AC Milan, R.I.P.

Ok, for over 20 years now I have been a very passionate Milan fan. I went to Italy over 30 times in 10 years to see them, went to 2 champions league finals(paying over £400 for one ticket),and have about 80 different AC Milan shirts. Today, at midnight, that passion was killed, and the club showed exactly where they are in the football food chain. If we are one of the "BIG" clubs as we claim, then we have no reason to have to sell a player. Even more so, when he is one of the top 3 players in the world, and we sell him to another big club. But yet, we sold Kaka to Real Madrid. Will Man Utd sell Ronaldo to them, I doubt it, would Barca sell Messi to anyone? Not a chance in hell! We had one of the greats, who wanted to stay for his whole career, but we thanked him buy accpeting a stupid offer from Man City. This he saw, correctly as Milan saying, we love you, but our love has a price. He never went, which for us would have been better as it was more money, and City, despite their billions are shit, and will remain shit. Real though are rivals in the world market, and so, buying selling our key asset to them, we are nothing.
Will we even spend that money on anything? Probably not, maybe another player on the verge of retirement............ who knows. Will Ronaldinho and Beckham save us as Galliani says, BOLLOX to that they will. So, after all these years of loyal support, I find myself in an amazing position. Milan is no longer my 1st club, they aren't even in my top 10. My new official team is Sao Paolo,for Europe it is one of the Barca clubs,with preference to RCD Espanyol, and my Italian tram,and 2nd favourite team??? USC Cremonese. At least they are honest with their fans, they admit where they are in the league. As for next years Serie A, I don't care.......

friendship

Ok, it has been a longgggggggggg time since my last blog. The reasons for this are numerous, and will at some point be covered in a blog. If you are curious though, it realates to work and life. I have had so much to do, so much to try and help organize(yes honey I know you have had alot more), but between work and wedding plans I have had an awakening, and this blog will be on that.

It seems very appropiate today, well over this period as I guess there is another example which we celebrate. So, friends, what are they? If you look it up, it means a person whom one knows well and likes;supporter. Interesting view. Why do you trust these people? If you know them well, and like them, does that mean you would do anything for them? I guess different people see this in different ways.
For me, if I am a friend, it means I would do anything for this person, givc them a shoulder to cry on if it is needed, support them for any troubles, support them through any challenges, support them through the adventures of life, be them good or bad. If a friend needs money I will try and give it to them, if they need someone to talk to I will make sure I am there no matter what. If they have a big day, I want to be there and celebrate with them.

I have found over the last few months, organizing our wedding that my views aren't normal, or so it seems. When I needed an ear, someone to talk to most of my friends have been there for me, but some haven't. I assumed they were busy, life goes on, no problem. Hey I will give them 6 months warning for our wedding, so they will be there. Sadly not true. How many times have I heard, argh sorry I can't afford it? or I can't get the time off? Surely these are good reasons, are they not? Well honestly, to me, NO. I would go to there wedding anywhere in Europe. I have a house,bills etc, and a shit income. The majority of my "friends" still live at home, so pay "rent", thats it. The few that are home owners have good jobs, and earn good money.. so really when they say " I can't afford it", what they really mean is "I can't be fucked". I have really found out who my friends are recently, and after I am married, and living my dream life with the lady I love with all my heart, the friends that let me down, well do I need these leeches any more? Honestly NO. I only need Chiara in my life, this is something I have learnt as of late. She makes me happy, she is always there for me, and we both are so happy together anything else is just a bonus. I think when my life is complete, which is will be soon, I will only care about my Chiara, our families, and my real friends. All the others will mean nothing to me, as clearly I mean to them. I am devastated one of the people I thought was one of my best friends is going to be in this list, but I have seen he clearly isn't one of my best friends, so it is no big loss.

I am not comparing these people to Judas, and myself to Jesus, not even close, but, that is why I felt it was appropiate to write it now. Jesus was a far better person than me, and even though he knew he was going to be betrayed he just continued on with his lfe. I am not that strong, I need true friends not pretend friends. I wonder if this makes any sense to anyone, am I babbling now? It is getting late, should go, ciao tutti

Updates

So it has been a while since my last blog, and lots of things have happened, for me, and in sport. This will be a round up of those events, both good, and bad.

