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Weezer Fangirl Adventures – Part 2

Posted on June 9, 2014 by kmah88

I briefly contributed to a blog network with editorial articles mostly about Twilight fan fiction and a few about Weezer. I worked really hard on them and am somewhat proud of the results so I decided to post them personally as well too. This is one of those articles.

Continued from Part 1…

We got to the arena around noon and met up with my linemates from the mall. In my experiences, lines are boring but when you have someone with a common interest to pass the time with, it’s really not so bad. Microsoft had set up the Jumbotron this time to scroll through our tweets and pictures. Again, pretty cool to see your name and stuff up there.

Before the show started, while I was getting some free burger sliders, I noticed ANOTHER signed guitar on a table covered with 102.1 The Edge (Toronto’s alternative radio station) poster surrounded by some guys who were receiving attention that minor celebrities might (obviously the radio personalities – IDK, I don’t listen to the radio really at all anymore, although this was the same station I listened to back in high school and where I first heard Weezer being played). A lot of people were looking at the guitar too. I went over and asked what the deal was. The radio guy told me they were giving it away to the person who proved on Twitter that they were the biggest Weezer fan. It may be clear at this point, I have never met anyone who is a big of a fan as I am. GAME. ON.

He said they would be announcing it on Melani’s show the next day. I had roughly 24 hours to prove my love. I took it VERY seriously. I WANTED that guitar and since this was a chance to earn it rather than being based on luck, I was making damn sure it came home to live with me. I came up with what I thought were several very good reasons of why I am their #1 fan (LOL). At least, in Toronto. You can decide for yourself…

The boys eventually came on stage and played a great show, as usual. This was the 9th time I’ve seen them live. They are always good, but of course, energy levels vary. I wasn’t disappointed. And it was also really fun for me to hang out with my new buddies during the show, one of whom was seeing Weezer perform for the first time.

Since I am a shortie, I didn’t have the greatest view of the stage. Usually I could see EITHER Rivers (lead) or Scott (bass – always plays on the right hand side) or Brian (guitar and keyboard – always on the left), but not all at once. And I couldn’t see Pat (drums) at all. (Until he came out to sing Song 2 by Blur, which was the highlight for me.) We were not very close to the stage and off to the left a bit. I didn’t mind. It was more the atmosphere I was enjoying this time.

this was my view most of the time

Pat singing a cover of Blur’s Song 2 was awesome

Afterwards, we got to into yet another line to meet the band. We were told before that we would receive a pre-signed photo as well as have our photo professionally taken with the guys. Also, we weren’t allowed to bring anything to have signed. I had brought a photobook hubby and I made from the Weezer Cruise just in case, but true to their word, event staff pretty much did a pat down of everyone as they approached the area. I was hoping to get to the back of the line to maximize our time with the band (a little trick I’ve learned over time – you’re not as rushed when there is no one left waiting behind you) but we ended up around the middle.

The whole thing was extremely rushed. When it was our turn next, someone snipped off our wristbands and ushered us over to the band. I barely had time to say hi to them! And I didn’t want to take up the chances of the people I was with if they wanted to say anything. I did manage to tell them to have a good time on their upcoming second cruise, to which Brian asked if I was going and I said I couldn’t make it this time.

By the time I was walking away from the other side, the next group had already taken our place. We were given our signed photo and told the one that was just taken would be available on the Microsoft Store Facebook page later on.

At 1:45pm Monday afternoon, I was lying in my bed, listening to Melani’s radio show on my ipad. At that point, I was thinking ‘I had to have won, right?’ (I had creeped all the incoming tweets to The Edge and I had, by far, the most in number and the best reasons, IMHO.) but there was that lingering doubt that things like this don’t happen to me. I had never won anything before. I had mediocre luck at best when it comes to cool things like that happening. Nevertheless, Melani came back from a commercial break to announce the winner and I sat there rigid, awaiting the news. When she said my name, I FREAKED.

Now, I had liked to think that although I’m easily excitable around friends and never shut up and am a total goof, I can keep my cool in situations like this. I am not one of those screaming, crying, psychotic fangirls. I can tell you… you THINK you will act a certain way until you get to that moment. My reaction totally caught me off guard.

I jumped up off the bed and screeched to hubby, who was downstairs, “BABY, I WON! I &*%$ING WON!” and started jumping around and laughing like a twelve-year-old idiot. I did my best to listen to Melani as she extoled my virtue as Weezer fan and also made poked fun at me for being crazy. I immediately jumped back on Twitter to thank her and freak out a little bit more.

After an email from her and then her assistant to verify my info and tell me where to pick up the guitar, I could finally relax. Nothing made me happier than having that guitar in my hands. I not only EARNED my prize, but I felt I had earned my stripes as a TRUE Weezer fan and a proper FANGIRL.

