Glastonbury 2013 - A Dream or a Reality? Day 1 - Wednesday

Wednesday - Travelling Day

We woke up at 6.30am, like excited kids waking up early for Christmas Day or their first day at Disneyland. Glasto was like an adults Disneyland, apart from it includes far more weirdos and a lot more drunken/drugged up people. We went to the bus depot with an excess of baggage which mainly included food and booze as we had someone else put our tents up. Massive bonus as this is by far the worst bit of any festival (thanks Yak). After about 5 hours of dazing on a National Express bus we arrived and loaded ourselves up with numerous mis-shapen bags.

After about a short 30 minute walk we found our campsite, loaded with a Yorkshire flag for recognition purposes. After doing the old 'awkward meeting' of new people we soon found out that it took our group 2 hours to get to our well placed site. Lucky us. Plus our tents were up. The view was amazing across all the campsites and festival venues plus it was sunny. I could feel the start of a great festival, different to any other. We cracked open a Carling and got on it, one of 50 cans we had, not to mention the 3 litres of dark rum and 2 litres of vodka, it was fair to say that if we drank all this booze it would be a hazy festival. It could be our g-LAST-o festival, I love a good pun, that was shit though.

About 7 we went for a walk to get our bearings. First stop, the long drops. First day long drops are like heaven in toilet, at least festival toilet, land. We walked past a sea of tents to see the impressive Pyramid stage. This looks bigger on the TV but it is a Pharoah-ld size still (they will get better I promise!) You walk down the roads and see all the stalls an you can sense the excitement in people's behaviour. We saw our first drunk girl, stumbling out of a loo trying to do up her dungarees, she failed miserably. We saw some amazing things. Greenpeace area was great, Shangra-la was, lets say, different. We wandered round exploring everything until we came upon a Motown bar. We danced, drank tequila, I won a bet that there was a baby in a pram in the bar not some alcohol as everyone else said. 

We walked back to our tent at 1am, happy, knowing we had only seen 10% of what was a massive, truly extraordinary place. A different world all together. We had a small camp fire, then hit the hay as they say.

Week 10 - Pompeii, Stumble and Yankees

Week in Progress

All stress levels are on high alert as work gets tough as we started the process of moving into our new factory. I think my hangover on Sunday didn't help the stress as it was the worst I have ever felt, meaning it has lasted me a few days and destroyed my throat.

I managed to watch an average film named 'Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters'. One highlight of the film being Gretel, who was stunning, Gemma Arterton her name, see below:

The premise behind the film is that Gretel and her brother 'Hansel' (must be said in a stern German accent), lost their parents when they were young, got tortured by a Witch who found them in a Candy house. They kill the witch then make it their life time dream to hunt other witches. Very believeable. Some of the dreams I have are more believable and thats saying something when I often get chased by a large tiger for ages and through numerous dreams.

Pompeii

In a way this section does represent the ancient city which got overhauled by some lava but it is mainly about the band I went to see on Sunday night. They are called Bastille, and yes I do constantly rave about them. That's because they're good. Pompeii is the name of their chart topping (well number 2 at the current time) single they released a few weeks ago. Their album is currently number 1 in the UK's album chart. Quite impressive for a fairly new band starting out onto a path of success (or more likely a path of a second album which will inevitably flop, The Kooks, The Fratelli's, to name a few who have taken this path). They were impressive and the audience loved them, all apart from one of my friends who had to leave mid-gig as they couldn't stop being sick through their alcohol intake the previous night. It also took 2 hours to get home due to the 'Icing Ring' that was the M1. See another one of their hits below, named: The Things We Lost in the Fire:

Stumble

You may think this would be a story relating to a drunken exploit which ended in a 'Stumble'. You would be incorrect. It is about a website that everyone should join upto which I found out about a few months ago called Stumble Upon (www.stumbleupon.com). Basically, you tell the website what your interests are then you press stumble. It will bring a wide variety of websites up and some of them are hilarious. Below is a clip from the Sesame Street, not that funny but I just enjoyed it.

Having looked back at the choice above, there are many more interesting and funny items which turn up, the best are the gifs.

Yankee's

Yankee's is on Ecclesall road in Sheffield and is basically a poor man's Uncle Sams. On Saturday night we turned up to Uncle Sams with ten of us only for it to be booked up so we headed to Yankee's. The meal was extremely nice (Burger and Chips) and so was the company. After the meal we decided to have a 'few' drinks. This inevitably ended up at the Leadmill until 4am. From what I remember it was a great night, it always is when you go to Leadmill. I enjoyed being reminded of seeing an old firned in the morning, this was the first I knew. Ah, alcohol, we wouldn't live without it.

