It's all fun and games until someone gets stuck working overtime.

You guys, this week may kill me. The part-timers that come in and cover my ass at the day's end are both gone onto greener pastures (the kind of pastures where you don't have to check eyes all day). This means that I get to deal with patients for eleven hours out of the day, instead of my manageable eight.

In case I don't make it through the week, here are some strict instructions on my funeral:


The day will start at 2PM, and everyone will gather at a stadium. After everyone is seated, there will be a photo montage of things I like (tacos, kitties, pools, Walken.... Those kind of things). The montage will be set to 'It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp', by Three 6 Mafia.
Then, there will be a snack (probably nachos and slurpees).
Afterward, my coffin will raise out of the ground, and will move around like I'm dancing for a few minutes. The song that will be playing is 'Dancing with Myself', by Billy Idol (I actually don't like this song, but due to the fact that I'll be dead, it really doesn't matter).
We'll then have a taco party around the coffin, and popsicles and gin will be served for dessert.
There will be an interpretive dance routine, set to 'Fix Up, Look Sharp', by Dizzee Rascal, about my life.
Everyone will get a goodie bag, with all sorts of fun shit like whistles and candy necklaces and stickers and those little parachute guys.
At the end, everyone will have a group hug, and my hand will be propped up so people can high-five me on the way out the door.
The final song that will play is the theme to The Jeffersons. Someone should hire Sherman Hemsley to come and dance, too. That'd be nice.


....and that's that. You are all invited. It should be fun (not that I'll know.... I'll be dead, doyyy).

~sarah p.

Yo sike, opening acts.

Maybe it just felt like it, but the opening act for MSTRKRFT was really tiring. It's not that the DJ was bad or anything, and at the beginning of the set, it was pretty enjoyable. However, by the time MSTRKRFT went on at 1:15, the crowd was way too sleepy. Everyone was walking around like drunk pandas. It also could have had something to do with the disgusting Hifi heat (see previous photos for sweat-examples), but I really don't think anyone was enjoying the show as much as they could, due to the fact that they were exhausted from the previous couple of hours.

In conclusion, opening acts need to calm it down (time-wise).
(unless I'm only there to see the opening act, which happens on occasion).


p.s. Last night, when I got home at 2:30-ish, I coughed until I puked.... I didn't even know I could do that!

eta: I really do love DFA, and Juan Mclean (on right before MSTRKRFT) was very good, but I was way too spent by that point to be super into it.

Some secrets (pt. 1).

I've decided to start a new feature here for when I run out of stuff to write about.
It's time to air out my dirty laundry, guys. Here are a few secrets that you may or may not know about me (more to come, on other days where my creativity is wavering):

1. There's this episode of Seinfeld where George thinks to himself "I think the ginger ale down at the coffee shop is just Coke and Sprite mixed together. How can I prove it?"
Well, back in my waitressing days, I worked for a place in Victoria where they totally made us do that. I only stayed at that job a few months, because I couldn't handle serving people fake ginger ale.

2. I've only been on TV five or six times in my life, but my most memorable experience happened at the Stampede when I was 11. Back in the day, channel nine was straight-up cable access. They were holding some sort of trivia game-show for an 'amazing prize' (more on this later). I was with my friends, and one of them knew the host through their parents. The host asked if one of us wanted to be a contestant on the show, and we all decided it should be me. While we were waiting for them to set up, I noticed some flash cards sitting on a barrel. Yep, the answers. I skimmed through them quickly, and cheated my way into an 'amazing prize' on a cable access trivia game-show. The amazing prize? A couple of tickets on the sky ride. Not even worth it (however, as a bonus, I actually looked smart for once).

3. I was convinced I had amazing magical powers until I was at least eight. Nowadays, we would probably refer to this as 'early psychosis'.



In other news MSTRKRFT is here tonight, and it's going to be fun (and that's no secret).

Afrikadey/Coffee

There are three main reasons to go to Afrikadey this year (all food-based reasons aside):
1. K'naan on Sunday.
2. Cosm of the mighty DFE will be spinning (for more DJ Cosm, check out SuperFli Thursdays, with his DFE partner, Teekay, at Cafe Koi, and Mental Illness on CJSW on Sundays at 3:30).
3. It's like two minutes away from my house.

It should be pretty great.


In other news, I have very little willpower.
I quit my daily coffee habit a month and a half ago, and yet this morning, Amy showed up with with a jumbo double/double in her hand, and I couldn't say no (why would I use Tim Horton's coffee to fall off the wagon, anyway?). Now, I've got another cup on the go, and, to be honest, it is wonderful.
I initially quit because it was getting expensive, and I knew it wasn't good for me, but let's be honest, I really do love it!
Quitting was awful. I had headaches for a good couple of weeks in the morning, and would get a sad little feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I walked past a coffee shop.
I don't know why I felt I needed a cup today, perhaps it's the fact that, for the past week, I've felt like I am allergic to everything, and am not sleeping properly, or maybe it's the fact that I won't have any actual work to do in the office until 4PM, and I'm really bored. Rumor has it, coffee is an awfully good companion to boredom.
Back to 'Day 1-No Coffee' tomorrow.

