The Year In...

2011

After almost a month into 2012, it's time for me to look back on the year that was.

Shoes: Nike Air Foamposite One (Dark Neon Royal/White-Black)

Seeing as this was my first full year of having a steady income, I finally had a way to fuel my voracious appetite for shoes. And there was no better way to kick off my shoe-buying spree than with my favourite pair of all time. These are the shoes I've wanted since 1997, when I was around nine years old. I remember looking these up online in the past years and cursing the $600+ price tag. When I found out they were being released early last year, for about half the price, I didn't even think twice. The Holy Grail was mine.

Other memorable pairs:

• Nike Zoom Kobe VI (Grey/White-Del Sol-Black) and (Purple/Black-White) - Best birthday presents ever from my big bro and my friends, respectively
• Air Jordan IV (CDP) - My goodness. I can stare at these for days.
• Nike Air Foamposite One (Black/Red Ice) - I bought myself another pair of foams to match our uniform. It turns out that these take a lot to break in, and in the meantime, your feet WILL be in tremendous pain. Still waiting for these to be court ready.

• Nike Shox Air Hyperballer (Black/Black) - Almost all-black everything.
• Vans 106 Moc CA (Sudan Brown) - My first nice pair of tan suede shoes. These would be good for summer if the weather gods weren't delirious right now

Song: The Silent Comedy - Bartholomew

I was hooked on this song from the first time I heard it. It's not a catchy song by any means, but personally, I loved the eerie, medieval-era judgement day theme in the lyrics.

Also, I couldn't stop watching this trailer. To me, this song is forever associated with one of the best games I've ever played. It's Undead Soldier-killing music.



Other memorable songs:

• Kanye West - Gorgeous
• Kanye West - Lost in the World
• Kanye West - All of the Lights
• Jay-Z and Kanye West - Ni**as in Paris
• Jay-Z and Kanye West - Otis
• Jay-Z and Kanye West - Gotta Have It
• Death Cab for Cutie - Monday Morning
• Death Cab for Cutie - Some Boys
• Death Cab for Cutie - Stay Young, Go Dancing
• YC - Racks (Remix)
• Big Sean feat. Kanye West - Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay
• California Swag District - Teach Me How to Dougie
• Wiz Khalifa - Black and Yellow
• Trey Songz - Invented Sex
• Drake - Headlines
• Kid Cudi - Mojo So Dope
• Kid Cudi - MANIAC
• Kid Cudi - Mr Rager
• Band of Skulls - Death by Diamonds and Pearls
• Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
• Soft Bullets - Rescue Radio
• Gotye - Somebody I Used to Know
• Sneaky Sound System - Big

Album: Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Tuesday, December 14, 2010. I was driving to work, and as usual, I was stuck in traffic (and most probably running late). MBDTF had been out for a couple of months by this point, but I hadn't yet had time to sit down and properly listen to it in its entirety. After hearing bits and pieces on the way to the Clipse concert a few days prior, I finally decided to give it a full listen.

Whether or not this is Kanye's best album is debatable. However, it stands as my personal favourite because although some may argue against the glut of musical layers, I feel that it works (wonderfully) because all the different elements complement each other so well. The well-placed samples, the nigh-operatic feel in certain songs, the grandeur, the arrogance, the complexity, the return to "proper" rapping, the sincere emotion and sentiment. Kanye succeeded in making a classic album because of his ability to balance all of the spinning musical plates, with none of these coming close to being subpar. 

Then again, I'm a biased Kanye fan. Do with that what you will.

Games:

After two years of being a lazy gamer, I finally reconnected with my inner "14-year-old fat kid who loves his PlayStation." First point of order was to get the HD port of my PS3 repaired so I could return to playing with awesome graphics. Once that was sorted, I moved my PS3 back to my room, and went about buying a bunch of new games.

Best game of the year has to be a tie between WWE 12 and Dark Souls. WWE 12 was an awesome rebirth for the franchise, and I think they really nailed the balance between great gameplay and immersive features.

Dark Souls, on the other hand, is an unforgiving beast of a game that really tests your patience, skill and resilience. I am actually frightened of playing this game, and having to face the failures again. But it keeps you coming back for more, just to feel the rush of accomplishment. I WILL finish this game in 2012.

