Overcome Bullying

As many of you know, bullying is a very big problem in our world today. It goes from emotional bullying to verbal bullying and eventually physical bullying, as well as people who have got disabilities. Today however, now that everyone uses the Internet, it has come to a stage where people even cyberbully another person or a group of people. It is so sad that bullying is so violent and physical that it can lead to suicide for some people, especially children. I have done some research and have found out children who are in elementary school get bullied the most, basically bullying occurs as children are growing up.

Bullies have an aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power and strength and it is typically repeated over and over again. Many people who are being bullied don’t tell their teacher’s or parents about them being bullied because usually, the bully threatens them not to tell or that bully will beat them up etc. Bullies will even bring up an event that you were embarrassed about, just to shame you. I am going to tell you how I was bullied since elementary school until I matriculated. During my school years, I have been used, ordered around, name called, blamed at, blocked out of groups, judged and I have been threatened.

An illustration of someone being name called

Over the years I have been at school, I have been bullied, more verbal than any physical bullying. It all started when I was moved to another school. It was my second year at this school. I was name called several times and it was very hurtful to me. I ignored the name calling as it didn't go on for too long. As the years progressed in my junior school years, when I was around my “friends”, they ran away from me and didn't want me in their group of friends. I was even being isolated from groups. I remember one day I just bought a packet of sweets to school and these two girls just kept on asking for more of these sweets, and were suddenly nice to me. I knew something wasn't right, but I brushed it off and carried on giving out the sweets. One day, it was during the time my grade had physical education, which we played soccer. It was really fun, our coach even joined in and helped my team and at the end my team won. My team and I were happily speaking to each other…but…all of  a sudden…a girl from the other team came up to us and said “Just to let you girls know, she cannot be trusted” and was pointing directly as me. The girl walked away and we were all confused as to why this girl would say something like that. A couple of girls and I walked to a staircase and were talking, when suddenly the other team of girls walked up to us and said that I cannot be trusted, I am a liar and I am a backstabber.  I turned around and walked away,but in the process I was being teased and picked on. After this day, not much happened. Now we go back to my high school years…

To start off with in my high school years would be in the very 1^st term in high school, we were allowed to select a class captain. I was the one chosen to be class captain and I was very happy because I thought my class respected me…but, it wasn't because they respected me. The consequences of being a class captain is if the class captain couldn't control the class and didn't assign to their duty, they would get afternoon detention. Little did I know my class only chose me so they can get me into trouble, this I only found out towards the end of my first year at high school.

This must have been one of the top 3 most hurtful bullying incidents I have ever come across. I can still even picture this scene in my mind. I was in math class, happily doing my work, until the teacher walked out to go somewhere…Right at the corner of my eye, I saw one boy standing there. I was suspicious, but let it brush off. Suddenly, the boy took my head and put it between his legs (No nudity here, we were all in school clothes) and everybody ended up laughing at me. I was crying inside because it was even being recorded by the boy’s phone. He asked how I spell my name and the girl told him how my name is spelt and I told them to please not tell my name, but they ignored me. When the teacher came in, I didn't say a word to her as I was afraid of losing any “friends” I had. I was humiliated as the other classes in my grade found out and laughed at me. I was walking home, crying to myself until I eventually was at home. When I entered my house, my mother knew immediately that something was wrong and I told her everything that happened at school and she was very upset, so she phoned my school the very next day.

The next day came, it was nearly break when the principal and vice principal came to my class and searched us to see if we had our phones on us. The vice principal found 2 – 3 phones amongst us, one of which were one of the girls. When break was over, word got around and there were stories saying I told on or something like that and I said my mother phoned the school. No one spoke to me…until I wrote a letter for my mother stating how I felt and what everyone was treating me like. One of the girls came up to me and told me not to worry what other girls are saying and was been incredibly kind to me. I then tore up the letter and told the girl I threw my torn up letter in the bin. She immediately walked up to the other girls and told them I threw the letter away, and I knew instantly the girl was just faking everything. What was very shocking is what came afterwards…the girls actually took the bin and pulled out every single piece from the letter I tore up, taped the pieces of paper together and they read the letter aloud and started to tease me. There was a teacher in the class, but he did not do anything about it. At the end of the day, the entire high school went to the school hall for an end of the day assembly. I was the first person in my class to sit in our class row, but no one in my class wanted to sit next to me. Eventually they had to move down the row as we needed to fill up all the chairs. Two teachers’ called me aside, asking why I don’t look happy and why no one was wanting to sit next to me. I told them everything that had happened in the past two days and one teacher told me not to worry about it and that it will all be resolved the next day.

Friday came and on this day however, during the morning time, my mother told me to ignore the girls and to continue my school day. I did just that, I walked past the girls, they asked me why I am a “tittle-tailor” and haven’t my parents taught me manners to answer a question when someone asks me. I ignored them. It was 1^st period and I was told to go to my grade head and tell her what had happened. As I walked back to my classroom, I could hear arguing. I opened the door and saw the girls give a look of disgust, but one teacher quickly rushed out and told me to wait in the library as she wouldn't want me to be in the classroom at this point in time. When I could go back to my classroom, my entire class was quiet and did not say a word. Break time came and most of the girls apologized for how they have been treating me, but the only problem with their apology is some of them didn't mean it; some were smiling when they apologized. I was still being teased about this event as the people in my class never let go of what happened to me and they brought it up in every slightest chance they had just to shame me.

