I bought myself a turntable back in February. Truth is, I started accumulating vinyl before I even got my turntable.
I've been collecting old favourites, new releases, and rare finds, as well as picking up some new surprises. Yes, yes, I know I should get some good old fashioned vinyl, back from vinyl's heyday, and not today's vinyl which has been produced for obnoxious hipsters. My dad has TONNES of great vinyl at home (Dylan, The Beatles, the Stones, Springsteen, Cohen, etc., etc.) but WILL NOT let me take it. I tried to borrow his copy of Abbey Road (which he'd actually bought from the Stratford Public Library when they were getting rid of their vinyl collection so it's not like it's some pristine copy) and he put his foot down and said no. I've never seen him so adamant about anything. There was never this degree of foot-putting-down at any point in my childhood.
Anyway, I thought I'd share with you what I've stocked up so far.
Old Favourites
Metals - Feist
Let it Die - Feist
Left & Leaving - The Weakerthans
Middle Cyclone - Neko Case (180g)
New Releases
The North - Stars (blue vinyl!)
Us Alone - Hayden
Provincial - John K. Samson
Coexist - The xx
Rare Finds
The Sound of the Life of the Mind - Ben Folds Five (autographed 180g vinyl!)
Get Along - Tegan and Sara (limited edition live album released on white vinyl for record store day)
New Surprises --> Stuff I just picked up hoping it would be good. All of it was!
Sun - Cat Power (180 g)
The State of the World Depends on this Kiss - Whitehorse
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel (180g)
Anyway, I'm really enjoying a new/old way to listen to music. Vinyl artwork is amazing, and it's fun to physically turn over albums. I'm a huge fan of 180g vinyl too. It sounds sooooooo good.
I want to keep building by getting old favourites, new releases, rarities, and splurging on surprises. I really want to get more of The Weakerthans on vinyl. I've been re-discovering my favourite band in the past week, and I need the album Reconstruction Site. That will be a priority. Of course, I must get Feist's The Reminder to complete the trifecta. I want more Stars too.
There aren't a whole lot of new releases coming out soon that I know of that I will definitely be picking up on vinyl. When Neko Case finishes her next album this year, you can bet that I'll pick it up on vinyl. Also, Arts & Crafts is coming out with a 10th anniversary compilation, and I'm totally going to splurge on that.
My little collection will grow quickly I'm sure.
What albums would be your vinyl must-haves?
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Food
This weekend I've been doing a lot of reading/watching on the North American food industry.
I started reading Michael Moss' "Salt, Sugar, Fat" and I highly recommend it. Basically, it's about how the processed food industry has injected its product with the above ingredients, which has lead to us becoming addicted to their unhealthy, cheap, and convenient products. The results? The obesity epidemic.
This evening, I went to the Bloor Hot Docs theatre to see the documentary "A Place at the Table", which is about how there are millions of Americans who are food insecure (i.e. don't know where their next meal is from), and how the hunger epidemic in the US in paradoxically related to obesity. Healthy food isn't cheap, as anyone who has cleaned up their eating habits (like me) can attest. If you are counting every cent and can get empty calories cheaper, what choice do you really have?
The documentary was very powerful. I was in tears at the end. I think we can all agree that food is a fundamental human right, and it's tragic that people don't have enough in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. I feel that things might be slightly better in Canada; my understanding is that our rules for government assistance might not be as strict, but I'm obviously not speaking from any sort of experience, just a Canadian assumption.
However, as a person who has supported food banks for years, I do know that far too many Canadians have to use them. Hunger and obesity are problems that are rooted in poverty. Of course, it doesn't help that our food industry makes it difficult to get a nutritious meal. I feel that people are becoming more knowledgeable about these problem, and I hope that there is a change soon. Nutritious food should be accessible for all, regardless of income level. If you only care about economics, it will save us money in the long run if fewer people are suffering the health problems associated with obesity.
Even though I've never had to eat unhealthy food because of financial issues, I did grow up eating a lot of fast foods and processed foods. The reason is simple. I grew up with a mother with a chronic illness (multiple sclerosis). She was often too tired to cook the nutritious meals that I grew up with as a kid (before her disease progressed) and getting fast food, or reheating something processed was all that could be done. In addition, I feel that my mom would splurge on junk food treats, because well, that was something she could still do for me, as opposed to a lot of the mom-daughter activities that she could no longer do.
I'm not blaming my mom at all, but I really do believe that the reliance on fast food I had as a teenager, as well as emotional eating, lead me to become a nutritional disaster. I was finally able to change my eating habits in my late 20s, and lost a bunch of weight as a result. However, the spectre of emotional eating, plus a lifestyle where I go out a lot, has lead me to gain some of it back. Hence, I'm yet again on the healthy eating wagon and quite happily. In addition, I've finally grown to really enjoy exercise in the past five years or so of my life. I'm really enjoying the changes in my body and strength that have come as a result of hiring a personal trainer this year (more on that in another post).
Reading "Salt, Sugar, Fat" is giving me such contempt for the processed food industry. Since January, I have eaten virtually no processed foods. Everything I eat is pretty whole: meats, eggs, veggies, fruits, nuts, eggs, and dairy. I was always a heavy user of processed foods. I am so glad that I no longer support those industries, and I feel that my weekend reading/viewing has committed me more to my diet, if not just for my own personal health, but as a way to vote with my money. I no longer wish to support these companies who value profit over human health.
I am so glad that I have necessary income, and education, to pursue a healthy lifestyle. I am spending a lot of money this year on my health, but I know it's a worthwhile investment. I just wish that when it came to the access to nutritious food, every one had the same opportunities as me.
***
In other weekend news, I ran my first 5K of the 2013. I did Harry's Spring Run Off in High Park. It was a lovely chilly sunny morning, and I had a great run. It's a rather challenging course... there are some hilly portions, and the last 500 m is uphill. What a challenge. I (and most other runners) had to walk most of this last portion. If I'd known the finish line was literally around the corner from the top of the hill, I would have given it halfway up the hill. Good knowledge for if I do this race again. My time was 34:30, which is just 46 seconds shy of my PB in a 5K race. However, since the course was so challenging, I do feel like it was a PB anyway. :)
I told myself that if I finished in under 35 minutes, I would treat myself to some new brightly-coloured runners. So that's what I did today. :) I've been shoe crazy lately. I've purchased 3 pairs of shoes in as many weekends. I promise you all a shoe post soon!
I started reading Michael Moss' "Salt, Sugar, Fat" and I highly recommend it. Basically, it's about how the processed food industry has injected its product with the above ingredients, which has lead to us becoming addicted to their unhealthy, cheap, and convenient products. The results? The obesity epidemic.
This evening, I went to the Bloor Hot Docs theatre to see the documentary "A Place at the Table", which is about how there are millions of Americans who are food insecure (i.e. don't know where their next meal is from), and how the hunger epidemic in the US in paradoxically related to obesity. Healthy food isn't cheap, as anyone who has cleaned up their eating habits (like me) can attest. If you are counting every cent and can get empty calories cheaper, what choice do you really have?
The documentary was very powerful. I was in tears at the end. I think we can all agree that food is a fundamental human right, and it's tragic that people don't have enough in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. I feel that things might be slightly better in Canada; my understanding is that our rules for government assistance might not be as strict, but I'm obviously not speaking from any sort of experience, just a Canadian assumption.
However, as a person who has supported food banks for years, I do know that far too many Canadians have to use them. Hunger and obesity are problems that are rooted in poverty. Of course, it doesn't help that our food industry makes it difficult to get a nutritious meal. I feel that people are becoming more knowledgeable about these problem, and I hope that there is a change soon. Nutritious food should be accessible for all, regardless of income level. If you only care about economics, it will save us money in the long run if fewer people are suffering the health problems associated with obesity.
Even though I've never had to eat unhealthy food because of financial issues, I did grow up eating a lot of fast foods and processed foods. The reason is simple. I grew up with a mother with a chronic illness (multiple sclerosis). She was often too tired to cook the nutritious meals that I grew up with as a kid (before her disease progressed) and getting fast food, or reheating something processed was all that could be done. In addition, I feel that my mom would splurge on junk food treats, because well, that was something she could still do for me, as opposed to a lot of the mom-daughter activities that she could no longer do.
I'm not blaming my mom at all, but I really do believe that the reliance on fast food I had as a teenager, as well as emotional eating, lead me to become a nutritional disaster. I was finally able to change my eating habits in my late 20s, and lost a bunch of weight as a result. However, the spectre of emotional eating, plus a lifestyle where I go out a lot, has lead me to gain some of it back. Hence, I'm yet again on the healthy eating wagon and quite happily. In addition, I've finally grown to really enjoy exercise in the past five years or so of my life. I'm really enjoying the changes in my body and strength that have come as a result of hiring a personal trainer this year (more on that in another post).
Reading "Salt, Sugar, Fat" is giving me such contempt for the processed food industry. Since January, I have eaten virtually no processed foods. Everything I eat is pretty whole: meats, eggs, veggies, fruits, nuts, eggs, and dairy. I was always a heavy user of processed foods. I am so glad that I no longer support those industries, and I feel that my weekend reading/viewing has committed me more to my diet, if not just for my own personal health, but as a way to vote with my money. I no longer wish to support these companies who value profit over human health.
I am so glad that I have necessary income, and education, to pursue a healthy lifestyle. I am spending a lot of money this year on my health, but I know it's a worthwhile investment. I just wish that when it came to the access to nutritious food, every one had the same opportunities as me.
***
In other weekend news, I ran my first 5K of the 2013. I did Harry's Spring Run Off in High Park. It was a lovely chilly sunny morning, and I had a great run. It's a rather challenging course... there are some hilly portions, and the last 500 m is uphill. What a challenge. I (and most other runners) had to walk most of this last portion. If I'd known the finish line was literally around the corner from the top of the hill, I would have given it halfway up the hill. Good knowledge for if I do this race again. My time was 34:30, which is just 46 seconds shy of my PB in a 5K race. However, since the course was so challenging, I do feel like it was a PB anyway. :)
I told myself that if I finished in under 35 minutes, I would treat myself to some new brightly-coloured runners. So that's what I did today. :) I've been shoe crazy lately. I've purchased 3 pairs of shoes in as many weekends. I promise you all a shoe post soon!
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Friends are the awesome.
Whenever there is the littlest bump in my life, my friends are there to pick me up. For example, after having a shitty and dramatic day yesterday, today I just had the following happen:
a) A lovely phone chat with my buddy Claire. Apart from being lovely, this conversation has rekindled my love of Liz Lemon.
b) My friend Mathew stopped by after his volleyball game to chat and listen to some vinyl. I also supplied him with some ice since he hit his head.
c) My pal Matt from Winnipeg is going to join me for the epic Field Trip show in June. It's Arts & Crafts Records' 10th anniversary show and features a reunited Broken Social Scene, Feist, Stars, and Hayden to only name my four favourites.
My plans for this week and weekend have been completely changed but I don't care. I have sushi with my pal Mathew, a potential carb-loading dinner on Friday night, and my first 5K race of the season on Saturday morning. Then perhaps shopping and wine to celebrate.
Lots of good stuff on the horizon. :D
p.s. This was my 1111th post. Cool!
a) A lovely phone chat with my buddy Claire. Apart from being lovely, this conversation has rekindled my love of Liz Lemon.
b) My friend Mathew stopped by after his volleyball game to chat and listen to some vinyl. I also supplied him with some ice since he hit his head.
c) My pal Matt from Winnipeg is going to join me for the epic Field Trip show in June. It's Arts & Crafts Records' 10th anniversary show and features a reunited Broken Social Scene, Feist, Stars, and Hayden to only name my four favourites.
My plans for this week and weekend have been completely changed but I don't care. I have sushi with my pal Mathew, a potential carb-loading dinner on Friday night, and my first 5K race of the season on Saturday morning. Then perhaps shopping and wine to celebrate.
Lots of good stuff on the horizon. :D
p.s. This was my 1111th post. Cool!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
This is a race to the end and I don't intend to win it baby.
I don't think I've gone to two rock shows (in a standing venue) two nights in a row for a long time. It takes a toll on your body, especially when you have a job and and full exercise on social schedule on top of it. It really took it out of me and I was exhausted on Friday.
Stars put on two great shows. It was hard to determine which was the "better" show. My pal Karen, who went to both shows with me, and I debated which was the better show and the results are inconclusive. We enjoyed Wednesday's crowd more, but that could have been that we were closer to the front. Both set-lists had great songs and moments. Anyway, I guess it goes to show you that when a favourite band does a two-night stint in your town, go to both because they will both be great.
Thursday's show was also super cool because I finally met Miss Ash after years of blog friendship! We met up for the show for a great dinner. We ended up losing each other at the show (crowded venue) but it looks like another hangout is in our future! I'm so glad that I got to meet another super cool blog friend IRL.
The weekend was great. I met up with long-lost friends both on Friday and Saturday. Today I did some shopping, and ended up watching Forrest Gump, which I hadn't seen in years. That movie still makes me cry!
