Weekly Musings

2017 - Week One

'It's only been a moment. It's only been a lifetime. 

But tonight you're a stranger, or some silhouette.'

(Silhouette - Aquilo)

So new year, fresh start; and that is exactly the position I feel in as I write this post having now been relationship status: single for all of three hours... end of an era yet beginning of a new ride.

Perfect opportunity to get back on the blogging bandwagon which I have fallen off basically since the relationship started in Feb 2015. With my undiagnosed yet definitely apparent OCD in full force though, I do have notes for every week since I stopped writing, so the dream is to catch up, alongside documenting the future from here on out. 

So ignoring the huge breakup elephant in the room, (which no doubt will be touched upon here and there though without any 'intention' of poor taste) this week has been pretty bloody good. Back at work on Tuesday, yet still basking in the post- Christmas rays of chocolate and socialising and heavily listening to an album from one of my favourite bands in recent times, Aquilo.

Monday's Bank Hol was spent exploring Macclesfield Forest, an area previously unventured to which has been on the To-Do list basically since summer when we got Ferryn (the dog). A number of walking routes can be taken around the location, and there are mountain bike trails for any andrenaline junkies out there to partake in. It took about half an hour to drive there from near the airport, nice easy journey, and they have a cute little log cabin type shack that does hot drinks and homemade cakes (and oatcakes for any lovers of the midland delicacy). Ferryn was in her element and if it knackers her out for a few hours then everyone's smiling.

The rest of the week was fairly quiet, the early work starts took their toll for a few days and most evenings were spent slumped in front of the telly, the most exertion being a game of Scrabble on Friday. In usual style I lost, and reflected on why I even did an English degree when it clearly really is good for nothing.

Saturday I moseyed off to Newcastle to visit some of my university friends. Most of us live around Manchester so I escape trekking 90% of the time, so I have been long overdue a roadtrip. I drove and took along my mate Joe who had travelled up from London, took us about three hours so not horrendous, though the 50mph limits on the motorway kill me every time.

It was a casual affair, we got pizza and then headed out later on to a few bars for some drinks, starting in Alvinos, a casual retro place with a funky cocktail menu separated into spirits and made to look like an old school Argos catalogue - the Jammy Hendricks was top notch.

Second we headed to Pleased To Meet You which is a gin bar with an industrial feel about it, all copper exposed pipes and artisan style tiling. I swerved away from the gin for once and had a couple of glasses of the Riesling white wine, which was a little pricey at £9 a glass (albeit a large one) but is one of my favourites so I didn't mind the splurge, helped along by the fact we were doing rounds.

The final stop of the night was a good old fashioned club - Digital. It adhers with tradition in that it was extortionate to get in (£8), played remixed chart music that meant the dancefloor was jam packed, and drinks were ridiculously cheap (a round for 6 was £13.80).

After a hearty full English this morning courtesy of our host Brian, Joe and I made the long journey back to Manchester, with a pit stop at Wilmslow station for him to catch his train home to the big smoke. I landed chez Sophia at 5.30pm, giving just enough time to be dumped and left by 6pm - points for promptness!

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 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 Update!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

This week has been officially exhausting! I have had something on every single day/ night! On Monday I went to see Aquilo with my sister (see previous post) and then we stayed for a night out afterwards as Remake Remodel was on at Soup Kitchen, which is a night I've wanted to try for ages. It was really dead to begin with, but soon perked up, and played some awesome music. We got home at about 4am, and I was up for work at 7!

On Tuesday after a meal at the Country Club (braised and glazed Cheshire pork rib-eye steak with sweet potato, caramelised plum and amaretti crumble, AMAZING) I went to see the Klaxons with Tasha, who were awesome! They have recently announced they are splitting so this was the final tour, and they really gave it their all. Unfortunately I got a parking ticket, which dampened the mood slightly, but still a fun evening.

On Wednesday I dropped Aum in Pontefract and then finished for the day, so met Abi after an interview in Manchester. We went to a place called Tea 42, which does fabulous cakes (I got a huge slab of the chocolate variety), and since I was off duty I indulged in a glass of prosecco too. 

The next day I got a lie in, and collected Aum from Oldham in the afternoon. In the evening Mo came round, as there had been a slight misunderstanding that we needed to clear up. We sorted things though, and it was nice to see him, even if it made me feel slightly weird as he seemed back to his old self. I had to suck it up though as on Friday I had a Halloween party to go to! I went as a vampire, and had a great night, and it helped to take my mind off things which was much needed.

On Saturday, though slightly hungover, I dragged myself up and went to the Altrincham Market with Abi for lunchtime pizza. I had one with capers, anchovies and olives which was delicious, if a little salty. That evening I had a ball to go to! (see next week's post) It was in aid of the Lifeboats and was run by my friend Luke who I met whilst skiing. I went with Tasha and we had a great and very late/ drunken night!

Today we drove home and I went to Mum's for eggs Benedict for lunch, which was much appreciated after a night on the tiles. I had a nap there and then came home to get ready for the Indiana gig I have just returned from with Amanda (see next week's post). She was incredible live, and it was a chilled affair which was definitely required after a hectic week!

Candid Article 62

Aquilo

I reviewed newcomers Aquilo's gig at Manchester's Soup Kitchen on Monday, see below:

http://candidonline.com/live-review-aquilo/