Rats.

Last Tuesday I went for lunch at the LN2 with my friend Kimi, and her best friend Math.

Back story: Brooke is 13, Brooke meets Kimi, Kimi is 15, Brooke and Kimi like gigs, Brooke and Kimi become friends, Brooke and Kimi go to gigs, Brooke and Kimi write to each other, Brooke and Kimi start going to different gigs, Brooke and Kimi don't really see each other any more. Kimi's best friend Math goes away to University in Lincoln, Brooke reaches Uni age, Brooke goes to University in Lincoln. Brooke and Kimi re-unite. Lunching ensues.

So anyway, Math and I got along so well that when Kimi left to go back home to Blackpool last Thursday, we decided to keep in touch. He's been promoting my little electropop project too, which immediately gives me the utmost respect towards him. (Psst, did I mention www.myspace.com/thebalconyclubmusic?) Math and I arranged to have lunch together on Sunday.

If you've ever been to Lincoln, you will understand that the city pretty much revolves around a huge, picturesque cathedral on top of the hill. You will also understand that the cathedral is on a road which is called... 'Steep Hill'. There have been very few times in my life I have been walking at the angle which 'Steep Hill' forces you to walk at. Two of these times I was abseiling.

Math lives right near the cathedral. On the hill. After much climbing, panting, layer removing and breathlessness, we finally reached the cathedral, and, eventually, Math's flat.

The first thing you notice when you enter Math's room is the massive cage he has right by his bed. I was intrigued. Wandering over, I could see two little furry faces poking out from a tube, staring at me with beady eyes. I was in love.

I have heard that rats make great pets. They are clean, friendly, easy to maintain and they don't bite. Not to mention the fact that they are extremely cute and like being picked up. I am pretty much certain that this time next year, when George and I move into our little prospective student flat, I too will have a pair of rats.

Also, I just googled 'rats as pets', and apparently they enjoy 'pea fishing', if you give them a dish with some water and some peas in it. How ridiculously adorable is that?!