30th December 2005

Ever since I have lived up here in Manchester I have always had a pair of tickets for a New Years Eve bash at a pub in the Village. Just in case. I always intended to go but often ended up going out that afternoon - have a fair bit to drink, and toddle back early evening before anything was even due to start.

Not that I'm saying I was either a lush or a miserable old git - lol

So it's that time of year again (could be me but this one has come all too sooner than usual). And, for the first time I haven't pre-purchased a ticket for a venue. Strangely though however, it is the first year that friends have invited me to go! Yes that's right dear reader - friends, proper friends! A new concept, but 2005 has been very kind to me. Yay!!

Of course, I did want to go but I've become a little overwhelmed by crowds in the last few years, so I decided that although very flattered to be invited I had to politely refuse this time. (I am however going to make the effort to confront that crowd fear bit by bit during 2006 - so that I am ready for the next big event.)
Instead, I decided this year to do something the day before instead.

I had a great day. Called into town around 12.30 to meet up with my good friend Dave during his lunch hour and catch up on what's been happening since Christmas. I mentioned that I was meeting up with a (potential) new friend from Eurowoof - Neil later on that afternoon at the Outpost. As it's on his way back home he said he may call in and join us for an after work drinkie. Excellent stuff - I could spend hours in Daves company, so twice in one day - You're spoiling me Mr Ambassador!!

At 2pm I went for a coffee in the Royal Exchange theatre with my best mate Mike (one of the kindest and most genuine men on this fair planet.) He was due to meet up with somebody too that day. Moving on to 4.30pm and I toddled on down to the Outpost (cheapdrinks between 4 and 7 - hic!) to meet up with Neil.

What a nice guy, almost straight away we were chatting like mates do which is great for a first meeting. The atmosphere in there was friendly too with a fair crowd in and a great electronic 80's soundtrack to tap your feet to. Dave popped in as promised around 6 ish, and joined us for a couple of jars and somefriendly chatter. Around 7.30 Neil and I were going to move on to Buffet City on Princess Street (marvellous Chinese buffet - first time I have been but can definitely recommend it) so Dave bade us farewell and off we went for Dinner.

After a gorgeous repast that must've lasted a good couple of hours, we had a little walk and went to a little pub ( ) very near to the Town Hall to sample some real ale and round the evening off handsomely. We both walked back to Cross Street and at around 10.30 I got my bus home.

I had a fantastic day and evening, and hope to have many many more like this with my new woofy mates. Grrrr!