Happy Playoffs!

Welp, it's that time of year again.

Stanley Cup Playoffs. SQUEEEE!

If you don't know me already, I really like hockey. Like...REALLY like it. I don't watch much for televised sports, but I LIVE for hockey. Now, those of you who perhaps read from last season (which I think is probably only Melissa...LOVE YOUR FACE!); know that I'm also a die-hard Canucks fan. I know, I know, "what are you doing being a Canucks fan in CALGARY?" I'm relatively sure that most of the city wants me dead. Or wants to see the Canucks resoundingly beaten. I'm pretty sure that most people would accept either alternative.

Anywho, I digress. Last night, was Game 1 against LA and they lost 4-2. BUT! I'm not upset! Which is unlike me, because I tend to take losses personally, but I didn't this time. They played a hard game, and LA is a great team this season...which is really weird to say, actually. I've gotta give credit where credit is due, right? So, although I know that everyone at work is going to take the mickey out of me because they lost, and I know that anytime I wear my jersey I'm going to be given a hard time, I'm okay with it. It's early in, they still have technically 3 more chances to win it. Last season, damn near every series went to seven games. So I'm prepared for a lengthy playoffs. And this time, I'm not missing out on being in Vancouver for the finals. No sir. I ain't scared of no riots. And besides, the City of Vancouver won't allow the games to be televised in the streets after last year. There's plenty of fabulous bars in Van that I frequent when I'm in town. I make things happen.

In other news, guess what day it is? That's right, THROWBACK THURSDAY! WOOOOOO!

I'm having a really hard time deciding what I want to do, because there's some fabulous songs out there from way back when. But there's also some groovy jams that are only a few years old that I'm just getting into NOW...I never really laid out rules as to how far of a throwback it had to be though. Nor did I specify that I could use only one.

SO. In the spirit of playoffs, and particularly Vancouver Canucks playoffs, I leave you with this little ditty. I don't know about anyone else, but this gives me goosebumps. I'm pretty sure I've posted this one before...but I'm not really sorry, because it's playoffs.

Secondly, I've been listening to The Dudes a lot lately and I'm so glad I have. These guys are a local Calgary rock band, and their singer, Dan Vacon, has the voice of a god. It's absolutely fantastic and great to listen to. They've also got a show coming up May 5th at Wyckham House. I'll be there, and you should be too. But for real, check out this awesome song!

You're welcome.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS!

I've decided to coin a new phrase. Today shall now be known as:

THROWBACK THURSDAY!

As you recall from my previous posts, I will always leave you with a SOTD (Song Of The Day to those who are new readers). I have decided that when posting on a Thursday, I will pick an oldie, but a goodie. I actually got really excited about this this morning, so I really hope that you're as stoked as me.

In other news, I MOVED!

That's right, I packed up my bags and I headed out west...that's a lie. I'm still in Calgary. And technically, I moved EAST of my previous abode. Closer to downtown, a bigger place with a second bedroom (YAY!) and walking distance to everything groovy. I'm really stoked because I've turned the second bedroom into a studio! My piano is there and I've pilfered the bookcase, so I'm FINALLY able to have all of my sheet music books and such IN the house as opposed to in storage. However, I've discovered upon unpacking my storage bins that I have a lot more sheet music than I thought I did. I may need additional bookcases. I also have designs on picking up a drumset one day...I KNOW, RIGHT?!?!?!? How cool is THAT?

Admit it, I'm the coolest person you know. It's okay, you don't even have to say it. I can see it in your eyes. I can see it in your smile...

Oh man. That's fun.

So, all in all, I don't really have a lot of interest to say today. I just really wanted to coin Throwback Thursdays and leave you with a kickass tune of sorts. But I could BS my way through something I'm sure. One of these days, when I get interesting enough to have more than one follower, I'll ask for a topic from the readers and write an entire essay on it. What could possibly be more entertaining than an essay on something completely random? Like pickles or something. I do love pickles.

Ooh! Sidebar; I live near the coolest stuff now. And I'm so pleased that I can walk to and from work, and I don't have to drive to visit friends, or worry about a DD after going to the bar. I live close to EVERYTHING. And an amazing deli. And an amazing diner. And amazing pizza. And a rad flower shop. From which I'm going to purchase a lemon tree and grow my own LEMONS. YEEEE! I really hope I don't kill it. I'm not much of a green thumb. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone from BC knows how to grow stuff.

