Nineteenth Century Problems

I really did intend to post this for you at the end of 2011, but I am sure you will enjoy it all the same now that we have entered 2012.
 

So here it is, my musical version of 2011. Another yearly CD.

Nineteen Century Problems

Someday You Will Be Loved--Death Cab For Cutie
(But I Know Your Heart Belongs To Someone You've Yet To Meet)

You Can Call Me Al--Paul Simon
(I Don't Find This Stuff Amusing Anymore)
 

In My Place--Coldplay
(How Long Must You Wait For It?)

Girl Inform Me--The Shins
(Is There Nothing To Cure This Anxiety?)

IX (Sink Or Swim)--Peter Katz
(I Had A Noble Cause And Then I Lost It)

Alone Again (Naturally)--Gilbert O’Sullivan
(In My Hour Of Need I Truly Am Indeed Alone Again, Naturally)

She Doesn’t Get It--The Format
(I Am Bored Cause I Feel Much Older)

Eliot--Sarah Slean
(I Said I Had Hope. I Lied)

Brian Wilson--Barenaked Ladies
(Call It Impulsive. Call It Compulsive. Call It Insane.)

Another Day--Paul McCartney
(It’s Just Another Day.)

Somewhere Only We Know--Keane
(This Could Be The End Of Everything)

They Never Got You--Spoon
(Don’t Let Those Footholds Start)

You’ve Got A Friend--James Taylor
(Ain't It Good To Know You've Got A Friend)

22--Lily Allen
(How Did I Get Here? I'm Doing All That I Can.)

I Was Better Off--Phantom Planet
(I Am Where I Don't Belong)

Stop Crying Your Heart Out--Oasis
(You’ll Never Change What’s Been And Gone)

Both Sides Now--Joni Mitchell
(I Really Don't Know Life At All)

Alright, so before you start looking for a good therapist for me or wondering how you really do get someone committed, please know that I am really doing as bad as it might sound, despite how crazy, lonely, desperate my playlist looks. Musical therapy seems to be working just fine.

I know it is oh so late for any new year well wishes, but I truly do hope that your 2012 is full of magic and wonder.

Is it too early to start working on 2012's compilation?

As Always,

19th Century Problems from honeypie99 on 8tracks.

You Can Call It A Comeback

Okay, no excuses. It has been more than a little stint since I last talk to all of you. Everyday I was gone I came up with excuses to not add another entry. Waiting until my next big adventure, always putting off writing until tomorrow, but let's be honest, my heart just wasn't in it anymore.

Sure I looked at my blog every once and while and had pangs of disappointment and guilt. Wracking my brain for the best comeback story of all time, but there was just nothing there. The girl who never had troubles finding something to say was finally quiet.

Life has moved on in the interim. Jenny and I did go to Las Vegas, although by now it seems almost too blurry. It took us about half a day to realize that we had probably gone on vacation to the wrong place, and a day and half before we would actually admit it. I am sure that there are lovely people who live in Las Vegas, Jenny and I just didn't happen to meet any of them while we were there.

Photographic evidence to prove we were there. Let's not get into why there are so few pictures of our trip.

So for right now, until I figure out exactly how to get back into blogging, if at all, I uhm, "borrowed" this questionnaire from a friend's blog. Cop out, you bet!

Be Rich or Famous?
Considering I am already rich, and not just in a "rich in spirit" kind of way, I am going to say famous. Besides anyone who has seen Hard Day's Night has already heard John Lennon say, "Money won't buy you happiness, my boy." Truer words have never been spoken.

Have an amazing Shoe collection or an amazing Makeup collection?
I am going to blame this one on the fact that I am Canadian and sometimes the only sensible footwear are your winter boots. What kind of girl I am if I am not really into shoes? Well, it's not that I am not into them completely, I just am kinda picky.

On the other hand there is so much makeup that I secretly pine for, but just can't bring myself to spend money on .

Be able to Sing or be able to Dance?
I really don't care if I could do either. I've got part of the Olsen Family Singers who I can call on should I ever need to perform a musical number and my new sister-in-law is a dancer. Problems solved.

But, and it's only because I don't possess a dancing gene and for reasons unknown the Church is still going with the dance thing as ways for singles to meet, I wish I could actually dance, or actually enjoy dancing.

Receive a bouquet of Flowers or a box of Chocolates?
Receiving flowers at work would be awesome, so long as there was a good story to tell from who sent them to me. But who would turn down chocolate?

