A friendly warning

I would just like to let the little person know who has been threatening to hmm... oh... i don't know... PAINT MY VAN WITH KITCHEN PAINT... will severly S U F F E R if my van (fondly known as "pipsqueak") is touched...

thank you and good evening!

Why chick flicks can be unhealthy

Alright so this is totally a rant and you can skip it if you want... I will not be offended, but this just has to be said. Especially right this very second.

I just watched Bridget Jones Diary: The Edge of Reason. A very good sequel to the first one. Some of my other favorite "chick flicks" include The Wedding Planner, The Notebook, The Wedding Singer, 10 Things I Hate About You, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, 50 First Dates, Notting Hill... The list is never ending.

So why are they called chick flicks?

For one, they are all for the most party light-hearted comedies, and may also be considered a romantic comedy. Now what separates the "chick flick"/romantic comedy genre from most comedies is the whole element of romanticism. In these particular movies... The girl always gets the guy... Or the guy always gets the girl. Its a standard that we have all come to love. They are all very predictable and make you feel like love can rule all at the end. This is where I'm finding the danger.

Now tonight, for example, after I finished watching awkward Bridget land the hot guy in a soaking wet dress, with frizzy hair all after ruining his proposal I really felt like love is a powerful thing. I really, truly felt that maybe, just maybe, I could rekindle any type of flame that was left with my ex. Yes, I know how foolish this is because, well... IT'S JUST A MOVIE.

These movies, which I will always love no matter what, are dangerous because they can create a false hope for something that never will be again. In the movies the guy always gets the girl, even after they break up and get back together and break up and get back together... and you get the point. But the problem is that life isn't like a fairy tale. Think about your childhood. Many of us have been watching Disney movies since before we could talk. Heck, I still love to watch Disney movies! But Disney movies trains us from the time we are little that there are these perfect love stories. Just think of Cinderella.

Love isn't perfect. Think of the divorce rates. They are sky rocketing. There are pre nuptial agreements now... people actually prepare for divorce before they are actually married. It is because people rush into things thinking that just like in Disney, and in Bridget Jones...that (sigh) love is perfect.

This is the ideal that we are constantly faced with in our society. And I am now sitting here, talking to my ex and just "wishin and hopin" that maybe, just maybe, the girl can still win the guy back and live happily ever after.

So how do we fix this mess in a blog? We need to start looking at these movies as a means of entertainment, not some ideal that we are seeking to obtain in life. We need to realize that even though these examples in the movies of true love are possible, love is never perfect and that it will find us when the time is right. As the great John Mayer sang "Good love is on the way". Also go watch "My Best Friends Wedding"... its Julia Roberts and a very refreshing change from the chick flicks we are used to, and remember, its on the way :)

Cheers Darlin'

Song of the day- "Cheers Darlin" - Damien Rice

The best New Years Resolution EVER!

Well it isn't quite the new year yet but I was thinking that I should start a preliminary list of resolutions that I will try to keep over the next year. Its definatley the time of year for family, spirituality, and of course, self reflection. For me, Christmas holidays is usually the first time where I actually have some down time to stop and think about my life and what I can improve on... and there is always something that can be improved. Through extensive research I have discovered that by just having the one central resolution of "no beer" ones life can be improved extensivley.

So no more beer. As much as I have grown to like the stuff, its gonna start to show. I realize this may be a hard one to fulfill but I am going to try my hardest to not drink the stuff. Bottom line: I'm gonna gain weight if I keep it up.

The next resolution is directly connected to the simple "no beer" resolution, I am going to drink less. By not drinking beer you will drink less. As much fun as it can be, there is mucho moola wasted on it at the bar... and also I won't have to worry about the nights when I drink to much and do/say ridiculous things (just check out www.handsblog.blogspot.com... look under Dr. Teefers... yea...)

Now, if I stay true to these two resolutions some other problems may be eliminated. The first thing that should be solved by this is saving money. I need to start saving money. Much of the money I spend does unfortunatley sometimes go to nights of partying... so this could be solved.

Next on the list is to start going to the gym again. This is also closely connected with the beer issue... for I will replace beer with going to the gym (if some of you remembered I used to go to the gym a lot... but then I replaced it with beer). Now I realize that this is a most likely a very cliche resolution but OH so necessary! By not drinking beer I will then feel motivated to grab carrots to compensate. Fruits and vegtables will be ate on a daily basis and by not drinking beer I will no longer have to feel guilty about the number of carb intake I have in a day.

