I'm hanging out at home, drinking a little bit of sparkling wine, and reflecting on the year that was the year of Our Lord 2017. (I find it funny referring to years this way. Please humour me.) I was going to do a thread on Twitter, since I never blog anymore, but they I thought, shit, I have too many thoughts for evened threaded, 280-character Twitter... So here I am.
Ahhhh, 2017. Globally, this year was a garbage fire. Checking the news was an exercise in masochism.
Personally, this year had high highs, and really low lows too.
I started this year in the Dominican Republic with my friend Nadine. It was a lovely vacation, but I was a bit of a hot mess. I had a lot of fun, but looking back, I realize that the tropical sun may have infused me with some loneliness, which I dealt with by texting a boy who wasn't worth my time. I'm so glad that was just a blip.
Other than that trip, 2017 was filled with other fun travel too. In July, I went to Costa Rica for a week of touring with my friend Jane, and I loved it. The biodiversity of the country is breathtaking. In August, I flew out to Chicago with my Jays' Girls to see our beloveds take on the Chicago Cubs and lose (the final game they blew in painful fashion). On top of two games and a tour of Wrigley Field, we did lot of other fun stuff too, including spending the solar eclipse at the Planetarium.
Of course, those weren't the only ball games I went to. I spent baseball season watching *almost* every game on TV (NERD!) and went to over 20 home games. It was a disappointing season but the rhythm, rituals, and moments of the game soothed me.
Baseball is a old love of mine from childhood that I've rekindled big time since 2014. But what about my constant love of live music? I lost track of the concerts that I went to in 2017, but I went to some good ones. I saw old favorites like Stars, Sloan, Ben Folds and Tori Amos but also dabbled in pop music a bit with Mariah Carey and Katy Perry shows. They were all fun; I don't think a single show disappointed me. I also saw a show in April with my dad! That was fun.
The most difficult thing that happened in 2017 was the illness and death of my dear cat Rilo. Her illness hit me like a four-ton truck out of nowhere. Watching her struggle through her last days and having to make the tough decision of when to put her to sleep was so traumatic. Even thinking about it now brings me to tears. She was a special cat. She was a soul cat. I will treasure the almost nine years we had together.
In October, I made the decision to get a new cat friend. It took quite a few visits to various shelters in the city, but I found my Cleo (then named Carmine) at Toronto Humane Society - the same shelter from which I adopted Rilo in October of 2008. She's a tiny playful grey tuxedo cat who has quickly figured out how to wrap me around her paws.
The best part of 2017 was that after so many bad decisions/experiences when it comes to dating (see January), I unexpectedly met someone I adore in March. Like seriously, how did that happen? I decided to tip my toe back into the dating pool in January, and after avoiding some dates that I knew were going to be awful, I showed up to a date and sat across from someone and thought "I think this is my person." Of course, as soon as that went through my head, I panicked and told myself to settle down, but that instinct has proven to be true. In fact, he's my date for New Year's Eve!
And with that, I should go put some Brussels sprouts in the oven and put on my makeup. (We're staying in.) If anyone actually reads this, happy new year and all the best in 2018!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Worst Day
Today I took Rilo to the vet because there has been some changes to her over the past week. She's been very lethargic, not eating much, and anti-social. She seemed a bit more active today so I was optimistic that she was getting over a "bug".
It turns out that she has a tumour, and it's terminal.
I'm shattered. The loss of your pet is a deal you agree to when you sign up as a pet owner. However, it feels like it's so far down the road that you don't worry.
I thought we'd still have lots of time together. I adopted her almost nine years ago, and it was estimated she was between three and five years old. That actually puts her at the average age for the illness she has.
I'll find out more tomorrow, but it looks like she'll be on pain meds to help for the rest of her life.
I'm in a lot of shock and extremely sad. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter caf. I'll miss her so much.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
It's May!
Okay, it's been May for awhile. My stress levels at work have gone down slightly. I still have loads of marking and planning but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Life is good these days. This paradoxically causes me a bit of anxiety. I keep waiting for the other metaphorical shoe to drop.
Luckily last week a newsletter about baseball helped me with this. I subscribe to Stacey May Fowles' Baseball Life Advice. Last week's newsletter was about anxiety and it contained the advice "there is no other shoe" and I've been chanting that in my head as of late. Instead of worrying about something bad happening and mentally preparing myself for that, I need to live in the moment and enjoy the good.
I also finished the book of the same name last week. It's a must-read for anyone who is a Jays' fan, especially if you followed during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. I loved it.
Life is good these days. This paradoxically causes me a bit of anxiety. I keep waiting for the other metaphorical shoe to drop.
Luckily last week a newsletter about baseball helped me with this. I subscribe to Stacey May Fowles' Baseball Life Advice. Last week's newsletter was about anxiety and it contained the advice "there is no other shoe" and I've been chanting that in my head as of late. Instead of worrying about something bad happening and mentally preparing myself for that, I need to live in the moment and enjoy the good.
I also finished the book of the same name last week. It's a must-read for anyone who is a Jays' fan, especially if you followed during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. I loved it.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Lessons From A Rough Start
Even though every year I swear I'm going to figure out a way to plan things so they don't all pop up in April, it always turns out to be the busiest month of the school year. There a lot of extracurricular stuff going on in addition to the planning, the marking, and so on.
It's also the start of baseball season!
However, my beloved Toronto Blue Jays are off to a rough start. As of this writing, they are 6-13 and that's actually a bit better than it was a few days ago.
No lie: I was feeling down about this and actually stopped watching a few games. My sports therapy wasn't very theraputic. But then there were a couple of games that brought me complete and utter joy, despite the hovering spectre of 13 losses and being in last place. (Not to mention four injured players on the DL.)
On Sunday, Marcus Stroman pitched a wonderful complete game against the Angels. For awhile, the game was actually quite dismal: a ridiculous call by the umpire lead the Angels scoring one run, and for a long time it looked like that was all there was going to be, and lack of offense was going to sink an amazing pitching job.
But then! A trio of homeruns by Travis, Pillar and Goins cemented a healthy lead and Stroman got a complete game win! I had fun watching a baseball game again! It was glorious.
Last night, the Jays were in St. Louis, which is my second favourite ball park after home. The lineup was released a few hours before the game, and Russell Martin (my favourite player and everyday catcher) was slotted at third base. What in the world?? It was confusing, but strangely delightful.