~sarah p.

Last FM

Sometimes, I post up some playlists and stuff. A year or so, some good friends of mine hooked me up with Last FM, and now you guys can see what I'm listening to all the time (even the awkward songs).

My Profile.

It's kind-of fun, you guys should join sometime.

I ain't into big names but I like nice things.

It's not all crazies and creepy dudes. Sometimes, my job can be pretty enjoyable, particularly when it's bonus time.
Today, I got myself a nice gift card for $200 to do some shopping at either Chinook or Market.
Needless to say, I will be spending this evening with the mall-walkers (MSTRKRFT and Diplo are coming up, and I need some fresh new threads).

~sarah p.

p.s. Folk Fest is right around the corner, and the hottest seats are out on my stoop. Come one, come all (and bring beer and lawnchairs, and maybe some tacos for your hostesses).

Friday eve:

Crystal was dancing again at Hifi.

Me. Allison. Aaron. I won the trooper award for going out twice in one week, even though I was injured!

However, the mixture of painkillers and booze made into this crazy mess by 3:30. What's that? My shirt was falling off? Apparently, I didn't care.

Another dark picture of Crystal's bum.

This is maybe the sweetest photo of all time. I love you too!!!

Tuesday at Dub.

This photo was on the camera. I think I accidentally took it while walking home, but I'm not too sure...

Amy and I broke into The Bay on the walk home, and raided the MAC and Benefit counters. And, we took as many perfume samples as we wanted, and ate in the cafeteria downstairs, and slept on the beds in the furniture department for a bit. You know, either we did that, or we went home and passed out. I don't remember.

That is Crystal beside me. Trust me.

Amy!

Allison adds some class to a lovely photo.

Hi. It's Tuesday night, and I've got a sprained ankle. I have a great idea... Let's walk home from the bar!!!

p.s. I have perfected the art of walking with a sprained ankle, and it is mildly impressive. I know I'm supposed to keep all weight off of it, but I can't live in a hole for six weeks, ya'll.

The Bay is kinda creepy at night.


Will post photos of last night tomorrow.

p.s. Booster Juice is the nectar of the gods when you're hungover. Mexican Breakfast helps too.

Awk-ward.

I know there are so many people that will appreciate this link, particularly my friends in NY and CT, who know what awkward feelings are all about (a little Enrique, anyone?).

Have a good weekend, friends. I have some photos already to post from Tuesday, and I'm sure I'll have more from tonight.

xxx

New Format/Milli Vanilli

The other format was getting old. I'd had it since I started this up in October of 2004. It was time, let's embrace the change.


So, today I found out something amazing and awesome that you guys probably didn't know.
Do you remember when Milli Vanilli got caught lip-synching during a live MTV appearance? Do you know where that happened? That's right, it was in Bristol, CT at Lake fricking Compounce. How many times have I been there and not even known this?
Girl, you know it's true.

For more on this incident, check out Milli Vanilli-Behind the Music
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

Can you imagine what I could have done with this knowledge earlier? No, me neither.

Don't mean to turn this into a music blog or anything...

... But 6th Sense has been on pretty heavy rotation at my house lately.

Downloads here.


If you're cool, you'll want to come and hang out at Hifi this Friday. I will be resting my ankle up for tonight, so I will be in top-form tomorrow.

In other news, the whole 'not being able to get anywhere quickly' thing is getting old. Fast. I just should get one of these for the next month or so. Holla! I've got reduced mobility!

xx
sarah p.

p.s. I know I've said it before, but monkeys having pets really is the cutest thing in the universe.

Ammoncontact.

I like finding stuff that is super fresh. It happens so rarely nowadays, guys.

So, when I come across something totally fun and new like Ammoncontact, I turn into their biggest fan (for like a week, until I find something else to latch onto).

p.s. Have you ever not wiggled your toes for two days straight? Try it, it kinda sucks.

Crystyle, the ultimate go-go dancer.

This was the beginning of the night. First, Jessica grabbed my boob. Then, she grabbed Crystal's boob. Then she grabbed it again. This was the point where Crystal said enough was enough.

Allison was having maybe the best night of all (or so it seems).

Crystal was dancing her ass off (and getting paid for it). If I wanted to get paid for dancing, I would have to take a job at a dirty strip club in one of the seedier hoods in town, so it's pretty impressive that Crystal didn't even have to take her shirt off.

Look at my adorable roomie! (I'm not talking about Duane).

The gals were seriously wearing the cutest socks ever. If I wore socks, I would want some like these.

I was all smiles, wasn't I? It's easy to be happy when you keep such good company.

You know, I think Allison was totally trying to look down my shirt. Again.

Crystal and Al (too bad my flash decided to crap out on me).

