Sunday, Jun. 28, 2009 - 22:51

Yep, it's been a wee while (three weeks!). Sorry to be uninteresting, but there's not a particularly interesting reason for it - I've just been very busy at work, and either tired or 'out' at the weekends. I regret this a little - it always bothers me to not have my life recorded on a frequent basis (I'm not being bigheaded, I'm just used to it, as I've kept a diary for most of the last twenty years) but I really have had little time/energy. So here are some random numbered points.

1. Somewhat annoyingly, I've had the refrain from that White Stripes tune "..I'm thinkin' about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it?.." going round and round my head this afternoon. I did get some 'tidying the fuck up' done (I had a note on my monitor this morning - which I put there, let me clarify - telling me to 'Tidy the FUCK up') so all ain't crap.

2. One of my ex-girlfriends got in touch a week or so ago as well, which was actually perfectly pleasant. She's getting on OKL it seems, has a few ups and downs, but don't we all. Was good to (farcebook message) chat in any case.

3. Very busy and stressy at work. I've been feeling somewhat guilty/uneasy this weekend because close to the 'deadline' for submitting evidence to the evil swine motherfucker auditors, I decided not to go in to work and do more work on Saturday, even though part of me thought I should. It's mostly done, and I have been working twelve hour days, and.. I felt like I was going to die if I didn't get some sleep.

4. At times this past couple of weeks I have felt dejected. It's a combination of frustrations at work where I see people being dumb or lazy, and times when I've felt that I am a bit of a scumbag too (e.g. waking up to a sink full of sick this morning). Just leads to a 'everything is crap' sorta frame of mind.

5. Just finished reading a book (Peter Robinson, 'Piece of my Heart') which was pretty enjoyable in a 'British Crime Thriller' type way. It looks like it's part of a series, so I may investigate others of this ilk.

6. Pakistan won the ICC World Twenty20, Afridi inspiring the victory against Sri Lanka. England's ladies won the women's version of the tournament, one of the impressive English bowlers sporting a proper shiner. The Confederations Cup had some suprises with USA qualifying for the semis ahead of Italy, and then ending Spain's long long winning/unbeaten run. The Lions lost the second test 28-25 in South Africa this afternoon, due to a poor refereeing performance where gouging was missed, and a few penalties given were highly dubious.

7. Speaking of The Lions, I saw that spear tackle from the tour of New Zealand for the first time this weekend. I remember looking for it online a few years back but being unable to find it. Seeing it now though, it's a lot worse than I imagined. I've seen spear tackles before where a player with the ball has been met by one or two opponants and tackled carelessly/unfairly and flipped dangerously onto his head, but.. clearing the ruck in that way, some time after the ball had gone? Malicious cheating Kiwi bastards.

8. I went out last weekend with a load of people from work, few drinks in some of Wolverhamptons less great pubs, then a few boogies in one of the newest cheesy nightclubs. I was stressed about the fact I was the 'host' in a sense, thus people's happiness was partially dependant on my providing a venue for jollities. In the end though it was a good evening - everyone said they had a good time, I got pleasantly but not excessively drunk, and the company was amiable and attractive.

9. I also went out yesterday with a mate for a catch-up over a couple of pints. It was enjoyable enough but the combination of not having had any tea (nowt in the house, foodwise) and him buying me cider 'to finish the night' made me feel rough. We were going to go back to his for food, but in the end I felt like I was going to spew so (after sitting on his doorstep for twenty minutes getting fresh air) decided to apologise and head home.

10. A not-unexciting end to the Confederations Cup 3rd/4th Place Playoff today. After what appeared to be a rather 'friendly' sort of hot kickabout for much of the game, South Africa went ahead with fifteen minutes to go. The Spanish looked like they'd be shocked again (after their surprising loss to USA in the semi) but Guiza equalised in the eighty-eighth minute, and then scored a sensational chippish second from a tight angle just a minute or so later. The home crowd started to leave, but then a 93rd minute free kick put Bafana Bafana level. Alonso scored from another cross cum shot (nb. use of the phrase 'cum shot' is not intended to bring bonus porn-seeking traffic to this site, honest!) in extra time to win it for the Europeans.

11. In the Confederations Cup Final, USA took an early lead against Brazil, and went further ahead following a nice breakaway goal. In the second half, however, the Yanks tired and Brazil showed their class. The final score was 3-2 to the South Americans.

12. LISTENING TO:- I downloaded and have been muchly listening to Bruce Springsteen's album 'Nebraska' - it's one of the best albums, stark as it is, that I have ever heard. Perticularly beautiful are 'Highway Patrolman' and the (based on a true story and inspired a film or two) titular tune, a fan video of which is below.