My Big Fat Weirdo Life Rolled Into One Post!

I've had the kind of week/weekend that had many events and things I kept filing away in my brain's "To-Blog" section. So instead of writing several small posts about these things I decided that just one big post will do - complete with Sub-heads!

1. Nevermind

Nirvana's Nevermind album is 20 years old. The Nirvana baby is 20 years old! I realize I was 7 when it came out, so it's not like I was "there" when it was all happening, but seriously...I feel old. It's such an important album in music history - and not just because of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." It's an album that defines the early 90s.

2. I Found My Thrill, and it Was Weird

You might remember the post I wrote about the restaurant closing at my old university? Well, on Friday I made the trek to my alma mater to eat delicious chicken caesar salad and see my lovely friends from my formative years.

First, I walked to the train station to take the 5:13 train to Toronto. Um, guess what? That train didn't exist. I had to wait till 5:45. Luckily that train was an express - skipping several of the lesser travelled stops. From there I hoped on the TTC subway and made my way north. I then caught the bus to the school. I was freaked out by how little I recognized! The area is really changing - it was weird.

I met my friends at Blueberry Hill and we ordered our food and caught up. We then walked around campus to see the various things we've missed about the school.

We went into a building with such good acoustics that you can all stand on different sides of the huge room and whisper and hear each other. It was like the whispers in the show Lost. Creepy. This guy studying looked at us like we were high.

We also took some photos in front of the fountain.

We also looked at the lobby of our old residence building and laughed at how ghetto and gross it looks to us now. It was my home for two years!

Afterwards we drove closer to downtown and got some gelato - which was delicious. I had coconut flavour. So good.

I caught the subway and then the last train home. I was exhausted, but there were a few rowdy concert goers also travelling home on the same train. So annoying. I got home around 2 am and basically passed out.

3. The Great 27 Club Debate

On Saturday, I recieved a text from a friend travelling home from Quebec: 

"Is Amy Winehouse dead?"

After a quick Google search using my phone I discovered that yes, yes she was. It really came as no surprise, but I did notice that she was 27 - my age.

I began telling my co-worker about "The 27 Club" - the list of famous musicians who died at 27. Now the media has pretty much declared her a member, but several of my Facebook friends don't believe she's worthy of the list. One argued that she hadn't made a big enough impact on music to be placed amongst Kurt, Jimi, Janice, Jim, and Brian. He called her a one-hit wonder.

Another said that if she was the new Kurt, then that makes Adele the new Pearl Jam, and Duffy Soundgarden.

So, I guess it's hard to say what the criteria should be for this club. Dying of unnatural causes is a definite - she passed that test. It's not like it's a club that people should be eager to join.

Thoughts? Is she 27 Club worthy?

4. The Boy and a Scrabble Board

My boy came home...for two days. Yep, two days. He's back in the province though, which is better. Anyways he and I went out for Thai food and then to the pub for drinks. We met up with some friends on the patio who curiously had a Scrabble board with them.

We were in the middle of a drunken game of Scrabble when our server came over and saw us playing.

"You guys...I am seriously so impressed with you guys right now!"

We were playing Scrabble at a bar - how cool are we?

5. Team Foxtrot

You might remember that I did the Terry Fox Run last year? Well I'm doing it again this September, only this time I've made a team with my friend Rob. We've named our team Team Foxtrot! If you're Canadian and want to support cancer research please donate!

DONATE!!!!

6. The Worst Green Day Album?

I was in the car with my cousin and her kids today and her oldest son took a CD out and said, "It's their worst album." Curious about this I asked what album it was.

Green Day's Dookie!!!!!!!

#@$#^% %&%#%@$^Txfshjgcxisagckjbskj

Sorry, I couldn't type properly there because I am still flabbergasted. Yes, FLABBERGASTED! I obviously started telling him that it's their best album! I know it's a matter of opinion, but they could make 10 American Idiots and they would not equal the greatness that is Dookie.

What do you think is the best Green Day album?

* Matt, I fully expect you to chime in here and defend new Green Day.

7. The Last Horcrux

I was in the car with my cousin and her kids because we were going to see the final installment of Harry Potter...in 3D! It was pretty cool. I know a lot of hardcore Potter fans didn't really like it, but I thought it was good. 

