Yahoo! have given me a whole Gig of e-mail space, and finally the chance to search through all the crap that has accumulated in my inbox over the years, so woo yay for my e-mail and virals.

Today is the final of The Apprentice and so Broomy has invited us all down for the highlight of my week so far. It will hopefully make up for the three hours I sat down in my department this afternoon, waiting for a bit of copper to drop off a sheet of plastic. Sounds boring? It was. And what's more, I'm still waiting. It will also compensate for the rapid prototype which we sent in to be made and which came back a few tessellations short of a widget, plus the poor progress that has been made in getting my money for the Echos domain purchase. This is why I need an enjoyable evening.

Before the night is out I hope to have sorted some more web-stuff out for Mike and met up with Nick regarding StudentXtra, which means my new harddrive and graphics card will be showing up with any luck. It looks promising so far.

Swan is back. I found out that he has double booked Rufio's birthday celebrations with his and Zoe's 18 month anniversary, which also is the day before she goes to NYC for week. Good timing.

Finally, I have laid off Justin. I feel sorry for him. Well, not really. Dizzy Jo broke into my room, changed my MSN name and I haven't changed it back. He got off lightly I feel.

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I love Ribena, which makes our latest DT project all the more bearable. We are making an injection moulded 'widget' (promotional giveaway) that replaces the current Ribena bottle caps with a more exciting item. The next few weeks look like they are going to be busy. I've added up today that I've got the Ribena project, CAD surfacing/logo assignment, electronics PCB construction, circuit completion and materials major project all to do in the space of four weeks. Then exams.

Plus today I spoke to Flash who is keen for me to help out with his Team Tan(zania) t-shirt designs for this summer and Mike needs a website for his art, so it's time management central here.

That's why I spent two hours designing a poster for Jim's party.

To be fair on myself I have done some 'proper' work too, so I can't be too hard on myself. I'm still wanting to get this Creative Class entry in the post. If Tony doesn't get back to me tomorrow, I think I will send it regardless. Mike came up earlier and helped me with my selection of submissions, which is really useful. I've come to realise out of all my hall-mates, only Mike has any vague hint of being art-savvy. It's good to have a second opinion.

Justin isn't too pleased with me. Last night I went to Echos I found out that he had offered to pay Sammi to look like his girlfriend to fend off another girl. Of course, this isn't the exact truth, but who cares. It's really funny watching him react to my MSN name - earlier his was "Higgs, You'll pay for this", but now it's even better, with "If there is one thing I can't stand.... it's Andy Higgs".

There is so much love in Lufbra. I'm sure he'll figure out some way of getting back at me, but until then, the taunting continues.

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So today was Freefest, which is a giant music festival organised by the union each year. Tongy was playing on the balcony at Bocca so Sean and I headed over for his set. It was really good, with the sun out and large number of mates out, it was a good way to spend the Bank Holiday afternoon.

Devito and Swan were both away today, the former is on a road trip down to Cornwall with some of the Spanish lads (that boy, he couldn't want to be more wannabe-Iberian if he tried) and the latter is back home for the weekend, so it's all quiet here. Rufio and Bromley (Devito's mate) accompanied me to Mugie's for a curry (sooo good) and then we headed back to the Tower.

I caught half an hours sleep then went out with Chris and Rob. Echos wasn't great. Although there were a load of people out both from the course and some from Towers I wasn't really picking up the vibe. I had a couple of drinks then headed back home via 35 York Road where I was entertained by DDS, Rich and Psycho for half an hour. I'd never seen naked female wrestling before, but it turns out it's quite good. Not particularly the most educational piece of TV I've ever seen, but it somehow made the night worthwhile.

I can't believe the weekend is out already. Tommorow (today) it's back to the grind stone. Lovely.

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I've just landed back in Lufbra after a very usual family Sunday. Late to rise, tea with Grandma and then the evening meal with the folks. It's been good going back for a couple of days, but I decided to get back tonight as tomorrow is a good opportunity for university-style-frolics, as long as the weather remains as superb as it has been the past couple of days.