Interesting Sidenote: Don’t ask why (or do, and I MAY tell you), but I ended up having a conversation on Twitter with a paparazzi guy from Toronto about three weeks or so later that lead to talking about Weezer. He had been at the show and had seen the guitar. As only these ‘types’ of people can do I suppose, he found out from The Edge guy that they had already decided AT the show to give the guitar to me. I had tweeted them while I was still in line at the Microsoft Store that I have a ‘flying W’ (Weezer’s logo) tattoo on my wrist when I was still trying to win the first guitar. The radio guy told the paparazzi guy that unless someone else came up with something better, “the tattoo girl is gonna get it”. The rest of my tweets were just icing on the cake, I guess.

~~~~~

If you missed it, check out PurpleBrina’s Music Monday this week. She let me take over and it’s ALLLLLL Weezer videos.

Posted in repost | Tagged Weezer | 4 Comments

Weezer Fangirl Adventures – Part 1

Posted on June 9, 2014 by kmah88

I remember sitting in my tenth grade math class with my friend Taryn belting out the words to the recently released song “Say It Ain’t So” (and now you know how old I am). I ultimately failed that class and had to make it up in summer school… but I can’t blame that on my favourite band of all time, Weezer. Right from the beginning of their rise to fame, I was there, listening to, FEELING their music. Weezer may not be “deep” or “profound” but they are catchy, singable, and fun, and they occasionally have that one lyric that reaches into my heart and reflects what I’m all about. It was instant connection. I can’t really explain why, but I don’t really try. And I don’t have to. I just love Weezer.

I can’t remember where or when, but front man Rivers Cuomo has been cited saying that there are two kinds of Weezer fans – the older ones who were fans in the beginning and go to shows only wanting to hear the classics like “Buddy Holly”, “My Name Is Jonas”, or “El Scorcho” and the newer fans who only know the recent stuff like “Memories”, “I Want You To”, or going REALLY far back, “Beverly Hills”. Maybe Rivers in unaware fans like me exist. I was there in the beginning and I am still here, loving each new thing they drop and eagerly anticipating new releases.

At the beginning of January, Weezer posted on both their Twitter and Facebook that they would be doing a free show in Mississauga for the Microsoft Store’s grand opening at Square One Shopping Centre. The actual store opening celebration stuff was going to be at Square One but the Weezer show was scheduled to be at the Powerade Centre… IN MY CITY. 10 minutes from my house. And free? Yeah… I decided as soon as I heard that, I was going to do whatever it took to be there.

The deal was, in order to get these tickets, you had to line up at the mall on Friday night at 10pm and stay there overnight until the store opening at 11am Saturday. The first 2500 people inside the store would receive 2 tickets to the show, but only the people who had stayed overnight could get Meet N’ Greet wristbands. So, there I was at 9pm ready for the Microsoft employees to give us instructions where we should start lining up. After about 15 minutes of chaos, they decided we should line up outside the mall doors until 10. I would like to point out it was around -35 degrees C (-31 F). I wasn’t really prepared for that. But the line up to line up was only going to be around half an hour. I could totally do that for Weezer. Hubby was nice enough to offer to stay until I got settled in the actual line for the night. After that, I was going to be alone. While we were standing there, shivering our asses off, excitement was high among the fans gathered. I noticed how young the majority of the other people there were. The people right in front of me looked at least to be in their 20’s so I started up conversation with them and they turned out to be pretty cool. They promised they would let me up with them if they got there before I did. Yay. Making friends already.

my new friends showing off our cool new t-shirts

The doors finally opened and, bless them, the Microsoft employees had everything organized and under control. We were ushered in an orderly manner inside the nice warm mall and set up in a 3-tiered snaking line against one wall. Event employees came out and wristbanded the first 200 of us with orange bands that we were to trade in in the morning at the store for our official Meet N’ Greet wristbands as well as sandwiches and chips from Panera. At that point, it was just a matter of staving off the boredom and I was home free. I was pretty much on my own until about 6am. Thank goodness for charging stations!

my little “camping” spot for the night in the mall

Throughout the night, the Microsoft Store let us know through their Twitter and Facebook event page, as well as in person through their event employees, that they would be giving away a lot of great prizes in the morning as we waited in line for the grand opening. To be entered to win, all we had to do was tweet them and use their hashtag for their new Ontario store. (This marked their seventh store in all of Canada.) They would be giving away things like X-Boxes, Surface tablets, and other cool Microsoft technology but they also had a guitar signed by the members of Weezer that they were giving away. Needless to say, I started tweeting my ass off. Just a few to start with but as soon as everyone was awake and starting to line up outside the store location, I was all over it.

my line buddy won a camera

When the guitar was given away, I was only a little bit disappointed to see it go to one of the guys who was ahead of me in line, but I had talked to him a bit the night before and he seemed like a cool enough guy.They gave out two prizes at a time. Usually something okay and then something really great. (The first giveaway was a set of speakers or something, followed by the Xbox.) They also had big screen TVs set up throughout the line-up that would play a loop of some of the tweets they were receiving. It was actually pretty cool to see my name and words come up so often.

my tweets made the rotation shown on the screens

it’s not so bad when a prize goes to someone who seems like an actual fan

After all the store opening stuff was over, I made plans to meet up with my new buddies before the show the next day and then went home to sleep/recover.