• NBA 2K12
• ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Classics HD
• Dark Souls
• WWE 12

Recap:

All in all, 2011 was a great year. It didn't start out that way, and it took a while for me to get into a good place after all emotions subsided. But once I got into a more positive mindset, things really started opening up for me. I made a point to learn from my mistakes, and to be more receptive to trying new things. I expect this to continue in 2012.

One thing that I took away from this year is that I love all of my friends. I've gone on at length in the past about how much I love my friends, but I think this year I really learned to appreciate their company, given I couldn't see them as often anymore because of full-time work. They were there to cheer me up and listen to my rants about my relationship issues and they helped me to realise I was (am) better off.

And not just my guys, too. I realised this year that I love having close female friends too, because they help me see things from a different perspective. Getting sisterly advice (and in Jess' case, actual medical advice) from the girls is something I definitely appreciate. So shout outs to Jess, Marione, Jes, Jessie and all the other girls in the crew!

Memories:

The fights, oh the fights!
Getting adjusted to being single again
Finally getting my hands on the Holy Grail, after 14 years
Jamberoo road trip with the guys
Helping my best friend deal with a breakup, while I was still trying to process my own
Three straight weeks of going to Marble Bar
Karaoke for Matt and Jessie's. We turned that place into our own personal club!
Impromptu jersey party for Pat's birthday
Getting awesome surprise Kobes from my big bro and the crew
Birthday party at Red Room
Cristian's birthday...at Marble Bar
Temporary lapses in concentration and subsequent confrontations
Vivid Festival with Joy
Snow Trip with the guys
Getting spotted! XOXO
Mousty party for Reyes' birthday
Hunter Valley Day Trip!
Running a 10 kilometre marathon! This was awesome.
Trips to Freshwater, whenever the weather cooperated
The return of the Annual Belated Halloween Party
Terrigal Beach House Trip. Miss you, Central Coast!
Combined Christmas/Farewell Party for Matt, Jessie, Reyes and Ria
Watching Jess graduate! Congrats again, Dr Nghiem!
A much needed 10-day break from work
NYE party at Jeanie's to finish off the year

Quotes to sum up 2011:

"Life is sweet in the belly of the beast."

This quote is to remind me to appreciate life, even when it feels boring/monotonous/frustrating. There's always something to be happy about.

"I'm lost in the world, I'm down on my mind, I'm new in the city and I'm down for the night."

And this quote is to sum up my attitude for 2011: if you've got plans, count me in. Up for anything!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

Retrospectives, Part II

2010

Shoes: Clarks Desert Boots (Black)

This was the first pair of shoes I bought in 2010, on my very last night in NYC. I would put these along with my Supreme canvas shoes as the most versatile pairs of shoes I've ever had. They work for everyday work use, for semi-formal occasions, for nights out in the city, with jeans and with shorts. Ridiculously comfortable, too. I need more pairs in my life.

Other memorable pairs:

• Vanishing Elephant Fullerton (Maroon) - First pair of proper boat shoes, and in an awesome colour, too
• Clae Romares (Black) - Bought myself a second pair since I vomited on the first

Song: Kanye West feat. Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj

My initial reaction to Nicki's verse, 2 September 2010:

"Nicki Minaj's Monster verse just got me pregnant...with emotion."
Other memorable songs:

• Kanye West - Power
• Kanye West - Runaway
• Drake - Find Your Love
• Craig David - Insomnia
• Katie Costello - I Can't Fix Us Two
• Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day (Morning Song)
• Priscilla Ahn - Dream
• Gotye - Night Drive
• Death Cab for Cutie - You Can Do Better Than Me
• Gregory and the Hawk - Boats and Birds
• Trey Songz - Can't Help But Wait
• The Temper Trap - Love Lost

Academics:

I had my graduation ceremony on 15 March 2010, which basically meant the last four years of hard work was subsequently summarised by a few pieces of paper. Also, this was my first year as an Intern Psych at the College of Psychological Practice. Words can't describe how monotonous the registration process has been, to date. I do genuinely love learning about Psychology, and would equally love the chance to put this into practice, but as far as classes, workshops and assignments go, I would much rather not have to deal with it all.

