2010
This year was a time for recuperation and re-evaluation, as brought upon by changes within my family (my mom’s recovery from her stroke) and with regard to my education/career (my struggling through the ever-so-busy third year of university studies and the questioning of my options for the future).
As a result, I retreated back from some of the things which offer constant joy to my life: writing, fandom, and most regrettably, my friends. During many instances, this void led me into a funk. The heartaches, letdowns and emptiness turned me into a distant and cynical person, which I wasn’t fond of at all. I’ve always been a dreamer, but I lost my way several times throughout the year.
This year was a mish-mash of high highs and low lows and many emotional breakdowns. Feeling not good enough, underappreciated, jaded, trapped. But despite wanting to give up several times, I was inspired to keep on dreaming a little bigger through films, music, and important people like my mom and my friends.
Even though I’ve had my ups and downs and went through many episodes of insecurity and negativity, my self-confidence and optimism always prevailed at the end, so I think that ultimately made me a stronger, more resilient person as a result. I’ve become more open with sharing my thoughts and feelings with others and have been known to let my crazy side show a little more.
I am a bit nervous to see what next year will bring. I don’t want to be stuck waiting for a train all year long, and I certainly don’t want to fall back into that cycle of anxiety and hopelessness again. Somehow, I need to make a change. Be a participant rather than an observer. Be progressive rather than stagnant. Jump start my Kaleidoscope Heart and get my inspiration back.
Here’s to hoping that 2011 will be that breakthrough year when things turn around for the better, for me, for you, and for the world!
2010: A Year in Review
Memorable Events in 2010
February: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics (sightseeing, watching events on TV and seeing the torch lighting malfunction at the opening ceremonies)
April 1: John Mayer Battle Studies Tour @ GM Place (now Rogers Arena)
April 8: Adam Lambert @ Red Robinson Show Theatre
April 13: Conan O’Brien Legally Prohibited Tour @ Orpheum Theatre
April 16: We Are The Fallen @ Commodore Ballroom
July 8: We Are The Fallen @ The Red Room
August 20: Michael Buble Crazy Love Tour @ Rogers Arena
September 19: Kina Grannis @ The Media Club
October 1: Meeting Tom Hardy in Gastown. ♥
October 24: She & Him @ Orpheum Theatre
November 18: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
November 22: Sara Bareilles Kaleidoscope Heart Tour @ Commodore Ballroom
December 16: Carrie Underwood Play On Tour @ Rogers Arena
Movies in 2010
Inception. The King’s Speech. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Toy Story 3. Tangled. The Princess and the Frog. 500 Days of Summer. The Karate Kid. Avatar. Alice in Wonderland.
Books in 2010
David Archuleta’s “Chords of Strength”. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”. Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”. Richard Yates’ “Revolutionary Road”. James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room”.
Television in 2010
Glee. Mad Men. Ugly Betty (so sad that it was cancelled). Freaks and Geeks. American Idol Season 9.
Music in 2010
Albums: David Archuleta’s “The Other Side of Down”, We Are The Fallen’s “Tear the World Down”, Jason Castro’s self-titled debut album, Sara Bareilles’ “Kaleidoscope Heart”, She & Him: Volumes 1 and 2, Tyler Hilton’s “Ladies and Gentlemen EP”, Glee: The Music – Journey to Regionals EP, Inception OST
Songs: The Princess And The Frog – Almost There, Tyler Hilton – Keep On, Jason Castro – Sweet Medicine, Matt Giraud & Anna Wilson – You Don’t Know Me, RENT – Will I?, Spring Awakening – Totally Fucked & Song of Purple Summer, Nikki Yanofsky – I Believe, PANTS ON THE GROUND, David Cook – Jumpin’ Jack Flash, David Archuleta – Imagine (Reprise), Brooke White & Justin Gaston – If I Can Dream, Katelyn Epperly – The Scientist, Didi Benami – Terrified, Crystal Bowersox – Piece Of My Heart, Michael Johns – Man in Motion, Brooke White – Change, John Mayer – Gravity, The Girls With Glasses Show – I Am A Girl, Allison Iraheta – Killing Me Softly, Adam Lambert – Sleepwalker, We Are The Fallen – I Am Only One, Glee Cast – Like A Prayer, Glee Cast – Dream A Little Dream, Glee Cast – Poker Face, Glee Cast – Bad Romance, Glee Cast – Bohemian Rhapsody, Glee Cast – Journey Medley, Katy Perry – California Girls, Sara Bareilles – King Of Anything, Carrie Underwood – Undo It, Michael Buble – Hold On, David Archuleta – Something ‘Bout Love, Inception OST – Dream is Collapsing/Time, She & Him – In The Sun, Danny Gokey – My Best Days, Kanye West – Runaway, Glee Cast – Empire State Of Mind, Glee Cast – Toxic, Glee Cast – I Want To Hold Your Hand, Glee Cast – Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy, Glee Cast – Time Warp, Lady Gaga – Paparazzi, Joseph Gordon-Levitt – Major Tom (Coming Home), Glee Cast – Teenage Dream, Glee Cast – Just The Way You Are, Carrie Underwood – There’s A Place For Us, Taio Cruz – Dynamite, Train – Hey, Soul Sister, Travie McCoy & Bruno Mars – Billionaire, Cee-Lo Green – Fuck You, Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over, Tangled – I See The Light
Where did you begin 2010?
