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December 19th, 2006
02:06 pm - Massive chatterings.
Well, hello!
Oh, I think it's time for an update. I have a lot I'd like to share. I will try to encapsulate it into easily-browsable cetagories, so that it is not neccessary to read any potentially boring stuff.
So You Think You Can Dance, Season 2
So I missed the boat when it was actually happening, but it is on in re-runs now and every Sunday night I am glued. Absolutely glued to this program. Glued to the point that I am scouring Youtube in search of dances that I missed. Glued to the point where I am wondering when the DVD comes out. I got the CHILLS when Ivan and Allison did their contemporary dance to Annie Lennox's "Why". I STILL GET THE CHILLS WHEN I RE-WATCH THIS DANCE ON THE YOUTUBE. I almost had tears. I watched a Benji/Donyelle montage that someone put together on Youtube. You know the type of thing, they're not very good. This one was set to "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal and I had TEARS BRIMMIN' by the end. I have no idea why I'm so into this show. It's just so crazy good. I love the idea of these people having to learn dances they are completely unfamiliar with and totally pulling them off. Maybe it's a seasonal thing. A few years back, in this very journal, I admitted to getting goosebumps watching the Smuckers' "Stars on Ice" or whatever it was. I want to be on this show. I want to learn the lindy-hop and the ramalama bang bang zombie dance.
The "funny" auditions for the reality talent shows like American Idol, etc...
I'm going to focus on the dancing show here because I have to admit I have never watched a single season of American/Canadian Idol. I really find the "let's laugh at the losers" part sad. I mean... yes, they suck, haw haw, how could they ever think that they would do well? How silly of them to even TRY to audition! Fools! Idiots! I don't know. I mean, you get some guy or some girl on the stage, and it's obvious that their self-esteem is a little shaky, they're not too attractive and probably don't have many friends and their clothes are ugly, but they get that little bit of happiness from singing, or from dancing, and they're a little nervous and you know that it probably took such a long time for them to even consider trying out for one of these shows. AND THEY SUCK. They suck hardcore, they are terrible, and their lack of talent is only accented by the fact that they are a hideous loser! HARDEHAR! And the judges LAUGH! And TELL them how awful they are.
Now, I am all for arrogant arses being taken down a few pegs. People who are overly-confident and are obviously used to being told how talented/hot/beautiful/sexy they are. Tear 'em down. You can recognize people like that, and if they suck, tell them happily and proudly. But you don't need to tear down someone who ALREADY KINDA KNOWS THEY SUCK. It's an easy target. Get an ugly person to dance badly, and then ridicule them. Yeah, haw. But, sadly... here is the real reason, I think, why this portion of these shows stinks:
IT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME IF I AUDITIONED. Like any person who lives in a society that offers the luxury of a bedroom door that closes securely behind them, I have danced. I have danced to my music, alone in my room. I have danced hard and long, to many varieties of music. I have looked in the mirror while doing so, just to see. Just to see if I am truly the great dancer that I have always suspected that I am. I have pulled off various moves that have made me feel pretty good about myself and my ability to pull off complex footworks. But I also know, way deep down inside the catacombs of my soul, that I am not a very good dancer. If I went to a dancing audition, I would be the sweating, nervous moron who is laughed off the stage and held up for the TV viewing world to enjoy. I would stagger poorly through a self-choreographed routine that would tank badly, and I would be unaware. I would stand there, looking hopefully at the judges for reaction. And they'd make some quip at my expense. I feel sorry for those people on those shows. Cause some of 'em really don't deserve to be made fun of, and goddamn it, if we're all really honest with ourselves we will acknowledge that none of us are superstellar dancers and if we auditioned, we would suck just as bad as the guy in the Garfield sweatshirt breakin it down to Sexyback!!!! I would take criticism any day from a professional salsa dancer if I bungled a salsa! But I will not be cruelly mocked by some schlub on a panel who has no credibility whatsoever! I AM A BAD DANCER! BLAHHHHH!!!
Kisou
When I was away on tour, Kisou developed what I have affectionately come to call "The Killing Field". She stopped using the litterbox, and decided to use the vast wasteland under my bed as her toilet. People who would check in on the little darling would report that the litterbox was clean; but the room smelled awful. I returned to just such a problem. My room reeked, but was pristine. Why? Because she had created a beautiful, extensive problem under my bed. It was a great day, moving the mattress and box spring and, essentially, having to use a shovel. I am afraid she will continue this, because this is apparently her new routine, so I duct-taped cardboard along the bottoms of my bed to prevent her going underneath. And yes; it looks great.