Two illustrations of one being verbal abuse and another showing to stop bullying

These girls really bullied me, and it may have not been physical, but it was definitely verbal. I was being bullied so much in my class that I ended up moving classes the very next year. When I moved to another class, my own class cheered for joy and were very happy I was leaving the class. I heard them whistling and screaming “YAY!” at the top of their lungs. This really hurt me, to think they only used me to copy my homework and I meant nothing to them. When I was moved to the other class, my friend from kindergarten came to my school and was in the same class as me. Sure she came, but I was being name called again. I can remember these two girls who would ask for money from people and promise to give it back, but never did. They even took people’s food and would threaten them. One morning, the one girl put her fingers on my lips and made my lips look like fish lips. (Since elementary school, I have been teased about my lips.)I gently pulled the girl’s arm away as I did not like what she was doing and she immediately turned around, punched me extremely hard on my arm and threatened me. This girl was actually kind to people, but became very rude when she was around her friends.

As my high school years progressed, not much bullying really happened as I started to stay in the library most of the time to either study or read. I was still chosen last in every sport activity I was in. Whenever I was wide open to score a goal and asked if I could get the ball past on to me, no one ever listened and even though I was on their team, I was always ignored. When we had to do group work for any class activity, no one picked me to be in their group, so I ended up working by myself.

In the year 2010, our school was moving to another area, which was quite exciting, but I still missed my old school building. I remember when we moved to the new school building, I did not speak to anyone. The truth is, I didn't speak because I have been verbally bullied so much and I thought if I didn't say anything, then nothing would happen to me. My excuse to everyone was that I was in a new environment and I was still trying to get used to it. When I arrived on the first day I went to my new school building, I was quiet; no words came out of my mouth. To my surprise, the people in my grade actually asked if I was alright and I never spoke to anyone. I didn't answer any of them; I just looked at them and nodded or shook my head to answer their questions. I couldn't believe they actually cared!

About 3 months after we settled in our new school building, I started to talk again to people as some teachers were concerned about me.

During the 3^rd term, since there were not enough learners in the grade higher than me to become Prefects, my grade was also chosen to apply. I applied and really wanted to be a Prefect, I was coached by a current Prefect. A couple of people were chosen to be a Prefect, but we all first went on a trial so learners could choose which learners they wanted as a Prefect. It was really nice and I was enjoying being on trial, but the one grade higher than me who also applied to be a Prefect was being nasty to me. In one assembly, one girl in my grade was talking; I turned around and said something to her and the trial Prefect told me to be quiet, but never told the other girl to be quiet. They actually ended up having a full-on conversation instead.

One day, I wasn't on duty and sat with my grade. The Prefects on trial told me I wasn't wearing the correct color clip and I need to watch my attitude towards them. These words were coming from one girl who was wearing heavy foundation and visible eye liner, while the other girl had the wrong color hair piece in her hair and the other girl threatening me. They still wanted to correct me for my appearance before they looked at themselves first. The next day I reported this to the teacher who was in charge of all the trial Prefects as well as the current Prefects, and he laughed it off and told me not to worry about girls who are corrected me for my appearance.

An illustration showing a girl being verbally bullied

In the year 2011, there was only one big incident I can remember that left me in tears. One Friday, my grade was meant to help out with some soccer match, but I couldn't stay, so a couple of girls did. Monday came, only to find out the two groups of girls in my grade were angry with each other. Curiously, I asked what the issue was. The one group said the other group weren't listening to them and were rude on the previous Friday. It was between about 3 – 4 girls who attended on Friday, so the rest got involved.  I made a huge mistake as I got myself involved and became the “in-betweener” and told each group what the one was saying to the other group. This fighting between the two groups went on for a full week, but on the Thursday, I sat in my Design class as I wanted to get my work done. The one group that was sitting with me in my Design class were complaining about the other group. I told both groups to please stop fighting, but none of them listened to me. Later this day, both groups found out I was telling each group what the one was saying about the other. At the end of the day, two girls literally ran up to me and started to threaten me and left me in tears. The one group of girls told me it’ll be ok and they aren't angry with me. Even though I was guilty for telling each group what they were saying about each other, the one group was able to forgive me. Friday came and all the girls in my grade were called to a meeting with our grade head. It left 5 girls crying, one girl who wasn't involved in this situation and me saying on Thursday I got a text that said the one group is happy I am not their friend anymore and I am worthless to them. This girl who got herself involved called me a person who wants all the attention. This girl in fact, was an attention seeker herself by spreading rumors about herself that could not possibly be true. It was strange no one was upset with her, only with me.

In the year 2012, my final year in school, there may have been not much of me being bullied, but there was a presentation about bullying. The now Prefects who were in my grade spoke about bullying and why it’s not right to bully. This speech/presentation was coming from girls who were bullies themselves. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing, it made me upset that hypocrites are speaking about bullying. When I heard the Prefects will be speaking about bullying, I asked my grade head if I could speak about bullying from experience, but she declined and said Prefects have to speak. This made me even more upset as the presentation needed people to speak from experience.

As my last year in school went on, no one in my grade were really bullying me anymore, I think they actually grew up, realizing what they had done and just became more matured.

An illustration showing what type of bullies there are

This is how I was bullied and I would like to encourage people to stop bullying because it is not necessary to be rude and cruel to other people who have done absolutely nothing towards you. I also want to encourage people to overcome being bullied. You just have to stand up for yourself and be strong. I know this is weird, but when I was listening to my own music, it helped me and made me happier when I was at school with people who bullied me. I had and still do have the best parent in the whole wide world who would listen to all my 12 years of being bullied, my mother.

It is very sad to go to school and know your lunch or money will be taken away by someone threatening or physically bullying you. I have even considered committing suicide at some stage in my school life because I couldn't handle being bullied, but I found talking to a psychologist and also speaking to my only parent and step parent who listened to me was much better than ending my life for a bunch of bullies. I know you have heard and seen so many school presentations or any presentations concerning bullying, but do you think the bullies listen to these presentations? They will keep on bullying people until YOU show the bullies how strong and positive you are. Show them you don’t care what they do to you or say to you, because you have a more positive outlook in life. Don’t ever give into peer pressure or do things you don’t want to get involved in. Think about positive thoughts and stay strong! YOU are what YOU believe YOU are!

