From Arshavin's Q&A on his official site:
From egor2000
Hi Andrey! I play football with friends every week. Could you please recommend to me how to protect the toes, nails in particular, as I always walk around with broken, "black" nails? How do professionals solve this problem, or you don’t have it?
Arshavin: This problem exists. It’s a professional footballers’ problem. It seems to be invisible, but many players suffer from ache in the toes after the games. I think that it depends on the foot structure. I don’t have this problem but some footballers bandage their toes with a plaster.
Just like ballerinas!!! Haha, this just caught my attention because ballerinas have the same problem. I don't really have this problem though, they say my feet are pretty considering that I'm a ballerina. I don't get those black nails, I don't get blisters or wounds on my toes. Though when I was just starting to dance on pointe shoes, I used to bandage my toes too with plaster or micropore tape to avoid those. Then I discovered the wonders of petroleum jelly, I put a bit of it to protect my toes from friction against each other and the very hard toe shoe box. I'm lucky I didn't get those icky things and I can wear my open toed heels/sandals/flipflops whenever I want to :P
I find it awesome and cool to see a lot of similarities between ballers and ballerinas :) the leaps, jumps, graceful running, flexibility, turns, fluidity and movement, sometimes even the kicks on the pitch actually remind me of dancing ballet. To me, it's like we speak the same language through movement :) also, ballerinas have the same athleticism as most athletes. Sure, the workout load and strength may be more intense for the serious athletes, but the way the body is worked out, and the way muscles are used and all that - it's the same. Especially with ballet, most of the work and movement is from the thighs, legs and feet. So yeah, if you saw my legs and thighs, I hate them so much because my muscles are huge. My feet even, they are muscley and the nerves are showy. The good thing about them is that they are powerful enough to knock out people, lol. Sometimes I like to think that I could be a good football player, I just need to work on my aim lol :P
As a popular saying for us ballerinas goes: We are athletes from the waist down, and performers from the waist up.
Man, I miss dancing so much :(
Saturday, March 20
Footballers:Ballerinas
Friday, January 8
Happy birthday, Silva! <3
Happy happy happy 24th birthday to the only footballer who is able to transform me into a mess of a squealy fangirl and lose all my coherence, the only footballer who can turn me into a puddle of mush and goo with everything he does, the man I am hopelessly and pathetically in love with, mi amor, David Josué Jiménez Silva! ♥ ♥ ♥
To celebrate this day, here are 24 pics of awesomeness (aka 24 of my favouritest pics of him).
Sunday, December 13
Real Mierda can take the piss.
I am still so pissed and so bitter about last night, we really didn't deserve to lose. I needed to waffle. So if you do not want to read through this, or if you are some Madridista who easily gets offended, I've warned you. Do not click on this post.
THE DEFENCE. You fail. I just mentioned a few days ago that Navarro was one of the more reliable ones. But this time, he failed so bad (as well as last week, but that was mostly the ref's fault). That header, he should've made it, it was so easy. I cannot believe how he missed it Ugh. Bruno, idek why he's Unai's first choice. He's been making ridiculous decisions and has already cost us two games. I'd rather have Miguel in there. But then I think Unai is punishing/giving Miguel a lesson on discipline, with his attitude and always being late for training. Dealbert made decent clearances but wasn't his usual self. However, he and Matheiu did a decent job imo. Matheiu contributed to the attacking as usual, adding an added threat along with the forwards. Most importantly, he was the one responsible for setting up Quino's goal. (Sidenote: poor guy picked up a knock during the game and now we will miss him for the Europa League game against Genoa and possibly the final La Liga game too for the year against Depor).
Cesar wasn't his usual amazing self, but you can't solely blame the guy. A keeper can only do his job well if the defence helps him out. The defence, however, was absent. In Higuain's first goal, Cesar couldn't do much about it as he was guarding the opposite corner where Pepe was threatening to score. The defence was scrambling, they left Higuain unmarked and left him to head the ball in the right corner. In his second goal, it was a defensive fail foremost, but I think Cesar should've made a better effort in saving the ball. But Gonzo - I have to hand it to the guy, he was on fire during the match. As for Garay's goal, it was a lucky shot for him. He wasn't even looking, his back and head was turned against the goal and he just nodded the ball towards the far corner of the net. Too bad Cesar couldn't have stretched some more to save it.