Go without Brushing your teeth for a year or go without Washing your hair for a year?
I've thought about this for a while and I am going to go with brushing your teeth. I know that sounds bad, but hear me out. These people never said anything about flossing, mouthwash, gum or even wiping a paper towel across your teeth. Hair, on the other hand doesn't have so many options, dry shampoo and shaving your head are only going to work for so long.

Drink Coffee or Tea?
Of course you know the answer is neither. I feel that if I did drink these I would have to add so much sugar, cream and ice to them that the purpose would be defeated.

Converse or Stilettos?
I can't really get into Converse. There would be so little time for me to actually wear them that they would just look dumb. I really don't think I can pull off Converse at work, even on casual Fridays.

Be a Fairy or a Mermaid?
The answer is for sure not Mermaid. First of all you are part fish and you would have to live underwater. I've watched those deep sea documentaries and the Ocean is pretty gross.

Have your dream House or your dream Car?
I already have my dream-ish car. My dream car is anything that has a 2 at the beginning of the year it was made. At this point I would settle for a house. I am in the process of looking for somewhere to live by myself and sadly I have not been able to find anything to match my standards. I'm sorry that living in a basement without windows doesn't seem like such a good idea.

Ask or Answer?
Of course answer, that is why over the years I have filled out so many of these type of questionnaires.

Laugh or Smile?
Laugh. A long time ago I lived with a bunch of girls and when people were stressed, one of my roommates would insist that they laugh to make themselves feel better. It always worked. We usually ended up in a pile on the floor with tears streaming down our faces. It was the best entertainment we had, but then again we didn't have cable, the internet or even a computer at that point.

Would you rather skip Christmas or skip your Birthday?
Always birthday. Birthdays are just awkward. But I am excited for our postponed Christmas this year due to my parent's move. (Oh. I guess I forgot that my parents are moving. Now you know.)

See a movie at the Theater or at Home?
I am a movie talker. Over the years I have learning that theater people really don't appreciate movie talkers. At home movies are a lot more freeing.

Spend or Save?
I have found that when you have money there is nothing that you want to buy, it is only when you don't have money that you feel like everything should make its way home with you.

Have a picnic at the Park or on the Beach?
How is the beach a good place at all to have a picnic? The name is confusing, but you really don't need sand in your sandwich.

Kids, I'll get this thing figure out one way or another. But I take solace in the fact that I am not the only one who has abandoned their blog.

Good luck to us all.

As Always,

Either My Best Idea Or My Craziest

Well, as you can tell I kinda got bored with my music posts. Thirty days is hard, and it is especially hard to write when the questions are uninspiring. What song can you play on a musical instrument? (It was going to be this one...and surprisingly on a record....just like The Friendly Giant) (Watch that last one just for Jerome's dancing. Oh Canadian TV you are awesome!)

Anyways on to today's news. A handful of weeks ago I turned 30. Yes. 30.  Now to say that this change of decade was a smooth transition would be false. I called Jenny more than a few times in a panic. Jenny tried to help me understand that it was only a number and that it was the anticipation that was the worst part, but I still had a minor meltdown...or two.

At one point I told Jenny that I just needed to get out of town. Go somewhere far away and escape from it all. Not being much of a traveler or very spontaneous I am not sure that Jenny believe my threat. I hung up the phone and search for a cheap place to live out my adventure.

With limited time and somewhat limited money I only had a few choices. When I stumbled on an amazing sale to Las Vegas, I quickly abandoned my first choice of Disneyland for the adult city. I called Jenny and told her I  had planned us a vacation. I am glad that it didn't take too much arm twisting to convince Jenny to come with me.

Jenny and I have both only driven through Las Vegas on our way out of the desert. We have no definite plans, other than the Cirque du Soleil Beatles Love Show. (How could we not?) I have spent the last month gathering advice from everyone and everywhere. Do you have any Las Vegas words of wisdom for us? Any must see or must avoid places?

I am a mix of nerves and excitement. Another airplane ride and the idea that our whole vacation is just a random set of letters in a computer have me a bit on edge, but another vacation with my dear Jenny and a chance to really get away from it all, have me hardly able to sleep.

Our adventure begins on Thursday.  Just finishing up all of my piled up work and figuring out what to pack and then it is Viva Las Vegas!

Who's Looking For Me

Day 23--A Song That You Want To Play At Your Wedding

You all already know that there won't be any dancing at my wedding, so there isn't much need for music, but after some though, I realized there is a song I want at my wedding.