I thank you all for taking the time to read my blog,
It is much appreciated!

Fiestagram Exhibition

I received an email a week before to RSVP my spot to join the Fiestagram launch for the new Ford Fiesta. There were a lot of smartly dressed, young adults who attended this exhibition.

On the night of the exhibition, I went with my Uncle. The venue was at the Woodstock Exchange, the same location as the meeting with all the 8 contestants, only this time there was more to this exhibition. There were also coffee and beverage stands as well as a food stand where we received a lovely dinner later on in the night.

At the Fiestagram Exhibition.

When I arrived with my Uncle, we walked around and got something to drink in the meantime and then we sat down at a table. As a lot more people were arriving, I saw Tamara Dey who was one of the three judges for the Fiestagram competition and is also lead singer of the very successful band Flash Republic. I was lucky enough to have a photo taken with her and I also got to speak to her. Tamara is a really kind lady, she is super nice and really has an incredible voice. Unfortunately on this night, Tamara couldn't really speak to anyone as she had an operation on her throat. (I hope her throat feels better very soon as she has such a great voice!).

Tamara Dey and I.

As the night went on, everyone received 3 tiny pastry foods, which tasted really good. After that, a man welcomed everyone to the Fiestagram exhibition. He firstly told us about the 3 phrases the contestants had to go through:
1st phase: To enter the Fiestagram and then Ford's judges chose the 8 contestants. Each image was focused on a different feature of the vehicle.
2nd phase: The contestants all had a chance to make eCards of the images they took of the new Ford Fiesta.
3rd phase: This is when I saw and met the 8 contestants that came to the meeting and after that, they all went on the "Instawalk".This is when the 8 contestants spent 24 hours driving in the new Ford Fiesta and used 24 themed hashtags on Twitter for this phase.

After this speech about the 3 phases, another name by the name if Gavin who is the Ford marketing manager, came up and spoke about the 8 contestants and showed the videos the contestants uploaded for the Fiestagram competition. For each contestant, there was a hashtag with their entry that appeared on the TV screen. Here was the list of all the winners with the hashtags:
Leigh - #Style
Jono - #Sound
Vicky - #Handsfree
Arthur - Sanctuary
Lee-Ann - #Strating
TN Tobeko - #clean
Reginald Alain - eCard winner.

To keep the anticipation going of who the official winner was for the new Ford Fiesta, we all firstly looked at the photo gallery of all the Instagram photos the 8 contestants took in phase 3.

Some pictures from the photo gallery.

Taken from the middle of the photo gallery room.

Taken from the middle of the photo gallery room.

After checking out the photo gallery, we all received plates to dish up our food. You received 3 types of salad and you also had a choice to choose between 3 meaty meals to go with your salads. Your choices were: Lasagna, a burger or a vegetarian lasagna - which was quite healthy. The Ford company really know how to look after the people at their events.

The food that was served and a cup of coffee that tasted delicious!

There was also a lot of laughter and the people who announced the 8 contestants were really hysterical, they made everyone laugh. After all the laughs and anticipation, the winner of the brand new Ford Fiesta was announced...and the winner was Reginald Alain! Everyone congratulated him, all smiles and claps, he couldn't believe himself that he won.

Reginald, the winner, in the middle of the 3 people.

Reginald with his winning picture.

Here are some details about the new Ford Fiesta: It has beautiful lines; It has a sensational look; The lights look similar to alien eyes, which I found very intriguing; The car also looked alive and ready to go!

The brand new Ford Fiesta.

Overall it was a lovely evening, I had  a great time and so did my Uncle. The atmosphere everyone had was positive and alive, as well as some hysterical moments. We were all very happy for Reginald Alain, who is now officially a proud owner of the new Ford Fiesta, he was very happy when he won this incredible car. I am sure everyone else had a great time to! More importantly, I thank you Ford for this great opportunity and Ford really knew how to look after their guests...thank you Ford!
To find out more about the new Ford Fiesta, you can check out their Facebook and Twitter pages:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FordSouthAfrica?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FordSouthAfrica (@FordSouthAfrica)


Thanks to everyone who read my blog,
I really appreciate it!
Until next time!

Fiestagram

The new Ford Fiesta

Earlier this past week, I attended a meeting that had to do with a launch of the new Ford Fiesta.

The meeting was held in The Woodstock Exchange in Woodstock, Cape Town. This meeting was basically giving an overview of what the whole competition is all about. It was a lovely location where we all met. We had a breakfast buffet, which had tasty croissants and delicious health breakfast that consisted of muesli and yogurt topped with berries. Everyone that attended the meeting were very kind and introduced themselves to all the new people. There were more young adults at the meeting and all had cellphones with Instagram on it.

At the breakfast. We were served with delicious croissants and health breakfast.

The competition that is being held is called "Fiestagram". It is a competition that is a pre-launch for the new Ford Fiesta that is about to be launched. In the competition, there are 8 contestants that are chosen to compete against each other, one contestant that will be chosen will drive away in the new Ford Fiesta. I was told that the "Instawalk" after the meeting was phase 3 of the competition.

The contestants talking at the breakfast

The contestants had 24 hours to travel around in the new Ford Fiesta in order to get the "feel" of being in the car 24 hours (In the morning time, afternoon and night time, hence 24 hours). There were also 24 themes that had to do with the car that the contestants had to take pictures of. These pictures that were taken were uploaded on Instagram and Twitter and there was hashtags the contestants used on Twitter. An example would be "#Eco" which would show that the new Ford Fiesta is Eco-friendly, it has more power than a 1600 would and it has got great fuel consumption as well.

Everyone talking to each other, taking pictures for Instagram etc.

After everyone gathered for the meeting and ate breakfast, they then went on a "Instawalk" in the new Ford Fiesta and traveled around Cape Town.