~~~~~

continued in Part 2…

Posted in repost | Tagged Weezer | 4 Comments

Music Monday – Weezer

Posted on June 9, 2014 by kmah88

This one is copied directly from PurpleBrina’s Music Monday column.

Today’s Music Monday post is brought to you by the letters K and W.

K is for KMah and the W is for Weezer. Since tomorrow is her birthday (something she doesn’t like to celebrate at all), I let her pick the music for the day. Her most favorite group is Weezer and since she is a control freak, I gave her control of the blog today.

Before we embark on the musical journey that is Weezer, I have to say thank you KMah for all that you have done for me. Without you I would be dead. ((truth)) And your birthday is definitely something to celebrate. (Ha. Twilight quoted.) I can’t wait to see you when you get here on Friday. We can celebrate together with the other girls, drinks shots, everything all around – but no matter what, we’ll have an amazing time! Love you the most.

And now on to your (and my) Weezer education…

Always

Paperface

I Just Threw Out the Love of My Dreams (feat. Rachel Haden from that dog.)

Say It Ain’t So

Buddy Holly

Surf Wax America

El Scorcho

Across the Sea

Hash Pipe

Beverly Hills

Perfect Situation

Pork and Beans

Troublemaker

The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)

(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To

Memories

kmah88’s Note: These were just a few of my very favourite songs (and trust me, it was extremely hard narrowing it down to only 16). I tried to get a good sampling from their entire 20 years, but obviously I like some albums more over others. Hopefully there was a good mix of songs you already knew and songs that are new to you to elicit some fresh Weezer love.

Coming up after this, check out my Weezer Fangirl Adventures (part 1 & 2). It’s a FANdemonium Weezer takeover!!

And Brina ~ thank you! For your words and letting me use your column to share my passion for my boys.

3 more days and I’m on my way to see you. WOOT!

Posted in repost | Tagged music, playlist, PurpleBrina, Weezer | 3 Comments

Thoughts on Fandom

Posted on June 8, 2014 by kmah88

Fandom is an interesting thing. I’ve recently been contemplating what “fandom” actually means and what it means to be a part of one. I always thought to the belong to a fandom meant that you had to be out there, waving your fangirl flag high, interacting with other fans, travelling all over to catch a glimpse of the objects of your obsession or to commune with other like-minded fans. Indeed, those are some of the best parts of fandom, but there are also the quiet times you spend at home alone either watching the movies, reading the books, listening to the music, whatever the case maybe. There are the times when your ears perk up in public when a stranger mentions something and you DON’T say anything but feel that little rush of pride or kinship. Or perhaps extreme defensiveness on behalf of your fandom, depending on what was overheard. There is the aspect of spending (too much) money to collect the merchandise or spending hours poring over magazines and Google searching for every picture or article. My point being, you can be part of a fandom without much interaction with other fans.

This also changed my view of myself. Until recently, I thought of myself as a one-fandom kind of girl. It’s true that the whole Twilight thing took over my life in a way nothing else has ever come close to doing. But I also have separate chunks of my heart belonging to other fandoms. Things have come and gone (I was a huge NKOTB devotee when I was a young girl), and others will probably stick with me in some way or another for my whole life (like my obsession with the TV show Friends).

The only thing that rivals Twilight in my life, at this point, is the band Weezer. I have been a fan since “the beginning” and it has only intensified over the twenty-year span of their career.

Coming up later today, after PurpleBrina’s Music Monday (all about MY favourite band), check out my story (part 1 & 2) about how I recently went to a free concert and ended up winning a guitar signed by the members of Weezer.

Posted in repost | Tagged Weezer | 1 Comment

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Consequence of Miracles

Posted on June 4, 2014 by kmah88

C’mon, you probably knew this one was coming. If you follow me on Twitter, you will have seen me flailing all over The Consequence of Miracles by TravisBirkenstock. (Find it here on fanfiction.net.) Technically, this is a WIP, but I feel okay recommending it because it’s completely written already and only has a few more chapters left to post.

I am FLOVING this story – and I’m not the only one. EVERYONE seems to be reading TCoM. I was clued in through all the tweets of people losing their minds over it, saying things like they were pulling over on the side of the road or locking themselves in the office bathroom to read the new chapters as soon as they were posted. I wanted to see for myself what was so good about it. And, whoa… it is so, so good. This is the story we’ve been waiting for.

Be forewarned, it’s SAD! Like really, really, really sad. The subject matter is heavy but it’s handled with such sensitivity and caring. It is so beautifully written. You physically ache for this pair and for the entire cast of characters. Everyone is affected in some way or another. The circumstances and the characters’ thoughts, feelings and reactions to it leave you raw and bleeding. It’s torturous agony but you keep going back for more because it’s so REAL, impactful and moving. It grabs you and holds on.

