Busy busy...

..it's nearly the start of my hols! Tomorrow, I'll finally get a chance to step out of the country after 8 months (yes, I have not been on hols abroad for that long) - mostly due to exams though. But now that my hols has finally arrived, I don't know why I'm not even remotely excited or actually really gung-ho about it yet? It must be my recent footie obsession that has glued me to the TV, foot i.e., blogs/ news/ reports at every other waking moment - perhaps part of me is already sad over missing the action over the next week or so. And I've not even started packing for my trip yet! How different this feels from the same time last year when I was so over-excited to go Bolivia and Peru!

The good thing is that I'll at least get to watch the first Bundesliga match between Bayern and Wolfsburg tonight (I swear I have no life :P). Then pack....maybe it's time for me to get my priorities straight =)

Oh - and a hint of where I'm going....

*Listening to Pray Tell by Anberlin*

Finally...

...Ozil signs for Real Madrid! I think I prefer this outcome to him signing for ANY other English team OR Barca. Also hoping he gets to play a lot...but coming from a team full of superstars, that may be difficult. But who knows - I'll be rooting for Madrid to smash Barca for the La Liga title this year! ^_^

On a separate note, glad we won yesterday night - albeit a bit disappointed with the 3-0 margin though. We should have a scored a LOT more. Oh, and to me, it's pretty much over for Rooney =(

*Listening to Everything You Wanted by Kele*

What the...

..and so we signed on ANOTHER new striker called Bebe for £7m instead of Ozil. I'm really curious about what SAF is planning to do. It's pretty clear to EVERYONE where the problem with Man U lies and yet nothing has been done on that front yet. I have no opinions on Bebe - after all, little more than 30 minutes ago, I never even knew that guy existed. Since he's with United now I hope he's as good as he's worth!

Really pleased with Chicharito's form - he scored against Spain in the first half! =D

*Listening to Land of Confusion by Disturbed*

is depressed....

...that Ozil is moving to Barca =( =( =(

Sigh - so much for the hype and excitement about him joining Man U. Never mind, it's probably about time I placed my order for the new away jersey then!

*Listening to Caught in the Moment by Default*

Footie's back! (well..nearly!)

This weekend has been good for me in terms of footie results - first Bayern beat Schalke to grab the Super Cup yesterday and just now, Man U clinched the community shield from Chelski! Wee!! :D I even went the mile to watch the Super Cup match (which was NOT shown on TV in UK) - but it was all worth it. Bayern, even weakened by the absence of Ribery and Robben, was definitely the better side - given that the WC10 players only came back only at the beginning of this week, this was a very good result indeed. Both Muller and Klose scored typical "WC" goals - and Lahm captained Bayern (Neuer captained Schalke)! Was good to see Klose finally getting a goal in for Bayern - he's been dissed a lot for his lack of goals in the recent seasons (especially since he always seems on-form when he plays for his nation!) - hopefully this will spur him on to score more for his club this season! Not so positive yesterday was that Werder were thumped by Fulham 5-1 - and Ozil played for about an hour!?!?!? Man, I am a bit relieved that I didn't watch that match - otherwise, I'd probably be screaming out of frustration! =( But overall - Bayern winning definitely made my day yesterday.....

The good feeling continued today as Man U outscored Chelski 3-1 - I'm not being biased but Man U definitely outplayed Chelsea for most of it. Chelsea could have equalised when they were more threatening during the last 10 minutes of the match but I guess it just wasn't their day. In the end, a 90th minute goal from Berbatov sealed the deal for Man U. Chicharito's goal was hilarious - I'm glad we signed him up - he's definitely one of those players that is capable of lighting up a match when things get stale....hopefully his good form continues throughout the season. Rooney, who played in the first half, was good - way better than his WC10 form and for that I'm relieved. Let's hope this is a good omen for better things to come this season!!

On a totally separate note, I managed to catch Toy Story 3 today as well - all I can say is that it's definitely one of the best cartoons I've seen in a while. And I admittedly nearly (yes, nearly but NO) teared during the last few moments of the cartoon...can't say I share Andy's enthusiasm for his toys but I can pretty much understand the feeling of not wanting to let the things you cherish in the past go....

