So I've been done school for a while now, at least for the summer, and I've been looking for a part-time summer job that hopefully, school schedule permitting, I can continue with in the fall. I would love to find something in my field that would give me experience but honestly, I'm looking for almost any kind of job that pays because money is something that I could use, especially if I plan on saving some this time around. In my search I have come to one big conclusion: Finding a job is HARD!
If you are not outside walking around handing out resumes everyday, you are online looking up postings. When you are not online looking up postings and putting your resume out there via the internet, you are making phone calls. If you are not making phone calls you are out handing out resumes..Where in that cycle do you get the job interview? The dream job? The job that pays? The life that you want?...Finding a job is hard:(
It's not enough these days to have the talent, the drive, the ambition to succeed, you also need to have the will to learn, to adapt to new situations and above and beyond everything else you have to have support in the adventure you are about to embark upon because in the end, until you find that job that you have been trying so hard to find, you are going to need a place to live and food to eat. Luckily, I have a lot of support financially from my family and I'm not out living on my own trying to make it with no income. I'm thankful for that for sure, but because of the support they give they can be very...intrusive isn't really the right word, nor is annoying or over-bearding, but think of a word that kind of blends all three together and you know what I'm talking about.
I know that my family only wants the best for me and I want the best for myself as well. I WANT to find a job. I've been looking and calling and walking in and handing out resumes left, right, and center but nothing has come to fruition as of yet. I can only do so much and it seem that sometimes that is not enough for them.
To be totally honest I'm not entirely upset that I am not working right now because it gives me the freedom to do the things I want to do when I want to do them..except for the lack of money of course..which is where the job comes into play. I have worked every summer since I was 16, minus 1 year, and that summer I was in class doing school so no one said anything. I think the fact that this time around I am not taking classes over the summer people are making a bigger deal out of it then it has to be. It's not like I'm done school forever and just sitting on my ass everyday. I still have another year left in my program and when that is done I will hopefully find a job in my field right out of the gate and if not I will work any job to earn money until I do. It's not for my lack of drive or effort that I haven't found a job yet, despite what my mother may think. I would normally blame my brother but even he's trying to help me find a job so I don't think that would be fair:P
In the end I think I'll find a job, even if it takes me all summer to do it, and I'll be able to earn some money and try to start saving up some because I definitely HAVE to do that. But for right now I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and try as hard as I can until someone gives me a break. I hope I get a job that I like and work with people that I really get along with and that allows me to be creative and have fun. Until that day comes you'll find me running around making plans with friends and trying to have a life outside of my bedroom:)
SLR Girl out!
PS..thanks mom and grandma and papa for all the financial support that the luxury of still being able to live at home while in school and not have to pay for room and board. I love you all very much and even though you all get on my nerves I know you have the best of intentions and my best interests at heart. THANKS!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
New Featured Band - Michael Bernard Fitzgerlad
So here is the thing...due to the fact that I am an Algonquin journalism Student, I can't post the story on here that I would like to post because my story is now owned by the Algonquin Times. That being said, I can still write a new piece with new information that wasn't used in my Times Story. Therefore there is no copyright infringement. So here I go...
Recently, I attended a show for an up and coming indie-folk-pop artist named Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, or MBF for short, here on campus at The Observatory (The OB). It was a fantastic show with great enthusiasm!
In his short career as a professional recording artist, Calgary's MBF has already been coined as "Canada's next best hope for a global star" and someone to watch in 2010 by Peter Simpson who writes a column for The Ottawa Citizen.
With music reminiscent of the soulful sounds of James Morrison and Dave Mathews and equally as unique, MBF's songs carry plenty of base and drumline-esq snare beats mixed with the melodic sounds of a piano on songs such as Reach You; string orchestras and xylaphonic instrumentation on tracks like Movie Life; and a few tracks with harmonious chorus vocals in the background, it's hard to believe MBF has only been playing professionally for 4.5 years!
His unique sounds seems to resonate well with his fans, new and old.
"I loved the show!" said show attendee Matthew Haddad. "His music emits love, happiness and friendship and that's all that you need."
"My favourite song that he played is Movie Life," said Rosie Waugh, who attended the show at The OB and was the lucky lady chosen to go up on stage during the ballad Care For You. "It was very neat the way he made songs that everyone knows have a completely different sound."