The game went up and down with Jays continuing to lose the lead. But there was a moment of baseball magic: Chris Coghlan dove over the catcher at home plate to score a run. Despite that, the game had to go into extra innings. In the 11th, Marcus Stroman, a pitcher (!!!) was put in to pinch hit and got a double that would win the game. In it was a night of the strange being magical.
I am recapping these two games because they've taught me a lot. Yes, times can get rough, and even if they are mostly down, you really have to hold onto those moments of joy and light to keep you going.
I think I've fallen for baseball so hard because it's a game where there is always almost tomorrow, and you can hope for better. You also know there will be more losses, no matter who you are; but even so, you end up losing with your friends by your side and in the end, it's the teamwork that counts more than the win anyway.
(Note: tonight's game was rained out.)
It's also the start of baseball season!
However, my beloved Toronto Blue Jays are off to a rough start. As of this writing, they are 6-13 and that's actually a bit better than it was a few days ago.
No lie: I was feeling down about this and actually stopped watching a few games. My sports therapy wasn't very theraputic. But then there were a couple of games that brought me complete and utter joy, despite the hovering spectre of 13 losses and being in last place. (Not to mention four injured players on the DL.)
On Sunday, Marcus Stroman pitched a wonderful complete game against the Angels. For awhile, the game was actually quite dismal: a ridiculous call by the umpire lead the Angels scoring one run, and for a long time it looked like that was all there was going to be, and lack of offense was going to sink an amazing pitching job.
But then! A trio of homeruns by Travis, Pillar and Goins cemented a healthy lead and Stroman got a complete game win! I had fun watching a baseball game again! It was glorious.
Last night, the Jays were in St. Louis, which is my second favourite ball park after home. The lineup was released a few hours before the game, and Russell Martin (my favourite player and everyday catcher) was slotted at third base. What in the world?? It was confusing, but strangely delightful.
The game went up and down with Jays continuing to lose the lead. But there was a moment of baseball magic: Chris Coghlan dove over the catcher at home plate to score a run. Despite that, the game had to go into extra innings. In the 11th, Marcus Stroman, a pitcher (!!!) was put in to pinch hit and got a double that would win the game. In it was a night of the strange being magical.
I am recapping these two games because they've taught me a lot. Yes, times can get rough, and even if they are mostly down, you really have to hold onto those moments of joy and light to keep you going.
I think I've fallen for baseball so hard because it's a game where there is always almost tomorrow, and you can hope for better. You also know there will be more losses, no matter who you are; but even so, you end up losing with your friends by your side and in the end, it's the teamwork that counts more than the win anyway.
(Note: tonight's game was rained out.)
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Oh yeah, I have a blog.
I've forgotten to update in awhile.
The beginning of baseball season has been dismal.
I had an A+++ Easter weekend. Plaskett concert with my dad. Wine tour in Niagara with my pal AlieMalie. Other good things too.
I have to wake up at 5 am for work tomorrow so I should be sleeping, not blogging.
The beginning of baseball season has been dismal.
I had an A+++ Easter weekend. Plaskett concert with my dad. Wine tour in Niagara with my pal AlieMalie. Other good things too.
I have to wake up at 5 am for work tomorrow so I should be sleeping, not blogging.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Spring Break!
Well, we don't really call it that in Canada. It's more often referred to as March Break. Calling it Spring Break is too risky because it might just turn out to be a week of freezing cold snowstorms. Looks like this year is taking that approach.
I didn't go away this year because it seems like I got back from my Christmas trip to the Dominican Republic just yesterday even though it was two months ago. I'm saving my cash for summer trips. So far a baseball trip to Chicago is confirmed. I have tickets to see the Jays play the Cubs at Wrigley on a Friday afternoon and on a Sunday afternoon in August. On top of that, I plan to stick around for another day so that I can catch a White Sox game and knock two ballparks off in one year.
The week before March Break kind of sucked. I was having an exceptionally good Wednesday: I went with a friend for a tattoo consultation (I'm getting inked on March 31st... ugh do people say that?) and then I went to see Matthew Good play his 1997 album Beautiful Midnight in its entirety. I'd been waiting to hear some of those songs for twenty years.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I thought it was Becca T texting me from Vancouver. She is my closest friend who likes Matt Good, and I texted her during the show because I was nostalgic from back in the day when she and I would see Matt Good shows together. Checking my phone was a bad idea because I got some shitty news that I had an inkling would be coming my way, but COME ON. What ever happened to checking if someone was out before unloading crap on them that isn't even suitable for a text message?
Let's just say my life is playing out like the situation with David Price in Boston. He left the Blue Jays for a big contract in Boston, but since he had a rough season, he feels sad because the whole city has been so hard on him and don't even care about him as a person, and ignore his charitable works. Now he's injured, and might be on the DL for Opening Day, and the Jays have one of the strongest starting rotations in baseball. If you apply this analogy to my life, I am Toronto. My analogy breaks down because Toronto did not make Price an offer (so he didn't really have the option to stay here), and the "Price" in my life is no effing David Price, that's for damned sure. Anyway, I just look forward to my starting rotation having a great 2017.
Oh baseball, is there any problem you can't solve?
So, as my sad little heart is recovering, I've been having a chill March Break and it may be what I need. I went home to visit my parents for a couple of days, and had a nice time watching some World Baseball Classic games. Who know I loved the WBC so much? It's great! It's more exciting than spring training, that's for sure.
I'm now back in the cold, snowy city and after a killer workout, I've decided to stay in with Ms. Rilo and watch a movie and drink some red wine. I have social appointments for pretty much every day until the end of the break, so I think the quiet night will be a blessing, especially in this weather.
Maybe after "spring" break, we'll see some spring.
I didn't go away this year because it seems like I got back from my Christmas trip to the Dominican Republic just yesterday even though it was two months ago. I'm saving my cash for summer trips. So far a baseball trip to Chicago is confirmed. I have tickets to see the Jays play the Cubs at Wrigley on a Friday afternoon and on a Sunday afternoon in August. On top of that, I plan to stick around for another day so that I can catch a White Sox game and knock two ballparks off in one year.
