2008... Memoirs?

It’s coming to the end.. the conclusion.. the last final breath.

It’s 2008. A year, that’s seen more change, more learning and more fun than I’ve known for quite some time. So, what is it that made 2008 such an amazing year? Well, here’s a taste.

WHATS BELOW (so you can skip the boring bits):
-Most memorable experience of 2008
-Most memorable night
-The changes of 2008
-The new friends of 2008 (a bit of a note for each of you)
-The rediscoveries of 2008

The most memorable experience of 2008…
I’m never quite going to forget the day I received a phone call from a Mr Lawrence Greenwood, asking if I wanted a lift direct from my house to Newcastle for the show where he was to support Lior. I jumped at the chance without hesitation, headed in the car – stopping by for a very important McDonald’s trip in which I was taught the beauty of McChicken Sauce with chips – and straight to Newcastle Town Hall. The show went by without hiccup but one. Our merchandise seller hadn’t shown - for one reason or another - and I’d found myself selling t-shirts, cds and hoodies to an excited Newcastle crowd. It wasn’t until late that night that Nick (my boss – Lior’s manager) approached me to ask what I had planned for the remainder of the week. Unsuspectingly and honestly, I answered ‘nothing’, only to find myself chucked into a tour bus and on the road with a crew of about 13 for just over a week. From Newcastle, to Sawtell (which was a ‘highlight’?), to the Gold Coast, Brisbane’s Tivoli Theatre, Ipswich (where Phill found the beautiful Louise, whom he would later relocate from Adelaide to live with!), Lismore and Wollongong it was a trip that not only saw me discover that living out of a handbag and the only clothes you have is truly a disgusting thing to do (yes I washed things!) and that guy’s clothing and board shorts has never looked hotter on a girl. ;)

The most memorable night..
was definitely the night of the ARIAs. I’d gone with Miss Mel Cheng as a member of the general public in the nosebleed seats. The majority of my friends were sat down below me, on their fancy tables with nice butlered meals all sms’ing me asking me to join them at the prestigious Ivy after party, a party that required a $500 ‘industry’ ticket. Upon leaving the Acer Arena, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness that my friends were going on to party and I was going home to bed. It was at that moment that luck reared it’s head. Mel and I found ourselves with 2 tickets to the after party from a random man and his wife who’d rather go home to bed. My night at the Ivy involved far too much fun, far too much free alcohol, more friends than I could poke a stick at, a myriad of bands and celebrities (half of whom I embarrassed myself by not knowing) and finished up at 6am. I don’t think it gets much better than that.

The changes of 2008…
More Social
Not as shy
I go to the gym 3 times a week for 2-3 hours (if not more)
I left Scorpio and The Coady Group (I’m still with Lior)
I’m not as scared of things as I used to be
I drink.. sometimes too much.. always too often
According to Adam – I’m more confident and vibrant lately
I’ve learnt that I can defend myself and behave correctly in sticky situations
I can live out of a handbag, with 13 boys on the road for 2 weeks.
My boss’s secret identities have become household names and I’ve found myself laughing in random places upon hearing him being quoted.
I have a tonne of new friends
I like dance music and attend events regularly
I finally decided on a normal haircut
I’ve reconnected with people I haven’t seen for years
Most recently, I’m in love… with a vampire and can’t get my head out of his books.

The new friends of 2008… (in chronological order)

James Blackburn (or shall I say blackout) – a new touring buddy, a local drinking buddy and obviously the world’s best lighting guy. We’ve had our nights, our embarrassing photos and many road trips – but I’m sure we’ve had more beer. I can’t wait for more craziness with this kid in the years to come. He might be an idiot, but he’s a champ.

Hamish Brown (aka Hobbit) – another touring buddy, who’s relationship I managed to jeopardise (sorry Hame!) with one innocent photograph and who’s presence on tour has never quite been missed so much. Hamish has leant me his clothes, poked me for no reason, got me drunk to the point of speaking an unknown language and making calls I don’t remember and made being stuck on the road with 13 guys – fun. Love ya Hamish!

Lawrence Greenwood (aka Whitley to most of you) – So many things come to mind when it comes to Super Laurio and I’m sure that he’d prefer that 99% of what’s in my head right now stayed between us. What I will say though, is that some of the most memorable, learning experiences and fun nights and days this year has been with him. We might not see each other often, talk on the phone, email or facebook that often but each time I’ve been with him some sort of drama (not bad drama) has unfolded. If it wasn’t for these moments this year, I’d still be plain and boring! Thanks laurie!

Louise Janke (aka Lou) – I first met Lou at the merch desk after Lior’s show in Ipswich. After a tiring drive, a long day and an interesting show James, Phill and I struck up a conversation with Lou and her friends outside the venue. Little did we all know that the very town Phill had spent half his day making fun of and joking about would soon become his hometown and Lou his partner. On the touring days I’ve known Lou, she’s shown her sincerity, passion and kindness to not just her world, but her acquaintances. She’s an amazing artist and has brought so much change and happiness into Phill’s world it’s remarkable.

