2008 in Review

2008 started out, well, pretty depressing. It might have been the new years eve I spent home alone, although I’m not sure. I don’t really recalling anything particular. The winter dragged on, and I froze my butt off at a Cobra Starship show where I met lots of cool people.

Valentine's Day rolled around and I ended up having lunch with my two closest girl friends at the time. I don’t remember the rest of February, March, or very much of my uneventful and dim year. April was eighteenth birthday; it was the day of the Toronto AP Tour. I got to see two of my favourite bands, meet one of them, and add another band to my favourites list.

I went to Puerto Vallarta in the beginning of May. That was pretty nice. The hotel was really pretty and extravagant. I wasn’t too fond of the beach, though, or the city life. Honda Civic Tour ’08 soon followed, which was pretty boring. I dropped out of school at the end of the month. I got myself into some mucky stuff, but hey, I survived.

In July, I went to England for almost the whole month. I met new friends, fell in love with a boy, learnt a lot, and felt amazing. I miss those times so much; they were the best times of my life.

Then, tragedy hit in August. When I came home from England, my Mom told me she had a tumour in her abdomen. I was devastated, and I prayed it wasn’t cancer. I was almost positive it wasn’t cancer. But, in September, I found out it was my worst nightmare. I spent some scary times in the hospital with my Mom, emotional times at home with my sister, and once again dropped out of school (I had only been there for about a week).

The epic thirty or so people in attendance to the Toronto Valencia Tour show was also in September. That is when I met Sing it Loud (my favourite boys ever) and hung out with an…interesting band called Cash Cash. Valencia were awesome, too, of course. The Rocket Summer show was at the end of the month, and that was a lot of fun.

In the beginning of October, Heather took me to see Sing it Loud (Sassyback Tour) in Buffalo. I had a blast; it was so insane. I met so many people and had such a good time. I love you Heather! It started turning cold in October, so I couldn’t have been too happy, in general. November was concert month. Jack’s Mannequin at the beginning, which was so amazing, and then the epic three tours in four days.

November ended, along with my Mom’s treatments, so she moved back home. December was the whole typical family members’ birthdays and the Christmas thing. New years day I went out with some lovelies for waffles and then to see Twilight. That night I spent time with family and packing like a mad women.

Overall, 2008 was filled with new friends, who I love very much and I don’t know what I’d do without them (you know who you are. Yes, you). New psychotropic medications have been interesting, and my volunteer work has been amazing and eye-opening. 2008 was fifteen of concerts, endless laughs, and good times. I’ve been through new experiences and screwed up, but somehow I made my life still work.

Longwood, FL

It’s been a while since I’ve updated this. I’ve had many thoughts that I’ll try to recall in blogs to come that I hope haven’t been lost in the stress of packing, the new year, and flying.

Right now I am sitting poolside in Longwood, Florida (just north of Orlando). The weather is comfortable with a slight breeze.

I am staying with my ‘Aunt’ and ‘Uncle’, who are actually old friends of my Dad and, to an extent, my Mom. The house here is perfect. I have my own bedroom and washroom until my Mom arrives in about a week. The backyard is partially screened in and this is where I am sitting right now, by the pool and hot tub, outdoor kitchen and eating area. Beyond the screen is a garden of flowers and shrubs. Further back, there is a miniature forest with tangerine and grapefruit trees, along with a four-car garage and small shed.

            There are three pets here: two cats and a turtle, named HHHerbie. The black and white cat’s name is Jasmine (Jazzy), and all she does is sit in my Uncle’s office on the same chair all day. She’s only friendly to a certain extent. The orange tabby’s name is Austin. He’s shy and timid at first, so he hid for the first while I was here. He’s quite fond of me now, though. Last night I pet him as he rolled around the room, and he recently came to visit me for a short bit out here.

            My Uncle took me shopping yesterday where I got a Versa Emerge shirt for $4.30. It was on sale and then on clearance. I headed to the music store and got Sing it Loud’s CD, both Valencia CDs, and the Boys like Girls DVD all for just over $50. I also gave in and bought the first Twilight book (I saw the movie on Wednesday with a few of my lovely girl friends).

            This is just a general update. More thoughts and feelings are to come. They may be a bit out of order and not chronologically correct.

            I hope everybody back up north is handling the cold and snow as best they can. It’s best to contact me through FaceBook, as the messages go directly to my phone and I just login online to respond. I hope everyone had a good holiday season and a happy new year. I’m excited to see what 2009 has in store for me. 2008 was definitely an eventful year, in both good and bad ways.