The week before March Break kind of sucked. I was having an exceptionally good Wednesday: I went with a friend for a tattoo consultation (I'm getting inked on March 31st... ugh do people say that?) and then I went to see Matthew Good play his 1997 album Beautiful Midnight in its entirety. I'd been waiting to hear some of those songs for twenty years.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I thought it was Becca T texting me from Vancouver. She is my closest friend who likes Matt Good, and I texted her during the show because I was nostalgic from back in the day when she and I would see Matt Good shows together. Checking my phone was a bad idea because I got some shitty news that I had an inkling would be coming my way, but COME ON. What ever happened to checking if someone was out before unloading crap on them that isn't even suitable for a text message?
Let's just say my life is playing out like the situation with David Price in Boston. He left the Blue Jays for a big contract in Boston, but since he had a rough season, he feels sad because the whole city has been so hard on him and don't even care about him as a person, and ignore his charitable works. Now he's injured, and might be on the DL for Opening Day, and the Jays have one of the strongest starting rotations in baseball. If you apply this analogy to my life, I am Toronto. My analogy breaks down because Toronto did not make Price an offer (so he didn't really have the option to stay here), and the "Price" in my life is no effing David Price, that's for damned sure. Anyway, I just look forward to my starting rotation having a great 2017.
Oh baseball, is there any problem you can't solve?
So, as my sad little heart is recovering, I've been having a chill March Break and it may be what I need. I went home to visit my parents for a couple of days, and had a nice time watching some World Baseball Classic games. Who know I loved the WBC so much? It's great! It's more exciting than spring training, that's for sure.
I'm now back in the cold, snowy city and after a killer workout, I've decided to stay in with Ms. Rilo and watch a movie and drink some red wine. I have social appointments for pretty much every day until the end of the break, so I think the quiet night will be a blessing, especially in this weather.
Maybe after "spring" break, we'll see some spring.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Another spin around the Sun.
Today is my birthday. Thanks to the luck of having a birthday around a newly made-up holiday (Family Day) and a PD day, I haven't actually had to teach on my birthday in quite a few years.
It was a good day though. Many of my students from last semester remembered the day and made the trip upstairs to the third floor to wish me happy birthday. Some of them also came back from a trip to BC and bought me a burrowing owl hand puppet, because they know that I love owls. (Little did they know that the burrowing owl is a favourite species... I should dig out my burrowing owl tshirt.) One of my colleagues made sure that my current classes knew that it was my birthday so that they would treat me well (they always do anyway).
My pals organized a nice birthday lunch with unbelievably thoughtful gifts. I love my friends/colleagues/people who keep me sane.
I'm lucky.
I called my parents as is the tradition on my birthday. My dad and I have a running gag (based on the Simpsons) where I thank him for driving my mom to the hospital to give birth to me.
Tonight is dinner and then a play.
Birthdays are nice. I'm glad we celebrate them.
It was a good day though. Many of my students from last semester remembered the day and made the trip upstairs to the third floor to wish me happy birthday. Some of them also came back from a trip to BC and bought me a burrowing owl hand puppet, because they know that I love owls. (Little did they know that the burrowing owl is a favourite species... I should dig out my burrowing owl tshirt.) One of my colleagues made sure that my current classes knew that it was my birthday so that they would treat me well (they always do anyway).
My pals organized a nice birthday lunch with unbelievably thoughtful gifts. I love my friends/colleagues/people who keep me sane.
I'm lucky.
I called my parents as is the tradition on my birthday. My dad and I have a running gag (based on the Simpsons) where I thank him for driving my mom to the hospital to give birth to me.
Tonight is dinner and then a play.
Birthdays are nice. I'm glad we celebrate them.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Dark Day
This morning as I was sitting on the subway, I realized that I completely forgot to make my lunch. It wasn't even a "crap I forgot it on the kitchen counter" moment, but that the thought of assembling food to get me through the day didn't even cross my mind.
Not a big deal, I thought. I had some tangerines on my desk, and I could grab a bagel at Tim Horton's as I got my morning coffee.
When I got upstairs to my office, I realized that I completely forgot to pick up my bagel at the food counter at Tim's. Crap.
Luckily for me, I don't teach during the first period. I was assigned a coverage, but not until the second half. I threw on my coat and ran back to Tim Horton's where my bagel was still sitting for me as the employees chuckled over my forgetfulness.
As I was jay-walking across Bloor to make it back to school, a co-worker let me cross and offered me a ride down the street back to school. I told her about my forgetful morning, and she commented "when I'm out if it like that, usually it's something... it could be getting older, my period..."
"Oh, I know exactly what it is," I replied. "I'm just bothered/scared/anxious about the inauguration." And then we chatted about the myriad of terrifying problems that the new presidency will bring.
I guess that's my story about how today is a dark day and as a result I feel scattered, distracted, down. It's the symbolic beginning of potentially darker days to come.
I try to be optimistic: that with resistance he won't be able to change much, but we all know terrible things could happen. I try to think about all of my favourite quotes about how after darkness come lights, and so on, but I feel like today, I just need to embrace and feel the darkness and then perhaps get ready for the fight so that that the light can come through the cracks.
"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." - Leonard Cohen
Not a big deal, I thought. I had some tangerines on my desk, and I could grab a bagel at Tim Horton's as I got my morning coffee.
When I got upstairs to my office, I realized that I completely forgot to pick up my bagel at the food counter at Tim's. Crap.
Luckily for me, I don't teach during the first period. I was assigned a coverage, but not until the second half. I threw on my coat and ran back to Tim Horton's where my bagel was still sitting for me as the employees chuckled over my forgetfulness.
As I was jay-walking across Bloor to make it back to school, a co-worker let me cross and offered me a ride down the street back to school. I told her about my forgetful morning, and she commented "when I'm out if it like that, usually it's something... it could be getting older, my period..."
"Oh, I know exactly what it is," I replied. "I'm just bothered/scared/anxious about the inauguration." And then we chatted about the myriad of terrifying problems that the new presidency will bring.
I guess that's my story about how today is a dark day and as a result I feel scattered, distracted, down. It's the symbolic beginning of potentially darker days to come.
I try to be optimistic: that with resistance he won't be able to change much, but we all know terrible things could happen. I try to think about all of my favourite quotes about how after darkness come lights, and so on, but I feel like today, I just need to embrace and feel the darkness and then perhaps get ready for the fight so that that the light can come through the cracks.