8. Extra Ticket 

About a month ago I bought tickets to see one of my favourite bands, Mother Mother. I invited two friends and assumed I was purchasing tickets for all three of us. The one girl bought her own though, so now I have an extra ticket and am unsure of how to get rid of it. I don't want to offer it to someone and have them see it as an invitation. Should I post it online on Kijiji or something? I'm dumb and should have figured out this before I bought them.

9. Work Reunion

Tomorrow I am going to a BBQ after work with current and former co-workers at our old bosses house. Should be fun to get together and reminisce about old times.

I'm truly lucky to have worked with so many wonderful people. They are my second family!

10. Um, yeah

That is all I have to say! I hope you all had fun weekends! Cheers!

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #107

There are a lot of songs out there with people's names in the title. So this week I'm going to list 10 of my favourite or memorable tracks that feature proper names in the title.

Let's go!

1. Steven's Last Night in Town by Ben Folds Five - I was reminded of this song recently due to its relevance to my real life.

2. Alison by Elvis Costello - This used to be my cellphone ringtone for years when I had my old phone.

3. Jacqueline by Franz Ferdinand - This is my best friend's name and spelled correctly and everything.

4. Leave Virginia Alone by Rod Stewart - This song reminds me of two things: 1) My friend Ginny and 2) a cottage I went to with a friend as a kid, this song was played so much on the radio that summer.

5. Julia by The Beatles - One of the sweetest Beatles songs ever.

6. Daniel by Bats for Lashes - I know so many guys named Dan, most have been assholes though.

7. Visions of Johanna by Bob Dylan - One of my favourite Dylan songs.

8. Wayne by Chantal Kreviazuk - I've always loved this song.

9. Andy, You're a Star by The Killers - I used to have a huge crush on a boy named Andy in high school. Shhh. But Facebook tells me he's a conservative...not sexy anymore.

10. What If I Can't See the Stars Mildred? by Matthew Good - This is one of my favourites on his new album.

Are their any songs with your name in them? What are your favourite songs with names in them?

Holy Sh%t - The Penny-Farthing Guy Made the Paper!

Just a quick photo of the front of today's paper!

But the damn paper still hasn't printed my letter about my recent egging.

If you're confused, see this post.

Frite Alors! (Poll Results)

A few years back I went to visit a friend from university in Toronto. Her and I did some shopping on Queen Street and eventually stopped at a little restaurant for lunch. This friend is quite thin, a marathon runner, and doesn't eat meat (except for fish).

I ordered first - a chicken panini. When asked if I wanted fries or salad with that I reluctantly said salad. I didn't want my skinny runner friend to judge me.

She then ordered a tuna melt with fries. FML.

Basically, thank you for your votes - I no longer feel like a fat kid. I don't ALWAYS eat fries, but sometimes when you're out for dinner you just have to splurge! Be bad and go for the grease!

Fries

12 (75%)

Salad

5 (31%)

Soup

1 (6%)

Other

1 (6%)

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #106

This is my cute playlist - 10 super cute songs.

Let the "awes" begin! (Sorry - most ended up being love songs, not intentional - just most "cute" songs are.)

1. Sundress by Ben Kweller - "I like your sundress."

2. West Coast by Coconut Records - "I wish you woulda' put yourself in my suitcase."

3. Green Eyes by Coldplay - "Honey you are a rock, from which I stand."

4. Sweet Things by Danny Michel - "Why can't I see the sweet things until they're all gone."

5. Your Beauty Must be Rubbing Off by Hawksley Workman - "Your beauty must be rubbing off...on me."

6. Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III - "That's my daughter in the water. Everything she knows I taught her."

7. If by Red Hot Chili Peppers - "If I saw the sun fall down, I'd pick it up and make a crown. One that was a perfect fit for you."

8. Sweet Thing by Van Morrison - "My my my my my my sweet thing."

9. Ob-la-de Ob-la-da by The Beatles - "La la la life goes on."

10. Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson - "Makin' banana pancakes, pretend that it's the weekend."

Love & Marriage?

Recently a girl, who was sort of my friend many moons ago, posted on Facebook that she and her husband are separating...after less than a year of marriage. Her explanation was that it's been a tough year, and her husband seems to have had some trouble getting work or something. I feel like those are useless excuses. It sounds to me like they shouldn't have gotten married in the first place.