The official launch and the winner of the new Ford Fiesta will be held on 20 February at The Woodstock Exchange. Before the official launch, the judges will first decide the winner with he best picture and then the brand manager, Tracey, will then reveal on this day the winner for the new Ford Fiesta.

At the meeting, I had the privilege to interview two members who are involved with the "Fiestagram" competition.
My first interview was with Ensly Dooms who deals with the social media for Ford.
Here are the questions and answers:
Question: What is the sequence for the Fiestagram competition?
Answer: For everyone into the new Ford Fiesta and travel to Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenburg and Long street.
Q: Why do the contestants have 24 hours with the new Ford Fiesta?
A: There are different challenges for 24 hours. There are 24 themes and therefore, there must be 24 pictures for the competition and it is also to get the 24 hour lifestyle of the new Ford Fiesta.
Q: What will appeal to you the most about the pictures that are being taken by the contestants?
A: It must be visually appealing. What will the best capture of these 24 themes be and what is the best picture captured of the new Ford Fiesta.
Q: What date is the exhibition where you announce the winners?
A: 20 February 2013 at the Woodstock Exchange. All the pictures are taken as from 2 weeks before the exhibition. Judges decide who the winners are. The brand manager, Tracey Delate, will reveal who the winner is.
Q: Who is your target market for the new Ford Fiesta?
A: The youth. Somebody who is fun and who like super fast cars.

My second interview was with the brand manager, Tracey Delate:
Q: What will appeal to you the most about the pictures that are being taken by the contestants?
A: Must be visually appealing. The judges judge on numerous catagories. An example will be "#Kinectic" which will be the design of the car.
Q: Who is your target market for the new Ford Fiesta?
A: 25 years old and above. Somebody who is ambitious and driven.
Q: When did the Fiestagram start?
A: It started on the Ford South Africa Facebook page in October 2012.
Q: Where can you view all the pictures the contestants took for the 24 themes?
A: There will be a full gallery of the images of the Fiestagram at  the launch on 20 February 2013.

You can find out more about the Fiestagram on Ford's Facebook and Twitter page:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FordSouthAfrica?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FordSouthAfrica (@FordSouthAfrica)
The hashtag to find all the pictures that were taken of the new Ford Fiesta is: #fiestagram24
Ford was one of the first brands to use Instagram in South Africa.

Thank you to everyone who read this blog,
It is much appreciated,
Thank you!

Year 2012

WOW! Where has 2012 gone??
First of all, everyone started off with so many New Year's resolutions, meeting new people, getting married, loving new music and also buying new video games...so many events have happened this year and I must say this has been the year for me. I have finished school this year, and now I am ready for the real world out there. I know it isn't going to be the same as when I once was at school, it is going to be totally different to what school was. The life after school will be difficult and a lot more challenging!

Here are a few highlights, I can remember, that has happened during the course of 2012:

The 2012 Olympics game that took place in London which was so exciting to watch everyday after I returned from school.
Amy Lee from Evanescence winning Best Vocalist at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards. I was so happy when I saw Amy win this award, she really deserves it! She puts her heart and soul into her music and lyrics. She never ever fails to keep her fans staying faithful towards her. I praise Amy Lee for her refusal to emulate other celebrities by using sex appeal in her music or music videos.
Rascals sweets - The mischief maker's are back and full of more mischief than ever!
The Oppokoppi Festival which took place in the Limpopo.
KDay 2012 - This was my very first time attending KDay and oh my...was it just too fantastic! Outstanding artists with amazing music plus awesome radio presenters equals a perfect day out! I was even interviewed at KDay, which made it even more exciting!
Cornetto Love is in the Air festival - This was the very first time Cornetto had this festival in South Africa and all around was full of love, joy, happiness and just an absolutely terrific day out as well! I must say that KDay and the Cornetto festival was the best shows I have been to this year!
The Heineken Symphonic Rocks festival - My first time attending this show and it was out of this world! Every single one of the artist's that performed were seriously outstanding and the music was just so soothing!

Felix Baumgartner who bungee jumped from the moon to earth, which I found very brave and that must have taken a lot of guts!

One Direction - The recently biggest UK boy band who have won numerous awards already this year, and have recently won 3 awards at the MTV VMA's, in which they also performed their hit song "One Thing". 

The Twilight Saga has officially come to end with the latest release of Breaking Dawn part 2 (it really was the epic finale!).

Psy – Gangnam style has hit over 1 billion views on YouTube. (Here is the YouTube link to check out Psy - Gangnam Stayle music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0 )

The tragedy of Whitney Houston who passed away (August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012) this year. She will always and forever be remembered in our hearts!

Lady Gaga performed for the very first time in South Africa where all her 'monsters' were waiting for her by the airport and welcoming her to South Africa.

50 Shades of Grey - Wherever I go, I always see people either talking about this book or reading the book. I haven't read the book, but a lot of people really like this series.

ChianoSky, a South African musician who has released her debut album in July this year, it is a definite must have! She also had her debut album launch which I attended with my friend and it was a huge success with so many fans, including me, supporting ChianoSky until the end! I will always be her biggest fan!

The world ending on 21 December 2012 - Yep, many people were worried the world was going to end, but let me tell you what a very lovely person told me, and I quote: "If the world was going to end on the 21st, then we wouldn't even know because it would happen so fast.".

There were quite a few new movies that were released this year. Here are some of the most popular movies released this year: The Hobbit: An unexpected journey; Pitch perfect; The Dark night rises; Dredd; Jack Reacher; Looper; Skyfall; The perks of being  a wallflower; Total Recall; Breaking Dawn; Part 2; Rise of the Guardians; Ted; The Hunger Games; The Avengers; The Bourne Legacy; Frankenweenie; The amazing spider-man; Wreck-it Ralph; Taken 2; Magic Mike; Brave; Men in Black 3; 21 Jump Street; Ice Age: Continental Drift; Dark Shadows; John Carter; Rock of Ages; Hotel Transylvania; L.O.L; Battleship; This means war; What to expect when you're expecting; Madagascar 3: Europe's most wanted; Journey 2: Mysterious Island; Wrath of the Titans; The Lorax; Funsize; Mirror Mirror; Snow White and the Huntsman; So Undercover; The Pirates! Band of Misfits; Big Miracle; Zambezia and the list goes on and on. These are just the few I have seen throughout this year. Some of these movies were action packed, some were emotional, funny and even adventurous.