Trevor. Allison. Duane. Do I even need to caption these photos anymore?


Next week, Hifi better have a nice seat for me (perhaps something on the stage?), because I'm not sure if I'll be in dancing shape or not (the doctor said 6 weeks of recovery time).

Sprain.

You guys, I'm injured. Injured bad.

Okay, it's not that bad, but I did sprain my ankle while testing my physical limits on an 8-hour hike yesterday. I failed that test.


Notice my monstro-foot next to my normal foot.

The doctor told me to stay off of it as much as possible, so that means you guys have to take turns bringing me lunch. My favorite foods are, respectively, tacos and popsicles.

I'll post photos of Friday night either tonight or tomorrow. It was a good time.

Be there (I don't think you have a choice).

These are my dancing shoes, and they are already on for tomorrow night (I'll probably sleep in them).
Let me let you guys in on a little secret: Crystal is going to be one of Rob's go-go dancers, so it's pretty important to be there.

You have no excuse to not show up, as I am getting the tattoo of the stars on my side touched up tomorrow, which means I'll be in rougher shape than almost anyone, and I will be there with bells on, and probably a nice outfit. That was a nice run-on sentence.

Hope you all can come!

xxx
sarah p.

p.s. I'm back in my Guru phase again, and let me tell you, it's a good phase. Don't get me wrong, I adored Gang Starr, and there are times when I really, really miss him rhyming along side DJ Premier, but man, do I ever love his solo shit.

Teen Steam.

Holy crap you guys, swimming is so much fun. Amy and I have been going over to the Talisman, and it has been an awfully good time.

Really, though, the best part about the whole experience is the steam room. It's full of all of these old Turkish dudes that seem to have some sort of heat-proof coating, because they stay in there for like 3 hours. They all make really strange noises, and sometimes sit uncomfortably close to you, but they don't even notice you're there, because they're all drunk on the steam.
It is amazing.


In other news, our new-ish blog is near-to-perfect, and you should be checking it out, too.

Alternate Stampede Plans.

Hey guys, just cause it's Stampede doesn't mean that you have to dress up like the dude behind Crystal and Melissa. Keep it cool.

Allison and I started the night with a mission. A serious mission. Something about a pearl necklace?

Are you guys sick of us yet?

I'll tell you some secrets about the night. Secret #1: Crystal is cute, and totally dancing at HiFi next week.

Secret #2: I had underpants in my bag all night, except for this time, when they were out of the bag.

Secret #3: We brought fans to the bar, which might go down in history as one of the smartest things ever done (I would like to thank the girl at the Del show that gave us the idea, and Allison for hooking us up).

It was a pretty great evening.

Sunday Skool

Hi friends. We went to HiFi on Sunday (surprised?).

Even Amy came! Yesssssss.

Yes, I was glad to have her out with us.

I was also really glad to see Ryan (and his pizza)!

Hey ladies. Do you hang out together often?

I guess you do.

So excited.

Why, yes, I have been using Crest Whitestrips.

If you can guess who this is, you win my love and adoration. The answer rhymes with 'Jallison'.



In other news, Marco's show is on fire right now. Seriously.

Make some magic this weekend, okay?

Don't worry.

I got a tetanus shot today. From now on, I'll be more careful when I'm scaling fences, ass-wasted, at 3:30 in the morning.

p.s. Happy 4th, my yankee friends.

Dissssssco.

This Friday, Melissa, Crystal, and I headed over to HiFi to support our dear friend, Rob, who was spinning disco all night long.

As usual, there was a lot of love in the air. I just love hugging girls!

Rob had his Elvis costume out.

As usual, it was as hot as it could possibly be in HiFi.

Rob and Sideshow Sid.

The ladies and I were (obviously) in top form.

...and I just may love Melissa a little bit.

...and Crystal too.
Rob was in great shape that night, but I hear he wasn't feeling too well the next day.

garden.

I planted a garden yesterday. I know it just looks like a pile of dirt right now, but in two months, when you are in desperate need of carrots, who are you going to call? That's right.


p.s. If your thumb gets cut really, really bad climbing a fence to go skinnydipping, and you think you probably need stitches, you should probably just go get them instead of waiting two days and then deciding that you probably should have gone to get them.

Last Friday's shit show.

Our normal host for Friday evenings, Mr. Faust, showed up rather late (and looking rather dapper).

J-Roc's amazing jacket.

Keeping the sound alive.

Lovely doorpeople make for a lovely evening. Yay Jo!

Devon keeps an eye on things.

Dylan!

I am liking the conversation between Clint and Melissa.

The night started innocent enough...

Adorable Crystal, Rachel, and Jason.

Awwww, Duane.

The ladies and I had a lot of love floating around....

....Sometimes too much.

It was a great night, I'll tell you that much. We went swimming afterward in Stanley Park, and it was a nice cap to the evening. It's a shame we didn't take any photos of it.

I'll post photos from last night's disco adventure soon.