Not only did he bring someone up on stage during a soulful ballad, during one of his more energetic songs, Movie Life, he played the song with a loop pedal, overlapping his own voice several times before adding a new riff and continuing the loop for a good 2 minutes thereafter. While the loop continued to play in the background, MBF began singing various other songs such as My Humps by Fergie, Waterfalls by TLC, The Thong Song by Sisco, Tik Tok by Ke$ha, and a few other songs as well. It was amazing to watch him up on stage loving what he does and how much the audience laughed and got involved.
Later on, towards the end of the show, MBF played his latest single, Brand New Spaces where he got everyone in the audience standing up and thumping their feet while clapping a special beat, the same one that can be seen in his music video for the song. What great enthusiasm!
In recent months, from October to December, MBF had steady gig at a place called The Supermarket in Toronto's Kensignton Market, just west of the downtown core, and only taking 2 weeks off at Christmas.
"I like being busy," laughed MBF.
Touring so much usually puts a strain on one's ability to keep track of time and MBF is no exception to this rule. he recounted a story to me about this one time while back home in Calgary for no more than a single day. MBF forgot that BlackBerry phones don't automatically change time zones when you fly in and out of cities. This meant that he needed to keep track himself and of course, that meant humorous events were bound to occur.
"I had called for a cab that was supposed ti pick me up at 5 a.m." MBF told me as he recalled his adventure with time changes. "I set my alarm so that I could get up and ready for the cab the night before. I woke up and got ready and went downstairs to wait for my cab. I waited and waited and finally decided to call the cab company. They asked me when I ordered the cab for and I told the girl 5 a.m., she said 'Sir, it's only 3:10 in the morning' and suggested I go back up to my room and take a nap," recalled MBF with laugh.
Playing only in Canadian Venues thus far, MBF calls a 1,600 person venue in Calgary, called Jack Singer, one of his favourite places that he has played to date.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play there," said MBF. "I finally got to play there this summer for my CD release party for my first full length album The MBF LOVE LP."
With his first full length album out in music stores across the country, MBF is well on his way to bringing his energetic songs to all of Canada and the world beyond!
Recently, I attended a show for an up and coming indie-folk-pop artist named Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, or MBF for short, here on campus at The Observatory (The OB). It was a fantastic show with great enthusiasm!
In his short career as a professional recording artist, Calgary's MBF has already been coined as "Canada's next best hope for a global star" and someone to watch in 2010 by Peter Simpson who writes a column for The Ottawa Citizen.
With music reminiscent of the soulful sounds of James Morrison and Dave Mathews and equally as unique, MBF's songs carry plenty of base and drumline-esq snare beats mixed with the melodic sounds of a piano on songs such as Reach You; string orchestras and xylaphonic instrumentation on tracks like Movie Life; and a few tracks with harmonious chorus vocals in the background, it's hard to believe MBF has only been playing professionally for 4.5 years!
His unique sounds seems to resonate well with his fans, new and old.
"I loved the show!" said show attendee Matthew Haddad. "His music emits love, happiness and friendship and that's all that you need."
"My favourite song that he played is Movie Life," said Rosie Waugh, who attended the show at The OB and was the lucky lady chosen to go up on stage during the ballad Care For You. "It was very neat the way he made songs that everyone knows have a completely different sound."
Not only did he bring someone up on stage during a soulful ballad, during one of his more energetic songs, Movie Life, he played the song with a loop pedal, overlapping his own voice several times before adding a new riff and continuing the loop for a good 2 minutes thereafter. While the loop continued to play in the background, MBF began singing various other songs such as My Humps by Fergie, Waterfalls by TLC, The Thong Song by Sisco, Tik Tok by Ke$ha, and a few other songs as well. It was amazing to watch him up on stage loving what he does and how much the audience laughed and got involved.
Later on, towards the end of the show, MBF played his latest single, Brand New Spaces where he got everyone in the audience standing up and thumping their feet while clapping a special beat, the same one that can be seen in his music video for the song. What great enthusiasm!
In recent months, from October to December, MBF had steady gig at a place called The Supermarket in Toronto's Kensignton Market, just west of the downtown core, and only taking 2 weeks off at Christmas.
"I like being busy," laughed MBF.