So I guess the best thing to do, is just go through things, me first, then sport.

Ok, so since my last blog, I have completed all my lessons I needed to be able to be confirmed, and become part of the Roman Catholic family. The minor downside(ish,there is a new bonus), is that I was hoping to be able to tell Chiara I have been confirmed. Alas that plan hasn't worked, as my parents went out of their way to find a protestant church in France, and I was christened there. I found this abot of a suprise, and a little frustrating in truth, I know they are not religious, but surely there is no reason to close that same door on your children. Leave it ajar for them, and let them choose, so Christen them in a catholic church(esp when in a catholic country), and if they choose to take it up fine,if not, fine. The plus side, after my angel takes some serious weight lifting lessons, she has to now(as she agreed to do it),she has to hold me over the font for my baptism, and then I get confirmed.

What else, well we have been together again. We spent a fun weekend in Italy, first in Gadaland for a day, then a Sunday in Cremona. A great match played by the mighty USC Creomonese, where they beat top of the table(and until then a team with a 100% record) Pro Patria. This they one 3-1, even after an unjust sending off. Then we went to beautiful Barcelona. A city I have visited before, and loved, and still do. Every you look there is beauty, the buildings are great, the views are great, and the women too(please don't kill me honey), and of course if there wasn't something beautiful to look at, I just had to look at my angel! We spent 5 great days here, walking in the sea almost every day. Visiting the zoo, aquarium, various parks, and Gaudi buildings. We also went to say goodbye, and good ruidance to the Montjuic, and watched Espanyol play Villareal(0-0). Next time we visit Barca(and there will be a next time), they will be in a new, much better home. The whole of my time with my angel was perfect, 13 days of bliss.

Other things, well I might have fractured a rib, in a perfect example of what trouble male stubboness can do to you. I will not amuse you all with the stupid details of my accident(but you can ask,and I will tell you),but the ingredients were stubborn man,a pumpkin,and a cage. Not much else has happened to me in truth, just starting to think of Christmas ideas(and budgeting), and starting to get my house ready more and more for its new arrivals.

So now sport, hmmmmm. Ok, start with the good. Seba Loeb won yet another WRC title, now becoming the most succesful driver by miles. The most titles won, the most rally wins, the most rally wins in a season,etc etc. He is a true great, and yet keeps his modesty. The only bad thing in WRC this year was after a long wait for a good drive,poor old Gigi Galli had a big crash which took him out for the 2nd half of the season. But he will be back next year. Moto Gp, Vale won of course, and set a new record for most points in 1 season. Calcio...... rather than go through each team, I will just review Italy so far. Milan are doing ok, not playing great, but getting wins, but could become a circus soon, with the arrival of a certain Mr. Beckham. Why we are doing this is a mystery to me, but we have nothing to lose I guess. Adidas are paying all his wages, so all we get is a quality(if old and not matchfit)player,who if we milk it, will earn us lots of money, and score/create a goal or 2. Modena are the reverse, since the begining of the year, we have new owners, a new manager, have had our dressing room exorcised, and sit where in the league? BOTTOM. Finally the already mentioned Cremo, well all I can say is, they are just Cremo. Beat teams we shouldn't, and lose the teams we shouldn't, so mid table.

As I said the were downs too in sport. On the same day Loeb won his title, poor old Felipe Massa didn't win. In an amazing GP in Brasil(his homeland). He did everything he could in the race, led from start to finish. On the 2nd from last lap, Hamilton went wide, and Vettel took 5th place, giving the title to Massa(since he won more races). As he crossed the line, this was still the case. Sadly for him ,I guess Ferrari told him too, but on the last corner, it all went wrong. And via some evil twist of fate, not skill, Hamilton regained 5th, and won the title. I felt to sorry for him.

So thats it? Well almost, but the there was more big thing, someone I felt so happy for, and so proud of. One of my best friends had his 1st ever gravel rally event. It was a wet(and I mean very wet),windy day. Not ideal for your first experience. When I say 1st I do mean 1st, it was even his 1st time on gravel tyres. So about 65 cars started the day, including a Loris Capirossi(who I got to meet after), and at the end, only 25 finished. Yes, it was 25th of this 25, but Jamie, unlike 2/3rds of the field finished. I was so happy for him, so proud. And that is why I left it til last on here. yes it was the most ecent(just last week), but also it will be the bit you rememeber the most.

