In lieu of a Facebook post thanking everyone for their well wishes and birthday love, I wanted to write a blog post on my 27th birthday.
I wish I had a letter from myself at 10, 13, or 16 to myself at 27 so I could see how I measure up against my young self's expectations, but it doesn't matter. I never had specific goals for myself to have achieved by this age, but if I did, I would've achieved them all and then some. I could not be happier with where I'm at in life.
I have a lot of love. I have a woman to share my life with who I love fiercely and who loves me back. I have four sisters and two parents who support me, challenge me, and inspire me. I have an incredible group of close friends, spread around the world, some who I've known practically since birth, some from university, and a few newer additions who make me laugh and think on the daily. And I wouldn't be the cat lady I've become if I didn't acknowledge my precious Spoon who really does add a lot of love to my life.
I also wanted to acknowledge my Facebook friends (and LinkedIn connections!) for taking a moment out of their day to write a brief message - or lengthy post - to wish me a happy birthday. I know a few people who find Facebook birthday messages insincere, but frankly I love them! I don't mind if we have spoken to or seen each other in years, because getting well wishes on your birthday feels special whoever it comes from (like the woman at Yogurty's who gave me my yogurt on the house today!) and I really appreciate it. I only wish I wrote more birthday messages to people myself!
Love has to be the most important, but I want to ponder some other things I have at the age of 27... purpose, good health, security, independence, and fun! The list really goes on. I have no doubt in my mind that this will be another incredible year. Thank you to everyone who's making today special and those who make every one of my days special.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
Legit Jams 6.0
I've taken a break from my non-stop loop of Beyonce's self-titled album, Drake's "Nothing Was the Same", and Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experience" parts 1 & 2 for some new legit jams. Here they be.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Helsinki!!!
Helsinki, here I come!!!
I've mentioned before that one of my best friends - John - has been living in Finland for a while now, and likely will live there forever. It's hard not to have someone so close to you physically close to you, but it was inevitable and we manage to stay in each other's lives regardless. However, since Finland is so important to John and he loves the country so much, it was also inevitable that I visit him there. The time has finally come.
I've planned to go to Helsinki this spring/summer for a while, but today I actually bought the tickets and so it's official! I depart Toronto on June 8, arrive in Helsinki June 9, and don't return to YYZ until June 20. Approximately 12 days to spend with John, see the sites of Helsinki, eat delicious food, party with John's friends, and maybe take a few side trips (Tallin [Estonia] and Stockholm are on the menu).
I can't wait!!!
I've mentioned before that one of my best friends - John - has been living in Finland for a while now, and likely will live there forever. It's hard not to have someone so close to you physically close to you, but it was inevitable and we manage to stay in each other's lives regardless. However, since Finland is so important to John and he loves the country so much, it was also inevitable that I visit him there. The time has finally come.
I've planned to go to Helsinki this spring/summer for a while, but today I actually bought the tickets and so it's official! I depart Toronto on June 8, arrive in Helsinki June 9, and don't return to YYZ until June 20. Approximately 12 days to spend with John, see the sites of Helsinki, eat delicious food, party with John's friends, and maybe take a few side trips (Tallin [Estonia] and Stockholm are on the menu).
I can't wait!!!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Two of Hearts: 3 Movies I Watched this Weekend
It is Monday after the long Easter weekend and I am very slowly adjusting back to a life where I must wake up, do things, wear clothing without elastic waistlines, and be generally presentable. Normally I'm okay with this, but today I'm not. It was a delightful weekend! Highlights include time spent with great friends including karaoke, a beautiful trip to Mel's Diner, time spent on the couch, time spent with more friends, GREEK EASTER!!!, and some epic movie viewing. I could go on about all elements, but I think I'll focus on one - epic movie viewing.
Having read that Michael Alig is going to be released from prison on May 5, I was reminded that I've always wanted to watch Party Monster. My friend W. was visiting for a few nights and I asked him if he'd seen it (assuming he had) - he hadn't! W. was the perfect viewing partner for this movie. Even better, it was on Netflix. Bam. W. whipped up some hummus and we hunkered down for a viewing. It was a very interesting movie. I thought Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green both did great jobs in their respective parts, without knowing too too much about Michael Alig and James St. James. The movie was creepy, funny, enlightening, fascinating, dark, and sad. I'm now fascinated by club kid culture and keen to read more. One particularly intense moment was when James St. James was down and out and Michael Alig puts on a cassette to cheer him up. What's the song? Stacey Q's "Two of Hearts". What was one of the two songs my friends and I sang at karaoke the evening before? Two of Hearts. Serendipitous, no?
Anyway, Saturday afternoon I was chilling by myself and decided to watch one of the recommended films for people interested in "Party Monster". One of them was a documentary called "Limelight" about Peter Gatien, legendary club owner who owned the Limelight in New York City where Michael Alig was a promoter. I learned more about the club kid culture, the introduction of ecstasy to NYC, Peter Gatien (from Cornwall, Ontario), and the massive lawsuit that targetted Gatien as responsible for the rampant drug use and selling in his clubs. This film was equally fascinating.