I'm not married, so I don't actually know what "marriage" is like - but I do know what relationships are like and I know they're tough. I, for example, have been conducting my current relationship through text messages mostly because he is working out of province. But you should know going in that there will be hard times. The honeymoon period will end and life will carry on with its usual bullshit. Sharing your life with someone is a constant work-in-progress.

I'm not anti-marriage. I think it's a bold thing to commit your life to someone and be so sure that he or she is the one for you.

A note to my future husband: I dare you to try to divorce me. Seriously, you won't get rid of me that easily mister!

I feel like the whole wedding "fad" - with TLC shows about crazy brides and weddings - is making women so greedy for the ring, the dress, the cake, the flowers, and all that stuff, that they forget that those things don't last, but your marriage should.

It's bad enough that almost half the people I went to high school with seem to be engaged, married, or having kids, but to now see some of them getting divorced - it's depressing.

I guess what confuses me is why for some it doesn't take long for something they were so sure about to turn sour. Guess that's the gamble - you go into it thinking either everything will change or nothing will change. I'm not much of a gambler though, so I guess I shouldn't let all these quickie marriages bum me out.

Also, I should confess - I secretly (or not so secretly...depending on who I'm talking to) love pretty wedding things. I think I just love to plan and make things pretty. I also love fancy cakes.

A Penny-Farthing for Your Thoughts?

So as my blog friend Lauren often says of her own life...sometimes my life is a sitcom. Here are a few examples of events that have occurred.

On Saturday there was a Country and Blues festival happening across the street from my work. I worked the close shift, which was busy. There were three of us working and the third girl was outside clearing off patio. When she came in she told us that she couldn't find any of the ashtrays outside and that she thought they were stolen. It just so happened that my other co-worker and I were serving two police officers. I was in a silly mood so I said:

"I'd like to report a crime!"


The cop knew I was joking and played along.


"So, can you describe the ashtrays?"


"They're black with ridges"


"How many ridges?"


"Um, I don't remember!"


[to the other officer] "I guess we could bring in a sketch artist."


[my co-worker] "We'll give you a free coffee as a reward."


[Second officer] "Done!"

I pretty much laughed so much my cheeks hurt. I found the ashtrays later when we were closing.

The second odd thing to happen in the past few days occurred last night. I was on the patio of my local when a man pulled up riding a bicycle that looked like this:

Yep, he was riding an old-timey bike. He had a helmet on and everything - he was 100% serious about this bicycle. It wasn't a novelty act, this was just the bike he chose to ride. Everyone on the patio was intrigued. So he parked it near the patio and came in for a pint. Everyone was just staring at this thing, it was just so absurd. 

Oh, and Wikipedia tells me that this type of early bicycle was nicknamed a Penny-farthing because it looked like an old penny next to a farthing coin (a quarter-penny). I love little factoids like that.

Witness any strange things lately?

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #105

I walk to and from work with my iPod most days and sometimes you just need some tunes to strut your stuff to.

1. Rolling in the Deep by ADELE - I only know this song because of work (seriously, I don't listen to pop radio) and I understand it's quite popular. I never know what the kids are into these days. I do like this song though. 

2. Dance Anthem of the 80s by Regina Spektor - I get that this song probably has a subtext that isn't so happy, but this song always makes me happy when it comes on my ipod.

3. The Only One by The Black Keys - The old school bluesy-ness of this track is what made me put it on this list.

4. A Girl Like You by Edwyn Collins - <3

5. 1234 by Feist - Might have been overdone (thanks to Apple) but I think this is a good song for walking with a purpose.

6. Drumming Song by Florence + The Machine - Most Florence songs would work for this list, I had to pick one.

7. Striptease by Hawksley Workman - This one is more on the sexy side, but still works.

8. Smile by Lily Allen - This one is an anthem for walking proud with your head held high.

9. Gold Gun Girls by Metric - Just a kickass song in general.

10. Go out Walking After Midnight by Patsy Cline - And if you go walking after midnight please watch for stupid kids throwing eggs!

The Suburbs Strike Again!

Last August, some of you might recall that I wrote this post: The Suburbs. If you're new to this blog I suggest you read it.

The above post (that you still should read) is about me getting egged. I am disappointed to report that I have been a victim of another egg related crime. This time there's a bit of irony. I was walking home from the bar last night...yes, I was alone...but I was in a residential neighbourhood in my completely safe city. I saw something shiny on the pavement and looked closer and it was a penny. It was really shiny and new looking so I thought I deserved a little bit of good luck, so I picked it up.