Touring so much usually puts a strain on one's ability to keep track of time and MBF is no exception to this rule. he recounted a story to me about this one time while back home in Calgary for no more than a single day. MBF forgot that BlackBerry phones don't automatically change time zones when you fly in and out of cities. This meant that he needed to keep track himself and of course, that meant humorous events were bound to occur.
"I had called for a cab that was supposed ti pick me up at 5 a.m." MBF told me as he recalled his adventure with time changes. "I set my alarm so that I could get up and ready for the cab the night before. I woke up and got ready and went downstairs to wait for my cab. I waited and waited and finally decided to call the cab company. They asked me when I ordered the cab for and I told the girl 5 a.m., she said 'Sir, it's only 3:10 in the morning' and suggested I go back up to my room and take a nap," recalled MBF with laugh.
Playing only in Canadian Venues thus far, MBF calls a 1,600 person venue in Calgary, called Jack Singer, one of his favourite places that he has played to date.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play there," said MBF. "I finally got to play there this summer for my CD release party for my first full length album The MBF LOVE LP."
With his first full length album out in music stores across the country, MBF is well on his way to bringing his energetic songs to all of Canada and the world beyond!
How to Survive Valentine's Day
Everyday should be a special day to spend with someone that you love. This is true for most people, yet we have this one day specifically designated to love called Valentine's Day. Listed Herein are some tips to help you make it through this season of love.
For most people, Valentine's day is a reason to acknowledge one's love for another special someone in their lives. For others, Valentine's Day is a representation of corporate influence over the populous to buy cards, candy and flowers for others. Perhaps it is a combination thereof. in either case, there are a few things to keep in mind on this special day.
For starters, part of the problem with Valentine's Day is that if you don't have someone special in your life, there is a certain stignma that comes with being alone. It's unfortunate, but true. In these circumstances it usually helps to have friends in the same situation, therefore you don't feel so alone.
If there is no on who you can share this day with in the same situation, the best alternative is to see if you can organize a group thing. Maybe not a whole day event if your friends have other people to spend time with also, but perhaps instead a special lunch, dinner, or even a shorter coffee date so that you don't spend the whole day alone sulking. These are usually good ways to not feed too lonely and isolated on Valentine's day.
On the other hand, some people fee a significant amount of pressure to make plans and make a big deal out of that day itself. They feel that because it is a day designated for love, they not only have to have a date, no matter who it is, but also to have elaborate plans. if you fall into this category, there is nothing wrong with that either. Just try to remember that everyday should be special and love should be shared all year round so don't concentrate all your loving for someone to this one day. Spread the wealth:)
If you do choose to make plans, try to take into account your partner's feelings. For example, if they are not normally someone who likes to go out for dinner, maybe plan to stay in a cook them a special romantic dinner at home, spending a bit more time lingering at the table over a bottle of wine than you normally would. Also, try to flexible in you making of plans. Things come up and could change the events of the evening. It isn't always good to be to dead-set on sticking to the plans that have been previously made. Sometimes the best Valentine's Days that occur are the ones that are the most spontaneous anyways!
If you are one of those people who really feel more comfortable making set plans and sticking to them, such as dinner reservations, it is important to remember that Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants so try to make a reservation well ahead of time otherwise you might be out of luck. this is really good advice for those of you who really want to go out and maybe get away from the kids or the roommates..plan ahead!
Aren't one for making big plans well ahead of time? Try being different than all the rest and maybe make plants to make dinner at home that doesn't require a lot of planning or stay in and rent some movies instead of going out like most people plan to do.
At the end of the day, the most important tip to adhere to is to listen to your heart and do what feels right for you and your partner. After all, it is Valnetine's Day and your heart is the most important part of it.
For most people, Valentine's day is a reason to acknowledge one's love for another special someone in their lives. For others, Valentine's Day is a representation of corporate influence over the populous to buy cards, candy and flowers for others. Perhaps it is a combination thereof. in either case, there are a few things to keep in mind on this special day.
For starters, part of the problem with Valentine's Day is that if you don't have someone special in your life, there is a certain stignma that comes with being alone. It's unfortunate, but true. In these circumstances it usually helps to have friends in the same situation, therefore you don't feel so alone.
If there is no on who you can share this day with in the same situation, the best alternative is to see if you can organize a group thing. Maybe not a whole day event if your friends have other people to spend time with also, but perhaps instead a special lunch, dinner, or even a shorter coffee date so that you don't spend the whole day alone sulking. These are usually good ways to not feed too lonely and isolated on Valentine's day.
