Best Make-out Songs

It’s no surprise that there is a connection between what goes on between the eardrums and what goes on between the sheets. We all know that the right sounds can really set the mood for the rest of the night. There are certain songs that everyone has on their ‘getting lucky’ playlist and it’s unlikely that anyone but those who are listening to it get to find out what those songs are. For a change of pace, here are a few of the songs that people in Ottawa might have on their ‘making-out’ playlist.

• Kings of Leon – Sex on fire: Everywhere you look these days celebrities are showing up at Kings of Leon concerts and are always getting caught making out to their songs. On more than one occasion Gossip Girl and Twilight couples (GG: Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr and T: Kristen Stweart and Robert Pattison) have been caught at a show in the throws of a passionate kiss or two. According to socialitelife.com, other celebrities have included Miley Cyrus, Amanda Bynes, Orlando Bloom and Justine Timberlake, who celebrated his 30th birthday at a show last year. This is definitely a bandwagon upon which you want to jump.
  

  These two were listening to John Mayer's Your Body is a Wonderland.

• The Beatles – I want to hold your hand: It’s a classic. You can’t go wrong with The Beatles. A popular song in it’s own right, possibly made even more popular still by 2007′s full length film Across the Universe which was based on the songs by The Beatles. This adaptation lends a new perspective to the classic through the vocal stylings of T.V. Caprio who Played Prudence, a young lesbian on a path to self-discovery in the film. This take on the classic sheds new light on the lyrics that are so simple and straight to the point. Lyrics like “…And please, say to me/You’ll let me hold your hand/I’ll let me hold your hand/I wanna hold your hand/And when I touch you I feel happy Inside/It’s such a feeling that my love/I can’t hide..” When you listen to this song you won’t want to hide your feelings either.

• The Spill Canvas – Connect the dots: It’s a song about taking care of the person you care about the most and making them feel special.. inside and out. The lyrics speak for themselves. “If your feet hurt from walking too much/then I will tend to them, with a velvet touch./If your lungs just don’t want to work today/then I’ll perform a mouth to mouth until you’re okay./Don’t you just love the feeling of my fingertips,circling your lips/Don’t you just love the desire taking hold of you, I can tell you do./I know all your favorite spots,and tonight we will connect the dots.” Honestly, you couldn’t ask for better lyrics to get your grove on to, now could you?

• John Mayer – Your body is a wonderland: Soulful, sensual, and pleasing to the eye, it’s no surprise that John Mayer’s voice is just as attention grabbing. This song is playful and catchy and it’s a heartfelt love song. How can you not want to lock lips with your lover and never let go when John Mayer is saying your body is a place of wonder and to be discovered. This song makes you want to take every inch of each other in and discover all the ins and outs of the other person and find out what makes them tick. With sultry lyrics and a sexy voice, I dare you not to give into the song and all you desires.

• Hedley – Sweater Song: This song is all about deep feelings for another person and how badly you wish they were near you all the time, even though a lot of time is spent apart. It’s about a lover leaving for a prolonged period of time and how the keep each other close, the lovers exchange a t-shirt and a sweater to remember each other. When the time apart comes to an end, the lovers reunite and can’t wait to get their hands on the other person, forget the tee and sweater and just ravish each other. If this song doesn’t get you in the mood to take your partner in your arms and never let go, then nothing will.

These are of course just a few songs that seem to pop up on many people’s make-out song’s list. Everybody has their own tastes and turn-ons but maybe these will get you started and hopefully your own songs can help you finish what you started.

New Year's Resolutions and Idealism

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I hope this blog posts find you all in great health and happiness and that everyone had a great holiday season. I know it's late but here are my 10 new years resolutions...