Not two minutes after picking up the penny I felt something hit me in the calf really hard. It hurt. A car had driven by and someone threw something at me! I thought maybe it was an apple or small rock or something, so I searched in the grass on the lawn next to me to find the offending projectile. What I picked up was a perfectly white, unbroken egg!

Ignore my bad hair and the crappy cellphone quality. Just focus on the egg.

Yep, I've been targeted (again) by the spoiled, bored kids of the suburbs who have nothing better to do than drive around in their parents cars and throw eggs at people.

This is the third time I've had an egg thrown at me, and the second time it's hit me. Maybe I'll write a letter to the local paper. That would be a sign that I truly am turning into an old lady of the 'burbs.

I drew this face on it to show how I felt about the situation.

How Do You Deal With Stress? (Poll Results)

Yoga/relaxation/breathing

3 (37%)

Socialize/talk to someone

2 (25%)

Run/play sports/physical activity

2 (25%)

Distract yourself with TV/Movies/Books etc

2 (25%)

Sleep it off

4 (50%)

Freak out/yell/scream/tear your hair out

4 (50%)

Other

3 (37%)

I'm no doctor, but it seems that half of you are letting stress get the better of you. I'm included in this category sometimes - sometimes you just have to let it out!

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #104

This past weekend was a long weekend for both Canadians (Friday for Canada Day) and Americans (Monday for Independence Day). It's been a while since I did a Canadian themed playlist - so this one will be called "True North Strong and Free." It will be a list of songs celebrating 'my home and native land" and perhaps a nod (or jab) to my North American friends in the south.

1. The Northern by Alexisonfire - While the song isn't really about Canada, and is full of religious references, I think the title works well with this list. Plus the band is Canadian.

2. Canada Geese by Gordon Downie - Along with beavers, caribou and moose, the Canadian Goose serves as a symbol of our nations natural history. I got chased by a Canadian Goose once...true story.

3. TransCanada by A.C. Newman & Kathryn Calder - I know I used this song not long ago, but how could I leave it off this list?

4. The Canadian Dream by Sam Roberts - A more political song, but I love the line "everything moves real slow when it's 40 below."

5. Where They Left it Wild by Hawksley Workman - This song is about Algonquin park in Ontario. It's about the early spring and the moose cross the highway to escape the bugs.

6. Fireworks by Danny Michel - I saw some fireworks on Friday night.

7. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire - I know there are Suburbs everywhere, but this song always makes me think of my own experience in Canada. I live 45 minutes west of downtown Toronto, and this has just been my life in Canada.

8. North American Scum by LCD Soundsystem - I like the line "don't blame the Canadians."

9. American Woman by The Guess Who - I read that this song isn't about not liking American women, just that they prefer Canadian women. Don't be offended ladies of the south!

10. The Place Where We Lived by Hayden - And still live.

Hope everyone had a safe and fun long weekend! Cheers!

Bittersweet Me

I've had a fantastic week. The kind of week that reminds me that I'm going to be okay. That life sometimes gives you a break and sometimes you get what you want.

So here is my confession, if you care, I've been in a bit of a long-distance relationship for the past few months. The distance is temporary, but the frustration is just the same. But what made this week so awesome is that he visited this week. I'm a pretty private person, so I'm not really going to delve into this, but I was pretty happy this week. We went out for drinks a few times, the movies, and the Canada Day fireworks display by the lake. Today, I'm a bit sad because he's gone again. But I will try to not be too girlie and remind myself that I have a fulfilling life and that I don't NEED a guy, I just happen to have one and it's pretty great. But it's complicated, so that's all I'm going to say.

The other reason why this past week was so great? I completed my first 5k race on Tuesday night. I ran it in 31 minutes and I'm pretty proud of myself because I never stopped and walked once. There was a pretty brutal hill too! I'd like to do some more races in the near future - it really helps to have a goal in mind when you're training. I've done charity runs before (Terry Fox) but this was my first timed race.

So this week I stayed up too late, drank too much, worked too hard, but had an amazing time. I know my weeks won't all be like this - and frankly that would be too exhausting - but it's always nice to have a little pick-me-up sometimes. Life is too short to be responsible all the time.