Now as far as my personal life goes I will try to control my temper. I just read a book that described temper as "the fury". I must control this fury... I can feel it building it me and I need to perhaps find away to tame it before it hurts somebody. Now usually beer could be considered as something that could relax you. You have a couple pints and your problems are magically whisked away, but through not drinking beer you must find different ways to release the fury. Instead of drinking beer to get rid of bad feelings you could go to the gym, practice more, work harder on school... the list goes on!!

So you see, my friends, that beer is linked to every aspect of your life and can create many negative things. By not drinking beer one can grab life by the horns(subliminal dodge/jeep/chrysler advertisement) and take control of their life! By eliminating beer one will not be able to help the transformation that will appear! You will be healthier, hotter, richer, and a more happy person that will be able to control their emotions in constructive ways. By the one simple resolution of "no beer" one will be able to gain control of their life. So just say no!!

Cheers everybody and have a wonderful, non-demoninational and holiday season! Tis the season for love!

-Teegan

Song of the day: My grownup Christmas List- Amy Grant

In my CD player...

Well, since I'm not yet cool like all of you people with your ipods I will talk about what is in my CD player right now. Finals are now over and its definitely time to start posting again!

Anyway, for some reason lately I have been a bit of a CD fiend. I have found it necessarily to start composing my own "library" of music. So without any further ado and in no particular order, I give you my list of what is good to listen to right now.

1) Damien Rice- O
Okay so I'm not too entirely sure if the title is a number or a letter, but this is a great CD. He write music exactly how I like it: slow and pretty with amazingly agonizing lyrics. The arranging is also really beautiful with a lot of strings and even a clarinet! Check out the songs "Cannonball" and "The Blower's Daughter", but watch out of you are prone to depression. (Just kidding!! If I can handle it, you can handle it!) Bottom line: Simplicity at its finest.

2) Feist- Let it Die
I have no words for how much I love this album. You must experience it yourself. Check out "mushaboom" and "let it die" and "lonely lonely" and... okay, just go check it alll out.

3) Ryan Adams- Gold
This CD will always remind me of summer and the person I spent it with but there is nooo denying either of them so it earns a spot on my list. Rock with a bit of country flavor to it. Check out "Dancing Where the Stars go Blue" and "Answering Bell"

4) Joss Stone- The Soul Session
This lady has an amazing voice and the music is funky. That is why I like it.

5) The Black Keys- The Big Comeup
This is, to me, very bluesy sounding but it has a very garage rock feel to it which is why it is great. Its just drums and guitar but it feels really good. Plus the singers voice turns me on.

6) John Mayer Trio- TRY!
This is definitely a "live in concert" CD and its good ol' John Mayer. I will not state a lot about this other than I love it because we all know what I think about my Johnny.

I would go on with the list but I fear it would be too long. Some other artists though that I also enjoy are Wilco, Amos Lee, Cassandra Wilson, Eva Cassidy, Oscar Peterson, and Jaco Pastorius. All goodies!

Happy Listening!

Song of the day- "cheers darlin" - Damien Rice

Where you'll find me

So since I haven't posted in awhile I thought I'd just give you a quick idea of where I'm at right now. Its been really crazy busy lately with finishing up the term, gigging, and just generally trying to stay on track.

I have this issue lately with getting shit done that has to be done. My friends, I have become a bonafide slacker. I have always prided myself in generally being a relaxed person, but lately I think its gotten a little out of control. The desire to definitely go to class is long gone and we really only have like a week left, but man, am I ever sick of school. If anyone knows any motivation tricks pleeeeeease let me know.

Not too much else is new... GETTING A NEW BASS. fuck yea... (Sorry I shouldn't swear but that totally deserved a "fuck yea!") Anyway, I have to take a loan out from the bank actually to get it. Its currently on its way from Toronto... more updates on this excited news later!

Well, I am unfortunately lost for words right now. Check out the band The Black Keys. They are superb.

"Peace"

Song of the day- "I'll be your Man"- The Black Keys

Nothing beats...

To me, there is nothing better than what is on this list.* Ladies and gentleman, I give you "Nothing beats"...


1) My Family. I am truly blessed.