My friend,Jenny, is a bang up singer. If you haven't heard her you are missing out. I heard her sing nearly every day in the three years we lived together.

So dear Jenny, I'm asking you to sing this for me, one day.

Looking For Someone--Sarah Slean



Don't worry. The wedding is a long time from now, so you have lots of time to find just the right key and we can both practice so we don't cry through the whole thing.

Thank you in advance.

Rise Again

Day 22-- A Song That You Listen To When You're Sad

I'm sure you know me well enough to know that most of my discography is sad, emo music.For every happy song there are at least two that make you just want to crawl back into bed.

But thanks to my dad I was introduced to this inspirational Canadian folk song. It may sound cheesy, but it will seriously help you feel better.

Mary Ellen Carter--Stan Rogers

She's Looking Fine

Day 21--A Song That You Listen To When You're Happy

There are a lot of songs I listen to when I am happy, most of them I have already listed for you. Some of my favourite to listen to are lesser known Beatles classics.

The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill

Good Morning Good Morning

And Your Bird Can Sing

I've Just Seen a Face

Kansas City : Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey! 

One of my favourite Beatles' songs is just like bottled sunshine. Just one of those feel good songs.

Good Day Sunshine--The Beatles

It's Me We Should Blame

Day 20--A Song That You Listen To When You're Angry

I don't think that I get angry all the often, and if I am angry I don't listen to music.

But I did listen to this a lot after my awkward Tim Hortons breakup.

Which To Bury, Us Or The Hatchet--Relient K



It sorta helped move from the anger stage right to the bargaining stage.

Loose All Sense Of Time

Day 19--A Song From Your Favourite Album

I'm sure that you just read what today's category is and feel like you should just skip over this one. After all how many times can a person hear about Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper or Hard Day's Night. We all get it. You are a Beatles fan.

I'll have you know that I have more than Beatles albums as some of my favourites.

Up To Here--Tragically Hip


Greatest Hits: Volume One--James Taylor

Futures--Jimmy Eat World

Something To Write Home About--The Get Up Kids

Even the soundtracks to Dan In Real Life and 500 Days of Summer make the movies just that much better.

But one of my favourite albums is Navy Blues--Sloan. An album released in 1998 from a half obscure Canadian band is still one of my favourites all this time later.

Iggy & Angus--Sloan



Every song is pretty awesome on the album, but don't take my word for it. Take a listen.

Let's Put On Sweatpants

Day 18--A Song That You Wish You Heard On The Radio

As you all know, I like to basically force you to at least listen to the music I like, if not try and force you to love it. So it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that I wish that more people in this world not only knew about Peter Katz, but also loved him.

Why is Justin Bieber our Canadian musical export and not Peter?!?

Posters--Peter Katz



I'm sure you already love Peter just as much as I do, but if you need more convincing, check out this earlier video.

Braced Myself For The Goodbye

 Day 17-- A Song That You Hear Often On The Radio

I only listen to the radio during my 8 minute commute to work everyday, mostly so I can listen to the day's weather forecast and find out what is happening in local news. We have a few choices of radio stations, but I keep it tuned in to the Top 40 station.

At most I only have to listen to about one and half songs, but it seems without fail that one of those songs everyday is a Taylor Swift song.

I'm not a Taylor Swift fan, and short of the glimpse of music I hear on the radio, I don't spend any extra time listening to her greatest hits. But somehow, by the end of the day, as I am laying in bed trying to fall asleep Taylor Swift's words enter my brain. Somehow the only thought I have is  "Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you, you're gonna believe them..."

This is the latest single to get heavy rotation on the radio. I have actually caught myself at the office humming this song...shocking more than once. Dang you Taylor Swift!

Mine--Taylor Swift

If You Look Inside You Heart

Day 16--A Song That You Used To Love But Now Hate

Hate seems a little harsh, but I try and avoid it as much as possible.

Hero--Mariah Carey



Look, it was 1993. The same year that gave us song like this and this. The song was everywhere. My Grade 7 choir sang it. (Whoa. Wait. Was I in Grade 7 in 1993?!?!) Besides this Mariah Carey album was my first CD! (Does anyone else remember Columbia House?)

Maybe I'm changing my mind about this song. It seems pretty nostalgic.

Fingernails That Shine Like Justice

Day 15--A Song The Describes You

Some days we all know that this song probably does a better job at describing my current situation.