Anywho, I digress. I shall now leave you with a tantalizing tidbit of throwback tuneage. Laugh, enjoy, sing like everyone's watching (because I like it better when people pay attention to me), and most of all, remember the good ol' days.

I almost feel bad about leaving you with that song. Perhaps I'll earn back what trust I lost with this instead. I'd give my right arm to see these guys live.

HAPPY THROWBACK THURSDAY!

I specialize in oddities.

So I caved.

And I signed up for Twitter (don't laugh. I know where you are and I'll find you). I kind of don't regret this in the least.

I think it's actually really cool because you can follow artists and record labels and whatnot. Record labels are especially rad because they'll typically promote their newer bands and/or upcoming shows. It's a really excellent form of promotion! So now I'm a bit of a slave. But I accept that about myself. And the first step is admitting you have a problem, right?

On the same note, I'm noticing that social media is playing a huge role in our society nowadays. I know, I know: "Mandee, how are you JUST noticing???". I'm not "just" noticing, I've been noticing it fairly regularly for a long time... Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with people who spend their days on Facebook or myspace (do they even still have that??) or anything, I just feel like the art of conversation is slowly rotting away before us due to the insurgence of social media and lack of cell phone etiquette.

For example:

I have a little sister, she's 12-going-on-13-in-June, and she has a cell phone. Damn near everyone in her Grade 7 class has one. I repeat, Grade 7. I got my first cell phone on my 16th birthday, and none of my friends had one, so it was literally just for calling home when I was out and about. I completely agree with THIS. HOWEVER, I do not agree with 12 year olds having cell phones and texting all over the place, during school, or when they're at each other's houses. Kids aren't the only ones who are guilty of this; I see it at the bar all the time, too. You walk in, you see a table of 4+ but 3 of them are screwing around on their cell phones, texting, playing a game, checking their email, updating their Facebook status, or tweeting their lives away while the one guy who wants to have a conversation is sitting there resting his chin in his hand, drinking "alone". This makes me CRAZY. I understand if you're waiting on another person to show up and you need your phone available so you can tell the offending party where you are, but there's a point. Am I right? Sometimes I think so.

I don't really remember where I was going with that. So I'm almost disappointed in myself because I'm pretty sure I could have done better, but at the same time, I've been procrastinating finishing this post for about a month now. No joke. This is bad. My new year's resolution? To be a better blogger.

And now, I shall leave you with a new SOTD. I discovered this cat through Twitter, so Twitter has completely redeemed itself in my eyes. Except when people tweet every 22 seconds. That makes me crazy. I digress...

Now feast your ears on Dan Mangan's "Oh Fortune" and be at peace.

Merry Christmas!!!

I'm really bad at this. But you knew that.

Well, here we are! The end of another year! I don't know about you, but I'm feeling like this year went by REALLY fast. But I digest; I feel the need to reflect a wee bit on the past year. Don't worry, I'm not going to go philosophical and gushy on you! I'm in this for entertainment value dontcha know?

When was my last post? August? Holy crap. So what can I reflect on from that point (just to get you up to speed, right??)...OH! Remember that time I made it to the finals of the CCC Idol? I won. The whole shebang. I has a righteous trophy. And it's awesome. Because I won. AND I work with/know some of the best people because I had a great support system there to cheer me on! My department was there, all of my husband's coworkers (oh yeah, I got married too!) were there, another department came by after their team building session (they were half cut by this point, of course!) and last but certainly not least, my mom made the trip from BC with my little sister to see it too! So fun. So I'm a super champ, woot!

We finally got the wedding over and done with! And it was FAAAABULOUS but I'm so glad it's over! We had such a fantastic time with our families (and a couple friends) and everything went pretty smoothly! People keep asking me if anything has changed since then, and to be honest, nothing has. At all. Except my name. But really? We've lived together forever. It's not like we're coming in to this blind, right? Silliness. On the plus side, we looked GREAT.

See? What'd I tell you?

Hmmm what else? Now it's Christmas! WOOT! So fun. We're spending our very first Christmas at home! Exciting! However, I have had a couple issues. Actually, I've only had one, and her name is Lily.