The silver lining is that even throughout the darkest parts, there is always this tiny ember of hope glowing. It’s in Bella’s perseverance and unwavering mentality. It’s in Edward’s commitment to rebuilding his life. As corny as this may sound, it’s in the love they have for each other. And really, isn’t that what we’re here for? One minute, you’re drowning in hurt – the next, choking on optimism. For me, it’s that crazy balance of pain and hope that give this story its weight and depth.

The characterization is amazing. I really love Travis’ versions of Edward and Bella. Both of them are intelligent, present, and self-aware, both enviably selfless and immensely strong – but I love that their true strength and redemption comes from accepting and embracing their selfish wants and needs.

The dialogue is probably the best I’ve ever read. It is spot-on, capturing how teenagers speak. It’s perfectly realistic but it also carries a certain wisdom and insight, little tidbits and life lessons embedded into the conversation and narrative. And it’s funny. Edward and Bella have a rhythm – a way of relating to each other – that is pure and sweet. The banter is masterfully written, which in my opinion, is a rarity. It lends itself very well to the pacing and plot of this story.

I understand that the high angst warning may put some people off picking it up, but I urge you to give it a chance. If you read fics like Wide Awake, Just Wait, and/or Emancipation Proclamation, etc., you will survive this one. The Consequence of Miracles is one of those stories that I like to call an “instant classic”. As soon as you pick it up, you KNOW it’s one of the greatest contributions to our fandom.

~
Note: It’s actually complete now. The last chapter just posted. But I haven’t read it yet. *slow exhale* Wish me luck!

(originally posted to Eat. Sleep. Breathe. Twilight.)

Posted in twilight | Tagged fanfiction, ficrec | 1 Comment

Weezer

Posted on June 2, 2014 by kmah88

My friend writes a weekly column for our other friend’s blog ~ Music Monday. (Actually, she does a Throwback Thursday post each week too…) Each week has a theme, like today was drinking songs. Or sometimes she picks a particular artist to focus on. They are really great, BTW. If you haven’t seen them, check them out.

So, this upcoming week, she’s going to be highlighting my favourite band and asked me to come up with my top 15 songs. Ummmmm…. yeah. That is quite the task. I’m still working on it. Thankfully I have a week.

So far, here are my 39 most favourites.

Always

Paperface

I Just Threw Out the Love of My Dreams (feat. Rachel Haden from that.dog)

Perfect Situation

The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)

Say It Ain’t So

Pork and Beans

Undone (The Sweater Song)

Buddy Holly

Hash Pipe

Beverly Hills

Island in the Sun

El Scorcho

Across the Sea

Pink Triangle

Falling for You

Troublemaker

Heart Songs

Susanne

Jamie

Mykel and Carli

Memories

We’re All on Drugs

(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To

Keep Fishin’

In the Garage

Surf Wax America

The Good Life

Trippin’ Down the Freeway

Represent

Kids/Pokerface (MGMT & Lady Gaga covers)

Unbreak My Heart (Toni Braxton cover)

I Don’t Want Your Loving

This Is Such a Pity

My Best Friend

I’m Your Daddy

Can’t Stop Partying (feat. L’il Wayne)

The Prettiest Girl in the Whole Wide World

Paranoid Android (Radiohead cover)

Posted in personal | Tagged Weezer | Leave a comment

#100happydays

Posted on June 1, 2014 by kmah88

I love this idea. Sometimes all you need to be happy is an attitude adjustment. No one is happy all day every day. But you can find at least one thing to be happy about each day. If you take the time to appreciate the things in life that make you happy, you’ll probably be happier in general.

These are all the pictures I posted on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter for the #100happydays challenge.

March 5 – Day 1. Hubby brought me tea in bed to help me begin my day.
starting out simple. ‘Cause, you know, it’s the little things…

Tea is my favourite thing to (and probably really the only thing I) drink. It tastes even better when someone else makes it for me.

March 6 – Day 2. This happened. Gonna be hard to top that for the remaining 98!

Did some celebrity stalking and got to witness movie making in person. (This is a picture of my video camera preview screen, hence the quality.)

March 7 – Day 3. This arrived in the mail yesterday! (And ironically, no, I am not copying Brina. Just turns out the same things make us happy.)

So excited that one of my favourite fics turned into a published novel.

March 8 – Day 4. “Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.”

My sister and nephew came to visit from Manitoba for a few days.

March 9 – Day 5. Drinks and games with Sister and Hubby.

Just hanging out is what I miss out on most living so far away from family.

March 10 – Day 6. Marathoning the Twimovies with Sister. Her first time.

“You’ve never seen them?” “No, they are too scary.” I LOL’ed so hard. Oh, and I didn’t force her. She suggested it.

March 11 – Day 7. I love when family comes to visit. Great time with Sister and Nephew.

I was sad to see them leave but had a lovely visit with my little sis and her youngest son.

March 12 – Day 8. Snuggles.

Typical night on the couch, wrapped up together, watching TV.

March 13 – Day 9. People are actually reading and commenting on my blog posts!

very pleasantly surprised

March 14 – Day 10. Happy Pi Day.

I felt that I needed some pie to “celebrate”. Hubby was kind enough to bring me home some.