But if you are looking for a song that is really about me look no further than this early 21st century masterpiece.

Short Skirt, Long Jacket--Cake



Now, before you start accusing me of being a little too high on myself, it was actually a good friend who long ago told me this song summed me up. He has pretty good taste in girls, so it must be true.

Besides, I now drive a white car with a cup holder and an armrest.

The original music video is pretty awesome.

Relax Your Mind

Day 14--A Song That No One Would Expect You To Love

Alright. Well you had better sit down and take a few breaths because this one is going to come as quite the shock.

Rock With You--Michael Jackson



Yes I know. If I preach anything on here it is love only The Beatles and that Michael Jackson is someone to be feared, right after Satan. But there is just something about this song that I love.

It's probably just the flashy background on the video, or sparkly jumpsuit and boots. But maybe, just maybe I should give MJ a little more credit.

Who am I kidding...Thriller is still pretty frightening.

Like The Greats Did

Day 13--A Song The Is A Guilty Pleasure

Hey I'm not too proud to admit that sometimes there is nothing better than a Made For TV Disney movie. Perfect for sleepovers, rainy days and times when you just want to see Zac Efron or the Jonas Brothers.

Even if you try really hard, you will still be singing the songs from these movies days later.

Whether it is High School Musical, Camp Rock or Starstruck.

But one of my favourite cheesy Disney songs is from Camp Rock 2

Heart and Soul--The Jonas Brothers



Good luck getting it out of your head now.

You Make A Grown Man Cry

Day 12--A Song From A Band You Hate

Well Nickelback just seemed like the easy answer. Even if girls do like this song. (No they don't. Seriously.)

People often assume that if you like The Beatles then you must automatically like The Rolling Stones, and the answer is no. Heavens no.

So take your pick, every Stones song is bad. At least The Beatles never had to dance around to improve their music. Just admit that even Yellow Submarine is 100 times better.

Start Me Up--The Rolling Stones

Black Mining Hills Of Dakota

Day 11--A Song From Your Favourite Band

I'm more than certain that you have all been around here long enough to know what my favourite band is. After all I have only mentioned it...oh...24 times on here.

It is much too difficult to choose just one favourite Beatles song. They are all serve different purposes depending on what mood or situation I am in. But I do always seem to love listening to this White Album gem.

Rocky Raccoon--The Beatles



I'm pretty sure that I love it so much because it reminds me of when we received a Gideon Bible in Grade 5.

Looking for some more Beatles suggestions? Try this previous post.

Almost All The Time

Day 10--A Song That Makes You Fall Asleep

I'm really hoping that these categories get better. This one is pretty lame too.

If they were looking for a movie, I would say Breakfast at Tiffany's  (but not the song) in a heart beat. Kinda strangely I'm not really listening to music when I am falling asleep.

I did find this playlist the other day online of the perfect music to fall asleep to. I haven't tried it, but give it a whirl and let me know what you think.

I guess if I was looking for something to keep me calm and relaxed, nothing really does a better job than James Taylor.

Something In The Way She Moves--James Taylor

I'm Only Good At Being Young

Day 9--A Song You Can Dance To

Boo. Can you say lame category? Maybe if we were a stake dance I would say this song or this popular medley

So how about a song about today.

Stop This Train--John Mayer



That is all for today.

You Mean Every Word You Say

Day 8--A Song That You Know All The Words To

I know the words to a lot of songs. Songs like this one. But I guess that more than once knowing the words to songs has really saved the day.

Like the time I was in show choir (yes, we can all laugh about that) and during the big concert the girl singing the solo forgot the lyrics to this classic. I stopped my background ooo's and helped her finish the number.

But I think my favourite story really proved the point that you shouldn't sing the song if you don't know the words.

My friends and I use to frequent a local coffee shop. On Friday and Saturday nights semi-professional talent entertained the patrons. But one night seemed to be amateur night, as the entertainment was just  a couple of kids with guitars.

The group announced their last song and after the introduction was played the lead singer froze not knowing what even the first words were. Thankfully Ashley and I were there to save the day and we loudly sang the song and helped the band get back on track.

Faith--George Michael

I Hope We Don't Forget

Day 7--A Song That Reminds You Of A Certain Event

One night a couple of my friend and I hung out with some super awesome guys. Short of the continual game of Skip-Bo that we played that summer, I can't really remember what we did for most of that night.

