'It's a new day, it's a new life'
Jan. 1st, 2011 11:55 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
I have been trying to work up the energy to write this post for nearly two whole days now. It was meant to be a New Years Eve thing but what with phone calls and sleeping in and the show I got a bit behind schedule. Then I went out, got home at 2am, and had to work at 9am this morning. My room still has clothes all over it and that has been on my to-do list for a few days now. But I digress. I thought I'd reflect a little on my year and write it down for once, I'm always interested in how things change. This still counts, because it's not the end of New Years Day yet. Right? =D
So here we go.
2010 was the year:
- I finally travelled to Indonesia. Not only was I visiting the culture I have been fascinated by for years, I went without my family, just with a friend. Who, incidentally, I didn't know very well prior to going overseas with her. I rang in the New Year sitting in a little bar/cafe in Ubud, Bali.
- I became obsessed with Glee, more obsessed with Big Bang Theory, re-watched and ended up loving How I Met Your Mother an insane amount, got hooked on Dr Who (not that I've watched much of it yet), and surprised myself by liking Secret Diary of a Call Girl
- I was kissed for the first time. First relationship, first break up. I also learnt how quickly I can fall (don't misunderstand me, I wasn't in love, but I was close I think) for someone I don't really know - totally scary but exhilarating at the same time. And ultimately, in this instance, painful. I don't regret a thing though.
- I started my degree course at uni, and love it.
- I discovered these two amazingly talented people.


- I discovered I can be a shameless fangirl. See above point.
- I saw 4 of my absolute favourite artists/groups live. In chronological order: Newton Faulkner, Regina Spektor, Washington, and Celtic Woman. All of these were very different, but amazing in their own right.
okay so that was freaky, typed Celtic Woman and they came up on itunes
I also saw Mary Poppins which was amazing. On the other hand, I didn't go to nearly as many classical music concerts as I would have liked.
- I made two really close friends at uni, not to mention gotten closer to friends I already had. <3
Related point: I have actual friends on livejournal now, which is awesome. I can't tell you guys how much knowing you are reading helps me out =)
- I realised just how much I've changed since I left my old school. Both physically and mentally, both for the better.
- I burnt myself out midyear, to the point where I couldn't get out of bed from pure exhaustion. I've learnt my lesson, and hopefully will know when to say 'enough' in the future.
- My 20th birthday was the best birthday party I've ever had, mainly because pretty much all of my friends were there with me. So much fun.
- I was told by a couple of people that I am the best friend they'd ever had. I can't even describe how touched I was by that, on both counts. On an individual level I can't say it back outright, but I do know that I have never been closer to, or had more amazing friends, at any other point in my life.
- I found out that it's okay to be selfish once in a while, and not to hesitate to ask for help when I need it. Or rather, this was reinforced. Thank you.
- I nearly lost my licence for stupid speeding/red light fines. I can't wait until I'm on my full licence.
- I finally splurged in Jb hi-fi - something I wanted to do for a long time
- I went to church a grand total of three times. I'm kind of ... disillusioned with church itself at the moment, but it really doesn't bother me. I think I need(ed?) a break from all the politics, and the family connections, and a chance to re-establish exactly what I think. I've really been challenged this year and honestly? I appreciate it. Blind acceptance of faith may be easy, but it's not necessarily right.
- I started drinking alcohol on occasion. And discovered I'm not quite as much of a light-weight as I would have assumed,
- I started my very first paid gig as a violinist. 'The Sound of Music' pit orchestra, it's so much fun. One of the many moments this year where I've realised/remembered exactly why I'm doing music.
- I almost pulled an all-nighter. Well, in the sense that it was light outside and birds were singing before we'd even thought about sleeping. 'Latest' I've ever stayed up.
- I rediscovered my love of good fantasy writing thanks to a friend from uni lending me the Farseer Trilogy. LOVE. Must do more reading.
- I finally saw the New Years Eve fireworks from the city. Took me 20 years! They were amazing.
So there you have it, my year in point form. To finish off I am going to leave you with a list of songs that meant something to me this year, both silly and serious. Because really, what would a recap of my year be without the music that accompanied it?
