Tuesday, 31 January 2012
January.
As today is the last day of the month, I thought I'd upload a few pictures of what I got up to!
Friday, 27 January 2012
January.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
The match really was a tale of two halves. United managed to snatch an early lead through Wayne Rooney's 9th minute goal. However, Kompany's departure signalled the beginning of the end for Mancini's side. Cities captain was shown a red card in the 11th minute for a two-footed tackle on Luis Nani. The decision seemed quite harsh, and a yellow would have been more deserved, as this huge decision left the game somewhat tarnished. After constant pressure from United, Danny Welbeck scored the 2nd for the away side, leaving a 10 man City side disheartened, yet still determined. Sloppy play from United leads to two yellow cards in a matter of minutes for Welbeck and Nani. However the tide soon turns when City's Aleksandar Kolarov brings down Welbeck in the box and United are awarded a penalty. Rooney steps up to the spot and delivers a decent shot, which is saved by Costel Pantilimon, however he manages to get the rebound with a head to the ball. The half comes to a close with United clearly on top and City appearing to unravel. I actually dared to dream of revenge for the dreaded 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
The second half proves to be polar opposite to that of the first. United come out with a complacent attitude and City are clearly fired up - unwilling to lose at home against their greatest rivals. Within two minutes of being on the pitch Patrice Evra is booked for a foul on Micha Richards and City are awarded a free kick. Kolarov hits the target and City are now riled for a come back. The next 10 minutes prove to be pretty even between the two sides, with United seeing slightly more action and attempts on goal. In the 58th minute Nani is replaced by Scholes and United fans wait in anticipation to see what the old legend can bring to the game. After only 6 minutes of Sholes being on the pitch, Sergio Aguero manages to find the bottom left hand corner; seconds after Anders Lindegaard makes a fantastic save from another of Aguero's oncoming shots. The pace of the game is now clearly with City, whose fans are urging them to bag an equalizer. After a nail-biting 25 minutes, United manage to cling to their lead and knock City out of the FA cup.
A game that promised to be full of drama did not disappoint. While United won the game, City managed to retain their pride, as they came back from 3-0 down with 10 men to hold their rivals to a nail biting finish. As a United fan, I was happy with the result, but not with the game. We somehow lost our momentum and didn't seize opportunities when they arose. Never turn your back on Manchester City, they have strength and determination that may not have won them this game, but will lead them to within touching distance of the Premier League title.
FA Cup 3rd Round.
Location: Etihad Stadium.
Match report.
Location: Etihad Stadium.
Match report.
As a United fan I was absolutely dreading this game. Thoughts of the humiliating 6-1 still lingered in my mind and I didn't fancy our chances away from home, against a side who constantly dominate even without a full strength side. The build up to the game was surrounded with speculation: would City thrash us again, or could United pull it out of the bag? I personally didn't fancy our chances.
Not long before kick off, it was announced that United legend, Paul Scholes, would come out of retirement and return to the squad. Finally, we had some sort of solution to our questionable midfield - however was Scholes the answer? Yes he's a good player, but we need fresh legs and the stamina of youth. I'm still to pass judgement on his return.
The match really was a tale of two halves. United managed to snatch an early lead through Wayne Rooney's 9th minute goal. However, Kompany's departure signalled the beginning of the end for Mancini's side. Cities captain was shown a red card in the 11th minute for a two-footed tackle on Luis Nani. The decision seemed quite harsh, and a yellow would have been more deserved, as this huge decision left the game somewhat tarnished. After constant pressure from United, Danny Welbeck scored the 2nd for the away side, leaving a 10 man City side disheartened, yet still determined. Sloppy play from United leads to two yellow cards in a matter of minutes for Welbeck and Nani. However the tide soon turns when City's Aleksandar Kolarov brings down Welbeck in the box and United are awarded a penalty. Rooney steps up to the spot and delivers a decent shot, which is saved by Costel Pantilimon, however he manages to get the rebound with a head to the ball. The half comes to a close with United clearly on top and City appearing to unravel. I actually dared to dream of revenge for the dreaded 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
The second half proves to be polar opposite to that of the first. United come out with a complacent attitude and City are clearly fired up - unwilling to lose at home against their greatest rivals. Within two minutes of being on the pitch Patrice Evra is booked for a foul on Micha Richards and City are awarded a free kick. Kolarov hits the target and City are now riled for a come back. The next 10 minutes prove to be pretty even between the two sides, with United seeing slightly more action and attempts on goal. In the 58th minute Nani is replaced by Scholes and United fans wait in anticipation to see what the old legend can bring to the game. After only 6 minutes of Sholes being on the pitch, Sergio Aguero manages to find the bottom left hand corner; seconds after Anders Lindegaard makes a fantastic save from another of Aguero's oncoming shots. The pace of the game is now clearly with City, whose fans are urging them to bag an equalizer. After a nail-biting 25 minutes, United manage to cling to their lead and knock City out of the FA cup.
