Chapter 41: @_@!? [This entire freckin' weekend, and the week to come.]

[Currently playing - 'Pacific' by 808 State.]

If you've never been to DeLand for the annual Punx Picnic, go next year. You don't know what the hell you're missing...



[outside-stage insanity, punk style. sat 18 aug 2007.]

Saturday was the 2nd annual Punx Picnic at Caffe Da Vinci and, between 15 bands on two stages, it was a whole mess of fun.



[inside-stage insanity, i'm hiding behind the band a bit! sat 18 aug 2007.]

Most of the bands were pretty freckin' awesome. Great night all around, made some new punk friends. Highlight of the night however was a band named the Antics, a local band, who reunited just for THIS gig! Quite a thrill all around to watch this band, especially since one of my friends [actually, he's one of my regular drive-thru friends, heh] was the bass player in the band!!

Oh and, HE WORE HIS FOOKIN' RAMONES SHIRT TOO!! AWESOME!!



[go jason go!! w00t!! sat 18 aug 2007.]

I recovered a bit from last night, enough for me to get up and actually see just how beautiful yesterday actually was...



[en route to faith's house!! sun 19 aug 2007.]

So I hung out with my best friend Faith, and we both had the time of our lives when we went to see this person in concert last night at the Hard Rock in Orlando...



[if y'all guessed clay aiken, give y'self a gold star! sun 19 aug 2007.]

Made more new friends, and Faith and I had a ball!! For one I sang along to every song I know, except for 'Lover All Alone'. First time hearing that song--and I actually CRIED!! The lyrics were heartbreakingly beautiful, and I can actually relate to it. Emo point of the night there, folks.

But another thrill was when, during the intermission two Claymates gave me and Faith glowsticks for the final song, 'Because You Loved Me', and this became a beautiful sight to behold at said song:



['because you loved me.' sun 19 aug 2007.]

Another great highlight was when Faith and I got in the 'bus line' so that Clay could shake your hand [okay, more like a quick slap, as there were quite a good lot of us!!], and Clay got both my hands. Cue infectious giggle here.

So, today's my day off, and I'm recovering well, except I'm a bit sore, and my voice is shot. Thank God I don't have to deal with drive-thru today!! However, tomorrow to Saturday I'm a workhorse from hell, so prayers will be uber-apprecionated!

And, some surprising news that I didn't get to report about on Friday, due to time constraints--I was on a hectic schedule Friday...

Junior Manager Brianna's transfering to Brandywine. So too is Store Manager Barb. And Swing Manager Rebecca is moving to Texas.

As of today, we have a new store manager--Joel, who was store manager of Brandywine. Hopefully things will improve here at North DeLand, though I feel some of the effects of losing people that you've either just met [like Bri], or you've known for a long time and had a good strong bond with [like Barb], or you didn't get along with at first but now have a *somewhat* decent bond with [like Becca].

I will definitely miss these three.

In much more depressing news--today was the funeral for Tony Wilson. Hooky and Steve from the Order were there.

R.I.P. Tony.

Song of the day, because it's Monday: Queen and David Bowie - 'Under Pressure' --especially since that's what these next 5 days will be for me! Luckily, with Joel joining us, it shouldn't be too bad.

Quote of the day actually is from the boyfriend, in a response to my e-mail:

"I'm forever blowing bubbles... pretty bubbles in the air... they fly so high... almost reach the sky... then like my dreams they fade and die... fortune's always flighting... I've looked everywhere... I'm forever blowing bubbles... pretty bubbles in the air"

Come on you Irons!

Two things more--

Manchester City 1, Manchester United 0!!

Meanwhile, Mesh FC is in 8th place in the NOOL league for Fantasy Premier League. *cue in blank stare* Ah well.

One final note: Welcome back, returning Stetson students, and welcome aboard, incoming Stetson freshmen!!

...oh crap, today's also the first day of the Volusia County school year, is it? And it runs 'til JUNE this time around!?

For the record, this week just might be not so good...

~ 'Sunshine'

Chapter 36: GO CITY GO!! [Manchester City wins their first game!!]

[Now playing: 'Rise' by PiL (Public Image Ltd).]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Barclays Premier League is off to a very good start...

Manchester City beats West Ham United, 2-0!!

Heh, this might just turn out to be something I'll have to try and check out after all! w00t!!

Other scores from the opening weekend...

Chelsea over Birmingham City, 3-2.
Arsenal over Fulham, 2-1.
Liverpool over Aston Villa, 2-1.
Blackburn Rovers over Middlsbrough, 2-1.
Newcastle United over Bolton Wanderers, 3-1.
Eerton over Wigan Athletic, 2-1.
Derby County and Portsmouth tied at 2.

This could make for an insane Barclays Premier League.

Updated 3:29 P.M.--The first-week results of the Fantasy Premier League are in and...



My Mesh Football Club is tied at second place with Dream Attack Football Club!!



You know, this could be a very fun first fantasy sports time, oi!

And again, massive Cheers and Kudos to Manc City. w00t!

~ 'Sunshine'

Chapter 21: And now, something for the boyfriend. [The OTHER fantasy football. Take notes, boys.]

