Merry Somers

Ewwwwwww

2011-01-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

As I'm typing this I'm slurping back Buckley's like it's going out of style. Or more, like a rare fine scotch.
The sniffles are overwhelming, and my ears have a slight buzzing.

Welcome to winter.

Yes, if you've been a reader of my blog since day one you may say...
"This blog has gone down hill"
"WTF MERRY SOMERS!?!" (pretty common one)
"THIS BLOG IS DEAD!!"

Well, suck it up. Cause it is. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I actually forgot that this blog existed, as I'm sure most of you have.

If you'd like an update, and want to continue reading then here:

Alcohol: DRINKING EVERYDAY IS NOT A GOOD IDEA!!
That's how I've started my New Year. Sound familiar? Let's re cap to 11 months ago..... OH YEA!!! I REMEMBER NOW!!
Maybe it's a winter depression thing? in anycase, shit happens.

I have a great mix tape that you all should download - I've listened to it on repeat for like 4 days straight.... Yes, I even listen to it when I'm sleeping... it's that good.

http://shinenightclub.com/music/super-deluxe-volume-1-mixed-by-four-color-zack-u-tern-illo-sam-demoe/

This past weekend I went back to Toronto. Why? Because I was bored with Vancouver. Obviously.
So during my time I thought it'd be a good idea to so multiple shots of tequila.

(To recap, I used to drink tequila like water... when I was 17...... Now I CAN'T DO THAT!!!)

So I drink a bottle of wine, couple tequila shots.... go to the club, a couple other random shots.... double vodka diet coke.

Same thing the next night.....

Now you understand why I've resorted to a Buckley's high?

ANYWAY, It's difficult to keep up a blog when you don't remember anything. So I'll keep these post for more spastic and more sober moments.

Thanks for reading,

Merry Somers

(PS I'm publishing 2 of my previous posts that just sat in my drafts folder.... so here you go: http://merrysomers.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-just-dont-like-you.html anndddd http://merrysomers.blogspot.com/2010/04/life-lessons-pt-10-conclusion.html

I Just Don't Like You.

2010-12-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Judgement.

It's something we all do. No matter what religion we believe in, no matter how strong your morals are. We all do it.
Well, I always knew I did this more than the average person. Just because, as much as I am positive, I am often negative in certain surrounds.

Words POP into my head, which I wish I could control. Judging someone so fast, and keeping that dislike... Only until talking to them and realizing how right I was.

Yes, I am right. But so wrong to keep that against such a stranger.

The other day, I talked to a person who I'd been mocking for a couple months. Their behaviour is still the same, but really, they're a lot cooler when you get to know them. They have ideas that you've never thought of before!

WOA! Weeeeiiirrddd... They have minds too??? These people I judge, that i'm realistically way more similar to then ever expected?

But I still just don't like you.

(The t-shirt in the picture is from a gift shop in Maui, Hawaii - thought it was funny)

Flip Over the Pillow

2010-11-22T22:58:00.001-08:00

A couple weeks ago I was talking and walking to the club with a friend, and we came across the topic of "Flipping Over The Pillow".

You know like when you're trying to sleep... you're restless, you can't stop thinking, you try your side, your back, your front... but NOTHING seems to work? BUT THEN... you FLIP OVER YOUR PILLOW to the new FRESH, COOL side you've always been looking for... you rest your head back on it... and you PASS OUT!?? Oh glorious cooled down sided pillow.

After having this exhilarating conversation I started thinking about it in another way.

It reminded me of flipping over situations.

You're so sure you're right - your way or the highway - there can't POSSIBLY be any other side to the situation because you're SO RIGHT!

Well no. There are always two sides, and maybe if you were to just... FLIP OVER THAT PILLOW... you might just realize that the other side just makes so much more sense. You enjoy it, you learn to understand it, and soon enough you become an open minded person.

I for one, have always had a problem with this... What is this "OTHER SIDE" thing you're talking about? That's not possible! Why? ...Because I'm ALWAYS RIGHT! SO HA!

But really no... you're so wrong. Just try flipping that pillow every now and then... you may come to like it - and maybe even realize that that other side might be even more enjoyable than the other. You might just acknowledge it.

Embrace it, it's nothing to be afraid of. Just flip over the pillow.

(The reason why I chose these photos is to show the evolution of my water mark over the course of the year. I first started off with having HUGE "merrysomers" text taking up 1/3 of the picture. I later moved onto it only taking up the bottom left corner. and now.... just simple and white - There are more sides than just one)

Remember When You.. "Once Had That"?

2010-11-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Remember those days... long ago... those days that seem like a dream? They weren't all that fantastic at the time, but OH MY GOD they seem like heaven now? OOOOHHH if only I took advantage of that situation at that time... When I once had that!!!

Not like right now is bad at all, actually it's pretty fucking great. BUT THEN!! OOOOH THEN!!

Once when I had that, things were better, life was perfect, I was happy as can be, they were amazing, I was a better person, I was healthy..... BLAH BLAH BLAH

Oh Then!!
I can list all thee amazing things:

Oh back then, when I once had it like this:

1) Waking up at 8:30 and feeling well rested and eager to start my day at my exhilarating school!
2) Present to my wonderful class and teachers my well thought up work!
3) Eat a healthy Tuna Melt, and talk with my stimulating class mates!
4) Study in the library and feel accomplished!
5) Pick up a healthy, fresh, dinner, with FRESH VEGGIES!! OH MY!!
6) Cook up a new meal and watch your favourite soap
7) Get a cutie - tutie - frutie - lootie call from your super-duper-making-me-blush-crush
8) Go out in the town! Oh how fun!
9) Goodnight world!

I bet you remember your precious way back when days like this? Similar? A little Brady Bunch like? YEAH YOU DO.

BECAUSE: In REALITY they were like this:

1) Waking up at 8:30 and cursing to the world wondering what crack you were on when you picked an 8:30AM FRIGIN CLASS!!!!
2) It's friggin pouring rain and your umbrella sucks and you need to lug at 10 pound board
3) Your presentation is only half done and you get ridiculed by the class and your teacher EYE KILLS YOU
4) Eat half a Tuna Melt and chain smoke by yourself, glaring at people, glued to your iPod for the rest of your lunch break
5) Go home and microwave a pizza pop while wishing you got more than 10 channels
6) Stare at your phone for 3 hours wishing that someone would just give in!!
7) Procrastinate until 3AM and eventually bore yourself to sleep

WELL HELLLOOOOO!!! LOOK AT WHERE YOU ARE NOW!! Is this not the time that in the future will be the "OH THEN! If only I was back at THEN when I... Once Had That"......???

NOW will b a then, and THEN you can look back on the NOW and b like "WOOAAA THAT WAS ACTUALLY FREAKIN AWESOME CAUSE I DID SOMETHING GREAT!!!"

Do it. Make you're "NOW" an AWESOME "THEN"

DONE! HAPPY REMEMBRANCE DAY!

(I chose these photos cause when you tend to reflect, it's hard to remember the details... like these people's faces)

Sharing is Caring: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have problems with sharing. Maybe it's just the only child syndrome, but I believe it's much more than that.
I find this hard on a day to day basis, trying to hold back my snarl when one might ask to use a pen... but I do find it the hardest around this time. This time of thanksGIVING.

Last night my friends and I made a feast, truly, a massive feast, feeding 12 vertically growing people. In order to make the space, we had to completely rearrange the apartment, turn a work desk into a dining room table, and turn my home into a Holiday Inn. Effort that I had always seen families commit to, but never realizing how much work it really is.

Waking up before 1pm on a WEEK DAY is hard enough for me, let alone waking up at 9am on a SUNDAY to be a slave to my kitchen and a defrosting foreign corpse. But somehow, with mass amounts of help (slash me standing in awe, getting exhausted just watching everyone cook) we were able to not burn down the building, and make vegetables and turkey into dishes Hell's Kitchen could never even prefect.

What does this have to do with sharing? MANY, MANY, MANY THINGS:

1) SPACE: I'm kinda the worst for this. Instead of cooking (which is completely useless, except for my masterful potato peeling skills) I just like to hover over the chefs... To pretend I'm cooking with them. With so many people doing different things in the kitchen I feel bad if I'm not right there in the action. Maybe they'll need a spatchula!?! I CAN GET THAT!

2) FOOD: One person may want to make a root vegetable dish with that yam, what if someone else wants to make yam FRIES, OR EVEN.... marshmallow yams?!?!? WHAT DO YOU DO!?! you share... and yes, sharing those yams can be quite hectic, but somehow, we were all able to not show our teeth and bare some bountiful yams.

3) TIME: In order for everyone's special dish to be cooked to perfection, and for the big bird to get roasted all the way to the neck, there's some sharing of appliances to be done.

OVERALL, Thanksgiving is not appreciated fully without going thru the occassionally painful suffering of SHARING. Giving of YOURSELF to SHARE with everyone. Now THAT is Thanksgiving.

And it's worth it.

HAPPY (PRE) THANKSGIVING AMERICANS!!! HAPPY (POST) THANKSGIVING CANADIANS!!!

October Has COME!!??

2010-09-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

Well folks,

In three days it'll be October. OCTOBER!?!?!??????? WTF????
Well I never thought this would come, but it basically has. Where has the time gone? I'd love someone to tell me cause I really have no idea... I don't even know what I did this morning. werd.

I just looked at my "STATS" progress on my blog. This month of September was one of my most prosperous viewing months. There has been more readers than ever before.

WHY? One might ask... well because of procrastination... Like I'm doing right now.

Somehow, this month of September has flown by so fast because of it. Getting back into routine, end of summer depression, getting that last drop of Stolis down your throat, wondering if your roommate will ever turn the dishwasher on, and yes, indeed, my most common time spender, day dreaming about what you SHOULD be doing and what you'd RATHER be doing.

Today, I just read in a course book (not my own... because that would mean I'd actually be doing something productive), but my roommates, since it wasn't a necessity - about the different types of procrastinators.

Basically, in my way of saying it, there's 4 different types:

Type 1: You don't do shit all ever and you're guna fail life and live off of heroine shot up in dirty rat pissed needles... on East Hastings - obvs

Type 2: You know you need to do something but you don't (aka ME) and instead day dream about what you should be doing and/or rather be doing (like I said above)... Even though you may be given 4 months to do something you'll wait until 5 hours before it's due to actually lift a finger (aka like my project that's due tomorrow that I've got 1/10th done... and I am now here blogging at 2:30am)

Type 3: You know what you have to do, but you agree to way too many things and can't finish them all. (That's something I do too, but only if it's fun... like agreeing to see who can chug the most red headed sluts (THAT'S THE NAME OF A SHOT FYI..... I asked someone if they wanted to do a red headed slut with me... and the answer was not what I was expecting) ANYWAY, so then the person can't complete all tasks at hand

Type 4: I didn't read that far... I started playing Bejewelled on my phone.

ANYWAY, my point is... there's many different types of us that enjoy spending our time differently. Apparently this month, the cool way to procrastinate from handing in an essay, taking photos for class, making a presentation for your boss, or researching which horse has the most steroids on the track.... was reading online blogs.