Saying that, last night when I went up to bed at about 2am, I couldn't get to sleep for the flashes of light outside my window. I was curious to what was going on, as there was no sound at first, but the parents informed me this was an electrical storm, which apparently it just that - lightening without thunder and rain. It was spectacular and I filmed it for half an hour trying to catch a fork lightening shot (there was no way I could do it using a standard still). I've stuck a couple of the more successful frame captures here. I'm actually really pleased with the results, even if the resolution isn't great. Hopefully one day before the summer is out I can get some decent lightning shots from up here on floor 20 - it's got to be the best view in Leicestershire for it.

Before all that, I had spent the evening stuffing myself with steak and grilled delicacies at the Beefeater in Dudley. Just me and the old guys. It was nice as we don't do it often, in fact, I can't recall ever doing it before. I'll make sure it's not the last. Especially if they are picking up the tab again!

I've no idea how tomorrow will pan out. Will it be a lazy day? Will I arise early? Who knows. Who cares?

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I'm back in the 'Bridge on my one-shop-laundry-stop. It also has the purpose of getting a haircut (which I got done earlier today) and the real reason for my visit back; the Elvis concert.

The performance was good, although I'm not as sure that I enjoyed it as much as last time. They won't have very many years of these tours left, as most people there were getting on a bit. Originally these concerts to see the living version of 'The King' were packed with standing, dancing youngsters, now everybody sits. Soon they'll need rows of beds and free colostomy bags.

Last night I slept from 12 until 12, which was great. I now realise I do sleep better when at I'm at home than at uni, but it's taken over a year and a half to figure it out. Not that this is a bad thing, as when I get home I can now look forward to ridiculously long lie-ins (similar to the ones Swan enjoys on weekdays. Lazy bastard.)

After waking late, I went to J&R's to get my hair cut. The place is friendly and the talk always forthcoming and usually colourful. It's one of my favourite places to just go and listen when I'm at home, so getting a haircut can actually be quite enjoyable. Plus their cuts are good and priced reasonably.

Further things I've done today include buying some (more) new clothes, re-bleaching my hair and getting my laundry back from Jon's house (he took it back as I couldn't carry it around with me at the NEC after he dropped me off). I don't know where he was off to as I arrived, and I didn't ask, but he was dressed up like a 1920's golfer and driving one of his Jeeps. I don't think that's what he usually wears on the weekend. If it is, you learn something new everyday.

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...because I need a break. Last night I was up until two burning the midnight oil, producing a set of graphs that looked as though a spider with thoroughly inky feet had crawled all over them then exploded at inconvenient points on the page. Beautiful.

The best of it is that I'm still not done, but I've figured I've got about two hours of procrastination time before I have to look at it again and sort it out before I have to hand it in. Also today I have the happiness of handing in my electronics log book, which pleases me greatly. The sun has been out all week and I've been inside doing work, but you bet the minute all this is handed in it'll sod back off to somewhere warmer. I would.

DDS is looking a little stressed out this morning. His running away to Twicker's the other day (which we won - well done Benji on the try!) probably didn't help the matter, and he's now contemplating not handing the log book in at all, or emigration. Even if he opts for the first he probably will still have to do the latter anyway to avoid the wrath of the department.

Considering the workload I successfully managed to choreograph to jump onto me, I still found time last night to take a break, take a pizza and take stock of Wednesday's The Apprentice (BBC2, 9pm). It had been recorded as both Broomy and I had failed to catch it on the night it was aired due to stuff. Once again I found myself enthralled and was very pleased to see my predictions met and watch Paul and James head out. I know who I want to win now; I've always liked Tim and I think he's ideal Apprentice material. He might not have much experience of this stuff, but he's one of those people who is simply 'likeable' and seems to have a bit of nouse about him, unlike some of the others who have attitude/ego issues.

