Contrary to popular belief I do not hate animals, I really don't. There are people who are animal lovers, animal haters, and the in-between. I am an in between-er. In between as in, I don't mind them, but I don't plan on having one of my own. I had lady bugs in bubble gum tape containers, and I even lived with this snake for a few years. I only held him once and very briefly. I also had a fish, a beta fish named fishy. Oh and we had snap turtles, mine was Michaelangelo. They were stinky and didn't live long. I don't feel I missed out on anything not having a cat or dog or some pet you snuggle with. I don't feel the need to have one either, and so the story of me and animals begins.
When I was little I wanted a kitty. This kitty to be exact. I'm the girl with the super blonde hair. My sister and I were staying at my Aunty's house one summer and across the street there were kittens being given away. We fell in love and Mom said no. Seriously though, we were convinced we almost had her convinced to say yes. What did we know?
My other Aunty had a dog. A cute little puppy aptly named Nipper. I was scared of him, but somehow managed to have this picture taken in the split second before he started freaking out. I loved that dress, and yes those were some of my mom's famous hair pieces.
What was next? There was a dog at my dad's boss's place. I didn't mind him so much, and I had to get a picture taken in my new favourite hat! Can't go wrong with denim right? I think I might still have that hat. There was also a neighbour's dog at my friends place. I know you want that shirt and no, there isn't a University of Lake Lenore.
There were horses at my mom's friends house. My sister and I would go there after school and feed them and pet them. Sheba and Spike. Here I am in my favourite sweater with hearts all over it: me and Spike. Yeah, I know, not the cutest kid, I was all cheeks even then. I did love that horse though. They weren't ridden very much, but we did get to try to ride them, and it turned out Spike was scary. Very scary actually, and I got down rather quickly off him.
For my tenth birthday my other Aunty (yes, I have lots of auntys okay?) decided that since I had taken an interest in horses, I might perhaps like to ride one. Well here I am, a little scared, but a smile, none the less. I'm not sure if I started crying here, or when we actually started riding. All I know is that when we began to trot, it was all over. I wanted off that horse NOW. So I threw a tantrum and got my way. It was a nice idea Aunty, so sorry. A few years later that same Aunty had a horse named Pepper I believe, and I did ride him a bit. Let me tell you, it was still scary though.
My Aunty had a cabin at the lake and she had a dog named Poke, but I don't have any pictures with him, or her, or whatever the dog was. I'm terrible at keeping it all straight. What I do have is a picture of this magnificent chipmunk at that cabin. His name is Butnip. We named him that because we once told a friend that he lived in the outhouse and would jump up and bite your butt at night. Needless to say, that friend really tried not to use that outhouse as much as possible.
I still think kittens are pretty adorable, so when my neighbour across the hall had them, I played with them a bit. This one here was so cute! I just don't like cats? Not as cute, sorry.
My oldest sister decided to break the string of non pets in the family and got a dog. He was a shitzu and I rather liked Hershey. Probably the only dog I can say I really liked. He is no longer with us, but was a good dog when he was. My sister also has another dog named Kisses, my nephew has the best names. Hershey and I at my parents. Yeah, I know, I didn't keep that hair long, but why didn't I keep that jacket?
When I was about 7 or so, I was bit in the leg by a chihuahua. That is not why I'm not crazy about dogs, though. I think I just don't get the appeal of pets? I have my music while I walk, you have your pets. While I will tolerate your pet, I will not be mean to it, nor will I reach down and play with it. I am neutral.
Nowadays if I see a beautiful animal, I stop and take a picture. I still love the look and feel and smell of horses. They are lovely. Perhaps someday, I will actually ride one? Oh wait, I'm a wimp.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Lost Ipod: Part Two
It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday, although a bit too chilly for me to seriously consider going for a walk. I was invited by a friend to catch a movie. Me being the theatre fanatic I am and don't always have the cash to go, I jumped at the opportunity.
I grabbed my other bag I use for movie going. You know, the one that's really a massive purse so you can perhaps bring your own drink. I put all the essentials in there: my iced passion tea lemonade, hand lotion, wallet, pen, pad of paper, phone, camera, and ipod. I don't know why I brought the ipod in the first place. I wasn't driving and usually when someone else drives the music is in their hands anyway. I like to think I put it in there because I can't stand to be apart from it. It could have been out of habit.
We got to the theatre to watch Yogi Bear in 3D. You know, I'm kind of tiring of this 3D thing. Your cheap theatre movie price has gone up $3 and you have no control, you have to pay. Anyway, we decided to go to the dollar store where caramel corn was purchased. I carefully tucked it into my bag and away we went. The movie was good.
