second, then I was gutted! Sounds strange, doesn't it?! But I realised that it meant I'll miss the Fulham game (at least I didn't buy tickets!). I was a bit surprised about how gutted I was, but then I've invested so much time, energy and emotion, not to mention money, into the season and it would hurt really bad if we win the title and I'm not there. It's been such a roller-coaster season and the winning the title would mean a whole lot. Ofcourse, there's no guarantee we'll win it, but I think we can! I kind of understand just a little bit how our injured players feel not being able to play a part in matches due to factors outside your control. Now I know I'll not be there, not sure whether or not I want us to win it now! Haha, just joking. It'll be amazing if we do, given our season and the fact that no one gave us a chance in hell at the start of the season. Even if we don't win it, they'll all be eating their words!

So I was gutted. That was 2pm. I got home at about 3.30pm and as the day wore on, I started to feel less disappointed and more excited! I ought to, really! I'm off to America for a couple of weeks soon! Not been since 2006Will be seeing my sister, parents, cousins and possibly friends! Shame my brother'll not be there, as he's got exams- I've not seen him since the last time I saw my sister. But yeah, the excitement's taking over now! So graduation end of the month then an Eastern Caribbean cruise for a week! There had better be WiFi so I can follow the penultimate game of the season too, if not the excitement will surely be tempered! Got to book tickets soon, but I can't wait! I'm sure I'll find someone who's going to the Fulham game and if it looks like we will win the title, I'll get them to take loads of pictures for me! All's not lost! :)

So that's how Friday went. Mixed emotions through-out, but I guess the right result in the end...

It means the last game I'll be at this season is the Man City one on the 24th, and it should be a cracker! We've got to win- it'll keep our title challenge on track and it would be lovely to see the smile wiped off Ade's face as well as dent City's top 4 hopes. And we get to see Toure and Vieira! Looking forward to it. Oh, I actually went for the Wolves game at the Emirates the other day. Forgot to post pictures up, so maybe I'll do that in the next couple of days.
First though, it's the small matter of the North London Derby up next for us on Wednesday! Massive massive game! A draw's not good enough- a win means we do the double over Sp*rs, keep the pressure on Chelsea and United, and that St. Totteringham's Day is not too far away! Come on Arsenal!

Oh wow, just realised I haven't mentioned Messi, Barcelona or our Champions League KO on here at all! Maybe I'll give them a proper mention when I'm posting Wolves pictures. Or maybe not...

Good day/ Bad day? Football, wedding, F1...

2010-03-28T08:02:00.003+01:00

Saturday was a mixed bag. Will try and make sense of it below:

Bad day: Fell asleep watching F1 early in the morning and missed Q1!
Bad day: Lewis getting knocked out in Q2 and being out-qualified by Jenson (11th and 4th on the grid)
Good day: Vettel grabbing pole position on a brilliant run that was pure controlled aggression
Bad day: Having to leave home to go for the wedding (see previous posts) just before 3pm, meaning the only way I could follow the game was via twitter
Good day: Arsenal nicking what seemed like the winner with about 15 minutes to go, thanks to Nasri
Bad day: Having to hang about at Liverpool Street station for about 30minutes, waiting for a couple of friends. (But at least I could sit down and concentrate on following the game on twitter)
Very bad day: Birmingham delivering one hell of a sucker-punch by equalising in injury time! Not seen it yet, but apparently it was a freak-goal, to make it even worse! My heart literally sank to my feet!
Bad day: Chelsea scum hitting Aston Villa for 7. Seven?!
Bad day: Man Utd winning 4-0, meaning we're 4 points off the lead
Bad day: Our players being given unbelievable stick on twitter
Good day: Seeing and hanging out with some of my mates
Bad day: Being UNBELIEVABLY bored at one point, that I wanted to cry! No, my friends aren't boring, I just wasn't sat with them at that point
Good day: Taking some pictures before going home, like finally! No pictures of the Bride and Groom- they're pretty much hard to get at a Reception, especially if you're late, like we definitely were. And no, my friends and I don't tend to wear similar outfits- this was a special instance! See previous post.

Esther & I:

Me, obviously:

Oyinda, Toyin and Esther:

Esther & Toyin:

Chris & I:

I am terribly anti-social. Well actually, it depends on what we're doing really. I hate being in places where there are LOADS of people. Don't like it. Well, minus the Emirates ofcourse. But having said that, the more people there are somewhere, the more likely I feel all alone, which is the reason why I'm not sure if I can go to the Ems on my own.
I much prefer hanging out with a small selection of people I know; I prefer doing active stuff- bowling, paint-balling, go-karting; I'm not really a fan of clubs (although I did love going out with my football team at Uni last year- that was fun!); I hate small talk (like really! It's so pointless and I'm terrible at it anyways!). Okay, I'll stop going on about it and get back to 'Good day/ Bad day?'!

Bad day: Players STILL being given unbelievable stick on twitter- probably because Match of the Day was on at the time
Bad day: Both of my batteries running out 10-15 minutes before getting home
Good day: Getting into the cab home with a really nice and chatty driver- and it wasn't small talk!
Bad day: Having blotchy thighs, thanks to the sequins on the bottom bit of my dress! There was one particular sequin directly on my thigh and was practically ripping into my skin when walking. I tried ripping it off, but I could only make it worse.

(Yes, I did take a picture of my thighs, just to post on here! Well, it's my blog, so I'll do whatever I want! ;) I can assure you it looks worse in real-life, though)
Good day: Getting home just in time to catch Roger Federer's game! Get in! He won ofcourse: 6-3, 6-3 against Nicolas Lapentti
Good day: Finally getting to bed!

As I'm a positive person, I'll conclude that was a good day, minus the Arsenal result, bu
Well, as it's Saturday morning at the moment, I'll continue up to what's happening currently! :)

Good day: Waking up at 6am in time to watch the Australian GP. Woop!
Bad day: Having to listen to Jonathan Legard. He's my least favourite F1 commentator in the BBC. Martin Brundle is my favourite and guess what? They're paired together!
Good good day: The race getting off to a flier, with Lewis moving up 4 spots from the start into 7th, with Jenson dropping a couple into 6th! Woop! Button tapped into Alonso's Ferrari, who then crashed into Schumacher! Other crashes, as well. Just the first lap- wow start! LOTS of cool overtaking manouvres. And oh! LEWIS JUST OVERTOOK BUTTON! Brilliant move! Oh my wow! And Button's had to pit for a change of tyres. Hmm.
Loads of pit-stops- a bit confusing at the moment, as the timing screens aren't up and it's hard to tell who's in what position! Just on Lap 10, with rain still forecast. This IS manic! (I am listening to 5Live radio commentary in addition to BBC 1's, though!)
Oh no! Vettel's out! From the lead as well! Jenson was in 2nd, so he leads! Bummer for Seb, brilliant for Button! Wow! PS- 2nd race in a row (off pole position) that he's had car problems! He managed to end up 4th last race, but he's out this time. Gutted for him though. The Red Bull's quick, but keeps having reliability issues. But Lewis is up to third! Still 28 laps to go, I think! (Or 30. Out of 58). It might end as a McLaren 1-2 (Jenson and Lewis, in any order!)- the driver ahead of Lewis is quite a slow car, and Lewis is on his tail at the moment. That really would be brilliant! Even more so, if Lewis wins...

I'll post this now, and will probably update it at the end of the race...

Update:
Would you believe it? Yet another Birmingham sucker-punch! Howard WEBB kinda messed us up yesterday, and guess who messed Lewis up today? Mark WEBBER!
Basically, Lewis was in 5th (as he pitted for new tyres) and catching up to the back of the 2 Ferraris in front of him with a couple or so laps to go, with Webber behind him. Lewis was about to pass the first Ferrari- he almost made it stick, but Webber came up behind and tapped him! Bummer! If he hadn't been tapped, he'd have probably passed the 2 Ferraris, and the other car ahead, and ended up 2nd, giving McLaren a brilliant 1-2! But Lewis ended up 6th, with Jenson winning. It really was Birmingham all over again, Webber's tap almost at the end is the equivalent of that stoppage time equaliser yesterday! Lewis ended up 6th, from 11th position, but it could have been so much better- same as us, yesterday! It's just before 9am, and it feels like a bad day, already.

Anyways, enough drama for 2 days, won't you say?!

Forever young.

