Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 13 
'I'm searching for cheap thrills some way and somehow'
(Fluffy - Wolf Alice)

This week began with a Sofar Sounds on Monday, this time it was inside an office block on New York Street, and I took Jason as he has never been to one before. There were four artists who played: Danish Kristian Harting, a band called Glass Tides, travelling American Alina Ly and Benjamin Yellowitz. I personally loved the band as they used strings as part of their performance and, being a huge fan of Florence and the Machine for that reason, it added the same dreamy aspect that I love.

On Wednesday I went out for dinner with Laura at a Japanese place in Manchester called Samsi. We started with tempura vegetables and then I had a seafood udon noodle dish. It was nice to catch up, and even though the prices were reasonable anyway, the best part was the food was free as she had a voucher from Christmas!

On Thursday I saw Wolf Alice at The Ritz with my friend Lauren. They did a great performance, good on stage charisma and talented musicians. I was surprised at the large venue choice but they definitely did it justice, I am expecting big things from them.



Friday marked the official start to my week off work, woohoo! I started as I mean to go on with a fantastic brunch yesterday with Abi courtesy of the adorable Sugar Junction in the Northern Quarter (latte and pancakes with blueberries and clotted cream if you were wondering) followed by an event at Warehouse where we recieved cute little bracelets with our initials on and could have our hair done in a choice of 5 up dos. I was babysitting that evening so decided a hair style may be a little OTT, but it was fun watching Abi get hers done, complete with pastel pink chalked plait! 



Today I have had a nice relaxing Sunday, hangover free with some yoga and a good ol' fashioned roast at my parents. Bring on time off!

Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 12

'Blow a kiss, fire a gun, we all need someone to lean on.'

(Major Lazer ft. MO - Lean On)

After a fab weekend in Paris, I was pretty tired on Monday, but Lydia was home so we went into Manchester in the evening for a drink at the Coors pop-up ice bar in Spinningfields. We booked a time slot in advance and were given blue furry capes and gloves to wear, and inside were ice sculptures, a DJ and some yummy cocktails! 

On Tuesday I saw Jason, and got dressed up for a lovely meal at Gusto in Didsbury where we made it official that we are together, yay! I had a risotto with wild mushrooms, truffle butter and pancetta, washed down with some prosecco of course! The following day I met up with Laura to fill her in on it all, and we went for cake at And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon.

On Saturday after babysitting Aum in the morning (and a trip to Pizza Express for a salmon salad for lunch) Jason and I went into Manchester and had a wander around in the sunshine, stopping for some nibbles and glass of wine in Browns Brasserie - we chose onion rings, tempura prawns, houmous and grilled chicken strips. In the evening we met up with Abi and Dave and Emily and Smeed at Altrincham Market for some pizzas and drinks, and then a cocktail in Riddles afterwards. The market is recently refurbished and has a great selection of locally sourced food and drinks, and has the bonus of individual serving windows so everyone in the group can have a different cuisine if they wish; just give yourself plenty of time to find a table!

 Jason was working early today so we didn't stay out too late, and I have made the most of the day with a very pleasant bike ride around Timperley and Altrincham with Laura, in an attempt to prep for my triathlon coming up soon!

Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 11
'She hits like ecstacy'
(The Wombats - Greek Tragedy)

This week didn't go quite as expected, as after a quick trip to the doctors on Monday morning with a pain in my side that I'd had all weekend, I was admitted to hospital with suspected appendicitis! Luckily after numerous tests and a scan it turned out to be nothing serious, and I was discharged on Wednesday, which wasn't a moment too soon if I'm honest. As someone who is usually very active, being confined to a bed for 3 days with little explanation was sheer hell, although the nurses (and contrary to popular belief, the food) were brilliant.

Upon my return home Abi brought me some flowers from the girls, which was so thoughtful, and then Jason came to mine in the evening and we chilled out and got a Dominoes. I've never been so happy to be back in my own bed!

Another reason I was hugely grateful to be well and back home was that this weekend my sister and I took my mum to Paris as a belated 50th birthday present. I would not have been impressed if I had had to miss out on that! We got a flight very early yesterday morning from Liverpool (return flight was £105), and landed at 10.30am. It was my fourth time to the city, so I felt quite comfortable wandering around, and enjoyed playing tour guide for my mum who has been once before but a long time ago, and my sister who was on her first visit.