When I got home, I realized just how much of a mess my kitchen really was. I cleaned out my bag, and noticed quite a bit of crumbs at the bottom. I dumped them in the garbage and took the garbage out to the big bin outside. I later went out that night and again, I wasn't driving anywhere and had already transferred all my goodies to my regular purse.
This morning I woke up and was happily uploading pictures from last nights shenanigans, when I noticed it was really nice out for once. I could finally go for a walk. I got ready to go and grabbed my phone, my headphones, my keys, and I tried to find my ipod. Where could it be? I checked both purses, nothing. I checked both jackets, nothing. Yes, I did check between all the cushions this time, nothing.
My mom called and we chatted for a bit, and then it hit me. I knew exactly where my ipod was: the garbage bin. She told me I had better go get it now before it got buried too deep. I went outside with my shiny red broom because I knew it would be at the very bottom. Luckily, no one had put more garbage in there and the bin was practically empty. I climbed up on the side and the broom pulled up the small white bag with no problems. I wonder what people were thinking when they saw me? This girl they see go in the apartment building everyday was suddenly looking like someone who goes digging in the trash everyday. My skills surprised me at this, it was all too easy.
I was going to squish the bag and just feel for it. It would have been a terrible idea seeing as food would have probably gotten stuck in the connector spot. I opened the bag and began to peer around. I was starting to wish I had not dumped my bag in the kitchen garbage. I had to pick my way around the raw hamburger meat, the egg shells, the onion peels, the orange peels, and then I caught a shiny glimpse of blue at the very bottom. There was my ipod.
This all sounds so silly. How many times can I lose my ipod? I really don't know. Unfortunately, I feel like there might be a part three at some point. I'll keep it as safe as I can. I make no promises though. I am at peace for the time being, as only one can feel after having a very dear possession back in their arms. I am going for my walk, happily listening to the music blasting in my ears.
I grabbed my other bag I use for movie going. You know, the one that's really a massive purse so you can perhaps bring your own drink. I put all the essentials in there: my iced passion tea lemonade, hand lotion, wallet, pen, pad of paper, phone, camera, and ipod. I don't know why I brought the ipod in the first place. I wasn't driving and usually when someone else drives the music is in their hands anyway. I like to think I put it in there because I can't stand to be apart from it. It could have been out of habit.
We got to the theatre to watch Yogi Bear in 3D. You know, I'm kind of tiring of this 3D thing. Your cheap theatre movie price has gone up $3 and you have no control, you have to pay. Anyway, we decided to go to the dollar store where caramel corn was purchased. I carefully tucked it into my bag and away we went. The movie was good.
When I got home, I realized just how much of a mess my kitchen really was. I cleaned out my bag, and noticed quite a bit of crumbs at the bottom. I dumped them in the garbage and took the garbage out to the big bin outside. I later went out that night and again, I wasn't driving anywhere and had already transferred all my goodies to my regular purse.
This morning I woke up and was happily uploading pictures from last nights shenanigans, when I noticed it was really nice out for once. I could finally go for a walk. I got ready to go and grabbed my phone, my headphones, my keys, and I tried to find my ipod. Where could it be? I checked both purses, nothing. I checked both jackets, nothing. Yes, I did check between all the cushions this time, nothing.
My mom called and we chatted for a bit, and then it hit me. I knew exactly where my ipod was: the garbage bin. She told me I had better go get it now before it got buried too deep. I went outside with my shiny red broom because I knew it would be at the very bottom. Luckily, no one had put more garbage in there and the bin was practically empty. I climbed up on the side and the broom pulled up the small white bag with no problems. I wonder what people were thinking when they saw me? This girl they see go in the apartment building everyday was suddenly looking like someone who goes digging in the trash everyday. My skills surprised me at this, it was all too easy.
I was going to squish the bag and just feel for it. It would have been a terrible idea seeing as food would have probably gotten stuck in the connector spot. I opened the bag and began to peer around. I was starting to wish I had not dumped my bag in the kitchen garbage. I had to pick my way around the raw hamburger meat, the egg shells, the onion peels, the orange peels, and then I caught a shiny glimpse of blue at the very bottom. There was my ipod.
This all sounds so silly. How many times can I lose my ipod? I really don't know. Unfortunately, I feel like there might be a part three at some point. I'll keep it as safe as I can. I make no promises though. I am at peace for the time being, as only one can feel after having a very dear possession back in their arms. I am going for my walk, happily listening to the music blasting in my ears.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Rider Pride: FOOTBALL
Being from Saskatchewan it is hard to ignore the fact that we have a football team. It is indeed our pride and joy and I think most of us feel a sense of "Rider Pride" whether we actually watch the games or not. Green is our colour and I PROUDLY wear my jersey on game day, no matter where I am headed.