Games:

As per 2009: "To be honest, 2009-2010 was a black hole in gaming. I went from constant gamer to someone who occasionally played pick up on NBA 2K9. No winner."

Recap:

Looking back, I think 2010 was a year where I did a lot of growing. A lot of that had to do with being in my first proper, grown-up relationship, and all that this entailed. The fights (verbal, emotional and unfortunately, physical), the numerous break-ups (and make-ups), the times when I had to really dig deep to figure out whether it was worth it, balanced out by the times when I felt we were unshakeable and that we were going to make it out alive. Everything that happened was part of the learning process. It's sad to think of how we ended, but more importantly, I realise now that we ended because we were supposed to.

The other, equally important part of my year was trying to find full-time employment. This was my first experience with job-seeking, and it was pretty tough. I even had to seek help from a job agency. In the end though, I lucked out and found a company willing to take a chance on an unproven, inexperienced University graduate. I say lucked because I found a role that was accepted for a full placement by the Psych Registration Board, a role that I enjoy and a role that lets me work with people I actually enjoy spending time with. Win, win, win.

Memories:

Leaving NYC and coming back to the sweetest welcome ever
Finding out that I hadn't been accepted into the Clinical Psychology Masters Program at UNSW, and having to think of a Plan B
Going to my first interview at COPP, and subsequently being accepted as an Intern
Mylee's birthday on a houseboat, and getting canoed back to shore at night. So freaky
Random trip to the Central Coast to end summer
Graduation!
The official beginning of my relationship with Angles
The birthday streak, on a lesser scale
My 22nd birthday at home, and my friends surprising me with suits and formal wear
My first trip to the Gold Coast and visiting DreamWorld, Wet n Wild and MovieWorld. So many rollercoasters
The World Cup and all associated hysteria (better luck in 2014, Team America)
Watching the Lakers exact revenge on Celtics and win back-to-back championships
Watching The Decision live on TV, and subsequently flipping out
Beepin' Joe!
Joining a gym! Never thought I'd see the day where I was a regular gym-attendee
Job applications, all day everyday. Not fun, not easy, but worth it in the end!
My first job interview. Nervous guy was nervous.
All subsequent job interviews. Confident guy was confident.
Winning another championship at Kevin Betts
Random trips to random places (Homebush, Blue Mountains, Balmain, Bondi, Breakfast on the Bridge etc)
Getting an offer from APM, and having my first day on the job, ever
Hunter Valley trip with the crew
14 December 2011 - Driving to a case conference. The first time I listened to MBDTF in its entirety. Life-changing.
Week-long trip to Victoria to end the year
Navigating Melbourne, piece of cake
Boxing Day Sales in Melbourne
Walking through Brunswick Street
Driving along the Great Ocean Road, all the sights and sounds
Not having any accommodation sorted while on the road, and settling for a dingy motel in Colac
The Elms Bed and Breakfast. Such a lucky find!

Quote to sum up 2010:

"You're my Devil, you're my Angel 

You're my Heaven, you're my Hell 

You're my now, you're my forever 

You're my freedom, you're my jail 

You're my lies, you're my truth 

You're my war, you're my truce 

You're my questions, you're my proof 

You're my stress and you're my masseuse"

So many ups and downs. Like I said, it was a growing process. I came out of it alive and kicking. Definitely kicking. Pretty happy with how it all turned out!

 - marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

Retrospectives, Part I

I feel bad for ignoring my annual "The Year In..." entry for two years, so here are some quick summaries of 2009 and 2010 in bullet form. Complete 2011 summary to be added soon!

Best of 2009

Shoes: Supreme canvas (Burgundy)

Looking back, this pair, which I bought on my year-end trip, eventually became my most reliable and durable shoes. Over the past two years, I've probably used these (and my Clarks - more on these in 2010) the most since they're so versatile - work, casual or semi-formal, I put these on. And they can take a beating in the rain! I love my grape shoes.

