You‘ll sit alone forever if you wait for the right time – what are you hoping for?

MUSIC OF 2012.
“Rock and roll allows a kid to dream.”

http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39262668089/top-songs-of-2012
http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39263252755/top-albums-of-2012

First Song Heard on 2012: LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem
First Song on iPod Shuffle: David Archuleta – Works for Me

…January…
Jack and White’s “Winter EP”
Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)
Lauren Alaina – Georgia Peaches
Tyler Hilton – Loaded Gun
Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind
Jack and White – Night After Night

…February…
SMASH Cast – Let Me Be Your Star
Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself
Carrie Underwood – Good Girl
David Archuleta – Nandito Ako
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You

…March…
David Archuleta’s “Forevermore”
Elise Testone – One And Only / Vienna / Whole Lotta Love
Skylar Laine – Stay With Me / Gunpowder & Lead
Jessica Sanchez – I Will Always Love You
Hollie Cavanagh – The Power Of Love
Joshua Ledet –  When A Man Loves A Woman
David Archuleta – Forevermore
Haley Reinhart – Free
Florence + The Machine – Never Let Me Go (One Tree Hill)
Arcade Fire – Abraham’s Daughter (The Hunger Games)

…April…
Tyler Hilton’s “Forget the Storm”
Tyler Hilton – Kicking My Heels
Gavin DeGraw – I Don’t Wanna Be (One Tree Hill)
Goyte – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
Kris Allen – The Vision of Love
Adam Lambert – Never Close Our Eyes
Hollie Cavanagh – Rolling In The Deep
Skylar Laine – Born This Way
Jessica Sanchez – Stuttering
Joshua Ledet – Runaway Baby
Phillip Phillips – U Got It Bad
Elise Testone – Bold As Love

…May…
Megan Joy’s “Megan Joy” EP
Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away”
Adam Lambert’s “Trespassing”
Kris Allen’s “Thank You Camellia”
Haley Reinhart’s “Listen Up!”
John Mayer’s “Born and Raised”
Sara Bareilles’ “Once Upon Another Time”
Jack and White’s “Undercover”
Megan Joy – Trouble Me
Carrie Underwood – Blown Away
Hollie Cavanagh – Bleeding Love
Jessica Sanchez – And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going
Joshua Ledet – It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Phillip Phillips – Home / Volcano
David Cook – The Last Song I’ll Write For You
Adam Lambert – Trespassing
Haley Reinhart – Oh My! (feat. B.o.B)
Glee Cast – It’s All Coming Back To Me Now
Glee Cast – We Are The Champions
John Mayer – Queen Of California
Sara Bareilles – Once Upon Another Time
Jack and White – California Dreamin’

…June…
Michael Johns “Love and Sex EP”
Ed Sheeran’s “+”
Casey Abrams’ “Casey Abrams”
Ed Sheeran – The A Team
Casey Abrams & Haley Reinhart – Hit The Road Jack
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
Kelly Clarkson – Dark Side

…July…
American Idol Season 11 EPs
DeAndre Brackensick – Master Blaster
Erika Van Pelt – Glitter In The Air
Heejun Han, DeAndre Brackensick & Jessica Sanchez – Party Rock Anthem
Colton Dixon – Never Gone
Elise Testone – Rumour Has It
Jessica Sanchez – Proud Mary
Hollie Cavanagh & Skylar Laine – Undo It
Skylar Laine – Gunpowder & Lead
Hollie Cavanagh – Give Your Heart A Break
Joshua Ledet – It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Joshua Ledet & Jessica Sanchez – I Knew You Were Waiting For Me
Phillip Phillips & Elise Testone – Somebody That I Used To Know
Phillip Phillips – Volcano / Home

…August…
David Archuleta’s “BEGIN”
Jason Castro’s “Starting Line” EP
David Archuleta – Somewhere Only We Know
Jason Castro – Only A Mountain
Gavin DeGraw – Soldier
Colbie Caillat – Brighter Than The Sun

…September…
LMFAO – Sexy And I Know It
Joshua Ledet – Broken Man
Jason Mraz – A Beautiful Mess
Christina Perri – Distance

…October…
A Fine Frenzy’s “Pines”
Carrie Underwood – Blown Away
Hunter Hayes – Storm Warning
Adele – Skyfall
Kelly Clarkson – Catch My Breath
Aerosmith & Carrie Underwood – Can’t Stop Loving You
Haley Reinhart – God Bless The Child
David Archuleta – Don’t Run Away
Colton Dixon – You Are
Demi Lovato – Give Your Heart A Break
One Republic – Good Life

