Wow, I can’t believe it’s been over three years… In the beginning Mum and Dad were relieved that anyone was game to hire their peculiar middle daughter who moved interstate with a suitcase of clothes, a suitcase of CDs and no idea what she’d do when she reached her destination. I don’t seem to have any 2006 photos on file but this is what my niece Charli looked like that year (it’s my work desktop photo). Charli’s pretty much a mini-me and this is pretty much how I look after eating Oreos too.
(2006)
Once Mum & Dad got over their initial shock that I landed my dream job so soon after moving to Melbourne, they began to worry that hanging out with rock stars would be a bad influence. Little did they know my bands had much more sense than me. When I took up rollerskating around my [ware]house they said, ‘Wear a helmet!’ ‘Don’t break limbs!’ ‘Don’t skate drunk!’ ‘Wear more than undies!’ All good, solid advice. None of which I took on board.
(2007)
It never occured to my parents that my work colleagues were the ones to worry about. I finally met a kindred free spirit in Shiny’s Matt Kulesza, bless his fun-loving soul. There are so many good fond party memories that I have no recollection of but from the photographs that randomly appear on websites and Facebook we seem to have an absolute bast!
(2008)
Then came the partial head shave, perm, colours and head tattoo (designed by Josh Garden of Grafton Primary). All I can say is it seemed like a good idea at the time. Mother’s still a bit traumatised by the ordeal though believe it or not it was the hair shave that freaked her out, not the permanent ink on my skull. Father, on the other hand, loved it all except for the copper hair month, he preferred my hair bright red.
(2009)
In case y’all haven’t heard, I’m leaving Shiny. It’s been over three years since I first started telling people, ‘Hey, look at me! I’m Shiny Jade!’ and alas I’ve reached a point where I don’t know how to get any Shinier. And so I’ve come to the sad conclusion that I need to move on and find a new way and place to Shine. I’ll miss everyone dearly but let’s save the soppy sincere crap for another day. Love youse all.
(2010: ultimate Shiny)