March 15 – Day 11. Catching up with HK kids at Kaycelyn’s babyshower.

My (super pregnant) HK Roomie came back from Manitoba for a visit and her baby shower. It was great to see her, along with the other fellow travellers.

March 16 – Day 12. The zone.

Where I spend a lot of time “working”~ on my computer (sometimes 2 are needed), iPad for communication, listening to music, sipping on tea.

March 17 – Day 13. Tickets purchased.

So looking forward to my trip to San Diego.Phoenix in June to meet up with my friends who I talk to every day but only really get to see once a year at these type of events.

March 18 – Day 14. New modem that maintains WiFi connection when the microwave is on.

Not only is it more powerful but also updated our internet usage from 80GB/month to 180. Now I don’t have to restrict Skype calls and movie pirating.

March 19 – Day 15. No-reason breakfast in bed.

Hubby made me a bacon & egg sandwich without me asking him to.

March 20 – Day 16. (Also #TBT) I am super lucky to have a Hubby who is so supportive and understanding of my crazy obsessions. Or, at least, puts up with them.

Not once did he complain or ask me not to trek back and forth downtown or put up a fuss about the crazy hours.

March 21 – Day 17. I got mail.

Brina knew how much I wanted this, found it (not available in Canada), and send it to me along with a few other goodies.

March 22 – Day 18. Done.

I spent hours drawing and colouring this. It might not look like much but it was fun.

March 23 – Day 19. Warmth. Shelter. Food. Comfort.

No matter what, if you have the basics, you’re a lucky person. I love my home and am always grateful for all I have that is simply just given to me.

March 24 – Day 20. Love, from Hubby.

Tea, donut, and flowers. Nice.

March 25 – Day 21. Divergent.

movie date with Hubby

March 26 – Day 22. Using my HK sugar. And cookies!

After hoarding the liquid sugar cups I brought home with me almost a year ago, I decided I would make one of my favourite drinks I get at bubble tea for myself. And these cookies are only available at holiday times. Both are so yummy.

March 27 – Day 23. Thursday night TVD live chats.

Even if we can’t hang out in person, every Thursday night (and most Tuesdays, for The Originals as well), my friends and I “get together” on group chat to watch our favourite TV show.

March 28 – Day 24. Super proud of Nephie for winning the Heritage Days competition. Good luck at regionals, buddy!

He worked so hard on this presentation and did an awesome job.

March 29 – Day 25. Homemade.

This was my first ever attempt at making my own mashed potatoes. I know… Don’t laugh.

March 30 – Day 26. Couch nap.

Midday naps on the couch are sometimes even more comfortable and restful than sleeping in my bed.

March 31 – Day 27. Good TV.

In direct reaction to the horrible HIMYM finale ~ The Following is a great show and Emma is my favourite character.

April 1 – Day 28. Magic Bag.

I had really bad pain in my abdomen and the reheatable bean bag was pretty much my only means of relief.

April 2 – Day 29. “Feel better, Wifey.”

I slept through the entire day to escape the pain. Hubby was very sweet, making sure I was okay and checking to see if I needed anything.

April 3 – Day 30. Even with marshmallows.

Hubby brought me hot chocolate in bed.

April 4 – Day 31. Sold my Surface Pro. Now have enough for travel.

I was kinda bummed I never got to use it, but I’d rather have the cash to see my friends than yet another piece of technology to hold in my hands.

April 5 – Day 32. True friends I can talk to and WiFi that allows me to do so.

I love my friends so much. I know I can always count on them. Thank goodness for the social media apps that I use to keep in touch.

April 6 – Day 33. Snow is almost gone.

I like living in a place with 4 very distinct seasons. I’d get so bored with the same scenery all year round (even though I never go outside to enjoy it).

April 7 – Day 34. Good memories.

MIL passed away one year ago. We miss her so much but she left us with full hearts.

April 8 – Day 35. I did it!

I wanted to get my lip pierced for 2 years. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it.

April 9 – Day 36. This girl. Happy Birthday, Purple Brina!!

One of the truest, greatest friends ~ I love her!

April 10 – Day 37. Siblings.

for National Siblings Day

April 11 – Day 38. Tattoo plans.

They will all find a home on me at some point. The white star is next ~ going on my ankle, then soot sprites behind my ear after that.

April 12 – Day 39. Hong Kong reminiscing for Justine.

My friend came over to get travel advice before she left for her placement in HK. It’s fun to relieve the memories and to be able to pass along tidbits.

April 13 – Day 40. Homemade chicken nachos.

I used to make them all the time but it had been years. Yum!

April 14 – Day 41. Me and Christina Perri. #headorhearttour

My friend Abbygail and I went to the CP concert in Toronto and got to meet her.

April 15 – Day 42. Frosted sugar cookies.

melt in your mouth goodness

April 16 – Day 43. Movie binge.

I watched A Love Song for Bobby Long, Gods & Monsters, and Cloud Atlas and then continued the next day with Saving Mr. Banks, Once, and Never Let Me Go.