[Currently playing: 'Compliments' [Peel Session] by Bloc Party.]

Alrighteh boys [and Mikey ], with baseball in its second half and American football around the corner, it's time to get ready for the OTHER fantasy football.

Mike, your fantasy football doesn't even come CLOSE to my kind of fantasy football.

Yep, you guessed it. It's fantasy Premier League time.

Now, for some of you who have absolutely no clue what I'm talking about, here's the Premier League homepage. Or, you can pay attention to the Encyclopedia of Excelsios [a.k.a. me!] and take notes.

The Premier League is, basically, British soccer's answer to our NCAA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and PGA.

The team I'm rooting for this year:

Manchester City--'City 'til I die!'

Premier League gets under way in full force in August, but I'll give you guys the names of all 20 Football Clubs [yes, they're called Football Clubs, not teams ], and who's managing, and even a tidbit from the PL site [by the way, keep an eye on all teams involved--you never know which from these teams will be in the World Cup in two years!!]...


Arsenal [Arsene Wenger, Manager] - Arsenal have treated us to some truly exhilarating football with Arsene Wenger claiming three Premier League titles and guiding the Gunners through their historic unbeaten league season in 2003/04.


Aston Villa [Martin O'Niell, Manager] - Aston Villa have a squad with the talent and ability to make its mark in the Barclays Premiership.


Birmingham City [Steve Bruce, Manager] - Steve Bruce will be determined to establish his Birmingham City side back in the Barclays Premier League following their immediate return from the Championship.


Blackburn Rovers [Mark Hughes, Manager] - Blackburn Rovers and their loyal support dream of a repeat of their Premier League title win in 1995 and taking the highly prized trophy back to Ewood Park.


Bolton Wanderers [Sammy Lee, Manager] - Bolton Wanderers' impressive Reebok Stadium has become home to an array of talent from across the world of football.


Chelsea [Jose Mourinho, Manager] - Glamour boys Chelsea proved long ago that they have plenty of substance alongside their style as they brought home the silverware for the Stamford Bridge fans.


Derby County [Billy Davies, Manager] - Billy Davies will be looking forward to a season in the Barclays Premier League after guiding Derby County to promotion by winning the 2006/07 Championship play-off final.


Everton [David Moyes, Manager] - With talented young manager David Moyes at the helm of the Goodison Park club, Everton can make their mark on the Barclays Premiership.


Fulham [Lawrie Sanchez, Manager] - Fulham are back at Craven Cottage after two years in rented accommodation at Loftus Road as their bid to establish themselves as a major force in the Barclays Premiership continues.


Liverpool [Rafael Benitez, Manager] - There is great expectation on Merseyside that Rafael Benitez is the man to bring an elusive first-ever Premier League title to arrive at Anfield.


Manchester City [Sven-Goran Eriksson, Manager] - Manchester City's talented side are looking to progress at the City of Manchester Stadium under new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.


Manchester United [Sir Alex Furguson, Manager] - Nine Premier League titles in 15 years coupled with FA Cup and European glory make the Old Trafford fans hungry for success, and Sir Alex Ferguson has the squad to deliver once again.


Middlesborough [Gareth Southgate, Manager] - Middlesbrough's Premier League tale by the Riverside features an illustrious multi-national cast who have now brought League Cup success to the passionate supporters on Teesside.


Newcastle United [Sam Allardyce, Manager] - The Magpies continue to soar, with their policy of combining youth and experience providing great entertainment on Tyneside.


Portsmouth [Harry Redknapp, Manager] - Portsmouth's exciting blend of experience, youth and overseas talent means that Fratton Park fans are ready to enjoy the Barclays Premier League campaign.


Reading [Steve Coppell, Manager] - Reading secured top-flight football for the first time in their history after a record-breaking 2005/06 campaign and will be looking to continue in the same vein in the Barclays Premiership.


Sunderland [Roy Keane, Manager] - The Black Cats will be determined to establish themselves back in the top flight.


Tottenham Hotspur [Martin Jol, Manager] - Stylish football has always been expected at White Hart Lane, with Barclays Premiership success also high on the agenda for Spurs.


West Ham United [Alan Curbishley, Manager] - The Hammers have brought more than their fair share of flair and passion to the Premier League over the years. With a host of talented young stars in their line-up, attractive football is guaranteed.


Wigan Athletic [Chris Hutchings, Manager] - Wigan Athletic made a rapid ascent to the Barclays Premiership and have since proved that they are here to stay.

...alright students, I've done my homework. Now go do yours, research the Football Clubs [yes, all 20 of 'em!], pick your favorite[s] for this season, and have fun!

Oh, and go join a fantasy soccer league, preferably a Premier League.

Until the next round, GO MANC CITY!! Cheers!!

[Mike, Crush. ^_^]

ETA [Edited to add] - One fun side note--there are 22 Football Clubs so far in the Fantasy Premier League that I'm in. So far. *grin*


Go Mesh F.C. [my Football Club]!!

By the way, yes, that IS my Football Club's uniform. Quoting the boyfriend, 'Got a problem?... Didn't think so!'

~ 'Sunshine'