Wednesday 16 June 2004

Week 69, Day 446

Ah, it's so nice to have summer finally on our doorstep, after one of the longest winters I've ever experienced. Unfortunately, it means that we swelter at work with the open grill on all day, but I'm counting my blessings anyway.

Last Tuesday I finally got to see Harry Potter. I organised for a bunch of us to see it in a VIP box at the cinemas where I work. Alex, Steve, Mike, Lyndon, Nina, Amit, Kieron, Dave and two of his friends all turned up. We had dinner at Nando's and then headed over. I enjoyed the movie though they did miss out big chunks out of the book. It was a lot darker and slower but there were parts I thought were done well, especially towards the end. And Ron is so cute in that movie ;) Unfortunately, when I got home I realised my mobile was missing. And though I went to the cinema the next day to find it, I couldn't, so I am mobile-less!

Went to see the Charlatans on Wednesday. And as a result I ended up buying a car! I went to hire a car but when I got there they had one for sale - a Ford Orion 1.6L, 1989. It looked ok and drove fine so I took it. Still had tax and MOT on it so I think I did ok for 395 quid, and it only needs to last me a few months.

As for the Charlatans, they were unreal! There was lots of new stuff played from the current album but that was expected. And a few damn good oldies were thrown in for good measure including 'Spronston Green' which they played as the last song of the encore and I went mental over! Tim Burgess looked great as always, and Alex and I were glad to see he was sporting his scruffy bowl haircut again as opposed to the straight long hairdo he had not long ago. That man really knows how to entertain the crowd and I can see why so many girls swoon over him.

I unfortunately missed out on seeing Jet on Friday night as their gig had been postponed and I couldn't get that Friday night off. Alex and the others had a great night so at least all was not lost. Saturday, Alex and I drove down to Cambridge for a short stay. We had dinner with Nancy (his mother) and talked until all hours of the morning. Sunday morning woke up to Nancy making pancakes (the American variety) with mapel syrup - mmmm! And then drove back for work.

Monday evening, Alex, Mike, Lyndon, Nina and Tony (Lyndon & Nina's new housemate) went to Roundhay park for a laze-about. After Alex and I went back to my place to make pizza. Who knew that pizza could go SO wrong. Alex's aunt Debbie had brought back some instant pizza dough that you just add water too. Did that and followed the instructions, then put on way too much topping. The dough didn't cook right through so we left it in the overn for longer and subsequently burnt most of it. We still ate it and in parts it was fine but in others, not so. I think I'll just by a pre-made pizza base next time ;)

Yesterday Alex, Mike, Steve and I went to see Ash play at Leeds uni. One of the best gigs I've been to in a while. They played "Kung Fu" a few songs into the set which sent me from halfway through the crowd to two people behind the front row. It was great! I remembered what it was like to gasp for air among sweaty bodies and to experience movement without actually touching the floor. Sounds great doesn't it? :) Seriously though, Ash were in great form and I had forgotten just how good they are live. Alex took some pics so if any turned out I'll see if he'll let me post them on. Ran into Dave, Amit and Kieron who were also there. Bought myself a bootleg Ash tshirt to finish of the night. We then went to the Fav (one of the uni hangouts) for a drink, only to find it was some kind of Latin night. It was most amusing to watch a drunken Mike boogie where ever he walked, including the point a bunch of girls walked passed him as he was doing one of his grinding moves.

Next week is gonna be a big one. I'm working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights to make up for the fact I've taken time off from Thursday (which is my birthday - 24 on the 24th! Argh!) until Monday due to Glastonbury. I am SO EXCITED to say the least ;) I'm sure I'll have lots of news after that weekend!

Am off like a flying pancake... x
Vanessa