Rooting for...

...and...

...tonight =)

*Listening to In Your Light by Ed Kowalczyk*

A frustrating night...

...to the start of Man U's CL campaign. I don't know why we sent in a string of 2nd stringers... maybe SAF was confident we could scrap a win? The worst thing is that Valencia is now out for several months after breaking his leg in the match. This was definitely officially the MOST boring match (esp the 1st half), ending 0-0. Even FC Copenhagen scored! Boo hiss =(. Inter drew as well (2-2), while Barca whitewashed Panathinaikos 5-1. Luckily Werder Bremen managed to draw with Spurs after going behind 0-2. I guess this is what makes CL so exciting - you can never predict the result of the match! By the end of the MU match, I literally felt like this ->

Anyway, tomorrow will be an exciting night again. Real Madrid and Bayern are playing - I'll be trying to watch 2 matches at the same time! Am hoping for a good show from Ozil and the Bayern guys! =) Let's hope for some good news......

In the mean time, here's more of my recent fav eye candy...

*Listening to Stand by Ed Kowalczyk*

Holiday #2

I am off to Bilbao + San Sebastian for a long weekend starting tomorrow with my 2 best buds. Really looking forward to escaping the pathetic weather here (although I've read that it's gonna rain in Spain too - oh well!) - at least I'll be having yummy food! Nonetheless, I'll be missing the footie action this weekend - boohiss!!! =(

I'm missing the Man U, Bayern and Real match this weekend - sigh. Perhaps I'll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of footie action in Bilbao? (although seems unlikely!)

Btw I've just discovered what an amazing player Sergio Canales is - don't know if anyone else agrees with me on this though! Haha - well, if he doesn't perform well this season, at least he'll be good eye candy =)

*Listening to Everlasting Love by Ed Kowalczyk*

footie, footie and a surprise buy!

Am really looking forward to football again tonight - yes, it's Germany vs Azerbaijan - and I can watch it live over ESPN (OK i'm hoping David doesn't decide to watch the UK vs Swiss match....). Not sure how well will Die Mannschaft play tonight...they've not been up to form of late. In fact, it almost fells like watching Bayern play! Lacklustre performances just kinda waiting for a spark/boom to happen, really. I'm obviously hoping for the best - so we shall see what happens today. After that, I'll be immediately switching over to watch the Argen vs Espana friendly! Woohoo. My money is on Spain but hope to see Messi score as well. I've never liked Argentina as a footie team but am pretty sure we're in for an exciting match for that...I just want them to hold off scoring before I switch over the channels =)

On a separate note, I've just purchased the new book by Carlo Ancelotti "The Beautiful Games of an Ordinary Genius". Surprised, eh? I guess I just wanted to read more about the coach and his thoughts about how he manages his teams. I've come across snippets from the book and Ancelotti seems like a humorous guy. I'm probably more interested in his life managing Milan than Chelski to be honest =)

Counting down the hours til tonight....

*Listening to Art of War by Anberlin*

'twas a good day..

...yesterday. Had a good day at work and then met a friend for drink with some of my colleagues, and then to dinner with some of my closest friends. Pinchitos was very good as expected (well, to be honest I've already had 3 drinks by the time for dinner and think any food would have been yummy! Lol!). And then found out Germany won 1-0 :D thank god for that. I'm watching the highlights at the moment...and definitely think that the team is still NOT performing well enough yet. Ozil fluffed a few chances in the first half - I really hope he learns to be a better finisher..argh I'm still annoyed that he isn't for Man U!!! Germany's only goal came thanks to poor defending from Van Buyten (the Belgies were really tough opponents though) and some quick, fast and accurate footwork from the Bayern guys (Schweini, Muller + Klose!) :D

Also just saw this awesome cut forward from Lahm - he is so quick and amazing! I wish he was a midfielder instead - he plays quite differently in Germany vs Bayern, probably because LvG doesn't allow Lahm to roam forward as much as when he plays for the German team?

Anyway, the next match vs Azerbaijan will be televised - so am really looking forward to watching that on Tuesday!!

Alrighto, I think I'm about to get ready to go out for my "official" birthday dinner =) =) =)

*Listening to A Day Late by Anberlin*

I'm back!

So I got back from hols on Monday - Morocco was REALLY FUN! I had an awesome time there...yes, even given the 47 degree weather ;o) I'll post some photos soon but it was great to take a breather out of London for a change.

On the footie front whilst I was away, major disappointments from Man U and Bayern dropping points, Real still struggling to glue and just read yesterday that Jogi Loew wants to reinstall Ballack as German's captain? As much as I like Jogi, I think he's bonkers! Grrr.....

Some new albums came out recently as well. Was sorely disappointed with the new GGD album - it's so bad that I can't even bring myself to sit through it again - I feel REALLY sad about it. However, the good news is that the new Anberlin album is totally wicked! Now I just can't wait for it to be available next week!

On a separate note, I'm about to turn a big 2-8 tomorrow - shocking that time flies so quickly when you're having fun (or when you have SO much stuff to deal with in life). The signs of old-age (other than getting increasingly forgetful) also includes the loss of motivation to celebrate your birthday (I was actually half contemplating watching the Euro qualifier match between Germany and Belgium at home instead!) - but hopefully I'll have fun tomorrow and on Saturday. I'm not feeling physically great at the moment (I've taken 4 panadols and 2 Imodiums since last night) but I really hope to feel completely fine tomorrow....life's never fair, is it?

*Listening to Closer by Anberlin*

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*