Well, it's late on Sunday night and tomorrow is another work day. But it's short week. Woo-hoo! :)
Stars put on two great shows. It was hard to determine which was the "better" show. My pal Karen, who went to both shows with me, and I debated which was the better show and the results are inconclusive. We enjoyed Wednesday's crowd more, but that could have been that we were closer to the front. Both set-lists had great songs and moments. Anyway, I guess it goes to show you that when a favourite band does a two-night stint in your town, go to both because they will both be great.
Thursday's show was also super cool because I finally met Miss Ash after years of blog friendship! We met up for the show for a great dinner. We ended up losing each other at the show (crowded venue) but it looks like another hangout is in our future! I'm so glad that I got to meet another super cool blog friend IRL.
The weekend was great. I met up with long-lost friends both on Friday and Saturday. Today I did some shopping, and ended up watching Forrest Gump, which I hadn't seen in years. That movie still makes me cry!
Well, it's late on Sunday night and tomorrow is another work day. But it's short week. Woo-hoo! :)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Staycation came and went.
I got very little accomplished from the goal list, except for drinking lots of tea.
I was a recluse a bit for three days (except for going to the gym). I think I needed it. I unplugged, read, talked on the phone, napped, drank tea, and then napped a bit more.
Thursday through Sunday I resumed to my usual jam-packed schedule. I think the alone time made me appreciate social time, and vice versa.
The housework can wait.
This week promises to be busy. Sushi plans tomorrow night. Houseguest on Tuesday. Evenings of Sex & Death with Stars (!) on Wednesday and Thursday nights. (That's two Stars' concerts in a row. Both with unique set-lists for superfans.) Plans with friends the entire weekend.
Yup, it's great that I had three days in a row with nothing. Wish the staycation was longer lived.
I was a recluse a bit for three days (except for going to the gym). I think I needed it. I unplugged, read, talked on the phone, napped, drank tea, and then napped a bit more.
Thursday through Sunday I resumed to my usual jam-packed schedule. I think the alone time made me appreciate social time, and vice versa.
The housework can wait.
This week promises to be busy. Sushi plans tomorrow night. Houseguest on Tuesday. Evenings of Sex & Death with Stars (!) on Wednesday and Thursday nights. (That's two Stars' concerts in a row. Both with unique set-lists for superfans.) Plans with friends the entire weekend.
Yup, it's great that I had three days in a row with nothing. Wish the staycation was longer lived.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Don't blog when tired...
... or you'll accidentally delete your previous post, which was your record of your upcoming staycation goals.
Thank goodness I was able to find the post in an internet cache, so I can copy and paste it below, and it won't be lost. I would have forgotten my goals!
Anyway, my weekend before staycation has been lots of fun with dinners out with friends, sleeping in, dinners in, a good indoor run, a nice walk around High Park in spring-like weather, and an evening watching old music videos from the 90s.
Tomorrow, reaching my staycation goals commenses.
RECOVERED POST: ALMOST STAYCATION (Thursday March 7th @ 9:20 pm)
One work day left.
Tonight I treated myself to some staycation treats: a new book (even though I keep swearing I'm going to stop buying books), the Spring Collection from David's Tea, and a dark organic fair-trade chocolate bar with almonds and coconut. (I'm allowed dark chocolate in moderation on my crazy hunter-gatherer diet.)
Anyway, I've been spending my time thinking about what I want to do during my staycation. I have to be careful - the flood of social requests is coming in! I def want to catch up with people, but I need some me time for sure.
Some of my staycation goals are:
Thank goodness I was able to find the post in an internet cache, so I can copy and paste it below, and it won't be lost. I would have forgotten my goals!
Anyway, my weekend before staycation has been lots of fun with dinners out with friends, sleeping in, dinners in, a good indoor run, a nice walk around High Park in spring-like weather, and an evening watching old music videos from the 90s.
Tomorrow, reaching my staycation goals commenses.
RECOVERED POST: ALMOST STAYCATION (Thursday March 7th @ 9:20 pm)
One work day left.
Tonight I treated myself to some staycation treats: a new book (even though I keep swearing I'm going to stop buying books), the Spring Collection from David's Tea, and a dark organic fair-trade chocolate bar with almonds and coconut. (I'm allowed dark chocolate in moderation on my crazy hunter-gatherer diet.)
Anyway, I've been spending my time thinking about what I want to do during my staycation. I have to be careful - the flood of social requests is coming in! I def want to catch up with people, but I need some me time for sure.
Some of my staycation goals are:
- Drink obscene amounts of tea. Hence the Spring Collection.
- Organize my bookshelf.
- Get rid of expired cosmetics/toiletries hiding in my bathroom cabinets.
- Shred old mail that I've hidden away in shoeboxes over the years.
- Go to a movie in the afternoon.
- Read two books.
- Complete at least one Skype date.
- Sleep in at least twice during the week.
- Keep up with my exercise & diet regimen.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Weekend Recap & Forthcoming Staycation
Part 1: Weekend Recap
I had a really great weekend. On Friday, I went for a nice run, did a little bit of shopping, came home and did some laundry and housework and then relaxed with a nice glass of wine.
On Saturday, I woke up early, but not too early, for a morning weight-lifting class. Then I went out for an INSANE cheat brunch. I went to a diner in my neighbourhood called Uncle Betty's where I had their EPIC grilled cheese sandwich. I'm not throwing around the word epic in this case. It had a couple of kinds of cheese, macaroni & cheese, meatloaf, and I also added bacon to the mess. When I cheat, I cheat. I even had a full-sugar coke, which I never drink. After that, I had dessert, because when I cheat, I cheat. Dessert was an ice cream sandwich made with a donut (made fresh on the premises), with Greg's Roasted Marshmallow ice cream, which is pretty much the best ice cream on the planet. So good.
And I didn't even feel ill after that. I credit it to aforementioned weight-lifting.
(Aside - wigsf: I really think you should go to this diner one day. It's up your alley for sure.)
Anyway, after brunch we saw Life of Pi, which is a spectacular movie. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it. I've not read the book. I own it, and started in a couple of times years ago, but upon seeing the movie, I'm going to make another attempt. (My not getting into it has nothing to do with the book; just my mind frame at the time. You know how sometimes you just can't get into books?) The movie has amazing CGI and is incredibly visually spectacular. Ang Lee really deserved the Best Director Oscar for sure.
After the movie, I got some groceries and had a massive salad and some wine for dinner. I fell asleep watching SNL, as is kind of usual these days. I'm getting old.
Today I had a Kenya meeting in the morning. I got home for lunch, had a little nap, then headed down to Kensington Market to get my hair cut. I also went to the Sonic Boom vinyl-only store with the rule I was allowed to pick up *one* record. I got the xx's Coexist. It's super mellow. I've been listening to it as I made a delicious stir-fry for dinner.
In summary exercise + shopping + gluttony + movie + vinyl + haircut + wine = great weekend. Heck, I even had time to finish the schlocky book I was reading.
Part 2: Forthcoming Staycation
This is the last week of work before March Break. As you guys may remember, I've gone to Europe for my last three March Breaks.
March Break 2010 - Paris + Nice
March Break 2011 - Barcelona + London
March Break 2012 - Paris (with side trip to Bruges)
Oh man, those were the times.
However, since I've been paying bi-monthly deposits to my Kenya trip, I don't feel comfy dropping cash on a European March Break. I also thought that I could visit my parents for a bit.
I was chatting with my mom tonight on the phone, trying to figure out when to fit in my trip to Stratford. I was invited to a party on Saturday, and I kind of what to keep with my Tuesday/Thursday training sessions. My mom pointed out that Easter is at the end of the month, and that it would be kind of silly to have two visits so close together. Why not a staycation, she asked.
My mom is wise.
I realized that I have not spent a calm non-working week in Toronto in well over a year, if not more. If you recall, I booked myself SOLID this summer, and I'm always traveling from this place to that place.
I think a Toronto staycation is what I need, and I'm excited. I'll catch up on housework, visits with friends, and I really should book in some Skype dates. Maybe I'll even finally organize my bookshelf.
Thanks Mom for that suggestion.
I had a really great weekend. On Friday, I went for a nice run, did a little bit of shopping, came home and did some laundry and housework and then relaxed with a nice glass of wine.
On Saturday, I woke up early, but not too early, for a morning weight-lifting class. Then I went out for an INSANE cheat brunch. I went to a diner in my neighbourhood called Uncle Betty's where I had their EPIC grilled cheese sandwich. I'm not throwing around the word epic in this case. It had a couple of kinds of cheese, macaroni & cheese, meatloaf, and I also added bacon to the mess. When I cheat, I cheat. I even had a full-sugar coke, which I never drink. After that, I had dessert, because when I cheat, I cheat. Dessert was an ice cream sandwich made with a donut (made fresh on the premises), with Greg's Roasted Marshmallow ice cream, which is pretty much the best ice cream on the planet. So good.
And I didn't even feel ill after that. I credit it to aforementioned weight-lifting.
(Aside - wigsf: I really think you should go to this diner one day. It's up your alley for sure.)
Anyway, after brunch we saw Life of Pi, which is a spectacular movie. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it. I've not read the book. I own it, and started in a couple of times years ago, but upon seeing the movie, I'm going to make another attempt. (My not getting into it has nothing to do with the book; just my mind frame at the time. You know how sometimes you just can't get into books?) The movie has amazing CGI and is incredibly visually spectacular. Ang Lee really deserved the Best Director Oscar for sure.
After the movie, I got some groceries and had a massive salad and some wine for dinner. I fell asleep watching SNL, as is kind of usual these days. I'm getting old.
Today I had a Kenya meeting in the morning. I got home for lunch, had a little nap, then headed down to Kensington Market to get my hair cut. I also went to the Sonic Boom vinyl-only store with the rule I was allowed to pick up *one* record. I got the xx's Coexist. It's super mellow. I've been listening to it as I made a delicious stir-fry for dinner.
In summary exercise + shopping + gluttony + movie + vinyl + haircut + wine = great weekend. Heck, I even had time to finish the schlocky book I was reading.
Part 2: Forthcoming Staycation
This is the last week of work before March Break. As you guys may remember, I've gone to Europe for my last three March Breaks.
March Break 2010 - Paris + Nice
March Break 2011 - Barcelona + London
March Break 2012 - Paris (with side trip to Bruges)
Oh man, those were the times.
However, since I've been paying bi-monthly deposits to my Kenya trip, I don't feel comfy dropping cash on a European March Break. I also thought that I could visit my parents for a bit.
I was chatting with my mom tonight on the phone, trying to figure out when to fit in my trip to Stratford. I was invited to a party on Saturday, and I kind of what to keep with my Tuesday/Thursday training sessions. My mom pointed out that Easter is at the end of the month, and that it would be kind of silly to have two visits so close together. Why not a staycation, she asked.
My mom is wise.
I realized that I have not spent a calm non-working week in Toronto in well over a year, if not more. If you recall, I booked myself SOLID this summer, and I'm always traveling from this place to that place.
I think a Toronto staycation is what I need, and I'm excited. I'll catch up on housework, visits with friends, and I really should book in some Skype dates. Maybe I'll even finally organize my bookshelf.
Thanks Mom for that suggestion.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
High Fructose Corn Syrup For My Brain
I'll admit it. When it comes to music and books, I can be an insufferable snob.
However, deep down inside I have many guilty pleasures. Especially when it comes to music. In fact, I would say that I'm much more comfortable with my musical guilty pleasures than literary guilty pleasures. I've got some Katy Perry, Ke$ha, P!nk, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Carly Rae Jepson all loaded onto my iPod, but for exercise purposes only, or so I tell myself. If I'm listening to cheesy pop music, I'm going to run faster to get the workout over with sooner right? (This is what I tell myself.) Pop music's got its place. You can't work out to Feist (except for electronic remixes).
But when it comes to books, that's where I usually draw the line. I totally pass judgement on what people are reading on the subway, or what's in bookstores.
Last week I saw someone reading the Nicholas Sparks book Safe Haven on the subway. Sparks writes cheesy fare that gets turned into Hollywood schlock: The Notebook being the most famous example. I, of course, judged. I read The Notebook when I was eighteen, and thought it was amazing. Which means that at my age, I would find it insufferable. (I also found the movie insufferable when I saw it in my early twenties; I think Sparks' shelf life with my was very short.)
As I was judging the woman, suddenly a voice in my head said "wouldn't it be great to read something cheesy, mindless, and uncool for once? It wouldn't take much effort at all!" For some reason this question stuck in my head, and guess what paperback I picked up at Shopper's the other day?
Today on my subway ride home I was listening to the Fun. album Some Nights and reading my Sparks novel, and I actually realized that it brought me a degree of relaxation that I haven't felt in awhile. Man, it felt good to let my snobbery go and indulge in high fructose corn syrup of the musical and literary variety (and at the same time).