2010-03-27T08:41:00.002Z

Was going to publish a post I just wrote, but I think my thoughts can be summed up aptly:

I don't want to live forever, but I want to be forever young. I think...

Soo random!

2010-03-22T12:14:00.000Z

Quite a few clusters of 'B' names have caught my eye of late, in sports- well, at least football and cricket!

In the Champions League quarters/semis draw:
Barcelona;
Bayern Munich;
Bordeaux.

In the Premier League:
Birmingham;
Blackburn;
Bolton;
Burnley.

In the England cricket team playing against Bangladesh:
Bell;
Bresnan;
Broad.

And still in the 'B' theme, our next two games are against Birmingham and Barca!

Okay, I think it's quite obvious I've got lots of time on my hands, so I'm off to do something productive! :)

Thursday and Friday.

2010-03-20T02:16:00.002Z

It's already early morning Saturday morning, and I was going to write this post on... Thursday! But I was really tired when I got back home so I decided to sleep instead! We all need our beauty sleep, you know!

But anyways, Thursday felt like a very looong day. As of Wednesday afternoon, I didn't have any proper plans, but as it turns out with my friends, they like to spring things up on me at the last minute- probably because they know I haven't got much doing, so I'm likely to be available! I had to meet Oyinda in London this time around. It was urgent (ish) stuff, anyways, so I couldn't avoid it, really.

Was planning on getting my hair done (steamed, trimmed and all that) on Friday in Mill Hill, but since I had to be in London on Thursday, it only made sense to only make one trip to London, so I had to try and fit both 'meetings' into Friday. After making a number of phone-calls, the day was finally sorted- meet Oyinda at Kings Cross for about 11am to get things sorted, then be at Mill Hill for about 2-3pm.

It's so hard getting up in the morning. I'm sooo not a morning person! But anyways, I only had to leave home at 10am so it wasn't too bad. I did get to Kings Cross at about 10.40am. She'd banged on about how I had to get there before 11am, and typical, eh? She was late! She meant 11:00 BMT,but I guess I should have realised that the BMT she meant was 'Black Man's Time'. Haha! She did say, after I was at King's Cross though, that she'd forgotten something at home and had to go back. She only lives at Holloway Road, but she was still about 20minutes late! I really ought not to moan much, though- who knows, I might be the late one, next time!

Anyways, where were we off to again? We had to go all the way to Excel. Why? We had to go to the tailors'. Why? That's the long bit! Basically, it's Oyinda's cousin's wedding next Saturday and the way it works traditionally, is that for the reception, the bride's family (and/or the groom's family, not too sure, really) usually get to wear something called aso ebi; my rough translation- family cloth (that's a rubbish translation, but it's one of those ones that a literal translation doesn't really do justice for!). What it is really, is that they choose a particular fabric for family and friends to wear, if interested. Thankfully, Urban Dictionary do have a better explanation!
Immediate family almost always have to wear the fabric, but it's generally optional, and you tend to buy from the family. I don't know, but I think the whole purpose anyways, is to sort of contribute towards the wedding. That might not be the reason, but it sounds like a good enough reason! And it usually ends up looking nice, especially in pictures, with a bunch of people wearing the same fabric. It's up to you to get it sewn at a tailor's, and you've got carte blanche as to the style or design!
So yeah, Oyinda and I (and another of our mates) bought the aso ebi (it only cost £30), so we just had to find a tailor. It's not really stuff I can be bothered much with, so I just left Oyinda in charge. I'm not related to the people getting married, so I'm sure it wouldn't matter to anyone whatever I was wearing!

Either ways, she found a tailor at Excel, so we just had to find our way there, choose what design we wanted sown for us. I'm like the least fashion-minded of us friends, so I hadn't given much thought to it! No surprise Oyinda had, though, as she came armed with her laptop, full of pictures of different styles to choose from. I ended up choosing something really simple from a magazine, as I'm not that fussy! And I got a picture, too!

First things first, though- I totally am not brave enough to wear a dress with that low a neckline, and I think those black pouch-thingies on the hip are a bit dodgy, so I'm not having those- the neckline'll be a bit higher, if not I'd feel self-conscious for the whole time! Also, the black transparent band on her waist will so not be transparent for me, and will be a different colour which matches the aso ebi. Simple does it, I'd say, especially as it ain't my wedding, or anything. I can't remember, but I think the outfit's brown and orange, but in all honesty, I've forgotten what it looks like! Oyinda went for something slightly more complicated, but I guess she's allowed to! And it's only costing me £35, which is really decent. We've got to go back (unfortunately!) on Thursday for the fitting- got to hope it turns out fine, seeing as the wedding'll only be 2 days away!
Anyways, we were out of the tailor's at about 1pm. Job done. Oyinda was off to her Aunt's for some more wedding preparation!

Actually, I do remember when her cousin got proposed to! I can't remember why, but I was staying over at Oyinda's that day- I think it was around October/ November. Oyinda's friends with her cousin's boyfriend, so he told her earlier he was going to propose to her cousin on her birthday, so she had to pretend not to know anything about it! I think he took her to dinner, under the guise that it was just the usual birthday dinner, then he proposed. She said yes- obviously! The only reason why I remember, is the terrible acting skills of my friend! Her cousin called her later that day to tell her she was getting married and to give her the low-down, but she had to pretend as if she knew nothing about it. Gosh, she's so terrible! Haha! I can't believe she actually screamed when her cousin mentioned the proposal- that's was like the fakest scream ever! Ok, I'm probably exaggerating, but it was hilarious!

Anyways, with the tailor done, I had to get myself down (up?) to Mill Hill to get my hair sorted. Good timing, really, as I got there at about 2.30pm. Not bad! Of late, I've been feeling happy with myself that my hair's relatively long, but it did need a proper trimming. I think getting your hair trimmed is one of the most painful things ever, especially as you can always see how much the hairdresser's cutting off! A necessary evil- that's what I call it! My hair definitely looks much better now, even though it's way shorter :(
I'll console myself in the fact that it looks nicer than it was before! The disadvantage of salons is that you end up staying there for much longer than necessary, really. Didn't leave until about 6pm! Crazy, I know! At least my cousin picked me up from the station, so it wasn't that much of a pain getting home.

I got home in time to catch the second-half of the Fulham-Juve match in the Europa League. What a corker! Totally chuffed to bits for Fulham and Roy Hodgson. Pretty unbelievable that they were able to turn what was at one point, a 4-1 deficit to win 5-4. Against the Old Lady, of all people! I guess the fact that they were down to 10 men for most of the match helped, but still, that was an amazing performance by Fulham! We might be London rivals, but it was great how most Arsenal fans, at least the ones on twitter, were right behind them. I'm sure if it were Chelsea though, we'd all have been supporting Juve! Massive massive well-done to Fulham. At least one West London team was able to do the business against an Italian team! ;) There were loads of good games in the Europa League on Thursday, actually. Loads of goals. The Liverpool v Lille was on next- glad I was watching it in my room, as I promptly fell asleep sometime during the second-half. I somehow ended up dreaming that Liverpool won 5-0 or 5-1, with Torres scoring a hat-trick! That's what I get for falling asleep while watching/listening to football. For the record, that game ended 3-0 (2 goals to Torres) and I'm sure it was 3 nil anyways, by the time I fell asleep!

So that was Thursday. Felt like an eventful day, but it wasn't really. I'm just a lazy so-and-so! :)

The only memorable thing about Friday was the Champions League draw! That was officially meant to start at 11am, but the draw itself didn't start until 11.15am. I had to book myself a Doctor's Appointment that morning, but I had a momentary brain-freeze and chose a 10:40am appointment, after being offered one at 9:50am! It was only after getting off the phone that I remembered my blunder! Duh!
I only live about 10-15 minutes away from the hospital, so I was going to rush home quickly. But how totally predictable that I didn't get to see the Doctor until about 11am! That didn't last longer than 5-8 minutes, but it meant I had to follow the draw on the BBC website on my phone, as I was walking home. I was nervous as hell! So the first couple of draws saw Man. United paired with Bayern Munich and Bordeaux v Lyon! That could only mean that we either had to Inter, Barcelona or CSKA Moscow. But as luck would have it, we were paired with Barcelona! I literally went weak at the knee! I so didn't want Barcelona- not because I think we can't beat them or anything, but because I would have preferred that to be the final! But not only that, if (read when) we beat Barcelona, we probably have to then face Inter or CSKA in the semis, then probably United in the final!
Another reason for me being gutted about the draw, is because I wanted to go for the home leg. But the chances of Red members getting tickets are slim to none! It's times like this I hate all you lot with season tickets! Haha, just joking! But I realy wish I was going to the game. It's going to be epic! The bookies are all predicting a Rooney v Messi final- as if they're guaranteed to be there, already! As far as I'm concerned, our tie could go either way, but I'm sure if the players are well up for it, there's no reason why we can't take the holders on and beat them! Cannot wait! I hope we crash the party! But I guess I'll have to do with watching on TV. Better than nothing, though!

