My Year at a Glance

Oh, why hello Blog! My my it's been quite a year. I'm proud to report I've been buzzee (with two zee's), and I'm not in the least bit uncomfortable about reporting this directly to you, Blog, who is in fact me. Awkward.

So 2011, the less-shiny middle child of 2010 has been surprisingly awesome! Maybe it's because I didn't expect anything. Maybe it's also because 2010 sucked for me. Nevertheless, it's been my year of opportunities: new projects, new people, travelling (in a big fish, small pond kind of way) and possibly too much time at Bob Rocks.

Who are we kidding, we love that place!

Join me, Blog, on a self-important journey looking over my year in mostly B-grade Blackberry mobile uploads.

This year saw me forge stronger friendships with old acquaintances...

'Pirate Day' at Zoo Lake.

 ... and make new (amazing) friends altogether. Can I say, TEQUILA SLAP?! Not forgetting all the other gems who were already in my life (you know who you are).

I cut my hair. This is news because it was pretty freakin' long okay. Think Asian Mia Wallace.

I started DJing (enter Lil' Bow - boss track selekta but janitor-skilled CDJer).

Please ignore my techno-fail and pretend this is rotated.

Smooth.

I started writing for the Revolution website, a tie that's just grown stronger - hello Jozi contributor.

Check it out here http://www.revolution-daily.com/

This is rad because a) I love what Revolution is all about having grown up in the skate, music and art scene and b) My whole reason for starting a blog this year was to get me writing again, for myself, in different mediums (and not just my day job copywriting), so this is exactly the kind of opportunity I needed.

The iconic Revolution fist.

Which makes me reel at the fact I only started this blog this year! Given, I haven't done a hellava lot, but seriously, this blog was born out of a weird space, the kind of space where you cling to a new vessel for creativity because it makes you feel better. Nine months on and I've grown so much (I'm not pregnant). Thank gawd for that. Praise jezuz!

Somewhere along the way I discovered the world of branding and my love for it (through a random Vitamin Water job), which prompted me to leave my job at M&C Saatchi Abel in search of new challenges, not to mention all the people I love (M&N&N for life). That was one of the hardest decisions I've made to date.

The crew, yo.

And I started a new job (hi Switch).

On the party side of things, I organised two events - one mine, a small scale Tarantino birthday party with a best friend -

It's scary how much I look like John Travolta.

the other, a large scale punk show called THROUGH THE BEST OF TIMES.

I learnt buttloads from this show.

I was that brat who went to Cape Town, twice.

Camps Bay, April.
I was 'the surprise' for my friend Bun's birthday weekend.

Greenpoint, December.

My two glorious trips to Cape Town also brought two visits to the latest addition of my family; my little cousin Josh. High 5 buddy!

Josh and I bonding over rock 'n' roll, April.

December - check how he's grown!

I also went to Cape St Francis and St Lucia (and swum at neither, fail).

This was partly due to the FIVE weddings I got invited to this year (there's something in the water I tell you).

St Francis, for the other Lauren's beautiful wedding.

St Lucia, for my cousin Jade's wedding. She was a proper chilled, DIY bride and I was the lax bridesmaid chillin' in the backseat.

 I went to the Maloof Money Cup (Kimberley) with The Fistettes (don't ask).

Watching the vert finals with Mick and Nick.

The Fistettes... on Youtube.

I looked forward to Maloof ALL year and it didn't disappoint! I had one of the BEST weekends of my life (meeting pro skaters has that effect).

Growing up sneaks up on you. I signed my first lease to move out for the first time (there goes the neighbourhood Illovo).

Our flat overlooks this lovely place.

Yup, it wouldn't be young livin' without a crazy roomie...

Hello NIKKI SIXX, my future flatmate, ex-art director and ying to my yang going full motorboat/platter puss.

I could probably have used a better pic...

Wait, no. Still ridiculous.

Loving music for years finally lead me to my dream - making music! Okay not quite, but I did get to write and record a song! Given, it was for the Nigerian market and was proper cheese-ball, but still, it felt pretty rockstar!

In studio, getting groovy.

After years of complaining and being only-child dramatic, the powers that be got over my weather-beaten, morning after voice and gave me a Mac! Hooray!

And look at the fun we've had! Every Mac deserves a handmade zombie friend.

I totally know how to screen grab now (no, I'm not thirteen and I haven't made out with my computer).

Hmm, what else have I done repeatedly this year..? Oh right! Early on in the year, I discovered my new party band - P.H.Fat. There's been many a drunken, bass-grinding, (phantom) flat-peak wearing night out to their beats. The novelty's worn off a bit (maybe 'cause I've killed them, well, it) but it's fun to lose your shit and mutate into your alter ego Laquonda. Or so I've heard.

P.H.Fat at The Alex Theatre. Hollaaaaaaa!

I didn't do many festivals this year. In fact, I did only one but I think it's the one that counts - OPPI!

Out of focus Diana picture courtesy of my homegirl Mica. We were drunk already. Who stays focussed anyway?

This year, I'm not sure exactly how or when it happened, but like a ninja in the night I've slowly developed an affinity for gold jewellery (I used to be like 'Ah gold, sis, it's so 80s'), brown (yes, shoes, belts and bags, mom style) and mellow indie (I've always been into indie but the slow, folky stuff used to annoy the shit out of me - apparently not anymore).

Villagers 'Becoming a Jackal'. 

This song is really doing it for me right now.

Angus and Julia Stone 'Just a Boy'. 

This song's been in my iTunes for almost two years now but I've only (really really) starting enjoying it now.

So yes, I love pretty music now. There! I said it!

Perhaps this mellowing out is also a part contributor to my new approach to shitty people - I'll kill you (with kindness). No one can be a hater when you don't talk shit about them (even though you really really want to), smile and greet them. It's maturity or something, coupled with brown, gold and a mom bum? High waisted shorts will do that to you. 

BREAKING NEWS ON THE BODY FRONT! I GOT TATTOOED!

In other self-indulgent news, this was not the first time.

After a two year delay, I added to my back piece. Having found an amazing NEW artist I'm so excited about (and having just spent five hours with her this past weekend), my tattoo project is just four (painful, uncomfortable, mock-bravado) hours away from being complete which will bring the grand total to 13 hours ink time, yikes!

Before.

After!

All that's left to add are sun rays and stargazer lilies *pants dance*

I highly recommend these guys...

The Body Architects, Cape Town.

What's life without the people you love the most, your adopted family? 2011 marks Dee Dee, Mandy, Angie, Colleen and my 10 YEAR friendship anniversary! Alert the media! Or just, you know, get on with your life.

But fo'real, I love them dearly, and here's to the next 10 years!

At our annual Christmas dinner last night. Trying to get us all in one shot proved difficult (especially after some Pimm's). The blur, the lighting, damn you Blackberry and short arms!

I'm feeling more creative and inspired than ever (albeit more tired than ever). I'm feeling more capable than ever. I'm feeling, feelings?

I've got a few more projects lined up already for next year and I can't wait! I can honestly say 2011 was the tits. All the bad somehow rolled around in liquid candy and glitter and became awesome.

Work comes to an end tomorrow and Christmas is in three days; I'd say that's a pretty good time to sign off.

See you, Blog, in 2012. Stay classy (more a general note to self about the perils of holiday drinking at old man pubs) x