Other memorable pairs:

• Nike Zoom Kobe IV (White Varsity Purple) - So, so durable, I still use these for outdoor ball
• Reebok Team Question Mid (White/Red) - Got these in NYC when AI came back to the Sixers. Still so icy, never been worn
• Vans 106 Vulcanized (Purple) - I initially wanted to keep this pair in good condition, but no deal
• Pointer Mathieson (Navy) - Got me through a lot of different trips, and is in surprisingly good condition after a recent clean. These have even survived being covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce from Harry's!

Song: MGMT - Kids

First heard this song towards the end of 2008, and from then until halfway through 2009, this song was inescapable. My quintessential summer 2009 song, since I immediately associate it with some of the best times of my life. It's definitely climbed up my "favourite songs ever" list!

Other memorable songs:

• Drake, Kanye West, Lil' Wayne & Eminem - Forever
• Lykke Li feat. Drake - Little Bit (Remix)
• Feist - Brandy Alexander
• Kanye West - Amazing
• Kanye West - Welcome to Heartbreak
• Kanye West - Paranoid
• Kanye West - Street Lights
• Chairlift - Bruises
• Matt and Kim - Daylight
• Matt and Kim - Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare
• Regina Spektor - Eet
• Kid Cudi - Alive (Nightmare)
• Kid Cudi - Day 'n' Nite (Nightmare)
• Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness
• MGMT - Electric Feel
• Ratatat - Seventeen Years
• Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream
• Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars
• Santogold - Lights Out
• An Horse - Company
• An Horse - Warm Hands
• An Horse - Camp Out
• Bon Iver - Skinny Love
• Bon Iver - Blood Bank
• Land of Talk - Some Are Lakes
• Blue October - 18th Floor Balcony
  

Album: Kid Cudi - The Man on the Moon: The Legend of Mr Rager

As described here.

Academics:

My last year of study! 2009 was my Honours year, the culmination of my University degree. It was actually a REALLY fun year, definitely not as stressful as anticipated. My Honours supervisor was so incredibly accomodating. She made life so easy for me! I loved testing the First Years and thinking, "Aww, scrapping for Experimetrix credits. I was once like you!" Writing the thesis was hard, but not debilitatingly so. The feeling of finishing my thesis and handing it in was downright euphoric. All in all, a pretty successful year, nerd-wise.

Games:

To be honest, 2009-2010 was a black hole in gaming. I went from constant gamer to someone who occasionally played pick up on NBA 2K9. No winner.

Recap:

Retrospectively, I can say that 2009 was one of the best years in my life. From one of the busiest summers ever, to the two-month streak of 21st birthday celebrations, to the Lakers winning the title, to falling in love with my best friend, to finishing my thesis (and my entire degree!) and eventually culminating with seven weeks in NYC. Take that, all other contenders for Best Year Ever!

Memories:

Crazy New Year party at Cristian's
The Hives concert
Sydney Festival First Night
Jamberoo
Port Stephens trip
Beach trips!
DCfC concert #3
So many 21sts, all awesome
Angles taking me out on my birthday!
Near weekly drop-bys from Niggs
Becoming an honorary Villareal with the amount of time I spent with Pat
The endless rollercoaster saga that was my relationship with Angles
JAMP time, all the time!
The Lakers making me proud to be a die-hard fan
My first colitis attack and the resulting trip to Emergency. Scary
Getting our new America Bulldog puppy and naming him Kobe
Getting into a car accident with Pat, and thankfully not getting hurt
Nights spent with V/Red Bull/Dare Iced Coffee while I worked on my thesis
Finally handing it in, ending my Uni degree!
More concerts: La Roux, Lisa Mitchell, etc
Taronga Zoo
Wicked
Touching down in NYC and immediately getting scammed
Waking up in Manhattan for the first time
New York burgers all day, everyday
Shopping in SoHo
Watching my first NBA game, live. In Madison Square Garden, too!
Watching Kobe play, in person. Can finally strike that off the bucket list.
Exploring NYC on my own
NYE in NYC, watching the ball drop in Times Square

So many memories. Can't believe it's been three years...

Quote to sum up 2009:

"Love you to the bones, my dear."

 - marty..

END COMMUNICATION.