Im(post)or

So, it's been so long since I've written that I feel like an impostor. It's crazy how time flies, and with it being summer, between work (which is very often) and play (not often enough), I have been very easily distracted. And, surprisingly, uninspired.

To bring you up to speed… I've had visitors often, birthday sing-a-longs/jam sessions, dinners, drinks, I switched to a Quebec driver's licence, joined a developing non-profit organization (which aims to help youth receive arts education), registered myself as a business, worked, went to festivals and comedy shows, landed more freelance work and worked more, applied for real jobs, and got a real job. Which I only started two days ago and love already.

It's unreal how scatter-brained, maybe even overwhelmed, I've been in the last month or two - and only a tiny part of that had to do with work. I missed family and friends more this month than really any other since I moved. It's been that weird, kind of low feeling that makes you lazy. I want to do nothing. But instead I drown myself in work. But then, half the time I sit down to work I stare at a blank page or screen for ages until I actually get cracking. WTF?! I'm hoping that now with a full-time job, it'll help. Perhaps all I needed was a bit more security - worry and fear tend to make me do crazy things. Only time will tell.

So, tonight my roomie's away for the night. I'm staying in. Partially because last night was a gong show with friends visiting from TO and I'm exhausted, but mainly because my dinner-drinks-date cancelled… To her credit, she has a proper date with a good-looking gentleman tonight (lucky lady!), in place of our date with some burgers and poutine. Instead, I will tidy up the debaucherous mess that is my apartment, have a phone date with one of my besties in TO to catch up, and hopefully sit down at the keys to try and develop some progression of notes that resembles music. That'll be a laugh!

Brutopia Brew Pub

If you're in for a night filled with art, beer and good music, Brutopia is the place to be.

With Open Mike night on Sundays, anyone is welcome to get up on stage and serenade the crowd.

Some Thursdays you'll be singing along while Pat Lesyk belts out a great variety of tunes, from the Beatles to Jack Johnson.

If it's sunny, pick a table on one of the patios. If the upstairs bar is open, wander through the gallery to check out the featured art.

Or, just order a pint of one of their eight house beers on tap, grab a seat, and see what happens...

Playoff seats? What!?

(I know, I've been M.I.A. for ages...over two months...and I have loads to fill you in on, but I'm going to do it out of order!)

So, I have the best roommate ever. Knowing that I had never been to an NHL game in my life, he managed to score tickets to Game 6, Habs vs. Caps, and brought me to the game!!!!!!!!! ( Habs vs. Caps = Montreal Canadiens against the Washington Capitals, for those who don't follow hockey).

The evening started with a rush home to change and get some gear, a stop outside the Bell Centre at the Tailgate party where my friend Colin Moore (joined by Ryan Batistuzzi and two others) were playing for the crowds. I arrived at one end to hear AC/DC's "You Shook me All Night Long" belted out in Colin's distinct voice, leading us to the stage. After watching the band, I rushed into the HABS Zone to get myself a jersey - I needed to be fully equipped for this Playoff experience!

Our seats were in section 113, centre ice, about 18 rows up. They also just happened to be next to a few guys I used to work with! I could see everything! WAY better than you can see the games on TV! I could make out the expressions on the players' faces. I could barely hear myself think over all of the screams or the "Ovi Sucks", "Halak", or "Go Habs Go" chants. The atmosphere was electric.

The Habs had us on the edge of our seats and handed fans a glorious win. So glorious that I was in a euphoric state all night. It was an experience unlike any other; the noise, the adrenaline, the jerseys, the game, only to top it off with crowds celebrating in the streets.

I am one lucky lady to have been a part of it all.

Now, fingers are crossed for tonight's Game 7... Go Habs Go!

Montreal High Lights Festival

This city is marvelous. I might be a bit biased... I guess I'm technically still in the honeymoon period of my love affair with Montréal!

I guess I just find it amazing that every time I speak to someone who has lived here (usually a lot) longer than I have, they're telling me about a festival or an event that I should keep an eye out for.

This week it's the "Festival Montréal en Lumière," running from February 18 to 28. Tonight is the festival kickoff and I'll be heading down to Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port, to take in the festivities and be transfixed by Malajube's melodies - they play at 20h00 tonight. I'm bringing along my old roomie, her mother and sister, who are visiting from France, so it should be a good time.

The festival hosts a very wide variety of events and attractions. I'm hoping I'll find time to check out some of the free events (don't judge, I'm unemployed!). I'm aiming to visit the Leonard Cohen Artworks exhibit, The SAQ Bistro for some tasty treats (wine, roasting marshmallows and sausages), as well as the BMO Ferris Wheel and The Giant Labyrinth - I'm a sucker for some childhood fun!

I'll make sure to bring my camera and report back!

A new HOME...

The last three months have been a whirlwind... If you have been reading, you'll have an idea of what I'm referring to: a job loss, two temporary apartments (with fantastic roomies), freelance work, friends, music, and three moves.

Now, I finally have a home! I have spent the last five days, packing up, moving, flying to Toronto, packing up, moving back to Montreal (with many thanks to kind friends), unpacking, going to Ikea, building Ikea furniture (something I would not have been able to complete if it weren't for my awesome roomie), and organizing.

Now, I just have to finish arranging my room, and we're only missing some stuff on the living room walls, a toaster and a microwave (which are kindly being donated to us by my roomie's cousin).

Needless to say, it's yet another late night and I am to be at the office to do my freelance work early tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted, but overjoyed that I finally have an apartment that I can call home. So, I would like to extend an endless amount of gratitude to all of the people that helped me stay sane and offered assistance and kind words.

Now I can really focus on finding a full-time job!

I'll keep y'all posted on any new adventures as they arise...

Sally and Me

The official launch of Sally Folk's album, Sally and Me, took place last week at Le National, a gorgeous theatre/concert hall in Montreal. In a vibrant display, with kiosks set up for mini manicures and makeup applications, Sally Folk and the Shoop Shoop Band showcased their talent.

The Montreal native is a self-made author, composer, and singer. Sally is a representation of the spontaneous, free-spirited self, whose goal is to unite women of all backgrounds, and break free from social norms.

The black-bobbed, red-lipped Sally is accompanied on-stage by an astonishing medley of musical genius making up the Shoop Shoop Band, which gives the performance a modernized, big-band feel.

Sally and Me will be available for download at most online stores. Copies of the physical CD will be exclusively available at live shows, where 2.00$ from each album sale will be donated to Young musicians of the world. Young musicians of the world is a non-profit organization that provides free education and training in traditional music to children in the low income category.

Keep an eye out for Sally Folk, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of her.

My Generation

I received a forwarded email from my mom last night with a link to a video. In her note, she said, "This gives me hope that your generation will get it right." I found this interesting and thought I would share.

This video, submitted to an AARP contest called "U @ 50" by a 20 year old, is powerful. Watch the video in its entirety - listening and reading throughout. The first half is distressing, the second instills hopefulness. I too, hope we can get it right.