2011 in Review
So, this is it, huh? 2011 is in the bag. It went by fast, as they say. And usually, I leave that to people just not taking the time to stop and enjoy the life they have, savor the important stuff, really soak them in. But perhaps, this year, maybe I've been doing the same. Maybe I've been too much on the go, letting Life take precedence over My Life. It all really is a blur of just quick moments. In preparation for this, I was trying to think back at all the special times in 2011 and it was really hard. And I'm a very sentimental person, so I have a really good knack at remembering stuff. So, I guess that'll be something to keep in mind for 2012, Live my life. Especially since, supposedly, this will be the last year of Earth. I haven't even been to Disney World yet! Because I'm a fan of lists, I've compiled a bunch of lists to commemorate and remember 2011. I think they're pretty good lists and putting them together really brought back some good memories and some, well, I won't call them bad ones. I will say they were moments to learn from. Isn't that what life is anyway? Just one giant lesson. But, I also say life is just one long line for waiting and that it's high school so take your pick. Keep in mind that these are personal lists based on my own opinions and sentimentality. Some of the things on these lists may cause your eyes to roll so fast that they fall out of your eye sockets or a ralphing session not unlike the one from Stand By Me but, hey, if you don't agree, make your own damn lists!
2011 Music Mix
1. Hello - Martin Solveig
Hello is such a simple song, mindless but fun. It’s really good when you have way too much sugar in your system and need to bounce it all off, right? And it reminds me of someone (wouldn’t you like to know who…well by the end of this list, you might know who, maybe) which put it on the list.
2. Whipped Cream - Ludo
Whipped Cream is such a guys’ song. Essentially, it’s the musical equivalent of a caveman hitting a potential mate over the head and dragging her or him by the hair back to his cave to…play Parcheesi. I like all the word play in it. Andrew Volpe is so good with the word play. He should have a play date with Jason Mraz.
3. Rolling in the Deep - Adele
2011 was Adele’s year, musically. Thematically, she’s a one-trick pony but I guess that says a lot about humanity if so many people like her so much and so many people relate to her stuff. I’m one of them.
4. What’s My Name - Rihanna
You know, I never really liked Rihanna. I always thought she was overrated and her songs kinda annoyed me. Then I looked at my iTunes and realized I have a bunch of Rihanna songs downloaded so I must like her. Loud was a good album. It came down to Only Girl and this song. This song won out because it’s part of a story idea that I have, the second part of a duology. Shout out to Robert and Sam!
5. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
I loathe Twilight (although Eclipse was fun for the 12 year old girl inside of me) and I'm not a big fan of Bruno Mars either (I could take him or leave him but I do have a mean Bruno Mars karaoke set list!) but I really enjoy this song. I think probably for the same reason that I’m an Adele fan. Everyone needs some emo music now and then. I mean, what do you listen to while looking out a windowpane into the rain, moping about your sad existence and greasy, lifeless hair?
6. Born This Way - Lady Gaga
This song came out on my birthday, a Saturday, which is not the usual day for a song release, that’s Tuesday, so I’m fairly certain she made this song just for me. Appropriate, too, because it was about the time that my family was starting to come around on the idea of me being gay. And it’s a good song to dance gaily to. Pick your definition. The video is another story entirely, however.
7. Hello Again - The Gregory Brothers
The Gregory Brothers came up with the remix of Antoine Dodson’s truly moving story. They also came up with this original song that I fell in love with the very first time I heard it (in spite of the silly music video with singing cat and nerd) and I still love it to this day. I imagine Jesus and Mary Magdelene running into one another at a modern day grocery story and this is what Jesus would sing to her. Don’t laugh. It’s quite touching, really.
8. Walk - Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters. Need I say more?
9. Steal Your Heart - Augustana
So this is the romantic version of a caveman hitting a potential mate over the head and dragging her or him back to his cave to…play Parcheesi. I dunno if there’s a video that goes along with this song (I’ve never bothered to lok) but the Degrassi promo this song accompanies is the perfect visual imagining of this song. But then all the Degrassi promos are that way. I mean, look at they did for VV Brown’s Shark in the Water. Perfect. And, yeah, I watch Degrassi. Don’t judge. It’s good television.
10. Shake - Jesse McCartney
Put this song on and I will sing along to it no matter how tired or hoarse or annoyed or sick I am with full on head bob and blue-eyed hip-hop moves and looks. Blame Justin Timberlake. He started it. And, apparently, he refuses to finish it because all of a sudden he has delusions of cinematic grandeur. Idiot.
11. Price Tag - Jesse J
I like the message of this song, that music is about fun and creating something that’ll move people and not about making money and becoming famous. Many “musicians” can learn a thing or two from Jesse J. Then you see the video and she’s wearing fancy jewelry and expensive clothes and she’s surrounded be an adoring public. And she’s not being ironic, either. She’s that way in real life, too. So skip the video and download the song illegally. She won’t mind. It’s all about the money, money, after all.
12. Not Over You - Gavin Degraw
Gavin Degraw is my homeboy. He helped me through some hard times back in the day. So I immediately gravitated toward this song. It didn’t hurt that cousin Judy was obsessed with this song and we listened to it many, many times.
13. Who Says - Selena Gomez
I know Selena Gomez isn’t a great singer but like Miss Britney Spears, she puts on a good show. And the song has a good message. Sometimes a mediocre singer singing about the quality of a person is better than an amazing singer singing about ripping her clothes off and touching her toes. Am I wrong?
14. Firework - Katy Perry
Katy Perry can be classified under Rihanna’s Paradox. I was very vocal in my dislike for her. I even made my sister cry once over it and I’m not ashamed about it one bit. It’s a big brother’s duty. It builds character. Her songs are so childish and simplistic and not very good. But looking at my iTunes, I have a lot of songs from her Teenage Dream album so, at the very least, I like Teenage Dream era Katy Perry. It was tough to pick one song that I enjoyed most. I decided on this one because the other two, California Gurls and Teenage Dream were disqualified as they were released in 2010. And the message of this song, like Who Says, is good to hear on one of those days when you’re feeling like shit about life.
15. Forget You - Cee Lo Green
We were at a karaoke bar once and people were half paying attention to the people singing. Every now and then, someone would pick a song that would rouse everyone but those were few and far between. But when someone picked this song, THE ENTIRE BAR erupted into song. It was one of the coolest things ever! Oh, and you must listen to the original lyrics, not the censored one. It just feels so much better to sing, FUCK YOU. Try it. You’ll see and you’ll know.
16. Blow - Ke$ha
I’m not a Ke$ha fan at all but this song makes me all dancey every time which is a bit of a hazard when it comes on the radio.
17. Hold It Against Me - Britney Spears
I know Britney’s glory days are far, far behind her but every now and again, she comes out with a song that sparkles with the excitement and magic of the past. I think this, more than any other song on Femme Fatale, is one of those. Sigh. It’s sort of bittersweet when you think about it.
18. Animal - Neon Trees
Everytime this song comes on, I say to myself, This would be fun to sing at karaoke. Haven’t had a chance to prove that theory yet but I love singing it in the car. I enjoy the whole, Say good-bye to my heart tonight/Take a bite of my heart tonight, thing. It says so much about the nature of love and lust. And the climax of the song is one of my favorite in any song. I love it when a song builds and builds and just explodes at the end. Hitchcock would be intrigued, musically.
19. We Are Young - Glee cast
I know of the original version of this song and I’ve heard it and it’s okay. I like the lyrics and the structure more than the actual singing. And the Glee cast sings it better than the original and I’m a Glee fan, in case you didn’t know, so there you go. I like this one better. Let’s set the world on fire. I love the idea of that and the image it brings to mind. I’m trying to brainstorm enough so that that image manifests itself into Project 2012. Fingers crossed. I already have some groundwork laid out.
20. Friday - Rebecca Black
Friday. A notoriously infamous song. I thought it was a joke when I first heard it. It was so awful. But, it’s infectious and I know every single word so it’s done its job. When I’m bored, I look for it. My heart actually sank when it was pulled from YouTube. I hate that I enjoy it this much.
A few notes:
These songs aren’t listed according to quality or likability. They’re pretty much in the order that I thought of them. Which I guess says something about how much I like them but not really. I wanted to include the combo of Born to Run/Teenage Dream/The Very Thought of You/Open Your Heart for sentimental reasons but I didn’t want to take up room on the list. I’m rather happy with this mix. There are a few other songs I would’ve added but I think twenty songs is perfect and the restriction forced me to be frugally creative which is a good thing.
Movies
1. X-Men: First Class
Michael Fassbender elevates this movie beyond the usual comic book shenanigans.
2. The Muppets
I dare you to not crack even the slightest smile while watching this movie it’s so infectiously delightful.
3. Captain America
Good old-fashioned action adventure with modern special effects really make this stand apart from the other Marvel movie machine products.
4. Crazy Stupid Love
Ryan Gosling being ridiculously sexy and Steve Carell being awkwardly funny. They do it best when they do it together.
5. Super 8
Like Captain America, Super 8 is a flashback to a style of movie that just doesn’t exist anymore but with great effects.
6. Midnight in Paris
When Woody Allen is good, he is so, so good and this is one of those. It’s like being in a day dream for two hours.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II
Along with Part I, Part II returns to a style not seen since Prisoner of Azkaban. Instead of just adapting the book, it comes alive.
8. The Help
It’s a special thing when you feel like you’re living with the characters rather than just watching them.
9. 50/50
JGL is amazing in this and it’s not surprising when you take into account his talent and good looks. 2012 is gonna be his year.
10. Drive
I almost dropped this from the list because of the gore but I felt guilty when I went over the list without it. It’s just so engaging and very few movies really hold you for the entire time you’re sitting there in that uncomfortable seat in the dark.
A few notes:
Again, these aren’t listed according to quality or likability but in the order that I thought of them. I didn’t feel like writing reviews for each of the movies on the list because that would be very, very wordy. I can talk quite a bit about movies I really like so I restricted myself to some very core opinions. If you feel like discussing something on the list or something that didn’t make it on the list, find me. I enjoy this sort of discussion.
The Ladies
1. Lea Michele
If ever I wanted to be a lady, which is a giant sized if because I enjoy being a boy too much, I would want to be Lea Michele.
2. Leighton Meester
3. Selena Gomez
She’s so adorable I can forgive her the Bieber thing. She seriously needs to come back to her senses and get back with Nick Jonas! This insanity has gone on long enough!
4. Naya Rivera
She is probably one of the most beautiful ladies I’ve ever seen. Honestly. And her singing voice is gorgeous. Her singing Songbird on Glee is one of the best things about the show!
5. Emily VanCamp
A few notes:
My criteria for this list were very simple and a bit superficial. If, while thinking of the girl in question, I thought to myself: She’s so cute; I want to give her a hug; I want to go shopping with her; I love her, said girl made the list. Apparently, I don’t like very many girls because I could only make a list of five but I’m sure you knew that. And if you don’t know, now you know, you know? Now that I think of it, Victoria Justice, Minka Kelly, Keke Palmer, and Olivia Wilde would’ve been good additions, too. And Zooey Deschanel. Well, there’s your ten!
The Boys
1. Cory Monteith
I feel like, since I professed my undying love for him in a drunken coming out speech last Christmas, I’m obligated to put him at the top of my list.
2. Kenny Wormald
3. Colton Haynes
4. Joshua Bowman
5. Chord Overstreet
6. Iwan Rheon
7. Matt Francis
8. Lucas Till
9. Nick Jonas
10. Randy Phillips
Unfortunately, no picture of Randy but visit his YouTube page here: http://www.youtube.com/user/AreYouSuprised?feature=g-u
It chronicles his struggles being gay and coming out in the military during the days of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Aside from the fact that he’s a hottie, his story is really interesting, especially seeing him come out to his parents and seeing their reactions. It’s not every day that someone let’s you in on something that personal.
A Few Notes:
Yet again, aside from Cory, the guys aren’t listed according to quality or likability but in the order that I thought of them. Unlike the Ladies, this list was fairly easy to make. In fact, I probably could’ve gone on to fifteen or twenty. For example: Jimmer Fredette (apparently, he plays basketball or something…), Logan Henderson or Kendall Schmidt, Darren Criss, JGL, Ryan Rottman, Andrew Garfield, Liam Hemsworth, Army Hammer, Simon Helberg (when he’s not Howard Wolowitz he’s pretty adorkable), Jake Johnson, Hudson Taylor, Rupert Grint, Seth Rogen, Jesse Eisenberg. Just to name a few. You’re probably asking yourself, Where’s Ryan Gosling? I understand completely your dismay at his absence from this list and don’t get me wrong, I love me some Ryan Gosling just as much as the next gal and gay but it’s all with good reason. A couple years ago, I decided that he and Leonardo DiCaprio were appearing so often on lists like these that they no longer needed to place. They’re sort of like Hottie Emeriti.
The Most Memorable Moments of 2011
1. The Extra Special Cookies
I’ve never been that high before and while it was fun at the start (for about an hour), I was miserable once the giggly parts were over (for about three hours). From now on, I’m a Clean Teen! Alcohol and cigarettes, on the other hand…
2. Glow Stick Dancing
Beforehand, I told cousin Judy that, even if she couldn’t drink at Lisa and James’ wedding reception, she was gonna dance and it was gonna be to We Found Love by Rihanna. How do you know they’re gonna play that song, she asked. It’s gonna happen, I replied. Now, I imagined it as being my drunk ass self dragging her onto a half empty dance floor, making a fool of myself and thoroughly embarrassing her in front of our closest family and friends. This is how it actually happened:
An ocean of our closest family and friends, young and old, dancing to We Found Love with glow sticks and inhibition. It was amazing and fun and I will never forget it as long as I live!