We managed to cram a lot into the brief trip - yesterday we saw the Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge, did a bit of a shopping, had a fabulous steak and then went to see Mugler Follies, a show at Le Comedia. It was without doubt one of the most bizarre yet amazing performances I have ever seen. It had, to name a few, men in platform heels and corsets, women poledancing in nipple tassles, aerial artists, comedy opera singers... all with costumes designed by Thierry Mugler. I am so glad that we decided to go, as it was completely unplanned and last minute! 

Today after some breakfast we went to the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and took mum for afternoon tea at La Duree as it was Mother's Day. I was impressed at how quickly we were seated; the cakes were delicious, and it was all so pretty. It was the most lovely weekend, although I am now absolutely shattered after arriving back half an hour ago!

Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 10

'I should be over all the butterflies, but I'm into you'

(Paramore - Into You)

This week has been a chilled one, I went to the Country Club on Tuesday where I had yakitori chicken skewers with sweet potato fries, and other than that apart from taking my car in for repair on Wednesday I didn't get upto much in the evenings.

On Friday I went to the Royal Exchange Theatre with Hannah to watch a performance of Scuttlers, a play about gangs in Manchester during the industrial revolution. It was really good, and we managed to get a deal for people under 26 where the ticket was only £6 so it was a great alternative to a usual Friday night. 

On Saturday after a lovely breakfast at Jason's we drove to Alderley Edge for a walk around (and an ice cream). We also went to Tatton Park, and then stopped at The Plough and Flail in Mobberley for a late lunch before going home. I had the chicken and mushroom pie with chips which was so huge I couldn't finish it, and that's saying something for me! It's so nice being with someone who wants to get out and make the most of having time off, and we have lots of similar interests so I'm enjoying spending time together; it just seems very easy for a change!

That night I went into Manchester with the girls which was loads of fun. I wasn't feeling well so left quite early, but we went to Poptastic in the Gay Village, where they were playing lots of classics including the song the lyrics are from above, and the absolute tune below - The Futureheads was Emily and I's first ever gig so we got into the spirit and were singing along in an empty room! 

On Sunday I was hangover free for once due to my early departure, so I met Laura at The Beagle in Chorlton for some brunch. I'm really enjoying discovering Chorlton recently, there are some great little bars and eateries, I should have checked it out sooner! I chose three little dishes off a tapas style menu - nachos with salsa and cheese dip, popcorn shrimp lettuce cups and lime chicken quesadillas, all for a tenner which I thought was a bargain, and it was all super tasty! I spent the rest of the day chilling out at her house, perfect end to a great week!

Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 9

'I've got emotions of my own, a tidal wave of feelings to ride'

(Shura - Indecision)

This week started with another free concert to review, this time Marmozets at Manchester Academy. Jason is a fan so I took him along, and we had a drink at Kro bar opposite before heading in. It was a good gig (the heaviest I've been to in a while which was an experience!) although they are a young band so had a few cringey audience interaction moments, but it didn't ruin it!

On Tuesday I babysat and we ate at the Country Club, I had the same goat's cheese salad as last week, but this time accompanied it with tempura prawns, although they were a little stodgy to be honest. On Wednesday I met Laura for a catch up at And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon, where I had a latte and a blueberry and lemon cake that was amazing. 

Thursday I had another date night with Jason, this time I went to his neck of the woods in Chorlton, which I have never been to before. His house is lovely, and we wandered into the town for a few drinks at a sports bar called Morley Cheeks, and then a hipster/ ale place called Strange Brew. He introduced me to The Weeknd album 'Trilogy' as well, so I've stuck one of my favourite tracks off it below, but the whole LP is worth a serious listen or ten, it's amazing.

On Friday I got to see Years & Years at Gorilla courtesy of Candid, unfortunately as it was sold out I only got the one ticket, but I love them so much I really wasn't bothered, I was there singing along by myself without a care in the world! Yesterday I had a chilled out day with my mum, and then in the evening I donned my finest '90s gear and went to my friend Rosie's housewarming party, which was eventful to say the least... Let's just say a 24 hour booze shop, a former boyfriend and some unresolved issues do not mix well.