1. Drink more water!.. I never drink enough throughout the day and I really should
   
2. No more eating pasta from the school cafeteria.. at least not my favourite heavy cream based ones.. maybe just none at all.. ya no more pasta from school:).. or home fries
   
3. Eat more fruit and veggies.. I love fruit.. and veggies.. but I really love fruit!
4. Eat more salads.. I love salad:)
5. Be realistic in my work out goals and try to go more often.. at least once a week if not twice
6. Get out of the house more and enjoy nature in all seasons
7. Spend less money and try to save for the bigger things I want.. a car.. a house someday.. another trip.. a rainy day
8. Spend more time outside of school doing things...I had no life last semester:(
9. Work hard and play hard;)
10. Enjoy the last of my time in school and hopefully work hard enough to get my dream job when i graduate

These are all subject to change at any point in time but as of right now I don't think they will.. I think they are pretty awesome resolutions!

Ps.. as a side note.. my possible 11th resolution.. get more writing practice in and blog more.. I don't keep this thing updated enough lol!

Another point to make note of, is that this is my last year in school! It's super exciting and super scary. I'm looking forward to what life has in store for me from this point on. I'm scared because it's the unknown but that's also what makes it exciting. I'm hoping to find a great job, a great guy, good friends, and a fantastic life. I want to be able to interview interesting people and write great pieces for magazines. I'm hoping to find my dream job and ultimately love what I do. As of right now I recently gained employment at a locally owned CD store and I can't wait to start this week. It'll be nice to work with guys and also be in an environment where I get to talk about music and movies all day long. It's also w great way to earn some extra cash.. which is always a good thing:) Other than that...there isn't much else going on other than school..That being said, my big goal for this year is to definitely blog more, write more and experience life to it's fulliest and to share that experience with you, my few and far in between but loyal readers.

A slight unedited rant about growing up and becoming an adult making adult decisions, especially about sex

At what point in a child's life does the child get to finally grow up and become an adult in the eyes of their parents? Is it when they graduate high school? Is when they move away to college? Is it when they finish college and get a real job? Or is it when they married and start a family of their own? At what point do children have to say, "I'm an adult who can make my own decisions, so let me, please."

I don't think that in the eye of parents, their children ever truly grow up and I think that all parents still see their kids as the children they once were, the small babies of the past, but I do think that there comes a certain point where parents have to learn to let go and accept that their child is grown up, making grown up decisions about themselves and the lives the choose to live. No one is saying that you, as a parent, have to forget that tiny baby you once held in your arms, but you do have to learn to let your children live their own lives. It's not easy but it's necessary for everyone to grow up, parents and child alike.

I think the hardest thing for parents to know about their children is that they are having sex, especially if the child in question is their daughter. It's not easy for parents to accept that their daughter (or son) can make such life altering decisions like choosing to have sex and who to have sex with.

I'm finding that a reoccurring theme amongst my female friends is that their parents aren't happy to know that they are having sex, while simultaneous, their brothers, main of which are younger then my friends, are not getting any flack at all. It's this double standard that parents seem to put on their children. If a son is having sex as early as the age of 16 with no hell being raised by their parents, either because they don't know or because they only hope that their son is being safe, then why is it not acceptable for their daughter to be having sex in her 20s? I find sons tend to have sex sooner then daughters but the second the parents find out that their daughter is having sex at the tender age of 20, 21, 22, 23, it's taboo and the parents think that they are too young and naive and is too easy.

From where I stand it's the person's prerogative when and with whom they have sex, regardless of age or gender. Girls shouldn't have to wait until 4 or 5 or 6 months into knowing someone to have sex if they don't want to wait. It doesn't make them easy, it makes them an adult, making an adult decision about their own life, especially if that woman is in her 20s. I don't think that having sex necessarily makes someone an adult, but I think it's at this point that parents should start taking notice that their child isn't necessarily a child anymore, especially their daughters.

For all those parents out their...times are changing. It's perfectly acceptable for 20 something daughters to be having sex within the first few weeks of dating, even if you are still getting to know each other. Just as it is acceptable to sons to be having sex at 16 and not getting any flack for it cause they are boys and that is what they do. Don't judge you children differently with different standards. it's not going to be a pretty outcome. The best you can do is educate them on what is right and wrong and to love who they are and what safe sex is and hope that one day they make the right decisions for them, and not for you. it;s their life, their body, their prerogative. Deal with it.