Maybe this all comes from the fact that I don't eat sugar any more (except once a week) and my sweet tooth has been telling my brain that we need some sort of sweets. Or maybe since I've been pushing my muscles with weightlifting, there's not as much energy left for my brain. Who knows? But seriously - I can't believe I'm reading Nicholas Sparks and enjoying it the way you would a pack of Skittles. I'll feel bad later, I know.
I'll read something more nutritious next, I promise.
However, deep down inside I have many guilty pleasures. Especially when it comes to music. In fact, I would say that I'm much more comfortable with my musical guilty pleasures than literary guilty pleasures. I've got some Katy Perry, Ke$ha, P!nk, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Carly Rae Jepson all loaded onto my iPod, but for exercise purposes only, or so I tell myself. If I'm listening to cheesy pop music, I'm going to run faster to get the workout over with sooner right? (This is what I tell myself.) Pop music's got its place. You can't work out to Feist (except for electronic remixes).
But when it comes to books, that's where I usually draw the line. I totally pass judgement on what people are reading on the subway, or what's in bookstores.
Last week I saw someone reading the Nicholas Sparks book Safe Haven on the subway. Sparks writes cheesy fare that gets turned into Hollywood schlock: The Notebook being the most famous example. I, of course, judged. I read The Notebook when I was eighteen, and thought it was amazing. Which means that at my age, I would find it insufferable. (I also found the movie insufferable when I saw it in my early twenties; I think Sparks' shelf life with my was very short.)
As I was judging the woman, suddenly a voice in my head said "wouldn't it be great to read something cheesy, mindless, and uncool for once? It wouldn't take much effort at all!" For some reason this question stuck in my head, and guess what paperback I picked up at Shopper's the other day?
Today on my subway ride home I was listening to the Fun. album Some Nights and reading my Sparks novel, and I actually realized that it brought me a degree of relaxation that I haven't felt in awhile. Man, it felt good to let my snobbery go and indulge in high fructose corn syrup of the musical and literary variety (and at the same time).
Maybe this all comes from the fact that I don't eat sugar any more (except once a week) and my sweet tooth has been telling my brain that we need some sort of sweets. Or maybe since I've been pushing my muscles with weightlifting, there's not as much energy left for my brain. Who knows? But seriously - I can't believe I'm reading Nicholas Sparks and enjoying it the way you would a pack of Skittles. I'll feel bad later, I know.
I'll read something more nutritious next, I promise.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Winter
Winter's a weird thing. I find myself wishing it would stay and wishing it would go away at the same time.
I love wrapping myself up in my parka, or my long wool coat, and choosing a pair of warm mittens, a scarf, and a silly toque. I love tucking my leggings into knee socks and slipping my feet into my warm waterproof boots. If it's a nice dry day like today, it's great keeping warm and walking the streets. I love coming home, curling up in a hoodie, drinking tea and reading a book.
However, at the same time, I am so tired of snowstorms, then warm spells which make the snow melt and cover the streets in puddles of slush. I'm tired of chapped lips and dry skin. I'm tired of having to watch the weather, just in case there's need for me to leave for work early.
I want winter to stay and I want it to go.
Either way it will leave... and then come back again.
I love wrapping myself up in my parka, or my long wool coat, and choosing a pair of warm mittens, a scarf, and a silly toque. I love tucking my leggings into knee socks and slipping my feet into my warm waterproof boots. If it's a nice dry day like today, it's great keeping warm and walking the streets. I love coming home, curling up in a hoodie, drinking tea and reading a book.
However, at the same time, I am so tired of snowstorms, then warm spells which make the snow melt and cover the streets in puddles of slush. I'm tired of chapped lips and dry skin. I'm tired of having to watch the weather, just in case there's need for me to leave for work early.
I want winter to stay and I want it to go.
Either way it will leave... and then come back again.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Super Busy
Between my long birthday weekend, and visitors from far and wide in Toronto this week, there has been no time to update this blog, nor read others.
This weekend promises to be busy too: Hayden concert on Friday night, spa day on Saturday, and 4-year-old's birthday party on Sunday. Also Sunday is Oscar night! I love awards shows.
Anyway, I'm alive, super busy and well. Hope that it's the same for all of you. :)
This weekend promises to be busy too: Hayden concert on Friday night, spa day on Saturday, and 4-year-old's birthday party on Sunday. Also Sunday is Oscar night! I love awards shows.
Anyway, I'm alive, super busy and well. Hope that it's the same for all of you. :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Like Santa Fe, margaritas, and sleeping pills.
Happy list:
- Knee Socks. AlieMalie got me awesome colourful knee socks for Christmas. Two pairs have birds, one pair has owls, and one pair is hot pink with skulls. I hadn't really busted them out until I realized that they look awesome with black leggings. I'm all into the sweater dresses these days, so I've been wearing them a lot. Love them. Almost makes me want winter to never end. Almost.
- My friend Mathew just phoned me. "This is going to ruin your birthday present but do you have any Feist on vinyl?" Looks like I'm getting Let It Die. Yay!
- My autographed copy of Ben Folds Five's album The Sound of the Life of the Mind arrived in the mail yesterday. It's totally gotten me back into that album.
- I just wrote a hilarious valentine for my friend Fea. It's an inside joke, but I was snickering as I wrote it. Knowing that you're going to make someone smile is always such a nice little thing.
- I'm having a margarita and taquito party at my fave neighbourhood Mexican restaurant for my birthday on Friday. I'm looking forward to it.
- Knee Socks. AlieMalie got me awesome colourful knee socks for Christmas. Two pairs have birds, one pair has owls, and one pair is hot pink with skulls. I hadn't really busted them out until I realized that they look awesome with black leggings. I'm all into the sweater dresses these days, so I've been wearing them a lot. Love them. Almost makes me want winter to never end. Almost.
- My friend Mathew just phoned me. "This is going to ruin your birthday present but do you have any Feist on vinyl?" Looks like I'm getting Let It Die. Yay!
- My autographed copy of Ben Folds Five's album The Sound of the Life of the Mind arrived in the mail yesterday. It's totally gotten me back into that album.
- I just wrote a hilarious valentine for my friend Fea. It's an inside joke, but I was snickering as I wrote it. Knowing that you're going to make someone smile is always such a nice little thing.
- I'm having a margarita and taquito party at my fave neighbourhood Mexican restaurant for my birthday on Friday. I'm looking forward to it.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
We're sitting on a ruin.
Toronto was hit with a pretty bad snowstorm on Friday. It was definitely the worst one I can remember for a long time. However, after the Toronto school boards closed schools a couple years ago for a snowstorm that never really came, I think they've gotten a bit gun shy when it comes to snow days. Most of the staff made it, albeit we started the day more than 30 minutes later, and I had less than 50% of my classes there. What else could I do but show some episodes of the Simpsons?
My plans for after school were to hit up one of Toronto's best record stores (Sonic Boom - open 364 days a year) to get three new records for my turntable. (Limit set by me.) I suggested to some colleagues that we go out for some drinks at a pub near the record store (not too far from my school either), and we decided to do that.
First though, we had to dig out the cars. I have said it before and I'll say it again: my school has the sweetest kids ANYWHERE. Can you believe there was a small group of grade 12 students who'd borrowed shovels from the caretakers to help dig teachers' cars out?? Well, there were. Adorable.
After getting dug out, we found a lot that wasn't covered with snow at Bloor and Bathurst. There is a car-sharing program that only rents out Smart Cars and there was some poor dude trying to return his Smart Car to the lot. My friends, along with some random people on the street, had to push the guy into the lot.
I decided to use the occasion for my cheat meal of the week. I had two beers, mozzarella sticks, a burger with fries, and red velvet cake a la mode. Oh my gosh. It was just simple pub fare but it was so good. Back to no-sugar and no-grains until next Friday.
After the pub, we headed to Sonic Boom (open 364 days a year) and it was CLOSED. THEY GOT A SNOW DAY! I shake my fist at the school boards!!!
So, I had to postpone my vinyl spree to Saturday. I elected to have a lazy Saturday. I didn't even go to the gym, but I'll make up for that tomorrow. Pretty much all I did yesterday was get to Sonic Boom (open 363 days in 2013) and buy:
a) Metals by Feist. If there was one album I need to own on vinyl, it's probably this one.
b) The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss by Whitehorse. I wouldn't have gotten this album if it wasn't for the snow day, because on Friday night a friend of mine was raving about it, so I thought why not? I like it, but so far Side A is better than Side B.
c) Sun by Cat Power. This was a total gamble, and I love this album so much. Highly recommended!
Here's a picture of Rilo listening to Cat Power.
I love my retro turntable so much.
Today I had a Kenya meeting, a nap, a good run, and then did some housework. It's now that time where I'm going to curl up in bed with a book. That's something else I got done this weekend: a fair bit of reading. That was nice.
Happy Monday friends!
My plans for after school were to hit up one of Toronto's best record stores (Sonic Boom - open 364 days a year) to get three new records for my turntable. (Limit set by me.) I suggested to some colleagues that we go out for some drinks at a pub near the record store (not too far from my school either), and we decided to do that.
First though, we had to dig out the cars. I have said it before and I'll say it again: my school has the sweetest kids ANYWHERE. Can you believe there was a small group of grade 12 students who'd borrowed shovels from the caretakers to help dig teachers' cars out?? Well, there were. Adorable.
After getting dug out, we found a lot that wasn't covered with snow at Bloor and Bathurst. There is a car-sharing program that only rents out Smart Cars and there was some poor dude trying to return his Smart Car to the lot. My friends, along with some random people on the street, had to push the guy into the lot.
I decided to use the occasion for my cheat meal of the week. I had two beers, mozzarella sticks, a burger with fries, and red velvet cake a la mode. Oh my gosh. It was just simple pub fare but it was so good. Back to no-sugar and no-grains until next Friday.
After the pub, we headed to Sonic Boom (open 364 days a year) and it was CLOSED. THEY GOT A SNOW DAY! I shake my fist at the school boards!!!
So, I had to postpone my vinyl spree to Saturday. I elected to have a lazy Saturday. I didn't even go to the gym, but I'll make up for that tomorrow. Pretty much all I did yesterday was get to Sonic Boom (open 363 days in 2013) and buy:
a) Metals by Feist. If there was one album I need to own on vinyl, it's probably this one.
b) The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss by Whitehorse. I wouldn't have gotten this album if it wasn't for the snow day, because on Friday night a friend of mine was raving about it, so I thought why not? I like it, but so far Side A is better than Side B.
c) Sun by Cat Power. This was a total gamble, and I love this album so much. Highly recommended!
Here's a picture of Rilo listening to Cat Power.
I love my retro turntable so much.
Today I had a Kenya meeting, a nap, a good run, and then did some housework. It's now that time where I'm going to curl up in bed with a book. That's something else I got done this weekend: a fair bit of reading. That was nice.
Happy Monday friends!
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
What I've Got.
1) A good night's sleep last night, thankfully.
2) An awesome friend who sends me "at-home" postcards. Got one today showing the Yonge & Bloor intersection in 1918. The city's changed. Postcards might not be hip or all over the fashion blogs, but I'll always take substance over style.
3) Freshly-shellacked nails. (I may be addicted.)
4) A new turntable. My birthday's coming up, and after such a shitty night, I decided I should get my gift from myself early. It's a retro portable turntable in a green and cream-coloured case. So not only is it for the listening of music, it's decorative too! I'll take a picture later. The first album I listened to was Stars' The North and now I'm onto John K. Samson's Provincial. Indie rock forever.
5) New classes that look okay so far. My friend overhead some grade 9s in her class saying that I was "tough". Good. That's the rumour I want going around.
2) An awesome friend who sends me "at-home" postcards. Got one today showing the Yonge & Bloor intersection in 1918. The city's changed. Postcards might not be hip or all over the fashion blogs, but I'll always take substance over style.
3) Freshly-shellacked nails. (I may be addicted.)
4) A new turntable. My birthday's coming up, and after such a shitty night, I decided I should get my gift from myself early. It's a retro portable turntable in a green and cream-coloured case. So not only is it for the listening of music, it's decorative too! I'll take a picture later. The first album I listened to was Stars' The North and now I'm onto John K. Samson's Provincial. Indie rock forever.
5) New classes that look okay so far. My friend overhead some grade 9s in her class saying that I was "tough". Good. That's the rumour I want going around.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Insomnia post.
See wigsf, you're not the only one who can't sleep sometimes.
The past few months of my life have been filled with ups and downs, as is usual in anyone's life I guess. However, the frequency/altitudes have been a little bit more than I'm used to.
I can't sleep because one of those downs just came around again. However, I'm quite confident this will be the absolute last time I'm going to be riding this particular roller coaster, so that's something, right?
I'm not going to be down for long, I know it. My current exercise/healthy eating plan has been doing wonders for me. I've been hitting the gym five times a week: twice for personal training sessions, three times for cardio, and once for yoga (I double up one trip with yoga + cardio so that's how it adds together). I don't eat white sugar or any grain products, except for the one cheat meal that I get per week. I never thought that I'd be able to cut those foods out, but it's been surprisingly easy.