So now, October has come. As much as I'm not a fan of New Years resolutions I feel as if we all should make one every month. I'm not quite sure if that would lead into complete depression of adding another goal onto your long list of which hangs over your head like dream catcher... OR if it will actually encourage you to take a step into completing a short term goal which could motivate you into a more prosperous month.

Every year the most common resolutions are "Quit Smoking", "Go to the Gym", "Be a Better Person", "Be Wiser With Spending", "Stop Starving the Dog".... which clearly are all completely unrealistic and just make you hate yourself that much more for not adding another goal, but adding another burden which makes yourself because that you're incapable of completing anything other than opening a bag of Miss Vickey's chips.

BUT for every month maybe try something like "Wash Your Face Before Going to Bed", "Wake Up Before 2pm Four Days a Week", "Cook Food Instead of Microwaving It", "Get a Designated Someone To Punch You Every Time You Say Something Negative" (I've actually done that, not on my own will tho)....

You know, things that you might actually be able to achieve that might make you feel better about yourself that might make you start using your time a little bit better: equalling less procrastination and more accomplishment.

HOWEVER, don't stop reading my blog. That is all for now.

ATTENTION ALL ART GOERS AND BEER DRINKERS!

2010-09-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

THIS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH Vancouver will never be the same…

Heineken Canada is coming to Vancouver like never before. Heineken Canada is creating the ULTIMATE ARTS & CULTURE experience just for *YOU!

*You: Defines: the art student, art interest, blog writer, blog reader, film maker, film viewer, photographers, friends of, critic, fan, reader, seller, buyer, internet junkie, Biltmore goer, Grey’s Anatomy watcher, psychology major, Spanish minor, motorcycle rider, bicycle wheeler, treadmill runner, Converse wearer, Vintage sale scrounger, OR even Biggie Smalls best karaoke impersonator.

YES YOU! ALL OF YOU! WE WANT YOU!

So come join us on Saturday September 18th at 3PM at Beau-XI Art Gallery aka 3045 Granville St (south of W14th Avenue).
This is an amazing opportunity to branch out into Vancouver’s field of artistic treasures, and get that first step to motivating your ever longing passion in the arts.

Heineken Canada CARES and wants to bring YOU to Beau-XI Art Gallery along with three other South Granville art galleries, AND get the opportunity to hear from either the owner(s) of the gallery and/or artist.

This is like no other field trip your high school made you pack shitty lunches for…. THIS includes FREE HEINEKEN for ALL of YOU at the end of the tour at THE ACADEMIC for a relaxing time to ponder with friends over this life changing event.

BUT WAIT! Spaces are LIMITED!!!!

EMAIL: maddie_ross21@hotmail.com TO ENSURE YOUR SPOT! ONLY HAVE ROOM FOR THE FIRST FIVE RESPONDERS!

Popular questions asked:

Q: Do we need to pay? A: NO IT’S FREE BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!
Q: When do we get the beer? A: NOT UNTIL THE END WE WANT TO REWARD YOU WITH YOUR ENLIGHTENED SOBER THOUGHTS!
Q: When does it start? A: 3PM SHARPE!

COME OUT!!!!

Here's To You TIFF!

2010-09-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Guide for the TIFF Tourists: Essentials: Food, Drinks, Clubs.

FOOD:

Breakfast/ Brunch/ Hangover:

Over Easy (Bloor & St. George - across from the ROM)

Fran's Diner (BEST MILKSHAKE - on College st..... by spadina i think?)

Cafe/ Lunch/ Sandwiches/ Sushi:
Aromas (Bloor & Bath - Near Honest Eds)

Black Camel (best sandwiches - Yonge & Crescent - across from Rosedale subway station)

Last Temptations (Kensington & Dundas - Great for getting day drunk too)

New Generation Sushi (BEST SUSHI IN TORONTO - Bloor & Bath)

Dinner/ Burger:
W Burger (I personally haven't been there, but I hear it's the best - Yonge & College)

La Palette (I duno if you like french food- I usually don't, but this place is BOMB - and has great wine and is cheap..... Augusta Ave & Oxford (near College)

Tony Bulloni's (Amazing Italian - Cumberland & Ave)

Pure Spirit's (My fave resturant in toronto ... before I became allergic to oysters... but they still have amazing dishes besides oysters--- Distillery District)

Dessert:
Moroco (BEST CHOCOLATE ANYTHING: also great breakfast/lunch/dinner- Yorkville & Bay)

DRINKS:

Nirvana (My fave place to go to get drunk before going out - cheap, awesome people, service, and amazing selection - College & Bath across from Sneaky Dees)

Last Temp (Used to be my hangout way back when I was underaged, it's still a dope place with a dope patio, but it's usually pretty packed when it's warm)

Ronnie's Local 069 (Another one of my old fave local hangouts with an outdoor patio - Nassau Street & Augusta)

Fomo (It's cool I guess, a lot of "cool" people go there- i've seen Fritz Helder & The Phantoms chill there, but I think it's pretty frigin lame if you aren't there with at least 5 other people and you don't have a "booth"- It's a "Champaign" bar - 270 Adelaide St. W.)

Sultra Tiki bar (I like this place- you GOTTA get the Volcano It's massive, one will get you drunk forsure - with a decent hangover - College & Clinton)

Gorilla Monsoon (is an OLDSCHOOL place I used to go to when I first started going out aka 15. Haven't been there in a while but they gota dope patio, it's great for people watching, and they usually got awesome live bands that are about to make their big break - Queen & Spadina..... NEVERMIND just read that it's been closed for a year.... the place beside it isn't bad either)

Ultra Supper Club (Go right to the roof top, it's a great place to get drunk before going out for a rager, it reminds me of a weak miami trying to be ritzy hotel roof top club - but it's pretty great - Queen & Peter)

Drake Hotel (Obviously)

CLUBS:

Nyood Supper Club (-Upstairs-My favourite 2010 Summer Find! Awesome club to get bottle service, fantastic music, small and intimate, better than the Social - Queen & Dovercourt)

The Thompson Hotel (Amazing basement and roof top, classy place to go anytime - Guarantee there's guna b something special going on there for TIFF - Bathurst & Wellington)

Wrongbar (As much as I hate this place, it's probably the place i go to the most when I'm back - brings in the best Djs to toronto - Queen & Brock)

MOD Club (DUH. I actually love this place, and they bring in the best shows - next to Wrongbar- but everything about this place is just better - College & Crawford)

The Social (It's the Social. It's good, everyone's been there at least 3 times, and somehow everyone still goes there. They still got special events going on and good music. - Queen & Dovercourt)

The Pilot (I've only been there once, but I did enjoy myself. Right in Yorkville, usually +21, fun roof top - Cumberland & Yonge)

Shallow Groove (Pretty cool club, they can be a little bit off the music sometimes, but it's generally fun - kinda reminds me of Strange Love - College & Manning)

That's all I can think of for now! ENJOY ALL YOU TIFF TRAVELLERS! I WISH I WAS YOU!

( I took this photo during the Vancouver Film Fest - outside of an art gallery for the VIFF SPOKED! party)

You're SO VAIN, You Probably Think This BLOG is About You

2010-09-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well today was my first day back to school.... as it was for most everyone who goes to school.
Everyone's usually pretty pumped because they actually get to socialize for once in there work place for the first time in 4 months. Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad I'm not a fool...... Pretty much.

Anyway, I see most people getting eager to class, sometimes 15 minutes early just to bite their nails. They wear there most prized outfit which they will probably wear for the first 5 consecutive days just because.... well just because. They got there hairs n nails did like a pro, but on some extra bronzer to prove they actually had a summer, and are raising their hands and asking questions to get a head.

Well my first day of school went along the lines of "FML" the attitude in which I ended the previous semester. I rightfully so, did think that this new start would be a fresh and exhilarating one, but only to find myself suck in the situation in which I had drunkenly left it. With a bad attitude and re-duing all those classes which I unfortunately was too licked and hungover to attend.

Attitude..... does change everything. Even though todays class was a re-due of last semester I still could have gone in there with the mind frame of "YAAAYYYY SECOND CHANCE! NEW PEOPLE! NEW STUDENTS! I'M GUNA GET AN A!!!"........ but instead I continued to slum the negative energy into "HOLY FUCK WHY ARE THERE SO MANY HIPSTERS AND WHY AM I RE-DUING THIS CLASS WHEN I'M ALREADY GETTING PAID!!!!!!"

Well, if you can relate, and really do think this post is about you..... then I believe you. So continue.

This semester my goal is to be positive and excited like i was exactly 12 months ago and put positive energy into the task at hand.. which includes my life style to be:

1) SOBER
2) Rested
3) Open minded
4) Determined
5) Positive

WHY?? Because those are all great things........ and because I'm on academic probation and this is the only way I can get a degree in ART SCHOOL. Holy hell. Have no idea what I'd be doing if I went to a normal university.

But really, attitude makes the difference between a fail and a pass, not to mention enjoying your life, AND even maybe making a friend or two.

Who knew.

That is all for now, my head is pounding from all this work.

What's In A Name?

2010-08-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

Well hello there Vancity. I'm back in the blogger world, and bigger and better than before.
I was on a sailing trip last week to get my yachting license and I came across a topic that I'd never seriously talked about before.

Identity.

I've heard n know of people who've had to deal with the weirdest most messed up 21 century crime, identity theft... But I never thought of it being a problem that one can bring upon them self.

I'm not talking about some stupid fuck leaving their bank info in an illegal underground poker game, or cock fight. But about information that people give out willingly, almost forwardly, into anyone's face.

For example, in the above sentence where I just GAVE you information about my past week being on a boat.

Another example is google. I google my alias as one word, as two words, my birth name, and my nick name with surname, fairly often to see what comes up... Yeah, I may like myself a little too much, but it can actually be very interesting.

GOOGLE has even picked up on the fact that my birth name and my alias are THE SAME PERSON. How? My own giving of information, almost unconsciously.

Even though right now it may not be a huge issue that it's pretty obvious these two names are ME. the most obvious of them all is thru FACEBOOK.

Holy hell where do i begin. As I'm typing this I am on facebook changing my name to solely just my alias. Why?

Because I WANT MY OWN LIFE BACK!!!!

Think about all those slutty ass highschool girls who's NAMES have been ruined not only from the sack but also on facebook, what are they supposed to do when they go to an interview?

I'm not saying that I was the slutty ass highschool girl, but I'm saying that my life should be a private one. What if later on I want a job with the FBI and they're like "HAY you can't do that cause we know about that one time at band camp!"

FML.

I am Merry Somers the blogger, photographer, alcoholic, and socialite.

But I am me. And all this information is coming from me.

There's a lot to a name, and I don't want to get to two mixed up or conjoined.

Another reason why: The information of one name should not be carried on to the next.

Merry Somers maybe the party picture girl. But I am the aspiring press / war photojournalist adventure travel soloist.

Wrecking the identity of one name may lead into the next.

What my point is, is doing bring that upon yourself and keep your identity safe. The internet is MASSIVE children.

(I took this pic in NYC in Apirl 09.... I think it still speaks to a lot of people... Even if you haven't been laid off.)