…November…
Kelly Clarkson’s Greatest Hits
Phillip Phillips’ “The World From The Side Of The Moon”
Kelly Clarkson – People Like Us
Phillip Phillips – Gone Gone Gone
Pia Toscano & Jared Lee – Fix You
Amanda Brown – Dream On
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – Paris (Ooh La La)
Miranda Lambert – Over You
Stevie Wonder – Signed Sealed Delivered
Paul McCartney – Here Today
Paul McCartney & Wings – Live And Let Die
The Beatles – Blackbird / Yesterday / Hey Jude / etc.
Glee Cast – Homeward Bound / Home

…December…
Gavin DeGraw’s Sweeter Live CD/DVD
Tyler Hilton’s “Live in Atlanta”
CHRISTMAS: Blake Shelton, Christina Perri, Colbie Caillat, Tim Halperin, Brooke White, Kris Allen, Glee Cast
Syesha Mercado – Skyfall
Brooke White – Christmas Card
Colbie Caillat – Christmas In The Sand
Tim Halperin – Under The Christmas Spell
Kris Allen – Holly Jolly Christmas
Christina Perri – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Blake Shelton – There’s A New Kid In Town (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
Michael Buble – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Glee Cast – I’ll Be Home For Christmas (and all versions)
Les Miserables – I Dreamed A Dream

CONCERTS OF 2012.
American Idol Live! Tour 2012 with Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, Colton Dixon, DeAndre Brackensick, Heejun Han, and Erika Van Pelt at Key Arena
Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw at the PNE
Jason Mraz & Christina Perri at Rogers Arena
Carrie Underwood & Hunter Hayes at Rogers Arena
Paul McCartney at BC Place
StageIt: Tyler Hilton, Matt Giraud, Haley Reinhart, Kris Allen, etc.

TELEVISION IN 2012.

http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39281127231/top-shows-of-2012

Glee
New Girl
One Tree Hill
SMASH
American Idol
The Voice
Nandito Ako
Community
Mad Men
Downton Abbey
Duets
The X Factor
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (Webseries)

FILMS IN 2012.

http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39287663944/top-movies-of-2012

Hugo (2011)
The Artist (2011)
War Horse (2011)
The Descendants (2011)
The Tree of Life (2011)
Moneyball (2011)
Puss in Boots (2011)
Rango (2011)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)
Warrior (2011)
This Means War (2012)
The Woman in Black (2012)
The Hunger Games (2012) 2x
Chimpanzee (2012)
Iron Man (2008)
Thor (2011)
The Avengers (2012) 2x
Rock of Ages (2012)
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)
Brave (2012)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Blades of Glory (2007)
Independence Day (1996)
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Lorax (2012)
Horton Hears A Who (2008)
To Rome With Love (2012)
Sparkle (2012)
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Clueless (1995)
Premium Rush (2012)
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Persuasion (2007)
Mansfield Park (2007)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Donnie Darko (2001)
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
On The Road (2012)
Bee Movie (2007)
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Emma (1996)
Anna Karenina (2012)
Struck By Lightning (2012)
Skyfall (2012)
Les Miserables (2012)

BOOKS IN 2012.

http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39279945668/top-books-of-2012

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins (2008)
“Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins (2009)
“Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins (2010)
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky (1999)
“Looking for Alaska” by John Green (2005)
“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green (2012)
“An Abundance of Katherines” by John Green (2006)
“Paper Towns” by John Green (2008)
“Will Grayson, will grayson” by John Green & David Levithan (2010)
“Mini Shopaholic” by Sophie Kinsella (2010)
“Mansfield Park” by Jane Austen (1814)
“The Land of Stories” by Chris Colfer (2012)
“Oroonoko” by Aphra Behn
“The Fair Jilt” by Aphra Behn
“The Rover, The Rover Part II, The Roundheads, and The City Heiress” by Aphra Behn
“Persuasion” by Jane Austen
“Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen
“Emma” by Jane Austen
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“Struck By Lightning” by Chris Colfer

2012 RESOLUTIONS
Write more (yes). Blog more (yes and no). Photograph more (yes). Keep up with my social networks (yes and no). Be more confident (yes). Take more initiative (yes). Improve communications with people (yes and no). Get involved with clubs and associations (yes). Volunteer more (not quite). Develop my web/graphic design skills (not quite). Catch up on the television shows and books on my to-watch and to-read lists (books somewhat, but television NO). Pursue singing/music (not yet). Travel somewhere (Seattle). GET MY DRIVER’S LICENSE (YES! JULY!).