April 17 – Day 44. Happy Birthday, Nephew! Can’t believe this kid is 14 already.

It’s been so cool watching him grow from a tiny baby into the huge young man he is now.

April 18 – Day 45. Proud fan.

Both his movies that he made in the past year and a half are going to the Cannes Film Festival.

April 19 – Day 46. Food.

Pizza party for one while Hubby was away and I was left all alone ~ 2 Hawaiian calzones, half-moon cheesy bread, potato wedges, caesar salad, and brownies. Lasted me 3 days.

April 20 – Day 47. Happy Easter.

I hadn’t been outside for a long time so I was happy that the weather was so nice. I sat in the backyard, painting “easter toes”, while Skyping with friends. It didn’t feel so lonely afterall. A lovely evening.

April 21 – Day 48. Revised travel plans.

I changed my plans to head to San Diego a few days earlier so I can see Bobby Long in LA (twice!) before road tripping down to Phoenix with my friends.

April 22 – Day 49. Playing around.

trying out different makeup and hair looks

April 23 – Day 50. He’s home!

Hubby was away in Vegas for 8 days ~ I missed him!

April 24 – Day 51. Hours of entertainment.

I have years worth of fan fiction stories to catch up on.

April 25 – Day 52. Party.

I had a GREAT time at my friends’ end of the year party… Maybe a little TOO much.

April 26 – Day 53. He takes care of me.

Hubby was prepared for my hangover with multiple water bottles and pain relief.

April 27 – Day 54. Music.

I love music. This one has it’s very own blog post.

April 28 – Day 55. Toasty toes.

Rilakkuma slippers ~ great for those late nights at the kitchen table on the computer

April 29 – Day 56. Hashbrowns.

This is a stock photo because I was so excited when Hubby brought them home for me that I ate them immediately.

April 30 – Day 57. Canadian chip flavours.

I feel bad for my American friends that they don’t have these. And dill pickle. SMH. Such a shame.

May 1 – Day 58. 1 niece, 8 nephews (and 1 great-niece and 1 angel).

Armfelts, Gagros, Frosts, Johnston-Minakers, and Mahs

May 2 – Day 59. Early surprise anniversary flowers.

He actually successfully surprised me.

May 3 – Day 60. Sundried tomato parmesan fusilli.

AKA: late lunch in bed

May 4 – Day 61. Anniversary dinner.

We tried out Hoops for dinner after he was at a Raptors game and I did some shopping downtown. Followed up by bubble tea and a walk in the park.

May 5 – Day 62. Happy Anniversary.

7 years

May 6 – Day 63. Old favourites. #revengeofthe6th

I love Star Wars ~ but since “May the 4th” was taken up by anniversary pics, I kept the theme going one more day.

May 7 – Day 64. Sleep.

I count sleeping as one of my hobbies. I’ve never met anyone who sleeps as much as I do. And I really appreciate the face that I’m free to do it whenever I want, for as long as I want.

May 8 – Day 65. Shopping date.

I love getting together with one of my oldest, best friends ~ also one of my favourite people.

May 9 – Day 66. Smell of clean laundry.

I literally shoved my face right in there for a whiff. One of the best smells in the world.

May 10 – Day 67. I bought glasses.

Finally

May 11 – Day 68. One of my favourite moms ~ my little sister. (And her 3 wee boys… and 1 big boy.) #happymothersday (picture stolen from her)

I cannot express how much love I have for my sister ~ She is a fantastic mother and her boys are amazing.

May 12 – Day 69. Nostalgia.

A lot of high school is painful for me to think about, but I can still remember a lot of goof times and good people.

May 13 – Day 70. Happy Birthday, Rob.

Oh, make fun of me if you must. Celebrity crushes are a means of happiness. So shove it. (I was reluctant to post this on Facebook and Instagram. I TRY to keep ‘this stuff’ off of there as much as possible. But the fact is, my ‘other interests’ take up a significant portion of my life. I’m learning to be okay with that.)

May 14 – Day 71. Came in the mail today.

Part 2 was released the day before and it arrived right away. Great story. I love it.

May 15 – Day 72. Flights booked.

Looking forward to visiting with family. It’s been too long.

May 16 – Day 73. X-Men marathon with Hubby in preparation for next week.

Took us three or four days to get through them all, but we succeeded. Hubby and I have different tastes so it’s great when we are both really into something.

May 17 – Day 74. These ladies.

This is the group that gets me through everyday. Common interest brought us together but the fact that they are wonderful people keeps them in my life.

May 18 – Day 75. Live streams.

How great is technology?! So cool to be able to watch live coverage of something going on all the way in France over the internet.

May 19 – Day 76. The MOST important man to me. (Just in case you thought otherwise.) Love nights chilling on the couch, him watching TV while I read.

No matter how much I fangirl over ‘that guy’, never doubt where my love lies. A typical night ~ I relish those little moments, peeking out from behind my iPad just to see his face.

May 20 – Day 77. I can see!

Picked up my new glasses. What a difference they make ~ It’s great to be able to see more that 5 feet in front of me.