Happily she is back to the litterbox. I have also had her on an extensive exercise-diet programme and she has shed a few pounds. She is lovely and happy. People have been asking about her. The old girl is doing well, currently napping on my bed and covering the feather-and-fan handknit afghan I made in her lovely hairs. "Cat hairs make the blanket warmer"! Yessssss.
The Holiday Season
I can't imagine any of you being offended by the word "Christmas", but we all use the word very reluctantly nowadays, don't we? I'm no religious fanatic, but I called it "Christmas" my whole life and it's pretty tough to change that after 29 years. I'm too set in my ways to find creative ways to say "Merry Christmas". But, if anyone here puts up a Holiday Tree this year, or is doing any Seasonal Shopping, enjoy it... and, by Gad, avoid the Eaton Center in downtown Toronto if you can. The place is a nightmare. I have been there twice in the last week, and I came home feeling like I had been beaten. So many people, all dressed nice, little jingle-bell earrings and Rudolph brooches, all so full of hate! Glaring at each other, whipping each other with their festive shopping bags! Stay home, and mix equal parts apple juice and cranberry juice on the stove until they boil. Add a bit of cinnamon and wait for it to cool and then drink it! Tastes good! And Christmas - er, Holiday Cupcakes! I want to bake a lot this Season. That's my PLAN!!!!!
But seriously. Enjoy the holidays and stay klassy! For reals.
Current Location: My room
Current Mood:  cheerful
Current Music: The Monkees!!!!!!!!
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October 21st, 2006
12:55 am - I think my friend said, "It's time to turn on the furnace."
Hello everyone!
So I guess people have been wondering where I have gone... good question. Normally I do try to be pretty active online, and it's been awhile since I have been around... I'm afraid to log into my Myspace. Hehehe. I'll have to get around to that at some point. *ulp*
It seems like we're done touring for the year, and getting ready to look into the future and try to make a plan and try to get another record together, et cetera. :) It's a long time in the coming. But, when there isn't any touring.... it's JOB TIME. Yes; back to the ol' grind. Working the day job (and SEARCHING for a day job, for that matter) become pretty time-consuming. Don't get me wrong; I'm definitely a fan of the "business casual" black slacks and tattoo-covering blouses... and that's where I'm at right now. Romantic, non?
Like I've said in previous posts... touring, and travelling, and performing, and band-ing in all ways really is like pressing the "pause" button. Then you're faced with the laundry and the litterboxes and the outstanding hydro bills. Then you're faced with the sensible heels, the resumes, the monster.ca, and the hopefully-intelligent-sounding "work" email address acount.
It's fall. Everyone enjoy the weather before it snows. Oh wait... it already did, last week. Anybody else get caught in that little snowstorm? There I was, doddering home from a job interview wearing my fall jacket. How silly! It's only mid-October! I should've had the parka on.
More blatherings are certainly coming. And I really have to tackle that Myspace, even though it is a terrifying prospect.
Oh yes... I went to FearFest at Canada's Wonderland. It was pretty durn fun. You should check it out, even though it is expensive as hell imo. Totally worth it, though, to go on the rides in the dark. The "spooky" attractions were much better this year than last, as well. They use real chainsaws. I bit the bullet and went on "Tomb Raider", which was pretty good (though NOT a good 'starter', despite the claims of my friends) and whoever had been on the ride before me had salivated onto the "chin piece" or whatever, so I spent the entire ride trying not to get my face into the grossness. I was always too afraid for Tomb Raider, but not this time. Grrrr! My favourites are still the Mine Buster and Top Gun, though. For reals.
Yop for when de mornin comes,
~Chibi
Current Location: In my messy as hell bedroom
Current Mood:  chipper
Current Music: CSI Miami theme: YEEEEEAAAAHHHH!!!! bow-bow-bommm....
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July 6th, 2006
02:54 pm
I want to say first off that I guess LJ accounts have a limit of 600 friends? I've added everyone I possibly can, and some of you have been asking me to add your LJ, and as much as I would like to, I mean... adding people means deleting people, and I can't in good conscience just delete people randomly. That would make me feel bad. It's sort of a conundrum, really. Please know I'm not trying to be a jerk about things, I'm just "maxed out".
So lots is happening.