MEMORIES OF 2012.

In January, I was determined to get my resolutions rolling! I launched my blog on Blogger, began the 366 Photos Challenge on Instagram, and signed up for Pinterest. I started the second half of my Volunteer Services Co-op work term, with the intention of gaining more writing, web/graphic design, and event planning skills – the Leadership Summit Reception and Green Careers were two events that helped out in those areas! I was chosen to be a Communications Executive for YWiB SFU, one of the best organizations on campus. I joined SFU Vocal Jazz in an effort to fulfill my music/singing goals. I celebrated my 23rd birthday and vowed to take the message behind Jimmy Eat World’s “23” to heart. I read the first book of The Hunger Games in anticipation for the movie in March. I watched Hugo and The Artist – two good films about films! I had the flu for over two weeks, which sucked. We said goodbye to Etta James and Megaupload.

February was filled with events and rewards galore – it was a leap year, after all! I helped to plan and host ‘Working in the Non-Profit Sector Panel’, one of Volunteer Services’ signature volunteer/career panel events. At the suggestion of my Co-op supervisor, I started the Passport to Leadership program. YWiB SFU’s “Pursuit of Happiness” workshop reinforced the idea that personal happiness and fulfillment is crucial to career success. Around Valentine’s Day, I watched The Woman in Black and This Means War. Adam Lambert and Carrie Underwood released new singles (“Better Than I Know Myself” and “Good Girl”). On the topic of Idols, the American Idol Season 11 competition truly began with Hollywood Week, Vegas Week, and the Top 24 reveal. The Voice Season 2 started up and SMASH premiered, to compete against Idol and Glee. As for television events – February is awards seasons! Adele dominated the Grammys and The Artist owned at the Oscars 2012. We said goodbye to Whitney Houston, and the entire entertainment industry (along with fans worldwide) mourned the loss of a musical legend. Also, I started driving lessons and read Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games series.

They don’t call it March Madness for nothing! I was involved in four events: Volunteer Services’ Peer Into Your Career panel. Career Services’ Indigenous Career Stories. Career Services’ Teaching Opportunities Fair, and YWiB SFU’s International Women’s Day Conference. I think that’s enough events experience for one person! The low point of the month was failing not one, but two road tests within two weeks. However, my confidence improved when I was chosen to be an SFU Orientation Leader! Haley Reinhart released her first single, “Free”. American Idol‘s Top 13 was selected – I was really excited over Elise Testone, Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, and Joshua Ledet in particular. Two of my favourite shows, Community and Mad Men, finally premiered again. David Archuleta starred in a Filipino soap opera called Nandito Ako – so bizarre yet strangely intriguing… Speaking of David, he left for his two-year mission this month. We’ll miss you, Archie! I finished the third book of the The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, just in time for the release of The Hunger Games film!

April is the cruellest month – if applied to saying goodbye, this is highly true. This marked the last month of my Co-op term with SFU Volunteer Services – and boy, did I learn a lot! I grew both professionally and personally, and I am very fortunate to have worked with some of SFU’s finest. YWiB SFU wrapped up a fantastic 2011/2012 year. SFU Vocal Jazz held its Spring concert – I was so happy to fulfill my Bucket List wish of singing “Seasons of Love” in an ensemble. One Tree Hill ended, and I recalled just how much of an influence that show had on my life… one of them being the introduction of Tyler Hilton, who finally released his third album, “Forget the Storm”. Just when I was missing David Archuleta, Archie’s Forevermore CD was released. Not my favourite work of his, but I always enjoy listening to his voice. I was outraged when Jessica Sanchez almost got eliminated on Idol – thank God for The Save – but I finally got a Top 6 I approved of. I failed my third road test, and was majorly upset. We said goodbye to Dick Clark, and I was convinced that the world was going to end this year (how can we have New Years without Dick Clark?) In happier news, I started reading two of John Green’s books – Looking for Alaska and The Fault In Our Stars – and fell in love with his writing.