I attended my first football game July 28, 2001. Went with a boyfriend and some friends. Got there the end of the second quarter and then it started to rain and thunder and lightning. We decided it was time to leave. It was a good choice because it was a terrible storm that followed. At this point I was just excited to go somewhere and really knew nothing about the game.
The second game was June 14, 2002. We decided to go for a year end school trip. I come from a class of 12 boys and 2 girls, so this was an excellent decision. During school time the boys cut watermelons in half and we ate most of it. Once it was picked clean they wore them on their head for the game. It is a common occurrence these days to be a "melon head" and there are even actual plastic watermelons you can buy. I wanted to show some spirit too, so I coloured my hair green with marker. Why I have no pictures of this is beyond me. We even ended up on the news. The seats were really good, I think at the 42 yard line. My dad was one of the drivers. Thank goodness he drove because he then proceeded to tell me all about how the game actually worked. I finally started to understand football.
I must have decided I really liked this whole experience, as I attended 2 more games that summer. I know we won one because I remember there was a line up for whoppers at Burger King. Free whoppers on the back of the ticket. It was a lovely day, and of course my friend got beer spilled all over him. This is typical at a Rider Game. One was in the end zone, and I believe we lost. There wasn't much to see from that angle anyway.
Watching the football game wasn't something I remembered growing up, except perhaps when we won the Grey Cup back in 1989. There was a big party at my uncles house and as a four year old, the most important part was that everyone was so happy and I was being spun around and around. I do remember my dad watching it all the time, but I never paid much attention.
Fast forward to 2008. My sister and her husband are really into this. They are having parties every weekend to watch the game. I decided to get in on this. Yes, I had to be a pain and ask a zillion questions to understand anything. I now too watch every game with them that I can. Although they have changed, as there are babies now involved. They are nice get togethers, still include a few whiskeys and beers, and snacks are a must. Oh and you CANNOT talk during the game. That is do NOT speak of anything unrelated to the game itself. Commercials, although short, are fair game.
Being a rider fan is pretty common in my family. Rider gear is a common gift for all ages. You might get something like this and this. It is appropriate attire while waiting for a baby to be born, as well as a gift like this at the baby shower. Sometimes someone will even go a little further and give you a gift such as this or this. It's especially important to dress your baby up on game day. You will probably see whole families dressed up on days such as these, friends as well. I'm also pretty positive that you have at least SOME kind of Rider memorabilia in your household
I'm sure you all have family reunions every summer that includes watching the game. Everyone probably also wears rider attire while cooking, playing horseshoes, singing, drinking beer, playing golf and slowpitch. It's also quite a good idea for a new person to wear their jersey when first meeting my family. Also be prepared if someone might like to "borrow" an especially excellent piece of clothing.
Only in Saskatchewan is Rider clothing considered a part of your dress up wardrobe. What should I wear for Easter? For a birthday? Even thanksgiving is not off limits. Yes, we you can even get license plates now to represent.
These game days just bring people closer together. Gives you something to look forward too all season. The off season is full of people randomly wearing their rider clothing, as it is always a sure topic starter. All in all, whether we win or lose the Rider Pride is going strong. I am proud to be a part of it. SEA OF GREEN! LET'S GO RIDERS! No, we are not crazy. Well, I do still wear my dad's 1989 Rider sweater :)
For more real information go to www.riderville.com
I attended my first football game July 28, 2001. Went with a boyfriend and some friends. Got there the end of the second quarter and then it started to rain and thunder and lightning. We decided it was time to leave. It was a good choice because it was a terrible storm that followed. At this point I was just excited to go somewhere and really knew nothing about the game.
The second game was June 14, 2002. We decided to go for a year end school trip. I come from a class of 12 boys and 2 girls, so this was an excellent decision. During school time the boys cut watermelons in half and we ate most of it. Once it was picked clean they wore them on their head for the game. It is a common occurrence these days to be a "melon head" and there are even actual plastic watermelons you can buy. I wanted to show some spirit too, so I coloured my hair green with marker. Why I have no pictures of this is beyond me. We even ended up on the news. The seats were really good, I think at the 42 yard line. My dad was one of the drivers. Thank goodness he drove because he then proceeded to tell me all about how the game actually worked. I finally started to understand football.