(PS. This picture -along with 2 others- are being published in BURNER MAGAZINE september edition CHECK IT!)

Merry Somers Guide To: Finding The Trust Worthy

2010-05-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Over my years of existence, I've found that 98% of people I come across are not trust worthy.
Why? Because they're human.
The 2% of people who are always able to keep their mouth shut and can honestly respond to demand are aliens.
(The secret is out trust worthy ones)

These creatures come in all shapes and sizes, and are rarely green. Ever look at their neck?... right below the hair line? There's a flashing red light.

Other ways you can spot these rare beings are thru this check list:

1) They don't have dandruff (humans with bad dandruff - so bad there's a pool of it that collects in the back of their shirt collar- are the least trust worthy of them all)

2) Their feet are proportionate to their height. (AKA they are not short and have fat feet.... CLOWNS)

3) If the first letter of their name starts with A, B, C, K, L, R, S, and sometimes M.

Ones that you should be MOST weary of are ones with:

1) Trimmed moustaches - and only a moustache... no other facial hair (especially if they're female)

2) Unnecessarily huge, bulky, extended chins

3) If they have or have once ever had a perm.

Look out for these opposite beings. Both are extreme and unique... and neither are covered by the Discovery Channel.
Only here on The Merry Somers Guide.

Be cautious my friends.

Life Lessons Pt 10: The Guide to THE Euro Trip

2010-05-12T04:42:00.001-07:00

Since my last post in March I have: finished school, moved out of the apartment in Vancouver, moved back to Toronto, and visited Vienna, Prague, and now Berlin, and by the end of the week will be in Madrid.

Therefore, been in 6 cities in 5 countries in just over 3 weeks. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life, soon I shall ask travel for it's globally hand in marriage and will live happily ever after galloping into many different sunsets.

But how could you not compare each one of these beautiful places? All so different, different locations, currency, language, history, food..... mmmmmmmmmm the food.

ANYWAY what I'm getting at is this:

While planning a euro trip at home

DO NOT:

1) Pre-pay anything accept hotels n flights n trains.
WHY? : THEY DON'T WORK... and if by some chance it does, you're losing money. You may think you're being all cleaver by paying in Canadian dollars, a head of time, having a great plan, etc..... Well, to your unpleasant surprise, you can show those group passes you payed for online to the museum/ tour bus/ show ticket office, the people will look at you with one eye brow raised, smacking the dated gum on the left side of the jaw, blink once, slide the paper back to you, wave their right hand around a bit and say in broken English... "No good". .... End of story.

2) Do not assume that just because Europe is nicer than North America that the weather will match that.

3) Packing EVERYTHING you might POSSIBLY need into your oversize suit case such as:
a) 6 clubbing style dresses
b) 2 shoe horns
c) 4 oversized purses
... will NOT help you during your travels especially when you're
a) not using them
b) traveling by train
c) needing to either run to catch the train, or attempt to use a WC (European "Water Closet")

BONUS: DO NOT EVER, EVER EVER ...EVER TRY TO REPEAT CATCH PHRASES YOU'VE HEAR IN FORGIN MOVIES YOU MIGHT GET THROWN OUT OF THE COUNTRY (aka my father saying during our stay in Berlin "Das ist gut YA?" to the cab driver, receptionist, and waiter).

but DO THIS:

1) Bring your camera wherever you go.
WHY!? It's your only chance to embrace being a Chinese bucket hatted, map sprawling, fan pack wiggling, binocular groping tourist. And European cities are generally just unfairly photogenic.

2) Actually use a travel book (like a top 10 book), they KNOW what they're talking about.

3) Bring a plug converter... or else you will spend the first half of your trip with massive hair, and a dead cell phone, camera, and laptop... and that might just ruin your plans.

That concludes Merry Somers Guide to The Euro Trip and Merry Somers Life Lessons.

Take what you can from this !

(These are some of my favourite pics from the trip so far)

Life Lessons Pt 10: The Conclusion

2010-04-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past four months I've been writing about my lessons learned. Now I've reached the last lesson learned of this series.
A lot changes over four months... a lot of mistakes and accomplishments.

Mistakes including:
1) Having 5 too many blackout drunk nights
2) Almost getting kicked out of every nightlife venue in Vancouver
3) Waking up drunk in Whistler and driving back to Van for my 12:30 class wearing my party dress.
4) Just spilling my vodka caesar all over my floor as I'm typing this
4.5) And running out of paper towels
5) Not recycling my 26s.

Accomplishments including:
1) All of the above.
2) Plus more.

But overall it's been a fantastic four months, but one of the main reason it's been so great is because of a positive attitude.
I've realized how important it is to stay positive, endure your passion, and try your hardest to have fun.

As said perfectly by Ferris Bueller "Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. "

It's true, I just watched that movie 1 and a half times the other day. That is life. What is it if you're not positive and having a blast doing what you do?

Yes, I may have become an alcoholic. Yes, I may have said some stupid shit. And Yes, I had a blast, met some great people, and took some dope pictures while doing it. It only gets better when you learn from your mistakes and continue understanding what makes your life more enjoyable.

So in conclusion: there are many Lessons Learned. Although I'm not going to be writing about it in an official themed series, doesn't mean I won't continue learning. There will be plenty of that this summer.

Enjoy !

(This photo was taken when I finished one of my final projects for school SUCCESS)

PS Here's a youtube slidshow I had to do for a project: All the photography I took in the past four months- along with the audio CHECK IT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrvC0-NRjZo

Life Lessons Pt 9: How To Switch Species

2010-03-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

The reason for my absence from the blog world since Feb 27th is due to the following: Alcohol.
I am very sorry, I've been feeling so guilty about it. So here blog world. Let me fill you in:

The Olympic parties really seemed to get my going. I took a bit of a break because there weren't many high rolling DJs in town. I guess I focused on school during that time. That was until, my birthday started creeping up. I have now come to realize that the BirthDAY no longer exists, it has now been replaced with the BirthWEEK and occasionally, for the physcotic ones like myself... the BirthMONTH. Which is proven to also emphasize your DEATHmonth. Literally, a month of partying hard everyday will kill. I am proof- And the months not even over.

Sunday Feb 28th - Got crazy at Deadmau5 @ Gossip and took pictures. It was the closing ceremonies. I got drunk. (Pic ONE)

Thursday March 4-7th - I took it easy, and went to bars and clubs in gastown like Lotus, chilled with friends, didn't take many pics. (Pic TWO)

Tuesday March 9th - Celebrities: DUH. It was the night before my birthday. Tons of people came out and mass consumed shots of Red Headed Sluts mmmmmm my fave. (Pic THREE)

Wednesday March 10th: Officially my birthday and I had 8 hours of school and was more than hungover. Hated Life. Later went downtown with some friends and bar hopped.

Thursday March 11th: My girls and I went on a Donnelly Pub Crawl Tour- I only thought these things were meant for tourists, but apparently not, everyone there (that I talked to) was from Van! It was jokes. I went to more Vancouver bars that night than I had in my 7 months of living here. We hit up places like the Academic, Lamp Lighter, and ended up at Republic... Which included drink tickets and a British double decker bus for transit. Jokes. (Pic FOUR)

Friday March 12th: Jack Beats and AC Slater hit up Celebs! Great show! Actually thought a lot more people would be there- But I heard it was sold out... Weird? It was night to not be crammed in though. Everyone came out, it was a good time. (Pic FIVE)

Saturday March 13th: Chilled with friends, took it easy.

Sunday March 14th: Diplo at Venue!!! Holy WOW. I'm not a fan of Venue- If there are fans of Venue..... WTF?! Venue is more like a last resort venue. ANYHUE I was very pleasantly surprised that night. It wasn't a horribly E tarded/ Douche baggy crowd as I would have usually expected. A lot of cool people showed up and Diplo dropped some insane tunes! Seriously, one of THE BEST shows I've been to! Diplo was completely outa his trees too- which was impressive for such an unreal show. he was spinning house and then outa no where sneaked in dubstep which totally got the crowd soaring. (Pic SIX)

Monday March 15th: My friends and I think it would be a grand idea to go to Whistler for the night, and we were in luck cause only later did we find out Chris Lake was going to be spinning at Garfinkels. It was my first time in Whistler (I know, shame on me), but it was a great time! I enjoyed the village, enjoyed the company, loved the music (I've seen Chris Lake in Vancouver before - I think it was about a month ago) but I think this was an even better show. I got to hear Peak Season's Dre Morel spin for the first time, which I'm sure was great but I was focusing more on his good looks. And took some dope pics! (Pic SEVEN & EIGHT)

Tuesday March 16th: I leave Whistler before 10am to drive to Vancouver... for my 12 30 class. I wasn't having fun with it.

Now. I'm dead. Lesson Learned: If you want to no longer be human... and switch species. Go get wrecked every day for a week, I promise you, You'll never be the same.

Life Lessons Pt 8: How To Survive The Olympics

2010-02-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

Well I came back from Toronto early. There was just so much going on in the news, and all the parties, I knew I had to take part and get rowdy. So I switched my flight to get back at 11pm on Tuesday Feb 23rd.

The next day I get a gig at Canvas Lounge for the Men's Olympic Ski Jumping victory party. I go with a friend, take pictures, talk to people, have some drinks, and then peace to The Cellar... where there were SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS and more drinks. Then got into the Irish House (where Colbert was recently) and had more drinks. The streets of Granville were filled and everyone was stoked on life.

The next day I went to the Women's Canada vs. USA Hockey game where I screamed at the top of my lungs getting so rowdy for Canada. That night a group of us went back to The Cellar for a friends going away party. Our friend is in a wheel chair due to a broken ankle... I had no idea how much people love cripples. We're pushing her around the sky train and down Granville yelling "SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS" and "GO CANADA GO" while the rest of the mosh of people gave her high fives like a champ. At The Cellar I'm taking pics of the band, turn around and see that the USA Women's Hockey team had showed up! More drinks for me, and them and soon enough we were all singing Sweet Home Alabama on stage. What a night.

And lost my voice.

The next day (last night- Friday) I took pics are Calvin Harris which was dope.

ANYWAY THIS IS HOW TO SURVIVE:

1) Bring a friend in a wheel chair: You get lots of free drinks, new friends, and skip lines.
2) Get rowdy
3) Sing karaoke with Olympic Athletes
4) Scream Lil John ft. LMFAOs song "SHOTS"
5) Take advantage of drinking on the streets while you can.

I've realized that as much as I disagree with the Olympics, hate what it's done to Vancouver, all the money it's waisted. I do love the parties. And getting rowdy with strangers.

(The first picture is of me and my friend with some of the Olympic Ski Jumpers, Second pic is of the drummer - both at Canvas... Third pic is of a Woman's USA Olympic hockey player getting rowdy at The Cellar... And the fourth pic is of Calvin Harris at Celebrities)

1 word: DOPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Life Lessons Pt 7: You Want What You Can't Have

2010-02-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

I live in Vancouver, BC. You know what that means. The Olympics.
Now obviously this has had tons of hype for a while now, whenever you hear "Vancouver" you think "2010 Olympics" (Or maybe that's just me).