Opera House Show - Saturday, July 8, 2006
I'm sure all of you know about this show, and I hope to see as many of you guys come out as possible. It's a show for our hometown before we had back to Europe for two months, and we're playing with Lye and Obsidian. It's going to be a good show, we're all really excited to get started on playing a bunch more shows and heading back out on tour.
Tour in Europe
This is going to be fun, last year was awesome. We'll be visiting more countries this time, like the UK and France and Spain... it's going to be something else. Check the Birthday Massacre website to see if we're playing near you!
So I've taken some time in the last few weeks to myself, because when you're on tour, you are NEVER alone, and I am definitely the sort of person who enjoys quiet time and appreciates being left to my own devices. Tour forces you to be social, to try and be positive even if you're having the worst day in the world, it forces you to be far away from people (and cats) that you love and care about, and can even limit your ability to communicate with these essential people through phonecalls and internet.
Tour really is like pressing the "pause" button on your day-to-day life. You're suddenly thrust into circumstances that can range from mind-blowingly amazing and fun to absurd, tiring, and stressful. You go from being a reasonable, clean, somewhat tidy person to a sweat-stained, exhausted maniac who eventually stops trying to figure out which pair of socks are the LEAST filthy and just grabs whatever's handy. Then, of course, you "adapt": a feeling of calm comes across you, you adapt to the sleeping schedules and the lack of hygiene, you learn to make the best of each situation. You learn that "horrible" can quickly translate into "funny as hell" if you want to stay sane. You figure out how to knit in the van without making mistakes. You're actually okay and content on tour. And then, of course, the next day the tour is over and you're back home facing dirty litterboxes and a heap of laundry and you don't even remember how to function in your "normal" routine. And then, a few days later, it's like there was no tour at all and you dreamed up the whole thing.
Touring extensively, for months, is relatively new to me. A year ago, the band went on its longest tour to that date: two weeks in Europe. Since then we've done much more, the longest one being two months in North America, which was definitely a learning experience for us all, and has armed us to undertake another two month tour with more experience and, for me, a bit more confidence in knowing what to expect, both from myself, from the people I'm traveling with and the many ridiculous circumstances one can suddenly end up in.
I learned that all I really want to be surrounded with is books, yarn, my beautiful cat, and the people I love. I can take some of these with me on tour, and I have to leave some of them at home, so I guess it is all about balance.
Oh yeah, and I knit two sweaters and a Princess Leia pillow.
That is all. I will see you all soon.
Current Location: Reclining poolside. Just kidding.
Current Mood:  hot
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May 13th, 2006
08:43 pm - Talk to me softly, there's something in your eyes
This is sort of a break-time in our touring schedule. In a few weeks I'm going to Leipzieg, and in a few months the band is heading over to Europe for a bunch of shows. This year is definitely something. I haven't been away from home so often, and I certainly haven't visited as many places. This year so far includes Canada, the USA, Mexico, and all the European countries we're gonna visit this summer. I have never been on so many airplanes in my life. It's pretty cool.
This said... I mean, I guess there's gotta come a point where some sort of self-actualization comes into things. This last tour we went on was the longest we have done to this point, and it was challenging for me in many ways. Not just the difficulties that can arise playing show after show after show, and being exhausted... but it was challenging for me to learn things about myself, and to find myself so far from my home for such a long time.
I am not trying to complain here. At all. The tour was quite fun. Living in the bus was interesting, and the sort of "family" vibe we developed with Jack and Zimmy along with us is something I actually missed once we got home. I missed the feeling of the motion of driving while asleep; I missed Jack's *absurd* snoring each night (no, I'm kidding about the last one. That man has some PIPES). I missed being on stage and interacting with people each night, meeting really nice folks and being able to have some good conversations here and there. I missed hanging out with the band every day, I missed being able to see so much of the country I was born in as well as the USA.
That said, when I was on tour, I missed being able to have a bath whenever I wanted. I missed having privacy, and being able to indulge my laziness by spending the afternoon asleep. I definitely, definitely missed being around friendly female companions. The guys in the band are great, most of the time, of course. But I missed girl-company. And of course I missed my sweet girl Kisou, who probably spent the duration of the tour under my bed.