On the other hand, some people fee a significant amount of pressure to make plans and make a big deal out of that day itself. They feel that because it is a day designated for love, they not only have to have a date, no matter who it is, but also to have elaborate plans. if you fall into this category, there is nothing wrong with that either. Just try to remember that everyday should be special and love should be shared all year round so don't concentrate all your loving for someone to this one day. Spread the wealth:)
If you do choose to make plans, try to take into account your partner's feelings. For example, if they are not normally someone who likes to go out for dinner, maybe plan to stay in a cook them a special romantic dinner at home, spending a bit more time lingering at the table over a bottle of wine than you normally would. Also, try to flexible in you making of plans. Things come up and could change the events of the evening. It isn't always good to be to dead-set on sticking to the plans that have been previously made. Sometimes the best Valentine's Days that occur are the ones that are the most spontaneous anyways!
If you are one of those people who really feel more comfortable making set plans and sticking to them, such as dinner reservations, it is important to remember that Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants so try to make a reservation well ahead of time otherwise you might be out of luck. this is really good advice for those of you who really want to go out and maybe get away from the kids or the roommates..plan ahead!
Aren't one for making big plans well ahead of time? Try being different than all the rest and maybe make plants to make dinner at home that doesn't require a lot of planning or stay in and rent some movies instead of going out like most people plan to do.
At the end of the day, the most important tip to adhere to is to listen to your heart and do what feels right for you and your partner. After all, it is Valnetine's Day and your heart is the most important part of it.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Hunter City Madness - Part 2
Currently recording their 1st EP, See You In Hell, at Red Dusk Studios in Saint Hysinthe, just outside of Montreal, and playing shows whenever they can, Justin and Hunter City Madness find themselves in a great place for sure.
Before getting to this point, however, Justin discovered, this past summer, how hard it is to go on tour, especially for the first time.
"We were on tour for 2 weeks making stops in places such as Kingston, Quebec City, Toronto and Windsor, as well as others along the way," said Justin.
Although the Chubby Pickle in Windsor may have been the biggest venue the band played while on tour, joining 2 other local bands, one of the most memorable stops on the tour for Justin was the show in Kingston at the Frog Hop along Kingston's Princess Street.
"We met up with some people who came up form Ottawa to see us play," said Justin. " after the show, we went and partied in the forest on some land that my buddy owns and camped out for the night."
Not only did the band members book the tour themselves, they also built up their on little trailer to get from place-to-place.
"We built a shitty trailer made of wood on top of an old trailer and pulled it with my 5-person Intrepid," laughed Justin.
After finishing the recording of their EP, justin and Hunter City Madness intend to start playing more shows in Ottawa again maybe getting a chance to go on tour for round 2, perhaps this time with a little more than a "shitty little trailer."Hunter City Madness - Part 1
Wearing a black and lime green George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics (P-Funk) "Funkadelic" t-shirt with jeans and black Airwalk sneakers, Justin Gow is a far cry from his early days performing covers at his grade 7 talent show.
In the midst of going to school - Algonquin College for Journalism- and going in and out of Montreal for recording sessions, Justin took some time to sit down with me and talk about his life as a musician, fronting his southern metal/rock/hardcore band, Hunter City Madness.
During his 1st performance at the Stephen Leacock Public School talent show, and not feeling so confident in his abilities at the time, Justin found himself having to perform all alone up on stage for the 1st time ever.
"There have been plenty of times that I've been nervous, but i was really nervous then," said Justin, 21. " My music teacher Mr. Powers basically convinced me to do it cause I wasn't going to, but I did anyways. I played Green Day's 'Time of Your Life'. i messed up and forgot words, chords, the tune at one point, a bridge... but looking back it was a good decision to go on."
Justin has no problem playing such easy songs as 'Time of Your Life' now-a-days. Quoting Every Time I Die as one of his favourite bands because they are " crazy, dirty, funny, shitty dudes", it's no surprise that Justin has moved on to bigger and better things, playing clubs and venues in Both Ottawa and Montreal as often as possible.
"I'm glad I did it then cause otherwise I wouldn't have gotten any good feedback and wouldn't have been motivated to keep going and trying to get better," said Justin. "I wouldn't be where i am now."