Anyways, no need to worry about Barcelona for now- we've only got the small matter of a London derby against West Ham on Saturday, in the league. Not only that, we also get the chance to go top if we win, since Chelsea and United don't play until Sunday! I'm sure we can do it- as long as we don't repeat what happened at Upton Park where we let a 2-goal lead slip inside the last 15 minutes and ended up drawing the game!
No slip-ups, please! Come on Arsenal! :)

No 3!

2010-03-16T22:42:00.001Z

3 blog-posts in one day? I'm on fire! And I still have a half-finished one!
This isn't a typical post anyways, as I only felt like posting a couple a videos:

1) Realised I love this song, even though every time I hear it, I always have to ask my cousin for the title and the name of the artist!I do know, now! ;)

2) And as I can't do without mentioning football, have a look at this promotional video about Germany's World cup kit. I'm a bit late with it, but well, it's still a weird one. It's in German, but it doesn't matter much!

Goodnight! :)

Strange one...

2010-03-16T19:40:00.000Z

I do LOVE writing, like I say almost every time :) but I'm a bit too shy to tell people about it. Ofcourse, my blog's online & is on my twitter page, so all that sounds a bit ridiculous! And I have mentioned it to a few people on twitter, but I can count the number of people on one hand, and I do remember when and how! But then again, I haven't mentioned it any of my close friends, family, or even the people I live with! Apart from this blog, I also write for an Arsenal one, but I always try to avoid writing on either of them, when people are around me. I wonder why!

Maybe it's because I don't do criticism well, and the less people who know about it, the less likely I am to get an earful about what I'm doing wrong! I know you can get one of those twitter-feed things, whereby when you post a new blog it gets tweeted, but I don't want to. Ofcourse it's nice when people read your blog, but I'd kind of feel bad, as if I was forcing people to read it, if that makes sense.
But it's a weird one for me though, as I do like it when people tweet their blog posts, as it reminds me to read them, which I'm always very glad to do! I'm a words-junkie, remember?
Words-junkie! I'm sure I just made that up! :)

Or maybe it's because I only write as a hobby, and I'm worried I'll be told to get a life if I mentioned that I spend so much time blogging?

Or maybe the reason why I'm too shy to publicise it much, is because I just love the excitement of doing something in secret, if an online blog counts as a secret?!

Ooh, or maybe becuase I get the chance to slag off these people, since they haven't got a clue about the blog! Who knows, maybe I'll end up doing so one, of these days! ;) Nah, I probably won't... Damn! :)

Either way, I'm having so much fun blogging- does it really matter if next to no-one reads it?
(Hi, if you are reading by the way!) :)

Nice and easy, today...

2010-03-16T11:03:00.007Z

Got this email today, in my spam folder, thank God! Lovely way to start the day, right?

Hello,
My name is Mr.John Jasper from South Africa our client died Three year sago
leaving behind Capital amount (US$14.6M) in our bank here where i
work ,I am his account manager ,till date nobody has come forward or put
application for the claim. To maintain the level of security required I have
intentionally left out the final details.

I want you to come forward since I can provide you with the details needed for
you to claim the Funds so that I can be gratify by you,I that will do all the
crucial part in the bank to have the claim release to you promptly. To affirm
your willingness and cooperation please do so by replying me at my private email
stating your mind,and His Name is Dr. George Brumley.

Thank you,

Mr John Jasper

I obviously know it's from one of those scammers, but well, it makes a lovely change that the silly man isn't claiming to be a Nigerian business-man!
But really though, do any people still fall for these scams, in this day and age? I'd like to one day pretend to be interested and reply to one of these emails just for laughs, but well, today isn't one of them and besides, I wouldn't want these monkeys having my email address, would I?

Anyways, in news more important to me, it's Theo's birthday today! Happy birthday, little speedster! He's 21, can you believe it? Finally, I'll say! I sometimes feel like I'm an old-head, but realising that I'm the same age as Theo (although a number of months older) and I'm always tempted to call him 'little Theo' is a lovely reminder that I'm not, if that makes any sense! :) He's got such a lovely girlfriend too, not your typical WAG. But then again, do any of our players have typical WAGs? Just thinking of it, I don't really know about most of the players', but maybe that proves my point, as they're hardly in the news all the time! Oh, here's a picture of Theo's cake from his 21st party over the weekend, that a got off the Daily Mail website. Make of it what you will:

On another note, I've got to say how seriously gutted I am for Becks. Such a true professional, and despite what people say, I think he would have been a great addition to the England squad, and he wanted desperately to play at the World Cup, too. He might not have pace like Theo but his range of passing is second to none, and I'm sure if Theo's deliveries become anywhere near as good as Becks, he'll be an even better player than he is at the moment. It'll be a shame if his career ended this way, so I hope he's back soon. But on the plus note, it makes it even more likely Theo'll be at the World Cup, especially with Aaron Lennon still out injured.

I was only going to write a short post this morning but the more I write, the more stuff I think to add, so I'll just stop now before this get wayyy too long!

Have a nice day! :)

Addictions...

2010-03-12T13:19:00.004Z

Was going tell the ridiculous tale of my cousin and her attempts to get a car, but I'm a bit of a terrible story-teller and I just didn't think it'll come out funny! It IS funny, though. Well, somewhat. And besides, it's still an on-going saga!

Anyways, I started writing a post the other day about addictions, so I might as well finish it! :)

.................
Have I got addictions? For sure. Have I got addictions to be worried about? Erm, I don't think so. But can you really classify addictions as 'good' or 'bad'? Addictions are addictions, right? I don't know, really. But don't worry, I'm not about to tell you I've got a cigarette, drugs or drinks addiction. My life is wayyy simpler than that! ;)

My biggest addiction has got to be sports. It's really a weird one because 5 years ago, I couldn't give a flying fig about sports but now, I can't imagine what my life would be without it. Who knows, maybe if I grew up in a sports-mad country, I probably would have tried to go into a career in sports, but well, it wasn't meant to be!
The sport I'm probably maddest about is football and it's actually really bad. I'd watch anything, even if it's football between teams I've never heard of! I think I've toned down a bit on that, but that's probably because I've found other sports to immerse myself in, so I don't have enough time to watch all the football on! And I don't just go to games or watch football on TV, but I even listen on the radio! (But to be honest, radio commentary tends to be fabulous!). But yeah, I follow the Premier League keenly, but I also have my nose in other leagues. At least I don't just watch sports, I also play as much as I can. Oh that reminds me, I need to find a new football team, a local one! Going to Southampton every week just ain't working, unfortunately :(
But yeah, Arsenal obviously, are THE team as far as I'm concerned. If I could go watch all our games I'd do, but well I can't. I probably spend most of my money on them and don't mind spending even more on them, even if it makes me bankrupt! But no, that'll never happen, I'm too smart for that! :p I wish I was a season-ticket holder, though. Maybe I'll get one in the next 20 years! It really is a long list, trust me! I'm not on it yet, as I need to convince someone else to get on the list with me, so we can get a seat together! I'm working on it, don't worry, but I haven't got that many options, since I don't know that many 'proper' gooners.

Others sports I'm absolutely addicted to? Tennis, F1 and cricket, though not necessarily in that order. My sleeping pattern is totally dependent on these sports. I sleep when it's not on and stay awake when it's on. It's a bit of a strange one actually, as I remember last year when I had exams during the Australian Open, I could only study when tennis was on. Don't know how that worked, really, but it did! Maybe my concentration levels are at their highest at these times. Very strange! Like now, I'm currently writing this post while watching F1 (Free Practice 2), but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't work if an Arsenal game was on. I'm usually such a nervous wreck when the game's close by and even when it's on. I totally wouldn't be able to do anything else!