Because of said altercation, I met up with the ex at Costa this afternoon, which was unpleasant but necessary to do some damage control. All sorted as much as was possible, I then got ready and went to my final gig of the week - Aquilo at Deaf Institute. I went with my old high school friend Laura, who apart from a drunken encounter at last year's Parklife festival, I hadn't seen for at least five years. It was lovely to catch up over a cocktail and some amazing bacon covered fries (desperately needed to aid the wine hangover) and Aquilo were beautiful as always.    

Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 8
'We can do whatever we want 'cos we're born young and free'

(Marmozets - Young and Free)

 

I had this week off work, which has been really cool, I've managed to have a couple of little trips away to recharge despite not getting to go abroad as I'd hoped. On Monday I met up with Abi and Tasha for a coffee and then had a chilled evening of yoga, and on Tuesday I drove to Laura and Dickon's in Aldershot near Guildford to see little Ernest for the first time! He's an absolute cutie, and so well behaved considering he's only a month old. We had pancakes for dinner as it was Pancake Day, and then on Wednesday we wandered for a coffee and cake before I headed back home.





On Thursday I had another date with Jason (guy from the last couple of weeks) - I was told to pack an overnight bag and a bikini and be ready for 1.30pm, very exciting/ nervewracking! Turned out we were going to Blackpool to see his friend perform in Saturday Night Fever there, and stayed at the Hilton so had chance to go in the sauna/ pool. Was such an awesome surprise; don't think anyone's ever done anything like that for me before! I guess it was quite intense considering it was our fourth date, but we really get on so it wasn't awkward at all. We went to Bella Italia before the show, where I had a chicken and spinach calzone which was incredible, and afterwards had a few drinks with his friend and a couple of the other cast members (the performance was so good!). Everyone was lovely and I ended up getting quite drunk, the hangover on Friday when we had to leave early wasn't pretty!

 

Yesterday Hana was back from Australia! The girls and I haven't seen her for over six months, some of them longer, so we planned a fun day together. I held a tea party at my flat for us all, and everyone brought food with them and we had some prosecco and caught up with everything. In the evening we all headed into Manchester for some drinks in Spinningfields at Grand Pacific, and then later on Jason joined us and we moved on to Soup Kitchen. So lovely to get everyone together, and despite the break it was like nothing had changed between us all - I'm so lucky to have such a gorgeous group of friends!

 

Today I had a nice lie in and then went to get my eyebrows tattooed! It is something I have considered for a while since I am an eyebrow connoisseur, and I finally decided to take the plunge. It takes two sessions, an initial consultation and first shape, with a followup retouch and final shape four weeks later. I am so happy with them so far, and it wasn't anywhere near as painful as a normal tattoo which I was surprised at considering it is on your face. Afterwards I went for another Bella Italia, this time with Mum and Jasmine (I had a barbecue chicken pizza) and now Jason is on his way 'round for a chilled evening.  

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 7

'Even while your widening smile was shaking in the smoke, your head was full of hope'
(Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Butterfly Culture)

This week has been lovely, I've had dates two and three with the same guy from last week, and introduced him to a couple of my favourite chilled acoustic artists/ bands - one of which was Benjamin Francis Leftwich, the other Fleet Foxes, hence the lyrics above and video below. On Monday for date two, it was my turn to return the favour of planning, so we went for food at Home Sweet Home in the Northern Quarter (I had pulled pork with sweet potato fries, jalapenos, BBQ sauce, salad and pico de gallo!) followed by drinks at Apotheca, which just happened to have an open mic night on which was cool.

I had lamb rump steaks with a gorgeous goats cheese salad at the Country Club on Tuesday, and I went to The Little B in Sale on Wednesday with Kelly for a catch up over a couple of drinks. On Thursday it was date three; though we both weren't feeling great so I invited him over for dinner at mine so it was more chilled. I made lasagne from scratch which seemed to win him over, and he brought me flowers, chocolates and a card for an early Valentines Day present as we're both busy at the weekend - it was such a surprise, noone ever gets me flowers! Major points.