Some of the movies that were released in 2012.

There were also quite a few new albums released this year by many talented music artists. Here are a few that are the most popular and the few I can remember: Epica - Requiem for the Indifferent; Halestorm - In the Strange case of...; Freshlyground - Take me to the dance; Frank Ocean - Channel Orange; The Wanted (EP); FUN - Some Nights; ChianoSky - Hungry; Carly Rae Jepsen - Curiosity (Extended play) and her studio album Kiss; Owl City - The Midsummer Station; Die Antwoord - Ten$Ion; Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded; Cody Simpson - Paradise; Lacuna Coil - Dark Adrenaline; Linkin Park - Living things; Taylor Swift - Red; Flyleaf - New Horizons; All Time Low - Don't Panic; One Direction - Take Me Home and the list of album releases go on and on. These are most of the artists I listen to, they have got some great music and I love the fact that most of these artists write their own music, I love that about music artists. I can say that even though Evanescence didn't release an album this year, Evanescence did release their new music video "My Heart is Broken" earlier this year in January. I really like the visual effects in the music video and the story line, Evanescence never fail to keep their fans happy (Here is the YouTube link to their music video "My Heart is Broken": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1QGnq9jUU0 ). This was the year I started listening to Halestorm and let me tell you, if you love heavy metal music plus a woman screaming (yes, it's awesome!) then this band is perfect for you! (Here is their first single off their second album "Love Bites (So do I)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmkHqUwa4zg ) I did start listening to Epica's new album, but I only knew about 6 of their new songs throughout this year. Recently though, I listened to their entire album again and now I love every single one of their songs off their latest album. If you love symphonic rock, then this band is just for you! (Here is the Youtube link to their first single off their fifth album "Storm the Sorrow": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNoTvg0t52c ) If I can say something about The Wanted, I can say that their one single "Chasing the sun" has been played about 20 times in a whole week on the radio at the beginning of July this year, then the song was also played in the movie "Ice Age: Continental Drift". Everyone in the cinema were dancing in their seats to "Chasing the sun" (Here is the YouTube link to their song "Chasing the sun": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFS5N_yAGTo ). There was also a music video released this year by the SoapGirls called "Hurricane". It is a great video to watch, The SoapGirls have stated that this music video shows who they are and what they are trying to get across to their fans (Here is the YouTube link to their music video "Hurricane": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya4HmI_w3x4 ). Lastly, I would like to say that One Direction also released their second album this year, which they also released their debut album, "Up all night", last year. Their music isn't bad I must say, it's very energetic and makes you want to jump up and just start dancing. Some of their songs are a bit more mellow and quite relaxing as well. Just imagine, five boys who didn't know each at all, are put together as a group plus their absolutely amazing fans who will always and forever support them 'til the end. I just cannot believe that last year when One Direction released their debut album and their second single "One Thing", all I heard from my family was did I know that Liam Payne and I share the same birth date, month and year. That was quite shocking for me at first, now everyone I know tells me the same story over and over again. Anyway, carrying on with One Direction, if you like pop music and very energizing music, then One Direction's second album is definitely for you!(Here is the YouTube link to their first single off their second album "Live while we're young": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbPED9bisSc ).

Some of the albums that were released in 2012.

On a more personal note:

I have to say 2012 has been a huge year for me. I took a lot more steps in reaching my goal, which is to become an actress.
I have been featured in more magazines this year. Here are the names of the magazines:
I may have been featured in mostly every Seventeen magazine South Africa edition as one of the current Urban Scouts.
I have been in the "Heatarazzi" section quite a few times that I ended up winning a pair of Pierre Cardin sunglasses. I have also been featured in the Heat magazine to comment on who was the best dressed in a week's issue of Heat magazine.
My blogs have also been featured in the "Into the Sunset" online magazine a few times.
One of my comments I've written on Teenzone's Facebook wall has also been featured in the July 2012 issue.

This year, I started to be featured on TV shows and this was yet another big step for me:
This year was the very first time I have been featured on the Hectic Nine 9 show twice. The first time was when we discussed "Talents vs. Wannabe's" where in the rehearsal I spoke, but when we were shooting live, I didn't say anything. The second time I was on Hectic Nine 9 was when we were discussing about Harry Potter the movie and book series. This time, I spoke at the rehearsal and when we were shooting on live TV. (Here is a 3 minute and 42 second clip to one of the Hectic Nine 9 interviews: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsC8rVq4JUM ). I have also been on the Expresso Show with my grandmother. We were talking about Nikki's homemade baked goodies, such as cake, cupcakes and fudge. It was a lot of fun on this day, so much laughter and such nice people. Every time I watch the clip with my grandmother and I, I still crack out laughing!

This year was also the very first time I have ever in my life been in a music video. I was an extra in the Parlotones music video "Save your best bits". I couldn't believe my eyes when I received an email stating that I can be in their brand new music video, this was a huge step toward reaching my goal. This was literally the best day of my life!!
I have also met so many celebrities this past year and I appreciated meeting every single one of them. They are all such kind people and are also a lot of fun. Keri Miller even came to my school to have a chat with my class, it was so lovely and super funny! It is also very nice when celebrities remember you...with that I mean I am not a celebrity stalker or scream and cry whenever I see a celebrity, I am myself around them and I show respect towards celebrities.