There are definitely pros and cons to being on tour. And different things appeal to different people. You hear of bands who go out for years at a time. Honestly... the thought of that makes me feel very unsteady. I don't think I could be away from home that long, away from people I love. I don't have the stamina, I don't think. I learned on this trip that I like quiet, and I like sincerity, and to be honest, there are a lot of scenarios and issues that are very distressing which can arise. Maybe it is because I am not much of a "partier", as everyone knows... maybe it is because I am a female, and the "music biz" is still quite archaic in so many disgusting ways... maybe it is because I still had, and have, a lot to learn about myself.
I learned that *expecting* things... from anyone, no matter how well you know them... is often a mistake. Having expectations is not good. I did learn this.
I learned that I am definitely not a partier. But I knew that already. I was talking about that years ago, on here.
I learned that you can find happiness when you are not expecting it at all. You can be at your worst, and feeling miserable and just dredging along... and then something can happen that can make it all good. Which is the best feeling ever, when it happens... probably because it so rarely does.
I learned that in order to learn who you are... and that has been my biggest goal of the last few years, to learn about who I am, what I am about... sometimes you need to go through things that you really rather would not. You come out of it feeling lousy, but with an empowered sense of yourself. "I don't like this sort of thing. That is the person that I am."
I don't think I've ever sounded so depressed in an LJ entry before. I promise I will make it up next time.
Current Location: somewhere else
Current Mood:  sleepy
Current Music: Guns N Roses - Don't Cry
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April 14th, 2006
06:13 pm - Please destroy me this way
Ok first of all I have to thank the guy in Salt Lake City who informed me that he had graciously paid for my livejournal account. Dude, thank you. One day I will figure out how to make this thing cooler because of you!!
Okay... so last night was the last show of our jaunt across the continent. We travelled across Canada and then down across the States. Two months... almost 40 shows... I learned a lot. About my band, about myself, about North America. I learned that it snows in New Mexico. I learned that when the Birthday Massacre arrives in Arizona, we cause the first freezing rainfall in 140 days. I learned how long I can make one pair of nylons last (approximately 4 shows).
I have to tell you all right now how wonderful it was to FINALLY get to play for, and meet, so many of you. I met people who have been on the band's message board for YEARS. We also got to play with a LOT of bands that were really impressive, and meet so many good people.
We were able to play multiple shows with the Start, who are really fun and kwazy, and the Schoolyard Heroes as well. When we arrived in the States we hooked up with them, and omg, they are fabulous. Ryann, the singer, is one of my favourite girls ever, and the rest of the guys are so fun to hang out with. Poor chicken. For some reason I have ZERO photos with them. This really bothers me. :(
LA was amazing because we finally got to play with Lunarclick! Finally. Claudia is also one of my favourite girls. It was such a fabulous night in so many ways. My friends from Ontario, Tory (from the band MDM) and his lady Candace were on holiday there and made it out to the show. It was awesome.
I have many thoughts to write, but I will save them for when I am better-slept and over this horrendous cold. In the meantime I have uploaded some pictures to share with you guys!
Current Mood:  cold
Current Music: Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch
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April 13th, 2006
03:54 pm - Yaaaaaay
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April 10th, 2006
03:31 pm
i got a myspace haaaaaaaa
add me! www.myspace.com/darth_mittens
tour photos and stuff coming, like, end of week...
lj will still be my main "updater". i swear. i dont even know why i got this thing.... but now i feel all insecure and want friends....
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February 18th, 2006
08:10 pm
Hi everybody...
Well, the big day is here for us. We're leaving to begin ye olde Broken Minds tour in a matter of hours, beginning the long, cold drive to Winnipeg. Our first show is on Tuesday, we're really looking forward to kicking things off.
We've never toured for this long before, so we're a bit nervous, excited... I'm already homesick and we haven't even left yet, heh. I'm a homebody at heart. :)
We're really excited that we'll be able to meet a lot of you guys. Many of you have been supporting us for years, and we're happy that we're finally getting the chance to come visit you. Once again I want to encourage everyone to come up and say hi at a show.
Remember, we still have dates to announce. The tour isn't finalized yet, so keep checking the board! We'd like to finish the tour in Toronto.... we'll see what's gonna happen. :)
I'm gonna try to post to the board and on my livejournal from time to time, and definitely try to get online as much as possible... we'll see how it goes.
Hugs to you all. And I hope we get to see everyone really soon!
Current Mood:  happy
Current Music: Out on a Limb - Eye Eye
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November 29th, 2005
04:21 am - 2006 Tour Dates...
For all who haven't yet, click here for news on our Broken Minds Tour which we're heading out on in early 2006 (just a short while off now!)