On the 14th I went for a stroll around Entwistle Reservoir near Bolton with Mum and Aunty Sarah, the weather was fine and there were quite a few people milling around. It was good to get out in the fresh air and have a natter. On Sunday after a relaxing yoga session, Mum, Jas and I had a trip to The Trafford Centre, and for once I actually came home with a decent haul! Dinner at Mum's after marked the end to a perfect week!

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 6

'Now my life is sweet like cinnamon, like a fucking dream I'm living in.'
(Lana Del Rey - Radio)

I've been replaying a bit of Lana this week, every now and then I get a real craving for her melancholy tones! This week has been far from melancholy though, despite crashing my car AGAIN on Tuesday, meaning I've gone from seven bump free years to two crashes in the past 12 months! 

That evening I ventured out on another date, but luckily this one didn't have the disastrous result of last time, in fact, it was pretty bloody good as first dates go! I was a little late due to unreliable trains, but we met at Deansgate and went to a place called Evuna for tapas - always a good cuisine option for striking up conversation and sharing food. Slight miscommunication meant we ended up with rose wine (I said it was the only type I wasn't fond of, he thought I'd said it was the only one I liked!) but I didn't have the heart to embarrass him, and fortunately it was actually decent tasting. Conversation was easy, we both had similar passions and taste in music, which is always a winner with me! He was genuinely interesting and had a great smile, dressed smart and it felt very relaxed - he got the bill as well which always helps!

Afterwards we moved on to Cloud 23 in the Hilton, quite a statement for a first meeting, but it didn't seem like it was done to show off, and I was actually really excited to go as I hadn't ever been. I had a gin and cherry cocktail and then moved on to just gin and lemonades, and we left after I realised I had missed my train and would have to get the metro home - definitely the sign of a successful date! I don't really know what I was expecting from it, but I think after last week it was reassuring to have met a normal guy who I wouldn't mind seeing again, and he was a cracking kisser too!

The following day I met Abi at Cafe Gourmand and of course filled her in on the gossip, and in the evening I went to watch Aum perform as Kaa the snake in his Jungle Book production, which was fantastic! MGS clearly pull out all the stops when it comes to school shows - the boys had amazing costumes, full hair and makeup, impressive lighting effects and microphones attached like popstars!


On Thursday I went to watch a band called Liu Bei at The Eagle Inn in Salford (great little venue) and have had a fairly quiet weekend: I babysat last night and went for a few drinks with family friends on Friday night, then have just had Mum, Dad and Jas round for Sunday dinner. I am now off to watch Interpol at the Albert Hall!

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 5
'There's more to living than being alive'
(Anberlin - Alexithymia)

This lyric is from one of my all time favourite bands, who I always seem to return to on my iPod, and has been relevant this week as I feel that I have taken a few chances, which I think is important to do now and again.

After a double whammy of Country Club food on Tuesday, the first instance of taking my chances was a date I went on on Wednesday. The man in question (who will remain unnamed) stopped me in the street whilst I was on my way to the gym. After the initial shock of being asked out whilst makeup-less, frizzy haired and in gym gear had worn off, I had a decent conversation with him, and agreed to meet up with him. I don't make a habit of accepting date offers from random men, but thought I'd give him a chance bearing in mind he'd had the balls to flag me down in public. Two weeks later I met him in a bar called Embrace in Altrincham.

There were, however, warning signs. Firstly, I need to point out that on the morning of the arranged date, he had messaged asking if I wanted to go to his for dinner instead of a bar due to the awful weather. I politely declined as thought that pretty inappropriate for a first date, and gave him the benefit of the doubt. But then, on the night, though conversation was flowing and it seemed to be going well, he had a habit of touching my leg whilst we were sat down. Now I am far from being a prude, but fondling on a first date when I barely knew the guy is a little OTT. When I pointed this out, he agreed that it was forward, yet didn't apologise or remove his hand. Awkward. 

At the end of the night I made a point of seeming disinterested, and didn't send a followup text, yet the following afternoon I received a (very much unwanted) sext, causing me to reply with sarcasm and delete the guy's number. From this experience I have reached the conclusion that people who stop you for dates in the street aren't so blown away by your good looks that they HAVE to pluck up the courage to ask you out, but are in fact probably just stark raving bonkers. At least I gave it a go!