Love, Heartache and Self- Realization

It seems like August is a month of closer and new beginnings. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people who go through a breakup in August. It's not a surprise considering August is also the the end of the summer (meaning end of summer flings) and the beginning of a new school year (possibly people moving away for college) and in my case also the start of a new me.

I'm not saying that just because summer has ended or that you or your significant other are moving away things have to end. Actually, I think the exact opposite. I think that if you are with the right person then you can make anything last with a little bit of effort and a lot of understanding and patience but if it's not meant to work out then there really is no point in trying. Part ways on good terms and hopefully someday in the future you can be friends. It take times to get there but it is possible. I think with every relationship you learn something new that you can bring to your next one or something new about yourself that will last a lifetime if you are lucky. I don't necessarily think a breakup is the end. It could be a new beginning, like it was for me.

I've figured out that as much as I always want to have someone else in in my life to depend on and be there for me 100% and vice versa, it's not what defines me. I don't need a boyfriend to come into and find myself. Since my late July/early August breakup, I've been learning to accept what has happened and move forward. I'm finding out things about friends and our relationship that I didn't know before. I think my friendships are stronger now than ever, especially my newest friendship with classmates. The end of August brought on a new and final school year for me and with that a reunion with my classmates whom I have missed over the summer. It's nice to see everyone again and reconnect. It truly is a new beginning for me and I'm looking forward to what my future holds when this school year is over.

As for moving forward, a friend of mine recently broke up with her longterm boyfriend of 4 years, much harder than my relationship of 7 months no doubt, but still, we can relate. I gave her this advice in the form of an analogy to help her find a good place and to still be able to believe in love again like I have:

"Right now you are at a crossroads. You are currently headed on the straight and narrow path that leads to the edge of the cliff and you're on the edge about to jump. You need to take a step back, realize what you are about to do, and find your way through he forest back up to the other winding path that eventually leads up to the top of the mountain. Once you find that road you can find the way to the top and the point of which you feel a sense of accomplishment and joy...but you can only do this if you take that initial step back and stop yourself from nosediving off the edge. The top pf the mountain will be there waiting for you when you are ready to reach it and claim it with your flag"

Not bad words of advice if i do say so myself:P

Jobs, Boys, Life in Transition

As it runs out, I'm not as bad at interviews as I had once suspected. It's been a month since I started working at Sassy Beads. So far I've had my up and downs. I find it's a fairly easy job with not a tone of stuff to do which is good for me, at least while I'm still in school anyways. I just wish that the management had more time to train me. I came in in the middle of bridal season so I haven't had a lot of one on one training like many of the other girls have had in the past. It also doesn't help that my manager is away at the moment for familial reasons and I don't exactly know when she'll be back. I just hate feeling useless...I'm going to stick it out for a while and hopefully during the school year it turns out to be exactly the kind of job I need to earn some extra cash and not drive me totally crazy given the fact that this year is going to be insane for me.

On another note, my boyfriend recently broke up with me and to be honest given that this is my last year in school and I don't know where I'll be afterward I don't think it's the worst thing that could happen right now. I mean I'm obviously hurt a lot but I'll eventually be ok. I have my good days and my bad days and I know eventually I'll be ok:) I mean if someone comes along this year then great.. but I'm not going to go out looking right now just cause I don't know what is going to happen when I'm done school. All I know is I'm looking forward to the new school year and bigger and better things to come.

Speaking of new and better things to come I feel like this year is going to be a year of transitions for me. At least I hope so. I don't think I want to be in Ottawa for the rest of my life. I want to work for a magazine and there really isn't very much that Ottawa has to offer in that regard so I'm hoping to end up somewhere like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal or somewhere in the States like Cleveland (where Alternative Press is located) or Boston, New York or LA. I really hope things go well and I can get a placement at a magazine and I get to eventually do what I love and get paid for it..write! We'll see what this year brings for me despite the breakup and the semi-minor issues at work..I have a (hopefully!) good feeling about this year.