WELL DONE JAMIE!

A mixed day

Sport is a funny thing, it can make you really happy, or really sad. This blog is about today, which had all those emotions.






































So it started early, in Japan. Valentino Rossi(the doctor) was racing in moto gp on his Yamaha. After winning the last 3 races, he was in a good position, his nearest rival some 75points behind him, so in theory he could take it easy. Vale being Vale he didn't, and he won. This was great, and it meant he won his 6th Moto GP title, further proving him as the most succesful rider EVER! So the day starts with joy.















After a few hours we stay in Asia, but went to Singapore. The 1st ever night time GP(if this is fair,bearing in mind it was only done at night so us Europeans don't have to wake up,is neither here on there). Felipe Massa did really well, and got pole position. The race started well, and he ran away from Lewis , but then it all went wrong. N.Piquet Jnr. crashed out, and everyone had to delay their pitstops, when the window was open, there was a mad rush, and everyone pitted. This ofcourse included Felipe. He did nothing wrong, but for the 2nd GP this year, the Ferrari "traffic light system" went wrong. Every other team has a lollipop man telling the driver when he can go,ie when fuel done, but Ferrari have this more efficeint system,which saves 0.5 seconds. Sadly, twice it has gone wrong, I don't know if Kimi's car waiting behing Felipe had anything to do with it, but he got the green, and so went. Sadly the fuel hose was still attached. He went down the pits with this still on,waited about a minute at the end of the pitlane for the crew to pull it out ,but by this point his race, and in truth his title chance had gone. If he had been lucky, Kimi would be half the racer he is claimed to be, and would have beaten Hamilton, but instead he crashed as usual(is he really worth the money he is on?), and Lewis finished 3rd, which is the only relief Felipe has. SO, will Ferrari learn? Will they now learn, and use the good old, reliable system? I doubt it! Even better, willthey sack the waste of space Raikonen, and get in a better driver. Alonso is out of contract, just waiting for a big team, GET HIM! or spend money, and buy Kubica or Vettel out of their contracts. Then Ferrari will be a succesful team. So this was the down

After that, we wait some more hours, and travel to Milan, for the derby. Milan vs Inter. Since Inter have started their(cough cough) succesful era(where they have been given a title,won another after a huge head start,and actually won one by merit((just))), they think they are untouchable. Now they have the "arrogant" one in charge, their egos ae even larger, so this was a chance to truely show who owns Milan. Sadly for me, England sucks, and we no longer have Serie A on tv, so I had to watch this live online, ie just getting updates from Milan.com. In truth, going from that, and what I have been told it was a close match, with Inter doing their usual game of kick the Kaka'. This apparently is a great game, as they always do it, especially that #### Materazzi. Any way, on this night, Ronaldinho on his derby debut scored a great header. Aftet that, the match went to and fro, and Burdisso(Inter) got sent off. Cesar denied Sheva a goal, Abbiati denied Stankovic and Adriano. It ended 1-0, and I am back to be delighted! So that is how being a sports fan works, it can be great, it can suck, or it can be both

the week of the under dog

So it all started last week. On Sunday, something happened, and it proved some good things do happen in sport, and, even more amazingly, it brought back some of my passion for F1. On a memorable day in Monza, young German Sebatian Vettel won the gp in his Torro Rosso. NOW, for those that don`t now these things. He is a young driver, with very few GPs behind him, and Torro Rosso used to be Minardi. Most of the Minardi boys are still there, if McLaren and Ferrari are Milan and Inter(for more than 1 reason I use this example), then Minardi were Cremonese. So you'd expect him to have been given the win right, the top teams all crashed out or whatever, but no. He led from start to finish, and had done it from pole, so it was a totally justifed win. This was the 1st miracle.