Quote of the Week

"Even if you never know it, each and every kind act affects someone, your small act of kindness might be the one small thing that keeps another holding on."

Week 9 - York, Goats and Tangles

Live for the Weekend (YOLO)

That's right, I just put YOLO. Deal with it. Had a great week, which involved food (as always), including a home cooked steak and ale pie, homemade vegetable kebabs with cous cous and takeaways. All this cultured eating is great for opening the taste buds to different cultures but as I am currently injured (Gregley King) it isn't doing my weight any favours. I am getting fatter. Alcohol + food + no exercise = fat.

Had a few quiet drinks on Friday night on Ecclesall road for Sainty's birthday, it was a good night but I was saving myself for the day and night (Kid Cudi style) in York for Mid's 30th. 

York

It was a glorious day on Saturday and we made our way up to York about ten, I had a nagging mini hangover but luckily I wasn't driving. After a few games of the Alphabet game (football teams and players) we arrived about half 11. When we arrived all the group had been on it since 10 so we had a big of catching up to do. The drinks were flowing and I hadn't eaten (schoolboy), I managed to fit a sausage roll in from the heavenly shop that is Gregg's. After getting refused from about 4 bars as we were in a group we managed to reside in a pub called Tiger 10, just over the bridge. It was brilliant in there, everyone was starting to make their way onto various levels of tangledness, me included (bearing in mind this was about 4pm). 

Hen parties galore, arm wrestling, moustache's and comedy dancing ensued. Then it got to about 6pm and we headed to our hotel to get ready for the night out. The shower in the room was intense and my memory from here on in is vague at best. Gav thought it would be funny to kick his shoes off at me again, so I made sure one went out of the fire escape (didn't want another 'Taxi-Shoe Gate' like last time), long story.

So, we got changed and went back out to Tiger 10 again. It was just as good at night as it was in the day. From here on in I remember less and less after every bar. So after asking everyone in the morning what happened I found out I was the drunkest man out of everyone and my hangover confirmed this. Some of the texts I sent were 'Find Me', 'You Herd' and 'Help'. I also got refused service at the bar for being too drunk, first time for everything. Even though my memory is vague I know it was a quality day and night. I would recommend going to anyone.

Goats

Today we had the classic Sunday lunch with my dads yorkshire puddings and the conversation turned to goats. Watch the below clip, it made Thorney (brother in law) cry with laughter and snort out some gravy:

There are plenty more where that came from, its just brilliant.

Song of the Week - Dizzee

Not my usual choice/type of music but I just can't get this song out of my head. Its catchy and annoyingly addictive. "I don't need no ketamine......."

Quote of the Week

"If you stop working at a career, it goes away. When things are good, that's when you have to work harder, because otherwise it will disappear. And if you don't work toward it, you're not really appreciating what you've got. "

Week 8 - Guess Who, Growing Up and The Crown

Guess Who

This section refers to the age old classic board game named 'Guess Who'. I know your all thinking "a very random heading" for such an intellectual blog and level headed blogger. Well, it is random but I put it in for this reason. Having gone over to my sisters to see my 2 nieces, the eldest, Evie (now 4), wanted to play me at her new favourite game 'Guess Who' (this game is comprehensively better than her previous weeks game of 'Barbie Weddings' and the week before's game called 'Furniture Weddings', where different forms of furniture get married, enthralling stuff when the table marries the sofa :s). She is growing up fast.

So anyway, after cooking a tuna steak and garlic mash tea (had to add this in to point out my culinary prowess) we played the game. Firstly, she only picks a card that is a girl as she "doesn't like boys", therefore straight away I am thinking I am onto a winner and put all the boys down (she will never know). She asks me if 'I am a boy', I answer 'yes, I am a boy and so is my person', she ignores my subtle wit, maybe as she is 4 or maybe because it was too quick for her. So she asks me if she puts the boys down, I say 'no, leave the boys up'. I have a go, then its her go. Bearing in mind she has about 12 boys to pick from she just comes out with 'you have Sam'. I did have Sam. She won, comfortably. The morale of the story is don't let a 4 year old 'randomly' pick you a card/person, 4 year olds can cheat aswell and that you should never underestimate a 4 year old who claims not to know how to play a game, they know and they will win.

