Summer Solstice

I only realised rather belatedly that yesterday was 20062006 - for those familiar with the UK date format. Those familiar with the American and Japanese date format would refer to it as 06202006 hence may not appreciate the catchy date. I know of couples tying the knot on certain catchy dates [easy to remember hopefully!] such as 9 Sept 1999 [090999], 1st Feb 2003 [010203], 20 March 2003 [20032003] and so on. I have yet to know anyone marrying on 060606 though but on another note, I sure find this story spooky!

Anyway, today is Summer Solstice for the Northern Hemisphere - the day of the year with the longest daylight period and hence the shortest night. Apparently, some European countries celebrate some traditional holidays at this time. Of course, countries near to the Equator will not feel today to be any different than any other day (but just allow me the indulgence to recall my Geography lesson all the same).

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Watched Germany played Ecuador last night. Turned on the TV a few minutes after the game had started and hence missed the first Klose goal. But the following two goals was evidence of superb, quality, brilliant European football. Was truly satisfied after the game, for it was worthy of a World Cup match. Ecuador, however, didn't quite live up to its previous two successful matches and would surely need to study where they went wrong, their weak points, their strategy for the coming matches etc. I have a good feeling about Germany, and not just because they are the host. In all those matches I've had the opportunity to watch Germany played previously, all the Euro and World Cup tournaments, they have Always been amazing, never short of patience, skill, determination and hope, trying again and again even when it seemed they were playing Against All Odds. Fantastic team spirit.

Woke up this morning for the second half of the England-Sweden match, minutes after the Swedes equalised. Another superb performance and fine example of European football displayed by the Swedes [can't say the same for England, their defence was wanting. It's amazing that the Swedes were not able to score more goals what with the shaky England defence]. It made me wonder how the Swedes only managed a goalless draw with Trinidad and Tobago and a last-minute goal against Paraguay previously. Wayne Rooney was brought out to be replaced by Gerrard [who scored the second goal against Trinidad & Tobago and again went to score the second goal of this match]. Oh Boy, Rooney didn't look at all happy with this and vented his frustration clearly for the world to see that all is not well in Wayne's World. I honestly don't really see what's so special about him, I mean, he's not even scored!

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My heavily pregnant colleague suffered a bleeding on Monday while away on a course. It would appear that she would be missing in action even earlier that I thought and hoped. Not exactly good news on a Monday, what with outstanding work and more to be done. OK, I know she didn't plan on this but I still wish it hasn't turned out this way...