Jobs..revisted

It's been just over a week and I still haven't heard back from the manager at my latest attempt at finding a job, despite having called and left a message earlier today. She said that she would get back to me by Friday of last week and today is Tuesday..my hopes are not very high at the moment.

I don't understand what I am doing wrong. I know that we are still in a recession and that it's hard for everyone to find a job. I'm by far not implying that I am the only one having difficulties, however, despite my many years of experience, my personable attributes and my willing to learn, if I am lucky enough to get an interview anywhere then why is it that it never goes past that point? What am I doing wrong in the interview stage that prevents me from moving forward?

I'm lucky enough that I am still in school and that I live at home while in school because otherwise I'd be screwed right now. I'm not trying to be picky in applying for jobs but I definitely cannot see myself at a place like McDonald's right now. Not that there is anything wrong with that but it's just not for me. I don't want to go back to Reitmans but I can't keep living like this where I have no income to speak of. I know I need to budget better, and it's a lot easier to do during the school year, but it's hard to say no to the things I want to do during the summer. I don't want to have to say no to doing things with my friends because I don't get to see them often, especially since they all have jobs and I don't. But I might have to start doing that if I intend to save some money this year so that by the end of the school year next year I can have the option to move to another city for work because there are not a lot of opportunities for me in Ottawa, at least not for what I want to do. Either way I have to seriously rethink my summer plans if I'm not going to be working. I just wish that someone would give me a chance and offer me a job. Is that really too much to ask?

Jobs..where are they all hiding?

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!

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!

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.

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...

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...

New Band, New Post #1

As some of you observant blog readers might be able to tell, yes, I have changed my featured band, I know it's about time!!! Unfortunately, I haven't had time to write a new blog post about this band. I have some info to sort through and create a fabulous write up about them. I plan to have it up by the end of the weekend. I hope next time I can hopefully find a new band sooner than this, I have no doubt in my mind. I need to find/make the time to browse bands and music and if I can't get the band to answer my questions, then I'll write about them anyways. I just find that it is always better to do a write up when the band has some input. I know this probably doesn't satisfy all of your interests, but it's a work in progress. Anyway, I'll have this post done soon and i hope you all check it out!

A Lesson to be Learned

I'm going to just let this one all out. It's something that needs to be said, but I'm still reeling in anger from it all so I'm sorry if it comes across as something other than what is intended, which is a lesson to be learned.

This past Sunday night I was at a party, *Brandon was there and meeting my friends for the first time. Things were going well until my friend's little sister's party got out of hand and my other friend's cell phone and my ipod speakers got stolen by one of the miscreants in that group. Let's just say that me saying I was furious is not even close to describing how I felt and still feel about it all!!!! Also, at the end of the night, things got physical with *Brandon, and not in a a good way either! There was pushing and kicking and screaming involved. I'm really happy my friends were around when it happened and that they were there to back me up! I mean I can for sure take care of myself, but having 10 of my best friends around to support me and protect me was the best possible scenario for it to all go down. Don't worry I'm not hurt and nothing is broken except his ego. He was drunk and I had moved him out of my way first, with plenty of warning that he needed to get out of my way and let me pass, all of which went unheeded..that isn't an excuse though and I know that, but has since said he was sorry for what he did. Sorry does not cut it in these situations! It just doesn't!!!!. ..I really do have the best friends that a girl could as for!!!!!! Things are done and over with this guy and I don't intend to see him again. For all you ladies out there reading this, just know that NO guy has a right to lay their hands on you and not that that gives you the right to touch them either, but under no circumstance should you ever feel like it was your fault that you got hit or pushed or whatever. We are stronger than that and we deserve better!!!!!!!..I really do love all my friends! Thanks for everything guys!!!!

Despite what has gone down, I'm not entirely turned off by the notion of online dating. I know a few people who have met really decent partners online and that have gone into serious relationships with the people behind the online profiles. I don't think it's a bad thing at all, I think it's just something that should not be entered into lightly. People should be aware of the possible dangers of online dating, as was I.

