2011 is nearly at an end. However, I cannot depart from 2011 without one final recap of things and moments that highlighted the year for me. It can vary from shows, to albums, people, etc. These are my top 5 things of the year.
5. C110 Logitech Webcam
A webcam would not stand out to many, but it does for me. I have grown a stronger friendship with a my Canadian friend. Her and I have shared many great conversations, via skype. At first, it was always a struggle to communicate with her with the crap webcam on my laptop. The c110 offers greater video quality than the standard webcam, as well takes great video and photos. I would recommend for the next person who needs a better webcam so that they don't sound like they're in a wind tunnel.
4. Mylo Xyloto-Coldplay
It's nearly impossible to pick a favorite album of the year. However, Mylo Xyloto stands out to me the most. For one, the previous Coldplay album "Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends" was quite significant during my last year of high school. Their new album that was released in late October has indeed been significant. Coldplay never fails to disappoint. Always innovating their albums in a different way. This album is different with the last one, with the use of more synth and then going back to their acoustic roots. However, that is not the reason why this album stands out. This album is a concept album, meaning that there is a story behind it. According to the band, it is about a boy and a girl (Mylo and Xyloto) who meet through the gang of the Lost Boys and fall in love. When one thinks about it, many may think it's a cheesy story. Though, the album does deliver the stories by introducing the characters (Paradise and Charlie Brown), and how their love goes through ups and downs, but still want to stay together despite everything. That's such an important message to me because I think i'm in a place where Mylo and Xyloto are in.
3. Meeting Stevie Nicks
Summer 2011 was quite adventurous. Though, the most significant memory of this Summer was meeting my icon, Stevie Nicks. I have loved Stevie since I was a little girl. I loved her voice whenever I would listen to Fleetwood Mac songs such as "Dreams", "Gypsy", and "Landslide." All those songs I just mentioned have been significant in my life somehow, and they still are to this day. I also think she is possibly one of the most beautiful individuals that has ever lived. I woke up at 5 am to get in line at the record store to get my wristband. I waited about 5 hours to get that wristband for her signing of the new album. Her record reminds me a bit of her album Bella Donna, but I might get criticized for that. Anyhow, meeting her was something worth remembering. She is an idol, and admire her talent and beauty. It's truly wonderful remembering how your idol holds your hand while you tell them how much you admire them. I think that's how you know they're truly a beautiful person.
2. Captain America: The First Avenger
Out of all the Marvel films I have seen, this one stands out the most. I did see Thor earlier this year as well, and it was pretty simple for a Marvel film. Nothing too extravagant. Though, I loved the plot for this film. The story of one man who wanted to fight bullies, the Nazis. I did love the twist that Hugo Weaving was the evil guy who wanted to be the power of all. The little guy, Steve Rogers, represents the ideal American during WWII who wanted to stand up for everybody else and fight the bullies. Steve Rogers is indeed the first avenger because he does go through the experiment to become the first super soldier and then kicks some serious Nazi ass. The ending was indeed a bit unrealistic, but it is a Marvel film, which is derived from a comic, so anything can happen. The Avengers film which shall be released in 2012 shall be exciting, and I cannot wait to know more about S.H.I..E.L.D.
1. Arcade Fire Secret Show-Ukrainian Culture Center
In February, I spent a week looking for the Foo Fighters. However, I failed in doing so. I told my friend that I predicted a secret show. Little did I know that that same week, Arcade Fire was throwing a secret show. On twitter, they announced they were going to announce 3 locations where they will sell tickets on the day of the show. Limited to about 1000. However, the locations were out the night before the show. I remember that Thursday night, my friend picked me up, and we got in line at midnight, February 11, 2011. It was about 40 degrees F, and it got colder as the night went on. I did not sleep that night due to some people. There was a boy there too, but he is not even important to count as a memory. Anyways, my friend and I were in line for about 12 hours for the wristband/ticket. At noon, I was the 30th person in line, and I got my wristband. I went back, got dressed up, then waited an extra 2-3 hours to get inside the venue. Front row. 1-2 hour set. It was worth it. I did have my moments during the show where I did cry because the songs were so powerful. It seemed liked everything was worth. I sacrificed a night of sleep and I did miss school for this special event. It became apparent that it was the best day of my life when Win Butler and Regine Chassagne signed my wristband at the end of the show. No words can describe how amazing that day was. It is possibly my favorite memory of 2011. Nothing will ever replace it.
2011 was so good to me. I can only expect that 2012 will come with better events and more exciting adventures. I look forward to so much, and the only, most simple that I want is to just hold someone's hand.
