Arsenal!

Ok, so let’s face it- as much as this blog is called “The Levens family blog” it’s really only me that writes it! But here is an insight into our family life- & into how my life has changed since marrying Luke!

Now, I claimed to be an Arsenal fan since about the age of 8- due to the ‘love of my life’ (yes, at 8 years old I had a ‘love of my life’ at Primary school!) supporting Arsenal, so- in true stalker fashion- so did I! (Real confession: I even asked my Mum & Dad to buy me an Arsenal scarf so that said ‘Love of my life’ would notice what a devoted fan I was!)

Even my baby is branded!

 As I became older- the team just stuck so it just became the norm to answer “Arsenal” whenever anyone asked me which team I supported! When I met Luke however- this well rehearsed answer of “Arsenal” became a real ‘pulling factor’! He couldn’t BELIEVE that I already was a fan! This was a short lived excitement for Luke though as when he asked me who my favourite player was I responded, “Ummmm…the Dutch guy!” to which he realized I was, what he refers to, as a ‘glory supporter’ rather than a true fan. (Although I would like to add- what ‘glory’ is there in supporting a team with no silverware behind them in HOW many years now?!?). 

I have been to the Emirates stadium- I have driven with Luke to Highbury to bid farewell to the old stadium before they knocked it down-I have watched MANY a match at home on tv (& then the highlights again on Match of the Day)- I have wrapped many a Christmas & birthday present in Arsenal wrapping paper- & I have had to sit silently in the car as Talk Sport have given a blow by blow account of matches we’ve been missing due to having to be somewhere else. Five & a bit years of marriage ON-& I’m sat in our flat realising how many little Arsenal bits & bobs seemed to have crept into our home! No, there is not (&nor will there EVER be if I can help it!) Arsenal wallpaper or curtains- thankfully having a girl has delayed any of these suggestions being made by Luke- but there does seem to be a lot more of the Gooner gift shop contents in our home than I realised! 

Luke has a collection of badges & cufflinks which I deem acceptable (they’re all quite small & pretty subtle!) He also has the team shirts & a few other t-shirts etc. Again, acceptable. Even, the magazines & books are semi-acceptable- but the other night I challenged Luke to a game of Uno (we are crazy cats I know!) & out of nowhere he whips out ARESENAL UNO cards! I didn’t even know they existed!!!!! Yet there they were!!! They’re a little different to play with- having a yellow card instead of miss a go & a red card where you have to miss 3 goes! Also each card has the joy of a ‘legendary’ Arsenal player on it, with the name (I did actually find that a little distracting, especially when Thierry Henry’s card was in my possession!) So there it is, Arsenal haven’t missed a trick & I am slowly being drowned in Arsenal paraphernalia! I wonder whether Hollie & I will slowly be able to outnumber him & take over the house with Cath Kidston Uno cards & matching products?! Hmmmm….now there’s a nice thought!