To be Continued...Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A VERY Long Update Continued
There are many reasons to want a relationship, for me, I think ti comes down to 2 main reasons: Love/affection/caring towards each other and sex. Now I know that sounds hypocritical coming form someone who just said they slept around this summer, but it's not the same thing. the thing about relationship sex is it means something more than just physical contact. i should hope that in a relationship, both parties try and please the other person as much as possible. When you one-night-stand it, it doesn't feel the same....more often than not it becomes about the guy and his needs. I miss attention from guys int eh right way, in a meaningful way. Sex in a relationship is not about just one person, at least it shouldn't be. With all the sex I had this summer, it was rare to have it in a bed (and not a park or on a couch because people still live at home - ie sneaking around) and to have a partner who wasn't all about them getting off. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy pleasing my guys, but to have someone be willing to do whatever it takes to make me happy also. Relationship sex is VERY different and I miss it:(.
Now, as for the emotional aspect of a relationship..well I think it's obvious why that would be appealing to me. No one wants to be alone, especially me. I have a lot of love to give and I put my heart and soul into every relationship. I given them everything, maybe even too much sometimes, but I like caring for someone and feeling needed. I like the feeling and the high I get from having someone else love me back and want to be with me. I only hope that I can meet someone who loves and hard and as deep as I do and that any emotions I put forth towards the other person are reciprocated..We'll see what happens....
What else is there to say? A few jot-notes should do it...
- I'm graduating from Carleton with a BA in Mass comm. Convocation is in Nov. I am currently enrolled and partaking in Journalism at Algonquin College and loving it!!! Except for Local Government, but that's another story..lol
- I'm in a wedding party. I'm the Maid of Honour. To be honest, I'm very honoured to have been asked and I graciously accepted, but lately it's been ridiculously stressful. I realize that it's not MY wedding, but i feel that as the MOH, my voice should head over the other bride's maids and lately, it hasn't been, not necessarily by the bride, but rather by some of the other bride's maids... it'll all be over soon. I'm very happy for my friend who is getting married thought:)
- My goals for this semester include doing well in school, meeting new people, meeting more guys, and going to more concerts/shows/events, especially in town if possible.
I think that basically covers it!:P this is a long enough post.. There is more to say, I can for sure elaborate on many points, but now, this is strictly an update. i promise to try and be more attentive to my blog, stay updated on new bands and post as often as possible.
Thanks for reading and ttys :)
A VERY Long Update
Wow...So it's been a LONG time since I last blogged. I apologize greatly for that fact. A lot has been going on lately, in many aspects of my life. personally I feel that I have neglected my blog for far too long because of that, and that is not right. Despite what may be happening in my life, it is important to update my blog and keep any readers informed on dating, love, sex, music, and anything else that I have written about in the past and wish to write about in the future. I also fell that I have neglected my duty to bring forward new and exciting bands to your attention, once again, I convey my apologies. I hope you all understand and haven't left me for good:P
With all that in mind, at this junction, it is not time to begin my new blog post. There is a lot to tell, so I won't go into much detail and keep it as short as possible..Possibly expand on some things later, perhaps. Where to begin? Well I seem to have left of in May, therefore the only logical start point is June, I suppose.
June was relatively unadventurous ( there were a few guys, but more on that subject later), except for the last few days of June in which I took a plane to London, England and began my Contiki journey. Contiki, for those of you who don't know, is an organization for 18-35 years-old that runs organized group trips to various places all over the world. My trip, specifically,was around the UK (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Southern Ireland. It was amazing!!! I had such a great time and met a whole bunch of new, great, amazing people! i highly recommend Contiki to anyone who has the time and the money to go on one of these trips if possible. i promise you won't regret it!
Most of July was spent on the trip, so by the time I got back, i had to jump right back into work:(. I barely had 2 days off in between...talk about jet-lag!!! Other than work, July was filled with guys. This summer I was single and took full advantage of it! i don't regret anything and it was worth the experience. i won't tell you how many guys I slept with since June, but let's just say it was a fair bit in such a short time. The thing is though, I had lots of sex, but a lot of it was with the guys over and over again, A few new ones here and there, but I've slept with almost all these guys at least twice, if not more. I don't feel so bad about thinking about it in that way. Keeping that in mind, I'm over it. I'm over the whole one-night-stand/FWB deals. I had my summer of fun and I'm ready for more. I want more. I want a relationship.
To be continued...
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