I think I'm allowed to say this now since I actually finished with a very decent grade, but I think Iwas more into sports during my masters than my books. And that's saying something, since I'm a bit of a geek! But then again, I'm not sure if I'd spent more time reading, that I would have gotten a better grade- I learnt that from my undergraduate days. I was really upset for a really long time that I got a 2:1 at Uni, as I was very very close to getting a First. I still am in all honesty, but way less. I worked really really hard, yet if I'd worked less hard (is that grammar correct?), I would have still ended up with a 2:1, anyways. You don't get asked: 'Did you get a high 2:1 or a low 2:1? A 2:1's a 2:1 and the fact that I have a high 2:1 is nothing but an ego-booster. I'm not sure it'll make any practical difference to my life. So how weird is it that working very hard taught me to work less hard, and still do well? I got a Merit for my Masters anyways, and I don't regret the fact that I didn't necessary work flat out. Not saying I didn't work hard, but I made sure I had fun the best way I knew how to. Would I have got a Distinction if I'd worked flat-out? Maybe, maybe not. But what's that saying again, 'All work and no play...'? My mum made a similar point to me and I totally don't regret my decision to ease up a bit during the LLM.

But I absolutely love how I kind of arrange my life around the sports I love, as it means I don't follow a certain pattern and each day is completely different from the other. I really can't stand routine. A 9-5 job will probably be very testing for me, but who knows, I might get a get a totally flexible job! highly unlikely, unfortunately.

That's my kind of addiction!

I'm also a snooker and golf fan though I'm not addicted to them- I just watch it if it's on TV, but I always happen to know what's going on. I was raving about the Winter Olympics the other day, but I probably wouldn't watch any of them until the next Olympics! There was actually Ski-cross on TV yesterday, but I couldn't be bothered to watch it. Very impressive on my part, I'd say!

Oh, for a random 'addiction', I've been told recently that I'm addicted to Strepsils. By two different people, no less! Strepsils? Like what? How totally random. Is that even possible? I do have it loads during winter, but in my opinion, it's only as a preventative measure. For some reason, I develop colds very easily and I noticed that taking Strepsils whenever I'm back inside from the cold and start to get that funny feeling in my throat, it works! I think I've only had a cold once this summer. So that definitely isn't an addiction. I guess I'll know if it is, if I find myself buying Strepsils in summer! I won't be able to find an excuse for that now, will I?

Does reading count as an addiction? I read anything and everything. Even when I'm out and about. I read words off posters, cars, sign-posts, anything. Most people seem to be drawn to lovely scenery, but I'm drawn to words. Apart from mine, though. I totally can't stand reading what I've written. Once I'm done writing, and ofcourse doing the initial proof-reading, I can't read it again. Maybe I'm just scared I'll find an error or something, but it's a massive no-no. I don't like reading short Articles as I feel like they're a waste of my time, if you get what I mean. No wonder my posts are always so long! (Maybe even too long!) ;) Maybe that's why I like twitter, as there are always tweets to read!

At the moment, I can't think of what else I may be addicted to, but I've always felt confident that if I wanted to stop being addicted to something, I can do so- as and when I choose. I do it all the time. I remember back in my first year, my iPod was like by best friend. This was in 2005. It'd go with me everywhere, and it even got to the stage where I'd listen to it during lectures! I'm very good at multi-tasking, really! :) I bet some poeple used to describe me as the 'girl with the iPod'. Haha! But yeah, it was with me everywhere- not just with me, obviously, but I always used to listen to music on it.
But I just woke up randomly one day and decided not to use it for a week, just to prove to myself that I wasn't addicted to it. And I did it. Easily. But after the week was over, I went back to listening to it, but not as much as I used to. I wouldn't have thought it was possible then, but I don't listen to music half as much as I used to!
I used to be addicted-ish to Twitter and thanks to my reading addiction, I'd read ALL the tweets from people I follow. There were loads of them! But I just decided all of a sudden to go on a hiatus, although that was partly to do with the fact that I was getting cheesed off by the ridiculous slagging off some Arsenal players were getting, just because we lost a couple of games. It was doing my head in, but I still kept on reading everything. So I went completely off it for about 10 days. And it was easy. Not entirely at first, but once I started, it was easy to continue. I've been back on it for a while now though, but I don't read as many tweets as I used to anymore, even though I probably follow a bit more people!

Oh, how can I forget, I'm addicted to Coke! I have it as much as I can, but I'm not too worried it'll become a problem as I'm sure I can always take a break if I so wanted! Maybe that's one of the reasons I don't want to ease up on my sports addiction now, because who knows, in a few years I may not be that keen on sports anymore! (I sincerely hope not! That would just be wrong!)

I'm currentlly addicted to my laptop and my phone, as I'm constantly on the internet doing one thing or the other. Am I willling to give that up for a few days, just to prove a point to myself? I can't believe you actually want an answer! ;)
.................

Continuing in the sports theme, there hasn't been tennis on for such a long time, but the Masters 1000 series at Indian Wells starts tomorrow! I say 'starts tomorrow' even though it officially started this Monday, but in reality, it doesn't proper get going until tomorrow! I've been getting psyched up about it for weeks, especially as Roger Federer missed the last tournament due to injury and I really thought it started this Monday, only to realise that it was qualifying (for those outside the top 32) that started on Monday and Round One was meant to start on Wednesday. So I was excited on Wednesday to finally watch tennis, only to remember that the top seeds actually get 'byes' in the first round, so don't play until the second round! Why on earth didn't I remember this ages ago? I've lost a bit of my excitement now, and I bet Federer isn't even due to play until Sunday. Anyways, I guess I'll be watching whenever it's finally on and I bet it'll never skip my memory again, that the top seeds get a 1st round bye!

Another sport I've been looking forward to for SUCH a long time is Formula 1. And it's back! Woop! I think I've been counting down to the restart since the season ended November last year- I've missed it to death! It started today, but it's only been Free Practice so it's not the real deal, but it's better than nothing! Oh yeah! The first race is at Bahrain, starting with Qualifying on Saturday and the race itself on Sunday. Was watching last year's Bahrain highlights here on the Formula One website (you need to register, but it's free), and the backing track was this song. I hadn't actually heard the song before, you know, but I absolutely love it. It's by Basement Jaxx. It sounds so much better when you listen to it on the highest volume! Or high enough as you can go- don't want you disturbing the peace! ;)
Really can't wait for Saturday and Sunday. May (I probably won't! :p) do a blog post on F1 after Qualifying on Saturday and maybe I'll even convince you to watch the race! The season should be AWESOME! No doubt :D

Lovely weekend...

2010-03-08T16:34:00.007Z

I'd planned to make this post mainly about pictures, but it's pretty hard for me not to write anything, so you'll have to deal with my waffle again! ;)

So yeah, right up until 12.45pm on Saturday, all I had planned for the day was a trip to the Emirates for the Burnley game then back home, and that was good enough for me. But with only 10 minutes to go before I HAD to leave home, a got a phone call from my friend saying she was coming down to Hertfordshire later that day for her cousin's graduation and she wanted me to come as well. After loads of 'erm, erm, I dunno's, I agreed to come along and also stay over as well, meaning I had try and sort out an over-night bag and what to wear to the party, asap! A frantic 10 minutes ensued, but I managed to find most of what I needed,but only after I'd thrashed my room a bit. Happy days!

Anyways, so that was me off to the game. I don't like sitting 'alone' at games, so I always have to get someone to go to the game with. It tends to be Chris most times, so I was to meet him at Finsbury Park. I actually sat with a couple of Burnley fans on the train into London; a father and son. They were talking predictions, the father going for 3-0 to Burnley! I think the son went for 1-0 to Burnley. Aww, bless 'em! They've got to be the most optimistic fans ever! I just sat there trying to suppress the widest grin, ever! They eventually sussed that I was going to the game.

Got to Finsbury Park about 30minutes before kick-off, but had to dash to Highbury & Islington with Chris for a quick drink and 'Hi' to Sharon (@SharonGooner) at the 'Famous Cock' pub, then on to the Emirates. Surprisingly, I've never been Highbury & Islington before, but like you'd expect, there were loads of people walking from there to the game, so we just tagged behind!

We eventually got to our seats with a few minutes to spare- perfect timing! Thinking about it, this was actually my first Saturday 3pm kick-off game. Should go to more...