*Listening to Witchcraft by Pendulum*

So much things going on...

..and not enough time! Last weekend was awesome - 4 matches in 2 days definitely cured my footie withdrawal (that has been going on for a while). 3 draws and 1 win. That's the final results. Out of the 4 teams, I have to admit that the Arsenal vs Celtic match was the most exciting...if only Celtic put Samaras from the beginning! Milan were weak....and slow. Somehow I hate the way they DON'T run for the ball. Such lazy play...reminds me of a certain striker in Man U. Grrr. Michel Bastos and Nasri were the standout players for me. Exciting and energetic play from the both of them. Oh, and the Emirates stadium is really cool too! Don't worry I'll never convert into a Gunner ;o) As much as I think Man U will probably not win the league (or CL) this year, I'll never support any other English club! =)

*Listening to Marching On by One Republic*

Wow...

..I can't believe I actually won tickets for the Emirates Cup this weekend! Basically I randomly entered a lucky draw on the Telegraph newspaper and a girl called me up to say I won the tickets! :D Woohoo!! (Let's see if she is actually pulling my leg tomorrow when I go collect the tickets ;o) )

Anyway if I do manage to get it, I'll be watching 4 awesome matches over the weekend, starring Arsenal, AC Milan, Lyon and Celtic. Can't wait!!!!!!!! This will probably cure my football withdrawal for a while... =)

*Listening to Top of the World by The Blackout*

So here I am at Koko's...

...tapping away on my iPhone and waiting for Good Charlotte to get on stage. I've never been a huge huge fan of the band but I definitely like most of their songs. They've always never failed to produce really catchy and mostly happy tunes. It's pretty packed in here - I'm standing by the stairs - hopefully no one's gonna obstruct my view!!! :D

P/S: don't you just love technology ;)

*Listening to Victim of Love by Good Charlotte*

Is relieved...

..can't believe I scrapped through! Really happy and relieved right now :D

*Listening to Happy by Sister Hazel*

Congratulations...

..to Sheryl and Tim and wishing the both of you a lifetime of happiness! I've just gotten back from their beautiful wedding at Magdalene College earlier today - t'was a really great experience as I have never been to an English, let alone Cambridge wedding before! Also met lots of friends and had a really wonderful time. Indeed, I think weddings can sometimes the best places to meet friends whom you've lost touch with after years of slogging in the working world.

Anyway on a totally separate note, I think I will start watching/following the Bundesliga from next season onwards. Everyone who knows me will know that I'm the most judgemental and bias person on earth so no surprises for the team/s that I will be supporting! Bayern - definitely - and Werder if Ozil stays though. I'm pretty sure Lahm and Muller are not leaving Bayern - and as for Ozil, it's a tough call. I think he will leave...but not to Man U - the club is probably too strapped for cash to spend on a new buy...methinks. Can't bear the thought of supporting another English team - and I somehow could never bring myself to support Barca - yes, as hard as I try to, I've just never been a supporter. Well, we shall see...

*Listening to Tomorrow by James*

Into oblivion...

Don't you wish you could immerse yourself into nothingness sometimes? Well, not always - but sometimes I wish I could hide myself into oblivion. Btw this is a fantastic song by FFAF - I really hope they play it tonight!! :D :D :D I've been wanting to see them play in years and am glad that I'll finally get to catch them playing live tonight.

The days I've felt alone

And the sea, it brings me back again

So that I can see my wife

And I can see my child

Home, I'm home, it never changes

Same old faces, same old places

I stared into oblivion and found my own

I stared into oblivion, into oblivion

Find in me the home

That you have never known

Find in us the faith

The faith to bring you home

I stared into oblivion and found my own

I stared into oblivion and found my own

I stared into oblivion, and found my own reflection there

(reflection there)

Home. Now that I'm coming home

Will you be the same as when I saw you last?

Tell me how much time has passed?

I stared into oblivion (and found my own)

I stared into oblivion (and found my own)

I stared into oblivion (and found my own)

I stared into oblivion and found my own reflection there

P/S: I sometimes wonder what's up with me and Welsh rockers! Haha!!

Yay!

