"The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be encouraging for the Ox. For those who wish to change their career or at least change the direction of it, February, March and September will bring exciting offers and progress."The year feels like it has passed by quickly, but also has been extra long. The beginning of 2011 seems like it was 2 years ago and I could probably say that for me January-June felt like one year, and June-December, another year. The first half was slow and rather glum-it was slow, I was bored and discouraged looking for a job. In June, I got a job and everything moved quickly from then on with lots of subtle changes and some new experiences. So, while 2010 was a year of accepting changes and going with the flow, I guess I'd say 2011 was first, a year of evaluating these changes, determining what the next step is, what to let go of; and second, a year of adjusting to a new way of life. It was a transition between the student and the worker. Though, at work a bunch of us are graduate student refugees, it's still a different pace from student life.
The things I like most about work are:
- Once you're done, that's it. You forget about work and you move onto other activities (unless there's overtime)
- You make money that is more proportional to the amount of work you put in
- It's close to everything (well the place where I work now).
Anyhow, that's my summary of the year and its general feel. Now, I'm going proceed with the usual categorization of the year.
3 activities/events
I got a job
It is a job that is not entirely related to what I studied, but that's ok. Whatever skills I acquire there are certainly transferable to the next job I will have (whenever that will be). But, the place is centrally located, the people are great, and while there are certainly highs and lows with the job, I'd say on average it has kept my interest.
Dance, Dance, Dance
So, in 2009-10 I was a massive percussionist. This year was the year of dance. Around mid-April I started doing coupé-décalé and dancehall at a studio that offers over 20 styles of dance. I found it to be really fun. On top of that, I guess because I memorize movements rather quickly (thank you, karate), they would ask me to help out with little performances now and then if they were lacking personnel. In the summer session, they had a full pass - so I could take as many classes as I wanted for the 5 week period. So, I continued with my 2 and did 2 more (samba and fitness/dance mishmash). Then, in the Fall session, I went absolutely bonkers and did 6 classes. The teacher told me I was crazy, and so did my friends. I managed to do all 6 for the end of session show! So, I learned a lot this year about body movement and it somewhat satisfied the performing urge. I still have a lot to learn and to perfect as I have not been dancing long. I will, however, reduce to 4 next session because 6 demanded a lot of time and energy and produced a lack of chillage with friends.
Everyone's leaving
This is kind of a general trend this year that everyone is moving away/moving on. I've had at least 3-4 friends leave the city for work or to pursue another degree. Naturally, tis a part of life and I am happy for them.
Sabor Latino
Sabor Latino is both a grocery store and restaurant. I have been going there for a while for Latin American food supplies, but never really went to eat there until recently. In October/November, a friend from work and I would go there every Saturday for breakfast (read 1:30 pm...slept in late). It's really comforting and tasty food...*yum* Soup and tamales...
Arepera
This is a Venezuelan arepa place on Duluth just off of St-Laurent. They have so many choices of arepa fillings and they are grilled. Tasty business!
Thé Kiosque
This tea place just opened up this year and is contained in Concordia`s EV building on Mackay. It's small and cute and has quite a nice selection of teas. When they first opened, I was there 3 times in the span of 2 weeks just because I'd always bring a new friend. The staff is also really friendly.
General entertainment - books and TV
A Little Book of Language
This cute book is a really nice introduction to language and the study of linguistics. The author has humor and sarcasm and makes things easy to understand. Basically, it's the linguistics book I've always been looking for. A good introduction/overview, without getting bogged down in the gritty details.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl
This is a UK series that started 4 years ago I think. Anyhow, based on the blog of an actual London call girl, the show explores her life in an amusing way. I've only gotten to season 2 so far, but it's fun and only 22 minutes per episode.
Being Human US and UK
The US series of Being Human just started this year and airs on Showcase. Premise: a ghost, werewolf, and vampire living in a house. Apart from True Blood (which I cannot stand anymore), I don't usually watch vampirey shows. Anyhow, I looked it up online and found out that there was a UK version that started I think 3 years before. So, I watched all of the episodes of that one, too. I like both series for different reasons...though, I like the UK Vampire a lot more :)
Music
3 albums
Zola Jesus - Conatus
I found out about Zola Jesus this year after hearing the M83 track - Intro (feat. Zola Jesus). Apparently, she falls into the category of music called Witchhouse...haunting vocals, creepy/depressing/spaced out music. I really like. Fave song: Collapse
Phantogram - Nightlife EP
I just found out about these peeps on boxing day when I was at Le Chateau. They are kinda new wavey/electro and the lady's vocals sometimes remind me of Bat For Lashes. Fave song: Don't Move
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
It's a really chill/sad sounding album. I supposed Bon Iver is a little folky at times, but it's great for those rainy and grey days. Fave song: Holocene
3 songs
Men At Work - Land down under
This is an old song, but it's damn catchy. I blame the girl at work who made music trivia. So very happy...I imagine little gnomes dancing.
Brick and Lace - Love is Wicked
The year of dancehall? I guess partially so :) I listened to this song a lot - heard it in dance class. However, it appears to be the only song of theirs that I like.
Calle 13 - La Jirafa/Atreve-te-te
So, Atreve-te-te played a bunch in my friends car on the way to a wedding. Could not get it out of my head...! Then I heard la jirafa, which also has an amusing video. Actually, all of Calle13's videos are funny/silly :)
Notable mentions:
Novalima - I saw them at the Jazz Festival this year. They were so amazing! I really enjoy it...Peruvian fusion music. Songs I like: Kuman, Tumbala, Camote, Machete
Lana del Rey - Video Games: really chill and somewhat glum song :) Heard it in September :D
Music on the grooveshark widget!