As the night got later our guys mysteriously left and came back with a thermos of hot chocolate and a couple of blankets. They announced we were going to drive to the mountains and watch the stars.

As we drove to the mountains they introduced us to some of their favourite bands. And as the hour long trip came to a close we had found a favourite song. By the time we reached our destination we were all singing it at the top of our lungs.

One Year, Six Month--Yellowcard



We watched the stars from the beach and left just before the sun began to peak over the mountains.
We made jokes about this night and song for years to come.

You Can Take My Breath Away

Day 6--A Song That Reminds You Of Somewhere

Hmmmm...this one wasn't that easy to come up with. So I searched my brain until I came up with a good enough answer.

One of the summers when I was in university I work at my local town hall putting together an information brochure about our town. It was a pretty awesome job and I even had my own office, tucked away in the Economic Development department.

Everything was okay, until the person who's office was next to mine kept, on repeat, all day, every day this song...

Hero--Enrique Iglesias



And he seemed like such a cool guy.

This song just makes me laugh every time I hear it just thinking about that crazy summer.

Will I Live With Him

Day 5--A Song That Reminds You Of Someone

This time of year, for the past two years, has been difficult.  After a very short battle with cancer, my friend died at the beginning of July 2009.

My friends and I, for the most part, have done a pretty good job moving on with our lives, but every once and a while, something out there reminds us of just how much we miss our friend, and we usually end up in a mess of tears.

Letia's mom asked me to put together a video for the  that we memorial held a few weeks later. I went to her house and gathered up old family pictures to begin my sad task. A few song choices floated around my head, but nothing really felt right. Letia and I had not shared the same taste in music, at all. So in an inspired move, I asked her mom if I could borrow her ipod to see if I could find a background song.

I searched her most played songs, and like some answer from heaven itself, one of the top ten songs was the most fitting song.

When All Is Said And Done--Katherine Nelson



Thankfully I don't run into this song very often, and I try not to watch the video. But it ended up being the perfect choice and fit not only the occasion, but also Leita as a person.


I dedicated Heart of Life--John Mayer to Letia on my 2009 yearly cd.

Like I Never Occured

Day 4--A Song That Makes You Sad

Definitely more than enough time has passed to tell this story. A long time ago, in fact the last time the Seahawks and Steelers played each other in the Superbowl, I got my heart broken. I didn't write about it at the time because the guy use to...and hopefully still does...read my blog. But that was a long time ago so I think the story is free to tell.

After confessing my undying love in an email of all places, I got an email in response that said, "We need to talk." I knew this wasn't going to be the happy ending I had wanted and suggested we meet Tim Hortons to get my heart broken.

After a long amount of awkward silence my one true love began to list all of the reasons he didn't want to date me. The conversation ended with him suggesting that I should begin to channel all of my energy into jogging. To this day I am still not sure if I should be offended by this or not.

Sad and dejected I went home to wallow in my own self pity. My roommates helped fill my time with everything except the suggest jogging and we spent the next couple of days eating cheesecake and watching horrifically sappy movies.

A week after my Tim Hortons breakup, I found an email from the guy with the lyrics to a song he thought he would dedicate to me. The song did nothing to make me feel better and if anything it had an adverse reaction.

Okay. So that was a long time ago. I've gotten over it and moved on. Heaven knows it all worked out for the best. But sometimes, when I just in one of those moods, this song still strikes some nerve.

Someday You Will Be Loved--Death Cab For Cutie

Indecision With The Best

Day 3--A Song That Makes You Happy

I've come to the realization that I listen to a lot of music that makes me happy. It was hard to pick just one. But let's list some of the runners up.

1

2

3 / 4 (But only when Ashley sings them for me)

And of course 5

But I love...

Faded--Soul Decision



If you have never heard of Soul Decision you are really missing out. Formed in the boy band heydays and heavily featured on YTV's Hit List, Soul Decision still brings a smile to my face. I am sure they will soon become on of your favourites.

She's Got

Day 2--Your Least Favourite Song

I thought about this all day and have come to the realization that I hate a lot of songs. Songs like this one.

The other day I was driving to work and this horrendous song came on the radio.

Bette Davis Eyes--Kim Carnes



To add insult to injury I stumbled on a website that will show you what the number one song was from the day you were born, and of course, of course, guess what just happened to be topping the list.

Bah!

Let's hope Day 3 is better.