Delicate - Damien Rice
False Alarm - KT Tunstall
For Good - Wicked
Sunday Best - Washington
I Look To You - Glee version
So Much - Newton Faulkner
I'm Not Giving Up Yet - Newton Faulkner
When You Believe - Celtic Woman
You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates
Uncharted - Sara Bareilles
Pencil Full of Lead - Paolo Nutini
Hollywood - Angus and Julia Stone
Human - Jon McLaughlin
Gentleman - Between the Trees
Baby It's Cold Outside - Glee version
Thinking about all this has made me realise that I've done a hell of a lot of growing up this past year. Fitting really, seeing as I will be 21 next June.
Wishing you all a happy year to come.
<3
Rdm
So here we go.
2010 was the year:
- I finally travelled to Indonesia. Not only was I visiting the culture I have been fascinated by for years, I went without my family, just with a friend. Who, incidentally, I didn't know very well prior to going overseas with her. I rang in the New Year sitting in a little bar/cafe in Ubud, Bali.
- I became obsessed with Glee, more obsessed with Big Bang Theory, re-watched and ended up loving How I Met Your Mother an insane amount, got hooked on Dr Who (not that I've watched much of it yet), and surprised myself by liking Secret Diary of a Call Girl
- I was kissed for the first time. First relationship, first break up. I also learnt how quickly I can fall (don't misunderstand me, I wasn't in love, but I was close I think) for someone I don't really know - totally scary but exhilarating at the same time. And ultimately, in this instance, painful. I don't regret a thing though.
- I started my degree course at uni, and love it.
- I discovered these two amazingly talented people.
- I discovered I can be a shameless fangirl. See above point.
- I saw 4 of my absolute favourite artists/groups live. In chronological order: Newton Faulkner, Regina Spektor, Washington, and Celtic Woman. All of these were very different, but amazing in their own right.
I also saw Mary Poppins which was amazing. On the other hand, I didn't go to nearly as many classical music concerts as I would have liked.
- I made two really close friends at uni, not to mention gotten closer to friends I already had. <3
Related point: I have actual friends on livejournal now, which is awesome. I can't tell you guys how much knowing you are reading helps me out =)
- I realised just how much I've changed since I left my old school. Both physically and mentally, both for the better.
- I burnt myself out midyear, to the point where I couldn't get out of bed from pure exhaustion. I've learnt my lesson, and hopefully will know when to say 'enough' in the future.
- My 20th birthday was the best birthday party I've ever had, mainly because pretty much all of my friends were there with me. So much fun.
- I was told by a couple of people that I am the best friend they'd ever had. I can't even describe how touched I was by that, on both counts. On an individual level I can't say it back outright, but I do know that I have never been closer to, or had more amazing friends, at any other point in my life.
- I found out that it's okay to be selfish once in a while, and not to hesitate to ask for help when I need it. Or rather, this was reinforced. Thank you.
- I nearly lost my licence for stupid speeding/red light fines. I can't wait until I'm on my full licence.
- I finally splurged in Jb hi-fi - something I wanted to do for a long time
- I went to church a grand total of three times. I'm kind of ... disillusioned with church itself at the moment, but it really doesn't bother me. I think I need(ed?) a break from all the politics, and the family connections, and a chance to re-establish exactly what I think. I've really been challenged this year and honestly? I appreciate it. Blind acceptance of faith may be easy, but it's not necessarily right.
- I started drinking alcohol on occasion. And discovered I'm not quite as much of a light-weight as I would have assumed,
- I started my very first paid gig as a violinist. 'The Sound of Music' pit orchestra, it's so much fun. One of the many moments this year where I've realised/remembered exactly why I'm doing music.
- I almost pulled an all-nighter. Well, in the sense that it was light outside and birds were singing before we'd even thought about sleeping. 'Latest' I've ever stayed up.
- I rediscovered my love of good fantasy writing thanks to a friend from uni lending me the Farseer Trilogy. LOVE. Must do more reading.
- I finally saw the New Years Eve fireworks from the city. Took me 20 years! They were amazing.