Growing Up

I don't want to grow up, its a fact of life. It upsets me when I see people write statuses about going to the Leadmill (Sheffield) on a Monday night. That used to be my life but not anymore. The next stage of my life is to buy a house (along with a new car), may aswell spend the money in one go. I went and looked at a few houses this week. I know I need to commit to buying but I just can't, I want to rent and be a student all my life. My liver would disagree with this and so would my body but its the truth. I also have a slight glimmer left inside me that still wants to travel. Its an on going dilemma.

The Crown

This section will be of little interest to anyone but it has made me happy. Having changed football pubs to 'The Crown', we have played 2 games and won them both 3-0. There is nothing more satisfying than getting a clean sheet as a defender, unless you score which for me is unlikely this season as I am currently on -2 for the season. UP THE CROWN!

Song of the Week - Bastille - Pompeii

Bastille are a band that I have already harped on about over the last few weeks but for a good reason - they are brilliant. Such an easy listening tune, with great vocals once again. Cannot wait to see these AGAIN in a few weeks. I am starting to think these are my new obsession taking over from the mighty Little Comets.

One for the oldies........ WHAT A TUNE (see below):

The picture says it all.

Quote of the Week

Week 7 - The Council, Taybarns and Work Stresses

Taybarns

I started the week off by taking a very rare visit to the all you can eat buffet near Barnsley called 'Taybarns'. For anyone who has any level of standards when it comes to food then I would strongly recommend you stay away from this establishment. If you think this horse meat scandal is bad then you should have see the burgers at this place. It was literally like a Noah's Ark stab in the dark on what was in their burgers. On a global scale though this was NEIGHwhere near as bad as the horse meat scandal. Bu dum che (sound made when you make a very poor joke). This was followed by a few games of snooker, in which I won them all, I don't need to brag but I am the best.

Work Stresses

I really enjoy my job, 75% of the time, most of this week has been the other 25%. All day meetings with our biggest Belgian customer about a new problem was the low point. Having to constantly be alert to answer in depth and off the cuff questions can put a strain on the mind, especially when the customers first language is NOT English. I guess the saying "It's tough at the top" is extremely appropriate in this case. Basically, these meetings and follow up report writing days are where you earn your dollar, the stress has to be second nature. Work is tough but I am grateful for my job, it allows my to have a great lifestyle.

The Council Meeting - Southport Week 2

It was Katey Breen's birthday on Saturday so I went to my second home, Southport again this weekend for the celebrations with five of 'The Council' members. We had an amazing meal at the Hesketh, did a lot of holiday reminiscing had a few drinks then all got really tired at the grand old time of - midnight. The meal I had was steak and ale with a mixed platter starter. Sian was majorly hungover, the result can be seen below, along with our extreme party celebrations.......NAAT!

The next morning it was Breen's 23rd birthday, woo. We all went for late breakfast, well at like half one in the afternoon. I had curly fries and chicken pieces, continental breakfast its called in Southport. We gave Katey a Pandora charm for her birthday. It was a charm that looked like a mini house and had 37 engraved on it from our Uni house days. She got emotional, everyone wins. Great couple of days away, again!




Songs of the Week

Thrift Shop - Macklemore. Probably the most unlikely song that I would recommend on this blog but I love it. The lyrics are terrible but the backing track is quality and you can't help but dance when it comes on. Make your own mind up but its a winner for me.

Chocolate - 1975. I first saw this band a few years ago. They supported one of my favourite bands, the Little Comets in Leeds. They were called 'Drive Like I Do' at the time and have since changed their name a few times. Having now settled on '1975' they have some really good songs. Other tunes by them include: You and Sex. The draw of the song for me lies in the inability to work out the lyrics but it just works.

Quote of the Week:

Week 6 - Kos, Two Door and Sowwie

Gig Review - Two Door Cinema Club, Bastille and Swim Deep

I have had a total mind blank for Tuesday and Wednesday so I will go straight to a gig which I have had booked for a few months now on Thursday. Three of my favourite current bands, all on in one show in Leeds, it couldn't be missed. 

Travelled to Leeds met up with ET and headed to the gig. Entered the gig as Swim Deep were lazily playing one of their slow, melodic; yet strangely addictive songs. All members were wearing oversized jumpers and had long 'Kurt Cobain' style hair. They finish with their small hit - King City, watch below:

Swim Deep are followed by another up and coming band, Bastille, who had the audiences' attention from the off with their song 'Flaws', which I had in one of my blogs a few weeks ago. All the audience are swaying as the lead singer bounces about the stage with his Grimmy style hair. They finish on the re-make of a classic 'Of the Night' they slyly rename it after the classic 'Rhythm of the Night'. Everyone is bouncing now and singing along. They are one to watch for sure.