Unknown Quotients

Oh kids. I would say that it has been one of those days or weeks, but it seems like it has been one of those years. Can you believe that we have already made it half way through 2011. Barf!

This year is strangely wearing me out. My coworkers and I literally count the hours every day until the weekend, and sadly weekend after weekend goes by without getting anything crossed off my to do list. Wasn't I suppose to unpack from my move last September before now?

Look, I definitely learned my lesson. Do not complain about work. Insanely busy at work is much, much, much, much better than no work at all. But sometimes I wish I had a couple of months to myself again, just to get some things done and maybe spend more of my time talking to all of you.

So....hows about another 30 day blog challenge!?!?

I decided to undertake the 30 Day Song Challenge that has been floating around Facebook for some time now.

Day 1--Your Favourite Song

Seriously?!? You expect out of my whole music library to pick just one stellar tune?

So I thought I would leave for you a song that is definitely climbing the most played charts on my ipod.

Girl Inform Me--The Shins




I've seen Garden State....more than once. I thought The Shins were all too played out on my ipod, until a few weeks ago when this song randomly began playing. I've been mesmerized ever since.

You could do worse than The Shins, even if they do remind me too much of Zach Braff. Take a listen if you aren't familiar.

See you tomorrow!

Eastern Daylight Time

Look, I don't feel that bad for not blogging. I personally think blogging is on its way out. One day it will just be another one of those funny internet things that sound vaguely familiar like chatrooms, Netscape or Myspace. But in any event, I'm here for a while yet.

Most of you have all but forgotten, but I really did go to Toronto at the end of April. ("I've got pictures to prove I was there, but you don't care.")

Thankfully I put 21st century technology to use and tweeted the whole trip. I knew I would be much too lazy to write up what we did when I got back, and heaven knows that I took only a handful of pictures.

But here are the highlights, if you are the kind of person that actually likes vacation slide shows.

I mentioned before that I wasn't a very good flyer. I like the convenience of getting to a destination in a short amount of time, but I still don't like anything about flying. I appreciate the free movies and drinks which help me take my mind off the rest of the experience. I, horrendously, was the dreaded middle seat both on the way there and back.  I know, I know, I am one of those complainy people mentioned here.

Toronto is Canada's largest city. It is completely different than Western Canada, and even even though we have some of Canada's largest cities in Alberta, it is nothing compared to Toronto.

We did a lot of walking and took public transit everywhere. I will tell you there is no difference between a bus, streetcar, subway or train.

 

We also did a lot of eating. There was so much good food everywhere. In Greektown we had some authentic Greek food and amazing honey balls.  Fresh, the delightful vegetarian restaurant, where the deep fried tofu was amazing. Huge, handmade burgers at the Great Burger Kitchen and fudge I still dream about from Niagara Falls. It is probably good we did so much walking.

We did the regular Toronto sites. Dundas Square, Eatons Centre, St. Lawrence Market, The Distillery, Yorkville and of course, the CN Tower.

The view was pretty amazing. The glass floor and outside observation deck were pretty scary, and so we didn't spend that much time there, but the SkyPod, a glass enclosure on the spire of the the tower, was impressive.

As we were leaving the CN tower we had a chance sighting of a celebrity. A lady excitedly stopped a guy who had just walked past us. It turns out that he was "Ryan" from All My Children. Not keeping up with soaps, Jenny and I had to look him up on IMDB to find out who he really was.

We walked by the Hockey Hall of Fame like the good Canadians we were, but didn't go inside. I bet Wayne Gretzky is sad.

One of my favourite places we visited was the CBC building. I was hoping to catch a glimpse at my favourite Canadian Broadcasting superstars like Peter Mansbridge or George Stroumboulopoulos


But to my excitement, and the excitement of any Canadian from my generation, was all of the Mr. Dressup artifacts that we go to see!

Jenny and I decided to take the GO Train out to Niagara Falls. The train was pretty easy to figure out and it was only a couple of hours until we reached our destination. We, of course, picked one of few rainy days, but it was still an impressive site to see.

We got lost in the rain trying to make it back to the bus and so we were cold, wet and tired and didn't really feel like taking in all of the cheesy sites that Niagara Falls had.

The trip was over much too quickly. It seems like we squeezed in a lifetime of events into a short six days. But the best part of my whole time was just being able to have face-to-face conversations and jokes with Jenny once again. Sometime you don't know what you've got until it's gone.

A HUGE thank you to Jenny for being such a wonderful tour guide. I can't wait until we are in the same time zone again.