ANYWAY. I was pretty pumped for the Olympics, and living in the host city. WOW the big WINTER GAMES. A time when countries from all over the globe congregate in one city to show off without using weapons. The chance for Canada to really show off it's fantastic mass amounts of snow and put it to use. A chance for Canada to redirect it's Hockey Night to it's Olympic Games. A chance for Whistler Snow Junkies to display what they've been trying to justify dropping out of school for.

Well all I can say is HA!

We were all so pumped for the Olympics, but as it crept close the locals started noticing how many douche bags were supporters of the games... And as those douche bags started appearing more and more like wild cattle let out of a gate, everyone knew to abandon their homes and flee. But it's not like we're over reacting! Not only was Vancouver flooded by a tsunami of grease monkeys but also by:

Taxes: which are going to: MOVING SNOW FROM MOUNTAIN TO MOUNTAIN BY HELICOPTER... WTF CANADA

Police: Vancouver has enough police for good reason, but seriously we don't need an army of police boats acting as Big Brother around English Bay

New Employees: Obviously the Olympics has employed many of people which is great for mullah, but it's not cool. I went to great a crepe from my favourite crepe place on Granville Island. I was craving it all week, so pumped, and there's a new girl on staff. Who completely massacred my highlight of the day. It's just not the same.

Art Installations: Holy Fucking Hell. I like art. I like public art installations. But I hate those fucking beams of light raping the skies of English Bay and False Creek. THEY LOOK STUPID, THE DESIGNS DON'T WORK, THEY'RE SO BRIGHT, I CAN'T SLEEP, GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANYWAY. We all loved the Olympics when it wasn't here... But now that it's come it's not nearly as good as we expected.
Lesson Learned.

But in all honesty... if we weren't having the Olympics in Vancouver everyone would have been like "Wow, it'd be so cool to have the Olympics here". And yes, I do semi regret flying to Toronto and not having to deal with the chaos.

(This photo was taken the night of the Opening Games at Burrard and Robson... where I find lights, fire, fire works, a concert, and a mosh pit of thousands of people... To my surprise).

Life Lessons Pt 6: How To Be Aggressive

2010-02-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

On friday night I went to a Rusko show. It was packed, everyone was hyped, the music was dope, it smelled horrible, and I thought the floors were going to cave. Typical dubstep. I somehow managed to consume 14 drinks in 3.5 hours.

ANYWAY blah blah blah shit happens and I punch a guy in the face. 5 times.

1) I don't know how to punch.
2) I have 3 huge metal rings on my right hand.
3) I was waisted.

I wake up in the morning and get a text saying "your hand hurting?"
I flex my hand confused... fine. Then trying to recall what happened the night before FUCKKKK

Later as the pieces are put together and my thumb continues to swell and bruise I find myself thinking "WHY THE FUCK DID I PUNCH HIM"

Me being the egotistical drunk I am did it because I was told I was "all talk".

Lesson learned... learn how to punch properly before the vodka fills your ego.
... Another lesson learned....
.............DON'T MESS WITH ME.

........I'M CHUCK NORRIS BITCH!

(This picture is from that night- I think I was just got so hyped up cause it was in the air)

Life Lessons Pt 5: How To Handle Emergencies

2010-01-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I woke up, thought about school and had an anxiety attack. An anxiety attack so bad that my body cut off my senses (I went blind and deaf) for about 25 minutes. WTF. Literally, blind and deaf. However, it wasn't a black out, like what happens when you have 8 shots of tequila and 4 double vodka and redbulls, it was as if I had died. All I saw was a bright white light, and nothing else. All I heard was a horrific buzzing sound. So, what the hell are you supposed to do when the things you rely on the most disappear? Call 911. Although I'm not one to ask for help, this seemed like my only option. (And my phone was with me when this happened- hence how I was able to call).

So just about 10 minutes after I call the ambulance, it all stopped. As if nothing were to have happened I felt perfectly fine. Oh fuck. The ambulance is on the way and I look like a complete jackass. So, what do you do? But quickly get changed and jump in bed before anyone sees you. I lay in bed acting dead as the ambulance men open my door trying to find me. To my surprise they were GORGEOUS. "Oh hey there boys" I thought. And they just looked at me like "WTF are you doing?"

So immediately I explain to them what happened, and that somehow it passed really fast. The only thing they really commented on what how many clothes I had on my floor. "Great, now they see me at my worst, there goes my chance for getting their numbers" I thought. Because I have no doctor in Vancouver they suggest they drive me to the hospital for a check up. I chat in the back of the ambulance with Mr. Hottie about his job and how funny I am.

I get there, I wait for a while, have a smoke, give a smoke to another crazy lady waiting there, we talk about how long we have to wait (even though I really didn't have to wait long at all), I go back in, wait some more, update my facebook, chat on bbm, and get called in by the doctor.

Who then informs me that I worked my body up so much that I fainted, but consciously. So it's like fainting and losing all your senses, but still being aware. WEIRD.

So I take a cab home, get changed, I figure I should get to class. NOT A GOOD IDEA.

Anyway, If you feel like a jackass for calling 911, it's probably for the better cause it's embarrassing. Just hope for two sexy men who ask if you want to jump on their stretcher.

(This picture is from a photo shoot I did on Friday of the band Dalla-Tina... When I saw the bright white light I thought I died)

Life Lessons Pt 4: How To Move On

2010-01-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

In life we come across many barriers which hold us back from moving on. Whether it being stuck on a crush, a social situation, work, loss, anything which holds us back from continuing on with our day, keeps our focus, or haunts our sleep. During this time we put all our energy into thinking "How can I fix this?", "Why can't I fix this?", "Why will this not go away?", "If only I was a magician", or just yelling and being angry with the world in general.

Well that's not guna get you anywhere.
From experience and from hearing it constantly from others, the crush seems to be the worst, most common, most stuck up on, barrier. Basically like the movie, "He's Just Not That Into You"... But in the end all of that was proven to be wrong. Bullshit. WTF is that about? The guy gives in after making all these rules? That's horrible, it just means that that entire movie was a lie. So that's why I'm here to set it straight... Once you realize: they don't like you, are seeing someone else, it's just not happening, you're too tied up, you've started stalking them - you know you'll have to get over them, and move on.

First things first.
1) Tell yourself they're gay. They don't like you because they want more of what they already have. Done deal, you can't help nature.
2) Get drunk (preferably not alone)
3) Go shopping
4) Make yourself a fan page on Facebook
5) "Accidentally" bump into them a month later looking HOT and with a sexy other.

Honestly, if the gay thought followed by getting drunk doesn't help, then you're seriously stuck. If that's the case, make yourself busy, time will go by, and they'll soon become the last thing on your mind.

GET OVER IT

(I took this picture at Fortune on the 15th- now up on thefuturists.ca)

Life Lessons Pt 3: How To Fill Free Time

2010-01-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

I have recently tried a number of things to fill in my free time, which I seem to have a lot of since I've denied my schools existence. Some time fillers have worked, others not so much. My goal was to keep myself busy (without thinking about school) and spend minimal time at my apartment which has proven to drive me to astrology, psychology, crazy, and alcoholism.
Fixes ranging from specifically driving to Burrard and Broadway to repetitively make U turns, to going over to a friends to youtube Jimmy Fallon's "Bothered" skit, to going to Safeway just to be surprised that there's a Starbucks in the middle.

Ways to Fill Free Time: DOs:

1) Go to a friend's and youtube Jimmy Fallon's "Bothered"
2) Try different grocery stores and compare which one feeds the most attractive people
3) Bungee jump from the Granville Bridge
4) Ride the aquabus and exchange drunken stories with the driver
5) Go to Saphora to collect free samples of face creams

Ways to Fill Free Time: DON'Ts:

1) Do U turns at Burrard and Broadway
2) Finish half a 26 of vodka to yourself and then go to the club Celebrities... when you have an 8:30am class the next morning
3) Go to Kinkos for a "quick print"
4) Engage in personal conversations with Safeway employees
5) Go for a walk and assume it's not going to rain

Lessons Learned.

Life Lessons Pt 2: How To Address Problems

2010-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when you're stuck in life time seems to stand still. The same problem keeps circling your mind, not going away, and seems to be inevitable and never resolved. WTF are you supposed to do? Ask for advise? Search it in Google? Take a personality quiz? Check your horoscope? Well sure, those are all the things I do, but unless you seriously get enlightened by a wise monk, you'll go no where.

So in all honesty, wise monk talk, I suggest drinking. By doing this you will not realize how much time has gone by, your problems will disappear, you'll start not caring, and you might need to get a liver transplant. But, everyone gets those at least twice in a life time, so it's no big deal.

If vodka's not your cup of delusion, then I would try tequila. 8 shots of that and you know a year will feel like a week. But what a week! No worries, problems, confusions, responsibilities, stress, any of that, except for compulsive shaking after spending half of that time over a toilet, garbage can, sewer, car window, or alley way store stoop.

However, after sobering up from your alternate dream universe, the problems, stress, and reality hit. And that's when worst comes to worse and you have to throw your arms in the air from your ruffled crusty messy covers and yell "FUCK IT" with your raspy harsh cancer embedded throat, and deal with what ever has been haunting you and pushing you to alcoholism... After you go throw up again and take a shower.

Life Lessons Pt 1: How To Get Thru Lectures

2010-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

As I am writing I am in my first lecture of the semester. Last semester I had an art history lecture. Both are three hours long, in a room with 400 people, and a stage, podium, screen, and projector at the front.
WTF are you supposed to do when you're not sitting on an isle seat at the back of the room? It's boring, your aggravated, my ass goes numb, you start daydreaming about what you would be doing if you weren't chained to your seat, and you start trying to over hear other peoples whispering chatter. AND the worst, when the teacher is trying to be funny, and the audiences responses is a low groan.

Well, from my experiences with this years boring, lengthy, tedious lectures, this is what I've learned. My guide.

1) SIT ON THE ISLE
2) Bring your laptop
3) Have a large 4 shot coffee
4) Google as much information as possible so you can book mark it, and not have to listen
5) Text others who are in the class, so you can be further distracted, but more entertained.
6) Resist yelling or throwing objects
7) If you do make sure they can't see your face
8) If they do know who you are and they confront you about it, tell them that you have the stomach flu, haven't been able to sleep in 2 weeks, you've been studying but you're so dyslexic you don't understand anything, and you really like their sweater, "where'd you get it?"
9) During the smoke break... run.
10) Ponder what you think the teachers life story may be... As an extremest.

Follow these guidelines... and you'll pass with a C-... But you'll enjoy that extra time free that you'll probably just spend on facebook anyway.

This picture was taken when I was 16... Same thing on my mind now. Not much as changed.

(THIS IS WRITING, A STORY, ENTERTAINMENT, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, VIEWER FRIENDLY, A JOKE, SARCASM... Take it however way you want, but this is not FACT nor ENCOURAGEMENT)

Ways Of Communication

2010-01-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Communication is something that can be done thru tons on portals. However, communication somehow seems to be humans worst skill. Seriously, the emotion of confusion would not exist if we could communicate clearly, and yet it seems that people are confused 99% of the time. Zombies wondering around, facebook, twitter, texting, bbming, msn, calling, blogging, meeting, teleporting, telecom, letters, art, photography, everything- SO MANY WAYS... yet we fail to communicate correctly.