Pablo and Mata weren't bursting out to create scoring chances. Pablo had a few chances but failed to make the net. His set pieces and crosses were not up to his usual best. Mata played a bit better than Pablo, finding more chances to score but he couldn't find the net too. His shots were poor. Marchena and Albelda weren't so much effective as the previous matches. However, it was too chaotic in the midfield, too many tackling and shoving and pushing and hurting. I am not biased when I say that those RM twats were giving the Valencianistas a beating of their lives with their hard tackles and fouls. I'm looking at you, Sergio Ramos and Lass. The fucking ref, like all other refs, want their beloved Madrid to win so much, so as usual, we got screwed. How many terrible tackles did he let pass by? And how many fouls did he let go off without giving cards? I think Lass deserved a second yellow and should've been thrown out of the game. Sergio's tackle on Marchena was really bad and I am disgusted at him. Ugh, I am utterly disgusted at them.
Ever was really amazing. He kept on fighting for the ball and trying so hard to keep it in their possession even if those big RM meanies kept on bullying him. He kept on bursting through the RM players and provided the creativity they needed. He was most impressive when he darted through two RM defenders, dragged back the ball with his heel and tried to shoot. It would've been more amazing if the ball went in, but it was still amazing nonetheless. He's been very impressive and is one of the most consistent players in the squad, always giving his best in every game and proving why he deserves to be in the first team.
Dahveed was also there to provide his usual goalscoring skills, he made a beautiful header. A really beautiful one. However I thought that he was playing a quite off game. He would've scored more goals if he was playing his usual. Anyway, even if he was playing an off game, he scored, so it's good. And everyone has an off game every once in a while.
Also, I thought Unai would've started Joaquin. I was quite surprised when I learned he wasn't starting. He really should have. When he put him on, he made an instant impact, and scored us a goal which saved our asses off for a few minutes. If he started together with Pablo, the attack would've been quicker and would've posed a more dangerous threat. Quino has been great in the past few matches, he deserves more chances to start.
Oh well, what's happened has happened, and we could only learn from our mistakes. I refuse to say that the better team won, because they are not better than Valencia. Luckier, maybe, but not better. Valencia didn't deserve to lose and they put up a good fight. I am still so proud of my boys and I have nothing else but so much pride and love for them.
Also, I would just like to react to a stupid brainless 'fan' who made this comment which I happened to read through while scrolling through The Offside Valencia blog:
"why didn’t we played with moya against real madrid??? all of us know well that cesar is madridista, he give the match to real madrid. valencia must sack cesar now, i hate this motherfucker for now on. FUCK YOU CESAR"
On a last note, because I cannot not mention him here. Albi. Oh God. The moment you walked out on the pitch, I was in pieces. At kickoff, and for the whole 90 minutes and some, you were the enemy. But after the game, when I saw your face... *sighs* You need to come home. Valencia is your home. You don't belong in Madrid. You are a true Valencianista and you best not let Madrid stain you. We will still welcome you with open arms. We still love you, and we always will. Come home, bb. Come home. We'll be waiting.
Thursday, December 3
Ga-thunk.
I rarely do this, but it's also so rare that I fall in love at first sight, so this man deserves his own post. The picture says it all. I have no words. *drools uncontrollably*
Mmhmm, and he totally distracted me from studying/revising. He has some power, that hot piece of manmeat. And speaking of manmeat... a little more candy after the jump.
I'm sold. I have a feeling he will be a regular. Maybe it's time I have my own Serie A boy. I'm in looooove.
Thanks to Liz for the vid!
Monday, November 30
My poor baby.
I am seriously sad and frustrated. Poor guy just wants to play, but all he gets are bad tackles and the ref screwing him up, and now he's injured himself. *sighs* And he should've scored too if not for that unfortunate incident.
What does this mean for Valencia? They'll miss their left winger, his creativity, passes, playmaking and all. I know we have enough cover - Ever or Joaquin can play in his position, or even Jordi Alba, or Unai with his unconventional tactics can even surprise us all with something. And there's still Pablo and Mata. But still, and bias aside, the game changes without Silva. When Quino went on for him, it kind of went... down. His passes and vision are vital to the team. But then, we can manage without him I guess. I hope.