As a result I've been feeling really good: I've lost some weight, have more energy, don't get hungry as often, and I've noticed a great improvement in my running times.
It's good to have this in your back-pocket when life hands you some lemons. I'm not allowed sugar, so I can't make lemonade, however, I did see a delicious chicken recipe the other day that called for lemon zest, so there you go.
The past few months of my life have been filled with ups and downs, as is usual in anyone's life I guess. However, the frequency/altitudes have been a little bit more than I'm used to.
I can't sleep because one of those downs just came around again. However, I'm quite confident this will be the absolute last time I'm going to be riding this particular roller coaster, so that's something, right?
I'm not going to be down for long, I know it. My current exercise/healthy eating plan has been doing wonders for me. I've been hitting the gym five times a week: twice for personal training sessions, three times for cardio, and once for yoga (I double up one trip with yoga + cardio so that's how it adds together). I don't eat white sugar or any grain products, except for the one cheat meal that I get per week. I never thought that I'd be able to cut those foods out, but it's been surprisingly easy.
As a result I've been feeling really good: I've lost some weight, have more energy, don't get hungry as often, and I've noticed a great improvement in my running times.
It's good to have this in your back-pocket when life hands you some lemons. I'm not allowed sugar, so I can't make lemonade, however, I did see a delicious chicken recipe the other day that called for lemon zest, so there you go.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Waiting...
Exams are done and I'm free for the afternoon to go mark. As is the tradition, a bunch of us like to use these free days for a nice pre-marking lunch. However, we're all scattered around the building finishing up various tasks. I hope this lunch actually happens.
(Note: I ate a bunch of food that I brought with me to tide me over until lunch. Assuming we go somewhere with food I can eat. Assuming we're out the door before I have to head to the gym.)
I'm taking a break from marking. I have only 20 items to mark and then I can start on report cards. And get ready for new classes on Monday.
I saw the movie "Argo" last night. It was really good. I knew that the movie had a happy ending since it's based on a true story, but I still found the movie stressful to watch. Talk about a nail-biter.
Tomorrow I'm going to see my first concert of 2013. It's Blue Rodeo playing at Massey Hall for their 25th anniversary. I'm excited.
The rest of the weekend will be low key but busy. I have yoga, cardio, and laundry to do. In addition, we're going exploring for pizza on Sunday based upon this article. There was a place with deep dish pizza that we wanted to try but it's closed on Sunday so we'll have to try another place.
And can you believe it's the last day of January? Man that month flew by!
(Note: I ate a bunch of food that I brought with me to tide me over until lunch. Assuming we go somewhere with food I can eat. Assuming we're out the door before I have to head to the gym.)
I'm taking a break from marking. I have only 20 items to mark and then I can start on report cards. And get ready for new classes on Monday.
I saw the movie "Argo" last night. It was really good. I knew that the movie had a happy ending since it's based on a true story, but I still found the movie stressful to watch. Talk about a nail-biter.
Tomorrow I'm going to see my first concert of 2013. It's Blue Rodeo playing at Massey Hall for their 25th anniversary. I'm excited.
The rest of the weekend will be low key but busy. I have yoga, cardio, and laundry to do. In addition, we're going exploring for pizza on Sunday based upon this article. There was a place with deep dish pizza that we wanted to try but it's closed on Sunday so we'll have to try another place.
And can you believe it's the last day of January? Man that month flew by!
Monday, January 28, 2013
And though the winter's advancing, we'll stay young, go dancing.
I had one of those weekends that was very rejuvenating for my body and my soul.
On Friday, I had a spa evening with one of my many friends from work. I had an excellent massage that worked out all of the kinks from the weights, bootcamp yoga, and cardio I've been doing lately. I had some awful kinks in my shoulders, and I'm glad to say they're gone. I also got a facial, which is always super relaxing and the key to good skin (or so I've been told).
After the spa, my friend and I went for dinner and drinks in the neighbourhood. It's always fun spending some one-on-one time with someone who you've only hung out with in a group setting before. Yay for strengthening friendships, spas, dinners, and drinks!
On Saturday I slept in, and went to the gym for some cardio and yoga. Thankfully, it was not bootcamp yoga this week, and I felt that the class nicely complemented my massage. My body felt great after the class!
I then headed out on the 501 Queen streetcar to the Lakeshore part of Etobicoke (i.e. the west part of Toronto) for the rest of the weekend. Saturday night was dinner, wine, and a movie in. I now can finally say that I've seen "The Dark Knight Rises". I love the Batman movies, and can't believe I missed that one in theatres this summer. Oh wait, I can believe it - I was super busy all summer!
Sunday was a beautiful sunny winter day. We went for brunch in the morning, which was awesome, because I ate my cheat meal. I had a massive waffle covered in fruit and whipped cream. It was AMAZING.
We then went for a really nice winter walk along the lake shore since it was so sunny. It was a little bit chilly, and we could have stayed out longer, but one silly girl was wearing her purple chucks on her feet and they were getting cold. I got some pictures though.
Skyline, snow, ice, and lake:
The ice chunks on the surface of the lake were pretty neat looking. I loved the sound they made as they clinked in the water.
How all the birds don't get cold, I'll never know. Oh wait, I do... their feathers provide them with waterproofing and mad insulation. Lucky ducks.
Anyway, it was a nice weekend. I woke up to a Monday with sleet, freezing rain, and lots of ice and melting snow. I liked Sunday better. Couldn't winter just say like that?
On Friday, I had a spa evening with one of my many friends from work. I had an excellent massage that worked out all of the kinks from the weights, bootcamp yoga, and cardio I've been doing lately. I had some awful kinks in my shoulders, and I'm glad to say they're gone. I also got a facial, which is always super relaxing and the key to good skin (or so I've been told).
After the spa, my friend and I went for dinner and drinks in the neighbourhood. It's always fun spending some one-on-one time with someone who you've only hung out with in a group setting before. Yay for strengthening friendships, spas, dinners, and drinks!
On Saturday I slept in, and went to the gym for some cardio and yoga. Thankfully, it was not bootcamp yoga this week, and I felt that the class nicely complemented my massage. My body felt great after the class!
I then headed out on the 501 Queen streetcar to the Lakeshore part of Etobicoke (i.e. the west part of Toronto) for the rest of the weekend. Saturday night was dinner, wine, and a movie in. I now can finally say that I've seen "The Dark Knight Rises". I love the Batman movies, and can't believe I missed that one in theatres this summer. Oh wait, I can believe it - I was super busy all summer!
Sunday was a beautiful sunny winter day. We went for brunch in the morning, which was awesome, because I ate my cheat meal. I had a massive waffle covered in fruit and whipped cream. It was AMAZING.
We then went for a really nice winter walk along the lake shore since it was so sunny. It was a little bit chilly, and we could have stayed out longer, but one silly girl was wearing her purple chucks on her feet and they were getting cold. I got some pictures though.
Skyline, snow, ice, and lake:
The ice chunks on the surface of the lake were pretty neat looking. I loved the sound they made as they clinked in the water.
How all the birds don't get cold, I'll never know. Oh wait, I do... their feathers provide them with waterproofing and mad insulation. Lucky ducks.
Anyway, it was a nice weekend. I woke up to a Monday with sleet, freezing rain, and lots of ice and melting snow. I liked Sunday better. Couldn't winter just say like that?
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Things that make everything better.
1) Tea --> tonight it was Love Tea #7 from David's Tea, of course. Dark chocolate, strawberries and rose petals. Now I'm having some Mint Chocolate Rooibos.
2) Mail --> In the past month, I've been getting a lot of awesome snail mail from friends. Yesterday, my friend Melly from Winnipeg set me these super cute mini-magnets of pictures of me. They were taken a year ago when my pal Matt was in town for Los Campesinos! and Melly, who then lived in Kingston, came and joined us. It's great having a crafty friend to immortalize your good times in magnet form.
3) My nails are in the above picture as a way to show you the size of the magnets, but the are also worth mentioning because they are awesome. I got them Shellacked, which is a brand of hardcore nail polish that is supposed to last for 14 days without chipping. I got them done on Monday, and they still look perfect. Why I didn't splurge on Shellac earlier is beyond me.
4) Previewing the new Tegan and Sara album tonight on CBC Music is making my evening. I'm on my second listen and I'm in love with this album. I can't wait for them to announce a Toronto show.
5) Spa day tomorrow after school. I've been looking forward to this. My new exercise regime has been giving my body quite the pounding, so I can't wait for a massage.
6) Cuddly cats - Rilo is seriously the biggest cuddler ever. Yesterday I was lying on my couch watching some TV on the Internet she planted herself right by me, so I took advantage of PhotoBooth and got a nice roommate portrait of the two of us.
7) It's so close to the weekend! Hope you all have great ones!
2) Mail --> In the past month, I've been getting a lot of awesome snail mail from friends. Yesterday, my friend Melly from Winnipeg set me these super cute mini-magnets of pictures of me. They were taken a year ago when my pal Matt was in town for Los Campesinos! and Melly, who then lived in Kingston, came and joined us. It's great having a crafty friend to immortalize your good times in magnet form.
3) My nails are in the above picture as a way to show you the size of the magnets, but the are also worth mentioning because they are awesome. I got them Shellacked, which is a brand of hardcore nail polish that is supposed to last for 14 days without chipping. I got them done on Monday, and they still look perfect. Why I didn't splurge on Shellac earlier is beyond me.
4) Previewing the new Tegan and Sara album tonight on CBC Music is making my evening. I'm on my second listen and I'm in love with this album. I can't wait for them to announce a Toronto show.
5) Spa day tomorrow after school. I've been looking forward to this. My new exercise regime has been giving my body quite the pounding, so I can't wait for a massage.
6) Cuddly cats - Rilo is seriously the biggest cuddler ever. Yesterday I was lying on my couch watching some TV on the Internet she planted herself right by me, so I took advantage of PhotoBooth and got a nice roommate portrait of the two of us.
7) It's so close to the weekend! Hope you all have great ones!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Click click saddle up see you on the moon then.
After the previous weekend of doing a whole lot of nothing, this weekend was more of my usual pace.
On Friday night, I met up with my friend Elaine for sushi (well sashimi for the person who's off grains) and tea, and then met up with my coworker Alan (the Alan who's a movie buff) to see a late show of Les Miserables. He'd seen it before, but was planning on seeing it a second time so I joined him. (I hadn't seen it yet.) I really loved the first half of the movie, but found that I didn't connect as much with the second half because I thought the love story between Cosette and Marius was weak. Also, the movie was super long and I could have used an intermission... the advantages of theatre over cinema, huh?
On Saturday, I slept in, then went to a yoga class (the same one I went to last weekend), and it turned out that instructor likes to do a yoga bootcamp every once in awhile, and guess what, it was bootcamp time! We used handweights during some of the positions, and there were push-ups during the sun salutations. Ugh... not what I was expecting, but I worked up a good sweat.
That evening I decided to join Alan-the-movie-buff again because he was seeing the movie Quartet (directed by Dustin Hoffman). Boy, did I feel young in that theatre; most of the audience were my parents' age! However, the movie was pleasant with beautiful music so I enjoyed myself.
I was up early for a run on Sunday, then I headed off to my friend Fea's daughter's first birthday party. Fea is a legend when it comes to parties, so when invited, one must attend. The cake was AMAZING. So glad I get a cheat meal every now and then. After the party, I Skyped with Becca T. It was great catching up with her.
And now it's another week. It's the last week of classes for this semester. When it comes to my teaching load, it's the easiest semester I've ever had since I've got the same course periods 1 & 4. That rarely happens when you teach in a small school. I've enjoyed it. Also, all of my kids this semester are great. I could handle this semester going on for the rest of the year. The next one will be more work. Oh well, the light load was good while it lasted.
Hope you all have great weeks!
On Friday night, I met up with my friend Elaine for sushi (well sashimi for the person who's off grains) and tea, and then met up with my coworker Alan (the Alan who's a movie buff) to see a late show of Les Miserables. He'd seen it before, but was planning on seeing it a second time so I joined him. (I hadn't seen it yet.) I really loved the first half of the movie, but found that I didn't connect as much with the second half because I thought the love story between Cosette and Marius was weak. Also, the movie was super long and I could have used an intermission... the advantages of theatre over cinema, huh?
On Saturday, I slept in, then went to a yoga class (the same one I went to last weekend), and it turned out that instructor likes to do a yoga bootcamp every once in awhile, and guess what, it was bootcamp time! We used handweights during some of the positions, and there were push-ups during the sun salutations. Ugh... not what I was expecting, but I worked up a good sweat.
That evening I decided to join Alan-the-movie-buff again because he was seeing the movie Quartet (directed by Dustin Hoffman). Boy, did I feel young in that theatre; most of the audience were my parents' age! However, the movie was pleasant with beautiful music so I enjoyed myself.
I was up early for a run on Sunday, then I headed off to my friend Fea's daughter's first birthday party. Fea is a legend when it comes to parties, so when invited, one must attend. The cake was AMAZING. So glad I get a cheat meal every now and then. After the party, I Skyped with Becca T. It was great catching up with her.