In result I have decided to make up my own language which cannot be mistaken for anything else. Mrah.
My language is clear as glass, that with the addition of facial expressions. Eye rolling, eye expanding, eyebrow bending, teeth grinding, eye glaring, wrinkle shaking, mouth left side: grinning, "yea right", "you're going to regret that", "that's fantastic". Along with the words: "Mrah", "Rah", Mrarah", "Gah", "Mah", "Garahaha", "Mumahmarah", etc... It's very clear.

So I believe that if everyone adapts my language the emotion of confusion would not exist, everyone would be able to communicate clearly, and we all would be happier. So far there are only two people on earth that are fluent in this language: Will you be next?

Mrah.

Oh '09 How I'll Remember Thee Pt. 2: WOW

2009-12-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

(These pictures are of me and my best friend from high school when we first met 2005 and the other from June 2009... A lot has changed)

Today on my flight from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico I read through Time Magazine's annual "Year In Review"... to my surprise that MUCH more happened to this world than I knew! My GOD the earth does not revolve around me, and other events did occur this year besides me waking up to a vacuumed out brain, finding my vodka in my friends locker, and having concerns about my mind boggling amount of gum chewing! Outstanding!

But really, SO much happened this year, that really did, give this decade it's BIG BANG. Hello Obama, natural disasters, "war on terror", MJ, and Somalian Pirates. Not only that, but each individuals year of events, and turning points. Did not all of us come to some realization this year?

As I learned from a drunken 21 year old actor at my best friend's wedding on Sunday, "Humans are much more similar than different. We all know what it feels like to be alone, sad, angry, envious, and disappointed" Although these all seem to be negative emotions, they're all still very powerful ones. Is that not what makes artist paint? Those are the emotions which strike us the hardest and get us to react the most vividly. I think we all just forget that many others can relate.

Over a period of 12 months not only have I gained and lost little, but have the feeling of satisfaction. 2009 is probably my most successful, rewarding, and accomplished year thus far, AND with minimal drama at that! Not only have I moved three times and come to realize that where I'm at now is WHERE I love but also realized WHAT I love.
Obvi "love" is a strong word, but when it comes down to passion in life, it really does become a big deal. A lot of people go through life not really knowing what they should be doing with it, and end up wasting their precious one chance working at a job they hate, maybe solely based on the thought that they don't know what their love or passion is.

Sometimes, which I've found to be the case, is that people have multiple talents or passions they just don't know it, or don't know how to put it towards a career. The only thing that I've know to be my "talent" is art/ photography. People have talked to me about it and have always said "...But you have your photography, so you'll be okay". As if that's my only life line. But really, my love for talking (yeah, I know) and especially giving advise, and debating seems like a possibility as a careers choice. If there's only some way that I can do photography and utilize my talking skills. I've also constantly gone back with the love for war photojournalism. What does it take to become one myself?

What my point is, is that 2009 brought to me all of these realizations in life. What 12 months can do to change a person. I feel accomplished because I have gain knowledge and understanding about myself and love earlier on that will give me a head start for the new year. I'm not going to be stuck in 2008 wondering what my life goal will be, seems now that for 2010 I will be able to act on this passion and head in a positive adventure. The puzzle pieces are being found and I'm starting to get the picture.

If you're the person who has yet to unveil your talents, or find out how to make your life on it, just think. You must be reading this for some reason, even if it is out of boredom. Dude, there's so many jobs out there that anything can match, even make up your own job. You may have a passion for forging signatures, there's a job for that. Or cooking.

In any case, there's a job for everyone. And as sad as it is that we all need to work to live, and will most likely spend most of our lives doing so, remember that it's your only one (unless your beliefs conflict with mine). It's shitty for those who spend their entire lives wishing that they could use their passion day after day, and are never able to achieve it.

So 2009, thanks, it's been great. But I can't wait to get going, and see what's in store for 2010.

Oh '09 How I'll Remember Thee: Music Playlist

2009-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

I know this year isn't OFFICIALLY over, but a couple days a head won't hurt. There's so many changes that have come over the past 12 months. Think of how much you've... hopefully grown as a person. Maybe, for some, even deflated as a person, but, hopefully you've now learned and will have a fresh start for 2010. A new decade at that!

First off I will start with my 2009 music playlist, as my time is spent with having myself plugged into my own personal theme songs.

First off with Jan - April: Which was either all House/Techno or Hip Hop with some Soca:
Insomnia - Tiesto
Forbidden Paradise - Tiesto
Dreaming - Tiesto
Amazing - Kanye West ft Young Jeezy
See You in My Nightmares - Kanye West
Lighting Up My LaLaLa - Lil Wayne
Partywrong - Love Thy Brother
Gifted - N.A.S.A ft Kanye West
Lil Hipster Girl - LMFAO
Phantom Pt. II - Justice

And obviously, my probably most played song that I'd jam to with my Bermy gyals ROMPIN SHOP - Vybz Kartel ft Spice
Check Out the VID: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee0dSTdbyWw

Then the summer jams from May - August: Mostly just top 40/ main stream:
Sylvia - Miike Snow
Sexy Bitch - Akon ft David Guetta
YES - LMFAO
Sugar - Flo Rida
Heartbreaker (Wolfgang Gartner remix) - MSTRKRFT ft John Legend
Goodgirls Love Rudeboys - Kidbass ft Sincere
Not Fair - Lily Allen
How Do You Sleep - Jesse McCartney
Bounce - MSTRKRFT ft N.O.R.E.
Turn My Swagg On Remix - Soulja Boy
With A Little Help From My Friends - Easy Star All-Stars

And FINALLY the fall mix which pretty much includes everything:
Maybach Music Pt. 2 - Rick Ross
Ghosts n Stuff - Deadmau5 ft Rob Swire
Kryptonite (Purple Ribbon ALl Stars - I Be On That) - Tae K (Mixtape)
I'm Not Your Toy (Jack Beats Remix) - La Roux
Make Her Say (Afrojack Remix) Kid Cudi ft Kanye West
Aerodynamic (Aviel Brant Remix) - Daft Punk
Did It Again (Benny Benassi Remix) - Shakira ft. Kid Cuti
Brooklyn We Go Hard - Jay-Z
I'm The Shit (Remix) - DJ Class ft Kanye West
Watcha Say - Jason Derulo
Off That - Drake ft Jay-Z
High Heels - Lola
Escape Me - Tiesta
Sorry (Dirty South remix) - Kaskade

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

I just arrived back in Toronto last night. I've gotten used to the 5 hour flight, even when I was surprised with WestJet not having a touch screen movie option, I was still able to fill the time. While decending into Toronto I push the person next to me aside so I can get a better view of the big city below... "How beautiful the lights are" I thought, and then looking back and forth I found myself searching for mountains and the water... Nothing. WTF where'd they go!???? OH WAIT we don't have those on the east coast. I've gotten so used to a gorgeous view, I thought it was normal... Nope. So what is the east coast? Flat, full of cement, and unathletic people. Damn. I mean it's my home... but... Vancouver is my new home, and I like it... a little bit more.

My father came to the airport to pick me up, we go outside to find the car and then I realized. ONTARIO'S EFFING COLD!!!!! Holllllyyyyyyyyyy the cold, the wind, everything. And I know it's been a mild winter for Toronto so far, but I've gotten so used to the west where in the past week it's been an average of 7 degrees. My body does not appriciate the negative numbers.

I arrive home to the house I grew up in, with a burning fire, and bacon wrapped millet mignons waiting. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. "Meredith. Make the ceasar salad. Meredith. Hang up your jacket. Meredith. What do you think your doing!?" (Okay yes, a warm welcome and hugs came before this, and my mother did need help cooking dinner...) I'm just saying... It's weird become home.

After dinner I go pick up my friend at the new apartment I've never been too. I then realized I know the streets of Vancouver better than Toronto, it just makes more sense. We go pick up my other friends and head to The Ossington (which is a small popular bar that attract the local hipsters). But there was a bouncer outfront saying it was at capacity... We look in the window and there's clearly enough space. WTF. So we go to Sweaty Betty's which was jammed pack but we were able to get a drink. Go back to The Ossington, still too full. We go to another bar across the street, empty. Weird. So from there on the 6 of us sat, caught up, and drank.

I go home surprisingly early, at 1:20, raid my parents fridge, and go sleep for 12 hours. Amazing.

It's so weird to be home, even for the holidays.

Oh Vancity! Oh Reality!

2009-12-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of people I have a constant itch to escape reality. My top 5 ways are (in order of most used):

1) Daydreaming
2) Alcohol
3) Ignoring responsibilities
4) Traveling/ moving
5) Sleeping

However, I am so very bored with reality that I find myself trying to escape for the majority of my days. I was talking to my friend yesterday about how I don't remember when I say things out loud, in my head, or even at all when I'm not looking people in the eye. For example:
This week I went out, made a bad visual judgement, slipped and hit my eyebrow on a railing. Now resulting in a puffy blue-greenish eyelid. Typical. However, I'm pretty sure I said to the people behind me "Omg, wow, I'm such a clutz!!!" but because I don't remember seeing their eyes at the time, I'm not sure if I actually said it out loud.

Point is, I escape from reality so often, aka 95% of the time, that sometimes I don't actually remember what is real. This is also besides the fact that I'm a Pisces (look it up).

Moving to Vancouver I find that I've become a little bit more dazed than usual. Yes, I've gone over it multiple times- I go to art school, therefore enhancing my delusional mind frame, yes, BC air is much... stronger. But, maybe, perhaps, it has to do with all of the listed above as a combination.

I am constantly daydreaming, to the point, seriously, that I distort my reality and relationships with people. Another example being the following:

I was interested in someone in Toronto. Coincidentally, there was someone in Vancouver who looked and acted the same way, who I saw often (not by choice). On the days where I wasn't too pleased with the person in Toronto, I kept daydreaming that the person in Vancouver was the same guy. So whenever I saw that person I would give them a cold shoulder. I kept lacking reality, that that guy was not the one I was pissed at.

Just like when I drink, which again, is often, I distort my reality. Okay, DUH when you drink and text, drink and call, drink and SOCIALIZE, shits guna get messy. Just as I may take things the wrong way.

My last and final delusion with not being tapped into reality also has to do with relationships. I daydream and give myself reasons why I should stay distant. Which concludes in my obsession with leaving. I cannot stay in one place, I like to be known as a nomad.

Example: From June - September of this year I changed area codes on my phone 3 times. It's not that big of a deal, because that's how things worked out, but I constantly need to be in a different area. Hence why from 2006-2009 I would travel 2 hours each way each weekend just to get away. Also why I've commuted back to Toronto from Vancouver more than most students would to their home outside of the area.

My reality changes each time I go somewhere else. For me, traveling, is detaching me from reality, which brings me back to where I started of keeping thing entertaining for me and my imagination.

But then when I actually grasp the essence of reality, and realize that everything that has gone thru my head has not been real, I forget what actually is. I've been so caught up in my own world that I don't ever know what day it is, or have a challenging time remembering what I've even been doing in the past weeks.