There was much music in May! A record-breaking EIGHT albums were released this month that I enjoyed: Megan Joy’s Kickstarter-funded, self-titled EP, Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away”, Adam Lambert’s “Trespassing”, Kris Allen’s “Thank You Camellia”, Haley Reinhart’s “Listen Up!”, Jack and White’s “Undercover” EP, Sara Bareilles’ “Once Upon Another Time” EP, and John Mayer’s “Born and Raised”. David Cook also released a new single, “The Last Song I’ll Write For You” after parting ways with RCA (their loss). The American Idol Season 11 Finale came down to Jessica Sanchez vs. Phillip Phillips, with Phillip taking the win. “Home” proved to be one of the best original coronation songs ever released by Idol. In other news… I visited Stef in Seattle for a few days – we went to The Avengers midnight screening, did some sight-seeing and shopping, and hung out with Kat and Ash. 🙂 I failed my fourth road test. 😦 I started the Spring semester with ENGL 420, a course on Aphra Behn and English Politics with Diana Solomon, my favourite English professor. I participated in the Vancouver NOH8 photoshoot. I wrote an article about YWiB SFU for the SFU BASS Executive Magazine. I volunteered at the SFU Burnaby Open House, where I was in charge of being a magician’s assistant!

In June, my learner’s driver’s permit expired, so I had to renew my L at ICBC. Since I couldn’t book my next road test until the end of July, I was pretty down in my luck, driving-wise. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, and I was introduced to singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran at the Concert For The Queen. Michael Johns finally released new music in the form of an EP titled “Love and Sex” – the album art is laughable, but the music is awesome. I started Downton Abbey and Duets. I watched three movies – Rock Of Ages, Madagascar 3, and Brave. I read John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Will Grayson will grayson. The SFU Orientation Team began its first phase of training. I said farewell to my YWiB mentor, Kimberly, with promises to keep in touch. I joined two blogging projects – The Hudsucker and recultured. My brother and his family moved to a townhouse in my city.

In July, I traveled to Seattle again (this time with my Mom) for American Idols Live! Tour 2012 at Key Arena. I fell in love with the entire Top 10 of Season 11, and dare I say, it’s the best group since Season 7! While in Seattle, we went shopping downtown, saw the King Tut exhibit at Pacific Science Center, and checked out the gift shops at the EMP and the Space Needle. We met up with Stef and Kat for dinner on the night before we left! When we got back to Vancouver, we went to a Ziggy Marley concert – totally random but quite fun. I read Chris Colfer’s children’s book, “The Land of Stories” – what a talent! I watched The Amazing Spider-Man. I attended the SFU FCAT Mentorship Training. Jana celebrated her 5th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. I took my fifth road test… AND I FINALLY PASSED AND GOT MY DRIVER’S LICENSE! I handed in my ENGL 420W Research Paper and completed the course.

The end of July and the beginning of August were all about the London 2012 Summer Olympics! Phillip Phillips’ provided one of the soundtrack songs of the Olympics – which was pretty perfect. I went to the Vancouver Pride Parade for the first time with Sammii – hottest day of the year! David Archuleta’s inspirational covers album, BEGIN., was released, Jason Castro released a new single, “Only A Mountain”, and Carrie Underwood released my favourite music video of the year in the form of “Blown Away”. I watched The Dark Knight Rises, To Rome With Love, Sparkle, and Pitch Perfect. I read Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park”, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey” – one of my favourite authors alongside J.K. Rowling and John Green! I attended SFU Orientation’s Overnight Training – which was basically like a giant sleepover. My mom and I saw Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat perform at the PNE, and I watched two virtual StageIt shows from Matt Giraud and Tyler Hilton.

“I’m Ready and I Know It!” was the theme of September‘s Orientation, and I really took that idea to heart throughout the Fall 2012 semester. Along with taking ENGL 327, Romantic Literature with Michelle Levy, I got involved with SFU Orientation, FCAT Mentorship, YWiB SFU, SFU LEAD, and SFU Vocal Jazz. I started a Five Year Daily Journal (Jane Austen themed) to get back into the practice of writing regularly. American Idol Season 11 officially ended with their last show in the Phillipines *sadface*. I saw Jason Mraz & Christina Perri at Rogers Arena with Carla. Kassie celebrated her birthday at Milestone’s downtown. I shopped at the Aritzia Warehouse Sale (designer denim for less!), checked out the War of 1812 Exhibit at Canada Place, and went to the Word on the Street Festival at the Vancouver Public Library. Penny Lane, my iPod of four years, crashed 😦 I was able to restore the song, but the listening history was lost. I took the MBTI test and found out that I’m an INFP – Introverted Dreamers FTW!