The second (much more successful) instance of me pushing my boundaries was on Thursday, when I went to Common in the Northern Quarter to meet with all the people I have been working with through Matter of Sound that I have previously only spoken to via email. I am by no means shy, but going to a bar I had never heard of, alone, to meet a bunch of people I didn't know was still slightly daunting. However, we got cider and Mexican food and had a good chat and it was all lovely (which is probably a good thing as I'm not sure I would continue leaving my comfort zone having two bad encounters in a row!).

 

After present shopping and a nice meal at Tampopo in the Trafford Centre on Friday with Tasha, and an awesome night out last night for Abi and Dave's birthdays, today I ventured out for my third and final try at something new - a roller derby. I watched groups of hotpant-clad ladies skate around in circles, jostling and fighting each other to stay on their feet for a couple of hours at Manchester Academy with my mate Amanda. Not your typical hangover cure, but enlightening. Two out of three ain't bad.

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 4

'We could find comfort in debauchery'

(Alvvays - Party Police)

I have been playing Alvvays self-titled album on repeat this week, obsessed! It's a really cool mixture of 90s grunge guitars and girly vocals, and on Wednesday I went to watch them play at Deaf Institute with Timna. They were very good live, and the lead singer looks like a male Kurt Cobain; uber cool. I particularly like the song the above lyrics are from, as it is all about sticking two fingers up to the rules, enjoying the company of others and having a good time - three things I am a definite advocate of!

As well as the gig this week, on Tuesday I ate at the Country Club, sampling another of the new specials - avocado, chicken and sesame seed lettuce wraps, a lighter meal which was perfect as I had eaten a large lunch. On Saturday I continued the healthy trend after Kettlercise and Body Combat classes this week and did a yoga session, which properly chilled me out for the weekend.

On Saturday evening I donned my gladrags and headed into Manchester for a night at Sakura on Deansgate Locks with Kelly and James and a couple that they know from university. We hit the fishbowls, and I can't remember getting home! Luckily I didn't feel too bad by this evening; I met Amanda in Altrincham to watch the ice hockey, as a friend of mine plays as netminder for Guildford Flames and got us free tickets. It was a really tense match, going to extra time, penalties and then sudden death! Guildford Flames won 6-5 in the end, which was great for my mate, but I did feel a little like a traitor going against my home team!

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 3
'It's my house, and I think it's time to get out, it's my soul, it isn't yours anymore'
(PVRIS - My House)

I first heard PVRIS on a late night Xfm show and downloaded their album 'White Noise', which totally takes me back to being fifteen listening to Paramore - great stuff. Lyric relevant this week as I've had a crazy busy one and really blown away the cobwebs, feel like I've not stopped! I started a new job venture on Monday as part of the social media team for a Youtube channel called Matter Of Sound, which showcases short videos on events and music in the Manchester area, including festivals, gigs and interviews.



“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”
(Stephen King - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption: A Story From Different Seasons)  

I stumbled across this quote in one of those compiled lists people post on Facebook that are usually a load of crap, but this collection actually had some really cool snippets from literature that I enjoyed reading - the above in particular. Over the last few weeks I feel like I have been getting back to being the old mad, super busy me again; and it's been quite a liberating experience.  This week I've completely cleaned my flat, dyed my hair and had my nails done, gymmed and babysat, as well as copious amounts of socialising!

On Tuesday I had dinner at the Country Club - where they had a new specials menu, which I obviously obliged in sampling... I chose scallop and bacon crice (a rice alternative made from cauliflower) served with green vegetables and a poached egg, which tasted incredible to say it was carb free! I followed this with Tahitian vanilla and coconut pannacotta with peppered pineapple puree and a ginger lime crumb, which was like an explosion of flavour in the mouth, absolutely delicious.