2) My Friends. Even though friends come and go, I have a few special ones that have always stuck around and I am very proud to be able to call them my friends. They have been there through it all.

3) MUSIC. Ummm yes... I can't even begin to describe what music has done for me. Its a release, a hobby, a job, and mostly its just fun.

4) The beauty of being vulnerable and the things you learn about yourself in the process

5) Late family suppers. The ones where you don't eat until like 9 pm and even though you are soo hungry, the family time that happens while you are waiting is always the most enjoyable. Its just nice to enjoy the time you spend together and take your time making supper.

6) Sex and the City nights.

7) Loving and being loved in return.

8) How excited my little dog is to see you when you get home, even if you've only been gone five minutes.

9) A good laugh.

10) The feeling you get when you play a really good solo, or have a good concert, or sing a beautiful phrase.

11) Crawling into bed with chamomile tea and honey with cozy pj's and a good book after a long day.

12) Gramma's homemade noodles

13) The feeling you get when you hear an amazing song for the first time.

14) A good cry.

15) A hot bubble bath.

* Now I totally realize that this list is obviously not going to cover everything that is truly amazing and I know I'm missing a million good things on my list, but we had to keep it short or you would be here forever!

Song of the Day: Love is Blindness- Cassandra Wilson

Let it Die

Well, with another relationship disaster under my belt and all of the experience that goes along with it, I can only hope to be more "wise" when it comes to these things. For those of you who are fortunate enough to know me well (ha ha) know that this particular breakup was difficult for me.

Now, I am feeling much better since... well, lets not use his name. From now on he will be referred to as "X". Yes, my dear friends, I am feeling much better since my relationship with X tragically ended, but I would be in complete denial if I said that I didn't miss him. The truth is that I miss him a lot. And even though the hurt feelings are not on the surface anymore, I would be lying if I said they weren't there.

So how do you deal with it? Unfortunatley, the only awnsers I seem to get are other questions. One of these questions is how could someone that I care about that much make me feel so bad?

When you like someone a lot you have high expectations for them and when those expectations aren't met I seem to turn to myself. I feel like I really should have known better. Which leads me to yet another question: Was it worth it.

So was it? Ultimately, I found someone that I thought enriched my life... a good friend and someone who I could really laugh and share with. X and I had a lot of fun together and then, sadly, it was over. I haven't talked to X once since the breakup and its been 3 weeks.
So where do you go from here? The way I see it is you don't go anywhere. I have a good friend who's life mantra seems to be "that's life" and when shes dealing with something shitty, this is what comes up. But it is true. This is life. Its just an experience to build and learn from. It is part of the process, and as painful as it can be, its beautiful because it makes you grow. Failed relationships can only be looked at as pointless if there is no growth, therefore what I experienced with X was priceless, hurt feelings or not, and I am a better person for it.

Song of the day: Feist- Let it die

**** I would like to give a special thanks to John Mayer, Feist, Ryan Adams, Eva Cassidy and the many other artists that helped me along the way. I love you all.

Me and my Baby 

Lydia's and my new life plan

Its Sunday!! Which means its the weekly Lydia's gig for me so I decided that my first blog would be about Lydia's.

It was recently brought to my attention(as of yesterday) that the owners of Lydia's are wanting to make some changes to Lydia's... Evil changes.

Now don't get me wrong... I don't mind change. I'm not always comfortable with it but I can realize that it is an important part of life and its what keeps things interesting. Life would cease to exist as we know it without change. But this is totally different.

The owners want to make Lydia's into a night club... a sleazy meat market where the chicks are as cheap as the booze is and the men are all creeps. There would be no live music and the bands would be replaced with dj's playing top 40 hiphop. And this, my friends, CAN'T HAPPEN.

Lydia's is one of the only places in the city where one can show up alone and listen to live music almost every night of the week... and a lot of times without paying cover. They support live music and on top of that there are great people there. Its diversity is unusual for a pub and I can honestly say I have met some of the most interesting people I know at Lydia's. Its a gem. This is why I refuse to let Lydia's be turned into a meat market and totally sell out.

So I have devised a plan.

I will drop out of school, get a big, fat loan from the bank, make the jerky owners an offer they won't be able to refuse and buy it. Lydia's will be mine and live music will be safe once again and we will all live happily after drinking and being merry and listening to HOT live music at my favorite place in S'toon... Lydia's.