All Things New Again

This year my mom asked me to write down two resolutions I wanted to challenge myself with, I thought a lot about it and decided that this would be a great post! She asked me to write them down and put them in a sealed envelope which she is going to open next year – and my goal is to have completed both.

My two resolutions for 2011 are:

1)      Snowboard a new mountain

2)      Do one new thing a month

The first resolution I hope to complete as part of number two, although that will be a big challenge. My plan is to start with January and each month post an entry about the one new thing I’ve done that month. I have an idea of some of the things that I would like to complete over the next year, but I certainly do not have something already planned for each month – and I’m looking for suggestions!

I want input from anyone who reads to give me some new things I can try, from small to big there is nothing I won’t at least consider! I want to be pushed outside my comfort zone, and would love to do things around the city that I have yet to experience or don’t even know about.

This Monday I will be embarking on challenge number one – January – and I will be going ice skating. I’m sure for all those who know my complete lack of athletic ability know that this will be both entertaining and dangerous. I may come out with a broken wrist as per my first time aboard rollerblades, or a severely injured knee from my inaugural time on a snowboard. Regardless, I am looking forward to making a fool of myself and having a blast at Nathan Phillips Square.

There will be more to come from this exciting journey I am embarking upon...so please send me your suggestions!

Affairs Of The Heart

In my previous post I mentioned a new band in Toronto’s music scene and I’ve decided that this post will be about them...their first show is at Lee’s Palace tonight and everyone NEEDS to come out because they are amazing!

So here is my introduction to The Maladies of Adam Stokes.

The first time I heard The Maladies was at The Hideout and I was immediately a Band Aide. The music reminded me of Mumford and Sons, and not because they sound very similar but more because it is foot stomping, body moving, sing-along great music. The first time I listened to the Mumford album I liked every song, and I felt the exact same about my introduction to The Maladies.

I was privileged enough to be part of an intimate recording session at Chemical Sound studio where over 4 days the band recorded three songs. The songs recorded were: City of Trees, Type You Forget, and See You In Another Life. I have yet to hear the finished product, but the music I did get to hear in studio was incredible. These guys really have something special going and it goes beyond their affinity for plaid – a unique sound that will appeal to all types of music fans, young and old.

I am not, nor do I pretend to be, knowledgeable about music. But I do LOVE it. I don’t know a good guitarist from a bad one, or good lyrics from great lyrics – but with The Maladies inspiration based upon such amazing artists as The Wooden Sky and Attack in Black  (videos attached below for those who want a little taste) it is no wonder that their songs are the kind you want to play on repeat on your Ipod.

The band members are: Michael Hill, Kohji Nagata, Emily Anderson, Ted Turner, Brett Harris, and Joshua Awerbuck. I don't want to say TOO much about these guys - because I really just want everyone to come out tonight and see them live! No matter what I say, seeing them perform is the only way to truly appreciate the talent of such a new band that is already so well developed.

Enjoy this video for a clip of what you can expect from the talent that is The Maladies:

http://vimeo.com/9396032

FINE PRINT: I may be slightly biased due to my dating one of the band members, but only slightly because they really are amazing.