A few words of advice: 1)Always meet in public first, second, third times. After the third date or so, Make it a point to introduce them to your Friends. We all know that we value our friend's opinions but when it comes to online dating, seeing how they act around your friends and the people that you trust the most is important because they may be putting a front on for you and act differently when around others. 2)Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, ask questions. find out answers and never ever be afraid to stand up for yourself. 3) Don't let them pressure you into anything your don't want to do. if it feels right, do whatever you want. If it doesn't, then say good night and walk away. 4)With that being said, I don't regret sleeping with him because at the time things felt right. I don't regret anything that happened between us prior to this event. Shit happens and you have to learn to deal with it, but unless something tragic or life altering takes place, such as injury, death, pregnancy, etc., don't let things that you have done be regrets. take them as lessons to be learned and remember and know better for the next time. Nothing in life should be truly regret because there is always something to be learned from every experience.

On a few lighter notes, to be honest, I'm happy to be single right now:). I get to do what I want and possibly with whoever I want. i intend to go to concerts and on this upcoming trip to the UK and meet new people and expedience new things. I'm young and ready and willing to take what comes my way and take life by the horns! Also, I know I mentioned this before, but I am still trying to write a new Featured Band post.I'm been trying to get in contact with some bands that I want to feature and see if they'll answer my questions so that I can write a band writeup similar to the one that I was able to do for Your Favorite Ex. I'm hoping to have it up soon!

*Name Has been changed to protect their privacy.

Been M.I.A. - Here's Why...

Ok, so it's been a while since my last blog. I have good reason for this...I've been busy. See? I think that constitutes a good enough reason, don't you?:) So reality check, true I have been busy, also true, I've been avoiding writing a blog until I had something good to say. I think now would be a good time to write a new blog as I am currently in better spirits then I was last week. I promise I'll be making up for my lack of blogging with this post.

WARNING: This is a VERY LONG post.. A lot to tell you all about!

The main reason why I've been so busy is that fact that I honestly have been with work. Any time off that I have had i have tried to spend it with friends that I haven't seen in while who just came back from school. Also, I've been putting myself back out there on the hunt for the right male spcimen to pass my way. So far so good. I've gone out on a few dates with this guy *Brandon.

*Brandon and I met online and then decided to meet up in person and unlike the previous online guy, we met up the next day. We ended up going to a movie and having a really great time. The movie finished early so we went back to his place and hung out for a while, as it was closer to the theater. Things started getting hot and heavy and despite the fact that it was our first metting, first encounter, first date...we almost had sex. Now I couldn't go through with it and have sex on the first date. Granted, I have had sex with a guy within 24 hrs of meeting him, but we had met under different circumstances. For whatever reason, I didn't feel that under these circumstances it was appropriate to have sex that night, and the nice guy that he is, he understood and respected my wishes. That is not to say that it didn't get far enough anyways.;) We did other things that night, none of which I regret. We then decided to meet up again the next opportunity possible, which was 2 days after.

On our second date, we went out to dinner and had some really nice food. We split the meal as neither of us were all that hungry; he paid. It's a nice change having someone treat me well. I'm not entirely used to it at all. This could be why early on I was unsure. I was unsure about whether or not I liked him. Whether or not he was vocal enough for me and outgoing enough. Nonetheless, we went out for dessert and actually ended up meeting with one of my best friends downtown for a bit at the dessert place. Ultimately, we ended up back at his place again, sex ensued.

At the end of the night on our second date, something had happened and I was very emotional and still not sure. All week we kept talking and I decided to give him another shot. I like him, I do, it was more just a question of how much. We met up a week after the second date for another movie, also which ended early and due to the day of the week, nothing was open thus leading us back to his house to hang out. I wasn't sure if having sex again was the best idea considering all week I was emotional and tired and barely slept since I had had a lot on my mind and what had happened the week before had brought a lot of emotions to the surface, more so about my ex and how I don't know if I can ever really get over him because unlike previous men in my life, I didn't get the answers that I needed. i still don't have them. Unlike previous men, my latest ex hasn't spoken to me, leaving me very unsure and uncertain and until i get answers or I find another guy, I may never be able to fully get over him and move on, but that's information for another post perhaps?

