Manchester United v. Southampton

As far as matches go… it sure wasn’t the prettiest on Sunday, but it was an awesome feeling to be a part of Southampton’s first victory at Old Trafford since 1988 – the “winning” smirk I had scribbled across my face should’ve gotten me battered outside the ground.

Last May, I watched Southampton draw on the final day of the season against Manchester United. That day, the likes of David de Gea, Nemanja Vidic, Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck were in the blue of United.

This past summer they brought in Angel di Maria, a world-class talent, who played 124 times for Real Madrid and was recently named in FIFA’s FIFPro World XI. Although his performance on Sunday was lacking, he is going to be up there as one of the best footballers I’ll see. Add Sergio Aguero, Wilfred Bony (apparently worth £28m to City) and others.

Some pretty cool names  -- on this day, a front four for United that totaled £150m.

Now, with all the pleasantries out of the way…

Chants of, “Race you back to Hampshire” and, “Is there a fire drill”, rang out from the corner where us Southampton lot were, mocking United supporters who flocked towards the exits early.

It was a perfect setting for a Facebook status that had comments of, “Southampton lol” and, “Have fun losing” posted on it earlier in the day.

Prior to kickoff, Ken MacKinnon said: “I have a good feeling about today… but that can only it’s going to be crushed.”

The match itself was about as entertaining as seven hours on a plane. The only shot on target came in the 69th-minute when substitute Dusan Tadic slotted home from a rebound. A cliché of bedlam. I shared the most awkward hi-five with a stranger in front of me. It was a cross between hi-five and hold. And then there was a brief “omg” moment with a Mr Andrew MacKinnon.

“DUSANNNNNNNN TADIC, OHHH OH, OHHH OH!”

The Serbian went all Mario Balotelli, but struggled to rip of his shirt before flexing his muscles at the corner flag where we were sat.

Old Trafford is a library except for one section of the ground: N2401 and N2402. It was the first league game since May 2009 where United didn’t record a shot on target at home.

The win was important for Southampton, who jumped their hosts in the table and into third place with 21 games played.

New Christmas rule: no sweatshirts

Whilst in queue for security at the airport, I was roughly in earshot of a young girl who seemed to be leaving home properly for the first time. She was in tears and on her way to study in Barcelona. It makes you wonder, with the fantastic weather in Barcelona why would one be in tears?

My parents insist I return home for Christmas holiday and, if they can steal me, for a bit of the summer, which is something they don’t need to twist my arm about for either. I enjoy everything about being home.

Over the last calendar year, I have spent a total of six weeks at home. That’s not a lot… just enough to taste a routine. SportsCenter first thing in the morning with a bagel from Bruegger's ; pointless trips to North Lake Mall ; I forgot to eat Jimmy John's this time... 

I like seeing my aunties and uncles and my cousins. I don’t say much at  our gatherings. I interact sparingly. Grin and observe. When the moment’s gone, I remember events like when Uncle Chip would firmly squeeze my shoulder with his hand on his way out and say: “I miss you – I wish we had more time to talk.”

My friend, Tom Revesz, made the family photo and I’m glad he could share in our big family dinner. He’s family.

A special trip: My mother, he [Revesz], and I spent a long day on the 29th travelling to Raleigh, NC to see the Carolina Hurricanes play. The Canes lost 3-1 to Montreal, if you bother. Along the way we turned his already City blue blood into Carolina blue blood by visiting the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He had the full experience: eating on Franklin Street, visiting the Old Well, seeing Carmichael and the Smith Center, and finally, buying new swag from Johnny Tshirt.

Some might say it's the wrong Carolina. I like both Carolinas and I know which to wear to my uncle's.

Unfortunately/fortunately for Revesz, most of our time was dedicated to watching the college football bowl games. For him, we felt it must’ve gotten old quick, but by the end he was interested in his game picks. For the record he came in second, behind the winner: me. Not bad for a rookie.

There were several first with Revesz about. I was present for the purchase of a Michael Kors handbag and for lipstick. It was the first time I’d ever been in a Michael Kors store as well.

Here's to my favourite dogs at the condo: Heidi, TJ, Angus and Lexie.