What has happened to my reality?

Is It That Obvious?

2009-12-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

Every weekday I make a commute via aquabus to Granville Island. I get off the aquabus and walk directly to JJ Bean where I take out one ear bud and talk with the employees who already know I'm going to order a large cappuccino. I say "Thanks, have a good day, see you later!", put my ear buds back in and walk to school where I sit down on the cement benches, put my bag down, then my coffee, pull out my pack of dumos, reach into my pocket for my lighter, and enjoy my first cigarette of the day.

Class or work in the library follows. If I am hungry then I go into the cafe and order half a tuna melt and a bottle of water. I do my work.

Put my ear buds back in, go to JJ Bean and depending on the time either order another large cappuccino, or if it's later in the evening order a medium chai latte. I talk some more with the employees and see, "Thanks, have a good evening, see you later!". I then search throughout the market figuring out what I will cook for dinner, which is usually either a steak fillet mignon, a tuna steak, scallops, or pasta. I then exit through the back door, walk to the closest bench to the aquabus ramp where the butt tin is, put my bag down, put my coffee down, and have a smoke.

When I'm done my smoke I walk to the aquabus, talk with the employees there, go across, get off the aquabus, walk along the seawall, go to the corner store, say to the owner "Hello! How're you!?" and make small talk, get two bottles of Arizona Green Tea, a 1.5 liter of water, and when I need to, four packs of Dumarie cigarettes. I then go to my apartment, put away the items, turn off my iPod and turn on my speakers.

Every weekday.

Well today was different. Today, someone made me take out my ear phones so he could tell me, "I see you do the same thing every single day. You get off the aquabus, and later on come back, sit in the same spot everyday with your coffee and have a smoke. What's you're deal? Where do you work?" I was a little surprised since I never notice anyone around me, and never thought anyone would notice my routine either. However, it wasn't in a creepy stalker way, it was like "you're so obvious that you do the SAME thing everyday" type of deal.

I know that my weekday life isn't all that exciting, but I've never really realized how exact my routine is until now.

Is it THAT boring? How do people deal without a routine?????? Should I make my weekday more exciting?

Message to THE Man.

2009-12-08T17:40:00.001-08:00

Here's a couple suggestions I'd like to request if THE man was to read this:
(THE man is the guy who creates the work schedule, holidays, celebrations, and what not)

A four day weekend twice a month. Hey, I'm not asking that we only work or go to school for four days a week... I'm just saying four days a week every other week. The human body would greatly gain from this. With a four day weekend twice a week the working or learning human will become more efficient.

This is because no one really works on Sundays. The only thing people work on is curing their hangover, trying to remember how many people they macked, and trying to fill their stomachs with as much breakfast foods as possible.

If we were giving a four day weekend every other week then that Monday off would be for prepping ourselves for the week ahead. We would actually be able to do work because the hangover would be gone (generally there's not much going on on Sunday nights so no one would have much of an excuse getting drunk), you wouldn't be sleep deprived, and your body would be wanting to get back on track.

Human's would be much for efficient, and happier. There would be no more going to work or school on the Monday and hating life because you're unorganized and lacking needed sleep.

Brilliant? I think so.

(This picture of my friend on Feb 9th @ Celebs. She was having a good time and might need that extra day to recover. But she will not have that day, which will effect her monday... due to not having a four day weekend.)

Hipster Kids

2009-12-07T03:34:00.000-08:00

I could go on forever about hipster kids. Not only about how I do not understand this semi- unfortunate trend, but why the hell it's so popular.

Guys: Do you like cutting off the circulation of your balls? Do you find this attracts women? (If you're straight). Do you enjoy being anorexic and not being able to eat... or have muscle? Do you find this attracts women? (If you're straight).

Answer: WHY THE HELL DOES IT!?!?!?! I don't get it! Apparently hipster ladies have now turned into gay men. What happened to "the man"? Since when were rib cages and hip bones a turn on when sported by a guy? I guess I missed the myspace post. Oops.

And one more question: Plaid. Plaid. Plaid. EVERYWHERE. The lumberjack look isn't too bad when done in a sexy look of the month calender, but please, it's being over done. when I was at the Biltmore in Vancouver a couple weekends ago it was EVERYWHERE. I didn't know who was who because they were all wearing the same bloody thing. Do all the boys want to match? They obviously aren't like girls who either get ready together or call before hand to make sure they aren't even wearing the same socks.

That's all I can rant about for now.

(Sorry friends, this was the best picture for this example.)

Park People

2009-12-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

In class a couple weeks ago my group decided to do a project on parks. After the presentation the class all sat in a circle (yes like in our kindergarden days) and discussed. When it was time for the class to critique my part in the presentation I felt a speech was necessary before they spoke. And me being the rambling, distracted person that I am, started my speech like this:

"So I don't really know much about parks, I'm not really a park person. Well if there are park people, like that category stereotype of park people... the people who go to parks. I don't really know what category I'm in, but I don't fit in with the park people... Parks and I don't really get along too well, I don't go and hang out in parks... Like park people do."

(Meanwhile, while my arms are flailing in the air and I'm looking at the ceiling, my classmates are just sitting there like "WTF is this crazy girl talking about?)

I continue: "I'm just saying I don't like parks... well I mean I went at night to do this project and it sucked. Like the last time I was in a park at night in Toronto I got a gun pulled out on me..." And then I paused to remember that day... and when I return my focus to the class my teacher and the students all have their mouthes wide open in shock... Oops.

After that there was no need for discussion, they moved into the next person. Thank you awkward silences.

(I took this picture at my closest park at 5pm about four weeks ago while it was pouring rain... Not fun)

Personalities Of The Jacket

2009-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

In the past week I've sported 4 different jackets/coats.

The first one was a well worn grey peacoat that I fell in love with at a Korean boutique in Kensington Market, Toronto over a year and a half ago. However, it was the last jacket left, I had to have it... but it was a small... a small meaning Korean small... not obese American Le Chateau small. Not only does this mean the buttons were being a little snug around the waist, but the sleeves... OH THE SLEEVES. It was like a 3/4 sleeve on me. But over all a fantastic looking coat - minus the fact that by the end of it the buttons had been re stitched 3 times, as well as the liner, I had lost a couple buttons so it just looked awkward. However people seemed to give me a respectful "She's a starving artist" look. I would get compliments on the jacket quite often, but it obvious it needed a lot of work. (But then I lost it last weekend when I was incoherent at Celebrities).

So I had to improvise and go through my closet for jackets I had for "just in case" reasons. Thankfully it's been extremely sunny and not too cold in Vancouver so I could pull out a fall bomber jacket.

This jacket is from Stitches... nough said. It's a pleather... maybe even a fake pleather jacket, really the quality is so poor it reminds me of a dog's rawhide chewy bone. However, the look resembled leather and I am far too cheap to buy a real leather jacket especially living in Vancouver when it usually rains all the time. The wrists, collar, and waist bands however were made out of some crappy cotton spandex material that once stretched will never return to it's original size. And because of my obsession with pushing my sleeves up, the wrist shape was forever distorted to the size of a 70's tambourine slamming hippy sleeve. However, to the untrained eye, the whole outfit made me kinda look like a bad ass. "Leather jacket girl jamming away to her iPod" I got less double takes, but got more attention from the men who let their hair grow, didn't notice the moth holes in their Harley Davidson T-Shirt, and wore their Mountain Equipment Coop construction shoes like socks. I didn't really care, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted.

Then for the colder days I was forced to wear a quilted black jacket that had a fur trimmed hood, had a boxy structure, and only looked good when wearing multiple layers and colours that could distract from the jacket.

On my first day of wearing it this past week, I made it half way to school and had to stop myself to detach the fur, it was that disturbing. I've never felt so self conscious about wearing a jacket before! Although it did keep me warm, I realized I'd rather be a bit cold and confident than wanting to dig a grave and be warm. So I continue my way to the coffee shop which I visit at least 3 times a day, and look at one of the employees and say "On a scale of 1 to 10 how much of a douche do I look?" and although I know she was trying to be nice she politely says, "You don't look like a douche! You just look like you're going skiing." But although I may have seemed like a boarder, felt like a douche, I think I just looked young. I looked my age. Although age is just an unmeasurable untangle idea, I felt it. Which disturbed me greatly because I've always wanted to be older than I am, and give off that impression... I've just never been satisfied with my age. It seemed that I was no one, and I became mush in the background. I was "The young student who can't dress well" in everyone else's eyes.

But then came the turning point. The day my life changed... Yesterday. When I made my first trip to the Pacific Centre in Vancouver and found my soulmate on a Christmas 50% off sale at BCBG. I saw, I grabbed, I put on, I loved, I stroked, I cat walked, I bought.

It is knee length. It is black with leather sleeves... Sleeves that REACH my hand. A peacoat style with well assembled buttons. A belt which I can tie perfectly. A flexible collar. Deep pockets that can hold my cigarettes and crackberry without having to worry if they're going to fall out. Beautiful. I've been sporting it around for two days so far and I have become the successful independent woman of the 21st century... all thanks to this coat. People perceive me differently in that, "She should be respected" way, and it's beautiful. It's like a coke jacket. It makes you feel on top of the world without getting nose bleeds or gum rubbing side effects. Amazing.

Now we live... Happily... Ever... After.

The End.

The Hangover

2009-11-28T23:58:00.000-08:00

Last night I was drugged with roofies.

This morning I wake up grasping for my cell phone. And then the huge question surfaces, "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED LAST NIGHT!?!?!" I slowly get out of bed confused, trying to find my phone. I go to the door to see my purse on the floor and my cell in it with 5 missed calls. But where was my camera!? ... Safe on my couch. I was so confused.

But somehow, even being completely blacked out I was able to take a cab (I think I took a cab- it makes the most sense), give them my address, pay, get thru the front door, go up the elevator... and then I do remember trying to get into my apartment, getting frustrated with the keys, throwing up in the hallway and passing out. I have no idea how I got into my apartment.

Like in the movie "The Hangover" where they wake up to find Mike Tyson's tiger in the bathroom and don't remember a thing... I woke up with 700 pictures I barely remember taking. Unfortunately, I wasn't partying with Bradley Cooper Mmmmmmmm but at least I was safe.

That could have gone so wrong. ALWAYS watch your drink and try to watch it being made.

Selling Addiction

2009-11-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

Ever since grade five my father would drive me to my tutor's office three times a week. I would always make sure to get there early so that I could sneak to Second Cup to get a coffee. The habit continued and my love for coffee grew and grew. In grade 9 I was sent to boarding school and began smoking cigarettes.

Caffeine is an addiction, nicotine is an addiction. But you don't get carded for buying coffee.

In grade 9 I bought cigarettes and got caught by a teach who was clearly following me. And calls the cops on the store owner. Two years later I had to go to court for buying cigarettes underage. WTF

It's okay for a 10 year old to buy coffee but not okay for a 14 year old to buy cigarettes? Okay, yes, cigarettes may cause cancer... but coffee makes teeth yellow

BREAKING NEWS!