And now it's another week. It's the last week of classes for this semester. When it comes to my teaching load, it's the easiest semester I've ever had since I've got the same course periods 1 & 4. That rarely happens when you teach in a small school. I've enjoyed it. Also, all of my kids this semester are great. I could handle this semester going on for the rest of the year. The next one will be more work. Oh well, the light load was good while it lasted.
Hope you all have great weeks!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
This makes me oh-so-happy.
A friend of mine posted the above on Facebook. It makes me so happy. Oh yes, Mr. T. Rex, you would be unstoppable if you had those grabby claw things.
Seriously, next time I go sad or emo, could someone redirect me to this?
Seriously, next time I go sad or emo, could someone redirect me to this?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Random Post.
1) I haven't finished a single book this year and it's halfway through January already. I think I knocked myself out last year.
2) I am SO into David's Tea. My current morning favourite is Chocolate Rocket - it's got chocolate, almonds, and raspberries. You can really taste the raspberries. It's classified as a "stimulant" - i.e. lots of caffeine. My evening favourite is cookie dough; it's only low caffeine and doesn't mess with my sleeping.
3) I haven't had any white sugar since last Monday. Can you believe it? I also started with my personal trainer last week. I like him, thank goodness. The first two sessions were more about doing some assessments and slowing easing into things. Today was a little bit more kickass. I did pull-ups people, pull-ups. Luckily it was with this neat machine that subtracts some of your body weight for you, but still. Pull-ups.
On his advice, I'm easing into a paleolithic diet - lots of meats, eggs, nuts, veggies, and a bit of fruit. No grains. I haven't eaten a grain since last Friday! However, I feel pretty good without them.
Luckily though, I do get a cheat meal once a week. My first will be on Sunday, when I go to a birthday party for my friend Fea's daughter. My friend Fea is the best party planner in the world (and I'm not exaggerating) so there will be quite the spread of food and baking. I was kind of dreading it, thinking I'd have to stick to the veggie plate, and the roast pig. When I told my trainer about it he let me in on the cheat meal secret. Yay!
You may wonder why I am doing this. Well, I want to build muscle, run faster, lose some weight, and be stronger. Just a few more pull-ups and I'll be there.
4) I really like when someone makes you a thoughtful mixed-CD. That rocks.
5) My favourite record label, Arts & Crafts, announced that they are doing a super awesome 10th anniversary show in June called Field Trip. Feist and a reunited Broken Social Scene are going to be there with a slew of awesome bands. So am I, obviously. Thanks for the heads up Siobhan! It's going to be epic. (And I'm not throwing around that word in this case.)
6) I really enjoy my classes this semester. We have less than two weeks together now. I realize that I need to savour my time with them. I had this realization while they were writing one of my legendary nine-page tests. I give because I love.
7) You know, since I've been off white sugar, I've been in a great mood. On Monday, a kid looked at me and said "Miss, why are you so happy? It's Monday!" I don't think that has ever happened.
8) I've also been trying to sleep more. Like at least seven hours every night. That could be helping too.
9) Well, I think I'm going to curl up with some tea and read a bit. I don't want 2013 to go down as the year I couldn't even finish one book, ha-ha.
2) I am SO into David's Tea. My current morning favourite is Chocolate Rocket - it's got chocolate, almonds, and raspberries. You can really taste the raspberries. It's classified as a "stimulant" - i.e. lots of caffeine. My evening favourite is cookie dough; it's only low caffeine and doesn't mess with my sleeping.
3) I haven't had any white sugar since last Monday. Can you believe it? I also started with my personal trainer last week. I like him, thank goodness. The first two sessions were more about doing some assessments and slowing easing into things. Today was a little bit more kickass. I did pull-ups people, pull-ups. Luckily it was with this neat machine that subtracts some of your body weight for you, but still. Pull-ups.
On his advice, I'm easing into a paleolithic diet - lots of meats, eggs, nuts, veggies, and a bit of fruit. No grains. I haven't eaten a grain since last Friday! However, I feel pretty good without them.
Luckily though, I do get a cheat meal once a week. My first will be on Sunday, when I go to a birthday party for my friend Fea's daughter. My friend Fea is the best party planner in the world (and I'm not exaggerating) so there will be quite the spread of food and baking. I was kind of dreading it, thinking I'd have to stick to the veggie plate, and the roast pig. When I told my trainer about it he let me in on the cheat meal secret. Yay!
You may wonder why I am doing this. Well, I want to build muscle, run faster, lose some weight, and be stronger. Just a few more pull-ups and I'll be there.
4) I really like when someone makes you a thoughtful mixed-CD. That rocks.
5) My favourite record label, Arts & Crafts, announced that they are doing a super awesome 10th anniversary show in June called Field Trip. Feist and a reunited Broken Social Scene are going to be there with a slew of awesome bands. So am I, obviously. Thanks for the heads up Siobhan! It's going to be epic. (And I'm not throwing around that word in this case.)
6) I really enjoy my classes this semester. We have less than two weeks together now. I realize that I need to savour my time with them. I had this realization while they were writing one of my legendary nine-page tests. I give because I love.
7) You know, since I've been off white sugar, I've been in a great mood. On Monday, a kid looked at me and said "Miss, why are you so happy? It's Monday!" I don't think that has ever happened.
8) I've also been trying to sleep more. Like at least seven hours every night. That could be helping too.
9) Well, I think I'm going to curl up with some tea and read a bit. I don't want 2013 to go down as the year I couldn't even finish one book, ha-ha.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Chill weekend.
I had the most relaxing weekend that I've had in a long time. I caught up on sleep, watched some Netflix, drank a lot of tea, ran a few small errands, went to yoga, did some cardio, and picked up a lot of healthy groceries.
Okay, whenever you inventory what you did in a weekend, it seems like it was more than it actually was.
It's been a nice weekend. I like how life slows down a bit in January. It's needed.
Hope the rest of you had relaxing weekends too.
Okay, whenever you inventory what you did in a weekend, it seems like it was more than it actually was.
It's been a nice weekend. I like how life slows down a bit in January. It's needed.
Hope the rest of you had relaxing weekends too.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Washington, DC.
It's pretty exciting when you get to DC and see your first view of the Capitol. We took many pictures of it.
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Next was the Museum of Natural History, which is my favourite kind of museum. Here's a picture of me all excited to enter the Hall of Mammals. This picture is for AlieMalie, who knows how excited I get about a good mammal exhibition.
However, I think my favourite part of this museum was the gemstone room aka the Hall of Shiny Things. Here's the Hope Diamond!
After closing down the museums, we decided to take a sunset walk to the Lincoln Memorial, passing by the Washington Monument, who I nicknamed Ol' Evil Eyes. Seriously, those red lights are creepy, don't you think?
My DC guidebook said to be sure to see the Lincoln Memorial both during the daylight and at night. It was right.
Ol' Evil Eyes looks far less creepy from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Love the reflecting pool.
Here's Abe. Hey - congrats to him on all of those Oscar noms today!
Our hotel was really close to the White House, so we got a great look at it at night.
Normally, you'd also have a great view of the White House from our hotel's street. However, it was currently blocked with the Inauguration stage as you can see from this picture. That's okay though; all you had to do was walk around the stage to see the house. It was pretty neat seeing them set up for the Inaguration.
There were spectator benches going up all over the streets.
Day 2 included more museums. I said "Let's not do the Museum of American History. Sounds dull." My friend Heather said "I read they have Kermit the Frog there." My reply: "We are going there NOW." And I found my Kermie!
Ironically, the museum that I wanted to skip turned out to be my favourite. I especially loved the First Ladies' inauguration gowns on display. Here's Michelle Obama's.
After that it was off to the MASSIVE National Gallery. It's huge, and will take it out of you. I loved this shot that I took of a portrait of Napoleon from across the hall. I got this postcard for my dad, since he's the biggest Napoleon fan ever.
We also went to a crazy used bookstore called Capitol Hill books. Every available surface in the place was filled with books, and the owner had snarky hand-written signs everywhere. It was hilarious. It made me think of bookstore shopping with Jabba in Victoria. She's gotta find this store if she is ever in DC!
Then we walked to the National Library of Congress which is a gorgeous building. The reading room is incredible, but they don't allow you to take pictures of it. Here's some of the inside architecture.
We took the subway to Georgetown, which is an awesome, but pricey, shopping district. I actually didn't find much to buy which was OK since I'd been spending most of my money on amazing food and wine during the trip. Experiences, not possessions, right?
For our last meal in DC we returned to the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and went to a wine bar where we polished off a bottle of wine from Sonoma (shout out to my 2008 San Fran trip!), a yummy cheese plate, steaks the size of our faces, and I had a glass of dessert wine that changed my life. We decided to walk home along the National mall at night to our hotel (at least 2 miles) which I'm proud to say that I managed to do in heels. Awesome work Christielli.
It was worth it, because we got to see the Capitol at night in the reflecting pool.
After surviving the walk, we had a couple of glasses of champagne in our hotel lobby and got ready for our last day in DC. We had a 7 pm flight leaving on Sunday.
We decided to head to Lincoln Memorial for a daytime view. Here's me with Ol' Evil Eyes, looking less evil during the day.
We had all of these plans to go Arlington Cemetery, and see the Jefferson Monument to satisfy my love of old obscure Simpsons references but everything seemed to far away and we were tired from holidaying hard. Instead, we headed to National Portrait Gallery which was highly enjoyable. I especially liked all of the presidential portraits. Here's JFK.
After that, we had one last meal, and then it was off to the airport and back to Toronto and real life started back the next day.
I had a great trip though. I really like DC. I'd never really thought of going there, but it turned out to be the perfect mini-getaway. And as you can see from the pics, we had excellent weather! Sunshine everyday, and warm enough for me to wear my fall coat.
** My favourite picture was taken on the last day of our trip, while we were on the steps of the Lincoln memorial. We saw three helicopters fly to the White House, one which would have Obama returning from his Hawaiian vacation. I got a picture of them in the blue sky, but it's not working. Oh well, if that's the worst thing that happens to me on vacation, I'm a pretty lucky girl.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
I need to blog about my great trip to DC...
... but there are dishes in the sink. And I need to go through my photos. And I'm trying to get to bed at a good time, so I only have 27 minutes.
Weekend blogging burst perhaps?
(Trust that I had a great trip though. It was fabulous. Lots of walking, sightseeing, fabulous museums, and delicious food. A great way to ring in a new year.)
Weekend blogging burst perhaps?
(Trust that I had a great trip though. It was fabulous. Lots of walking, sightseeing, fabulous museums, and delicious food. A great way to ring in a new year.)
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Give me younger us.
I realize that I've written very little about my holidays so far.
I spent about a week in Stratford with my parents. I would have stayed a shorter time, but the Go9 annual Christmas party was scheduled for Dec. 29th, so I had to stick around for that. And good that I did! All nine of us made it, even the ones from as far away as Sturgeon Falls (Northern-ish Ontario) and Utah (!!). We haven't had all nine together in one room in a long time. Anyway, the party was worth the longer stay in Stratford and missing my own space and going a little stir-crazy.
I came back to Toronto and had a bit of time to spend with Rilo and her keeper. Then my pal Vern (Go9) came down for a very nice New Year's Eve. I had the foresight to make us mani-pedi appointments at my favourite neighbourhood nail salon. They kindly gave us each three glasses of wine, on top of pretty nails. We then wandered to the grocery store, picked up ingredients for dinner, and a bottle of sparkling wine. We drank more, make a delicious and healthy dinner, and had some downtime before we went out to the Young Empires show at Lee's Palace. The show was fun, we drank some more. We even did a shot of bourbon. 2012 was the year of bourbon for me. Ironically we didn't ask for it, but just a shot of something and bourbon it was. After the show we had pizza and that was our NYE. It was definitely one of the better ones I've had because I had no expectations other than having fun with a good friend and seeing some fun dance rock.
Yesterday I visited with a friend, and then had a chill night at home. Today I spent my morning in bed watching episodes of Community on Netflix, then went to the gym, ran some errands, and I've been doing some housework. My friend Heather will be here soon, and we leave for Washington DC early tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at 7 am, so I think it will be an early wake-up. And I haven't even packed yet. I've just been enjoying some quiet time.
I've been thinking a lot about the year that was 2012. It was a difficult year for me, but I did a lot of awesome things:
My goals for 2013 are mostly health-related. I start with my personal trainer next Tuesday. After DC, I'm cleaning up my diet. I've signed up for the Sporting Life 10K again, and I want to beat last year's time. And of course, I've got Kenya in August and I'm excited for that. I'm looking forward to strengthening some personal relationships in my life, yet not stressing or worrying about stupid stuff.
It's gonna be a good year.
See you all after DC.
