r v l . c o m

Yes, I’m referring to myself in the third person. So brace yourself as I roll out a few of my favourite things from this year, my first full year in Europe:

Song of the 2006: Madonna - Jump
(Junior Sanchez Misshapes Mix)
It was a close call between first and 2nd this year, but a rocking dance track from the Queen of Pop, how can I resist? Its a track you recognise immediately, allowing you to storm the dance floor and get in position before the vocals start. She had me at “my sisters and me”.
Honourable mention: Paris Hilton - Stars Are Blind (Tracey Does Paris Mix)

Vacation of 2006: Vegas/Montreal/NYC/Miami
So many amazing experiences in such a short time, seeing so many of my AU friends and setting a new personal record for the worst dance party outfit ever - a winning combination!

Winning a medal (in what is now my signature event) also made it worthwhile, finally all that gruelling training paying off. And the harsh life-lessons I learnt about porn stars and go-go dancers, were things I needed to learn.
Honourable mention: Weekend in Paris avec Jasper

Movie of 2006: The Devil Wears Prada
I actually didnt see that many new-release movies this year, going to the cinema and being surrounded by the disgusting public has lost its charm in recent years. But this movie, a group outing organised by Jasper, was really fun. Fashion, fat jokes, Paris and two (three?) Madonna songs - finally a movie I can relate to.
Honourable mention: The God Delusion

Purchase of 2006: A Certain Armani Jacket
I have already gone on too much about this jacket - approaching chav status I know. But it really cheered me up after getting back from Montreal and I found Milan to be a gorgeous city. Also the ’shenanigans’ in the hotel in which I stayed - inappropriate for blogging about, but known to almost everyone reading, also made the trip memorable. While the jacket was far too expensive for someone in my precarious financial situation, it is a classic piece of clothing that I will wear for many years, and as my NYC-based fashionista friend James put it “…will totally evolve with my own style”. Although now that I think about this statement, maybe he was actually saying I have NO style? Hmmmm…
Honourable mention: Philips HD LCD TV

Television Show of 2006: Grey’s Anatomy
Barry got me hooked and now we both compare notes on how many minutes into each episode we lasted before the tears started flowing. Its totally fake - noone actually talks like that, but you can’t help love all the drama. Well, I can’t. I even had my own Gray’s Anatomy inspired lift-moment at the Slotervaart Hospital this year - the sexy, high profile, glamorous place it is. If you watch the series, you know what happens in those hospital lifts!
Honourable mention: The L Word

New friend of 2006: Robert!
Whilst its not really ethical or polite to rank ones friends, we all do it. This year I am most grateful to have met and spent time with Robert, a fellow swimmer and madonnaholic and someone whom I feel happy and comfortable being around. Hopefully it is a friendship that lasts.
Honourable mention: My Confessions Tour balloon - deflated, but still keeping me warm at night. Hey, just like a real relationship!

And finally: My Single Favourite Moment of 2006: Confessions Tour, Amsterdam Arena - 2nd night
I can honestly say this was one of the best nights of my life. My first Madonna concert, great tickets, great friends, great outfit (if I do say so myself) and a truly flawless show from a consummate professional. Fun, Fun, Fun!!! Madonna - take a bow!