Joachim Loew to stay as Germany's coach..for 2 years - hopefully capped with winning the Euro 2012 :D :D

Man, I'm turning into a Deutscheland fangirl I swear....

*Listening to We Owe This to Ourselves by Anberlin*

A nice dream...

..would be for MU to get Ozil AND Lahm in time for the start of the season....now that would be way beyond awesome. Maybe I should stay in dream-land ala Inception! (which was really mind-bogglingly fantastic!)

By the way, I'm still terribly obsessed with the song Impossible by Anberlin...

Make my teeth clench
And my hands shake
Do you ever see
What you do to me?

You're wearing me out
Just wearing me out
But I'm wearing you down

You're impossible
Lovely
So impossible
To win or please

I'm wearing you out
Just wearing you out
But I'm wearing you down

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything from me
It means nothing now

Not so easy to forgive
Harder to forget
Take what you want

I make your lips red
And your moans quake
Try to think through
What I can do to you

It's wearing you thin
Can I begin
To wear you out
Wear you out

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything from me
It means nothing now

Not so easy to forgive
Harder to forget
Take what you want

I'm impossible
To figure out
So impossible
You've had your doubts

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything honey
It means nothing now

Not so easy to forgive
Harder to forget

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything honey
It means nothing now

Not so easy to forgive
Harder to forget
Take what you want from me
Take what you want from me

*Listening to... :o)*

Phew...

After scrambling around for 2 days, I managed to get my laptop fixed today! Amazing isn't it? Have to admit that this came with a lot of "travelling" effort - I was at the point of giving up last night and already psyching myself to write off 2-3 weeks by sending it in to Apple - but luckily, I decided to try an independent service provider and they got it fixed almost immediately (I have to thank my lucky stars that work hasn't been too busy lately as well). Very impressed with this ISP - seeing that Apple was about to quote me £50 for the repair (saying that the socket had to be replaced, bla, bla, not in warranty, etc.), I was shocked when these peeps contacted me back within an hour to tell me that my laptop was ready for collection (with no charge!)! I guess it must have been a really easy fix - I will have to be very careful with my laptop from now on - I don't know how it got damaged in the first place though....

That aside, weather has continued to be crappy today - and doubt I can run outdoors. Looks like I will need to start going back to the gym if the weather continues to be like this. Not so fun now that I've experienced how lovely it is outdoors!

On a separate note, Stone Sour and A7X just announced a double-whammy tour in Oct - and tickets go on sale tomorrow! :D :D That will defo been an amazing concert....now I just need to start clicking at 9am tomorrow...

*Listening to Say You'll Haunt Me by Stone Sour*

Footie withdrawal syndrome hits...

..and my laptop is buggered. Sigh. I'm quite lucky to have booked myself a slot at the Genius Bar this afternoon so hopefully it'll be OK by tonight.

The weather has been a bit gloomy today - which would have been quite a nice welcome after 2 weeks of blazing hot sun - except that I've recently started running by the Canal near my house and it's really nice and relaxing when the weather is looking up! (P/S: Need to thank JJ for convincing me to run outdoors - I've been running indoors for 1+year!) Maybe it will stop drizzling later today and I can take a short jog this evening....

*Listening to Forever Young by Alphaville*

Spain are champs!

And so the match finally ended after 120 minutes of gruelling football - and by gruelling I mean filled with quite a lot of drama and violence! Although goalless until the 116th minute, both sides fluffed "sure score" chances but also showed sheer grit. Maybe this has something to do with nerves? I have to give credit to the Dutch for they managed to shut out the effective passing of the Spanish in mid-field and their defence was solid...in fact sometimes they looked even more impenetrable than Spain. But hell were they rough! That kungfu kick by De Jong on Alonso must have cracked at least one of his ribs, no? Anyway, I think they had a total of 8 yellow cards in the game, and one of the guys got deservedly sent off. Nonetheless, Spain's dominance was pretty much unquestionable although the Dutch were a dangerous lot (esp Arjen Robben - Sneijder was completely shut out in this game though...). Given that Spain actually fluffed a lot more chances than they usually do, I was over the moon when Iniesta's goal happened - I wouldn't have been able to bear watching Spain lose due to penalty shoot-outs! The one sad Spanish element (to me anyway) was watching Torres being relegated to a sub (he came on during extra-time), barely got a chance at the ball and later on injured himself (apparently a groin injury). I wonder if this will be the end for him?