On Thursday I met Abi for lunch at The Garden, a new organic 'earth friendly' cafe in Hale village. I had an almond milk latte and the 'Super Bowl' (avocado massaged kale mixed with quinoa, red onion, cucumber, carrot and cherry tomatoes served alongside cubes of sweet potato and beetroot, sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and alkalising sprouts and dressed with lemon juice) and for dessert we both had the apple and raspberry crumble (made with seeds and raw oats as opposed to a traditional topping) with coconut milk ice cream. Everything looked so fresh and colourful on our plates, and tasted great to say it was so guilt-free, I would definitely go back again as everything on the menu sounded appetising. In the evening I went back into Hale to Moose with Laura for a couple of post-work drinks.

On Saturday night I went to Tasha's sister Genevieve's 30th birthday party, which was lots of fun, and most of the girls managed to make it so it was lovely catching up and having a few glasses of prosecco. It was a very late one, but I managed to drag myself out of bed to meet Laura for brunch at Thyme Out in Didsbury today, where I indulged with a full English to soak up excess booze.

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 2

'I was a king under your control, and I want to feel like you've let me go, so let me go'

(Years & Years - King)

After talking about my relationship situation in last week's post, Monday was the day for 'that' conversation, where we finally called time on whatever it was that we were. This week therefore has been spent in a bit of a haze, albeit the majority of it a positive one, but me being nostalgic and a massive thinker is always a bit of a curse after a breakup, and the lyrics in Years & Years' 'King' have therefore really resonated with me. Plus after hearing 'Desire' at the back end of last year, I am besotted with the lead singer's voice!

'A stain I'll always remember, a stain that stays with me'

(Aquilo - I Gave It All)

I am a firm believer that all relationships mould you into the person you become, and am lucky enough to be on amicable terms with all of my exes, so I don't have a problem openly talking about my past experiences. I hate admitting defeat in anything, and it seems to be a recurring theme after a relationship has ended that I feel guilty, or like I've let myself down because I've failed to make it work. But I focus on the thought that at a certain point, it was what felt right and made me happy, and if it no longer does either, then it is time to move forward. No amount of trying can fix something that isn't meant to work.

This weekend has been a great one for reminding me how awesome my friends are and how much fun I have with them. I had a full flat of all my uni crew (Joe, Brian, Geoff, Rick, Matt and Chris) and on Friday we headed into town to Walkabout and The Temple, where Laura and a girl called Rachel who Rick is seeing joined us for a few bevvies. Saturday I cooked us all brekkie and then we had a bit of a day session in The Green sports bar and The Northern in the Northern Quarter, and a Chinese and some predrinks back at mine before going back in to Tib Street Tavern and ending the night in South.  

Today, to ease the pain of a horrific hangover and a flat that looks and smells as you'd expect after six boys have spent all weekend here, I booked the flights to Paris for Jasmine, Mum and I on March 13/14th, so I have something to look forward to now!

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 1

'Give me some madness I, can get off on, I want to endorse you, I want you to exhaust me' 

(Catfish & The Bottlemen - Sidewinder)

Thoroughly recommend the whole Catfish album, personal faves are Business and Cocoon, but the above lyric sits well with me this week after enjoying time off with friends and family. Shopping in Manchester with Jasmine on Tuesday, we nattered over lattes and paninis and generally pissed around doing sibling stuff. New Year's Eve lunch was spent with Tasha and Abi at the Country Club and a great NYE party at my mate Laura's got the week off to a cracking start.  

'I'm somewhere outside my life babe, I keep scratching but somehow, I can't get in' (Hozier - Sedated)

Hozier was another awesome 2014 discovery, and his debut album doesn't have a bad record on it. This line in his most recent single sums up a complicated couple of months where I have been pussyfooting around an old relationship, instead of just getting on with living. This week was the one where I reached the conclusion to stop pretending the past was perfect, and to focus on making the future a better one. Friday evening was spent confirming this with my mates Laura and Kelly in El Capo in the Northern Quarter, over four bottles of wine, the last of which was smuggled out under my jacket as Laura had been asleep on the table for the last hour!

Yesterday evening was whiled away with good family friends, playing dress up for a Mafia themed quiz night, where Jasmine made a worryingly convincing man. We drank Blue Lagoons, carried fake guns and listened to dodgy Sopranos-esque elevator music, but it was a bloody good night!