As the years go by

It is just two weeks till Christmas, and that's pretty scary. Time is truly flying by. It only seems like yesterday when I came to Manchester, yet this is my second festive break already. Should I start calling this place my home, or does my future lie elsewhere?? Well, only God knows, and for that I'm thankful.

After my philosophical ramble its time to divert attention to current affairs. Firstly, England's World Cup draw for the finals in Germany next year. Everybody is saying its great and Sven is relieved etc. Personally I'd be sceptical of any early unfounded optimism as no team that participates in the World Cup is a pushover. Paraguay should prove to be a different challenge to an organised Sweden but these matches will be dangerous. Trinidad will compete; remember Senegal in Japan. England have a good squad but I think their seeding was overrated.
Hopefully, I'll be going to Germany next year, and any game will do. My last outing to a World Cup was a fantastic experience. France98 was fun and upbeat - The mix of the cultures and peoples was exhilarating. I just want to be there, part of it. Again, this only seems like yesterday, me walking through Paris with my dad wearing our camping sacks on our backs. Those memories will last for sure!

Something else that people have been talking about recently - Harry Potter! Ok, people that know me might not think its something I'm into. But since my sister and uncle persuaded me to give it a read in September I read up to Goblet of Fire, which was recently released at the cinema. I'd recommend it, the special effects are tremendous and the plot is thickening. I'm really looking forward to The Order Of The Phoenix now that You-Know-Who is back!