It looks like all the players are wearing white kits, but ours had white 'GET WELL SOON AARON' T-shirts. There were a few banners around, but I didn't actually see any of them. There were loads of times doing the game when everyone was singing Ramsey's name, and I'm sure if he was watching the game, he would have felt the love!

Compare to how we've started the last few games, we actually started really brightly. Before the game, I had a theory as to how the game would pan out. The other 2 league games I'd been to at the Emirates this season were against Blackburn and Bolton, and this one was against Burnley. Notice a pattern? Other similarities between between both games were that we conceded first (conceding 2 in total); scored at least 4 (4 against Bolton, 6 against Blackburn!); Cesc, Arshavin & Tommy V all scored. So my theory was that Burnley would score first but we'd go on the win, thanks to goals from Cesc, Arshavin, Tommy V and I don't know, Theo or someone else!

But well, that theory was blown out of the water when we scored first through Cesc- not that I cared, really! :D And it was a brilliant goal too! Nasri floated a lovely lovely ball over the Burnley defence through to Cesc who had made a clever run into the box, leaving him with an 'easy' side-foot through Jenson's legs! Fabulous goal! I actually thought it was Nasri who scored at first, as I was at the opposite end and these 2 just look so similar from afar, and wear the same coloured boots to make it even harder! Shame Cesc got subbed shortly after due to a recurrence of his hammy. Wenger's just confirmed he's going to miss Porto. Bummer!

It was half-time soon after and we really ought to have been out of sight, but we just couldn't find the target! Theo was causing havoc down the right and Burnley just couldn't live with him! A bunch of us gooners on twitter had agreed to meet at half-time outside Block 4 for a quick 'hello'. I was upstairs in Block 99, so had to hurry downstairs and back up, so as not to miss the start of the second-half.

From left to right: Me, Brian, Paula, Sian, Louise and Paul- Nice to finally meet you lovely people! It was the briefest of 'hello's, and then we were all off to our seats for the restart.

We'd completely dominated the first half, so it wasn't that much of a surprise that a goal was scored barely 5 minutes after the restart. But it was a surprise though, that it was a Burnley goal! That was a goal as against the run of play as you would ever see! Okay slight exaggeration there, but it came out of the blue! I was half-expecting the flag to go up for offside, but it didn't and the match was level, David Nugent the scorer.
There was no need to worry though, as Theo scored about 10 minutes later. It was another brilliant goal and one Theo totally deserved. He cut in from the right side, and from just inside the box, passed the ball expertly to the far side of the goal, on his left foot! His celebration was a bit of a bizarre one, put apparently had to do with him missing the team bus on Friday and having to hitch a ride with one of the back-room staff. That's why he was tapping an imaginary watch on his wrists!

Rosicky got subbed for Arshavin almost immediately after the goal. I was really happy Theo had a storming game, after all the criticism levelled at him after the England v Egypt game. Totally unwarranted criticism in my opinion. He scored a brilliant goal and could have had a number of assists. The crowd responded very well to him, especially after he had a bit of a coming together with one of the Burnley players after he got tackled. It was a fair challenge, but it was good to see Theo getting upset and showing some emotion. I loved it! "Theo, Theo, Theo". I bet he loved it too!

We really ought to have scored loads more goals, but Nikky B was having a shocker in front of goal. Theo created a number of decent chances for him, but he couldn't take any. But apart from his finishing, I thought he had a good game. His link-up play was excellent as usual, and he picked up an assist for Theo' goal.

Nikky B after one of his misses! I think!

Although his misses were quite bad, it was all really funny to me! I just couldn't stop laughing. Not really sure whether it was just the nature of the misses, or whether it was the look of horror etched on Chris' face next to me, but I thought it was hilarious! The crowd seemed to accept it was one of those days, didn't get on his back and kept singing 'Super super Nick'. He even got a standing ovation when he got subbed for Eduardo later on and he managed a wry smile in response. Good-natured stuff.

Bendtner getting subbed...

It didn't matter though- all the misses- as Arshavin made it 3-1 in injury-time with another fine goal. He's been out for a while, so it was nice to see him back amongst the goals. I thought he seemed a bit jaded before he got injured, so I hope he's refreshed now and back to his best or near enough. He has a big part to play in deciding whether we win something or not this season so we need him firing.

Then it was full-time... Time to go home...

Freezing, but in no real hurry to leave!

I thought Nasri also had a very good game. He was doing well before Cesc got taken off, but he did even better afterwards. He's hit some form of late, so hopefully that continues for a while. Theo was my Man of the Match, but Nasri ran him close. Tommy V was superb as well. But to be honest, if he was to ever have a bad game, I probably wouldn't notice! :) And no picture of him. Gutted!

We've got quite a few players coming into form or coming back from injury, so I'm really looking forward to see how far we go this season.

I think there was more I wanted to write about the game, but I can't remember! :(

Anyways, we actually saw Nikky B on our way home. He was driving home (presumably), but had stopped to sign a few (loads) autographs. One of the fans actually asked him if he'd left his shooting boots at home, but he simply smiled and kept smiling. I think it was the same fan who then got him to speak to his girlfriend on his mobile, which Nick actually did! He stayed for about 5-10minutes before eventually driving off. Lovely lad!

So that was the trip to the Emirates done. Great game, great atmosphere and even greater 3 points.

Didn't get home until Sunday evening thanks to my impromptu detour, but it was a fun weekend! Saw quite a few of my friends on Saturday and Sunday which was really good.

Not sure when next I'll be going to the Emirates, but I hope it's pretty soon! :)

We've got Porto at home in the Champions League on Tuesday. Massive game. Not overly worried about it- not because Porto are pushovers; they're not- but because I'm confident we'll be able to pull out the performance and result we need. I hope I'm not proved wrong!

Winter Olympics- Better late than never, eh?

2010-03-05T22:20:00.003Z

Is it too late to talk about the Winter Olympics? Oh well, I've got to do it now, if not I'll forget everything I planned to write- I've forgotten about half, already!

But yeah, what can I say about Vancouver 2010? It was simply AMAZING! I didn't actually plan on watching the Olympics, but ended up watching almost all of it! I usually have my laptop on next to me (bad, I know) and I'm always logged on to Twitter. So on the day of the opening ceremony, as per usual, I woke up at about 3am and was on my laptop when a few people tweeted about the Opening Ceremony. They're usually fun (remember Beijing?) so I thought I might as well watch it, since I'm awake.

Ofcourse I didn't go all the way downstairs at 3am just to watch the Opening Ceremony on TV- I've got Skyplayer on my laptop, so I could watch it in my room, as it was on Eurosport. I'd already missed about 30mins of it, but I think I caught the last hour or so (yes, it was pretty long!) and it was enthralling. I might be exaggerating, but I thought everything was done to perfection. I don't know a lot about Canada, but I just felt that the ceremony was the essence of Canada. That's just the way it felt.
Then there was the lighting of the torch. If nothing else gets you into the Olympic spirit, this does! So the ceremony was brilliant and got me excited about the games. I'm not even a fan of most winter sports, and the only one I'd watched previously was Figure Skating! But I was curious as anything. My first ever Winter Olympics!

I think the men's Downhill was the first I watched. Surprisingly enough, I had heard of USA's Bode Miller before (don't know how, really), so I was looking forward to his run. It was simply brilliant and it seemed that he'd go on to win gold, but he's time was beaten by 0.02 seconds by Svindall, whose time then got beaten by Didier Defago by 0.07 seconds! Close, or what? It felt like F1 on ice! Awesome!Then there was the women's downhill as well, with Lindsey Vonn blowing everyone away!

I thought that was all the skiing done, but hell to the no! It's amazing how many different sports you can do on skiis! There was the Downhill, Ski-jumping, Slalom, Giant Slalom, the Super G, the Super-Combined, ski-cross... Not only that, but there was the male, female and team competitions. I wasn't complaining- I was LOVING it. You can't help but love all that excitement. What made it even better, was the fact that it was practically the same people competing in all of them, with some better at one discipline or the other, so it was kind of easy to get into it and know who was supposed to be the favourites. Then ofcourse, there's always the drama of crashes to keep you on the edge of your seat! Thankfully, no one suffered any life-threatening crashes.
It was the usual suspects in the medals, with Bode Miller eventually winning all colours, gold last. He even managed to crash out in one of the others, but I guess that won't matter a lot to him, really. Norway's Svindall also won all 3 medals. The only other memorable names were Didier Cuche (he didn't actually win any!), Croatia's Ivica Kostelic with 2 silvers. The only women I can really remember are Vonn, Maria Reisch (Germany) and Julia Mancuso.