Top left: Two pictures of me on Hectic Nine 9
Top right: Three pictures of me in the Parlotone's music video "Save your best bits"
Bottom left: My grandmother and I on the Expresso show
Bottom right: Me at KDay

There are just so many other events, concerts, launches, festivals etc. that has happened throughout this entire year of 2012, it will feel as if I will be writing a book about the year 2012. Everything I have mentioned are just the highlights I've focused more on during this year and the events I have attended.
I have matriculated this year and I know 2013 will be a big step for me as I need to go look for a job for now, but still take steps to reach my main goal in life. I have enjoyed my time with all of my friend throughout my life in my school career, they have all always been there for me and have taught me so many things in life. Yes, we have been through all of our good and bad times, but the positive moments will always remain in our memories. Thank you my matric class of 2012!

Overall, I have had an absolutely amazing year full of new adventurous and new experiences. I hope everyone else has also had an eventful year full of happy, sad, exciting, ecstatic and wonderful moments.
I sincerely hope that 2013 will be an exciting and adventurous year for you all!
I hope everyone has had a joyful year of 2012!
I wish you all to have an adventurous, eventful and exciting New Year of 2013!!

Superga editions launch in Cape Town

The Superga editions launch in Cape Town was launched on the 3rd of November 2012 at Canal Walk. The two artists who launched their Superga shoes were Locnville (Andrew and Brian Chaplin) and Freshleyground (Zolani Mahola, Kyla-Rose Smith, Julio Sigauque, Josh Hawks, Shaggy Sheepers, Simon Attwell and Peter Cohen). Both artists were at Canal Walk from 4pm - 6pm at Edgars and at the Superga store (4pm - 5pm at Edgars and 5pm - 6pm at Superga store). Here are what the Superga shoes look like:

Locnville Superga Edition Shoes

Freshlyground Superga Edition shoes

This day started out when I arrived at Canal Walk, meeting up with my friend, Erin. When I saw her arrive at Edgars, I could see her eyes were gleaming with excitement as this is the first time Erin would be meeting Locnville and also it will be our first time meeting Freshlyground. We both arrived pretty early as Erin just wanted to be there early in case there might have been a lot of people at Edgars already. To both of our surprises, there weren't many people. There was a table right next to the escalators with some chairs, which were for the artists to sit and sign merchandise.

It was getting closer to 4pm, so I had a chat with a lovely lady as we were waiting. She told me her son really wanted to meet Locnville as he was a very big fan and he also saw Locnville live at KDay...
I looked at Erin and her eyes were glued to who she was seeing in front of her, I turned to look and see Freshlyground, Locnville and Sarah-Jane Nicholson (Locnville's manager) coming down the escalators. All you can see in that moment was a crowd of people that came swarming in their masses, and I also saw people take out their cellphone's and camera's and started taking pictures after pictures. There was a path way where there was also a red carpet, this is where fans can have pictures taken with Locnville and Freshlyground. There wasn't much of a queue, you could just go to Locnville or Freshlyground and have a picture taken with them, but of cause it was one person at a time, unless you wanted a picture with your friends as well. As I made my through, I got the chance to meet Locnville again. They greeted me and I greeted back and got a picture with them. As I walked out of the area where the photo's were taken, there was a lady who works at Edgars that gave announcements over the microphone about the Superga shoe launch. She asked if she can interview me, I agreed to do so. She asked me what is my favourite song from Locnville and was I excited for this launch. I also received a lanyard from one of the members of Freshleyground, it was the last one left. I saw Zolani who is the lead singer from Freshleyground and chatted to her for a bit. I didn't chat to the artists so much at Edgars as there was just so many people around in a rush and wanting pictures with Freshlyground and Locnville. Erin and I made our way to the Superga store where earlier I had a massive blonde moment with one of the Superga shop assistants. I would rather not tell you what happened, but I was really embarrassed.

Erin with Zolani (left)
Crowd of people at the Superga editions launch (right)
(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

Zolani and I (left)
Locnville and I (right)
(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

Superga lanyard I received (left)
Me wearing the lanyard (right)

Anyway, Erin and I arrived at the Superga store, outside there were chairs and couches outside the store as well as two ladies selling Peroni beer. About 5 minutes later, I turned to see Freshlyground and Locnville making their way to the Superga store...along with a big crowd of people walking with them. 

Outside the Superga store (top)
Inside the Superga store (bottom)
(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

Locnville and Freshleyground went inside the Superga store for some reason that I didn't know, but everyone went inside and crowded around Locnville and Freshleyground that I couldn't see any of them inside. I decided to go inside the Superga store and I could see so many people smiling and very happy. Erin and I yet again got another picture with Locnville and Freshlyground. I also got Locnville, Kyla-Rose and Zolani's signatures. I saw that Erin was just talking to Locnville as she is really a big fan! I did also have a chat with Sarah-Jane, who is a very lovely lady and she is super kind! Many of the villens (this is the name that Locnville gave to their fans) also spoke to Sarah and also took some pictures with her. To all villens, I have just one thing to say: Locnville's "James Dean" official music video will be releasing soon!

Locnville and I (left)
Locnville and Erin ( right)

Erin with Sarah-Jane Nicholson (left)
Me with Sarah-Jane Nicholson (right)

Erin speaking to Locnville (top)
Locnville signing for their fans (bottom)

I looked around to see that there were quite a few people purchasing Superga shoes. There are shoes for everyone in all sizes, for children and adults. After spending some time in the Superga store, I went outside to where all the couches were. The photographer who took the pictures of everyone at Edgars came outside as well and put some photos he printed onto the table for Locnville and Freshlyground to sign. Locnville, Zolani and Kyla-Rose from Freshlyground came outside (they made it out of the crowd!) where there was a table with all the photographs on, and they signed the photos for their fans.