May 21 – Day 78. After 3 years of searching, I finally found it.

I bought one box years ago and could never find this flavour again. I had given up completely ~ then randomly came across it in a grocery store going out of business.

May 22 – Day 79. Super Groovy.

Went to watch Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie at my friends’ house. Didn’t end up watching the whole thing, but a good time was had nonetheless.

May 23 – Day 80. Longest it’s ever been. (2009 to now.)

After I cut off the black and had my own colour back, I decided even if there isn’t much that I can give to anyone in need, I have hair I can give so I started to grow it out with plans to donate it to make wigs for cancer patients when it was long enough. 5 years later and I almost have 18 usable inches.

May 24 – Day 81. Found a gem.

I get so excited when there is a “new classic” addition to our fandom.

May 25 – Day 82. Anime North. With an X-Men chaser.

Hubby and I hadn’t been to the anime convention since 2009. It’s always fun to see the cosplayers. (Check my Insta feed if you wanna see.) After a fun day there, we went to see X-Man: Days of Future Past. Loved it.

May 26 – Day 83. Best app ever. #authenticweather (Note: NOT for children.)

Somehow I don’t mind unfavourable weather reports when they are given to me full of F-bombs.

May 27 – Day 84. Studio Ghibli movies.

Just watched From Up on Poppy Hill (the most recent release). I love these movies. Miyazaki and Takahata are both unbelievably talented and I love the worlds they create. This stack has my top two movies of all time ~ My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.

May 28 – Day 85. Fun day with Hubby.

Went downtown to change out my lip piercing, had dinner at my favourite sushi restaurant, and then caught a Blue Jays game. Adventure day!

May 29 – Day 86. Massage.

It had been WAY overdue. One of the best massages I’ve ever had. Crush on my new RMT. Definitely going to be going back to her.

May 30 – Day 87. Sunshine.

Woke up of my own accord and went outside to catch some sun before my trip. Just chilling, reading books, listening to music, sipping some sweet tea. Got completely burnt, but that’s beside the point…

May 31 – Day 88. Weezer.

I had to make day 88 special ~ What better way to do that than to highlight my 20 year love affair with my favourite band? (Note my avatar and Facebook and Twitter cover pictures and my entire paraphernalia collection.)

June 1 -Day 89. Quiet morning.

I love the quality of light in the morning. There were birds chirping and cooing and it was nice and warm. I enjoy the solitude before everyone else is awake and being annoying.

June 2 – Day 90. Bitstrips.

At first, I was against these cartoons. But then I made my own and it looks just like me except way cuter. So now I love it.

June 3 – Day 91. Repaired wire. Finally.

The retaining wire on the back of my teeth broke about 2 months ago. I was biting on it every time I ate and it was cutting up my tongue. I FINALLY got around to making an appointment with the orthodontist to fix it.

June 4 – Day 92. Happy Birthday, Hubby.

For his birthday, I made him an Iron Man cake.

June 5 – Day 93. Can’t wait!

Leaving for vacation in a week. So exited to see my girls ~and Bobby Long twice.

June 6 – Day 94. Cute kids.

I spent the day shopping and hanging out with my friend and her two adorable children.

June 7 – Day 95. Cake for dinner.

I’m a grown up, despite what my dubious dietary choices say about me. I can eat whatever I want.

June 8 – Day 96. Road trip preparations.

Lots of music is a necessity for endless hours on the road. I prepared one for my bus ride and flights and my friend Jenn made one for our group since she is unable to join us. (The 2 songs shown are “our” songs.)

June 9 – Day 97. Giftie in the mail.

I received a present in the mail from my friend Jenn. Thank you!

June 10 – Day 98. Cupcakes.

Hubby successfully surprised me again

June 11 – Day 99. ♫ All my bags are packed. I’m ready to go. ♫

super excited for my trip

June 12 – Day 100. V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N.

flying out to California to see my friends

(originally posted to wohngsikneuih)

Posted in personal | Tagged 100happydays, photo challenge | 5 Comments

Happy Days Challenge

Posted on June 1, 2014 by kmah88

I saw this thing on Instagram (or Facebook… or somewhere). A challenge posed ~ Can you be happy 100 days in a row?

Me? The obvious answer is no, of course not. I can’t even maintain a level of happiness throughout an entire day. One hour, I’m good. The next, something has upset me. A few hours later, I’ve moved past it. Until something else comes up. It’s the emotional rollercoaster that is my life.

But then I really thought about it. Maybe it’s not important to “be happy” all the time, but to teach yourself to appreciate the things that give you happiness when they occur. To focus your attention on those things. To train yourself to be positive, rather than to allow yourself to be swallowed up in misery all the time. Negativity is a downward spiral. Or in my case, a cyclone into the pits of hell. If I focus on it, I can end up in a black hole for days (months… arguably years) at a time.

I am a strong believer in the law of attraction and what you put out into the universe comes back to you and all that crap. I think what you think becomes your reality. If you say “life sucks”, life will truly suck. If you say “nothing ever goes my way”, “I have terrible luck”, “someone out there is against me”, it all becomes true. Why do that to yourself? There is enough shit in the world. Don’t make it worse for yourself (and, in turn, everyone else around you).