So, I love my cat. Very much. She's likely the only child I'll ever have (because I don't like slobbery children, but cats are fantastic) so I spoil her ROTTEN. But she's discovered the joys of a Christmas tree. This is the first Christmas tree that Cody and I have had together, and it's a 6.5 foot fake tree, pre-lit and super pretty and I love it. Unfortunately, so does Lily. I made the stupid mistake of buying jingle bell ornaments. Three guesses who loves them most? Frick. So she bats around at the tree and overall enjoys it quite a bit.

So anyways, every day when I come home from work, I see that there are branches bent out of shape. I've been thinking that she's just batting and pulling on the branches...turns out I'm wrong. She has discovered that she is a cat and can climb trees. So she has been IN my tree. At least 4 feet up, half the time. It's almost amazing.

Not a great picture, but you get the idea. I caught her doing this on a Saturday morning; I heard an abnormal volume of rustling, so I decided to investigate...and then I was so shocked that my first logical reaction was to take a picture. Priorities, right? I had to show everyone what my cat was doing. Blast her.

AND I broke my foot. How, you ask? Well, it is a rather unbelievable story. But I swear that it's true! We had our company Christmas party a couple of weeks ago, and I was dancing on the dance floor. Apparently, we invited David Beckam to our party, and he decided to practice his soccer punt as a dance move. You know what, man? Keep it on the field. Truth is, I have no idea who kicked me in mid-dance. But it happened. I swear! I was kicked in the foot and they broke my...dorsal metatarsal or something like that...MY FOOT IS BROKEN. And I can't even guilt someone into bringing me coffee every day because I don't know who did it. I suppose I could still guilt people...but I don't think that people necessarily care that much :P And I'm stubborn and don't let people do much for me half the time. Ah, the foolish stubbornness of youth...

Well, another year has drawn to a close, and here we are at the end of it all. But thank goodness for the holidays; it gives us a chance to slow down (hopefully!), enjoy some festivities and enjoy the time that we have with our friends and families. Granted, the gifts are FANTASTIC too, but I think that we need this time to rest, recharge and enjoy the time spent with your family and friends.

On that note, I bid you adieu for now. I leave you with a song...that has nothing to do with Christmas...but sure has a lot to do with how I broke my foot. Apparently, some people just shuffle too hard.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!



Hot for teacher

GREAT NEWS!

SO! I got a text the other night from a friend of mine (who was also the Artistic Director of Vocal Motion) and she had some interesting tidings to share! She is the Director and Founder of a music/musical theatre studio here in Calgary; they do private voice lessons, as well as group choreography and theatrical performances and from what I gather, the ages are between 7 and 16. Anywho, she is looking for private voice instructors for the plethora of kids looking for private instruction and she thought of me! So I've been offered a job teaching voice privately at her studio! I'm really excited. This is exactly what I want to do. I've been teaching here and there on my own, but it'll be fantastic coming into a studio with a well-established clientele, you know?

I'll still be working my "day job" as the kids are in school during the day, but I'm planning to teach two evenings a week, 4 or so lessons per night for 45 minutes per lesson. I'm really excited at the prospect of doing this and working with the kids. Not to mention the added bonus of getting paid to do it! There's really something special about sharing and teaching someone how to enjoy music and perform it to the best of their ability.

So yay me!

AND, I performed at the CCC Idol preliminaries on the 15th...and it was AWESOME. I feel like I did really well. I had some pretty dynamite support from some friends and coworkers, but I'm really hoping that I made it through to the Finals so that I can get MORE people out! It was a little nerve-wracking the first time up, and I know that I can do better than I did, but I still feel pretty good about it. I got to perform last, which was EXACTLY what I wanted, and I got the entire bar on their feet dancing, got a standing ovation (which is really not much of a change because they were ALREADY on their feet...but hey, I'll take what I can get!), and a big thank you from the band, and that probably felt best of all! From what everyone told me, the band was having a FANTASTIC time while I was on stage, so I'm hoping that I make it through. Cody gave me a hard time because I was initially a little bit disappointed in my performance because I messed up a couple of times due to nerves, but you're your own worst critic, right? If I make it to the finals, you get a rehearsal with the band though, and I think that would help. But we'll just have to wait and see!

