A Year in Review: Because everyone is doing it.

Today in my teenage angst, it's time for me to reflect on the year I am about to leave behind. As I think about it on the surface, it doesn't appear I've done much at all in comparison to some others, but it only takes a second to realize, I actual did and went through a lot. 


So here goes. In January I watched the entire series of Grey's Anatomy and got addicted to television. This is an addiction that I'll probably be suck with for the rest of my life. Oh well. Then, right before I returned to school for my final semester of my first undergrad degree, I hit some ice and ran my car into a tree. I hurt my leg pretty good, rendering me immobile for quite some time. 


In February I sang in a Musical Theatre Valentines show with my dear friend Ben Ross. We sang "The Next Ten Minutes" from The Last Five Years which we'd been working on for three years. How lucky were those in attendance! 

In March I had my last and worst modular class before Grad. Thank goodness I'll never have to do another ministry mod. I also had a manicure which I hope I'll never do again. 

In April I graduated from college which was a generally blase experience. But my fave roommate came back to grad with me so we had ourselves a good time. I also moved out of the apartment I had inhabited for two years. It was the worst week of my life. I almost burned the building down so I wouldn't have to deal with it.

In May I went to Moncton to experience the life of Laura Harris. This was the most wonderful week. We did everything and never stopped moving. We made it out to Fundy National Park, Halifax AND PEI. Creds to Laura for showing me such a good time. In this week I also met Ashley Wilson who introduced me to Memorial University, where I now attend! This was a very profitable visit. 

In June Amber and Phil got married in Hamilton, ON. I was blessed enough to be in attendance as a bridesmaid. It was probs the best wedding ever. 

In July I attended the Saskatoon Berry Festival in the little prairie town of Mortlach, SK. It was hilarious. We got to take Nevaeh which was the best part. Karlie and Tim (my besties in life) also moved back to Saskatchewan. PTL! I'm really hoping they'll make me an Aunt this year. I've tried to talk them into including it in their New Year's resolutions but they didn't seem to want to agree.

In August I ran Mega Sports Camp (with 88 kids) and hosted 13 Street Invaders. It was quite the week. I also closed down my life in Moose Jaw so as to move all the way to Newfoundland and try to survive in the barren wasteland that is that island. 

In September I made that move and started school at Memorial University. We had a bunch of rain, and then a hurricane and then some really nice weather. 

In October I did not find a job but instead watched mostly TV and wished I was in Saskatchewan. Then I stumbled upon Rabbittown Community Center and made some very fun friends. 

In November I found Avalon Wesleyan Church who meet in Rabbittown Community Theatre just up the street from my house. This was my saving grace. I think it was around this time too that I started to like living in Newfoundland. 

(The theatre is on this corner. I sadly don't actually have a picture.)

This was about the time, too that my dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. You can read about his journey here. 

In December I counted down the days until I could return to Saskatchewan and see my blessed family. 


So here I am! In a week I fly back to Newfland and I'm actually a little excited. I have fun classes this semester, I'm excited to spend more time with my church family and I am going (because I absolutely! must) get a job! My four months of adjustment are over so I think I'm good to actually enjoy myself this time around. Thank goodness for that. 

Just whip it.

Today in my teenage angst, I was reminded why I've always been a fan of Top 40 Radio. Mostly because I like the gems that emerge from within it that I wouldn't be made aware of otherwise. These gems include Miley's 'See You Again', the Gag's 'Just Dance', and Katy Perry's 'Hot and Cold.' I'm not professing to be an actual fan of these artists but these songs are so catchy, lyrically hilarious (and ridiculous) and general mass popularity that I can't deny their marketed brilliance. I also love Miley's 'Party in the USA' as it featured, as a part of its lyrics, the word "tummy"; which was also included in 'See You Again.' I don't know why the general use of that word is considered okay in music lyrics. 


This fall, I was introduced to the wonder of Willow Smith. With Jaden killing it in the new Karate Kid, they had to find something for Willow to do. Being the Smiths, they kind of had the performing arts in their entirety to choose from; and every little girl wants to be a singer. So that was that. Her first hit, 'Whip my hair' was just that. A hit in every sense of Top 40. She went on the Ellen Degeneres Show and performed the song; the video of which was later posted on YouTube generating over 4 million views. Little Girls all over North America were making their own videos of choreographed whipping. The song itself, promoting positive self-esteem and body image, is doing its job, pretty darn well. 


But then I saw this. Jimmy Fallon hosted the Grammy's last year and did an amazing job. He was funny, he was clean, and he incorporated my favorite NBC comedy stars into his bits. He bases a lot of his comedy on musical impersonation of classic artists. Here he can be seen doing Neil Young covering Willow's 'Whip My Hair.' Not only will it make you laugh, it'll make you an instant Jimmy Fallon fan. Which is lucky for him. 
Take a look.

This is the real reason that I love Top 40. It provides endless material for comedy sketches and consequently enables entertainment to be created for me (and you) to enjoy. Forever. 
Thank goodness. 

Happy Christmas everyone. See you after the fact.

A little Christmas tip.

This isn't a tip for Christmas specifically but simply a tip coming at Christmas time.

Did you know I have another blog? Well I actually have two, one you can find here.

The other, I'm here to promote. 

Whenever I take in something artful - or at least attempting to be - I feel a responsibility to critique it. This doesn't always mean I'm going to trash it; usually, just the opposite. The point being, if you want some recommendations on some movies to watch, some music to listen to, or a restaurant at which to eat if you're ever in Halifax, Evaluative Expose is the place to find it. 

Click the follow button and it can be your Christmas present to me. Suzy, John and Deena, consider this gift already given. 

I adore ma famille.

Two days and twelve hours until I board the plane to be reunited with these three!!! 

Blessed be the name of the Lord! 

Surveys are best when fun.

ITUNES SURVEY

Open up your iTunes and fill out this survey, no matter how embarrassing the responses might be.

How many songs total: 1856

How many hours or days of music: 5.1 days

Sort by song title

First Song: "Above Ground" by Norah Jones Feels Like Home

Last Song: "7 Baboker" by Yael Naim 

Sort by Album

First Album: 19 - Adele

Last album: Once Soundtrack - Various Artists 

Top Five Most Played Songs:

2. 1) Perfect for You Next to Normal 
3. 2) Soldier  Ingrid Michaelson Everybody 
4. 3) Are We There Yet Ingrid Michaelson Everybody 
5. 4)  Sort Of Ingrid Michaelson Everybody 
6. 5) Who's Crazy/My Psychopharmacologist and I Next to Normal
7. (This is annoyingly accurate)

First song that comes up on Shuffle: 


1) Bring Night Sia We are Born

Search the following and state how many songs come up

Death - 14
Life -  15
Love - 73
Hate - 3
You - 210


You do it too now and let's compare!!!