"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." - Leonard Cohen
Sunday, January 01, 2017
Concerts! 2016
- March 23rd - Metric and Death Cab for Cutie @ The ACC
- May 3rd - LIGHTS @ The Danforth Music Hall
- May 11th - Ben Folds @ The Danforth Music Hall
- May 25th - BEYONCE @ Rogers Centre
- July 13th - Lisa Loeb @ Adelaide Hall
- July 21st - Hawksley Workman @ The Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville
- July 30th - Silversun Pickups @ The Danforth Music Hall
- August 12th - The Tragically Hip @ The ACC
- October 25th - Our Lady Peace with I Mother Earth @ Massey Hall
- October 28th - Tegan and Sara @ Massey Hall
- November 3rd - Mariah Carey @ The Bay
- November 26th - Basia Bulat @ The Danforth Music Hall
- December 16th - Hawksley Workman @ Hamilton Public Library
- December 21th - Stars @ The Danforth Music Hall
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Summary of 2016
As you can tell, I do not blog with the voracity of the old days. My posts in 2016 have been few and far between.
What has changed? I don't exactly know. I'm no more or less busy than I used to be, other than the fact I devote myself way more to the baseball season than I used to. I think the words don't come as easily as they used to, and that I don't always have my laptop with me. (Surfing the internet from an iPad is great; writing not so much.)
Anyhow, before I take off to the DR for the second time this year (they have good beaches, drinks, and food!) I wanted to summarize this year for myself.
2016 has been a shitty year for politics and pop culture, no doubt. I think the consensus in social media has been that 2016 has been a dumpster fire. We've lost many amazing artists and people, and the politics of hatred and ignorance has reared its scary and ugly head.
But when I reflect back on my year, I realize that hey, I'm actually feeling OK and a heck of a lot better than I did a year ago. And that's a huge blessing, because I think that if I was feeling the way that I did in 2015 after this dumpster fire of a year, I'd be in a dark place indeed.
I started 2016 in a flurry of tears having lost some essence of myself somewhere along the way somehow. It's not that there had been a change in my life or something bad had happened, I was just feeling lost.
After some self-care and reshuffling of priorities and hard work and forgiveness of self, I managed to find my way again this year. Of course I stumbled and fell along the way, but as I compare where I am to where I was a year ago at this time, I feel sooooooo much better.
I credit Beyonce. Lemonade was the best album of the year and I loved seeing her Formation tour.
I credit the baseball season and my baseball support group of friends. I'm happy that my Blue Jays made it to the ALCS for the second year in a row. Playoff baseball is fun. But playoffs or not, I love that team, and I truly appreciate the game for what it is, and how each one of the 162 signifies a new start, a new narrative, and another go at it. There is always another day in baseball.
I credit friends. I have great friends. I got to visit friends, had friends visit from afar, and have my usual crew who live around here. I credit the new friends, and the friends who have been around forever.
I credit lifting weights twice a week. I'm not running like I used to (I want to get into race shape again). I don't feel faster this year, but I feel way stronger this year.
I credit small adventures. I didn't do anything too crazy in 2016, but I have good memories of cross-stitching at breweries, baseball talks, midwest roadtrips, away games in Kansas City, little concert roadtrips, scoring a Hip ticket, curling for the first time, boxing for the first time, standing outside for two hours to see Mariah Carey sing two songs, and my first resort vacation in ten years.
I'm glad I found my strength again in 2016. I goddamned well needed it.
Happy new year to you all! Maybe 2017 be better than 2016, and if it's not, let us all have the strength to fight back.
What has changed? I don't exactly know. I'm no more or less busy than I used to be, other than the fact I devote myself way more to the baseball season than I used to. I think the words don't come as easily as they used to, and that I don't always have my laptop with me. (Surfing the internet from an iPad is great; writing not so much.)
Anyhow, before I take off to the DR for the second time this year (they have good beaches, drinks, and food!) I wanted to summarize this year for myself.
2016 has been a shitty year for politics and pop culture, no doubt. I think the consensus in social media has been that 2016 has been a dumpster fire. We've lost many amazing artists and people, and the politics of hatred and ignorance has reared its scary and ugly head.
But when I reflect back on my year, I realize that hey, I'm actually feeling OK and a heck of a lot better than I did a year ago. And that's a huge blessing, because I think that if I was feeling the way that I did in 2015 after this dumpster fire of a year, I'd be in a dark place indeed.
I started 2016 in a flurry of tears having lost some essence of myself somewhere along the way somehow. It's not that there had been a change in my life or something bad had happened, I was just feeling lost.
After some self-care and reshuffling of priorities and hard work and forgiveness of self, I managed to find my way again this year. Of course I stumbled and fell along the way, but as I compare where I am to where I was a year ago at this time, I feel sooooooo much better.
I credit Beyonce. Lemonade was the best album of the year and I loved seeing her Formation tour.
I credit the baseball season and my baseball support group of friends. I'm happy that my Blue Jays made it to the ALCS for the second year in a row. Playoff baseball is fun. But playoffs or not, I love that team, and I truly appreciate the game for what it is, and how each one of the 162 signifies a new start, a new narrative, and another go at it. There is always another day in baseball.
I credit friends. I have great friends. I got to visit friends, had friends visit from afar, and have my usual crew who live around here. I credit the new friends, and the friends who have been around forever.
I credit lifting weights twice a week. I'm not running like I used to (I want to get into race shape again). I don't feel faster this year, but I feel way stronger this year.
I credit small adventures. I didn't do anything too crazy in 2016, but I have good memories of cross-stitching at breweries, baseball talks, midwest roadtrips, away games in Kansas City, little concert roadtrips, scoring a Hip ticket, curling for the first time, boxing for the first time, standing outside for two hours to see Mariah Carey sing two songs, and my first resort vacation in ten years.
I'm glad I found my strength again in 2016. I goddamned well needed it.
Happy new year to you all! Maybe 2017 be better than 2016, and if it's not, let us all have the strength to fight back.
Holidays (so far)
The September - December part of the school year is the longest slog of the year since there are no real breaks, other than Thanksgiving in October. This year we had three PD days which provided some respite, but I still had to go into work. (Although one of those involved boxing, so that was pretty awesome.)
Anyway, by Christmas Eve Eve, it was the last day of school before the holidays and I felt like a shell of a human being. I was exhausted.
However, a week later and I'm feeling waaaaaay better. I took the train to my parents' house on Christmas Eve, and just returned to the city today.
While in Stratford, I slept, read, spent time with my parents (and Ms. Rilo who is staying there), and saw friends too. It was a good break.