We'll be playing New Years Eve at Bar Sinister in LA, and several dates in Mexico mid-January opening for the band Paradise Lost have been announced. Details of these shows can be found on the website... I'm too internetically* inept to link to the specifics. Clicking above is much easier!
Please note that the bulk of the dates have not been announced yet, and that the list mentioned on the site will be added to as the weeks pass here. Please do keep an eye on the site and the board, as we will definitely be updating with show dates in the next few weeks.
We're very excited to be heading out on this tour, and preparations are hectic as always. We're also writing new music for the next album, so our "baskets are pretty full" right now. I don't think that's an expression, but it is now. :D
We had cold and snow here, and tonight, warm and raining. If that's not a recipe for catching a cold, I don't know what is. Regardless of where you are in the world, take a Vitamin C supplement or eat an orange. Or maybe a grapefruit, if you prefer them. That's what my Mum advised me to do today. Good old Mum. As much as I try to convince her it's my makeup that makes me look sickly and pale, she still insists that I should eat more green peppers..... :D
*not a word, in the strictest sense.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Rush - Subdivisions (I never dug Rush till recently)
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October 24th, 2005
12:53 pm - Er, holy cow!
You know, I just realized how long it's been since I updated this thing.
I think it might be a nice idea to put up a few photos just to show you guys what's been happening... man, I haven't even updated since we went to Europe! Jeez. No good! Our trip to Europe was a lot of fun. We got to drive around and see some really nice places (through the van window) and meet lots of good people. While the trip itself was a lot of fun, I've got a few photos here to show you some of my *personal* highlights. I'm not good with photo-adding-in-LJ, so bear with me.
 
When we were in Zurich, Switzerland (the first show of the tour), behind the club there was a sort of canal-river thing. Rhimmy, O-en and I decided to have a swim. I thought it would be good to be able to say "I've been swimming in Switzerland" (well, more like "frantic dog-paddling" in my case) so I joined them, slithering neatly into the water as they cannon-balled themselves in. The first picture is "before". Meghann's there too, taking pictures. The second picture is "during". It was really cool. The water was very clean and warm...
This picture was taken from the M'era Luna performance. I'm so sorry I don't know who to credit for the photo. But this was a great show. It was pouring rain, as you can see from all the umbrellas. But what a great crowd! Everyone knew our stuff and were so enthuiastic it really "pumped us up". A really satisfying, amazing show despite the downpour and cold. I was amazed to see such a big crowd gather for us. It was incredible, with the rain coming down and the wind and all those umbrellas bopping around to the songs. A very memorable show for us.
We played at the Highfield Festival and Good Charlotte played as well, among others. I just had to put this photo with Benji in here, haha. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, they were really nice to us that day and seemed like really nice dudes.
I have a *TON* of photos, it would be impossible to put them all on here. I'll find a couple more eventually, I just thought I'd share a couple of them with you.
Europe was beautiful. We got to see a lot of countries and play some great shows. I was sad to leave! :) We came back and indeed, it was nice to come home. I missed my kitties... maybe next time I can bring them along. I'm sure there'll be room for a few litterboxes in the van. *Ahem*. :D
So then we played a few dates with KMFDM a few weeks ago. That was pretty fun as well. They're really, really nice people and were really fun to hang out with. Here's Lucia giving me a big ol' smooch.
No, those aren't tears of joy under my eyes, it's just my sparkly eyeliner, which got all sweaty and smudged. It is hard to keep makeup intact while sweating, yummy times. But Lucia is awesome, very beautiful and powerful on stage. Very nice to get to meet and hang out with her.
You all have been incredible over the last few months, we thank you for your support of us while we've staggered around the globe trying to "spread the love". Keep an eye on our website, we have things to announce coming up. Dare I say it -- for the States? Oh, we'll see.
Me, personally... what's been happening... hm. Well, I've been trying to get work (I've been trying to "freelance" for a while, job-wise, and wow, that ain't easy). I've been reading a lot, and I've been knitting a lot, and managed to churn out a shawl amongst other things. (For any interested knitters, it's a pattern from the Lion Brand website and took about a week to make.)
What's everyone doing for Halloween? Any cool costume ideas? Anything exciting happening? Let me know! I promise to try to update here more often. I hope this entry wasn't too image-heavy and bothered anyone. Good times. :)
Current Mood: cold
Current Music: the yowling of cats, and my stomach
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