But not if Dahveed manages to screw up again. Mr. Temperamental Bitchface should really learn how to manage his temper. How many unnecessary yellows has he got already? Kicking someone's crotch, knocking the ball out of the keeper's hand and having a go at him, etc... I understand your frustration, Mr. Veeyah, but seriously, you have to learn to control your antics. Another yellow and you'll be suspended. Valencia cannot afford to lose Silva AND you at the same time. And while I'm at it, I am still annoyed at your selfishness. I know that being a striker, you can't help being selfish as you want to score goals for the team, and you want to win the Pichichi and all that... But can't you at least afford to let your other teammates score? They are very capable of scoring goals too, you know. Silva already headed the ball in. It was clearly going in. No defenders in that area, the keeper was in the other corner of the goal, it was all clear. But no, you still decided to flick the ball with your toe, which rendered the goal unallowed because you were offside. If that goal was counted, we should've won, but no, it cost us the game, together with Bruno's utter stupidity in giving away that PK (which I am more annoyed at). I have nothing against Dahveed, in fact, he is one of my favourite players. He's the best striker in the world and he totally deserves to be in the Ballon d'Or shortlist (which the twin has done a very good entry on btw, click here) these antics of his have got to stop before it causes us even more damage.
And since this post is turning into a full blown rant... The boys' finishing was way off. There were so many chances created. Quino and Mata should've scored. Quino's attempt from such an amazing play would've been such an amazing goal but it hit the stupid post. And Mata, idk why he can't make those balls go in. I'm sure there were several chances where he should've easily made the ball go in. Also, here we go with the Unai decisions. I really do not get this man. Most of the time, he starts out fine, his lineups work well, his plays work well. And then suddenly, he makes these substitutions. Like before - Maduro for Ever. And then most recently, in last Saturday's game, Alexis went on for Pablo. I mean, I get it, put another defender on to try to protect the lead. But that doesn't work well every time. Seriously, Unai, you took out Pablo on the event that we're only up by 1? And then the disaster happens, Bruno fucks up, concedes the PK, and Mallorca equalises. Without Silva AND Pablo, then there's really no one creating and holding the plays. No entiendo. *shakes her head* You put Ziggy on, but then he fucks up too. It was a dive, from what I've seen. But it could've been not, I may be wrong. What I'm saying is, if he hadn't subbed Pablo, there could've been someone creating a play and we could've created a better chance at scoring another goal. Bleaugh, whatever, the game clearly didn't go our way. And I give up trying to understand Unai.
We should've gotten the full three points and went ahead of Sevilla, as well as pulled the gap between RM and us closer, but thankfully Sevilla fucked up and only got a point. So considerably, it's not too bad.
Valencia's next game is tomorrow vs Lille for the Europa League. Please, Lord, help the boys do well. I am forever grateful for all the help you have been giving them. Thank you.
Monday, November 23
Realisations
Ok, I am so lame and totally made of fail, I forgot I even had a blog. Well, not really. Just been really busy with, what else, law school. Yes, I did have my break, but it was only for two weeks and that was mostly spent on my holiday in South Korea. Which I am supposed to blog about, but I haven't found the time yet. *kicks law school*
So what have I been up to? Well, there was the holiday during my break. And when I got home, I learned that I survived my first semester of law school. I'm not proud of my grades because they are in no way up to my usual standards, but considering that it's my first semester and I'm still adjusting to the work load and all, I'll take it. It doesn't mean I take pride in it though. And it's not like I studied and revised. I've been a lazy student and I am so not proud of it. I vow to do better in my second semester though, which started 1st week of November. The load's quite lighter now as compared to the first semester, and I'm glad.
As for football... click on the 'read more' link below if you want to read my realisations. Everyone knows I have a weird love for Man U and Liverpool. I've been loyal to Man U for the past years, but I've always had this love for Liverpool I can't explain. This season, I'm starting to realise that I'm not so much in love with Man U as I was before, and it may be stupid, but I think it's got to do with Cris' leaving. I still love the team, but it's just not the same. It's like the spark that keeps the team going died down. They're still a great team and I know that Cris isn't the only player that matters, but I just can't bring myself to love them like before. And I'm such a bad fan because I can barely remember when was the last time I watched a whole game they played. I think it was against Liverpool. And they lost.