Then in midweek, we go to Rome. A little team, yes champions of Romania(but 6years ago the were in the 3rd division), Cluj played AS Roma in the champions league. Roma took the lead, and I assume everyone in the world thought it was over, but no. They fought back, and ended with a totally deserved 2-1 win, in their first ever champions league game, away from home, in ROME! Again this is a miracle, like in 1985 when Hellas won Serie A. On this same day, in the same competition, little Anorthosis from Famagosta, Cyprus held Werder Bremen in Germany.

Other than that, Deportivo beat America in the Cali derby, and as we speak today, RCD Espanyol are top of La Liga(I know it is only 3 games in,but not losing a game in 3 in a row for RCD is amazing). Then tonight, Milan won a game,wow

ps

if you were wondering to the previous statement/reference. Milan = McLaren,Inter = Ferrari.Now can you see the analogy?

OK ,no reason for this,but these

are the manga pics of me and Chiara

birthday week

As is usual for me, I had my birthday week off. My amazing fiance came to visit me for this week, I am so lucky to have her in my life. This blog is about the 11 days we spent together.

Ok, now, an important thing, it was meant to be 11days, but my sneaky fiance had different ideas, and had a big, big shock for me. There I was on Saturday night stuck at work, 6 days before she landed, thinking of when to do all the things round the house that needed doing(sorry I mean dedicating myself to the customers). At about 20.00 the phone rang, and I was given it, the voice I love to hear on the other end. Slightly confussed (she never phones me at work) we spoke, and she asked if I was busy, I said yes. She then asked if I were to busy to talk to her if she came in, I think the noise I made was "huh", I looked dumb, so she asked again. She then asked me to look outside, and there she was, my stunning queen waiting for me. The rest of the night simply flew by, me never quite recovering from the shock.

Sunday was a fun day, I had already planned with a friend to see Batman(wow by the way) so we both went, and had lots of fun. Sadly I had to work the rest of this week(not knowing I was going to have a visitor), so Monday took ages to go by until I could come home to my angel. Tuesday was similar but I had a visit at lunch time(pasties,yum yum), and Wednesday was inventory. NOW this suxxxxx at the best of times, but being stuck there until 3am knowing C is at home, lame!!!!!! Thursday was hell, because I was much tired, but finally I could go home, and have an amazing 11 days with my fiance.

On Friday we went to visit my family, a frustrating start, where after spending £70 on train fares we were told we could save money another way, couldn`t you say this before?!!!! Anyways, we got to Sussex, and had such a great weekend. My uncle and aunt took great care of us, fed us some amazing food(bbq pigeon), took us around lots of sights , and basically made us feel really special. Sadly all things come to an end, and we had to come home. On Tuesday we went to Henley, and nice romantic town which we both enjoy. Chiara had her 4th starbucks and we had a lovely walk down the river. Wednesday, another frustrating start thank to British rail. Having phoned the day before to see what was the earliest time we could buy a travelcard we woke early, and went to the station. When there, we were told we would have to wait an hour, and the man on the phone had been wrong, great!!! All this on customer service week, lol, I love it, thanks BR. Once in London things improved, we went to the Docklands museum, then met Chiara`s great friend William. I impressed him with my stunning Italian, and we had fun. Then came Starbucks, and Forbidden planet(useless as always). After stopping by Hamleys we went to our favourite haunt, the London Dungeons. This was cool as ever, althought the number of shite parents was stunning(why would this place ever be good for an under 10?). Then back to Starbucks, and the slow train home.

BIRTHDAY! BIRTHDAY! BIRTHDAY! Ok enough of that, I had decided I wanted a quiet day, a day with the important people in my lofe, and no one else. So after breakfast I opened my many presents from C, and just had a great day. A lovely fondue for lunch,. and then I made my 1st Banoffe pie(since it looked like a bombsite we didn`t try it until the next day, but yum). In the evening one of my great friends came round, all 3 of us a a curry and watched Perfume( great book, good film). This was especially fun for me, as it was the first time these to met each other. Friday, hmm, we made various plans, but eneded up walking miles and mils(no exageration) in Virgina Water. It was good anyway, as was the steak and chips that followed( chips cooked in one of my presents), followed by Banoffe.

The last 2 days flew by, in a glut of chicken(nandos),starbucks`,and time flying.We caught up with Lisa again(Mummy 3), and had a quick bowl with Dave and Lauren(don`t ask about the scores).The time just flew by, and sadly on the Sunday my angel left me. I visited Tim and Jamie on the way back from the station which helped, but i just can`t wait for this empty feeling to end, when we finally live together.

