So, I finished work for Christmas now. Two weeks off with only some minor things to worry about. So, what are my plans?

Well, it started last night with a meal at Kro2 with my Mum (including a bar room brawl) and then seeing James live at Manchester Central^H^H^H^H^H^H^H G-Mex supported by Athlete. Another brilliantly amazing James gig (including my first actual viewing of the Bush Shoe incident). Except for the selfish bastard at the end who lit up a cigarette next to us. Athlete on the other hand, word of advice: if you gear the crowd up for singing along by having them practice a OhOhOhOhOh bit, you'd better have plenty of opportunities for them to sing it. Not just twice at the very end of the song.

Today I have to get my hair cut and try (again) on the final shopping. I will also be going to my parents for dinner when my brother and his new girlfriend arrive. All I know of the new girlfriend is:

• She's from America
• It might be that she's from Boston
• She's called Caitlin
• She is somehow currently associated with Oxford University
• She's kicking me out of my normal bed when we go to Nottingham and onto a futon in the dining room

After a conversation with Stuart last week, I also understand that on the basis of my Peter Pan outfit costume, she wants to be my best friend and help me dress my parent's dog up as a clown. Yes, you read that right, help me dress my parents' dog up as a clown.

Present suggestions in comments please.

Sunday could see anything really but Monday sees my Work Christmas doo in the evening. I need to find something to wear to go with my new bow tie...

Tuesday is the friends' Christmas Doo (with much thanks to Emma and Andrew for organising/hosting). I have to make pate and buy friends presents (secret santa is so helpful, except I have too many ideas for my santee and they all feel a little... obvious/tacky).

Then Wednesday I'm off down to Nottingham for the festivities. We're expecting anything up to 17 people this year for Christmas dinner and presents and stuff. It's going to be... cozy.

I'm not sure when I'm coming back, but it will be for Wendy's birthday party.

So, anyone wanna do anything?

EDIT: I also wanted to talk about Christmas music and number ones. This year, it seems, "they" are not censoring Fairytale in New York. Hurray!!* In other news, looks like X-Factor will get Christmas No. 1 with Hallelujah massacre. I'm torn between urging you all to get Jeff Buckley's version (it's actually looking like a potential top three all the same song) or Terry Wogan and Aled Jones' Little Drummer Boy. Because we all want Terry No. 1 for Christmas!

Alex
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