Finally, I watched something quite different but not totally unrelated: "Philadelphia". I've watched this movie a handful of times before, but it never loses its impact. Tom Hanks is incredible, as is Denzel Washington, and the story is so moving and sad. I still teared up during the epic opera soliloquy. Incredible!
So there you have it, darlings! A weekend of movies & more! Until next time!
Having read that Michael Alig is going to be released from prison on May 5, I was reminded that I've always wanted to watch Party Monster. My friend W. was visiting for a few nights and I asked him if he'd seen it (assuming he had) - he hadn't! W. was the perfect viewing partner for this movie. Even better, it was on Netflix. Bam. W. whipped up some hummus and we hunkered down for a viewing. It was a very interesting movie. I thought Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green both did great jobs in their respective parts, without knowing too too much about Michael Alig and James St. James. The movie was creepy, funny, enlightening, fascinating, dark, and sad. I'm now fascinated by club kid culture and keen to read more. One particularly intense moment was when James St. James was down and out and Michael Alig puts on a cassette to cheer him up. What's the song? Stacey Q's "Two of Hearts". What was one of the two songs my friends and I sang at karaoke the evening before? Two of Hearts. Serendipitous, no?
Anyway, Saturday afternoon I was chilling by myself and decided to watch one of the recommended films for people interested in "Party Monster". One of them was a documentary called "Limelight" about Peter Gatien, legendary club owner who owned the Limelight in New York City where Michael Alig was a promoter. I learned more about the club kid culture, the introduction of ecstasy to NYC, Peter Gatien (from Cornwall, Ontario), and the massive lawsuit that targetted Gatien as responsible for the rampant drug use and selling in his clubs. This film was equally fascinating.
Finally, I watched something quite different but not totally unrelated: "Philadelphia". I've watched this movie a handful of times before, but it never loses its impact. Tom Hanks is incredible, as is Denzel Washington, and the story is so moving and sad. I still teared up during the epic opera soliloquy. Incredible!
So there you have it, darlings! A weekend of movies & more! Until next time!
Monday, April 14, 2014
John.
You know who's amazing?! My best friend John. It's his birthday today & so I wanted to use this platform to celebrate him.
John and I met at an in-person discussion group on campus during our undergrad. I knew I wanted to be friends with him when he made a reference to the show "7th Heaven" and we laughed about the fact that the family dog's real name was Happy (and Happy as Happy).
Our transition from strangers to friendship was seamless, to the point that I don't remember when/where/how it happened. The why is obvious. Everyone who meets John wants to be friends with him. I was one of the lucky ones who connected with him and vice versa and the rest is history...
John and I joined forces with our bestie Waleed as well and became a powerful trifecta. Having those boys to roll with when I was in undergrad was the best! I practically lived with them at one point. We did everything together, and it was such a fun time!
John is one of the funniest people anybody who knows him knows. He's also one of the smartest people. That combination results in wit that you wouldn't believe. His pop cultural references, quick comebacks, hysterical observations, brilliant slang..... you can barely keep up with it! He's also incredibly tuned in to current events, speaks numerous languages, and has a generally great understanding of the world we live in. He is a total marvel, and I am lucky to call him one of my best friends.
It was obvious from early on in our friendship that John loved Finland, where he'd spent a year as an exchange student after high school. He'd made great friends there, spoke the language fluently, and felt a strong connection to the country. As a result, it was no surprise to me when he moved there a few years ago to study his Master's and likely live there forever. It's hard to see your friend go, but it was a foregone conclusion, and I'm happy he's so happy and building a life for himself there.
We may not get to see each other on a regular basis, but we keep in touch as best as we can, and he's still one of my favourite people in the whole world.
Plus, I get to see him in a few months when I travel to Finland!!! (More on that later).
Now, before the clock strikes midnight in Helsinki, I want to say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNNI!!!
I love you so much. xoxoxo
John and I met at an in-person discussion group on campus during our undergrad. I knew I wanted to be friends with him when he made a reference to the show "7th Heaven" and we laughed about the fact that the family dog's real name was Happy (and Happy as Happy).
Our transition from strangers to friendship was seamless, to the point that I don't remember when/where/how it happened. The why is obvious. Everyone who meets John wants to be friends with him. I was one of the lucky ones who connected with him and vice versa and the rest is history...
John and I joined forces with our bestie Waleed as well and became a powerful trifecta. Having those boys to roll with when I was in undergrad was the best! I practically lived with them at one point. We did everything together, and it was such a fun time!
John is one of the funniest people anybody who knows him knows. He's also one of the smartest people. That combination results in wit that you wouldn't believe. His pop cultural references, quick comebacks, hysterical observations, brilliant slang..... you can barely keep up with it! He's also incredibly tuned in to current events, speaks numerous languages, and has a generally great understanding of the world we live in. He is a total marvel, and I am lucky to call him one of my best friends.