Locnville Superga editions board on the table outside of the Superga store

Locnville and Freshlyground in the Superga launch

As they were signing the photos, some girls came around to where Locnville were sitting, and they asked them to sign their shoes (not Superga shoes, their own shoes). I must admit, the girls did go crazy for Locnville, but not so much as screaming and shouting is concerned...I would just say the girls were very happy to see Locnville and have photos taken with them. I can also say that it is always good to have a pen and a paper handy. Ha! I think I was asked about 6 or 7 times if I could lend my pen to people and tear a page or two out of my notebook for people.

Erin with Kyla-Rose and Zolani (top)
Freshlyground and Locnville signing photographs taken at Edgars (bottom)(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

As Freshlyground left, Kyla-Rose handed out the Freshlyground  "Take me to the dance" album to random people, so then I said my goodbye's to Freshlyground. Locnville went inside the Superga store and Erin followed them inside, I waited outside the store for a while longer and then I went inside. Locnville also had to go, so that is where I said my goodbye's to them. I was going to interview Locnville about their Superga launch, but as they say "time fly's when you're having fun", so it was unfortunate, but there is always a next time. Freshlyground and Locnville left just before 6pm as they are very busy people.
This was the first time I have met Freshlyground, but this wasn't my first time meeting Locnville as I have met them before. Both artists are very kind people and are super nice!

Kyla-Rose Smith (vocals and violinist from Freshlyground) and I

Overall it was a fantastic editions launch I must say! This is the first time I have ever been to a shoe launch in my life. It was great to see Locnville again and to see Freshlyground for the very first time up close and personal. The fans response was absolutely phenomenal, I was very happy to see smiling faces and everyone having a good time! It is always nice to see positive attitudes from people.

I'd like to thank every single person for putting this Superga launch together, I thoroughly enjoyed this day and I hope everyone that came to the launch also had a great time as well! Thank you for a wonderful day out!

If you'd like to check out more about Superga shoes, 'like' them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Superga-SA/163242813726039?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/Supergashoes
You can also check out Superga official website:
http://www.superga.co.za/index.asp
You can also check out Locnville's and Freshlyground's official, Facebook and Twitter pages:
Locnville: http://locnville.com/
https://twitter.com/locnville
http://www.facebook.com/Locnville?fref=ts
Freshlyground: http://www.freshlyground.com/
https://twitter.com/FRESHLYGROUNDsa
http://www.facebook.com/freshlygroundsa?fref=ts

Thank you to everyone who read my blog!
I highly appreciate it!
Until next time!

Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival

I have known about the Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival for about 3 years now, but I have never been the right age to attend them (You must be 18 years and older). This year, I decided that I am going to go see the Heineken festival and why so many people speak about how amazing it is. I am not sure if the Heineken Festival has been held in GrandWest before, but this year, it was held in the Grand Arena in GrandWest Casino.

I arrived at GrandWest with my friend, Erin, who was as excited as I was to go to the Heineken Festival. Before the event, we arrived about an hour before the time, we got our arm bands and waited for a bit at the entrance door. Erin and I were delighted to have bought Golden Circle tickets (I have never been in Golden Circle before in my life), and that was a true blessing! There weren't much people at the door, but apparently people start coming through near to when the show started...and so they did.

The doors opened and Erin and I walked towards the golden circle area. Golden Circle was the only place where everyone stood, the general tickets were sitting. It was just different to see that people were sitting for a festival. I found a perfect spot right in front of the stage. Erin and I asked three people to keep our spots for us and we went to get something to drink while we waited. We walked back into the grand arena and started talking to the three people who kept our spots and also said to me that they told only told two people that this spot was taken. I learnt that the artists that are performing are only singing about 2 -3 songs of theirs and that is why the show is only 3 hours long. I have seen that F*kofpolisiekar hasn't performed at the Heineken festival and this is their first time performing. To be honest, I haven't seen most of all the artists that performed at the festival live before, I have only seen the AMA-zing ChianoSky perform about 2 months ago and Mi Casa when they performed at KDay.

The clock struck at 20:00pm and there was Richard Hardiman, a 2OceansVibe presenter, who welcomed everyone to the 2012 Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival. He was really funny on stage and asked for everyone to not have their camera's flash as the performers will get blinded by all the flashes and that we also mustn't put our camera directly in front of us as the people behind you will then view a video from your phone/camera and won't be able to view the actual performance.

I couldn't believe that there was a 65 piece orchestra on stage as well. This is my very first time seeing a live orchestra on stage, now that was a truly amazing experience to see!
First up was aKING who were absolutely mind-blowing with their performance! Everyone cheered for them and shouted and screamed for them. aKING made a great welcome to the Heineken Festival. They were really good!

Left: aKING.
Right: Toya Delazy.

Next up was ChianoSky. Wow, but is she a fantastic singer! Somebody shouted "I love you!" and ChianoSky replied in saying "I love you to!". She graced the stage with her elegant voice singing "Sick Sick", which is her debut single off her debut album "Hungry". I heard quite a few people singing along with ChianoSky as I was singing as well. Her next song she sang was "Walking Away", which is one of my personal favourite's. Her performance was truly amazing and really fantastic to watch. ChianoSky's voice is really lovely and I just know she is going to go so far in life with her amazing talent that she has! She is really talented and I absolutely love her music!

ChianoSky performing "Sick Sick".

Next up was Zolani Mahola. Her voice was absolutely amazing to listen to as well. I was so happy that she sang "Doo Be Doo" and "I'd Like". Zolani really has a unique voice, a voice I haven't ever heard before. She sang really well and her performance was absolutely amazing to watch, everyone cheered for her and sang along to all her songs she performed.
The next music group that performed was Van Coke Kartel. They are an Afrikaans rock band, who really made the crowd go wild, especially a few people in the middle of the golden circle area. They were headbanging, hands in the air, singing along and most of all having a good time! The guitarists were also jumping up and down, playing their guitar, they were all really awesome!

Zolani Mahola and Van Coke Kartel performing live.

