Dec 22, 2009

2009: How was it for you?

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I think for everyone there’s one theme that recurs throughout the year. For me that would be Twitter. An astonishing amount of the stuff that’s happened this year in my life – people I’ve met, things I’ve done and achieved – wouldn’t have happened had I not joined Twitter in January. And I certainly didn’t expect it to have such an impact on my life.

Though nothing major has happened this year (no pregnancies, marriage proposals, divorces or deaths) it  didn’t go “to plan”. This time last year I expected I’d be at University. Instead I’m interning (and loving it), writing for a fantastic blog and have more plans for world domination in the pipeline. You’ll hear about them soon enough, don’t you worry.

Things of significance that happened to me in 2009 (in chronological order, naturally) and probably won’t mean much to anyone else:

I developed an obsession with all things Motown. Blame this.

I joined Twitter.

I went speed-dating. Here’s a tip: Don’t.

I got my photo taken by Mario for his Someone Once Told Me project.

I started writing for Domestic Sluttery. I’m especially pleased about this one.

I finished my 13 month internship at studentbeans.com.

I got a place to study English Literature at QMUL.

I started my blog. Lucky you.

I discovered karaoke at Lucky Voice. Go, it’ll change your life.

I joined Qype and went to a bunch of really fun events with friendly people (including last month’s infamous Bordello event)

I started going to London Blogger’s Meetup and The Sway. Still haven’t mastered this ‘social interaction’ thing though.

I went on my first ever date (at least my first that wasn’t with someone I went to school with).

I interned at Time Out, Shortlist and more! magazine for five weeks in the Summer.

Time Out let me scribble stuff for their Student Guide. That’s kind of a life’s dream fulfilled.

I deferred my place to study English Literature at QMUL.

I began an internship at Webjam.

I met Mayer Hawthorne! Extra-special thanks to my Twitter Fairy Godmothers.

I turned 21! I’ve been reassured that it’s all uphill from here :-)

Le Cool asked me to write for them! Please don’t tell them I’m a nerd with zero social skills, ta.

I won a return ticket to Paris, thanks to this blog post.

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Whilst it’s always nice to see what’s been achieved at the end of the year, I’ve always been more excited to speculate on what will happen in the year to come. So many exciting and unexpected things have happened in 2009, and I can’t wait to see if 2010 will be the same.

Will I break a bone? Get a new job? Finally take up my place at Queen Mary’s? Fall in love? Grow taller? Move house? See? The possibilities are endless!

Happy New Year x

Filed Under: Life Things · Tagged: , , , , ,
Dec 9, 2009

Things that make Alex stabby

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I’m a pretty cheery person most of the time, and not really given to anger (this is mainly because I’m a fan of bottling-up messy emotions, but let’s not get into that right now). However, there are a couple of things that are really bugging me that I’d like to scribble about, otherwise I’ll end up mumbling to myself like a crazy lady when I’m buying milk or something.

1.   Being asked “where I’m from originally”

This has been bothering me for some time. Thing is, I actually like it when people ask about my racial background. It shows that they are interested in me and that’s always nice. What does bother me, and has been doing so for months, usually goes something like this:

Random person: “So, where are you from?”

Me: “London.”

Random person: “No, I mean where are you from originally?”

I’m not stupid, I understood your question. I just didn’t provide the answer you were expecting.

If I was BORN in London, then I can’t be FROM anywhere else. ‘Tis not possible you see. What you want to know is why I’m brown. That’s fine – ASK THAT. Just don’t ask an ill-worded question and expect a completely different answer. I won’t reward your politically correct efforts.

2. Sexually suggestive billboards

Particularly about stuff that isn’t explicitly sexy. Particularly the Flake “succumb to the crumb” adverts I see plastered all over London. Oral sex and sweeties – because 22%-cocoa-solids-Cadbury can’t call itself real chocolate, so it’s a sweetie – shouldn’t be seen in the same context. It’s just wrong.

Want to vent about something? Feel free to do so in the comments. It’s great fun.

Filed Under: Brain Dumps · Tagged: , , ,
Dec 4, 2009

Macaroons & Mona Lisa: My dream day in Paris

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Disclaimer: This is an entry to a competition for Le Nouveau Paris. But seeing as I’ve been obsessed with Paris for several years, this post was bound to happen sooner or later…

Every year I make plans to visit Paris. Around Spring I email friends and family members, work out schedules, check ticket websites and fantasise in spending a weekend in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. And it never happens. Something always comes up and so I still have yet to skip (because everyone in Gay Paree skips, right?) around this amazing city.

Honestly, I’d be happy to spend an entire Summer’s day under the Eiffel Tower eating and drinking. But if I had €1000 to spend?

Well, once I’d stop throwing the banknotes in the air and rolling around in them on my hotel room bed (always wanted to do that) I’d make a list. And this is what that list would include:

  • Macaroons! Trying a Laduree macaroon is on my list of fun things to do in London, but why not visit the source of ganache-y goodness in Paris? I might even buy a few for family and friends.
  • Mona Lisa! The chance to see one of the world’s most famous pieces of art, UP CLOSE, would be amazing. Then I’d hop to The Louvre gallery’s gift shop and buy enough postcards to satisfy the stationery fetishist in me.
  • Fancy-schmancy hotels! This might make me sound like a total girl, but I still watch Sex & The City. The Parisian hotel in the last ever episode (where Carrie completely freaks out when she sees the Eiffel Tower from her hotel room – don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about) is utterly divine. I’d like a night in there please. With room service, natch.
  • SHOPPING! Yeah, I can’t not visit the fashion capital of the universe and not go shopping. That’d be like going to Scotland and not buy a haggis. Or something.

I think that just about uses up my budget, but I feel like I’m missing something. What would be your dream day in Paris?

Filed Under: Fun & Games · Tagged: , , ,
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