And so we come to Liverpool. I don't even know where to start. It hurts so bad to see them like this. Me being a Man U fan, this is conflicting, right? But I told you, I'm weird like that. I'm beginning to love Liverpool more these days. I've always had this soft spot for them ever since because of their football. But what makes me love them more is the Kop and the fans. The Kop is like the Ateneo (my uni) faithful supporters, they never leave their team, win or lose. And the feeling of family with the Liverpool girls is just amazing. I've never felt that with Man U, it was like... I was supporting them on my own. But with Liverpool, it feels like a family. And it was especially touching when empireofthekop from Twitter was tweeting and helping out during the Ketsana/Ondoy period. They said I'll never walk alone. And it's so true. Despite the current fails Liverpool may be having right now, I've been falling more in love with them. I guess I'm beginning to be a full fledged Liverpool convert...
And as for the team I love most. I am so proud of Valencia. *hugs them tight* They are so amazing. Of course there's still the inevitable Moya fail, and the defence fail, but they make it through. I love them. I love them with my heart and soul and even more if it was possible. I cannot even explain into words how happy I am and how much I love them.
Oh and yeah, I still haven't accepted the whole Albi thing. I know, it's been months, and I thought I already did, but no. And the day he'll face Valencia will be the death of me. Donut want.
Generally, guess life's pretty good to me, except for some fails and issues here and there. But hey, whoever said life's easy, right? So yeah, I shall borrow my twin's kindergartener (slash my other cheerleader) to remind me that everything will be ok.
Teehee, such a cutie :DWednesday, September 30
Tuesday, September 29
Sunday, September 27
Fantasy Football League 09/10: Serie A
Ok, I told myself I'd be doing these posts but I completely forgot all about it until today when I saw the twin's and Kylah's posts about their FFT's. Anyhoo, I'll do a collective post of all FFTs per week starting next week.
This is from Weeks 1-5 of Serie A.
I initially didn't want to do a Serie A one since I have no idea about the league, I only watch Roma and know only a few players. But I decided I wanted to try my luck out on this, haha. Thanks to TB for the tips. :D
Also, given my very limited knowledge about the league, I'm proud I'm not last and doing quite well.
Wednesday, September 23
Sunday, September 6
I am so happy and proud that I cried.
You finally got your goals, bb. You worked hard for it, and now you've been doubly rewarded.Thursday, May 28
One more
So this song was supposed to be included in the Valencia playlist, but the site I used didn't have this track. This is one of my fave songs ever, sang by a Filipino band called Parokya ni Edgar. It's called One and Only You. Here are the lyrics:
And forever laid out in front of me
One smile and I died
Only to be revived by you
There I was
Thought I had everything figured out
Goes to show just how much I know
'bout the way life plays out
I take one step away
But I find myself coming back to you
My one and only, one and only you
Now I know
That I know not a thing at all
Except the fact that I am yours
And that you are mine
They told me that this wouldn't be easy
And no
I'm not one to complain
I take one step away
But I find myself coming back to you
My one and only, one and only you
The lines in bold pretty much explain my relationship with Valencia. I fell in love, but my heart gets smashed by the hurt and the heartbreaks. There are so many times I want to quit them, ignore them, hate them. But I can't, and I keep on coming back to them. Valencia isn't really my first team, but my love for them is just so immense and incomparable to my other teams.
The lines in italics explain how I fell in love with Silva. Haha! Well, it's true. I fell in love with him watching him in a Spain game. I was mesmerized with his skillz, his speed, his passing, everything. He was amazing, I was glued on to him. And then I looked at him, and ooh he's so cute. And hot. And.. Unffff. And then.. Yeah. Wow, I can't even explain how I fell in love with him coherently! The first time I ever saw him, I was hooked. Oh oh and the smile. Guh, the smile. It kills me every time, and revives me as well. It took one look and forever laid out in front of me, one smile, then I died, only to be revived by you... This song is really perfect for him, haha. He's my first La Liga crush. He started my Valencia love. Even if he isn't my first love, he'll always be my one and only true love. ILHSFM.
Ok, stopping now. Fangirling over.