Back to *Brandon. Due to the overwhelming emotions, I didn't feet it wise to have sex another night, on there third date. Despite this, one thing led to another and long story short, we had sex again. i don't regret it at all. None of the amazing, heart racing, noise making (and thus fearing of his parent walking in - yes he is living at home again, but it is only temporary, really!) pounding sex. I do not regret it one bit! In fact, in all reality, i think the fact that before things got really heated, he was turned on and it got to the point of him wanting t and I was still sure about not having it, we stopped and talked. I think the fact that the way things were moving led to a discussion before hand was important. he needed to know what I was generally feeling and why I wasn't up for sex. After that i didn't stop him from doing anything he wanted to himself, leading me to get turned on as a result, therefore, once again leading to sex. I'm apparently quite the workout, according to him, something that I take as a compliment.:) What does this all mean in the end? Well, despite the sex, we are taking things slow. We are just dating at the moment and seeing what happens, if nothing else he's a great guy that I'd like to remain freinds with. Speaking of freinds, he's meeting them this weekend, each and every one of them, at a friend's BBQ...wish me luck!!!

*Name Has been changed to protect their privacy.

Ps, new featured band post coming up soon! Stay tuned!!!

Your Favorite Ex - New Featured Band

Boston, Massachusetts, USA - home of the Red Sox and Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall, Boston Duck Tours, the best canolies that I have ever had...and local band Your Favorite Ex!

Currently all calling Boston home, Your Favorite Ex (YFX) is a rock/pop-punk outlet featuring Chris Mitchell on vocals and guitar, Anthony Sharamitaro on guitar, Jay Donovan on bass, and Leo Teran drums. Reminiscent of Brand New or the Spill Canvas with a sound that can only be described as emotionally connected and cohesively well versed, it's hard to imagine that YFX have only been a complete band for less than a month! Already with a page and music on MTV.com's Soundtrack, working their way up the charts, YFX is for sure on the right path to where they want to be, at the top of everyone's playlists!

Despite the band's young age as a cohesive unit, it's members are no stranger's to music. Originally handed down a guitar from his father, Chris started signing to songs on the radio in his teens years and eventually taught himself to play his guitar and began to put two and two together, creating the talent that he is today. Anthony on the other hand, didn't even know what a guitar was until he saw Tom DeLonge playing on the music video for All the Small Things by Blink 182, but that hasn't stopped him from getting to where he is now.

"When I was thirteen, I remember flipping through the channel's on TV and landing on MTV, only to find something that would eventually kickoff a path to my future: Blink 182 dancing around in their All the Small Things video." - Anthony

The other two members of the band, and most recent additions, follow along the same path. Jay, who is currently enrolled at Northeastern University in Boston, was quick to pick up bass some guitar and was eager to join the band. Leo,as Anthony puts it "always had a passion for music (even when he was young) and began his musical intake as a multi-instrumentalist, but he always had a bigger passion for drums." Moving from his hometown of Miami, Fl to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, it's no wonder that Leo found his way into a band on the up and up.

All members of YFX see themselves going far in this industry ultimately plan on making a go of YFX as their careers. Nothing is ever set in stone, but with a highly fan-anticipated release of their upcoming EP, due out in August 2009, the band is off to a great start! As an anonymous fan once put it, "[These] guys are the next generation of music of this generation's music - YFX IS this {music} industry's future." Hopefully YFX can give their fans, new and old, the impression of happiness that the band wants to impress upon it's listeners on a regular basis. As far as fans are concerned, the greatest moments that the band has had over the past year are all about the fans, especially signing autographs.

Anthony once said "I mean, it's sounds so cheesy, but all of the people who come up to us and ask for them are 100% dead serious. Being able to hook onto well-known venues in the short time we've been a band... it's just such a great feeling to know we're providing a form of entertainment in musical form that is actually being enjoyed. It makes us smile and want to keep making music forever."

Note to all blog readers: please check these guys out, you won't be disappointed!!