2009-11-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

THE SUN IS SHINING AND THERE IS NO RAIN IN VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have found a new joy in life. I never realized how fantastic and emotional enhancing the sun is. I feel like a new person.

That's all for now, I'm going to go have a smoke on the patio and then go frolic. SO. HAPPY.

(This picture was taken during a vacation to the Dominican Republic in 07... kinda really wish I was back there)

Anti-Focus

2009-11-24T23:12:00.000-08:00

When first deciding back in May that I was for sure going to leave Toronto for Vancouver, I was warned. I was warned about the following:

1) Rain. From what I initially heard was that I would never see day light, there was never a point in time where it wasn't raining, it's so depressing because all the rain. RAIN. RAIN. RAIN. Bring tons of umbrellas, you can only wear rain boots. RAIN.

2) You will never want to leave. It's like saying "Once you go black you never go back" ...... But in a geological term... "Once you go WEST you never go back... East?" Well, I've always heard good things about the west coast and how it's all chill (we all know why)

3) You might become too chill. And after them explaining to you about how it'll be no good- they say "So... when you come back for Thanksgiving... bring me back some."

ANYWAY how this ties in with me not focusing. The rain. It's been raining everyday, almost non-stop for the past 2 weeks. I don't know what to do with myself.
Not only do I not enjoy going out for smokes on my patio, but I can't ever tell the time of day and it's seriously throwing me off. I slept from 3am-8am this morning, was late for class, then came back and slept from 11am-4pm. WTF!? It's completely messed up my schedule.

I can't focus on one set thing because all my attention is on the question "WHEN IS IT GOING TO STOP RAINING!?!?" I wake to a light glare that reflects off of the grey clouds around 7am and by the time I'm out the door at 8:50 it's dark. I go into classes at 8:30 and get out at 11:30 and it's even darker.
I don't believe that Vancouver (during the winter months) actually has a sun rise, mid day, sun set. It just has bright glare, dull dim glare, and suicide glare... with three variations of precipitation: the "if you were dumb enough to straighten your hair this morning you're fucked" light rain, the "good luck with enjoying you're day because this rain will ruin it for you" constant rain, and finally the "avoid even going outside today because you will drown in tidal waves that the taxi's make after driving over a pot hole too fast" torrential downpour rain.

In the mean time I have resorted to sleeping during odd hours, ordering delivery, only asking that one question... "WHEN IS IT GOING TO STOP RAINING!!?"......... and clubbing but that's a different story.

(This picture is from Sunday night at Venue where Thunderheist was playing... These are the brightest Vancouver will every get during winter... These lights were probably imported from Miami)

Waking Up Drunk: A Merry Somers True Story

2009-11-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

Last night (Sunday) I went to Venue in Vancouver to see Thunderheist... and for the sake of going out. I was a little skeptical about going out at first because I had a three hour class at 12:30 the next day. But I was easily persuaded and decided to get drunk (it was a common theme this weekend - hence the lack of blog posts... I was either drunk, getting more drunk, or passed out).

ANYWAY I kept forgetting how much I had to drink, so I kept going... In consistent with double vodka and diet cokes, double fisted the whole night. The night was dope, chilled with MC Isis of Thunderheist (who's a wicked cool lady) and got introduced to K-OS. Kept drinking. More vodka. More. More. More. And passed out back at my place around 5am. At 10am I wake up to a splitting headache... I lay in bed for a while until it's really time to get ready for school.

And that's when it hit me. Well, when I hit the floor. I was still drunk. I thought it was just a really bad hangover but by the time I got to class and couldn't sit up straight, pay attention, and thought everything was funny I knew I had gone in deep waters.

I was watching a presentation (really guys, good job) and I was exceptionally eager when it was time to discuss and critique. I wave my arm in the air to take part... "Yes, Meredith... Go ahead" my prof says. I say giggling, "The lights were super cool! And it was all dope and got my attention, super cool" and that's when I burst out laughing... So hard I almost fell off my chair and had to leave the classroom to control myself.

After the class I came home and died for a while.

True Story. Don't go to class drunk.

(The picture was taken by clubzone photographer Pooya)

The Magic Act

2009-11-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

My balcony is set up so that everyone in the floors above me can see me. I live on the 5th floor. Which means that if anything falls/is pushed/ thrown off of their balconies it will most likely land on my balcony. It wasn't that bad when I first moved in three months ago, but now it's really gotten to a point where my private smoking/ bbqing area has become a lost and found.

It all started in the second week of me living here that I would find cigarette butts (that were clearly not mine because I have an ashtray).

In the second month I started getting empty cigarette packs... again not mine since I would never smoke Export A Blues. Ew.

Following that I got a plastic bag... Weird... but can easily be picked up by wind.

And this is when the items in my lost and found became obscure... A whole roll of paper towel was left on my lounge chair. An entire roll. WTF

THEN as of last night after classes I come home, eat dinner, and go outside for my smoke. I'm jamming away to my iPod when I notice A TARP! Yes, I full tarp left on my lounge chair... I understand that there have been heavy winds in the west coast recently but not strong enough to blow a TARP!

So as I'm writing this, looking out my window, onto my balcony, I see a 6 foot black tarp. I don't know what to do with it. What am I supposed to say to the security guard... "Miss... I found a tarp on my balcony... and I don't know how it got there" She'd look at me like the crazy art student that I am and ask me if I'm an alcoholic. Then what kind of a reputation would I have in the condo building? The-Crazy-Art-Student-Alcoholic-Tarp-Girl. Jeez.

And it all started with a cigarette.

Sweet Dreams

2009-11-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

On Monday my mother and oldest friend went shopping for a new duvet for my bed. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with the old duvet- but it had it's flaws.

Such as:
1) Bunching.... I don't really understand what the duvet was made of- it kinda felt like whale blubber but it would always bunch up so when I'd wake up all the duvet fluffies would look like a mountain on one side of the cover... it was awkward.

2) It was a 90's floral print... usually duvets are white and you put a cover on it... but this strange one was floral. I didn't get it... I couldn't sleep well.

3) It was just awkward, our personalities didn't agree, and as a result I wasn't having as rested a sleep.

So when coming home from school I see a gorgeous gold new fluffy duvet on my bed! I jump on it to find that it's feathers! Now I sleep 11 hours without noticing. I literally have a paralyzing sleep every time... (this is a good thing) It's like when you go to bed and you wake up half a day later in the same position, it's beautiful.... But one thing I've noticed that came with this duvet....

Acid dreams. Every time I sleep I now get these ridiculously bazar dreams that included all these random people. Dreams like Alice in Wonderland gone crack head. However, they're not nightmares... they're just completely fucked up. Which I probably get from being at art school....

I don't know what to do... it's so comfy but it's effecting my sub conscious thoughts? Really? Duvet Powers?
I've also realized that dairy before bed gives me nightmares. Weird?

(This is a drawing I made about a year ago- Alice in Wonderland Tim Burton style... Creepy?)

Tastes Change.

2009-11-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

My love for oysters all started when I went for a family dinner at Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill in the Distillery District in Toronto about three years ago. I had never had oysters before that, and fell in love. I returned to the restaurant a couple months after to throw a friend a birthday dinner... more oysters... kept on returning, bringing more friends in hope that they too would share the love. Two years go by and my obsession with oysters grew and grew, until I was determined to try oysters in every new city that I traveled to. I still found that the best oysters were in Toronto at Pure Spirits and at Rodney's Oyster House (both restaurants get their oysters from the same place)...

So from March - November 2009 I tried oysters in Bermuda, Miami, New York City, London, Madrid and Vancouver... it wasn't until I went to London, England in July where all that changed. I got 24 hour food poisoning from rotten oysters. Yes... Rotten oysters. It was one of the worst sick experiences I've ever had. The one food I trusted with all my heart had poisoned me, it was so hard to bare. So because of the experience I couldn't even look at an oyster for a month

(I couldn't help myself... It's like when you have a bad night after taking too many tequila shots and you say to yourself "I'M NEVER DRINKING AGAIN!!!" and then the next day you change it to "I'M NEVER DRINKING TEQUILA AGAIN!!!" and soon enough you catch yourself thinking.... "I'll never take 12 shots of tequila in a row in Dominican Republic again" and then the next hour you just say "FUCK IT I WANA GET SHIT FACED!!!")

ANYWAY... So the next month I go back to Pure Spirits for oysters just to see how they were. And surprisingly enough I felt a little nauseous after. So I didn't have them until the next month when I just moved to Vancouver... tried them again, same thing felt nauseous... So last week when I was in Toronto I went back to Pure Spirits so excited to try great oysters... to find myself feeling nauseous once again!!!!

This is when I went to Nirvana- thinking that my nauseous feeling would over pass like the other two times... but I get there, sit down with my friend. And run to the bathroom. I continued to order a drink cause I thought I was fine... and again.

I'M ALLERGIC TO OYSTERS!?!???? How can the one food I thought I could never be sick of, make me sick every time? Tastes Change. Why? I don't know, but I think it's horrible. I understand tastes changing with other things... like fur coats and the colour pink. But OYSTERS???? Apparently, your body can change that too. WOW. I need to find a new obsession...

The Metaphorical "Chase"

2009-11-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I've had this conversation over and over again with both guys and gals, and seen it time and time again in reality and in movies. The Metaphorical "Chase". This is when both someone has to work for/ CHASE after another that they desire.
Sometimes it even works the other way around, they may not initially want it, but because it's hard to get, they want it... just because the task at hand is not easy.

What's so desirable about working hard? It builds drama, suspense, curiosity, and excitement in our own little sometimes boring worlds. If only our lives reflected the all time chick book and show, "Gossip Girl" or for those like me who are more into the fantasy, delusional, crazy, desires in "Vampire Diaries" or "Twilight". All we want is to see how hard someone is going to make us work for a conclusion of the unknown... wether it be getting our blood sucked by a sexy man god or bumming a smoke off of the skinniest hipster with the best vintage glassless glasses.

I for one, like most men and women, am highly addicted and intrigued by "The Chase". All those questions that blind the rest of your brain revolve like a category five hurricane.... it FUCKS SHIT UP!!!... but it's fun. WTF is up with human nature?

Questions ranging from:
"I wonder if he/she actually likes me or if they're just playin?"

To those who are completely deranged:
"I wonder if I can sneak roofies into their coffee, drag them into my apartment, set up a lie detector, and have my way..."

(Which reminds me of the movie The Hangover and I also watch a lot of CSI: Miami...................................WOW.)

But when I comes down to it... time passes by... "The Chase" is still going... you still can't get what you want, or even if you do, what's next? Are you happy? Well, No. You go onto the next best thing- Someone else.

To clear things up for all of you, this is a game. If "The Chase" was a board game it would never be bought because there are NO WINNERS. That's not fun is it? Everyone wants to win, no one is ever especially excited to be a loser. You don't play a game, enter a competition, or enroll in a course, and aim to lose. So then what's the point?

Well for starters, if any person is easy they are known as a slut/ whore/ man-whore. But why can't people just be honest?
If everyone was just straight up then there would be less losers and less time waisted for those who actually want something serious.