Chris Johnston (aka dork jockey, john oh!, bus boy.. whatever) – whom I met at a bus stop back in mid-March as I missed the bus by 2 minutes. There’s a lot I could say about Chris. He’s taught me not to be so shy, to be more care free, to be less self conscious, to drink too much, not to attack him in Hyde Park, not to catch Glandular Fever, has toured the burger bars of Sydney with me as well as the clubs and introduced me to dance music and a whole world of new experiences and friends. He’s put up with my ridiculous enthusiasm, communication, lack of funds (even over a weekend in Canberra), desire to head out on a Friday night and my lack of transportation. He’s even put up with my crap at the lowest point of my year.
I know he’s going to hate me saying all that and say I’m being an emotional ‘woman’, but he’ll also probably know that I’m just laughing at his response.

David Whiddon – I believe I met Dave at Laser Tag with Chris on Easter Sunday. The first things that struck me about him was that he was fun, happy and carefree (and that he admired flexibility in the bedroom, hey Dave?). I’ve since been out with Dave on the odd occasion and each occasion Dave has managed to swoon the ladies with his genuine kind, fun and friendly nature. There is nothing that this man can’t do!

John Panagiotopoulos (aka Pana) – I met Pana the night of my birthday party. After a drunken Rach met Chris at World Bar and was fed a ‘low alcoholic’ (yeah right, Chris!) Long Island Iced Tea, a well suited Pana came to meet us. I’m sure that Pana had a secret mission for the year – increase Rachel’s alcohol tolerance and get her plastered. On both recent occassions with Pana (Belgian Bier Café and sosueme.) I’ve somehow found myself quite well.. gone. Pana (and Dave) have been the best at encouraging me to dance, to fufill my business and career ambitions. He introduced me to deadly Takoyaki balls too. He’s made me far less self
conscious than anyone else this year and in a very short time frame. Thanks Pana.

Adam Lewis – To be honest, I don’t even know where I met Adam. I know it was through Zohara, but I don’t know when or where. I’m kind of just.. guessing. Adam is one of the happiest, friendlist, kind and most gentle guys I’ve ever known. He and I have loved ‘oversharing’ and having jokingly adult conversations all in lyrics late at night not only trying to keep ourselves amused but also challenging each other’s music knowledge. Adam’s smile, lights up a room and I think it would scare me if I ever saw him angry or upset. Not because I think it would be threatening but because it’s so out of character. Adam, is the kind of person everyone should surround themselves with.

Martin Novosel (PHDj, Marty) – I first met Marty last year, but officially I met him at Tess’s ‘London Circuit’ with Tes, Madz and Chris in Canberra this year. Martin is the brains behind Purple Sneakers, Levity Nights, Floorspace and the eyes, ears and talent behind ‘PHDj’. From watching Bonde De Role side of stage with Marty at We Love Sounds to partying at one of his many nights, Martin has always done his best to make sure everyone has a good time. He got engaged this year too – congrats Marty! But.. he needs to improve his squash skills and stop letting Nick (my boss) beat him!

Andrew Green (aka Greeny, Walkie Talkie) – Hmm Greeny.. where did I first meet you? I believe it was The We Love Sounds Festival with Martin with our hidden bottle of Malibu in Marty’s bag, our bottles of pepsi and good old hot dogs. Greeny has been there on many a social outing whether he’s been dj’ing at Sneakers, a festival or Floorspace – many nights with Andrew were a ball. He’s even let me pop into his apartment just to use his bathroom and dj’d for my sister’s school. His taste in music is great and he’s introduced me to a lot this year.

Merven Vireuda (aka Big Ted, Magic Merv) – Merv would have to be one of the funniest tales of 2008. I first heard of Merv, through Chris who’d been talking all things ‘dj’ on Facebook with Merv for months. After encouraging Chris to head down to a gig, we found ourselves at Candy’s. The next thing we knew, we were unsuspectingly having dinner at the local shopping centre, only to have Merv appear from nowhere and to find out he was a local. Not only that, but he’d been on my bus every morning on the way to work. Merv’s passion for his work both in and out the office is amazing. I think the highlight of our year has to have been the ARIAs and all the nights with ‘The Lost Boys’. He’s achieved a lot in 2008 and I hope he only ups the anti in 2009 – there’s more to come from this boy!

Johnny Lazar (aka Rufio) – Johnny I met through Merv and Chris at that first night at Candy’s. Johnny is Merv’s DJ partner and has shared many nights with me in 2008. Parklife, Sounds, Candys, Taylors, Sosueme, Pancakes on the rocks – I think I see a theme building here (food, alcohol, dance music). Johnny is the provider of drinks, music and random hugs. I look forward to getting to know him better in 09.