Ski-jumping was the only ski event with different competitors. It's amazing how far their jumps were! Even made me wish I was a ski-jumper! Good luck with that. One person who dominated the ski-jumping was Switzerland's Simon Ammann. He was untouchable! He won gold in the two events he competed in. Easily. At least there's another Swiss apart from Roger Federer totally dominating his sport! ;)Then there was the fabulously named German, Andreas Wank! Even Graeme Swann had to tweet about his name! Only one medal for him. Gregor Schlierenzauer and Adam Malysz(mouthfuls!) both had 2 silvers and 2 bronzes respectively. Ski-jumping lacked the excitement of the Alpine programme, but it was still fab!
Free-style skiing was amazing, too!

If the skiing wasn't your cup of tea, the skateboarding HAD to be! Like the skiing, there were different different events. There was the snowboard cross, the half-pipe and the parallel giant slalom. Male and female ones, as well.
The half-pipe was wow! It's amazing how many twists one can do in the air whilst still in control! USA' Shaun White won gold with one of the best combinations ever, including the fabulously named 'Tomahawk', officially the 'Double McTwist 1260'. I couldn't find a video of his Vancouver run without some rights restriction, but check this out. It's only a Double McTwist 12, but still very very cool!

If you're in the UK, the real thing is on the BBC here. Stunning. It's less dramatic watching it now, but on the day, given the pressure of the big stage, it was simply stunning!
The skateboard cross was awesome, as well! This was like proper racing, but on skateboards, with 4 of them racing against each other in the tightest of spaces. It's almost like watching the 1st lap of an F1 race- it's manic! You've got knock-out rounds, before finally getting to the final 4. Good fun. Spectacular crashes too- it wouldn't be the same, without them, right?

Ice-hockey as well! The female competition was definitely better entertainment-wise, as there were lots of goals. Canada totally owned both tournaments, winning Gold in both, and it was fitting really, that the Men's Ice Hockey final between Canada v USA brought the curtain down on the games. And to ensure that the drama went on right through the end, Canada were actually leading 2-0, before USA got in back to 2-2 with only a few seconds left on the clock! I was rooting for Canada to win and thank God they eventually did, thanks to Sidney Crosby in overtime (Overtime? What happened to good old-fashioned extra-time, right?!)

I know I keep using superlatives such as 'brilliant' and 'amazing' a lot, but well, they were! Canada eventually finished top of the medals table, golds-wise. Not sure loads of people would have predicted this at the start, because they didn't win their first gold until about Day 3 or 4!

It's amazing (there I go, again!) how I can go on and on about sports I didn't have a clue or care about until a few weeks ago, but I guess that's what the Olympics is all about. I didn't even watch much figure-skating in the end, even though I'm a fan! I haven't even talked about Curling! Fair enough really, seeing as I moaned about it throughout. I wasn't forced to watch, was I? I finally understood how the scoring works towards the end, which didn't help my cause! Oh yeah, England won their one and only medal, thanks to Amy Williams' Gold in the Skeleton. A storming performance, too! Well done, Amy!

But yeah, despite my structure-less ramble, the whole point is that I had a blast watching the Olympics, even though I fell asleep at night when watching it sometimes (I blame Curling! ;) )! But I guess I have to say thanks to Skyplayer and BBC sports website for letting me watch the Games on my laptop. I doubt I'd have been that bothered to watch it on TV, especially as it went on well through the night. I'm glad, or I hope, I won't miss it much because guess what? FORMULA ONE STARTS ON FRIDAY THE 12TH! (Just ignore the caps, okay? I really am excited about it!).

Anyways, I'm tired and already yawning, so I better stop with this drivel! But not without wishing the boys good luck for tomorrow, first! It's 'only' Burnley, right? We shouldn't underestimate them, though- don't want to be caught out cold! I'm hoping for a win with a 4-goal margin, as that'll put us right on top of the League, if only for a few hours, anyways.

So- Come on you Reds!!!

Poor Aaron... Get well soon!

2010-03-02T04:23:00.005Z

I want to go on about the Winter Olympics but I also want to go on about Aaron Ramsey. I've written a post about it already on another blog, but it's a bit different here because it's my personal blog and I can cry about it here as much as I can. I'm still so devastated for him. I know one can say 'well, he's not dead, think about people in Chile or Haiti', but it's a bit different. I have all the sympathy in the world for them and I can't begin to imagine what it is like to lose your loved one in such horrible circumstances and I hope we all do what we can to help them overcome their current predicament as much as they can.

But the thing is that I don't feel any emotional connection to any of them like I do for Aaron. Obviously Ramsey doesn't have a clue who I am, fair enough, but he's an Arsenal player and for me, they're as good as family and I can't help but feel their pain all the time. Same way I feel it personally when people slag off our players is the same way I feel personaly when any of them get injured. Maybe it's because I'm a girl, but well, whatever. To me, that's what it means to me to be an Arsenal fan. I go through the same emotions as the team, the very highs and the very lows, and right now feels like the very lows for me, until Aaron is able to at least walk again. And as a fan, I don't really care about the tackle, whether it was fair or not- that's irrelevant for me. I've not thought about much else since Saturday than about poor Aaron. My thoughts are with him not because he's still in pain, because he obviously isn't, but I'm sure he'll be devastated. He had a chance to get an extended run in the team and I'm sure he would have played the next 2 games especially as Song is suspended for them and Diaby might still be injured. I still cried about it when writing this post. My last image of him is him lying there in so much pain and maybe I'll continue to cry about it until I next see him free of pain and in better spirits. I went through the same emotions when Eduardo got a similar injury, but it's a bit worse now. Credit to Glenn Whelan and Bendtner for staying by Aaron's side, and to Sol, Cesc, Clichy and Vermaelen for being so great at handling all those emotions that day. I'd have been crushed myself and would probably not have been able to continue playing and to put in a performance capable of winning such a game.

As for Wenger's reaction after the game, I don't think there was anything wrong with it- he was even restrained, by his standards and I don't blame him for getting upset about it all, given it's our third in 4 years and he knows Aaron more personally than all the people having a go at him. Leave him be, yeah?!

I just really hope Aaron gets better soon as that's the most important thing right now.

And oh, Theo got called up into the England squad- I'm happy for him! Easily forgotten justifiably. As long as he doesn't pick up any injuries. I'm always worried he'll pick one up anytime he gets called up! I'm not even sure but I think a few other players would have met up with their national teams since the weekend- let's just hope they get back in no worse condition than they left!

I feel better already just writing about all that, now. I'll be at the Emirates for the game on Saturday and hopefully it wouldn't be as emotional as the last game. Actually, we've got a chance to go top of the league if we win by 4 clear goals, so maybe it might get emotional afterall, but at least in a good way! I'll try to take loads of pictures this time around and post them here.

But yeah, maybe I'll finally go on about the Winter Olympics and a few other things when next I've got the time to blog! :)

Cricket and I...

2010-02-20T01:05:00.003Z

Was a bit bored recently, so I decided to write a blog on cricket. I've only just been bothered to finish it up and post it! :) Might do others in the future for other sports I love- apart from football, as all the time in the world wouldn't be enough to do it justice.

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Ah, the sound of leather on willow is one of the best sounds in the world! But when did my 'love affair' with cricket begin? Not as far back as you might think! I didn't grow up in a cricket-mad country, meaning cricket wasn't in my dictionary until late on in life, and even then, it wasn't really something I cared for.

