iTunes Playlist Tuesday: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly 2013 Edition

Hello Friends,

I've been quiet this month here - but I refuse to apologize to my internet friends for being busy in real life. I know I know I said I was done with playlist Tuesday, but seeing that it's Tuesday and New Year's Eve it seems fitting that I conclude this blog year with my picks (and anti-picks) of 2013 as I have done in the past.

1) Arcade Fire's Reflektor
Album that does not give a fuck what you think of them
Song: Reflektor

2) Arctic Monkeys' AM
Most amazing musical growth by a band
Song: Do I Wanna Know?

3) City and Colour's The Hurry and The Hurt
Most mellow and unassuming album
Song: Thirst

4) Kings of Leon's Mechanical Bull
Album I wanted to love, but found boring
Song: Supersoaker

5) Lorde's Pure Heroine
16 year old who gives me hope for the future of music.
Song: Royals

6) Walk Off the Earth's R.E.V.O
Band that makes me proud to be from Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Song: Gang of Rhythm 

7) Matthew Good's Arrows of Desire
How did I not know he released a new album? I'm a terrible fan. I'm sorry Matt Good. I still love you!
Song: Hey Hell Heaven

8) Head of the Herd's single "By This Time Tomorrow"
Favourite song of 2013 by a completely new artist to me.
Song: By this Time Tomorrow

9) Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience
Best pop album by an ex-NSYNC member.
Song: Suit & Tie

10) Pearl Jam's Lightning Bolt
Most consistent group
Song: Sirens

What were your favourites of 2013? What are you looking forward to in 2014?

2013 - New Beginnings and Sad Goodbyes

2013 Pop Culture Influenced Round Up 

Here is my BEST OF list:

Favourite New TV show: 

Dracula - Normally I'm not into the whole vampire genre - but damn, Jonathan Rhys Meyers is sexy. The show kinda has a Sherlock Holmes vibe with the vampire element being almost a sidebar to the plot. 

Favourite Album Released in '13:

R.E.V.O. by Walk off the Earth
This local band blew up internationally after their cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" performed on one guitar by five people went viral on YouTube. R.E.V.O. is fun, catchy and just damn good. They truly proved that they're not just a gimmicky band.

Favourite Song from '13: 
By this Time Tomorrow by Head of the Herd
I first heard this on the radio when I was driving home from somewhere and my first instinct was to turn it up. It's gritty, a bit twangy and is the kind of song that kicks ass and takes names. I'd never heard of this band before, nor am I familiar with any other song by them, but this one really sticks out for 2013.

Honourable mention: Royals by Lorde


Favourite Movie: 

The Great Gatsby
I don't care if people thought it was boring, too long, or over-the-top - I loved this adaptation of the classic novel. For people who loved the book, you'll find that they didn't change much about the story - it pretty much is the book, with a bit of flavour added by Baz Luhrmann


Favourite Book: 

Worst. Person. Ever by Douglas Coupland
I read a lot more this year than I did last (thank God - I love reading! I just needed a kick in the pants to remind me of that!). From the moment I picked up this book I knew I was in for an entertaining tale. It is crude, offensive, disgusting, and rude - but man, it was funny. You just couldn't wait to find out what this guy was going to do or say next - or what unfortunate event was going to occur. You need an open mind to enjoy this book.

Significant Moments of 2013: 

•  Ran the Robbie Burns Day 8k race in January

• My grandma passed away in February of pneumonia. Words cannot describe how much she meant to me. Her illness and eventual death made me stronger because I know that's what she'd have done too.

• In March I ran the Around the Bay 30k race as part of a three person relay (so 10k each).

• I ran the Harry's Spring Run-off 8k in Toronto in April. I may have injured my leg at this race - which would lead to months and months of physiotherapy. 

• I turned 29 - which meant that 2013-2014 will mark the last of my 20s. I'm kinda glad - my 20s have sucked! Worst years of my life thus far.

• Ran the Chocolate Race 10k in May (injured) because I love running and chocolate.

• I went to a movie alone - a first for me.

• I wore a dress with cats on it to my Grandma's memorial service in June.

• I won a bet on the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs against Nugs. In the end, Chicago won the Cup, tipping me just over points-wise. Victory!

• I attended a huge, over-the-top first birthday party for my friend's baby. It was monster themed.

• I ran the Erika's Wish 5k

• I went bridesmaid's dress shopping and our tire blew on the drive home.

• I ran my 4th Terry Fox Run in a row!

• I went to the Toronto Zoo for the 5k race, but also got to see the Panda bears!

• I had a fabulous time at my family's cottage for thanksgiving. Gorgeous weather, great company and delicious food!

• Got a new tattoo with my grandma's name - Dot.

• I got fired from my soul-sucking coffee shop job.

• I was happier being unemployed than working at the stupid coffee shop.

• I got a seasonal job at a bookstore and hope to be kept on in the new year.

I challenge my readers to write a similar type post before January 1, 2014.

2009
2010
2011

2012

Sea Foam-y or Dusty Blue?

So I've been busy! Busy working at my new (seasonal-but-hopefully-permanent) job for a large bookstore. So far I love it - but it can be tiring. But I find the time passes way quicker than it used to at my old job. There's really no time to be idle at this job - you must stay busy or risk someone noticing you slacking. I try to stay busy by helping customers, re-shelving out-of-place books, and jumping on cash when needed.

No major revelations in my life right now, so I'll just give you the short version.

• I joined a fitness centre that's opening in January. Orangetheory Fitness! My running coach will be teaching some classes there - so I'm really looking forward to supplementing my running with some crosstraining. I've never been excited about gyms, but this concept is different and I think it will actually work for me and my lifestyle. Hurray for making changes and having goals!

• Finally got a haircut and colour after months and months of being poor. My mom agreed to pay for it as part of my Christmas gift. Last year I got glasses. Being a grown up sucks - but I do love getting my hair done! I'm working towards going more red again. Also, after my brother's wedding I might just chop it all off. But I have a huge head, so that might look weird.

• Had dinner with a good friend and we did some "Black Friday" shopping. I put that in quotes because Canada's version of this is much more low-key and civilized than the US counterpart. I got some $12 items at Sephora and some $12 leggings at Forever 21. Twelve was the magic number for me.

• Picked up the dreaded bridesmaids dress for my brother's wedding in June. It fit - which was nice. The colour still looked sea foam to me in the store, but once I got it home it looked more blue. I don't hate it, but it's just not my style or colour. Strapless dresses are evil. Seriously - future brides, just don't do it. You are bound to have at least one person in your bridal party who is not comfortable with it.

• I did my 3rd Santa Run today! This time I did it with my running group - which was fun.

What have I got coming up for the holidays? Well I have a few gatherings planned, plus employee appreciation shopping days at work (extra discount!), wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and of course Christmas movies!

Hopefully I'll have more to say soon!