But there’s a super race of baby-faced breakdancing little people taking over the world. That’s the only way I can explain this:
My anti-celeb blog resolution lasted about 1 day
What can I say…I gave it the old college try. It was a silly goal anyhow. So much so that I’ve forged ahead and decided to focus on something more important. Yesterday was my first session with a personal trainer. Legs were lunged, arms were flexed and ultimately, butts were kicked. My goals are reasonable and I’m excited, although I’m sure there will be days I loathe the process. Will keep you posted!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Celebrity, Madonna, Monica Sood, The Way I See It
Well, today’s “The Way I See It #283″ is an enlightening tidbit o’wisdom:
“The most important thing in life is to stop saying “I wish” and start saying “I will”. Consider nothing impossible then treat possibilities as probabilities.”
Now, coming from David Copperfield (who I always thought looked like Bob Saget’s twin and perhaps a distant cousin of Howard Stern), that’s powerful stuff. Anyone who can rig the Statue of Liberty disappearing from sight has to be an expert in tapping into the human psyche.
This has supported me in my newest resolution for self-improvement. And let me preface by saying that the original idea for what I’m about to say emanated from a conversation at 1 am this morning with *here comes the shout out* MY WONDERFUL COUSIN MONICA SOOD. And I hereby declare:
I WILL give up celebrity gossip websites for 1 month (until May 15, 2008). And possibly forever. Possibly.
Why would I do such a thing when it’s arguably just a good clean socially acceptable guilty pleasure? Well, to begin I know way too much about the life of the lives of celebrity tarts whose claim to fame is their latest DUI. And because it subconsciously skews my concepts of living a good life (photoshopped thinness and vacuous dialogue about the tribulations affecting modern day celebrities). I’ve come to realize I live vicariously through these gossip rags, and the satisfaction I get about seeing what Madonna wore to the gym yesterday amounts to nothing (I STILL LOVE YOU MADONNA!!!). In fact it’s a large opportunity cost when I consider I could theoretically be learning about Quantum Physics, or the countries of Africa, or scrapbooking or…you get the idea. It’s a time sucker, and I’m going to devote that time to more productive endeavours, such as the aforementioned activities.
So can the girl who has met more celebrities than is possibly normal start this intellectual cleanse of the mind, typing fingers, and soul? Allow me to clean out my cache and bookmarks, and please, pray for Mojo.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Jimmy Ray, Much Music, Rickrolling, The Secret, Toronto
So a year back or so, I jumped on that lightning quick bandwagon that was “The Secret”. With production value reminiscent of a low budget commercial about feminine hygiene products, this movie talks about how each individual can manifest anything (ANYTHING!) they desire just by focusing your thoughts and energy towards getting it. Once the initial salivation stops, you can quickly realize that it’s a “Get Satisfied Quick” scheme that has some truth to it once you scrub off the unfortunate materialistic notions. In essence, we all are capable of applying the laws of attraction to get what we want, good or bad, which I think everyone can attest to. It was true for me meeting Tom Cruise (when he was everything good and wholesome to me) and when I went on my across the world trip in the fall. If you don’t let the doubt monsters get to you, indeed, you can achieve good things. Simple stuff.
I had this moment of realization last week when I was working at Much. I was carrying an armful of Beta tapes from the library through the all-window cat walk back to my desk and caught a quick glimpse of the CN tower and the people walking about. I had almost forgotten about it, but about a decade ago, I remember constantly wishing that I lived in Toronto (check), on my own (check), and worked at Much Music (check). While the adolescent desires of running into Oasis or Jimmy Ray have faded in their relevance, I was struck by the fact that it’s come true for me. There’s more to achieve of course, but it was amazing to feel my dreams actualizing. Simple stuff I guess.
And now I must include the music video for Jimmy Ray. As much as you’ve tried to forget, it’s still alive. (Call it my blatant rickrolling attempt:).
Well my time at the Yorkville Starbucks thus far has provided ample celebrity/familiar face spottings. Last week I was working the bar and preparing a delectable drink for a patron, when I looked up and realized who it was. A certain politician. Let’s call him B. Rae. No, that’s too obvious…how about Bob R. Before I realized I was speaking, I had already told him “Hey, you gave me my degree at WLU commencement!”. Indeed, he was (is?) the honourary Chancellor of my alma mater, and 4.5 years ago, I shook his hand as I proudly made my way across the stage to accept the tactile culmination of the past 4 years of blood, sweat, tears and partying. As I handed him back a grande latte, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the awkweirdness* of it all.
*thanks to Rina for inventing compound catch words
My dear friend Byron gets up to all types of hijinx as a high-fallootin’ TV producer/Business Manager for the new series “Apauled”. Enjoy this video of him getting violated by his bored friends 
This post was originally published on February 26, 2008. I pulled it off for reasons that would make for a good made-for-TV-movie. After deep soul searching and a round-table discussion amongst my peer group (translation: my friends hanging out in my living room during opinion-inducing St. Patrick’s Day festivities), I’ve come to the realization that this needs to be reposted. And so without further adieu…
Alternative titles for this post:
Working out with Marky Mark, I’m the newest part of the Entourage Funky Bunch or SO THIS IS WHY GIRLS WEAR MAKEUP TO THE GYM!!!!
It had been about 2.5 weeks since I’d paid a visit to my gym due to you know, not wanting to. I did my obligatory circuit on the weight machines, then made my way upstairs to the Ellipticals. As I was watching Ellen interview Martin Lawrence, I looked to my left and saw a huge personal trainer, a couple of regular dudes, and in the creamy chewy centre- MARKY MARK!!!! I did a bit of a double take, then fixed my eyes on him as he and his entourage (giggle) headed down the escalators in front of me. I looked around at the other 3 people working out, the little Chinese lady didn’t seem phased, but I caught the eye of a man on the bike. An actual conversation:
Me: Was that Mark Wahlberg?