Julian Ramundi (aka Jules, Mixtape Mafia) – Jules is the most well dressed person in Sydney. Name someone else who has a Kermit adidas hoodie, A ‘knuckle sandwich’ necklace and a pacman scarf. I don’t think I can say too much about how I know Jules but anyone who’s willing to risk their arse to come outside and say hello to you when you’re drunk on Oxford St deserves a bottle of vodka or something. Anyone who supports you through your darkest hour like Jules does, risks their job, lets you crash at their place without question, who talks to you about pop culture, work and music as much as Jules.. hang on.. what am I saying? There is no one else who does. Summary? Jules is a fucking champ.

Aimee Van – After rekindling with Lux this year, I met Lux’s life partner – Aimee. Not only will 2008 with Aimee be remembered for her numerous ‘make out’ sessions with Lux, it will be remembered for the joy, the quirkyness, the kinkyness, the sillyness and the general hilarity of times with her. Who else can make out with another chick in an elevator with a guy on their lap and then (whilst trying to impress said boy) take their photo with their fingers up their nose?

Daniel Burns – After deciding to start TAFE mid year to study Marketing I met Daniel, one of the few younger people in my class. Daniel’s passion to follow music business as a career path is astonishing, his Michael Jackson knowledge is scary but from what little I know of him, he has a great personality. I’m determined to get this boy a start in this business, he’s spent too much time wishing he hadn’t quit and was back at The Latern Group writing entertainment articles and press releases and too much time in admin in law offices. If anyone wants a savvy, responsible, friendly, passionate, smart marketing, pr, admin or just general all rounder for their music business office – let me know.

Jess Ditchfield - It is yet again, Chris’s fault that I know Jess. When Chris moved to campus at uni I became acquainted with Jess who also lived at Goldstein. Jess has put up with me crashing in her room late.. very late at night. Has made me run around college to wake up every person she knows only to try and convince them to go to Coogee Beach at 5am by foot, randomly ran into me in the strangest of places and met up with me in Kings Cross at 1am wearing fairy wings. Jess knows how to laugh, not just at herself, but at the world around her and how to make you feel better (emotionally and medically) when you’re down. She’s going to make a damn good doctor that girl. I’m going to be starting 2009 with Jess at Field Day and I can’t bluddy wait!

Victoria Lambropoulos (aka Lambropolicious, Vicky, Vix)
Jo Harris (aka Jo Jo)

Where oh where does one start with miss Victoria and Miss Joanne? Vix and Jo are Sarah’s closest friends whom she met during the time we spent apart. Vicky, belongs in the REAL Blue Horizon Bar, Mohito in hand.. but.. that would be boring. Instead, Victoria spends her weekends stuck with us poor folk, meeting some funny folk, downing Jagerbombs, Wet Pussies, Quickfucks and cocktails venturing to everything from Jacksons on George, The Mercantile, Cruise Bar and The Ivy. Not only does Vicky give good wax, tan and nails she knows where to find the best Souvlaki at 1am, what to do when you’re a little unsure of the guys at the dodgy pub you’re at, how to laugh at it anyway and how to get herself home whilst vomiting the remainder of the night (ok.. that was only 1 night.. but it’s still pretty damn funny).

Jo Jo gives good head… massages and good hair. She’s a great mum, a great partner, a great friend and good for gossip. She gives everything she can to those she loves and damn does she know how to have a laugh. Although we might have to work on her alcohol tolerance in 2009 and take photos of certain drunken activities, she helps us find good barmen whom we somehow find ourselves out with till 5am, always has us looking our best and always knows a good party. I love those two girls to bits and I don’t know what I ever did without them.

The rediscoveries of 2008…

Zohara Nguyen – having lost contact with Zoe after high school and not having been that close to her throughout it, Zo and I rediscovered our similarities and formed a stronger friendship. Go to Zoe for delicious baked goods, fashion tips, band boys to drool over, good music and a damn good shoulder to cry on – not to mention, some honest and straight up advice. To quote our beloved the ‘geek in the pink’ – ‘sister you got it all!’.

Sarah Davey – Sarah, is by far, my eldest friend. Having been born on the same day, in separate hospitals, 20 minutes apart all because of a bluddy iced chocolate at Macquarie Centre. Our parents had known each other back in Hull, England and had migrated to Australia together. Our childhood was filled with endless Wet Wet Wet clips, Hanson, Michael Jackson (to ridiculous extents), house concerts by yours truly, backyard cricket, waterbomb fights, late night sleepovers where we’d anxiously await the strike of midnight and far too many Pringles.
High School saw us go our separate ways but 2008 saw us meet paths again. Nowadays, if a day goes past and we don’t see each other – get worried. I love this girl to bits and I can’t wait to share my 21st with her in April 2009!

I’ll do a separate blog with a list of gigs of the year.. we don’t need a thesis!