-SLR_GIRL

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Why is it so hard for me to make a decision? I Know that part of it has to do with the fact that I truly do love to do a lot of things and enjoy a lot of different kinds of food. That is definitely the problem when it comes to me choosing food at restaurants, but is it really the main problem I have with making decisions in general? I find it hard to beleive that liking too many things can really be a deterrent to moving forward. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I try so hard to please other people and make others happy that the end result is that I myself become rather indecisive. I think that is part of the problem with the guys in my life also, not the freinds, the other ones.

I find myself putting forward a lot more effort to try and get to know somebody then they are with me. This one guy in particular that I have been talking to online is very elusive. I still have not met him yet. I think that's it's time to stop thinking that it'll ever happen. He seems like a nice enough guy, and maybe eventually he'd be a cool guy to meet, but as of right now, things are not going in the direction I want them to be. The fact of the matter is it has been hard to me to make this decision to stop trying and basically decide to put myself in the position of power instead of the position of under the control of HIS whims. Not in the sense that I find it hard for me to be in control, because really i find that the most easy decision to make, but rather it is more in the sense that despite being in control I try to please everyone else more often than not and I find it hard for me to make a decision when it comes to my own state of happiness when there is still hope that things might change. This is for sure not the best rope to be walking on and I think it's something that I need to work on. Does anyone else seem to have this inability to make a decision about their own happiness, or is it just me?

New Feature..Check it out

Hello everyone!

How's it going? Ok, I'll keep this one as short as possible.. I'm starting a new feature here called "Featured Bands". I'm going to simply give the name of the band and if possible, post a link to their site so everyone can go check them out in a gadget on the side bar. I am going to try and make this a weekly, if not bi-weekly thing where the bands rotate. Also, in addition, if I remember and have the time, I am going to try and write a brief description of why I chose them to be featured in a new blog entry. I hope you all enjoy this new feature and this week's feature band called Gracefield.

I have chosen Gracefield as my Featured Band because they are local, homegrown talent hailing from Waterloo/Kitchner, Ontario. They are a rock/pop punk band and they have the potential to go far. With a great sound and the heart to do whatever it takes to make it, they are beginning to start their journey towards what is hopefully stardom with the release of their album on May 5th, 2009. Enjoy!

On a side note, I still haven't met this guy yet. Hopefully something comes of it and we get a chance to meet this weekend. If not, it is really of no great loss to me and ultimately I think I'd still like to meet him if for nothing else but to make a new friend. I jut hope that he feels the same way. In either case, like I said before, I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket and I'm putting myself out their to meet new people and have some fun. After all, I'm only 22, I should live a little, right?

Online Dating... What Gives?

No one ever said dating would be easy, but how come people never say that it would be this hard either? With all the new ways to find and meet new people - online, phone call-centers/dating lines, etc. - why is it that it is so hard to still find that person that you have been searching for? It seems almost and enigma of sorts that despite all these new ways to find and meet new people, we can still not find that one person that could end our search. It is as if technology has in fact hindered our ability to go out and be sociable and to interact with others, in life in general, but even more so in dating. I myself am not immune to the attraction that lies at the ease of clicking a button in search of someone special, yet I find myself wondering if this is really the easiest way. For all those people who have found the love of their life through online dating, I applaud you and congratulate you on your achievement in life. For everyone else, such as myself, I wonder whether it is possible to ever reach that level of achievement in our search for love despite all the tools within our grasp?

In recent weeks I have talked to this one guy in particular on a regular basis online and I have left myself open to meeting him, definitely in public first for obvious reasons I should hope, but with potential to take things more private afterwards. On more then one occasion things have not worked out and our plans have fallen through, whether because of him or myself, regardless, this meeting has not happened yet. I hope that soon I can meet him and see where things go, however I am weary and I am no where near ready to put all my eggs in one basket. So bring on the men and let me enjoy myself and my freedom little bit! Dating should not have to be this hard. No one said it would be easy, but give a gal a break once in a while and let something go in the right direction of meeting Mr. Rright, if not at least Mr. Right-Now! (lol)