All in all, I had so much fun, and for longer than I expected, as is the way with these blogs, I thank my angel for entering my life, and making me so happy

my week

Okay, so my fourth blog, and it has taken a week to write, thanks work! Anyway this blog will be about my week with my fiance, my week of fun.

So I flew out late Wednesday. The journey there was hellish, the train had a delightful mother and child. As is the way with modern parenting in England, this means the brat runs arounf as much as it likes, and the mother shouts alot, achieving nothing other than amassing the hatred of everyone else in the carriage. Then at Gatwick there was a chav conference, everywhere you looked, there were chavs. This was to be expected, but I had forgotten. Eventually I got on the plane, and 2 hours later I had my queen back in my arms, hmmmmmmm, so happy.

So Thursday, my baby went to work as normal. As is equally normal, I meet her at lunch time, and we both have nice panini. Then I went to the park, where I finished my book, and fill myself with 2litres of pear juice. I then picked her up from work, and on the way home we buy some clothes. We then had a nice meal, pork chops, ribs, and chips followed by a film, Hot Rod. Friday follows the same format really, with me filling myself with another 2L of pear juice. By this point the mosquitto a.b.p. has been issued. They visited me alot on Thursday night, and tried to visit in the park too, where I killed 11 of the sods trying to suck my blood. On the way back from work, we pick up our provisions abd drive to the mountains. On the way there was a miracle, we DIDN`T get lost, and with the exception of the power steering going we arrived with no hiccups. Now being very hungry we went to the taverna and had lovely pizzas followed by apple pie, yumm. The evening flys by, and I win at Risk, hurrah!!!!!!!1

Sabato. We woke up at 10, had quick breakfast drinks and headed for the zoo. I guess neither of us expected much, but it was lots of fun. The definate leaders in the best animals awards were the pair of Siberian tigers. They were so happy together, they had play fights, then kissed and made up, and did it all again. Other cuties were the Cheetahs(who were abit fat, but who am I to talk,lol), the hippos, elephants and Zebras. The only bad things(if there were any) was the train, and the prairie dogs which ere no where to be seen. Most of the animals were lazy, but it was hot so who can blame them. After spending some money in the shop we headed home, there I cooked boritos/fajitas, which was the first time Chiara had eaten them, but she appeared to like them. Sunday was a blink and you miss it day. We went for a walk in the muntains, had foccacia and cheese for lunch and headed home. We drove back the quick way, rather than the cute way, so it took ages. We fed Lupin(who had to eat early),and then an hour after to his suprise, and disgust took his food away(he had a suprise blood test the next morning). Then we went off for an indian meal, I ate way too much, but it was worth it, and we slowly walked home with gelati in hand.

Monday,followed the usual pattern, the blood test went well, it was funny seeing "innocent" Lupin. Luch was a big mac meal, a sacrifice my angel made for me so we cold obtain some cool glasses. After downing yet more pear juice in the park we meet up after work. To our frustration Carlo had told Chiara work was quiet, and that she could have Thurs and Fri off, hmmm, couldn`t you have done this the week before?????? Anyway, I get a new suitcase,and we go home. The meal was steak and chips, and was delightful sadly the actual event of dinner wasn`t as great, and my angel was brought down. I tried to pick her up, and we watched a crazy film called Hellapollooza(spelt wrong). Even the new perfumes I gave her couldn`t pick her up though, and in truth, I was relieved I was there,so for once, in one of these times, I could give her a big big hug..

Sadly after Monday comes Tuesday, and I had to go home. I meet her for lunch as usual, and went to the airport. Here an annoying man told us we had to wait 10minutes before I could check in, so I did so 10mins later, and get number 23, so did I REALLY HAVE TO WAIT 10MINS? WHY DIDN`T THE OTHER 22 PEOPLE.? The flight home sucked,and leaving her becomes no easier, quite the opposite.
Well the point is I want to thank my angel for a grat week, a week with lots more fun, and lots more memories. I love you so much, and I love spending every minute with you, I can`t wait until we finally live together.