I must have decided I really liked this whole experience, as I attended 2 more games that summer. I know we won one because I remember there was a line up for whoppers at Burger King. Free whoppers on the back of the ticket. It was a lovely day, and of course my friend got beer spilled all over him. This is typical at a Rider Game. One was in the end zone, and I believe we lost. There wasn't much to see from that angle anyway.
Watching the football game wasn't something I remembered growing up, except perhaps when we won the Grey Cup back in 1989. There was a big party at my uncles house and as a four year old, the most important part was that everyone was so happy and I was being spun around and around. I do remember my dad watching it all the time, but I never paid much attention.
Fast forward to 2008. My sister and her husband are really into this. They are having parties every weekend to watch the game. I decided to get in on this. Yes, I had to be a pain and ask a zillion questions to understand anything. I now too watch every game with them that I can. Although they have changed, as there are babies now involved. They are nice get togethers, still include a few whiskeys and beers, and snacks are a must. Oh and you CANNOT talk during the game. That is do NOT speak of anything unrelated to the game itself. Commercials, although short, are fair game.
Being a rider fan is pretty common in my family. Rider gear is a common gift for all ages. You might get something like this and this. It is appropriate attire while waiting for a baby to be born, as well as a gift like this at the baby shower. Sometimes someone will even go a little further and give you a gift such as this or this. It's especially important to dress your baby up on game day. You will probably see whole families dressed up on days such as these, friends as well. I'm also pretty positive that you have at least SOME kind of Rider memorabilia in your household
I'm sure you all have family reunions every summer that includes watching the game. Everyone probably also wears rider attire while cooking, playing horseshoes, singing, drinking beer, playing golf and slowpitch. It's also quite a good idea for a new person to wear their jersey when first meeting my family. Also be prepared if someone might like to "borrow" an especially excellent piece of clothing.
Only in Saskatchewan is Rider clothing considered a part of your dress up wardrobe. What should I wear for Easter? For a birthday? Even thanksgiving is not off limits. Yes, we you can even get license plates now to represent.
These game days just bring people closer together. Gives you something to look forward too all season. The off season is full of people randomly wearing their rider clothing, as it is always a sure topic starter. All in all, whether we win or lose the Rider Pride is going strong. I am proud to be a part of it. SEA OF GREEN! LET'S GO RIDERS! No, we are not crazy. Well, I do still wear my dad's 1989 Rider sweater :)
For more real information go to www.riderville.com
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Top 5 Concerts
July 14, 1999: Went to The Moffatts concert with Jessica at the Saskatoon Exhibition. Cost: $5.00. Concert: 8pm-10pm. Opened with Crazy. My first concert. Bought the Moffatts CD: Chapter 1: A New Beginning. I LOVE THE MOFFATTS.
That was how I carefully chronicled my first concert. Honestly, I didn't even like them until I saw them live. Perhaps if I hadn't heard Girl Of My Dreams, I wouldn't have agreed to see them. Secretly I was a little upset they were like Hanson, and I didn't want to like them. This opened up my just turned 14 self to the concert world and decided right then and there that concerts are what it's really all about as a music lover. It's what makes you love or not love a musician. It takes you on a whole other level as a fan.
I went about writing down every detail for every concert throughout high-school very diligently. I made a cute little scrapbook with receipts from cds I bought (even the bag they came in), ticket stubs, setlists, picks, newspaper reviews, a snap bracelet, and of course autographs and pictures (negatives as well). It was in one of those photo albums you had to pull back the pages, so old school.
January 10, 2000: Our Lady Peace with Stereophonics opening for them. We had nosebleed seats, but since it was my first show in a big arena, well big for me, it was quite an experience.
July 14, 2000: PSYKOBLAST. No I'm not kidding! I had to go, I really did, it had been exactly a year since I had seen The Moffatts. Plus the other artists included Christina Aguilera, SoulDecision, Mytown, and McMaster & James. I had a bloodcurdling scream at the time, 15 year olds, eh?
More concerts followed, Serial Joe (x2), Clarknova, Jet Set Satellite. I could list all of them, but seriously, do you want to know them all? I might miss one or two and that would be disastrous. So I'll just mention my faves now.
February 3, 2001: The Moffatts with Wide Mouth Mason = BRILLIANT. This was a moment I will never forget. Sweet Home Alabama was expertly played as the final song with both bands coming together to jam to rip out this classic song.
May 4, 2001: Matchbox Twenty with Lifehouse. Rob Thomas was smoking on stage, and a lovely solo piano version of 3am was played.
July 15, 2001: O-Town with Wave. Amy and I actually drove to Regina to see this concert. We were big fans of Making The Band, and I got a sweet T-shirt. The show was good, but we got lost trying to get out of Regina. Not gonna lie, I STILL don't like Regina and kind of avoid it.
