2010

So hey. I wrote TWO really long and pretty good blog posts on the flight home from my recently trip to London, but they both were spontaneously deleted by my iPad for some reason. That was cool. And annoying. Ah well, I'm sure that in retrospect they would have been ridden with sadness and confusion and not really worth posting. Instead, I have decided to return to the bloggerverse by talking about my favourite and most memorable moments of 2010. However, it was quite difficult to think of too many specific things, so I don't think this list will be too extensive. Whatever, I guess I'll only remember the things that really matter, let's do this.
1) New York for the last time with my play production class. Three out of the five times I have been to New York City, one of my favourite cities, I have gone with my play production class. Seeing multiple plays a day, searching for time to eat and freezing in the bitter February cold. This year was the last time I will ever get to do that. It was full of drama and it wasn't the greatest at the time, but I'm happy to have had all of the experiences that those trips brought me.
2) Graduation. I have very few fond memories of high school, so let's just say that graduation was long awaited and so wonderful. Though I do occasionally miss my theatre group.
3) VidCon. VidCon was really freaking cool. It was a hotel full of awesome. I got to spent time with amazing people and made tons of friends. Also finally reconnected with others. All in all, a very memorable weekend.
4) London. This was something I could have never foreseen, but something that I am very, very grateful for. It was an incredible week that I will never forget. Also, finally meeting my twin Lex in real life which is quite notable.
5) Starting university and moving out of my house. A major alteration in my life. One I wish that I could say I was more thrilled about. My situation leaves a lot to be desired and I have a lot to figure out, but it was definitely a major event in my life this year.
6) Returning to London and also visiting Scotland. The UK at Christmastime is an absolute dream. I should know, it was mine for a very long time. I learn more about myself when I am away from home and especially in new places. Escapism is not something I encourage, but there is little I love more than losing myself in a new experience. Completely ignoring everything that is plaguing my mind and just having fun. I spent a lot of this trip doing those things. Edinburgh was absolutely brilliant. I have waited ages to go to where Harry Potter was originally written and having that opportunity was insane. Oh, and staying with Charlie and Alex a second time was also really fantastic. I love those two. xxx

Other things that happened this year that I loved but are not specific in their timing are being able to talk to one of my dearest friends, Rosianna, much more now that she lives in the US for a year. Saw loads of wonderful new films, saw Conan live, as well as Tim Minchin, got into some really cool television programs. And overall this year, more than ever before, I'd say I learned a lot about myself and who I want to be. 2011? Let's see what you have to offer.

Thankz Bro

This is a real blog post because tumblr has been down for nearly 24 hours now and I'm seriously going through withdrawl. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Anyway, I should write for long because I have two final exams tomorrow and my strange levels of apathy regarding them are a bit troubling. It's not that I feel prepared, either, I just have a strong sense of disregard for the end of the school term. Happens every time, unfortunately.
Mostly I just wanted to take a quick minute to thank you all. The feedback on my last post, as well as all of the heartfelt emails I have received regarding it and the end of fiveawesomegirls have been overwhelming. I am an honest person on the internet, but I like to keep personal things personal. I have much more of a filter than most people, so being so blatantly honest and vulnerable, especially about my friend who I lost, was really hard. I was really nervous about posting it, but I am a Gryffindor and I wanted to say it, so I did.
As I mentioned in the letter to Esther, some days, I find the internet absolutely intolerable. Those days when I check my YouTube inbox and all I see are rude comments and people talking about my hair*. I was talking to my friend Rosianna the other day about how they are no longer just trolls, either. I get a rude comment, check out their channel and they are nerdfighters. Subscribed to John/Hank, Kristina, et cetera. It's not really that the comments upset me, it's just that when I've had a shitty day and I spend time on a video, coming back to a pile of insults is just highly unpleasant. The popularity of YouTube is making it so hard to feel connected to a genuine people anymore. Just people telling me to take my shirt off or how awesome my necklace is. When those type of comments outnumber the actual responses to my video, that's when I get annoyed.
But then there are weeks like last week where I have love pouring out for me and my channel and my friends...it's incredible. I have no idea what I have done to deserve it, other than a project that we intended to do no matter the number of viewers. I stand by the fact that my videos are not for the benefit of others (except the other girls on 5AG), but myself. However, having such a solid, awesome group of people is not something that can be ignored. So thank you. All of you. Blogger, however a great blog it may be, does nothing to contribute communication with you. I am reading all of your comments, know that, but I don't really have a way to respond. I'm also very behind in responding to emails, so if you have sent me one of those lovely and thoughtful emails, I will get back to you sometime between final exams and going abroad. That being said, email (kayleyhyde@gmail.com) is probably the best way to get in contact with me. Email or YouTube messages. Tumblr (RIP), Dailybooth and, as previously mentioned, blogger are fantastic websites that unfortunately lack a proper way to correspond. At least one that doesn't bother me (I'm looking at you Tumblr messaging system).
Got a little sidetracked there, but this should come to an end, anyway. Thanks again for being lovely people. I'll try to write a couple of film reviews for things I've seen recently and hopefully a blog and a video before leaving. Until then, my dear readers, hope you're keeping you're cool in the midst of exams and I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season. xxx

*Honestly, I'd prefer insults to fifty comments about how long my hair looks or that they like my necklace. It's like if you painted a picture, brought it in to show people and they just talk about the tshirt you're wearing. I spent time making something; I didn't grow my hair for the occasion.