Francois Van Coke welcomed Toya Delazy and saying that they both own the same car, just a different colour. Toya Delazy performed her two most well-known songs, which are "Love is in the air" and "Pump it on". She really made the crowd jump up and down and dance to the beat of her music. She was really amazing to see live. I have never seen her live before and let me tell you, if  Toya Delazy is performing in your city, I suggest you go and watch her perform live! She is super talented and really has a great voice!
Next up was Tumi and the Volume. They were really good, I looked around at everyone in the crowd and I could see so many people with their hands in the air, singing along and cheering for this group. They were really a great experience watching live!
Next up to perform was Ard Matthews, in which Erin went crazy for! She screamed and shouted for Ard Matthews. His songs were really good live. He came to the side where we were standing and Erin couldn't stop waving at him (literally!). Throughout his performance, he was truly amazing! His songs were perfect and he is a really good singer!
After Ard Matthews, Richard Hardiman came on stage and said there will be a 20 minute interval, so I decided to walk around the Grand Arena for a little bit, then I came back to the stage and sat until the interval was over.

Top left: Ard Matthews.
Top right: 65 piece orchestra.
Bottom left and right: Van Coke Kartel.

After the interval, Macstanley came on stage and sang about 3 of their songs. I do remember seeing Andy Mack on Thursday that week as I went to go job shadow at KFM Studios that day and I saw him arrive and he went for an interview on 567 Cape Talk. Their performance was really an eye opener (I hope that made sense.). I have never seen Macstanley perform live before and let me tell you, Andy Mack has got one great voice on him. While Macstanley performed, there were white big balloons floating in the air which has the words "Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival" written on them. In between their songs, Andy Mack interacted with the crowd of people and told us some interesting stories and more importantly, thanked the composer who sat endless nights, writing the music for this night. His name is John Walton. I remember Andy Mack saying that John Walton worked 6 months putting together all the music for the Heineken Festival this night. Oh! Did you know? Macstanley was originally named Flat Stanley? All that changed was the band's name.
Next up was the amazing F*kofpolisiekar. Just like Van Coke Kartel, everyone jumped up and down and the crowd screamed and went crazy! The only difference between Van Coke Kartel and F*kofpolisiekar is that F*kofpolisiekar were a little more mellow, soft rock than Van Coke Kartel, with the songs they sang. Francois Van Coke, in both Van Coke Kartel and F*kofpolisiekar, jumped up and down on stage and went crazy on stage, which made it even cooler!

The crowd at the Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival.

Next up was Zahara. To be honest, I had no idea what most of the lyrics were in her music, but what I can tell you is that it was really lovely to listen to Zahara's voice live for the very first time. She interacted between her songs with all the people. She also sang a verse of one of her new songs in her upcoming album. She sang with no music, just her voice and it was absolutely lovely! The crowd really cheered for her.
Next up was Mi Casa. By now, my feet were getting sore as I was standing so long in shoes I am not used to wearing for such a long time. Mi Casa started off by singing "These streets", in which my friend was completely crazy about, clapping, cheering for Mi Casa. J-Something moved his waist from side to side and the crowd just went absolutely wild!
After Mi Casa's second song, I couldn't take standing on my feet anymore, so I decided to leave the Grand Arena, I never left GrandWest Casino, I just walked outside and went to go sit down somewhere. Erin tagged along with me. I couldn't stand standing on my feet for about 4 hours straight (excuse the pun.). After a while, I did hear Ed Roland from Collective Soul who was performing in the Grand Arena.

Top left: Macstanley.
Top right: Balloons in the air between the crowd.
Bottom left: Mi Casa.
Bottom right: Zahara.

After a while of sitting, resting my feet, I saw Toya Delazy and Zahara walk past and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to finally meet them. It was a little upsetting to see so many people come up to them and just start talking all at the same time. I introduced myself to Toya Delazy and said to her that she is one talented singer and her performance was simply amazing to see for the very first time!

Me and Erin with Toya Delazy.

Me with Jedd Kossew and Francois Van Coke.

Erin with Jedd Kossew and Francois Van Coke.

After a while, I saw Francois Van Coke and Jedd Kossew from Van Coke Kartel. Erin was shy to introduce herself, so I told her to walk up to them and introduce herself. I walked after her and introduced myself and I said that their performance was really awesome! It truly was an awesome experience to see them for the first time performing live. I would definitely go watch them perform live again!

The Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival came to an end, which all the artists went on stage and all of them said thank you for coming and the crowd cheered for every single one of them.
After all of the performers went off, we were allowed to meet the artists. I did ask to call ChianoSky if I can talk to her and the security guard called ChianoSky. All my friend wanted to meet was Ard Matthews, so she asked ChianoSky, but ChianoSky said that she couldn't find him. Erin and I got to chat to ChianoSky, saying how amazing she looks, her performance was truly an amazing experience to see and how super talented she is! ChianoSky is also super friendly to everyone, especially her fans! I am proud to say that I am her biggest Cape Town fan ever! It was also nice of her to compliment that she liked my shoes and that they looked lovely on me. ChianoSky's music kind of 'hooks' on you, once you start listening to her music, you get addicted to her songs. I am also very happy that ChianoSky signed her single "Home Sweet Home" for me. I love her message she wrote for me, it really means so much to me!

Me with ChianoSky.

Signed "Home Sweet Home" CD by ChianoSky.

Overall, the Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival was really one of the best nights ever! This was my very first time to see a live orchestra right in front of my eyes. I was truly blessed to have met some of the artists, which I was really happy about. I enjoyed every single one of the performances from the artists on this night, they were truly AMA-zing!!!

I thank every single person who put this festival together,
I also thank John Walton and the 65 piece orchestra who performed absolutely wonderfully on this night,
Thank you to all for an absolute stunning night out!

Thank you to everyone who read my blog,
I really appreciate it!