My Birthday

So it's my birthday (its not now, because Ive rewritten this and posted about a week latter), I've decided to not really celebrate it this year. It has not been the greatest, with some huge changes I had not expected.

I still believe everything happens for a reason, as well as, no fate but what we make (Thanks Sarah Conner). 

The week before, was my final UCAS week. Where I visited Essex and London. The events were much quieter due to the amazing weather, which it has too be said is much less amazing when your in a hall with no fans and no breeze coming through the doors. It was a week of lovely dinners though. I enjoyed the company of Vicky (a Student Ambassador) and Issy again in Essex. Then in London I ate with the Scottish Universities, which was also a delight. It has been great to meet and spend time with some really interesting people over the last few weeks. 
This was followed with a week of Summer School activities, to delay the going home. It was a good week with students really enjoying the experience, but tired would have been an understatement.

Summer School Team at the end of the Boat Party.

My return to regular life has been, a little  surreal. Being home in my own bed for nights in a row, is just strange. 
My contract at the University will be ending soon, so the start, or rather the continuation, of the job hunt is on. I have already secured work over the summer, where I will be returning to a former role, so I am looking forward to catching up with some former colleagues and friends. 

Socially...So Friday was the start of my non birthday activities. 

I managed to avoid a birthday celebration (mostly), which is good. There has been some happenings in the last year that meant I didn't want to celebrate in the traditional sense. I did however have a few good days and evenings with great friends. I had a great day with Rachel, catching up on all things Andover, putting the world to rights and just enjoying good company with lots of talking and a few drinks. It was almost a tour, taking in the best Southampton had to offer. Pitcher & Piano (http://www.pitcherandpiano.com), the Ice Cream Man, Samba Bar & Grill (http://www.sambagrill.co.uk), Turtle Bay (http://www.turtlebay.co.uk) Giddy Bridge (http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk) and Sainsbury's. 

The food at Pitcher & Piano was ok, but I didn't think it was anything special, which was a shame as I had high hopes. While this is a great spot to sit outside, chat and have a view of see and sails, the arrival of a workman and drill meant we moved on once we finished our food.

This amazing get together was followed up by a movie night the following week with Rachel and her sister. We watched Jurassic World and I must say my view of this film seems to be different to most people's. There were some good scenes, but as a film...I didn't think that much of it. I really did not care if the Indominus-Rex ate the children, their characters where very bland and one dimensional. There was very little character development or interest in terms of story line. 

Despite the underwhelming film it was an enjoyable evening and great to get to know Helen a little better via the age old questions of; if you where an animal, if you where on a deserted island, and if you could go back in time. I've even offered myself as garden maintenance support, it must have been a good evening.

*Postpost update - I'm now going to see Foo Fighters with Helen in September! Pretty sure that will be way better than JP.

I've had a few other catch ups too.

Annual Havant & Waterlooville Vs Portsmouth Pre-Season Game

Annual East Hants Volleyball Club (http://www.easthantsvolleyball.org.uk) Tournament in Bordon 

 I had a man date with Drew on yesterday, our plan was to go somewhere other than O'Neil's (http://www.oneills.co.uk/winchester/) since we always go there. But...we still ended up there. In our defence the place is nice. The food is good and served fairly quickly and, for the second time I took on the Skyscraper. 2-0 Mike!

I also had a Fifa match up with Darryl and Mike this week. I won the Championship game, lets not talk about the other matches. It was really nice to have a catch up and chat through a few things too. I have found great value in some of the guys and girls Ive spent time with in the last few weeks-months. Sometimes its just been fun, other times its been much needed, even required. But hey that's what friends are for right.

My social life knows no bounds right now, Its like a scene from Yes Man.

I have even started to arrange with Rachel and Helen to take part in a Come Dine With Me Week, hosting and cooking. We just need to confirm the dates to see who's able to join us. For someone with no real cooking ability I think I could be far too excited about this. 

I am also looking forward to Victorious and a few other events coming up in the next few months. So very happy about that. I think the next one is Olly's Stag Do, so Ill give some though about if I'm going to blog that...