March 12, 2002: Amanda Marshall with Jordy Birch. I need to mention this show because we were 4th row and NO ONE was standing up for Jordy, poor guy. My sister and I took pity, along with 2 other girls near us. We stood and danced. As it turned out, 5 years later, one of those girls became one of my best friends.
February 12, 2003: Keith Urban opens for Carolyn Dawn Johnson. I know right? Seems a little backwards, and I have seen Keith since, but this is still my very favourite performance of his.
I went on to see Hilary Duff (x3), Mariana's Trench (x6), Three Days Grace (x3), Theory of a Deadman (x3), Nickelback, Pearl Jam, Buckcherry, Default (x3), Velvet Revolver, Saliva, and yes even Backstreet Boys (thanks Kerry). Aerosmith and ACDC were supposed to be more epic than they were. For one thing: I can't remember much of Aerosmith, due to free drinks (thanks Mike), and I feel Angus Young's solo was much too long, and "Who Made Who" was left out. Plus that show was in Regina, enough said. Please don't hurt me for not being too excited about these two shows.
September 28, 2005: Collective Soul at Sask Place. I decided I LOVE this band. Ed Roland is a GOD. Some of Compliment was sung by the crowd, as well as big parts of Run, and Better Now. I felt connected, and completely drawn in. I have seen them two more times and was equally impressed each time.
July 7, 2009: Green Day. I was randomly invited last minute. GREAT decision to go, was even better than I figured it would be. Incredible fan interaction. These guys are really talented.
Other faves include Matthew Good, Green River Ordinance, Justin Nozuka (where I met one of my good friends), Wideawake, Jonny Lang, Augustana. You could argue that these bands deserve to be in my top 5, they are not, but they are in my top 10.
And now we come to the good stuff. Thanks for sticking with me thus far.
TOP 5 GREATEST CONCERTS I HAVE EVER ATTENDED
September 7, 2002: John Prine at Centennial Auditorium in Saskatoon. This the ONLY show my entire immediate family attended together. I grew up listening to my dad play him on guitar. We are all major fans of Mr. Prine, and this show will hold a special place in my heart forever.
September 12, 2008: Hanson in Calgary. It was at a college and it was acoustic. I was front row on Taylor's side and just got so caught up and lost in it. I feel this show deserves an honorable mention: December 2, 2007: My first out of province show. My first flight. My first time in Toronto. My first time meeting them. This was a big deal. I had liked them for 10 years by this point. The show was electric and had so much energy. Perhaps my crush on Taylor only got worse. Oh and of course on The Rock Boat IX on Lido in January of 2009: longest Hanson show ever.
October 29, 2010: Josh Ritter at Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon. I am sometimes behind on checking out musicians. An American friend of mine told me I HAD to see this guy, and actually sent me a ticket. I went early for front row and fell in love. I felt I was a part of the music, and Josh's charm sets him apart. This venue is absolutely fantastic, acoustics were unreal, and it smelled like popcorn.
December 28, 2009: Kyle Riabko at The Refinery in Saskatoon. I attended the show the night before as well. Just Kyle and his guitar. This guy is FULL of charisma, incredibly talented, and it all felt so short. The venue was meant for this: small room, amazing acoustics. If you ever get the chance to see him live, DO IT.
November 27, 2010: Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City. I cried, I smiled, I felt my heart turn inside out, and I felt happiness. Plus it was eve of SK's birthday so they played right til midnight. There is no band with greater passion than SK6ERS. I know what you're thinking: REALLY? What about The Rock Boat? Let me tell you about it. TRB has moments, moments like: Hearts In Pain, See Yourself, Sweetest Goodbye, Goose's dance on TRB IX. The pyramid, Father's Day, In Front Of The World, solo SK performances, You Win on TRB X, and many more. November 17, 2009: Fargo? YES, incredibly intimate show: Milwaukee and Such A Way, A (With Love) really stand out. May 21, 2008: they open for George Thorogood and the Destroyers. This is my first time seeing them, and believe me, I don't think you can understand this band until you have seen them live. I FELL HARD for them. Piano Man, SK with a kazu, My Old Man, and it's the only time I have seen them with just 3 members. I was mesmerized and upon meeting them after, (I actually didn't even know what they looked like before this show (besides seeing Boots as Bruiser in a Trevor Jackson video)) I was definitely hooked. And just maybe that's when I decided that Boots is "really good looking".
I am deeply moved by these amazing musicians and the people they are. I can only thank them, and I hope through my music I can in someway touch my audience as well.
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