So there you have it, my year in point form. To finish off I am going to leave you with a list of songs that meant something to me this year, both silly and serious. Because really, what would a recap of my year be without the music that accompanied it?
Delicate - Damien Rice
False Alarm - KT Tunstall
For Good - Wicked
Sunday Best - Washington
I Look To You - Glee version
So Much - Newton Faulkner
I'm Not Giving Up Yet - Newton Faulkner
When You Believe - Celtic Woman
You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates
Uncharted - Sara Bareilles
Pencil Full of Lead - Paolo Nutini
Hollywood - Angus and Julia Stone
Human - Jon McLaughlin
Gentleman - Between the Trees
Baby It's Cold Outside - Glee version
Thinking about all this has made me realise that I've done a hell of a lot of growing up this past year. Fitting really, seeing as I will be 21 next June.
Wishing you all a happy year to come.
<3
Rdm
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 01:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 01:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 04:06 pm (UTC)I feel privaledged to be your friend <3
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 04:54 pm (UTC)I can really relate to the feeling of burnout, I definitely got myself to that point this year. I think everybody has to at some point in their lives - gotta learn your limits haha.
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 06:49 pm (UTC)All the best in 2011!
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 08:14 pm (UTC)You're so lucky to have such amazing friends. <3
I think you're so brave for going to Indonesia like that. I know I wouldn't be able to. That's so awesome.
I enjoyed reading this. :) Here's to an amazing 2011!
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 10:33 pm (UTC)I hope your next year is even better than 2010 :)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 11:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 11:36 pm (UTC)(go look them up for examples of the music I connect with - it's good stuff, promise)
Indeed. I've been emotionally burnt out before, but not physically. It really was scary.
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 11:37 pm (UTC)You may find you do if you think about it. I'm forever amazed at how it can seem to come down to particular moments in time when things shift. It's incredible.
Thank you! Back at you :)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 11:42 pm (UTC)I will attempt to explain this, if you'll tell me what the 'freshman' and 'junior' etc terms mean - we say '1st years' '2nd years' etc etc
I don't think high school lasts longer (well, what we call 'high school' is from year 7-12 but that's another story) I finished high school when I was 18, end of 2008. Most of my friends were still 17 at that point though... Then I took a year to do a music bridging course because I didn't pass the uni auditions to get in. So, I am an 'old' first year. Most of the friends I've made this year have only just turned 19 XD
We are almost exactly the same age - my birthday is the 29th of June. And you're getting married... now that's freaky to me.
no subject
Date: 2011-01-01 11:45 pm (UTC)<3 I know. I know. I try not to take them for granted.
Teheh that's everyone's reaction, which I never really got. Although I was as scared as I was excited at points (before I left, that is)
Thank you! I'm glad you did :)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 04:34 am (UTC)I didn't know you traveled to Indonesia at the start of the year! Also, teehee at the fangirling ;)
Sounds like you had an interesting year all up :D And I'm glad I got to meet you! xoxo
no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 07:13 am (UTC)Really? I was sure I would have mentioned it LOL
Have a link to the post about it :P
http://rdm-ation.livejournal.com/11200.html
It was! And likewise, most definitely :)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 02:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 02:28 pm (UTC)Do you like Glee?
Stop stealing my fangirling crushes, please.
It's more than just ok to be selfish once in a while- it's necessary.
Huzzah for alcohol!
The list of songs is perfect.
no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 11:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 11:49 pm (UTC)Yay I've started a trend.
No. Not at all.
Heh. Nope, can't do that, sorry. Not when he plays the fricking violin too...
<3
Hahahahaha. Tonight!!
You are one of the people who will recognise the significance of all of them. *hugs*
I made a 2010 playlist with them. It's pretty epic. (but I'll have to be careful not to listen to it when I'm feeling down or I will become a blubbering mess)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-03 01:51 am (UTC)Strangely, I kinda know what you mean about it being freaky getting married so young. I definitely did not think I would be getting married at this age, and I think I would have been fine single for several more years, except that I found the right guy :)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-03 08:29 am (UTC)Eg in American tv shows I can never work out how old characters are supposed to be XD