Watching the ball drop at Times Square on the telly with my mom. Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta performed at the annual New Year’s broadcast in Las Vegas.
What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Got a job related to my career in the Communications field. Started driving.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Hmm, let’s see…
I want to focus on doing well in school (didn’t flunk anything, so check!), exercising more (HAHAHA no) and staying in touch with friends (still working at this). Oh, and finding a co-op job for the summer should be a priority too (Check.)
I’ve never really been determined to make and keep a list of resolutions for the new year. My main goal for 2011 is to live the fullest life possible, maintain a positive attitude throughout and give back to the people who matter most in my life and those who could use a little support.
What was your best month?
I’d say April, October and December were the best. SUMMER 2010 WAS THE WORST (with a few exceptions).
Were you in school anytime this year?
2010 marked my third year as a Communications and English major. I took courses during the Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 semesters. I liked my classes but was overwhelmed by the work load. For the summer, I was employed as a Publications Assistant at this Information Referral agency.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Driving a car for the first time without crashing it (or hitting a mailman).
What was your biggest failure?
I’m a believer of the notion that you only fail if you don’t give it a chance. Several times this year, I tried to reach for something that I couldn’t grasp, BUT AT LEAST I TRIED.
What was the best thing you bought?
After having a series of bad luck with my BlackBerry, I decided to upgrade to an iPhone 4. Amazing phone! I recently got a new laptop to replace my trusty old laptop (which has been suffering from fan, hard drive and memory failures for quite some time). He lasted for a remarkable 3 1/2 years and was there through everything. I’ll miss my old buddy.
Where did most of your money go?
TUITION. Textbooks. Books. Food. Concerts. Fashion Accessories. CDs/DVDs.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I always manage to keep cool and composed when faced with exciting events and opportunities, but I nearly lost my marbles when I met Tom Hardy on the streets of Vancouver.
What song will always remind you of 2010?
Nikki Yanofsky – I Believe (the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics song)
What was your greatest musical discovery?
I got more into musical soundtracks due to my involvement with the Broadway on Campus club. Favourites include Spring Awakening, RENT, Wicked, Chicago, etc.
What did you want and get?
Most of the courses I desired to take, communications-related internship, GETTING OUT OF RETAIL, concerts, more quality time with mom, family and friends.
What did you want and not get?
I renewed my learner’s permit, but haven’t made enough progress towards getting my “N” (New Driver) license.
What was your favorite film of this year?
INCEPTION.
What did you do on your birthday?
January 7: My mom and I went to see The Princess and the Frog and had dinner at Red Robin’s.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Very inspired by the Romantic/Victorian eras and 50s/60s decades of fashion – with lots of lace, pearls, cardigans, jewel tones, etc. My fashion icons of the year were Dianna Agron, Emma Watson and Zooey Deschanel. I shopped at Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and Hollister.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Males: David Archuleta, Tom Hardy, Tyler Hilton, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kevin McHale, Chris Colfer, Rupert Grint
Females: Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Dianna Agron, Lea Michele, Sara Bareilles, Zooey Deschanel, Emma Watson
What political issue stirred you the most?
LGBT movement in America and the causes it spurred (Love Is Louder, It Gets Better, etc)
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
“Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien
“When you’re able to both adapt and be true to yourself, that’s when the stars align and something magical happens.” – Brooke White
“I totally believe everyone in life is meant to be happy; and happiness really has to come from doing what is right and being there for others. No one can make you happy all the time. You simply have to learn it for yourself.” – David Archuleta
And that you mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Your day will come
The past is gone
So take your time
And live and let live
– David Archuleta, “Something ‘Bout Love”
Elizabeth Rosalyn 