A game that promised to be full of drama did not disappoint. While United won the game, City managed to retain their pride, as they came back from 3-0 down with 10 men to hold their rivals to a nail biting finish. As a United fan, I was happy with the result, but not with the game. We somehow lost our momentum and didn't seize opportunities when they arose. Never turn your back on Manchester City, they have strength and determination that may not have won them this game, but will lead them to within touching distance of the Premier League title.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Four.
List for Life
1. Go to Glastonbury festival every year possible (even till I'm an old, crazy granny).
2. Do a bungee jump.
3. Go on a ski season.
4. Live and work in London.
5. Do sky dive.
6. Visit every continent.
7. Get a tattoo.
8. Graduate with a 2:1.
9. Own a cute little rat dog.
10. Learn a language to a decent conversational level.
11. Celebrate New Year in Times Square.
12. Decide on a career that I love and can work my way up in.
13. Go white water rafting.
14. Swim with wild dolphins.
15. Get married.
16. Watch all 3 LOTR films without a break.
17. Raise over £1000 for charity.
18. Visit: The Great Wall of China.
Machu Picchu.
The Pyramids.
19.Go whale watching.
20. Go to Disneyland.
21. Bet it all in Vegas.
22. Go back to Amsterdam, properly.
23. Go horse riding again.
24. Cliff jump.
25. Ride the worlds biggest/ fast roller-coaster.
26. Remain vegetarian.
27. Ride an elephant.
28. Host a dinner party.
29. Go on safari.
30. Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
31. See Eminem in concert & have a secret rap-off to the song Rain Man.
32. Own a season ticket for Manchester United.
33. Win a pub quiz without cheating!
34. Pay off my overdraft.
35. Own my own home.
Till next week x
Seeing as this is now my last semester of uni and in a few months I will have the freedom and choice to do pretty much whatever I want, I've decided to write my own bucket list! It's going to contain things I want to do, places I want to visit and sights I want to see. A few of the things I've already done; but hey, I've got to start somewhere!
1. Go to Glastonbury festival every year possible (even till I'm an old, crazy granny).
2. Do a bungee jump.
3. Go on a ski season.
4. Live and work in London.
5. Do sky dive.
6. Visit every continent.
7. Get a tattoo.
8. Graduate with a 2:1.
9. Own a cute little rat dog.
10. Learn a language to a decent conversational level.
11. Celebrate New Year in Times Square.
12. Decide on a career that I love and can work my way up in.
13. Go white water rafting.
14. Swim with wild dolphins.
15. Get married.
16. Watch all 3 LOTR films without a break.
17. Raise over £1000 for charity.
18. Visit: The Great Wall of China.
Machu Picchu.
The Pyramids.
19.Go whale watching.
20. Go to Disneyland.
21. Bet it all in Vegas.
22. Go back to Amsterdam, properly.
23. Go horse riding again.
24. Cliff jump.
25. Ride the worlds biggest/ fast roller-coaster.
26. Remain vegetarian.
27. Ride an elephant.
28. Host a dinner party.
29. Go on safari.
30. Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
31. See Eminem in concert & have a secret rap-off to the song Rain Man.
32. Own a season ticket for Manchester United.
33. Win a pub quiz without cheating!
34. Pay off my overdraft.
35. Own my own home.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Three.
Freedom
For the first time in my university career I actually managed to get all of my essays finished not one, but two days before they were due in. I've changed. And now I am free as a bird for two weeks! Oh the joys of not having to go to the library every day. However, I'm pretty sure boredom will set in after a day or two.
I've managed to secure myself some work experience as a runner for Britain's Got Talent during the Cardiff auditions! Excited doesn't even come close! However, I'm still totally confused about what I actually want to do after I graduate, career-wise. I really don't feel old enough to have a job, an actual proper grown-up job. I'm still 17 in my head. But the scary thing is, I've actually got to start thinking about these things now, and I don't think it's going to be as simple as the little plan I've mentally formed (and have convinced myself will easily happen), which is: go to London, get flat in London, get job in London. Sorted. Or not as the case may be. I initially wanted to work in TV, cos that sounds cool, right? I'd start as a runner and work my way up... but then I though, work my way up to what?! I am now coming round to the idea that I would quite like to work in the magazine world, as I actually really enjoy writing. I kinda need to make my mind up pretty soonish though, but in the mean-time I've got a ski season and travelling to plan. The grown up stuff can wait till next year.
Till next week, x
For the first time in my university career I actually managed to get all of my essays finished not one, but two days before they were due in. I've changed. And now I am free as a bird for two weeks! Oh the joys of not having to go to the library every day. However, I'm pretty sure boredom will set in after a day or two.