Once all that frivolity was over I stuck the Question Time Leader's special on (listening on the website) while I got on with some serious work. This quickly crumbled and I ended up sending painting to people in MSN Messenger.

Echos got their .com back yesterday and so all is now good. I'm still waiting on info about the .co.uk, but at least we've made progress. By the look of things I haven't been charged for it at all (no email, no account debit). Bonus!

We also managed to establish at least something about out housing arrangements next year. I will be in the big room, or the downstairs room - Jono and I will sort that out between ourselves, and the other three will draw between themselves. At least it's progress, and soon we might actually get it set in stone. It may however be a little difficult as Jono has stopped speaking to me (as a joke) after I messaged all of the hall committee and told them to change there MSN display name to echo Jono's and his girlfriend's display names. For the past few weeks they have read "I love my Chickie" and "I love my Mr Piggy" respectively and we all have been vomiting profusely.

The response to my call to arms was superb:

• I Love My Lil' Tortoise! - Devito
• I Love My Lil' Hedgehog! - Swan
• I Love My Snuggle Puff! - Emily
• I Love My Honey Bun! - Broomy
• I Love My Cheesy Weesy! - Mike
• I Love My Rubber Ducky! - Rob
• I Love My Froggy! - Ibs
• I Love My Cuddle Wuddles! - Me

There were more too, but off the top of my head I can't remember the others.

I've been warned by both Jono and Lou to watch my back, so I am acting with caution. I would hate to be repeatedly battered with a bunch of roses or pummelled to death with a lavender bag. I'm so scared.

Jon is taking me home tonight. I'm looking forward to the concert and getting a haircut, but at the same time I really would have liked to have partied tonight. I was also meant to be match-making for a girl-friend tonight, but that hasn't been going well so far as I haven't seen the target all week to make sure he's out.

As that dance track goes; It's time to burn.

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How I got drunk last night is beyond me. One minute I'm protesting it's never going to happen - never - not tonight. Tonight is work night. Then the next thing I know I'm in a taxi heading into town with Sean, Devito and the Swan. I think this is where the root of the problem lies.

At about 10.30pm I was thinking nice things like "shower" and "bed", then suddenly I get this random phone call from Sean (I identified by his trademark 'subtle' tones) asking if I'd saved everything on the computer. He didn't wait for a reply, and promptly hung up. Thirty seconds later there is a muffled discussion going on outside my door. It didn't take two seconds to realise they were weighing up flicking the trip switch for my room, and so forcing me to give up my work and do my usual Monday night at Echos, which I had chosen to forfeit this week due to the lack of work caused by similar activities last week. So the switch tripped, thankfully not turning my computer off (I can't work out why or how) and I was bundled by all three. A swift exchange occurred,

"Come on, come on... [some pain inflicted]"

"I'm not coming out tonight..."

"Come on, come on [further pain inflicted]"

"OK"

That is how the battle was lost. I actually had a good night (I knew I would. Even though I had to work, I was well up for "Part-ay" involvement).

This morning I met up with Pennell. It was the first time we'd seen each other since the Schools Daily Mail Cup quarter finals back at OSH and we spent our time talking about his new business venture. At the moment his arm is in a sling after finally getting his longstanding rugby injury fixed. The guy hasn't played since the end of lower sixth form due to this malignant injury - over two years to get it sorted. That's pretty awful.

It's even worse for his brother. Last Monday Chris (who captain's the school 1st XV and is a leading light in rugger generally) managed to break his leg playing for Worcs. That probably means a year off the game. I feel well sorry for the lad; he was destined to go straight into a rugby career. Worcester still want him, but of course he's going to have to wait to see how things pan out. I hope it turns out well - it couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke.

I was pleased to find John is going home this weekend. Looks like transport back isn't going to be too bad, but he will have to drop me off directly at the NEC for this Elvis Concert my dad had booked for his birthday.

Tonight is Work Night and I mean it with all my heart. If I don't get some done now I really will be screwed - Friday is approaching at a pace and I've still got a lot to contend with. Onwards.

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