October means midterms, and midterms mean business! In ENGL 327, I had a presentation on Jane Austen’s Persuasion and a paper on the poetry of Wordsworth and Blake, which both took up much of my time. YWiB SFU hosted a workshop on First Impressions, and I picked up new tips on etiquette and interviews. My SFU LEAD team started on our social media and fundraising projects for the Canadian Red Cross’ Imagine No Bullying Campaign – a real important issue for today’s youth. I volunteered at Jog4Joy, a marathon for mental health awareness. I was a Media Relations volunteer at Vancouver’s We Day, and got to witness the whole show – with incredible speakers along with performers like One Republic and Demi Lovato. I saw Carrie Underwood & Hunter Hayes with Sam, who celebrated her birthday this month! I watched Haley Reinhart’s StageIt show. I watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower – I had also read the book this year. I read “Frankenstein” and “The Little Prince”. Victoria’s Secret PINK opened at Metrotown – my clothing obsession of the year! I was a Snuggie for Halloween. Superstorm Sandy happened.

In November, I launched a new online journal on Dreamwidth, as an effort to get back into personal blogging. Barack Obama was re-elected as President – funny how American politics are more interesting than Canadian politics. Jana recited a poem at her school’s Remembrance Day Assembly – it was cute and impressive! I wrote my final paper on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for ENGL 327. SFU LEAD hosted a wealth of worthwhile workshops on leadership and personal/professional development – Goal Setting with Jillian Walker, Storytelling with Sam Thiara, and a discussion on the topic of Failure. YWiB SFU also hosted a couple of great workshops on Workplace Harmon and Finding Your Passion (with Loretta Cella of the Passion Foundation). There were a lot of socials to attend this month! Sammii and Sonia celebrated their birthday. I met up with Operation Soy Sauce for dinner. YWiB SFU hosted a Wine Social.  LEAD and FCAT hosted end-of-semester socials as well. SFU Vocal Jazz held its Winter Concert – I had fun performing the Grinch medley, and “Prayer of the Children” was quite emotional for reasons… Along with working on the social media and fundraising initiatives for Imagine No Bullying with my LEAD team, I was invited by our project sponsor to attend Miss604’s Social Media Chat with the Red Cross team. I watched Wreck It Ralph. I got into Season 3 of The Voice – Amanda Brown is awesome! – and the Lizzie Bennet Diaries webseries. Haley Reinhart left Interscope, and I was annoyed by how David Cook, Kris Allen, Pia Toscano, AND Haley were all under-appreciated by their record labels this year! Kelly Clarkson released her Greatest Hits compilation, and Phillip Phillips released his debut album, The World From The Side Of The Moon. I SAW SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY PERFORM LIVE AT BC PLACE AND IT WAS THE GREATEST CONCERT EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!

In December, I celebrated my Mom’s birthday, the end of finals and the Fall semester, and the holiday season! Since I had more time off, I really got into the Christmas spirit this year! Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, Christmas letter to Santa (I even got a reply back!), Christmas shopping (even if it was only for my Mom), and Christmas cookies! Christina Perri, Colbie Caillat, Tim Halperin, Brooke White, Kris Allen, and the Glee Cast all released Christmas albums, and I scoped YouTube for various versions of I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Christmas covers by my favourite singers. What can I say? I love Christmas songs! 12.12.12 was the day of the epic concert for Sandy Relief – with Springstreen, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, and many others. The Sandy Hook Tragedy broke my heart. I saw Matt Giraud and Haley Reinhart’s Christmas StageIt shows. Gossip Girl ended and hilarity ensued – xoxo! The Voice and The X Factor ended their seasons with two winners I do not particularly enjoy – it reminded me of how superior American Idol is. I read Emma (Jane Austen) and Struck By Lightning (Chris Colfer). I watched Anna Karenina, Struck By Lightning, Skyfall, and Les Miserables. I celebrated a nice Christmas Eve with my brother’s family, a quiet Christmas with my Mom, and rang in the New Year with Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve!
http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39287794600/top-people-of-2012
http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/post/39287993961/top-animals-of-2012

PHOTOGRAPHY OF 2012

Project366 Instagram Challenge – Completed!
http://elizabethrosalyn.tumblr.com/project366

LESSONS LEARNED IN 2012

2012 was a year of exploration, development, and leadership, both professionally and personally. I learned to seize every opportunity, savour each moment, embrace what life has to offer, celebrate the joy and beauty of life, make connections, show gratitude to those who inspire me, be authentic with my voice, follow my passions, and leave an impact.

In moving forward with 2013, I strive to live the life of my imagination and be the heroine of my story!

Goodbye, 2012! Hello, 2013!