I came back today so that I could meet up with my friend Gloria (from my university days) who lives in Singapore now and is around for the holidays. We met up with another mutual friend and had drinks at a literary-themed bar and I was so happy.
I'm home now, and going to sleep early. Tomorrow I need to get my nails done, my hair done, and pack because on Saturday I'm leaving for (another) tropical vacation to the Dominican Republic. A week of lying on a beach, reading books, and drinking pina coladas is exactly what I need to fill up my shell with humanity again.
Anyway, by Christmas Eve Eve, it was the last day of school before the holidays and I felt like a shell of a human being. I was exhausted.
However, a week later and I'm feeling waaaaaay better. I took the train to my parents' house on Christmas Eve, and just returned to the city today.
While in Stratford, I slept, read, spent time with my parents (and Ms. Rilo who is staying there), and saw friends too. It was a good break.
I came back today so that I could meet up with my friend Gloria (from my university days) who lives in Singapore now and is around for the holidays. We met up with another mutual friend and had drinks at a literary-themed bar and I was so happy.
I'm home now, and going to sleep early. Tomorrow I need to get my nails done, my hair done, and pack because on Saturday I'm leaving for (another) tropical vacation to the Dominican Republic. A week of lying on a beach, reading books, and drinking pina coladas is exactly what I need to fill up my shell with humanity again.
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
:(
Twenty-four hours ago I was optimistic and happy. I was anticipating that history would be made: that for the first time ever a woman would be elected a President of that great big nation just south of Canada. Even though I'm not American, I think that following US politics is as Canadian and maple syrup, toques, and talking about the weather.
I didn't realize the impact that the candidate of a major party being a woman would have on me. It's one thing to acknowledge that yes, in theory, woman can do anything, but it's another to see it happening. And not just happening, but to see a competent, kind, knowledgable, determined, intelligent, strong, unfuckwithable, and qualified woman being the one to do it. I did my research. I would have voted FOR Hillary and not just against Trump.
I was ready to cry tears of joy when it happened.
But then it didn't. I felt bad at 9:14 pm and turned off my TV. I tried to do something else. Netflix, books, marking, cleaning.... none of of those things appealed to me. I was in purgatory. I wanted to stay away from the election, but I kept peeking on social media.
Finally I realized I needed to sleep. I woke up at 4:30 am, lay awake in bed, wondering should I check. I think I had a confusing dream where Hillary did pull ahead and hoped that was reality. It wasn't.
I had to call my mom and cry this morning. Not the happy tears that I wanted. But the tears that you cry when your foundations are shaken.
I believe in the good of humanity. I believe that most people are just trying to do the best job they can of being alive, and that would should try to understand everyone based upon our shared humanity. I believe that working hard and being kind will lead to great things. I believe in helping others, in community, and in the equality of all. I believe in using my privilege to help the oppressed in our society.
It's not just that the candidate I believed in lost; it's that she lost to the worst, most unqualified, racist, mysogynist, ignorant, self-serving, ill-equipped candidate in history. This is a person that shares in none of my beliefs. The fact that millions of people voted for this man sickens me and saddens me to my core. There is something broken with humanity and it hurts me.
I'm at work. My period 2 class is in a presentation and I should be marking but I can't concentrate. I'm thankful to live in Canada where currently we have done the opposite: we last elected a leader that is compassionate, strives for equality, understands science, and listens to others. I'm thankful that as our neighbours are divided, we are more-or-less together. We're not perfect, we have problems and some shameful history to deal with (our treatment of indigenous people), but we're doing OK.
However, I would have said the same about our neighbours to the south a few years ago as they elected their first black president. It's scary how quickly things can change, and how anger and hate can resurface quickly. This is something for Canadians to be cautious about, lest we rest upon our laurels too easily.
I am most shattered for the fact that those who struggle most society will be hurt the most by this new leader. I think about the impact this will have on people of colour, women, the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Jews, immigrants, and anyone else who does not fit into this leader's narrow view of humanity.
I didn't realize the impact that the candidate of a major party being a woman would have on me. It's one thing to acknowledge that yes, in theory, woman can do anything, but it's another to see it happening. And not just happening, but to see a competent, kind, knowledgable, determined, intelligent, strong, unfuckwithable, and qualified woman being the one to do it. I did my research. I would have voted FOR Hillary and not just against Trump.
I was ready to cry tears of joy when it happened.
But then it didn't. I felt bad at 9:14 pm and turned off my TV. I tried to do something else. Netflix, books, marking, cleaning.... none of of those things appealed to me. I was in purgatory. I wanted to stay away from the election, but I kept peeking on social media.
Finally I realized I needed to sleep. I woke up at 4:30 am, lay awake in bed, wondering should I check. I think I had a confusing dream where Hillary did pull ahead and hoped that was reality. It wasn't.
I had to call my mom and cry this morning. Not the happy tears that I wanted. But the tears that you cry when your foundations are shaken.
I believe in the good of humanity. I believe that most people are just trying to do the best job they can of being alive, and that would should try to understand everyone based upon our shared humanity. I believe that working hard and being kind will lead to great things. I believe in helping others, in community, and in the equality of all. I believe in using my privilege to help the oppressed in our society.
It's not just that the candidate I believed in lost; it's that she lost to the worst, most unqualified, racist, mysogynist, ignorant, self-serving, ill-equipped candidate in history. This is a person that shares in none of my beliefs. The fact that millions of people voted for this man sickens me and saddens me to my core. There is something broken with humanity and it hurts me.
I'm at work. My period 2 class is in a presentation and I should be marking but I can't concentrate. I'm thankful to live in Canada where currently we have done the opposite: we last elected a leader that is compassionate, strives for equality, understands science, and listens to others. I'm thankful that as our neighbours are divided, we are more-or-less together. We're not perfect, we have problems and some shameful history to deal with (our treatment of indigenous people), but we're doing OK.
However, I would have said the same about our neighbours to the south a few years ago as they elected their first black president. It's scary how quickly things can change, and how anger and hate can resurface quickly. This is something for Canadians to be cautious about, lest we rest upon our laurels too easily.
I am most shattered for the fact that those who struggle most society will be hurt the most by this new leader. I think about the impact this will have on people of colour, women, the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Jews, immigrants, and anyone else who does not fit into this leader's narrow view of humanity.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Sunday, August 21, 2016
It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken
If you're not Canadian, this post might be weird to you. I grew up listening to The Tragically Hip, who pretty much Canada's band, but didn't make it so much anywhere else. Which made us love them more. I was a teenager during the heady days of 90s Can-rock, so the Hip's songs run through my veins, even if in my early twenties I was too cool for them and shirked them away, much like a teenager would to her father. However in my mid-twenties, I was back to appreciating them but they were always going to be there, so no big deal, right?