I've managed to secure myself some work experience as a runner for Britain's Got Talent during the Cardiff auditions! Excited doesn't even come close! However, I'm still totally confused about what I actually want to do after I graduate, career-wise. I really don't feel old enough to have a job, an actual proper grown-up job. I'm still 17 in my head. But the scary thing is, I've actually got to start thinking about these things now, and I don't think it's going to be as simple as the little plan I've mentally formed (and have convinced myself will easily happen), which is: go to London, get flat in London, get job in London. Sorted. Or not as the case may be. I initially wanted to work in TV, cos that sounds cool, right? I'd start as a runner and work my way up... but then I though, work my way up to what?! I am now coming round to the idea that I would quite like to work in the magazine world, as I actually really enjoy writing. I kinda need to make my mind up pretty soonish though, but in the mean-time I've got a ski season and travelling to plan. The grown up stuff can wait till next year.
Till next week, x
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Two.
Honey, I'm home!
I've now been back in Cardiff for a grand total of 4 days, yet it feels like I never left! I have four essays due at the start of next week, so the majority of my time is being spent in the library. Never before have I done this. I usually sit around in my room and slowly do my essays while having a major Facebook/ Twitter stalk by means of procrastination. While the libes is actually a great place to get work done, it doesn't half suck the life and soul out of you! Bring on a week today, when all my essay woes will end and my fate will be set. (Fingers crossed for a 2:1, eh?)
So, this week is all about work, work, work and NO going out. While this does wonders to my bank balance, it is a very upsetting prospect. However, in an attempt to keep madness at bay, myself and my house mates have come up with a fun packed itinerary, that includes no (well, minimal) drinking, to keep us entertained in the evenings. Yesterday we went on a wild trip to the bowling alley, I won both games, with my clear natural talent and ability. Obviously. However, this was made slightly easier by the fact that Charlie remained on 0 points up until her 6th go! Tonight we are going for a social drink at the pub. It's going to be a respectable affair I guarantee. Board games may make an appearance.
I've now been back in Cardiff for a grand total of 4 days, yet it feels like I never left! I have four essays due at the start of next week, so the majority of my time is being spent in the library. Never before have I done this. I usually sit around in my room and slowly do my essays while having a major Facebook/ Twitter stalk by means of procrastination. While the libes is actually a great place to get work done, it doesn't half suck the life and soul out of you! Bring on a week today, when all my essay woes will end and my fate will be set. (Fingers crossed for a 2:1, eh?)
So, this week is all about work, work, work and NO going out. While this does wonders to my bank balance, it is a very upsetting prospect. However, in an attempt to keep madness at bay, myself and my house mates have come up with a fun packed itinerary, that includes no (well, minimal) drinking, to keep us entertained in the evenings. Yesterday we went on a wild trip to the bowling alley, I won both games, with my clear natural talent and ability. Obviously. However, this was made slightly easier by the fact that Charlie remained on 0 points up until her 6th go! Tonight we are going for a social drink at the pub. It's going to be a respectable affair I guarantee. Board games may make an appearance.
Check out my bowling shoes/socks combo. Pretty bang on trend.
Till next week!
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
One.
The Beginning of a plan
So, I don't tend to make 'New Year's Resolutions'. After 21 years, I think I know myself pretty well, and I'm not one for sticking to half-hearted ideas. However, this is different. 2012 is going to be somewhat of a life-changing year, three years of university are nearly over and the dreaded graduation looms in mid July. So, I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and have created this blog! Throughout the year, I aim to write here once a week (an achievable aim I feel, to fit in with my [not so] busy schedule and it'll be a great procrastination tool) Plus, my life isn't exciting enough for it to be documented daily! Well then, here goes... my 52 week challenge, let the writing commence.
2012.
A year of change, new beginnings, last times, first times, goodbyes, friends old & new, adventures and fear. Fear of the unknown. Leaving education for the first time in 17 years, and still not knowing what the hell I really want to do?! Well, I do have a plan, one that I'm sure will feature numerous times in this blog, so I won't blab too much about that now, but here's a brief preview:
Graduate > work for 6 months > ski season > travel 2 months > Glastonbury 2013 > join real world (sob).
Check back in 52 weeks to see how real this is... But if all goes to plan, I shall be finishing my 52nd blog post on the slopes in a French ski resort (fingers crossed!) It will definitely be interesting to see how my hopes and plans at the start of the year actually turn out!
Anyway, I am already using this blog as an almighty distraction! It's January after all, and that of course means essays (oh the joys) and I have 4 due in less than two weeks! So, as my old English teacher would say, let's hit the ground running, and crack on!
Till next week, x
Anyway, I am already using this blog as an almighty distraction! It's January after all, and that of course means essays (oh the joys) and I have 4 due in less than two weeks! So, as my old English teacher would say, let's hit the ground running, and crack on!
Till next week, x
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