I remember it was summer 2008 that I got into cricket. It was my 3rd year (uni) summer, and having finished my final exams early May, I was bored to my skull, and I really needed something intellectually stimulating. Trust me, about a month or so (or maybe 3!) after you're done with Uni, you ARE going to go crazy during that in-between phase with no exams to worry about, no coursework to think of, etc, and it's not just the geek in me talking! :D So yeah, doing absolutely nothing to do was doing my head in, and I needed a challenge (surprisingly, I find myself in that boat yet again!). So that's where cricket came in. Because of my addiction to football, I was always watching Sky Sport news, and since cricket was on at the time, there were regular bulletins updating on the games. I remember that it was the series against New Zealand that was on at that time. And since I didn't understand what on earth they were going on about, I decided to do some research into it and learn it! I was fascinated by whatever 'LBW' meant and wanted to find out what it was! Then there was the whole furore about Paul Collingwood 'accidentally' shoulder-barging Grant Elliot leading to his run-out & refusing to call him back, KP and his new switch-hitting shot, and these all got me interested. And the umpires with their funny hand-signals and the cricket lingo all seemed so cool! Yesh, cool!

So I went on google for my 'research' and read a few 'guides to cricket'. Then I also came across a 'Glossary of Cricket' terms on Wikipedia, and it became my 'Bible'. I had so much time on my hands, and I gladly filled it up with cricket research. Ok, maybe this time around, it was more than just boredom. That's because when I decide to get into something, I get into it really deeply! One would think I've been into cricket all my life (and all the other sports I follow!), based on all the stuff I know about it, past and present!

Anyways, the next bit of cricket on after my 'lessons', was South Africa's tour of England, and the bit of drama between Graeme Smith and KP added more spice to the build-up and I was looking forward to it. If I remember correctly, it was the Test series that was on first, which South Africa won, England then going on to win the One Day International series. I absolutely loved it, and I couldn't have picked a better series to get involved with cricket. It was the unpredictability of it all that got me hooked, but I guess that's the nature of sports. So even when summer came to an end, and I finally got proper 'intellectual' work to do when I started my Masters in September, I wanted more!

Then there was the December/January series Down Under between South Africa and Australia, obviously, and that was a corker! In my opinion, that was the best-ever cricket series! I guess the 2005 Ashes might rival that, but well, since I didn't watch that, it doesn't count! :D There were loads of highlights from that series- Mitchell Johnson's 7-wicket haul on Day 1 of the 1st test, including 5 for 2 runs!; JP Duminy's half-century on debut helping South Africa alongside AB de Villiers, chase down the 2nd-highest total in Perth to win the first test; Dale Steyn's 10-for in the 2nd test; Duminy again helping South Africa win the 2nd test with his maiden test century amongst others, but the stand-out moment for me was Graeme Smith's heroics in the 3rd test. After having his hand broken by a nasty ball by Mitchell Johnson (who else?!) in the first innings, he had to retire hurt and couldn't open the 2nd innings as usual, as a result. South Africa needed to bat out the last day to prevent Australia winning the test, but found themselves in deep trouble. And when South Africa went 9 wickets down with 8 or so overs, it looked as if Australia had won the test, but who should come out to bat to save the match for his country, if not Graeme Smith, broken hand and all! He even had a tennis elbow as well! He could barely hold the bat properly and winced in pain every time he hit the ball, but he battled on, facing more hostile bowling from Mitchell Johnson again! But alas, it was not to be. He lasted 6 of those overs, facing 17 balls, before eventually being bowled by Johnson to hand Australia the test. They might have lost the test, but Smith definitely won loads of fans, me included! No one expected him to come out to bat, especially as South Africa had won the series already, so it didn't matter whether Australia won or not, but he decided to brave it by coming out to bat. I'm sure not even the Aussies would have begrudged him if he'd lasted the remaining 2 overs.
I'm guessing sportsmen/women make similar sacrifices often, but in this case, he totally didn't have to come out to bat. I know Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee after the Ashes is widely seen as test cricket's iconic moment, but for me, it was Graeme Smith, and no matter what ever happens, he'll always have my total respect!
But yeah, those were the first cricket series I ever watched, and I've watched/followed practically every other series since then- in all forms of the game. Who can forget England's tour of the West Indies? Epic series! Twenty20 is obviously awesome, but Test cricket will always remain the best, as far as I'm concerned- it's the ultimate!

There's the sad bit though- remember Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan early last year, when their bus got attacked? Pretty identical to the Togo bus shooting during the ACN in Angola. It's really a shame that such a thing actually happened. One can only hope that it never happens again. Security's definitely much tighter now as it definitely shocked everyone concerned. Don't think teams will be touring Pakistan any time soon though, unfortunately. But they're currently playing a couple of their 'home' matches against England in Dubai, though- glamourous, eh?
Ah, I just remembered the series they just completed Down Under. Oh my word, that was a shambles, wasn't it? They lost ALL the games they played! I might be wrong, but I swear it was about 9 of them, across all 3 forms of the game. What a series to forget. I was actually supporting them, and at one point, I couldn't take it anymore! I can't imagine how their real fans must have felt. There was a particular game where it looked for all the world that they were going to easily win- but they found a way of blowing it! Granted, they had a young and somewhat inexperienced team out there, but I can't help but conclude it's a mental thing (remind you of a certain London team? :p). It's not like they're are a rubbish team- afterall they're the current Twenty20 World Champions, but playing Australia at home IS a daunting task, considering their record.

But yeah, there's so much fun involved watching/listening to cricket- 5live extra's coverage is excellent, and so is Sky's. I love the banter! But it's even more fun playing! I made sure I joined my Uni team last year, and it was brilliant. After I had my first training session, I was in pain for almost a whole week- I couldn't even walk properly! It was worth it, though. We played indoors during winter and outdoors during summer. We even got to go Lord's, although we played indoors, but it was just special being there. A couple of my team-mates actually ran on to the pitch at Lord's just as we were about to leave- and got caught! That was hilarious! They were going to get fined, but they were lucky enough to get away with just a warning! Good times. I do need to find myself a local team though, but I 'll wait until summer, because really, indoor cricket is a bit pants! ;)

My favourite (present) cricketers? Dale Steyn's one hell of a cricketer. He's been in blinding form for such a long time, and I can't begin to imagine how much of a daunting task it is, facing him! He was in devastating form against the Indians just a few days ago, and I just hope he doesn't get injured! I absolutely love Stuart Broad as well, and can't stand seeing him tonked all over the ground :( Apart from being cute, he's an amazing talent- can't wait to see how good he can become in the next few years. Hmm, and I see he's cut his hair. Interesting stuff! Other cricketers I love- KP (there's always drama/excitement surrounding him), JP Duminy, MS Dhoni & AB de Villiers. Oh wow, notice a pattern? That sooo wasn't planned! Anyways, honourable mentions to Andre Flintoff, Chris Gayle, Graeme Swann, Michael Clarke, Nathan Hauritz and Jimmy Anderson. Used to adore Mitchell Johnson, but I don't anymore- he smiles too much! Haha! :) Can't think of any more at the moment, but trust me, there are loads more!

Cricketers I can't stand? Ricky Ponting's got to be No.1! Urgh! That's all that needs to be said about him. Shame he's a brilliant brilliant cricketer, though. Oh, and Shane Watson. I'm glad there are only 2 of them I don't really like, but it had to be the Aussies! I do love Aussies, really, but their sportsmen? Meh. They're just too smug! but then, they're really good at what they do, so you can't blame them, right? But it's awesome when they don't do well, but it's quite a rare occurrence. They do have a few nice ones- I liked Glenn McGrath, but I think the standard requirement is to have a bit of a mean streak. It serves them well though, maybe if England had a bit of it, they'd be a bit more successful...

Oops! I've been going on and on! I can still go on and on and on, but I think that's enough really! I probably lost you halfway, didn't I? :)
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So yeah, that's my brief cricket history. But it does kind of feel like it's been a part of me for a really long time. Weird, isn't it?

Thought I was going to be able to get through this post without mentioning Arsenal, but I've just got to wish the lads goodluck against Sunderland later on. Crush 'em, please! :)

Meh...

2010-02-10T18:55:00.002Z

I was getting told off (ish) by my Aunt today, and she was making a few references to marriage. But for some reason, any time anyone mentions marriage to me, I ALWAYS roll my eyes. It's kind of become a sub-conscious thing (kind of like anytime I accidentally drop something, my lips ALWAYS turn into a frown for a split second!). I have to proper steel myself against it, sometimes. Weird, right?
Anyways, I just don't see myself as the marrying kind, and I really can't be bothered to mention that to the adults in my life, because really, I'm not ready to listen to any lectures. They might as well keep thinking it'll happen one day. But then again, you never know what'll happen in the future (I just sounded like a footballer there! Haha).
But for now though, I guess the eyes'll keep rolling! :)

History? Back in the day, and right now...