Anyway, this spring it turned out the lead singer of the Hip, WHO IS A LEGEND, has terminal brain cancer. Gord Downie is Canada's unofficial poet laureate. The band was going to do one last tour. I managed to score EXACTLY ONE ticket to a Toronto show. I went. It was amazing.
After petitions, our beloved national broadcaster, the CBC, said it was going to air the very last (albeit a miracle) Tragically Hip show from their hometown of Kingston Ontario.
That show was tonight and WHAT THE FUCK I'm more emotional than I was after the show I saw in person. I do not understand feelings.
I wrote a long rambling thing I was going to post for my high school friends' (Group of 9) Facebook Group but I decided it was embarrassing so I'm posting it here because in a a away, I want to remember these feelings. Forgive me.
****
Anyway, this spring it turned out the lead singer of the Hip, WHO IS A LEGEND, has terminal brain cancer. Gord Downie is Canada's unofficial poet laureate. The band was going to do one last tour. I managed to score EXACTLY ONE ticket to a Toronto show. I went. It was amazing.
After petitions, our beloved national broadcaster, the CBC, said it was going to air the very last (albeit a miracle) Tragically Hip show from their hometown of Kingston Ontario.
That show was tonight and WHAT THE FUCK I'm more emotional than I was after the show I saw in person. I do not understand feelings.
I wrote a long rambling thing I was going to post for my high school friends' (Group of 9) Facebook Group but I decided it was embarrassing so I'm posting it here because in a a away, I want to remember these feelings. Forgive me.
****
Guys, I'm an emotional wreck after that Hip show. Who else watched it? (I know Joanna did.)
I think we ALL went to that Hip festival together in 1997. Am I right? I know MEL and I were in a car with Jonas and Mark W. She was being annoying by throwing pretzels around.
I remember so many shed parties and dancing (okay moshing) to New Orleans is Sinking. I remember when the Trouble At the Henhouse album came out and we'd drive around listening to Gift Shop and Ahead By A Century. I remember wide open blue country skies with white fluffy clouds and feeling that we were invincible and life would never change.
But then it did. I remember moving to the city and listening to Phantom Power and In Violet Light and saying about the Hip "it's not the band I hate, it's their fans." (Snobby Sloan lyric.) I listened to those songs so much as I did my best not to fail out of U of T.
I remember studying, studying, studying but then taking a break to see Gord play a solo set at Yonge-Dundas Square during the Coke Machine Glow era.
I remember seeing the Hip with new friends but still feeling connected to the past. I went to the most amazing Hip show for Canada Day 2012 with my friend Elisa (who is Vern's friend too now!). I remember Gord playing with the Sadies at the Field Trip music festival a couple of years ago and when he came out, so did the sun and my friend Matt from Winnipeg and I said that if Gord can't change the weather, no one can.
I would have never guessed that I'd be obsessively listening to the Hip again in 2016, more than 20 years since I discovered them. I took them for granted. I take a lot of things for granted. I suck at living in the moment. I don't think I have much courage. I need to work harder at boosting people up, especially myself.
Art of all types has always been my solace. Where would I be without words, stories, and music? And I think that's why I've been so sad about the finality of this tour. I always thought I'd have access to these words and music that make me feel better, but I don't. I always thought there'd be another Hip show.
I just now want to to approach everything with courage and grace, too. And to remember that there is no dress rehearsal, this is real life and let's get friendship right, get life day-to-day.
Monday, August 01, 2016
I'm Still Here
Wow. I think July 2016 is the first month since I started this blog back in 2005 that I've gone without posting.
It's not that I've been busy. My mind has been scattered and unfocused, I suppose. Tasks that require full attention (like reading and blogging) have gone by the wayside for wasting time on Twitter, watching baseball as escapism, and paying too much attention to American politics (I was glued to the DNC).
The upside of summer is that I'm not longer feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed and that's a sweet way to feel.
What have I been doing with my time if not blogging, reading or traveling? I guess I've just been being. I've caught up with friends somewhat. I've gone to a shitload of baseball games (seven in July). I visited my parents. I saw some movies. I watched Stranger Things on Netflix (loved it). I've gone to a few concerts.
The most notable concert that I went to was Hawksley Workman in his hometown of Huntsville, Ontario. I've always wanted to see him play there, and it's close to my pal Becca T's cottage. I was hoping she'd be there for the show and we could go together, but her calendar didn't align with the show.
As I was sitting on the train going to visit my parents, I was thinking about how much a Hawksley Workman show would soothe my soul. I decided that I was going to go, so right there on the train I used my iPad to book a rental car, a hotel room, and a ticket.
It was a great idea. I think my only regret is that I didn't spend more time out in cottage country. I decided that it'd be a 24-hour trip which consisted of me driving there (about 3 hrs), settling in, having a Dairy Queen Blizzard for dinner, a nap, and then walking from my kind of crappy hotel (which reminded me of travels with my parents in the 80s/90s but with wifi) to the theatre.
It was a beautiful theatre that was installed inside the old city hall. Hawksley was amazing. It was just him and his longtime piano player, Mr. Lonely. It felt like he had seen my "Favourite Hawksley" playlist and was exclusively playing songs from that. It was definitely what I needed and planning that little concert getaway has been my best decision all summer.
It was a beautiful theatre that was installed inside the old city hall. Hawksley was amazing. It was just him and his longtime piano player, Mr. Lonely. It felt like he had seen my "Favourite Hawksley" playlist and was exclusively playing songs from that. It was definitely what I needed and planning that little concert getaway has been my best decision all summer.
On the baseball front, the Jays have been treating me to some amazing baseball. I've been to 15 games so far this season and I kept track: the Jays are 10-5 when I'm there. I've seen some crazy stuff, including a 19-inning game on Canada Day (they lost) and some exciting wins. I have a good network of baseball friends to stand in giveaway lines with, and endlessly message during live and televised games. Our baseball in-jokes are growing by the day.
There's been a lot of bad news in the world this year, and I'm glad to have baseball as my blanket fort of escape.
