Shudder shock of pale.

I'm piecing my peace back together, how about you?

I've felt on edge, out of sorts and completely consumed with MYSELF this past week. This past month. Or two.

When I'm going about my daily livings, one of two things will occur:

1. I feel like an absolute and massively cumbersome idiot. How is it Sarah, that you can spend so much time talking about what you're "going to do" and so little time doing it? How is it Sarah, that you cannot find the words or actions to properly comfort/encourage/love someone who needs it? How is it Sarah, that you cannot finish a degree in the same time span it takes everyone else? HOW DO YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF?!

2. Or, I feel like everybody around is me a complete and total idiot. How is it McDonald's worker, that you do not know the difference between a plain sandwich and one that is covered in condiment and vegetables? How is it truck/car/van driver, that you have your license when you cannot signal to turn/merge properly/DRIVE? How is it boyfriend/best friend/family member that you cannot grasp these simple concepts I have properly outlined for you? HOW DID I GET TO BE SO MUCH SMARTER THAN EVERY ASSHAT IN THIS CITY?!

It's a funny thing, this coexisting. I never was a team player.

You know how when girls are middle school-ish age they all want to be the Hannah Montanas of the world? They dream of big stages and bright lights. Or at least, I would assume (through my careful observations as a nanny) that the average young girl does.

When I was in grade seven I fell in love with... Emily Dickinson. Although I still find her poetry astonishingly beautiful, it was her life that enthralled me when I first read of her. She was a total recluse, who never left her house and kept in touch with the important people in her life through letters. She wasn't even a known poet until after her death, when all of her poems were discovered in her room.

At the tender age of twelve, I would dream of myself becoming a reclusive poetess. It seems, much to my befuddlement, that my path to this point has been a steady one.

Mind you my tale is set in this new era - blog entries and text messages are my choice of correspondence. My poetry is a bunch of scribbles, quotes and words that rest in the coil-bound journal in my purse. Or on this site.

This post was supposed to be about the music I've been enjoying lately. It somehow progressed here. Why fight it?

But in case you need to be inspired by others through the art of song, have a listen to one, two and three.

And these wars; they can never be won.

Alex and I went to the mall immediately after he got off work yesterday. Why do you ask? The latest Muse album, The Resistance, dropped yesterday. We had a listening party planned (with Mr. Jones included of course, him being my fellow Muse lover for the past half decade). Needless to say, we had high hopes.

Muse has been my most favourite band for a long time, a really really long time. Their last album, Black Holes and Revelations, really did it for a lot of people. They generated this whole new fan base with their overproduced catchy tunes. Some nice stuff to play on Guitar Hero, I'm sure.

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed their last album. It wasn't the Muse I remembered, but bands always change with the times. It was a new Muse, but one I was open to, one I purchased and listened to with love in my heart.

Muse has kind of taken a back seat since 2006 for me. Amazing albums have come out since then and I have been focusing my attention on them. But I waited for this new album. I waited and I prayed real hard, give me something that will blow my mind!

It blew my mind the wrong way.

Gone were the bass beats that had me pounding my hands on the steering wheel. No longer was Matt Bellamy singing his falsetto out loud and proud, instead he kept a tight grasp on it, I kept on waiting for something more... edgy. Most songs were an obscure power ballad, as if Timbaland had mixed a Queen song. I was, and am, very disappointed.

There are a couple good songs. As we listened through them we kept hoping that the three part symphony at the end would somehow make up for it, that the band had invested in these three songs the most. Unfortunately they were no different from the rest of the album.

I'm not saying don't listen to it, it might be your taste! I'm just really surprised to find that this is Muse's taste now. I'll probably keep listening and maybe it will grow on me. A brief perusing about the internets this morning displayed rave reviews all around. Shows how much I know.

Muse has definitely evolved, they're entering the spacey electronic future at full force. Unfortunately for me, as previously stated, I'm just not big on change.


Edit: this review dude must read my blog, apparently I'm not alone in my opinion.

Pull your little arrows out.

Isn't my backyard enchanted?

So. My body took a step back this weekend and I found myself in the ER Sunday morning. Seems I pulled a muscle! This means my pill total is up to twelve a day. But they're muscle relaxers so I am only happy to take them. Mmmm, loopy goodness.

The doctor told me to take some time off work, but I went in yesterday morning with a loopy smile plastered to my face. Needless to say I'm off today as no one wants their children around a drugged up cripple.

To the people I was supposed to see this past weekend: how about next weekend please? I promise to make it extra special!

