matt's 101 in 1001

Phew, what a hectic past month... and no, I'm not just saying so to justify my absence from this aptly-titled piece of webspace. Don't believe me? Well, here for your reading pleasure, is a serving of delicious and easily-digestible bite-size morsels of food- er, I mean information... yes, it's lunchtime...

• A little over a month ago, I moved home to South-East London (or as it's more commonly referred to, Souf-Eas' London). Have to say, it's an absolutely gorgeous flat in an old Victorian-style home, even if the area's not that great. That having been said, I've not sustained any life-threatening injuries in my daily hundred-meter dash to the train station (the trick is to keep your head low, and go, go, go). I'm now sharing a flat with two British girls and a Scottish guy. I think I may have to pick up my own personal Union Jack next time I'm out shopping...
• My parental units came aaaaall the way from the Land Down Under to pay me a two-week visit, during which we travelled throughout the UK (that being England, Scotland and Wales). Was absolutely great to have them over and prove that not only am I surviving with relative ease in this country, but that I can also successfully cook myself pasta for dinner (I cooked my first stir-fry for dinner the other night, but they'll never believe me). Having been welcomed with open arms by family and friends in Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne (and a more generic greeting from B&B owners elsewhere), it was wonderful to see some more of this country as well as, of course, to catch up with Mummsie and Daddy once again (and for the love of God, stand on the right-hand side of the escalator!).
• I've been promoted at work! Yes, all that hard(ly) work(ing) has finally paid off! So long to the world of ministerial correspondence. Nowadays, someone had the courage to entrust me with Parliamentary questions and briefings (it just sounds important, doesn't it?). Last week I had my first meeting in Whitehall, London's own CivilServantown. Better still, I get to keep my awesome riverside view of the city, which I will get around to taking a picture of sooner or later. Oh, and it comes with more pounds!
• As if that wasn't big enough (and even if it was), this final nugget will blow your mind, for it has changed my life in an unimaginable way. No, I didn't learn to ski, or skydive or even take a commercial flight into outer space. This was much bigger. Brace yourself: I saw the Hoff. I understand if your eyes have secreted pure, concentrated excitement, thus blurring your vision, so I'll say it again: I saw the Hoff. I was playing tour guide when my folks were over here, when we happened to stumble upon the UK premiere of Click, in which Mr Hasselhoff stars alongside Adam Sandler and Kate Beckinsale (whom I also saw, but, let's face it, are small fries compared with the Hoffster). And there he was, in all his glory. I saw the Hoff. It's all downhill from here (blurry photo of his right arm coming soon).

Now do you believe me?