Oh, and the best part of it is that the Jays are in playoff contention this season. They were in first place of the AL East yesterday but slipped to 0.5 games back with today's loss (in extra innings). I'm looking forward to an exciting August and September. That AL East will be a tight race.
On Friday I'm leaving for a little trip to Kansas City for a baseball game, a blog friend meet-up, and some midwest road-tripping. I'm also hoping to get to Cleveland for another baseball roadtrip.
Oh, and the best part of it is that the Jays are in playoff contention this season. They were in first place of the AL East yesterday but slipped to 0.5 games back with today's loss (in extra innings). I'm looking forward to an exciting August and September. That AL East will be a tight race.
On Friday I'm leaving for a little trip to Kansas City for a baseball game, a blog friend meet-up, and some midwest road-tripping. I'm also hoping to get to Cleveland for another baseball roadtrip.
And who knows? I'm trying to be more spontaneous this summer so maybe something else will pop up.
Well, now I've got at least one August post in, ha-ha. Hope to make it more!
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Final Exam!
I'm just sitting here while my last period class writes their final exam for the year. I've got the rest of them marked and all of my term marking done. I seriously am just waiting for them to be finished so I can complete my last set of marking for the 2015-2016 school year. It will be so nice not to have the ever-present anvil of marking backlog hanging over my head.
The last five days of school will be for me to get report cards finished, clean up my very messy lab, and organize my binders. And the usual year-end social gatherings, goodbyes, and of course, graduation.
So far I have a very unplanned summer. I really want to mainly stick around the city for July to focus on self-care. I want to exercise, eat healthy, and declutter my apartment. Oh, and I also have a very packed baseball schedule in July.
At the beginning of August, I'll be flying to Kansas City for a baseball/blog friend meet-up. That will be super fun! Also, I think there is a baseball roadtrip to Cleveland in the works in August too. I kind of want to do something spontaneous in August (i.e. fly somewhere random) but hopefully I will have enough money still kicking around then.
Really, all I want to do right now is sleep for a solid week. LOL
The last five days of school will be for me to get report cards finished, clean up my very messy lab, and organize my binders. And the usual year-end social gatherings, goodbyes, and of course, graduation.
So far I have a very unplanned summer. I really want to mainly stick around the city for July to focus on self-care. I want to exercise, eat healthy, and declutter my apartment. Oh, and I also have a very packed baseball schedule in July.
At the beginning of August, I'll be flying to Kansas City for a baseball/blog friend meet-up. That will be super fun! Also, I think there is a baseball roadtrip to Cleveland in the works in August too. I kind of want to do something spontaneous in August (i.e. fly somewhere random) but hopefully I will have enough money still kicking around then.
Really, all I want to do right now is sleep for a solid week. LOL
Friday, June 17, 2016
Update!
Right now I'm keeping Hallway #8 under control during Day 1 of final exams. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I've got a few labs left to mark, but it's kind of the last thing that I want to do on a Friday afternoon.
Last weekend was fun overall but I did one thing that I have NEVER done in my life: I bailed on a concert. Eons ago, I bought a ticket to see Florence and the Machine (who I love) with Of Monsters & Men (who I like). When I bought the ticket, I think I completely forgot how absolutely draining June is. When the show rolled around last Friday, I had to go home after work to drop off my laptop and work stuff at home. The idea of taking transit for an hour to a crowded venue with lots of people, sound, and light was so unappealing to me. I just wanted to sit on my couch and watch baseball. Mathew was going with a bunch of other friends, so I didn't have to worry about bailing on a friend. I ended up staying home, and going to bed early. I regret nothing. I'll see Florence next time.
On Sunday + Monday, I had two super fun days of baseball. Sunday was Country Day, so my friends and I arrived early to get our free cheesy plaid baseball caps, and run around the Flight Deck taking pictures with cardboard cowboy cutouts of various players. The game itself was very close. The Jays ended up outslugging the Orioles to win.
Monday was my batting practice visit. It was amazing being on field watching the Jays warm up, although I kind of felt weird gawking and taking photos. All the others in attendance had brought stuff to get signed (I brought a Sharpie just in case), but I was skeptical that I'd get an autograph. At the end of practice, only one player came over to sign and guess who that was? Russell Martin (aka my sports boyfriend). I got him to sign my hat!
In other exciting news, I managed to score ONE ticket to one of the Tragically Hip shows here in August. I had tried several times to get 2-3 tickets for myself and friends, but no luck. On Tuesday, they released more tickets, and I tried for multiple tickets to no avail. Finally, I decided to just see if I could get one, and I did! I guess it'll be a lonely show, but I'm glad I'll get to go.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I pulled some late-night marking marathons. I'm so glad that I'll get to have a chill weekend now. I don't have any big plans and I'm glad. Quality time with sleep + cat is what I need.
Last weekend was fun overall but I did one thing that I have NEVER done in my life: I bailed on a concert. Eons ago, I bought a ticket to see Florence and the Machine (who I love) with Of Monsters & Men (who I like). When I bought the ticket, I think I completely forgot how absolutely draining June is. When the show rolled around last Friday, I had to go home after work to drop off my laptop and work stuff at home. The idea of taking transit for an hour to a crowded venue with lots of people, sound, and light was so unappealing to me. I just wanted to sit on my couch and watch baseball. Mathew was going with a bunch of other friends, so I didn't have to worry about bailing on a friend. I ended up staying home, and going to bed early. I regret nothing. I'll see Florence next time.
On Sunday + Monday, I had two super fun days of baseball. Sunday was Country Day, so my friends and I arrived early to get our free cheesy plaid baseball caps, and run around the Flight Deck taking pictures with cardboard cowboy cutouts of various players. The game itself was very close. The Jays ended up outslugging the Orioles to win.
Monday was my batting practice visit. It was amazing being on field watching the Jays warm up, although I kind of felt weird gawking and taking photos. All the others in attendance had brought stuff to get signed (I brought a Sharpie just in case), but I was skeptical that I'd get an autograph. At the end of practice, only one player came over to sign and guess who that was? Russell Martin (aka my sports boyfriend). I got him to sign my hat!
In other exciting news, I managed to score ONE ticket to one of the Tragically Hip shows here in August. I had tried several times to get 2-3 tickets for myself and friends, but no luck. On Tuesday, they released more tickets, and I tried for multiple tickets to no avail. Finally, I decided to just see if I could get one, and I did! I guess it'll be a lonely show, but I'm glad I'll get to go.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I pulled some late-night marking marathons. I'm so glad that I'll get to have a chill weekend now. I don't have any big plans and I'm glad. Quality time with sleep + cat is what I need.