2010-02-10T10:50:00.002Z

Wow. I don't watch loads of movies because well, I watch mostly sports nowadays :) But I did watch a couple on tv the other day, and they both made me cry. It wasn't proper sobbing and all- I don't do that! Haha. One was
'Changeling', and the other one was 'Boy in the Striped Pajamas'. Not loads of movies make me cry, and the only other such one I can remember was 'Kite Runner', and adaptation of the book by Khaled Hosseini. I read 'Kite Runner' about 3 years ago in my 1st year at summer, watched the movie a year or so later, then bought the book about a year ago. I'm pretty sure it's not meant to work in that order! But yeah, it's one of those stories that captivate you and leave a lasting memory, and even though I don't like bother buying books, as I never read them again, I just had to buy this one. (I do have a John Grisham collection, though. That's standard, since I want (wanted?) to be a lawyer!).
Anyways, back to the 'Boy in the Striped Pajamas'. Totally didn't have any idea what the movie was about (as I live under a rock!) until I watched it, and it blew me away. I didn't study History at school, as you had the choice of either History or Literature. I obviously went for Literature, as I'm a bit of a bookworm. So I didn't learn about the whole Nazi/Jew thing, but over the years, I became familiar with it. Not in complete detail, but just a few bits and bobs here, thanks to Hollywood and the internet. I'm sure that what was depicted in the movie's only a fraction of what the Jews had to go through. I can't even begin to imagine how the Jews felt back then, and how some of them might even still feel. It just makes you put your life into perspective. I'm pretty sure nothing I'll ever go through in my life will ever come close to what the Jews went through, and one can only hope and pray that nothing ever so remotely close, ever happens.

Enough of the gloom and doom, anyways! :)

I was chatting to my cousin the other day, and we were talking about 'best' things. Like best colour, food and all of that sort, and we actually both concluded that we didn't have any bests! Obviously I've always known I didn't have any 'bests', but I thought it was just me, as I'm a bit of a special case most times! Haha!
I do actually remember back in school, when at the end of each school year, we all used to fill in something called a 'slum-book'. Most people had one, and you'd get all of your friends to fill in yours. We always had the same format- everyone's book had a page for each person, and you had to fill in your name, nickname, address, best friend, best food, best colour, best actor/actress, role model, embarrassing moment and other similar things. And thinking about it, we all just used to write whatever came to mind at the time! Or you'd flick to someone else's page and copy what they wrote in theirs! Then you had to use the last bit of the page to write stuff about the owner- good or bad! I totally wish I still have one of mine, as I'm sure it'd be full of jokes and absolute nonsense! But I do have my year book though, and that's like the mother of all slum-books! So much better than the slum-book, as you only got to make one in your final year at school. (It's different from the official school year book. Ours was called 'Aurora'. Why, I haven't got a clue!).
Anyways, the year book is a much bigger book, and we did away with the silly questions, so it was more about writing stuff about the other person, and if you have any dirt on them during the course of the 6 years- best place to write it! The first few pages were usually reserved for your best friends. I think I had about 10 of them, but that's because I had like 3 different cliques! There's a long story for another day in there! :) But yeah, I filled loads of year-books, and it would be interesting to actually read what I wrote in some, and I bet if I showed mine to some people, they might either die of laughter or embarrassment! I'm still friends with most of them (thanks to Facebook!) and I'm pretty sure my year-book'll come in handy one of these days- there are some gems in it. Ah, and there are pictures as well! Some are hideous! Might dig it out one of these days...

Anyways, back to the present day! :)

I agreed to something on Monday, which I guess only time will tell if it was a good or terrible idea! There's this Arsenal blog, World of Arsenal, which I started reading about August 2008, which was round about 2 years after I started to take a proper interest in football, especially the Premier League. It was the first Arsenal blog I read, and I actually remember that day! Anyways, I regularly leave comments on there, and I've agreed to actually start writing a weekly (or thereabouts) Arsenal blog for it! It's either going to be a total disaster, or it might turn out to be awesome! I write my first post either today or tomorrow- an Arsenal v Liverpool post-match report! Hopefully I'll be writing about a win, and the ever so predictable Arshavin goal! And a Tommy V screamer, ofcourse! ;)
Wish me (and the boys!) luck...

Chelsea v Arsenal. Ouch.

2010-02-07T18:11:00.000Z

Déjà vu. I think that pretty much sums up that game, really. Not much else to add, except that we played a bit better than in our last few games against Chelsea and Man U, and I think we deserved a goal today.

Oh, and next time I see Drogba, I'll be sure to shoot him. And Malouda as well, for giving Tommy V a war scar on the corner of his left eye! Twat!

Anyways, on to the next one, right? I'm off to listen to some music (for the next few days!) to make me feel a bit better...

Moving on swiftly, right?

2010-02-07T13:15:00.003Z

It's been almost 7 full days since we lost to, or rather, got thrashed by Man U, I'm still not over it! :( I honestly thought I was over it can be as soon as the final whistle went, as I was relatively happy for the rest of the day, but reality hit as soon as I woke up the next day.
It's one thing to be absolutely gutted because of the result and performance, which I'm sure everyone was, but it doesn't help matters much when the doom and gloomers are out in full-force as well. I've had to disappear off Twitter for the time being, as I couldn't stand it anymore. I tend to take matters really personally, rightly or wrongly, when it comes to Arsenal, and some of the vitriol being spewed at some of the players was downright embarrassing, and it kind of felt as if it was directed at me personally! Even more annoying, is the fact that it's the same idiots who'll be full of praise for the players in question if they do something special in subsequent games. Make up your mind, will you- do you rate the player or not? Stop blowing hot and cold, or just go support Sp*rs, or something!
Anyways, not sure how much longer I'll be miserable for, but I win against Chelsea in a few hours' time will more than make up for it and will hopefully return most of the meanies back to their usual hiding place!

So yeah, enough of the mini-rant! Here's hoping for a cracking performance (and result!) later on today... Come on Arsenal!!!

First of the rest...

2010-02-02T21:39:00.008Z

Why on earth do I have a blog? I have no real career aspirations in journalism, but I like writing. Whether I'm any good, is very much up for debate! :)
I think all the time, (even whilst sleeping!) and even though I speak (ramble) loads, there's always so much I end up not saying. It doesn't always make sense, mind!
But anyways, for whatever reason, I tend to forget most of what I think of, really quickly! Leaky brain, maybe?!

I can't promise to blog daily, weekly, after each Arsenal game, monthly or whatever- I try to avoid routine as much as I can!

Arsenal may have lost heavily to Manchester United on Sunday, but at least Roger Federer won yet another Grand Slam! Rewind 12 months when he lost to Nadal and cried like a little kid, and you can tell this victory was so much sweeter than past ones! Especially as he breezed past the latest challenger to his 'throne' in Murray. This season looks to be maddd exciting; what with Nadal's dodgy knees, the ever-improving Murray, and Federer proving to everyone that he's in no hurry to commit to full-time fatherhood! He's definitely on-course to break Pete Sampras' all-time record of weeks spent as Number 1. It's only a question of what the new record'll be! It'll also be lovely to see Roger complete a calendar Grand Slam. He definitely can, but I don't know whether he will. I guess we'll find out soon enough!

As for Arsenal, we play Chelsea at the Bridge on Sunday, and a win there will compensate a bit for the United loss, as we'll be right back in the title race. Wouldn't it be awesome if we actually won the league this season? We've been written off twice this season already, but I've still got hope. I guess I'll always have hope until it's mathematically impossible for us to win the League!

A funny thing happened to me today- went to put some money into my bank account. I really don't like getting receipts, as I end up having too much scrap paper in my bag, so I didn't bother with one. So I happened to check my account when I got home, and instead of showing that I'd deposited money into my account, it showed that I had taken money out, meaning I'd lost double the amount I put in. Bumbling NatWest clerk, right? What makes it funny is the fact that the exact same thing happened to my cousin a few months back, and he also didn't get a receipt! It was a different bank this time round, though. Anyways, I'll call them up tomorrow, and hopefully, they'll sort it out.

Anyways, I think that's enough rambling for one day. Not bad for a first post, right? :)

PS- If you haven't seen this Shahid Afridi video, I've posted it below, if it still works!. What on earth was he thinking? He's got a 2-match ODI ban for his troubles!