If all of this is true, then by default, the opposite is also true. “Life is awesome.” Right?
Unfortunately, we live in a society and time where we have useless, stupid stress, too many options and choices, too little time (or too much), no REAL social hardship (war, long-standing natural disaster, etc.) to endure that makes us appreciate how much we really have… and complacency and unrest is the norm. We actually have to TEACH ourselves not to think this way. I can’t speak for everyone obviously, but for me, I grew up with this mindset. As an adult, I came to realize that happiness isn’t something you shoot for or earn or the golden finish line. It’s a choice.

It’s a lifestyle. It’s a way of thinking, an attitude.

Yes, I am fully aware this is oversimplifying things. There are situations in life that honestly suck. Misery is real. There are things that happen in the human brain that hold us back. I get that. (Believe me.) But I think the first step in changing your life to be closer to that seemingly-unobtainable, perpetual happiness is to be aware of those teeny tiny little things that bring a smile to your face, or even just the things that make you stop yourself from blowing up the neighbourhood and yourself when everything else is hopeless.

It’s really hard. Especially when you aren’t used to it. But I am also a subscriber to the adage “fake it till you make it”. In this whole thought process thing, it’s important to tell yourself you have things to be happy about until you believe it. There are psychotherapy practices based almost completely on this principle. Cognitive behaviour therapy is basically just that. Change your thought patterns until the desired thought becomes the new way of thinking. Instead of having to remind yourself to think that way, after a while, you just automatically do.

Even when things are at their bleakest, especially then, no matter the emotional climate you find yourself in, look for just one thing that you are blessed with. That is the point of the challenge. After 100 days, you can look back and see that life really isn’t so bad.

I keep saying I shouldn’t have started it while I’m unemployed and doing absolutely nothing. Some days, I sleep through the majority of the day and only am awake for a few hours to sit on the couch and watch TV or read. There was also a week I went through during the challenge that was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. Some of the things I came up with were a huge stretch. I didn’t WANT to document or remember some of those things because it felt pathetic or even a lie. But, looking back at them now, I actually do feel happy about it. I’m glad I did it during this time in my life. I know now that I can put into practice what I believe and have it make a difference in my thinking. If it had been during a time that I was out everyday, doing stuff, being around people, blah blah blah… maybe it would have been too easy. Happiness would have been inevitable. Since that was not the case, I actually had to really think and dig deep to find things some days. It makes it more of a success in a way.

I have 12 days left and I have not missed a single one. Despite my world practically falling apart, the depression, the malaise and apathy, there was always something I could be happy about, whether specific to the day or just in general. Even if I don’t post one more thing for the next 12 days (which I most likely will!), I still feel like I made it.

(originally posted to wohngsikneuih)

Posted in personal | Tagged 100happydays, photo challenge | 4 Comments

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Perfect Gift

Posted on May 28, 2014 by kmah88

Today’s rec is another one via my friend Kristin (@Kdub_s).

Title: The Perfect Gift

By: Mizzdee (@mizzdee_FF)

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9946827/1/The-Perfect-Gift

Why is it good?: I’m a little bias when it comes to this writer. She is a dear friend of mine and a fellow fich00r. And she also picked a fantastic beta. The story is about Christmas being a time for love, joy and happiness. But when love just isn’t enough, is there anything that can make things right? There are parts that my heart was breaking for Bella and parts I had happy tears in my eyes. I love the uncertainty of the story. Is Edward going to be able to fix it or is Paul going to wiggle his way back in her life and bed? It’s a must read!

~~~~~
I feel as though it would be a conflict of interest for me to comment on this one. Lol. Take Kristin’s word for it and check it out.
Thanks for the rec, K-Dubs!

*Note way after the fact: The reason I was cryptically not giving my opinion is because this fic was written by our friend Deena and I was the beta. IDK why I was so hesitant back then.

(originally posted to Eat. Sleep. Breathe. Twilight.)

Posted in twilight | Tagged fanfiction, ficrec, guestrec | 1 Comment

Love Letter

Posted on May 22, 2014 by kmah88

I always have my iPad with me. When I’m lying in bed, before I fall asleep, that is when my brain works through everything. Every once in awhile, I feel like I need to write things down. My iPad is right there, so my notes section is full of stuff.

I just came across this and decided to share it. I wrote it January 16 at 3:21am.

It’s always you. You’re the one I put my faith in. The one I lean on. When the rest of the world throws me and I feel like everyone turns their backs on me, I turn to you. You’re always there when it really matters. You may not always understand, or agree, but you always love and you support me in ways I can’t even wrap my head around. Just being near you makes me feel stronger. You may not be able to diffuse every bomb that sets itself off inside of me, but you smother the flames into mere smouldering embers. Your consistency provides a balance in my world that I crave. I would be lost without you.

(originally posted to wohngsikneuih)

Posted in personal | Leave a comment

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