All in all, the champs did win as they should have - but I have my faith in the young German team. Looking forward to the Euro 2012....

I'm already wondering how am I gonna survive now that WC10 is over - any ideas?

*Listening to Over and Over by Three Days Grace*

Happy day!

Today was a great day. Woke up early, had a run - and went off to have a 4.5 hours 10 course lunch at Fat Duck! Although it cost the 6 of us a bomb, it was definitely an unforgettable experience - and with a good bunch of friends, was a delight! Food was strange - as expected - my favourite course came in the form of a snail porridge - it was green, tasted like congee with pea puree but with yummy snails! A close 2nd was the dessert course of Black Forrest Gateau, which was amazingly delicious!

So after a long lunch, we came home just in time to rest a bit before the Germany vs Uruguay game started. I have to say I was slightly disappointed with the line-up - 3 of their key players were struck by flu (Klose, Podolvski, Lahm) - so it was a visibly weaker midfield and the lack of these players were quite obvious in Germany's gameplay. Butt started for Neuer, but he was very experienced (he's 36) so was quite good at the goal. Cacau (who came in for Klose) was slow and ineffective (he was later subbed off for Riessling - who although better than Cacau, was definitely not Klose!) - but luckily Muller was around. To be honest, I still think Muller would have made a difference had he been able to play on Wednesday....but that is my biased opinion, of course. It was a really exciting game - both sides attacked freely so defense was lacking (yes, for the Germans in particular!). The Uruguayan strikers were dangerous - somehow it felt a bit like when Germany was playing against Argentina - you never know whether one of them will strike! Forlan had an excellent game, dangerous at all times while Suarez was the anti-hero - booed whenever he touched the ball but threatening in presence nonetheless. Ozil was good - watching him play is a joy - and I can only hope he comes to the EPL next season...otherwise I might need to revert to watching the Bundesliga instead!! ;o) I'm happy with the 3-2 result - it was enough for Germany to win 3rd place - although for most of it, I was hoping for Ozil to strike...but maybe next time. I have faith in this team...so bring on Euro 2012!!! :D

Tomorrow will be a much more tactical game - hopefully the Dutch will unrattle Spain first so that the Spanish armada will set off quickly!!

*Listening to Shameful Metaphors by Chevelle*

Melancholy...

..after listening to the new Anberlin song - absolutely awesome! Definitely cheered up after a terrible start of the day but at least, I've gotten a couple of things sorted, and have learnt some new things in the midst - and it's not even noon yet!

So Wesley Sneijder doesn't want to leave Inter - which leaves SAF to sign on Mesut Özil quickly (or so I hope!) =) I think he will be able to make a difference to the team. As we all know from last season that Ronaldo was sorely missed - that playmaker cum scorer cum crosser role has been lacking in MU's game play. To be honest, the team was never quite the same quality compared to '99 - when MU was at the pinnacle of success! Anyway, let's hope for a better year ahead.....

*Listening to Impossible by Anberlin*

Even in my gloom...

..I've managed to discover a new band that I really like! The band is called Hail the Villain, a fairly new Canadian heavy metal band (formed in '03) - their songs are just my cup of tea: Punchy, strong rifts, awesome tunes. I'm not done listening through their new (also first!) album but so far (4 tracks down), it's been definitely promising.... :D

Good solution to mend my disappointment - I'm still amazed about how upset I am still though...

*Listening to Take Back the Fear by Hail the Villain*

It still hurts..

...even when you've predicted the outcome. 1-0. Oh well. The better side definitely won (by the sounds of it) - but I will be looking forward to watching 2 stress-free matches this Saturday and Sunday. If there's any consolation, phantom of the opera was excellent - definitely one of the best musicals I've ever seen :o).

Special thanks to my lovely friends who know how upset I would have been today...

Now to get over and move on....bring on Spain!

*Listening to Knock You Down by Keri Hilson*