To the Metric fans: how golden is this new album? Fantasies is by far the best album to come out of 2009 (so far!). It is the best Metric album yet, so if you were considering becoming a fan DO IT NOW. The album hasn't actually been released yet, but you can listen for free on their Myspace (I'd recommend Blindness, Sick Muse, Satellite Mind and of course, their first single Help I'm Alive).

I think I'll soon need a Winting mix to go with my Wintumn one. Let's make it happen, Robyn!

With a purpose and a smirk.

I don't normally do survey type things... I thought this one was cute though. Plus it's a good way for you to see the not-so-commonly talked about songs I listen to!

The idea is you put your iTunes on shuffle and use the different song titles that come up as the answers to the questions. No skipping!

I have highlighted the good ones for your convenience, should you be inclined to skim.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "ARE YOU OKAY" YOU SAY?
Aching to Pupate by Regina Spektor

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
The Alchemy Between Us by Young Galaxy

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Wild Honey Pie by The Beatles

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Luvstory by Sigur Ros with Mogwai

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Indestructible by Matthew Good

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Better by Regina Spektor

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Get Home by Sarah Slean

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Dogs by Damien Rice

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
A Million Lights by Tree63

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Near to You by A Fine Frenzy

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Boyz by MIA

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Adagio in G Minor by Albinoni

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby by The Beatles

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Overture from Jesus Christ Superstar

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
In this Light by David Usher

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Get Fighted by Alexisonfire

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
My Life as a Circus Clown by Matthew Good

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Southern Girl by Incubus

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Lights Out by Santogold

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Oh! Darling from Across the Universe (This one is true!)

Pretty good.

The character of Joey Miller will now be played by actor Larry David.


Work has taken over my life really. If I'm not working, I'm sleeping. The days are kind of blending together in a mesh called my life.

I seek solace in reading and music. The people in this house (both those who live here and those who are here all the time) have been keeping me sane and happy. Not very sober though.

It's midterm break now. Are you home?

Tuney misters.

Read this article and be amazed at the good things being done in this country for young musicians... much to Stephen Harper's dismay.

Undercover.

Something to make you laugh during these stressful times. I've already watched it like ten times... addictive.

Sean left his jam-jams.

A week since my last post! A record for sure. No internet and living with awesomegasmic people will do that.

I'm sure things will get back to normal over the course of December. Because yes, it is indeed December, despite whatever your internal clock might say.

In honour of a very special lady day here in Canada, I'm showing you these lovely lady faces:
I look really different in those photos. Like young and old Sarah.

Also in honour of special lady day, a special lady song... CHRISTMAS SONG!


I want to start a house blog, starring my lovely roomies and I. Audio recordings of Phillipe and Moo doing it included. OBVIOUSLY.

It's cool to know nothing.

Today was Remembrance day. Instead of reiterating what I've said in previous posts, let's talk about something else.

Music? I sure love it. This song has been stuck in my head ALL DAY. Loves me some new Kaiser Chiefs too. Oh, and this song from the Amelie soundtrack makes me wish I could compose music for piano with any sort of efficiency. Well. I did co-write Mendelssohn Monster. I'm going to have to dig footage of that up.

Since this has turned into some sort of a demented version of a love list, I might as well keep going.

Loving diet Ginger Ale and the beautiful friends who brave the cold to get it for me.

Love making plans with my super cool awesome Robynsky for super cool awesome extravaganzas.

Totally love the word: extravaganza. Say it aloud a few times... extravaganza, extravaganza... don't you feel wealthier!

I love an event where I can go and make crafts out of recyclables (pictures to come!), eat bacon and pancakes and celebrate with friends ALL IN THE SAME NIGHT.

Love predicting futures. No matter how screwed my friends are. :)

LOVE YOU.

And I loves me some Degrassi Junior High. Currently in the middle of season three and it is ROCKIN'. Spike had her kid and Shane has finally stopped being a douche bag and is giving half of his allowance to help support them. 'BOUT TIME. And man, Lucy sure goes for the pervs. And Allison, oh Allison! How you slay me.

Ageless beauty.

Last night I got to fulfill one of my life goals. Cool, huh? I have a list of ten bands I need to see live before I die... now I can cross a second off (the first was OLP)!

Stars makes me musicgasm all over the world. I don't know how else to describe it. I bought Set Yourself on Fire in 2005 and there has been no going back.

AND I GOT TO SEE THEM LIVE. LAST NIGHT. WOW.

We were like three metres from the stage and I peed a little when Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell came out with giant smiles and handsome attire. They were made for live music.

Oh, and Torquil threw me a rose. Yup. Why not. It almost bet the Raine Maida pointing at me thing. I WAS MADE FOR THIS STUFF.


Now if only Muse would play here so Matthew Bellamy could blow me kisses...

