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.