Thursday, June 09, 2016
Welcome to a neglected blog.
Still not finding too much time to get my blogging mojo going (checking other or writing mine). June is such a busy time. Writing exams, marking marathons to get it all done, prepping final lessons, and getting exam reviews together.
Socially, things get busy too with many year end events.
And, the next four days are jam-packed!
Friday --> Florence and the Machine concert
Saturday --> Road trip to Hamilton to visit friend
Sunday --> Jays game
Monday --> Work, and then I won an auction using my baseball nerd points to go on field for Jays batting practice! (Then watch the game.) Can't wait for this one!
And, the next four days are jam-packed!
Friday --> Florence and the Machine concert
Saturday --> Road trip to Hamilton to visit friend
Sunday --> Jays game
Monday --> Work, and then I won an auction using my baseball nerd points to go on field for Jays batting practice! (Then watch the game.) Can't wait for this one!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
C'mon ladies let's get in formation.
Holy shit Beyonce.
I was blessed enough to get tickets to the Formation World Tour that hit the Rogers Centre last night. This is because I'm blessed enough to have my friend AlieMalie who figured out the pre-sale code and bought two tickets to the Toronto show and two tickets to a Chicago show for herself.
Then I was blessed enough to bring my friend Justin, who loves loves loves Beyonce and it was super great to make a person's dream come true by saying "Hey do you wanna be my +1 for BEYONCE?"
If you are a long-time friend of this blog, you'll know that I've always identified myself as an indie rock chick. My diehard musical snobbery of my teens/twenties has dwindled. I'm kind of happy that now I'll listen to pretty much everything. I love Katy Perry, P!nk, Kesha, and Drake (especially Drake). Heck, like the rest of the world I enjoy the new Bieber songs. (Everyone does, right?) So yes, I'm a bit of a pop fan now and I'm thankful I've loosened up on the snobbery. This is more fun.
However, Beyonce transcends pop music. I knew her singles with Destiny's Child and from her solo albums, but it wasn't until 2013's eponymous Beyonce album that I really got into. Long story short, I was bummed about something, my dear friend AlieMalie said "you should listen to the song Flawless, it's a feminist masterpiece" and boom, life changed. Then, the Queen goes out and makes the Lemonade album/video which is an artistic masterpiece. Best rock song of the year? On Lemonade. Best country song of the year? On Lemonade. Best gospel vocals of the year? On Lemonade. I know that I'd adore this album at my height of music snobbery because I could always appreciate great art.
When it comes to shows, for much of my life, I would mainly only see bands that would have to set up their equipment themselves with the odd musical festival thrown in. Most of the bands I follow have graduated from shitty basement bars and back rooms to comfy theatres like the Danforth Music Hall or Massey Hall. In the case of Metric, they can even support stadium tours. However, it's always great when I can catch a show at Lee's Palace or the Horseshoe Tavern.
I went to my real first pop concert last year. It was a 90s throwback of Nelly/TLC/NKOTB and was hella fun. Then I saw Mariah frickin Carey in Las Vegas which was a total spectacle. But last night's show? Oh my goodness. That was something.
The show mixed visuals with amazing dance numbers, vocals, and spectacle. I don't want to spoil anything, but for the last set of songs, part of the stage TURNED INTO A POOL, and Bey and her dancers danced in the water and it was transcendent.
The Queen is also genuine and charming and her message of powerful feminism, empowerment, and owning your life and sexuality as a women is so fucking necessary. Not to mention her celebration of woman of colour. I loved that her drummer, guitar player, and dancers were all black women and like Lemonade, the show was a celebration of black women who have so fewer opportunities. I love Lemonade but I know it wasn't made for me.
Everything Beyonce is amazing. Bow down. When is the next world tour?
I was blessed enough to get tickets to the Formation World Tour that hit the Rogers Centre last night. This is because I'm blessed enough to have my friend AlieMalie who figured out the pre-sale code and bought two tickets to the Toronto show and two tickets to a Chicago show for herself.
Then I was blessed enough to bring my friend Justin, who loves loves loves Beyonce and it was super great to make a person's dream come true by saying "Hey do you wanna be my +1 for BEYONCE?"
If you are a long-time friend of this blog, you'll know that I've always identified myself as an indie rock chick. My diehard musical snobbery of my teens/twenties has dwindled. I'm kind of happy that now I'll listen to pretty much everything. I love Katy Perry, P!nk, Kesha, and Drake (especially Drake). Heck, like the rest of the world I enjoy the new Bieber songs. (Everyone does, right?) So yes, I'm a bit of a pop fan now and I'm thankful I've loosened up on the snobbery. This is more fun.
However, Beyonce transcends pop music. I knew her singles with Destiny's Child and from her solo albums, but it wasn't until 2013's eponymous Beyonce album that I really got into. Long story short, I was bummed about something, my dear friend AlieMalie said "you should listen to the song Flawless, it's a feminist masterpiece" and boom, life changed. Then, the Queen goes out and makes the Lemonade album/video which is an artistic masterpiece. Best rock song of the year? On Lemonade. Best country song of the year? On Lemonade. Best gospel vocals of the year? On Lemonade. I know that I'd adore this album at my height of music snobbery because I could always appreciate great art.
When it comes to shows, for much of my life, I would mainly only see bands that would have to set up their equipment themselves with the odd musical festival thrown in. Most of the bands I follow have graduated from shitty basement bars and back rooms to comfy theatres like the Danforth Music Hall or Massey Hall. In the case of Metric, they can even support stadium tours. However, it's always great when I can catch a show at Lee's Palace or the Horseshoe Tavern.
The show mixed visuals with amazing dance numbers, vocals, and spectacle. I don't want to spoil anything, but for the last set of songs, part of the stage TURNED INTO A POOL, and Bey and her dancers danced in the water and it was transcendent.
The Queen is also genuine and charming and her message of powerful feminism, empowerment, and owning your life and sexuality as a women is so fucking necessary. Not to mention her celebration of woman of colour. I loved that her drummer, guitar player, and dancers were all black women and like Lemonade, the show was a celebration of black women who have so fewer opportunities. I love Lemonade but I know it wasn't made for me.
Everything Beyonce is amazing. Bow down. When is the next world tour?
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