Mystery Man: Yeah, I’m his Manager
Me: What are you in town for?
My New Best Friend: Filming a movie called Max Payne
Me: Can I go talk to him? *as if I could stop myself*
BFF: Sure, he won’t bite
Me: *I hope he does*
So after a few more minutes on the machine, I stopped my workout early (I’m glad my priorities are perfectly aligned), went to the change room and called my roommate to inform her (a necessary step since her allegiance to Marky Mark was well known to me). After her strong directive of “YOU EFFEN HAVE TO GO TALK TO HIM”, I casually made my way downstairs where I saw Mark and his crew working on that weight machine where you pull down the weight…whatever, not important…An actual conversation:
I walk towards Mark, our eyes lock, we give each other a knowing smile.
Me: Hi Mark *melt*
Mark: Hi, what’s you’re name?
Me: Nelu *I think I said Nelu anyhow*
Mark: Nice to meet you
At this point we shake hands. He is wearing workout gloves. I like to think the sweat can seep through anyhow. A note on what he looks like: he’s wearing a tight fitting long sleeved grey Nike shirt, Nike Shox, black pants, his hair is cut short (a la his Calvin Klein ads), he has no facial hair (I once met him at the premier of I Heart Huckabees, and he was rockin a beard. Did not quite work for him). Anyhow…
Me: I actually got to meet you once before, at the film fest premier of I Heart Huckabees a few years ago… (and this is when I forgot to say “And you were very nice to me”)
Mark: Oh yeah, that’s cool *or something like that*
Me: So what are you doing in town?
Mark: We’re starting to film next week, a movie called Max Payne
Me: Who else is starring with you? *and this is when I kick myself for saying something like that*
Mark: Just me so far, haven’t signed anyone else yet
Me: *Looking for a way out of the conversation rut I feel I’m leading myself into*…Oh, God, you were absolutely fantastic in The Departed! I loved your character!
Mark: Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.
Me: I hear you’re doing the sequel- what are they going to do since everyone else died?
Mark: Yeah, they’re looking to sign on a couple more people, maybe DE NIRO or BRAD PITT
Me: *hoping I haven’t wet my pants* Oh, wow that’ll be great
At this point his beefy trainer said “Mark, you’re up” and I let him work out. Busied myself at some of the machines I had already worked out on 20 minutes before as I watched him workout in the mirror and thought about who I needed to call that very second.
The group left and went upstairs to another little workout nook, and well, I eventually followed. But in a totally cool, casual, non-stalkerish way (HA!). Mark was working on the ab contraption and I was trying to master that Gravitron medieval torture device. He was giving tips to all of his crew as they worked out and I caught his eye and said “Hey, if the whole movie star thing doesn’t work out, you can always be a personal trainer”. He chuckled and said “It’s the only thing I’ve ever been good at anyway”. Which I need to thank him for because if he’d given me no response, it would have forever been my “I carried a watermelon?” moment that would haunt me for the rest of my days. I finished my routine and made my way back over to his manager. An actual conversation:
Manager: So, was he nice?
Me: Yeah, he was very sweet.
Manager: Good
Me: So, will I see you guys back here everyday at 10:30?
Manager: Naw, we gotta big gym on set, but maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday…What’s your name?
Me: Nelu
And because my life is what it is, and every opportunity I have had comes from actively pursuing even the smallest chances…
Me: So, I know this is probably a shot in the dark, but do you know of any opportunities that may be open on set for a volunteer in production or even coffee-getter for Mark *I knew my Starbucks training would count for something*
Manager: Aw, Hun, I think they already got that stuff sorted out, but I appreciate you askin *I need to mention he has a delightful Boston accent a la Good Will Hunting*
Me: Oh well thought I’d give it a shot.
Manager: yeah sure, you have a good workout k?
I then made my way to the change room, gathered my things and headed out. At the front desk, I asked for a pen, and wrote my number on the back of a card, and headed back to see his manager. I gave it to him and said, “If anything should come up…you know how hard it can be to break into the industry”. He gave me a knowing smile and said “Sure sweetie”. I tried. And I’m proud of myself for it.
I made my way out of the gym and saw Mark sparring in the studio, in a wife beater. At this point I stopped and checked my messages on my phone…it was involuntary really, he was unbelievably HOT to watch while boxing. I left the gym, called back my roommate and 5 minutes later realized i left my hat in the locker (can you blame me?). Went back to the gym, and walked by Mark as he was leaving, I said “Bye Mark” and he said “Bye, it was nice to meet you”. Got my hat, left the building again, only to find myself behind his whole crew as he had stopped to take pics with some girls who were going mental. I waited then asked if I could get a picture. He said yes. His arm went around my waist. His buddy took our photo on my camera phone. We looked longingly into each others eyes. HA!
Mark was very gracious and amazingly sweet to me. And as soon as I figure out how to transfer that picture onto my Mac, I will have another snap for my wall of fame!
Filed under: Uncategorized
I love St. Patrick’s day. A time to kick back, relax and play an insane game of “Would You Prefer?” with your inebriated friends.
So a joyous day to you and yours. Yi-ti-ti-ti-tiii!
Johnny Castle that is!
Here’s to a healthy recovery for Mr. Swayze, with eternal thanks for giving us the best chick flick of all time.
Work those back muscles Johnny!