The Metaphorical "Chase" is just entertainment, admit it. It's a time filler. That's why you call them your crush: it hurts.

.... But non the less... We're still into it. I still enjoy the "Chase", it's still addictive, I still don't stop myself, I still desire to control, and I still aim to win. Human mannerisms, nature, curiosity... Really? WTF.

Reminiscing On The Awkward Days

2009-11-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Last night my oldest friend stayed over at my apartment after having a lovely Italian dinner at Burrard and Smithe in Vancouver. We were on my laptop looking through our more recent clubbing pictures at Celebrities during the Halloween weekend. In my mass amounts of photos we came across some pictures we took when we were 12/13 thinking we were the coolest kids around. HOLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYY. I cannot even describe how awkward these pictures were...

But when I remember these days between ages 12-14 I really did think I was this invincible tween. Having everything to offer to the world, on top of it all, starting to wear make up and having friends sleep over. Was that not the best feeling? The first whiff of independence. When viewing these pictures my friend kept on commenting, "How did people allow us to be alive!!!????".

There's a couple particular pictures where I was 13, had metal braces, an awkward hair cut, awkward body, awkward clothes... everything. And my friend and I were in Bruce Mines, Ontario (near Salute Ste. Marie) on a tug boat. And no, I have no idea what the whole ordeal was with this tug boat, but apparently it's a big deal during Canada Day. Because we were "THE SHIT" we were spotting all the guys on the tug boat we thought were hot. One special man got his picture taken by us... about 50 times. Where I would be pretending to be walking around the tug boat near him, and my friend would pretend to be taking my picture, when really she was zooming up on him. WOW WE WERE SO AWKWARD. Half the pictures are of him looking right at us like "Really? WTF" and then us in the background running away, huddling, and giggling being so impressed that we captured him on camera.

I don't understand how our little brains worked then, but all I know is I'm glad I don't have the same mind frame. Or else I would probably never leave my apartment and only take online courses so I'd never have to deal with the outside world and socializing.

Dear friend, I had to make this blog. Just saying.

(There is no way I am posting one of those photos- it is way too embarrassing. So I'll give you something else that reminds me of it)

Mumbling: The New Flirting

2009-11-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

A couple days after Halloween I was showing an old friend of mine, and her friend from France around Granville Market. We were stopping to get coffee when I started chatting with a guy I bumped into over the previous weekend. I'm trying to be pretty sly about what I say and how I say it because I was pretty embarrassed about how drunk I was the last time we spoke. (I was really excited when I saw him on the Halloween weekend so I drunkenly thought that slapping his arm multiple times would be a good thing... There's gotta be something more to alcohol). So we carry on this conversation and a couple of times he had to ask me to repeat myself- I thought this was only because he was hard of hearing and because there was a lot of background noise.

Once we had gotten the coffee and were finished with the market we stopped into the Granville Island Brewery to relax with a local pint. And this is when the subject came out... "Mer... you know when you're trying to flirt you mumble... a lot... it's like you don't have a space between your words... you sound like this" (And talked like someone who has a jumbo gum ball stuck to the roof of their mouth... in a flirty manor). Then I realized. OH MY GOODNESS I DO!

I don't know what it is or why I do it, but in order for me to casually flirt or patch things up with someone else I talk like I'm at the dentist having a metal pick being scrapped across my teeth. I just get so embarrassed that I try to say what I need to say without them actually hearing it. I believe when I was talking to that guy from Halloween I sounded like this:

"hiyeahowwastherstofurnitehahahahahahaaahhaaaaaaaa.......uh.yeapretycrazyseeingyouyeawowsodrnkcraaaaaaaaaaaaaazy....hangovermajoryeayeayeayeawow.....sofunnycrazywowyeayeaseeyea,bye"

Translation:

What I said: "Hi... yea how was the rest of your night? .....Hahahahahahahaha... ("Uh" to myself) yea pretty crazy seeing you...... wow I was soooooooo drunk, craaaaazzy..... Major hangover forsure.... Yea yea yea... wow...... So funny eh.... wow..... yea yea see yea, bye"

What I wanted to say straight up: "WOW I was super trashed that night- I don't remember a thing- Sorry for hitting your arm so many times, my elbow kept spazzing up... Yea I'm going to get it checked out, I think it runs in the family... No..No... There's no incest in my family..... Yeah......... Well I'm going to go drown myself in vodka so I can also forget THIS conversation"

However, I very much doubt the conversation would have morphed that way... but in my imagination, if I wasn't mumbling than this is what would have turned out to be.... If he could have heard what I was saying.

Mumbling... It really saves.

To Be or Not To Be... An Art Student.

2009-11-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am now in the third month of being an official art student. And I believe my sub conscious mind has changed. I do things that I am unaware of that three months ago I would have never done.

For example: I was at a bar (Nirvana) in Toronto on Wednesday drinking with a friend. We were talking about blogs and photography. She was telling me she had seen my blog and was able to relate to the " 'People'... Not 'Individuals' " post I had earlier on. To elaborate to her about why I posted that particular blog I said "If I were to draw people it would look like this..." and raised my right arm in the air and quickly and dramatically moved it up and down as if I was scribbling. And then I stopped. And looked around... WOW what a loser I am. I just drew in the air what people represent to me... at a bar.

I would have never done that if I wasn't an art student. Normal people don't do that. But I will leave that for another blog.

Art students out there... I ask you this... WTF!?!

(This picture is from a Saturday night last month out side of an art gallery event in Vancouver... with a Kermit the Frog mask... Art students know.)

In One Ear and Out the Other.

2009-11-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

My hearing is bad enough as it is, but when it comes to me trying to listen to my mother it's just about impossible.
I love her more than anything, I care about most everything that she says, but my God I can never hear her.
It's not only the fact that I don't usually want to listen to her, but I think my brain has permanently turned off my ears when her voice floats threw the air.

For the past two and a half hours she's slaved me to clean up my room, sort through my summer and winter clothes, and put them away. For those who know me personally, know that I am probably one of the messiest people and always have an avalanche of clothes for a room. Cleaning up for me is putting the dishes in the dishwasher, clothes in one pile, and throwing out my garbage (it's not THAT bad).

But during this hell of a clean up she has been talking to me. But not ONCE have I heard what she said without me asking her to repeat it. Even when I tell myself, "ONLY FOCUS ON WHAT SHE'S SAYING"... I still don't hear anything. She can talk and talk and talk and I could look right at her and not be doing anything else, and try my hardest to listen to her... but still... nothing. It's like I'm Charlie Brown and she's the teacher. Just not happening.

But I really can't stop to think that that's just me. Don't most people have the same symptoms when getting master orders from their mothers?

What is this? Is there any hope to listening?

When Your Mother Travels to Stay with You in Your Apartment:

2009-11-12T22:45:00.001-08:00

Remember that/to:
1) They see things that you do not
2) Things that you may think are cool (like a collection of empty vodka bottles) are not cool to them
3) Always know where your windex, rags, and all cleaning supplies are
4) Anything marks, burns, or stains will result in them thinking that you just had a party and they are from cigarettes
5) Never admit that someone else has slept in the bed they are sleeping in.
6) You will be forced to do your work
7) You will never see your friends during this time... without your mother wanting to meet them.
8) The way that you live is "the wrong way"
9) By the time they leave your apartment will be completely rearranged.
10) During this time you won't have any say in decision making, as she has already planed out what is going to happen.

This is what I've learned from the past 4 hours that my mother has been staying with me... 4 more days to go.

Help.

Dear Best Friends of the World:

2009-11-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

On Monday I had a plan. A plan to get SHIT FACED. I hadn't been back in Toronto for a month, I was reunited with some of my most favourite people, midterms were over, and I had a need to forget. Oh, and did I ever accomplish. Not only did I pre drink hard at Nirvana (Bathurst and College) but I forgot I had taken Benylin pills for my sinuses before... Shit faced I wanted, and shit faced I got.

I purposely did not drive that night, so we cabbed it to the Social for "Monday Meetings". Not only was I overly generous with pulling out my Visa for multiple vodka redbulls for me and my girls, but I decided it would be a great idea to talk to everyone and anyone... including the DJs. More pictures, more drinks, and I'm flirting with the DJs trying to be one myself. Which ends in me wanting to play Akon ft David Guetta's "Sexy Bitch" at a hipster club. They weren't too impressed. Suddenly I was handed a tequila shot, a random drink, and a pint. Which I thought was a great idea at the time until i ran outside, stumbled into the stoop of a store by the end of the block, and passed out. WOW. My friends had no idea where I was and were contemplating calling the cops for a missing person report. 20 minutes later I'm still there, my best friend had found me and dragged me into a cab. Somehow got to Queen and Spadina near Much Music where my friend had to use an ATM to take out money. During this time I stumble out of the cab and onto the cement sidewalk where I pass out once more. Then to my house... I do not remember getting in, taking my heels off, getting into my PJs, EVEN taking off my jewelry, where my journey had ended and I passed out until I woke up later in the day to a splitting hangover.

THANK YOU BEST FRIEND!!!!! I would still be on that stoop if it wasn't for you... or most likely in a much worse situation. You are the best.

WHAT A NIGHT! I am never doing that again. If I ever say "I'm gunna get so fucked tonight I won't drive..." SLAP ME!

"People"... not "Individuals"

2009-11-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

I was having a late snack after the club on Saturday to be taught that there is a difference between "people" and "individuals". Maybe I analyze too much... yes, I do. But according to this person who I was snacking on pita and hummus with, is that I hate people... but not individuals.

It's true, people do piss me off. But, there are the chances that I will meet someone who I could consider a friend or someone who I am fond of (in whichever way you want to perceive that).

"People" being a more than broad and vague term reminds me of a mosh. People are chaotic, messy, hazardous, ignorant, loud, and unsure... like the stampede scene in the Lion King.

"Individuals" are particulars who are unique, intelligent, have something worth giving, different, entertaining, intriguing, and preferably attractive... like Johnny Depp... Mmmmmmm.

The difference I find quite clear... I was quite shocked when I heard this just a couple days ago, and didn't believe it... But then I thought about it... Analyzed... and came to this conclusion- as shown above.

But that's how I am as an "Individual"... It's very difficult for me to be fond of most people I come across, It's not because I'm a bitch... It's because I'm particular. I rely a lot on the "vibes" I get when first meeting someone, however, there are times when those first judgements change. But usually, I'm right the first time. Maybe that's why I have smaller groups of friends, or just individual friends who I choose to see alone. The people that are in my life mean something to me, I don't waist my time on those who I don't like.

The difference between "people" and "individuals".

The "Blogging" world according to me, Merry Somers.

2009-11-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

Really? A "Blog"? Okay.

On those nights, coming back from a club, bar, party, adventure, even... if it happens, studying... I find myself back on my macbook typing away. Coherent, or completely delusional, I find it necessary to record. Wether it be more than unnecessary to off the chain magical, it's always important.

So why not share this with the cyber world? Lessons are lessons, experiences are shared, crazy shit is entertaining. HEY it's a blog. According to me. Merry Somers of Toronto, Ontario- recently relocated to Vancouver, BC. That's whatsup. I'm a photographer, dig it.