I promise I'll update more and write more entertaining things! I have been sadly lax over the last while, I know...SO BAD. Anywho, I bid you adieu and I leave you with today's SOTD. I'm hoping that by using this as my SOTD this time around, it'll be seen as something of a premonition for my greatness to come...once I get my OWN cult following. But not in the creepy religious "drink the kool-aid" kind of way, but in the awesome, everyone-wants-to-hang-with-me kind of way. Just sayin'. NOW BE AMAZED!!!

I am Proud Mary

So remember that time when I said that I would totally blog on a weekly basis? And then I never did? And then I didn't blog for a month? Yeah, good times.

I have a really hard time sticking to schedule, to be honest. But at least I admit my inability to dedicate myself to writing stuff. A friend of mine (an aspiring author, to be exact) said to me the other day that she was jealous of the fact that I could pick a topic and just go with it. JEALOUS! Of MY writing! I'm still not entirely convinced that she was, in fact, reading MY blog and not someone else's who looked suspiciously like me and/or happened to have the same pictures and profile... Am I flattered? Yes. But on the other hand, I tend to dwell on silly and mundane things. But I suppose those can sometimes make for entertaining reading...

In other news, I have been volun-told  that I am my company representative in the Calgary Corporate Challenge Idol Competition, and I will be performing in the preliminaries at the Winkin' Owl Pub on August 15th at 7 pm. It's essentially glorified karaoke, which is totally cool. If the title wasn't enough to give it away, I'll be singing Proud Mary. Because I'm awesome. In the style of Tina Turner, of course. Everyone needs a little diva in their lives! She brings so much soul to the table, I hope I can embody even a little bit of it! I'm just gonna go out there and give it all I've got and do what I'm best at. EVERYONE SHOULD COME. If I'm chosen to be part of the top 25 performers, I will move on to the Finals at the CCC Midway Party on September 15th. And I plan very much on winning. I think it'll be a good time, actually. This will be the first time that my company has ever officially competed in the Idol competition and we're drumming up a fair amount of interest! I'm pretty excited to see the turnout. I've heard that it's been pretty solid in years past, so hopefully I can get a lot of support...and let's be honest, I'm also out for some recognition. I'm kind of a press-whore, so I'll take whatever promotion I can get! It's nice to be on stage again.

On that note (see what I did there? Note? HAH! I'm hilarious.); I leave you with the SOTD. Can you guess what it is? Is it...Proud Mary?
...
...
...JOKE'S ON YOU!!! It's not. I GOT YOU! YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE! Win. Man I'm awesome.

In all seriousness though, this is Matt Costa performing the Ballad of Miss Kate. Pretty rad, and I've recently fallen in love with this album (Songs We Sing) and you should all listen. I thank ye!

It all ends tomorrow

I'd like to take this opportunity to nerd out a bit. And you can't do anything about it because this is MY blog. So there.

Tomorrow, July 15th 2011, the EPIC FINALE of Harry Potter is released. I am RIDICULOUSLY excited. It's embarassing. This is a big deal, though! There's no denying this is going to be the most amazing movie of the summer. Of the YEAR. OF FOREVER. Okay, maybe that's overdoing it a bit. But I'm jacked.

I purchased advanced tickets a few weeks ago for this extravaganza, and I will be going tomorrow night at 11 pm. I. Can't. Wait. Seriously. It's the end of an era! Think about it: the first Harry Potter book was released in 1997, the first movie in 2001. The Deathly Hallows book was released in 2007, the final installment in the two-part film released in 2011. This series has spanned 14 years; there are people who have literally grown up with Harry Potter. The thought really amazes me, actually.

I'll admit it, I'm a relatively new fan of the series. I started reading the books in 2008, and I had seen a few of the movies before that point. It wasn't until I started reading the books that I really got into the movies, but I'm like that with any film adaptation. I'm a purist, really. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to seeing the end. But at the same time, I'm really sad that it IS ending.

On a side note, I was on YouTube looking for an appropriate HP video/song to use as my SOTD, and I stumbled across something...awesome...for lack of better word. Apparently, there is a Harry Potter Musical. Fan-made, of course, but nonetheless, it's there. And I watched some of it. And I was delighted and a little horrified. So I will be sharing this with you. IT ALL ENDS TOMORROW...but the wait for the SOTD ends NOW.