I spent about a week in Stratford with my parents. I would have stayed a shorter time, but the Go9 annual Christmas party was scheduled for Dec. 29th, so I had to stick around for that. And good that I did! All nine of us made it, even the ones from as far away as Sturgeon Falls (Northern-ish Ontario) and Utah (!!). We haven't had all nine together in one room in a long time. Anyway, the party was worth the longer stay in Stratford and missing my own space and going a little stir-crazy.
I came back to Toronto and had a bit of time to spend with Rilo and her keeper. Then my pal Vern (Go9) came down for a very nice New Year's Eve. I had the foresight to make us mani-pedi appointments at my favourite neighbourhood nail salon. They kindly gave us each three glasses of wine, on top of pretty nails. We then wandered to the grocery store, picked up ingredients for dinner, and a bottle of sparkling wine. We drank more, make a delicious and healthy dinner, and had some downtime before we went out to the Young Empires show at Lee's Palace. The show was fun, we drank some more. We even did a shot of bourbon. 2012 was the year of bourbon for me. Ironically we didn't ask for it, but just a shot of something and bourbon it was. After the show we had pizza and that was our NYE. It was definitely one of the better ones I've had because I had no expectations other than having fun with a good friend and seeing some fun dance rock.
Yesterday I visited with a friend, and then had a chill night at home. Today I spent my morning in bed watching episodes of Community on Netflix, then went to the gym, ran some errands, and I've been doing some housework. My friend Heather will be here soon, and we leave for Washington DC early tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at 7 am, so I think it will be an early wake-up. And I haven't even packed yet. I've just been enjoying some quiet time.
I've been thinking a lot about the year that was 2012. It was a difficult year for me, but I did a lot of awesome things:
- I spent an awesome week in Paris with my pal Becca T
- I ran my first 10 K, my first 8K, and three 5 K races (in total I ran 523 km in 2012)
- I went to 29 concerts
- I read 54 books
- I visited with blog friends in Winnipeg, Chicago/Minneapolis, Vancouver & Victoria and had some visit me here in Toronto too!
- I did the Grouse Grind!!!
- I traveled a lot during the summer. I drove a Mini Cooper convertible around Vancouver Island and that was so much fun.
- I visited a long-lost university friend for a few days in Courtenay B.C.
- I taught some amazing classes and accomplished a lot of good stuff at work
- I signed up to go build a school in Kenya in August 2013. All of the prep work I've done for the trip so far has been very rewarding.
- I spent a lot of great time with friends and family; even if with some it's more Skype conversations or tweets than real-time
- I listened to Stars' song "Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love" so many times. That was my 2012 song.
My goals for 2013 are mostly health-related. I start with my personal trainer next Tuesday. After DC, I'm cleaning up my diet. I've signed up for the Sporting Life 10K again, and I want to beat last year's time. And of course, I've got Kenya in August and I'm excited for that. I'm looking forward to strengthening some personal relationships in my life, yet not stressing or worrying about stupid stuff.
It's gonna be a good year.
See you all after DC.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
My Year in Lists: 2012 Reading
A few years ago I resolved to read 52 books in a year (a rate of one book per week), and I did not succeed. Quickly frankly, the experience lead me to believe that it was a goal that I wouldn't be able to achieve until I retire.
Initially this year I made it my goal to read 30 books, and I used Goodreads to help me track my goal. At one point, I noticed that I was way ahead of the pace of reading 30 books. I was going through some stressful stuff, and I found the only way to get out of my head was to read, hence I was reading A LOT more than I usually did. I realized that I was on pace for a book-a-week, so I changed my 2012 reading goal.
And I made it! Even though my stress disappeared, I made it a priority to keep going with this goal. I even surpassed it. I read 54 books this year. Yay me! That was 18,073 pages in case anyone is wondering.
I mainly read contemporary books. A lot of the books I read in 2012 were indeed published in 2012. Some of the best included Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, The Chaperone by Laura Moriarity, Gold by Chris Cleave, The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, and Y by Marjorie Celona.
For 2013, I'll aim to read 30 books. I don't think I'll ever be able to equal the book-a-week pace again (until retirement) and I might branch into some more "difficult" reads. I have some longer books and some classics kicking around that I might tackle now that I'm into a new year.
For posterity, here's the list of books from my incredible year of reading.
Initially this year I made it my goal to read 30 books, and I used Goodreads to help me track my goal. At one point, I noticed that I was way ahead of the pace of reading 30 books. I was going through some stressful stuff, and I found the only way to get out of my head was to read, hence I was reading A LOT more than I usually did. I realized that I was on pace for a book-a-week, so I changed my 2012 reading goal.
And I made it! Even though my stress disappeared, I made it a priority to keep going with this goal. I even surpassed it. I read 54 books this year. Yay me! That was 18,073 pages in case anyone is wondering.
I mainly read contemporary books. A lot of the books I read in 2012 were indeed published in 2012. Some of the best included Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, The Chaperone by Laura Moriarity, Gold by Chris Cleave, The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, and Y by Marjorie Celona.
For 2013, I'll aim to read 30 books. I don't think I'll ever be able to equal the book-a-week pace again (until retirement) and I might branch into some more "difficult" reads. I have some longer books and some classics kicking around that I might tackle now that I'm into a new year.
For posterity, here's the list of books from my incredible year of reading.
- 54) Y - Marjorie Celona (excellent)
- 53) A Week in Winter - Maeve Binchy (sweet and charming)
- 52) The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky (warm & heartfelt)
- 51) The Age of Miracles - Karen Thompson Walker (good)
- 50) On the Island - Tracey Garvis-Graves (entertaining)
- 49) The Fault in Our Stars - John Green (excellent)
- 48) The Light Between Oceans - M.L. Stedman (amazing)
- 47) Moranthology - Caitlin Moran (OK)
- 46) Love Anthony - Lisa Genova (pretty good)
- 45) Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn (super dark but OK)
- 44) The Casual Vacancy - J.K. Rowling (okay)
- 43) Dark Places - Gillian Flynn (okay)
- 42) The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald (what can I say? It's a classic.)
- 41) What Teachers Make - Taylor Mali (inspirational... a must read for all educators)
- 40) Gold - Chris Cleave (amazing)
- 39) Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn (fun, dark thriller)
- 38) How To Be A Woman - Caitlin Moran (funny and thought-provoking)
- 37) The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - Rachel Joyce (very sweet)
- 36) Behind the Beautiful Forevers - Katherine Boo (amazing)
- 35) Memoir of An Addicted Brain - Marc Lewis (okay)
- 34) I Don't Care About Your Band - Julie Klausner (fluffy yet funny)
- 33) The Rules of Civility - Amor Towles (excellent!)
- 32) State of Wonder - Ann Patchett (good)
- 31) All That is Bitter and Sweet - Ashley Judd (inspiring)
- 30) The Next Best Thing - Jennifer Weiner (meh)
- 29) The Chaperone - Laura Moriarity (amazing)
- 28) The Accident - Linwood Barclay (meh)
- 27) Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother - Amy Chua (excellent!)
- 26) Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey From Homeless to Harvard - Liz Murray (inspiring)
- 25) Canada - Richard Ford (quite good)
- 24) Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution - Michelle Moran (excellent!)
- 23) Up the Down Staircase - Bel Kaufman (excellent!)
- 22) The Weight of Water - Anita Shreve (quite good)
- 21) That's How I Roll - Andrew Vachss (meh)
- 20) Left Neglected - Lisa Genova (good)
- 19) The Beginner's Goodbye - Anne Tyler (Tyler's writing is always lovely)
- 18) Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir - Jenny Lawson (hilarious and fun!)
- 17) The Dovekeepers - Alice Hoffman (excellent)
- 16) Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail - Cheryl Strayed (excellent!)
- 15) Winter's Bone - Daniel Woodrell (good)
- 14) Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (awesome sequel)
- 13) The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (believe the hype!)
- 12) The Land of Decoration - Grace McCleen (okay)
- 11) The Winter Palace - Eva Stachniak (quite good)
- 10) The Corrections - Jonathan Franzen (a bit depressing, but I liked the ending)
- 9) The Virgin Cure - Ami McKay (good)
- 8) Fall to Pieces: A Memoir of Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll, and Mental Illness - Mary Forsberg Weiland (meh)
- 7) Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (okay)
- 6) Heft - Liz Moore (excellent)
- 5) Stories I Only Tell My Friends - Rob Lowe (okay)
- 4) Alone in the Classroom - Elizabeth Hay (beautifully written but slow)
- 3) A Visit From the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan (different but I enjoyed it)
- 2) The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern (magical)
- 1) Then Came You - Jennifer Weiner (quite good)
My Year in Lists: 2012 Concerts
I think 2012 will go down as the year I went to the most concerts ever. I went to 29. I don't think I can top that. It's hard work seeing so many shows!
I saw many of my absolute favourite artists this year, some more than once: Los Campesinos!, John K Samson of the Weakerthans (3x), Kathleen Edwards (2x), The Joel Plaskett Emergency (2x), Feist, Stars (2x), Ben Folds Five (reunion tour!), Sloan, and Hawksley Workman.
I also discovered some new artists this year too. Standout new-to-me live acts from the past year are Rose Cousins, Patrick Watson, Fiona Apple, Beach House, and Rich Aucoin.
My absolute favourite show was, without a doubt, Sloan's "Twice Removed" album show from November. It's rather memorable seeing a great band play your favourite album of theirs in its entirety and then treat you to an excellent second set of other material.
I love that I closed out 2012 and brought in 2013 with a show. I saw Young Empires at Lee's Palace (fave TO concert location) and it was a really fun show. The perfect end to a music-filled year.
Happy 2013 and here's to many more shows!
For posterity, here's my list of 2012 concerts.
I saw many of my absolute favourite artists this year, some more than once: Los Campesinos!, John K Samson of the Weakerthans (3x), Kathleen Edwards (2x), The Joel Plaskett Emergency (2x), Feist, Stars (2x), Ben Folds Five (reunion tour!), Sloan, and Hawksley Workman.
I also discovered some new artists this year too. Standout new-to-me live acts from the past year are Rose Cousins, Patrick Watson, Fiona Apple, Beach House, and Rich Aucoin.
My absolute favourite show was, without a doubt, Sloan's "Twice Removed" album show from November. It's rather memorable seeing a great band play your favourite album of theirs in its entirety and then treat you to an excellent second set of other material.
I love that I closed out 2012 and brought in 2013 with a show. I saw Young Empires at Lee's Palace (fave TO concert location) and it was a really fun show. The perfect end to a music-filled year.
Happy 2013 and here's to many more shows!
For posterity, here's my list of 2012 concerts.
- Jan. 21st - Los Campesinos! @ Lee's Palace
- Jan. 24th - John K. Samson @ Soundscapes
- Jan. 31st - Jack's Mannequin @ The Sound Academy
- Feb. 11th - Kathleen Edwards @ The Phoenix
- March 22nd - John K. Samson @ The Great Hall
- May 3rd - Rose Cousins @ The Rivoli
- May 18th - Joel Plaskett Emergency at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- May 29th - Patrick Watson @ Danforth Music Hall
- June 10th - Rufus Wainwright @ Luminato
- June 16th - Dan Mangan & Kathleen Edwards @ Luminato
- June 17th - Ohbijou @ Luminato
- July 4th - Winnipeg Folk Festival with Snow Blink, James Vincent McMorrow, and FEIST
- July 10th - Fiona Apple @ The Chicago Theatre
- July 21st - Best Coast @ The Phoenix
- Aug. 10/11 - Wolfe Island Music Festival
- Sept. 6th - John K Samson @ 918 Bathurst
- Sept 12th - Stars @ Masonic Temple
- Sept. 20th - Rich Aucoin @ Lee's Palace
- Oct. 13th - Beach House @ Kool Haus
- Oct. 15th - Ben Folds Five @ Kool Haus
- Oct. 25th - Dan Mangan and the Rural Alberta Advantage @ Danforth Music Hall
- Oct. 26th - Wildnerness of Manitoba @ Trinity-St. Paul's
- Nov. 1st - Die Antwoord @ Sound Academy
- Nov. 22nd - Sloan @ The Phoenix (Twice Removed Tour!)
- Nov. 24th - Metric & Stars @ Air Canada Centre
- Dec 6th - Patrick Watson @ Massey Hall
- Dec. 12th - Hawksley Workman @ Trinity-St. Paul's
- Dec. 16th - The Joel Plaskett Emergency @ The Horseshoe Tavern
- Dec. 31st - Young Empires @ Lee's Palace
Sunday, December 30, 2012
My Year in Lists: Favourite Albums of 2012
Well, it's that time of year again. The time where I write a bunch of year-end posts where I borrow the title from a favourite Los Campesinos! song.
As always, I like to make a list of my favourite albums from the year. Since I don't have time to listen to all of the albums, this is no best-of list, but just the favourites of one part-time music obsessive.
2012 was a strong year for albums. There are great albums by Patrick Watson, Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds Five, and Serena Ryder that I really enjoyed, but they didn't even get to crack the top ten. As always, my list is made up of mostly Canadian artists. I think Fiona Apple is the only non-Canadian on my list... I listen to a lot of home-grown stuff. Anyway, let's get to it!