Make butter for my piece of bun.

Sarah is on meds A, B and now as of today, C. A and B are fine together. But C causes B not to work. And A mixed with C kills Sarah. But Sarah needs meds A and C. WHAT DOES SARAH DO?

Answer: watch Top Model and read about municipal and federal interaction in Canada, all the while pretending that everything is alright.

I eat 'em raw like sushi.

During the summer I was constantly on the prowl for new music. Artists I had never heard off, listened or payed attention to.

Now I find myself searching for music I have definitely heard at some point but disregarded. A lot of singles - mostly because these are the ones I can find on Youtube.

Does anyone remember the show Rockstar: INXS? Man, I loved that show. They played every amazing song ever. Mmm, Nirvana covers.

Some other gems I've found in my quest:

Tori Amos' song Cornflake Girl... man, what a brilliant song
Foo Fighter's Everlong... never ever gets old
Gerardo Mejia's Rico Suave... haha... haha
Placebo's Running Up That Hill... an example of how covers are sometimes better than originals

Just some songs for you to listen to. Maybe they will make you feel good on your insides like me.

And David, I'd kill for a translation of Rico Suave.

Sexy Cartman.

This makes me love him even more. And when exactly is he breathing?

I exist in someone else's head.

When some people are sad, they cry. I generally just get mad. When some people are mad they cry tears of frustration. I just get angrier. And when some people are happy, they smile. I usually cry.

Last night, I honestly thought I was going to burst. Like burst. I kept shaking uncontrollably and crying and screaming and losing my mind. I had my two bifizzles beside me and in front of me Our Lady Peace.

I wish I could convey to you how much this band means to me. Pretty much anyone my age living in this country loves OLP, it’s almost unpatriotic not to. But to put into words what their music, their passion, their spirit has done for me over the past decade... well I can’t.

And I think the only way you would know how much this band means to me would be if you were standing next to me at that concert last night. Watching me sing along with every song. Watching me scream like my life was ending. Watching me cry with every emotional wave.

I knew it was going to be one of the best experiences of my life when before even any of the lights came on, the bassist started playing that deadly opening line for Naveed.


They played a lot of songs I wasn't thinking I'd hear (off their older albums) and only two songs off their latest one. Hope, Starseed, One Man Army, 4 AM, In Repair et cetera. Songs Ashley and I happily screamed along to.
The guitarist looks like a 19th c. painting in this photo:
Good news to those who missed this concert, they promised they would be back here when they tour with their next album. :)

This is not really happening.

So I am pretty much peeing with excitement. Monday needs to get here right now.

Two more work shifts, Saturday and Sunday! Eighteen more hours. Four more breaks. Two more early mornings. Almost finished!

Monday is going to be an early morning too but for all the right reasons. You can't guess why and I'm not going to tell you. Trust that there will be TONS of pictures.

I will probably end up telling you.

Ummm. I need you to watch this, okay? MMMM, A CAPPELLA.

Your choir group should sing that one, Robyn.

Listen to the music of the moment.

Listen to this song and you will feel 56%* better than you did before you watched it. That's a pretty big jump considering it's only three minutes and forty-one seconds of your life.


*statistic randomly pulled from my behind, possibly inaccurate

Backstreet Boyz.

Let's count some more.

I don't remember Sesame Street being this cool when I was a kid...

It's like the night is taking sides.

I am so totally in love with this song. Plus dude is sexy as hell. Though he dates that Much VJ chick who is such a hussy. Egads.



And I'm afraid to sleep because of what haunts me. Such as, living with the uncertainty that I'll never find the words to say which would completely explain just how I'm breaking down.

Just one guest.

I have been doing nothing but sleeping lately. Like seriously.

I don't craft or paint or venture outside or read or watch television. If I have to work I get up, go to work, come home and nap for a few hours, watch a movie, sleep. If I have a day off I'll sleep for like EVERZ, get up and watch a movie, and then sleep FOREVERZ again. I am a sick individual.

Speaking of sick, my grandfather is in the hospital. This would be west coast poppy as east coast poppy is no longer FTW. He was diagnosed with anemia and dehydration.

First of all, he lives in a retirement/nursing/old peeps home. Don't they have people to take care of supplying a sufficient amount of H20 to their residents?

Second, so it's my Mom's side of the family who cursed me with my weak blood! Grrr.

I'm all over the place. And so is my internet. And I really want to see a psychiatrist or something. And I want to go on ADD meds, that shit seems wicked.

Here are two and a half minutes of my new favourite song.

Pharrell is way hot. He's like the Matthew Bellamy of hip-hop.

Yummy.