It was obvious from early on in our friendship that John loved Finland, where he'd spent a year as an exchange student after high school. He'd made great friends there, spoke the language fluently, and felt a strong connection to the country. As a result, it was no surprise to me when he moved there a few years ago to study his Master's and likely live there forever. It's hard to see your friend go, but it was a foregone conclusion, and I'm happy he's so happy and building a life for himself there.
We may not get to see each other on a regular basis, but we keep in touch as best as we can, and he's still one of my favourite people in the whole world.
Plus, I get to see him in a few months when I travel to Finland!!! (More on that later).
Now, before the clock strikes midnight in Helsinki, I want to say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNNI!!!
I love you so much. xoxoxo
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Weekend Round-Up
Hey y'all. You all know how I love a Saturday at home with nothing to do but laze about, watch stuff, putter around, and drink coffee. Fortunately for me, I've had that opportunity today. I've been spending most weekends in Toronto since I moved to Waterloo and so there's something really relaxing and therapeutic about having the freedom to be in my own space on a weekend. I miss my GF, but this is a happy alternative. I mean, at this moment I'm blogging and listening to Beyonce in my underwear. Heaven.
I don't have anything specific to discuss, so here's another round-up of what's tantalizing my five senses.
Beyonce
Obviously. She really deserves her own post, and very likely will get one, but right now I just want to acknowledge how fully and completely I love her self-titled album. Yes, I was a little tardy to the party by my bestie W's standards, but I got there and I'm partying hard with our girl B. My singular favourite song changes by the day to some degree, but the top 5 (out of 14) audio tracks are: ***Flawless, Drunk In Love, Jealous, Partition, and XO. It's just so damn good. Beyonce consistently raises the bar. She's in a category all her own. I love her, she's so talented, she's so beautiful, she inspires me..... I... there are no more words.
Adore Delano
You may or may not know that the 6th season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" is currently on and I've really been enjoying it. I joined in on watching RPDR during 4th season and having now seen all seasons, 4th is probably my favourite. I liked some of the 5th season queens, but it wasn't as good a season overall. 6th on the other hand has really been delivering. Queens are one minute your favourite and the next minute not serving it. For example, I found Adore Delano really obnoxious and weird the first couple of episodes and then just as suddenly she's my favourite and I want her to win. Don't get me wrong, she's not as polished a queen as others, but she is so entertaining and charming and funny and has charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. I can't wait to see what she does tomorrow night.
"Not A Bad Thing"
I always love what Justin Timberlake puts out and the two parts of "The 20/20 Experience" have been no exception. However, I haven't listened to them the way I listened to "Justified" or certainly not "Beyonce". That said, I love love LOVE the song "Not A Bad Thing" from Part 2. I posted the video in my last blog post and I have been listening to the song on loop for a couple of weeks now. I'm obsessed. So good.
What else...
Let's leave it at that.
I don't have anything specific to discuss, so here's another round-up of what's tantalizing my five senses.
Beyonce
Obviously. She really deserves her own post, and very likely will get one, but right now I just want to acknowledge how fully and completely I love her self-titled album. Yes, I was a little tardy to the party by my bestie W's standards, but I got there and I'm partying hard with our girl B. My singular favourite song changes by the day to some degree, but the top 5 (out of 14) audio tracks are: ***Flawless, Drunk In Love, Jealous, Partition, and XO. It's just so damn good. Beyonce consistently raises the bar. She's in a category all her own. I love her, she's so talented, she's so beautiful, she inspires me..... I... there are no more words.
Adore Delano
"Not A Bad Thing"
I always love what Justin Timberlake puts out and the two parts of "The 20/20 Experience" have been no exception. However, I haven't listened to them the way I listened to "Justified" or certainly not "Beyonce". That said, I love love LOVE the song "Not A Bad Thing" from Part 2. I posted the video in my last blog post and I have been listening to the song on loop for a couple of weeks now. I'm obsessed. So good.
What else...
Let's leave it at that.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Legit Jams 5.0
Sometimes I wake up and music is like oxygen. Here's what's making me bum dance in my chair at work.
Pay attention to around the 1:30 mark when the melody is re-alligned with the beat. Brilliant.
This song is so great! The video cuts through some of the song, but the video is great, too. I prefer the video in some ways because it only plays the first half of the song... the second half is long and boring on the album, I think. And I love JT.
I was tardy to the party (relatively) for Beyonce's self-titled album. My bestie W. chastised me mercilessly and I'm glad I didn't wait any longer than I did. The album is... ***flawless.
Pay attention to around the 1:30 mark when the melody is re-alligned with the beat. Brilliant.
This song is so great! The video cuts through some of the song, but the video is great, too. I prefer the video in some ways because it only plays the first half of the song... the second half is long and boring on the album, I think. And I love JT.
I was tardy to the party (relatively) for Beyonce's self-titled album. My bestie W. chastised me mercilessly and I'm glad I didn't wait any longer than I did. The album is... ***flawless.
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