Finally, Two Door enter the stage and kick off with a song off their new album, with a great light show in tow. Every song has a catchy riff, with a few highlights including someone wearing a Star Trek eye visa, a man falling over and my mate scaring some 16 year old girls (that's when you know your old, when younger people stare, turn away and laugh), rather him than me. They had some large balls flying about which were......big but all in all they disappointed me. Their songs are too similar, they will be a third album flop band unless they change their direction. Subway, reminiscing about the 'Magnum Crash Lady' (long story short, my mate crashed into a woman and she got out of the car eating a Magnum Ice Cream), drive home and then bed.....very late.

Southport and 2013 Holiday

Friday and Saturday involved a visit to the seaside to see one of my best mates who has just had an ACL operation. I get spoilt rotten by his family and they make me feel like one their own, they are a great group of people, I am so lucky to know them. We watched Soccer Saturday whilst failing at betting, had amazing meals, watched films and had an unbelievable Chinese meal, great spin table. 

Finally, I met up with 'the leaf' and we went with Martin to book our holiday. After ruling out Croatia for funding issues we finally, after shopping around, landed at Kos Town. The end of August. Cannot wait. Third year in a row we have gone away now, every year its been amazing, I expect nothing less this year.

BEFORE                                                                   AFTER

Comedy Moment of the Weekend - Whilst putting Martin's crutches in Katey's car, I walked round the back only for Katey to drive off, leaving me looking like a tool on the side of the road. You had to be there but it was funny, well for them two at least.

Sunday involved the end of the Badger, a pub I have played football for, for the last 4 years. Quite emotional as we gave Julie, Owen and Liz some presents as a thanks for their help. The end of an era, I think so.

Week 5 - Dogs, Thai Curry and Day Sesh

A Method to Lose Weight

I have decided the best yet most uncontrollable way to lose weight for all you tubbies is......wait for it......get ill. I managed to lose half a stone in 4 days by not eating and staying in bed all weekend. Admittedly, it isn't the most healthy way to lose weight but it does work. I should copyright this shiz.

A Method to Gain Weight

When you are 75% feeling better again, then eat crap, this will help you gain sufficient weight to do daily tasks such as walking down the stairs and fetching the blog roll. Another way is to cook up a delicious Thai Green Curry (with noodles and honey chicken), I would say so far this has been my favourite cooked meal so far. The satisfaction of making the curry paste from scratch made it challenging but worthwhile.

Blurry Weekend

Its worrying when your discussing drinking with your mates and you say "I haven't had alcohol in ages", then finding out it was 2 weeks ago that you got drunk and would have only been a week if you hadn't been ill. Oh well, have fun while your young and all that. So on Friday I got some free tickets (including food and alcohol) to the dogs at the last minute thanks to the brother in law. This inevitably lead to losing every bet on every race then going out after and spending even more money. Great night though. I thought I had seen the last of the dogs at the races when I left, this wasn't true as they managed to get into Babylon, 35% certain I was dancing to Spice Girls with a few of them, I am proud of this.

Saturday involved an extremely early Maccy D's, a slightly later Maccy D's, a film (Bullet to the Head) which was truly awful and then an early-ish night. You know your tired when you fall asleep half way through MOTD (Match of the Day, in the rare chance that a female is reading this).

Sunday was meant to be the big send off for the Bull and Badger Pub after the sad news of closure this week. It was a big send off but next week is now the final day of trading. Had some great times in there over the last 5 years, mainly laughing at the resident entertainer, see below a clip of his antics Sunday night (comedy gold):

Evans Dancing - Poker Dot Face

Song of the Week

Foals - My Number

It doesn't get much better for the Foals. Only a few weeks ago, Greg James copied me with their other recent hit (Inhaler) as his song of the week. This time Grimmy from Radio 1 has done the same with this catchy number. Holy Fire - their new album is released on the 11th of Feb, a must have for any Indie-Pop lovers. A foot tapping start, followed by an outstanding bassline along with catchy vocals. Very similar to Inhaler but if you succeed, then carry on. This is not an infamous quote, just drivvle from my mouth (keyboard).

Quote of the Week: