Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

I've heard so many people say 'wow, this year's gone by so quickly'. 

But for me, 2012 has felt like the longest year ever. The never ending year that went on and on with increasing levels of work and deadlines to meet. It's had it's fair share of highs and lows, moments I would like to forget and ones that I will remember for the rest of my life. Cliched as it may sound, the London 2012 Olympics was one of the most exciting times I've ever lived through. I feel so lucky that I saw it all happen in my local area and made the most of it by experiencing as much as I could; from the arts and entertainment of the London 2012 Festival to witnessing Olympic history: being there for the 1st ever women's boxing match.

I don't have any expectations of 2013 and no 'resolution' has captured my mind (yet?).  
I'm starting the year, with an open mind, open to ideas, opportunities, new friends, unexpected experiences, visiting different places. Perhaps I'll fulfill one of my ambitions. Perhaps I won't. Fingers crossed I'll achieve more than one.

Happy New Year x


These images were taken at The Southbank Centre over the summer at an installation called Rainbow Park by Polish sculptor Adam Kalonowski and appeared as part of their Festival of the World season.

Extracts from my diary 1: 26th December 1992 (aged 12)

So I’ve decided to publish extracts from my diaries. I started keeping a dairy at the age of 7 but it became more regular between the ages of 11 to 21 when I wrote most days. Then I took a break and started keeping one again a couple of years ago. When I first began I thought I would die if anyone ever read them and I wasn’t sure if I would ever be ready to share them publicly, but lately I’ve been feeling a bit sad that this person I once was, is now hidden away and forgotten about inside various notebooks. I’m not going to publish them completely, just random passages. I’m also not yet sure if I’ll explain or contextualise them by saying who I’m talking about, I’ll have to see what happens. Not naming any names either. It's not fair on them So for now:

Extract 1: 26^th December 1992 (aged 12)

Quarter to 12

I hate the whole world. I hate my life. I hate my school. I hate my family. I hate my teachers. I hate the stupid girls in my class. I hate myself.

3’o’clock pm

Stuff what I said earlier on today…I just attempted to cut my fringe. It turned out such a disaster. It’s all different lengths. So I have to wear a stupid Alice Band in my hair now. G went mad when I told her. She was shouting at me for ages. I just stood there crying. I think that’s about it for now. Bye.