10) Celebration Rock - Japandroids
The name of this album describes it perfectly. You need rock music that you can sing-along to and pump your fist with? It’s here. One of my favourite defunct rock bands is The Constantines, and I feel that Japandroids are definitely in the vein of The Cons, but they are definitely more accessible. Each of the eight tracks is a great rock anthem, and if you need some good loud music, get this album.
Favourite Songs: The Nights of Wine and Roses & The House That Heaven Built
9) Scrappy Happiness - Joel Plaskett Emergency
“Let’s make a record for the old and young” declares Joel Plaskett on the song You’re Mine on this super fun rock record. Scrappy Happiness is an experimental record - the JPE recorded one song per week for CBC Radio, and then released the songs as the album Scrappy Happiness at the end of March. This song has some amazing rock moments that won’t disappoint any Joel Plaskett fans: the song Lightning Bolt is a rock epic. There are some sweet moments here too. Harbour Boys is one of my favourite songs ever, and I’m Yours is sweet campfire singalong. Joel Plaskett is a Canadian treasure, and he continues his streak of great albums with Scrappy Happiness, which will bring more than a scrap of happiness to any listener.
Favourite Songs - Harbour Boys & Lightning Bolt
8) I Predict A Graceful Expulsion - Cold Specks
Al Spx, the singer-songwriter at the helm of Cold Specks, has a powerful gospel-style voice. Her songs are absolutely beautiful, and invoke cold, northern imagery with shout-outs to her hometown of Toronto. I was trying to figure out how to describe her music, and Wikipedia used the term “doom soul” which I think is perfect. This album is dark, soulful, and absolutely beautiful.
Favourite Songs - Elephant Head & Winter Solstice
7) Bodyparts - Dragonette
This is probably the first electronic/dance record that’s ever made my favourite albums list. Perhaps this speaks to the fact that I’ve committed myself to running, and finding a great running album is such an awesome thing for me. I also have a really personal connection to Dragonette: I used to follow lead singer Martina Sorbara in her singer-songwriter days, so I think it’s great that her band has gotten some international acclaim. Anyway, Bodyparts is made up of mostly fun electronic dance-pop songs, and is great to have on when you need energy or fun injected into your day. This is pop music that’s not a guilty pleasure in the least.
Favourite Songs - Let It Go & Run, Run, Run
6) The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do - Fiona Apple
Who doesn’t love it when an artist from the 1990s comes back with an awesome album? Incidentally, I wasn’t the hugest Fiona fan back then. I only picked up this album because she was playing The Chicago Theatre when I was in Chicago this summer and I wanted to see a show there. It turned out to be extremely lucky, not only did I see one of my favourite shows ever, I discovered this lyrical album highlighted by Fiona’s soulful voice.
Favourite Songs - Werewolf & Every Single Night
5) Synthetica - Metric
“I’m just as fucked up they say” (from the song Artificial Nocturne) may be one of my favourite opening lines to an album ever. With this album, Metric continues their streak of creating awesome rock albums. Emily Haines is one of my top rock ‘n roll crushes and when she sings “have I really helped anybody but myself believe in the power of songs, believe in the power of girls?” I want to raise my hand, as completely corny as that gesture may be. This is a great album, and if you’ve never seen Metric live, you must. They are a consummate rock band.
Favourite Songs - Dream So Real & Artificial Nocturne
4) Provinical - John K Samson
When I went to Winnipeg this summer, I came home with a copy of John K Samson’s collected poetry and lyrics from 1997-2012, including those from this album. John K Samson’s music is poetry, and each of his songs invokes a story, a place, or both so vividly that it sticks with me long past when I turn the album off. The Last And is especially beautiful; the sad school-teacher in her classroom lamenting her ill-fated affair with her principal is the stuff of dark Canadian novels that I so adore. Another standout on this album is the song that’s a URL address www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle which is a petition to get an Aboriginal hockey player into the Hockey Hall of Fame; not only is it an interesting story, the vocals of John and his wife, Christine Fellows, are in perfect harmony. Of course I went and signed the petition.
Favourite Songs - The Last And & www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle
3) The North - Stars
This album contains my very favourite song of 2012: Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love. The North is a collection of songs centred around the themes of love, friendship, death, politics, and, well, the north. As with every Stars album, I fall in love with how Torquil and Amy share singing duties; each voice is beautiful and interesting each other and support the other one. I think that deep down in my soul, I am an absolutely incurable romantic, and that’s why I love Stars so much.
Favourite Songs - Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love & The 400
2) We Have Made A Spark - Rose Cousins
Rose Cousins first came to my attention as one of the supporting vocalists on Joel Plaskett’s 2009 album Three. I read good things about her latest album, and I’m so glad that I picked it up. Rose has a lovely voice, and her songs are heartbreaking and beautiful. This album centres around a failing relationship, and Rose perfectly describes all of the emotions that go along with realizing it’s time to let go. One of the silver linings of heartbreak is that it produces great art.
Favourite Songs - The Shell & All the Stars
1) Voyageur - Kathleen Edwards
This is Kathleen Edwards’ fourth album, and it's amazing that each of her albums just gets better and better. This one’s very close to perfection. I’ve always been a fan of her pretty, yet gritty, singing voice, and her songs on this album are very personal, since it’s her post-divorce album. Songs like House Full of Empty Rooms, and Pink Champagne frankly describe the emotions that come with a failed marriage. Despite the subject matter, this album isn’t overwhelmingly sad - there are lighter moments with songs like Empty Threat and Sidecar. Overall, this is a collection of beautiful and truthful songs with outstanding musicianship. On For the Record, Kathleen sings “for the record, I only wanted to sing songs” and I am so glad she did that. This is such a special album and my very favourite of the year.
Favourite Songs - Change the Sheets and A Soft Place to Land
As always, I like to make a list of my favourite albums from the year. Since I don't have time to listen to all of the albums, this is no best-of list, but just the favourites of one part-time music obsessive.
2012 was a strong year for albums. There are great albums by Patrick Watson, Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds Five, and Serena Ryder that I really enjoyed, but they didn't even get to crack the top ten. As always, my list is made up of mostly Canadian artists. I think Fiona Apple is the only non-Canadian on my list... I listen to a lot of home-grown stuff. Anyway, let's get to it!
10) Celebration Rock - Japandroids
The name of this album describes it perfectly. You need rock music that you can sing-along to and pump your fist with? It’s here. One of my favourite defunct rock bands is The Constantines, and I feel that Japandroids are definitely in the vein of The Cons, but they are definitely more accessible. Each of the eight tracks is a great rock anthem, and if you need some good loud music, get this album.
Favourite Songs: The Nights of Wine and Roses & The House That Heaven Built
9) Scrappy Happiness - Joel Plaskett Emergency
“Let’s make a record for the old and young” declares Joel Plaskett on the song You’re Mine on this super fun rock record. Scrappy Happiness is an experimental record - the JPE recorded one song per week for CBC Radio, and then released the songs as the album Scrappy Happiness at the end of March. This song has some amazing rock moments that won’t disappoint any Joel Plaskett fans: the song Lightning Bolt is a rock epic. There are some sweet moments here too. Harbour Boys is one of my favourite songs ever, and I’m Yours is sweet campfire singalong. Joel Plaskett is a Canadian treasure, and he continues his streak of great albums with Scrappy Happiness, which will bring more than a scrap of happiness to any listener.
Favourite Songs - Harbour Boys & Lightning Bolt
8) I Predict A Graceful Expulsion - Cold Specks
Al Spx, the singer-songwriter at the helm of Cold Specks, has a powerful gospel-style voice. Her songs are absolutely beautiful, and invoke cold, northern imagery with shout-outs to her hometown of Toronto. I was trying to figure out how to describe her music, and Wikipedia used the term “doom soul” which I think is perfect. This album is dark, soulful, and absolutely beautiful.
Favourite Songs - Elephant Head & Winter Solstice
7) Bodyparts - Dragonette
This is probably the first electronic/dance record that’s ever made my favourite albums list. Perhaps this speaks to the fact that I’ve committed myself to running, and finding a great running album is such an awesome thing for me. I also have a really personal connection to Dragonette: I used to follow lead singer Martina Sorbara in her singer-songwriter days, so I think it’s great that her band has gotten some international acclaim. Anyway, Bodyparts is made up of mostly fun electronic dance-pop songs, and is great to have on when you need energy or fun injected into your day. This is pop music that’s not a guilty pleasure in the least.
Favourite Songs - Let It Go & Run, Run, Run
6) The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do - Fiona Apple
Who doesn’t love it when an artist from the 1990s comes back with an awesome album? Incidentally, I wasn’t the hugest Fiona fan back then. I only picked up this album because she was playing The Chicago Theatre when I was in Chicago this summer and I wanted to see a show there. It turned out to be extremely lucky, not only did I see one of my favourite shows ever, I discovered this lyrical album highlighted by Fiona’s soulful voice.
Favourite Songs - Werewolf & Every Single Night
5) Synthetica - Metric
“I’m just as fucked up they say” (from the song Artificial Nocturne) may be one of my favourite opening lines to an album ever. With this album, Metric continues their streak of creating awesome rock albums. Emily Haines is one of my top rock ‘n roll crushes and when she sings “have I really helped anybody but myself believe in the power of songs, believe in the power of girls?” I want to raise my hand, as completely corny as that gesture may be. This is a great album, and if you’ve never seen Metric live, you must. They are a consummate rock band.
Favourite Songs - Dream So Real & Artificial Nocturne
4) Provinical - John K Samson
When I went to Winnipeg this summer, I came home with a copy of John K Samson’s collected poetry and lyrics from 1997-2012, including those from this album. John K Samson’s music is poetry, and each of his songs invokes a story, a place, or both so vividly that it sticks with me long past when I turn the album off. The Last And is especially beautiful; the sad school-teacher in her classroom lamenting her ill-fated affair with her principal is the stuff of dark Canadian novels that I so adore. Another standout on this album is the song that’s a URL address www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle which is a petition to get an Aboriginal hockey player into the Hockey Hall of Fame; not only is it an interesting story, the vocals of John and his wife, Christine Fellows, are in perfect harmony. Of course I went and signed the petition.
Favourite Songs - The Last And & www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle
3) The North - Stars
This album contains my very favourite song of 2012: Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love. The North is a collection of songs centred around the themes of love, friendship, death, politics, and, well, the north. As with every Stars album, I fall in love with how Torquil and Amy share singing duties; each voice is beautiful and interesting each other and support the other one. I think that deep down in my soul, I am an absolutely incurable romantic, and that’s why I love Stars so much.
Favourite Songs - Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love & The 400
2) We Have Made A Spark - Rose Cousins
Rose Cousins first came to my attention as one of the supporting vocalists on Joel Plaskett’s 2009 album Three. I read good things about her latest album, and I’m so glad that I picked it up. Rose has a lovely voice, and her songs are heartbreaking and beautiful. This album centres around a failing relationship, and Rose perfectly describes all of the emotions that go along with realizing it’s time to let go. One of the silver linings of heartbreak is that it produces great art.
Favourite Songs - The Shell & All the Stars
1) Voyageur - Kathleen Edwards
This is Kathleen Edwards’ fourth album, and it's amazing that each of her albums just gets better and better. This one’s very close to perfection. I’ve always been a fan of her pretty, yet gritty, singing voice, and her songs on this album are very personal, since it’s her post-divorce album. Songs like House Full of Empty Rooms, and Pink Champagne frankly describe the emotions that come with a failed marriage. Despite the subject matter, this album isn’t overwhelmingly sad - there are lighter moments with songs like Empty Threat and Sidecar. Overall, this is a collection of beautiful and truthful songs with outstanding musicianship. On For the Record, Kathleen sings “for the record, I only wanted to sing songs” and I am so glad she did that. This is such a special album and my very favourite of the year.
Favourite Songs - Change the Sheets and A Soft Place to Land
Monday, December 24, 2012
It's Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas everyone! It's so amazing that I didn't have to work today. I made it to Stratford last night. My train was delayed by over an hour so oh-well. This morning I finished book #52. I can't believe I met that goal.
Hope you all have the merriest of Christmases.
Hope you all have the merriest of Christmases.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
You pull me out of the dark and now it's light.
I am so busy these days. I have so much going on at school it's not funny. The talent show, student council dinner, a toy drive, and being a Secret Elf are taking up my time. It's insane. On Friday after school I'm going to come home and collapse I know it.
You might be wondering what being a Secret Elf entails. This year as a staff Christmas Cheer initiative, we could put our names in a box and take someone else's name. This week, we would have to do something nice every day for our Secret Elves and ours would do the same for us.
I actually pulled a good friend's name out of the box, so I'm having extra fun with it.
On Monday, I sent a dance crew of kids to his room to dance for him, but he was stressed out and sent them away. (They were pretending they had to borrow something and I think he threw them off.) So instead, I wrote him a poem, and ran to Starbucks to get him his favourite Christmas drink.
On Tuesday I wrapped his classroom door in Christmas paper and put a big bow on it.
