Its a big day football wise. Arsenal play Sparta Prague in the away leg of our CC qualifier and so much rides on this - its on the telly (Sentanta) so I can nibble my fingernails in peace at home - C'mon you Gunners!

Picked up the new bike yesterday from MK with Claire's help. She thinks I've made a good choice and she knows her onions (or bikes rather) so I'm encouraged. Ive bought a Ridgeback Genesis which is faster but slightly less comfortable than my Velocity that was stolen last week. It feels a little odd at first but hopefully after I've put in some miles on it today it will settle in. The aim is to start using a bike more often and leave my car at home - both for fitness and to do my bit for the planet. Just how long this good intention lasts anyone's guess but I need to get fit for Skye so I have at least a month's incentive.

Rat watch: Albert came out for a runabout last night. He seemed ok but much more wriggly than his brother, this morning the pair are fighting (rough and tumble rather than serious), I'm trying to get them used to the sound of my voice so they are less nervous about being handled.