No rest for the weary, life seemed to pick up right where I left it. I am looking forward to my next adventure, wherever that may be.

Just keep doing what you're doing.

As Always,

Eastern Standard Time

So much for my big return to blogging. Can you even believe how dangerously close we are to April? There is no way that a quarter of this year is already behind us. Barf.

Since Jenny moved away in September, nearly seven months ago, we have kept in pretty good contact, possibly better than when we lived in the same house. Our Friday phone calls have become a tradition, and sometimes, like this week, our Friday phone calls extend into Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...thank goodness for free long distance. For all of you who think the phone call is dead, fear not, Jenny and I are keeping it alive.

With the casual 'see you' at the end of our phone calls, we usually catch ourselves, realizing that with the 2,616km (1626 miles) it could be a long time before we actually see each other. But thanks to the government and somewhat large tax return, it won't be long until Jenny and I will actually be in the same city once again.

I found a cheap enough flight and ran the idea by Jenny. Now with a little more than 20 days left until I arrive in the T-dot (I'm almost cool enough to go there) Jenny and I have been making plans of all the must do places and events.

So please share your Ontario wisdom with me and let me know if all things we would be foolish to miss. (No, we aren't going to the Hockey Hall of Fame.)

Also, this is my first solo adventure. Any travel tips you would like to pass on? Are you a window or an aisle person? (I'm definitely aisle) Anyone else suffer from motion sickness? (When did I become Margo Pike?)

I am hoping to document some my trip, so stay tuned for the updates.

I'll talk to you all again soon. Good luck in your future endeavours.

As Always,

Truth Is I Never Left

I'm still here. I've just been quiet for the last 46 days.

In the five years that I have been blogging, February 2011 was the first month I missed. So for all of you who were concerned, wondered if I had given up my nonsensical ways, or possibly died, fear not. You couldn't get rid of me that easily.

Everyday in 2011 has seemed to go by faster than that last. Work has been insane since the beginning of the year, making typing anything or being anywhere near a computer the last thing I want to do when I get home from work. Combine that with the annoying chest cold I have had for the past two weeks, making falling into bed the first thing I want to do when I get home from work.

Besides there seems like there have been a million other important things going on besides my daily musings. Things like this, this, this, this,this, this and let's not forget this.

Don't worry, I've got more to say, so I'll talk to you all soon.

What More Do You Want?

Phew! Well, at least we made it through another January. January always seems to be the most taxing of the whole year. While I don't put a lot of faith into February being any better, at least January is gone for another year.

I know I am just squeaking this post by, and that 2010 seems like more than a life time ago, but here is my 2010 yearly CD, 'What More Do You Want?'

Who I Am—Nick Jonas & The Administration
(I want to break all the madness but it’s all I’ve have)

Happiness Is A Warm Gun—The Beatles
(She’s not a girl who misses much)

No Such Thing—John Mayer
(I like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve.)

Honey Pie—The Beatles
(So won’t you please come home?)

Mushaboom—Feist
(It may be years until the day my dreams will match up with my pay.)

Don’t Pass Me By—The Beatles
(Does it mean you don’t love me anymore?)

I Hate My Generation—Sloan
(Maybe it’s my fault)

Yer Blues—The Beatles
(Yes, I’m lonely)

Don’t Forget—Demi Lovato
(Did you forget about me?)

You Never Give Me Your Money—The Beatles
(See no future, pay no rent)

To See You—Peter Katz
(I just can’t take you so far away)

Two of Us—The Beatles
(You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out of here.)

Something On—The Tragically Hip
(I know the alienation)

Baby You’re A Rich Man—The Beatles
(How does it feel to be one of the beautiful people?)

Quelqu’un m’ dit—Carla Bruni
(On me dit que le destin se moque bien de nous) (They tell me that destiny makes fun of us)

Let It Be—The Beatles

(And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me)

Yes, you saw that correctly, there are eight Beatles songs on this years album. The original plan was to have the whole CD just be The Beatles, but it felt kinda wrong not including Peter Katz , that I decided to make only half of the album Beatles. So for every non Beatle song, there is a Beatles song that matches up with it. Fun and games on this years compilation! See if you can figure out what songs go together.

To make your life that much easier, I have also made a YouTube playlist of all of the songs. So sit back and take a listen.

Let me know what you think. Any songs on here that you love and/or hate?

Post a comment or two if you know what songs go together.