Today I took the Secret Elf award, I think. I rewrote the lyrics to "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" with his name in the titles and with lyrics referring to him. My period one class practiced singing these songs for three days, and today I sent them (wearing mardi gras masks to protect their identities) to his room to sing the songs for him. For the second song, I provided antlers and a flashing nose to put on him as they sang the song. One kid videotaped the shenanigan for me, so I got to see afterwards. It was hilarious. I win.
For tomorrow I found a huge cardboard box that used to hold water canteens and has 36 compartments in it. There is a small gift in one compartment (covered in newspaper) and the rest of the compartments are filled with newspaper with messages like "Epic Fail!", "You Lose", "Try Again" and "Bonus Candy Cane!" in them. I have wrapped up this box in pretty paper and I'm sending a kid dressed in a Santa Suit to deliver it.
On Friday, I've giving him a framed picture of a bunch of us in our Halloween costumes.
I think I'm a good elf. It helps that I have an army of students behind me. You can tell I have connections among the kids, eh?
Anyway, in amongst this, I also decided that for 2013, I'm getting a personal trainer. I've put down the down payment for six months of sessions. It's costly, but I really want to build muscle and kick ass, and I know I need someone kicking my ass to accomplish this. I'm rather excited but I'm going to enjoy a lazy holiday with lots of unhealthy food before the program starts.
Random - this is one of my favourite Christmas songs.
You might be wondering what being a Secret Elf entails. This year as a staff Christmas Cheer initiative, we could put our names in a box and take someone else's name. This week, we would have to do something nice every day for our Secret Elves and ours would do the same for us.
I actually pulled a good friend's name out of the box, so I'm having extra fun with it.
On Monday, I sent a dance crew of kids to his room to dance for him, but he was stressed out and sent them away. (They were pretending they had to borrow something and I think he threw them off.) So instead, I wrote him a poem, and ran to Starbucks to get him his favourite Christmas drink.
On Tuesday I wrapped his classroom door in Christmas paper and put a big bow on it.
Today I took the Secret Elf award, I think. I rewrote the lyrics to "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" with his name in the titles and with lyrics referring to him. My period one class practiced singing these songs for three days, and today I sent them (wearing mardi gras masks to protect their identities) to his room to sing the songs for him. For the second song, I provided antlers and a flashing nose to put on him as they sang the song. One kid videotaped the shenanigan for me, so I got to see afterwards. It was hilarious. I win.
For tomorrow I found a huge cardboard box that used to hold water canteens and has 36 compartments in it. There is a small gift in one compartment (covered in newspaper) and the rest of the compartments are filled with newspaper with messages like "Epic Fail!", "You Lose", "Try Again" and "Bonus Candy Cane!" in them. I have wrapped up this box in pretty paper and I'm sending a kid dressed in a Santa Suit to deliver it.
On Friday, I've giving him a framed picture of a bunch of us in our Halloween costumes.
I think I'm a good elf. It helps that I have an army of students behind me. You can tell I have connections among the kids, eh?
Anyway, in amongst this, I also decided that for 2013, I'm getting a personal trainer. I've put down the down payment for six months of sessions. It's costly, but I really want to build muscle and kick ass, and I know I need someone kicking my ass to accomplish this. I'm rather excited but I'm going to enjoy a lazy holiday with lots of unhealthy food before the program starts.
Random - this is one of my favourite Christmas songs.
Monday, December 17, 2012
I'm yours to keep, oh won't you keep me, I'm a keeper.
Last night, I went to the final of Joel Plaskett's five shows at the Horseshoe Tavern in honour of its 65th birthday.
I am very tired this morning. You know, I'd like to think that I could do five shows in a row, but after how sleepy I'm feeling this morning, I don't think I could. Well, not during the school year. Maybe during the summer.
Anyway, it was a great show. Plaskett and his Emergency Band never fail to put on an amazing rock show. That man is a national treasure.
I hadn't been to the Horseshoe in years. It's a great venue, but for some reason it never seems to match up with my concert schedule. I am pretty sure the last time I was there was in university to see a younger Joel Plaskett Emergency.
The rest of this weekend was chill. I slept, did laundry, worked on a pair of mittens that I must have finished for Thursday (I now have 1.5 mittens done), and ran a couple of Christmas errands. I also went to the spa for a facial.
I didn't do it on purpose, but the kids are writing a quiz. And I didn't even schedule it purposely because of the concert! Normally I'd be marking while they write, but the brain doesn't work so well on a Monday morning following a Sunday night rock show.
I am very tired this morning. You know, I'd like to think that I could do five shows in a row, but after how sleepy I'm feeling this morning, I don't think I could. Well, not during the school year. Maybe during the summer.
Anyway, it was a great show. Plaskett and his Emergency Band never fail to put on an amazing rock show. That man is a national treasure.
I hadn't been to the Horseshoe in years. It's a great venue, but for some reason it never seems to match up with my concert schedule. I am pretty sure the last time I was there was in university to see a younger Joel Plaskett Emergency.
The rest of this weekend was chill. I slept, did laundry, worked on a pair of mittens that I must have finished for Thursday (I now have 1.5 mittens done), and ran a couple of Christmas errands. I also went to the spa for a facial.
I didn't do it on purpose, but the kids are writing a quiz. And I didn't even schedule it purposely because of the concert! Normally I'd be marking while they write, but the brain doesn't work so well on a Monday morning following a Sunday night rock show.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The darkness defines where the light is.
Tonight I went to see one of my long-standing loves, Hawksley Workman, play in the gorgeous (both aesthetically and acoustically) Trinity-St. Paul's United Church.
It's been about a year-and-a-half since I've seen Hawksley live, and wow, I've missed him. How my heart swelled when he first took the stage.
He played an awesome variety of songs. His songs are definitely part of the soundtrack of my life, and I can't help but be nostalgic during one of his shows.
"You, Me, and the Weather" brings me back to the first time I saw him live with Becca T at the Rivoli when we were in university. He was debuting his album "(Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves" with a string quartet and his piano player, Mr. Lonely. That was the first indie rock show I went to in Toronto, and well, as you all know, it started a habit for me.
"Oh You Delicate Heart" brings me back to this March, when I was walking around Paris, listening to a lot of Hawksley, and feeling sad. However, hearing this song in December made me realize that I am so over that sadness and that's a good place to be.
He played some Christmas songs from his great Christmas album "Almost A Full Moon". They brought me back to many Christmases, and a fun memory of driving around London ON with some of my high school friends, listening to this album, and looking for Christmas lights.
"Autumn's Here" will always remind me of my year teaching on a reserve in remote Northwestern Ontario. I would sometimes walk by the graveyard listening to this song (on my discman!) and I could just feel ghosts in the autumn air.
Pretty much every song he played tonight with Mr. Lonely (love the long-standing partnership) evoked memories for me. His songs are so special to me, and it was a great show.
I had thought it was going to be my last 2012 show, but as you guys know I booked Young Empires for Christmas Eve. Then, earlier this week, I spontaneously bought tickets to see The Joel Plaskett Emergency with my friend Paul on Sunday night. It's an all ages show (no beer!!!) but it'll still be amazing.
Oh concerts, you are my favourite.
It's been about a year-and-a-half since I've seen Hawksley live, and wow, I've missed him. How my heart swelled when he first took the stage.
He played an awesome variety of songs. His songs are definitely part of the soundtrack of my life, and I can't help but be nostalgic during one of his shows.
"You, Me, and the Weather" brings me back to the first time I saw him live with Becca T at the Rivoli when we were in university. He was debuting his album "(Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves" with a string quartet and his piano player, Mr. Lonely. That was the first indie rock show I went to in Toronto, and well, as you all know, it started a habit for me.
"Oh You Delicate Heart" brings me back to this March, when I was walking around Paris, listening to a lot of Hawksley, and feeling sad. However, hearing this song in December made me realize that I am so over that sadness and that's a good place to be.
He played some Christmas songs from his great Christmas album "Almost A Full Moon". They brought me back to many Christmases, and a fun memory of driving around London ON with some of my high school friends, listening to this album, and looking for Christmas lights.
"Autumn's Here" will always remind me of my year teaching on a reserve in remote Northwestern Ontario. I would sometimes walk by the graveyard listening to this song (on my discman!) and I could just feel ghosts in the autumn air.
Pretty much every song he played tonight with Mr. Lonely (love the long-standing partnership) evoked memories for me. His songs are so special to me, and it was a great show.
I had thought it was going to be my last 2012 show, but as you guys know I booked Young Empires for Christmas Eve. Then, earlier this week, I spontaneously bought tickets to see The Joel Plaskett Emergency with my friend Paul on Sunday night. It's an all ages show (no beer!!!) but it'll still be amazing.
Oh concerts, you are my favourite.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
She crows, "you want my happiness, but on your terms."
This weekend, busy as it was, gave me some time to think about my holidays. More specifically about:
a) what will be my New Year's Eve plans? (i.e send this em-effing roller-coaster of a year out in style)
and; b) where oh where will I get away to at the beginning of January?
I figured out my trip first. After doing some research on the cost of tropical getaways (far too much during peak season when I'm off work), my pal Heather and I settled on Washington DC since neither of us had ever been there. We booked a flight on Porter airlines which I'm excited about. Porter flies from the Toronto Island Airport, and I've never flown from there before. My friend Fea, who is an avid traveler, loves Porter and assured me that this is going to be a life-changing experience for me! We also booked a super-nice hotel, and now all that's left to do is to figure out what to do while we're there. (Flight + hotel ended up costing me about a third of what a tropcial getaway would! I feel entitled now to some fine dining + shopping!)
After booking my trip, I ended up making my New Year's Eve plans. I've never really enjoyed NYE because, ugh, I don't know, I just feel too much pressure to have an amazing evening. I was talking to my friend Vern about doing something, and I figured out why not do what I love most? And you all know what that is: a concert, of course.
I was hoping that the band Elliott Brood would be playing Lee's Palace as they had for the past few years (I went for NYE 2010), but they aren't. A band called Young Empires are playing instead, and I'm pretty I was introduced to them in Kingston this summer when my friend's friend made her a CD with some of their songs on them. I decided to check them out. They are super fun synth-y dance rock and perfect for a NYE show at my favourite venue in the city! Tickets bought!
With that show, I'll have gone to 28 shows in 2012 which is my all-time record. I've seen most of my very very favourite bands/artists this year: John K Samson of the Weakerthans, Sloan, Stars, Los Campesinos!, Metric, Ben Folds Five, The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Hawksley Workman, Feist and Kathleen Edwards. Seriously, that's pretty amazing, and I doubt I'll ever be able to top this year concert-wise.
In other weekend events, I saw a lot of friends this weekend and had some downtime too. I feel that I'm in no way ready for Christmas yet, but I'll work on that.
Also, I'm now on book #51 of my book-a-week challenge for 2012. I can't believe I'm going to make this happen!
Hope you all have pleasant Mondays.
a) what will be my New Year's Eve plans? (i.e send this em-effing roller-coaster of a year out in style)
and; b) where oh where will I get away to at the beginning of January?
I figured out my trip first. After doing some research on the cost of tropical getaways (far too much during peak season when I'm off work), my pal Heather and I settled on Washington DC since neither of us had ever been there. We booked a flight on Porter airlines which I'm excited about. Porter flies from the Toronto Island Airport, and I've never flown from there before. My friend Fea, who is an avid traveler, loves Porter and assured me that this is going to be a life-changing experience for me! We also booked a super-nice hotel, and now all that's left to do is to figure out what to do while we're there. (Flight + hotel ended up costing me about a third of what a tropcial getaway would! I feel entitled now to some fine dining + shopping!)
After booking my trip, I ended up making my New Year's Eve plans. I've never really enjoyed NYE because, ugh, I don't know, I just feel too much pressure to have an amazing evening. I was talking to my friend Vern about doing something, and I figured out why not do what I love most? And you all know what that is: a concert, of course.
I was hoping that the band Elliott Brood would be playing Lee's Palace as they had for the past few years (I went for NYE 2010), but they aren't. A band called Young Empires are playing instead, and I'm pretty I was introduced to them in Kingston this summer when my friend's friend made her a CD with some of their songs on them. I decided to check them out. They are super fun synth-y dance rock and perfect for a NYE show at my favourite venue in the city! Tickets bought!
With that show, I'll have gone to 28 shows in 2012 which is my all-time record. I've seen most of my very very favourite bands/artists this year: John K Samson of the Weakerthans, Sloan, Stars, Los Campesinos!, Metric, Ben Folds Five, The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Hawksley Workman, Feist and Kathleen Edwards. Seriously, that's pretty amazing, and I doubt I'll ever be able to top this year concert-wise.
In other weekend events, I saw a lot of friends this weekend and had some downtime too. I feel that I'm in no way ready for Christmas yet, but I'll work on that.
Also, I'm now on book #51 of my book-a-week challenge for 2012. I can't believe I'm going to make this happen!
Hope you all have pleasant Mondays.
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