3. The Sing Off
What a debacle it was towards the end, huh? It started out as an innocent weekly television show featuring handsome collegiate all male a cappella groups (there may have possibly been some old people and girls there but I never noticed) and ended up being NBC toying with our emotions, taking us on a roller coaster ride of, Yes you can watch our show live, No you can’t watch our show live. In the end, it was all worth it. Being serenaded weekly by very talented groups of singers is always fun and developed and strengthened a new friendship, which is even funner.
4. Seafood Christmas
When the cat’s away the mice will play, is what they say. Well, this Christmas, when the cats were away, us kids ended up having a feast of seafood for dinner. It was One of the most memorable Christmas dinners ever simply because of the unconventionality and freedom. Let’s do it again in 2012, okay? But leave the mushrooms at home.
5. The Baby Conference
Talk about rock and a hard place. I’d rather be caught between the moon and New York City, personally, but sometimes you gotta deal with the hard stuff in life face to face and I think that the best decision was made here and it all worked out for the best. I couldn’t have asked for a better meal than Chicken and Biscuits! Oh, yeah. Judy decided to keep the baby, too.
6. Adventures in Hollywoodland
So, this particular weekend started out simply as a picnic at the Hollywood Bowl to see Hairspray with the Ladies. It ended up being brunch at Bottega Louie’s, exploring Downtown LA on foot, Angel’s Flight, relaxing on Summer and Tom’s bench, a random flock of sheep in the middle of the city, a multicultural food market and, most importantly, this:
Right after, he proposed. No, he didn’t but he should have. Doesn’t Nick Jonas know I’m a catch?
This is one of my favorite pictures of us. Thanks, stranger lady sitting behind us who took this picture!
7. The Long Long Islands
For Cheenee’s birthday this year, we were at some bar that had no name. Literally, there was no sign out front but I’m told it was called The Association. My go to drink is always a Long Island so Vince and I ordered that and the bartender took the longest time making these things. He was very precise and careful. You would’ve guessed he was concocting a serum to cure cancer or something. I was kind of annoyed because the only way bars and clubs are tolerable is if you’re drinking otherwise you’re just standing around in a noisy, crowded room so I needed a drink ASAP. When we finally got them…that was the best Long island I have ever tasted. Everything was well balanced. No one flavor over powered the other. It was like all those alcohols were working in unison to completely satisfy my palette. And it worked. My apologies and thanks to that bartender. He knew what he was doing all along!
8. Cupcake Cabana Commences
We should sell these. We might as well make money off of them instead of eating them ourselves and getting fat. Those were my words. And while we’re not a baking empire and we’ve hit a bit of a snag, we’re doing pretty well for ourselves, I think. I think 2012 will be even more adventurous and prosperous and fun! We’ve come a long way since that first sell. Never again, Black and Whites. You are cupcakeus non grata.
9. The Engagement Party Aftermath
Dunk Vina. A falling mannequin. Puke. Laundry detergent. Cooper the Dog. A small room. Whatever nonsexual image your mind comes up with after reading that combination of words is more than likely what actually happened that night after Karen and Christian’s engagement party. It was hilarious. And will be talked about for many, many years to come.
10. Chewbacca Returns
Chewbacca does a door scratching thing quite often that is an indicator to us that he wants to be let outside when he has a normal working doggie door that is unobstructed and available to him any time of day. It’s kind of annoying. Early one morning, around 2 AMish, I was woken up by a loud scratching. It was Chewbacca. I went back to sleep figuring that eventually he’d tire and wisen up and use the doggie door. About an hour later, I can still hear the scratching so I go out to see if he’s okay. I go out to the garage and he’s not there (I know this is starting to sound like a horror movie but bear with me)! I go out to the backyard and call for him and he’s not there either! The side door is open! I can still hear the scratching! I go to the front door and open it and there he is, sitting, waiting to be let in, shivering in the night air. I felt so bad for him and I gave him the biggest hug I’ve ever given him. I promise never to let that happen again. But it’s nice to know that, if for some reason it does happen again, he will always come home. I love him and his ugly face.
Thank you, everyone and everything that made 2011 memorable and better and interesting and fun and exciting. What’s on for 2012? Who knows? I’m always open for anything. What I do want is a lot of fun and frivolity. I feel like that’s been lacking lately. And memories to look back on fondly. Strengthened relationships with family and friends and new relationships with new family and new friends. Love or perhaps even a very strong like. Good health and wealth. Happiness. Someone great said to me once, You have to take the steps that will lead you to become the person you want to be. A simple sentiment. And obvious, now that I think about it. But very smart. How many of us actually do that? In addition to all the fun and frivolity, I want to do this. I have to do this. So this will be my mantra in 2012.
Take the steps that will lead you to become the person you want to be.
All that being said, so long 2011! Welcome 2012! Let’s make it special, shall we?