February 28, 2004
Rachelle, Kim and I all went to the opening gala for "The Winter's Tale Project" last night. It's a musical based on Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale", music and lyrics by Chris Wynters and book by Bridget Ryan. It was awesome. Often musicals have me dreading the inevitable (and inevitably cheesy) breaks into singing, but in "Winter's Tale", the songs we so well executed, and so well woven into the fabric of the play that I actually enjoyed every one. Check it out. It's currently running at La Cite Francophone (8627-91 Street, Edmonton) -- it's a short run, so go soon...
February 26, 2004
PD had an exciting meeting last night over some hot tea and sushi. Things are really rolling and we are going to be super busy for the summer. I think we are heading out towards Winnipeg in the end of May, with stops on the way in Saskatoon, Brandon, and Regina. Then it looks as though we will heading to B.C. for the month of June. That means fish! I am curious to see the levels of mercury now radiating from my liver. Does it stay in the liver? Fat cells? I dunno. It is warmer and foggy in Edmonton right now. As Daisy put it, last night was a good night to cause trouble. I am now off to apply for our U.S. work Visas. If we don't get them, we will be denied access at the border and bye bye Helena. We will though. I always wear a pony tail and something pink at the border crossing. It works everytime.
February 19, 2004
I'm finished the presskits. Now Rachelle and Daisy can send off the fruits of a ridiculous amount of labour across the world and get us playing. Taiwan is #1 on my wish list right now (GO DAISY GO!).
Kim is doing better. The doctor told her today that it's almost time for her to start rocking again. I was a witness. Maybe she should wait a bit for the ROCK, but some slow burn blues stuff may be workable... she can slowly work her way back to disco. Speed metal will probably have to wait for a good eight months.
Umm.... someone called me "charming" on the message board so I'm self-conscious again and guessing at the words instead of letting it all come out. Maybe I can also blame my stumbling on the fact that Vinomania brought the Bogle Petit Syrah back in -- one wine I can't resist even if I can't afford it.
Hel-oo Nurse - Daisy Donates every 56 days
Funniest lines I heard today when I was donating: "The Nurse will be with you in a moment - we're just training her now" and " I want you to watch that needle go in your vein". Don't know why, it's all in the delivery - forgive me, I'm a bit lightheaded from the experience - who knew you could talk metaphysics at Red Cross? I spent 10 minutes in the screening room talking anything but my platlet count which is par for course - This is a shout out to the nurses - Word.
February 18, 2004 "I'll Be Back"
You may ask yourself how this diary entry relates to rock n' roll. Well, these experiences make rock n' roll. If you have any interest in the outdoors, read on...
I am back from the Rockies, one day too early. It was a wonderful trip that pushed our team of four physically for four days of back country exploration. We weren't pushed to our limit, but did get a taste of what winter survival is all about.
We were originally set to do the Skyline Trail, which can be tough without the snow, little alone with 6 feet of it. The avalanche conditions were dangerous due to the sudden increase in temperature so our team leader, Ross, decided on Mccarib Pass as our route of choice.
The first day was short because we got away late and ended up ascending the first bit of trail in the dark. My pack was 35 lbs. and it was my first time on Alpine Touring skiis. Hmmmm. I only fell once and from it, learned quickly how to untangle my legs and gear with cold fingers. We pitched our tents on a frozen creek bed that was super thick with ice but still allowed the peaceful sound of running water to come through. I hadn't properly hydrated myself during the day so I ended up shivering all night and sleeping for an hour once the sun came up. My tent partner Wanda, was the first to successfully pee in her Freshette and bottle, thus avoiding the squatting in the cold, dark thing. I, on the other hand, was not confident enough in my abilities, and ended up braving the cold at 4 am. Once a down sleeping bag gets wet, it stays wet and loses all of its insulative warmth. That means go home.
The next day was a 3 hour push up into the end of the valley. We were going to try and cross the pass at 2210 metres but huge clouds were rolling in and snow was coming our way. We decided to pitch camp and go day touring with light packs instead. The frozen waterfalls were in excellent condition for climbing but we hadn't brought any gear for that. Instead we climbed up the valley with skins on our skiis, then descended without the skins, speeding down the trail like a bobsled team. I was super stoked.
For dinner, I made Curry In A Hurry which proved to be most excellent, especially with the chutney. Wanda and I then squished back into our tiny tent and passed out completely. We were both thoroughly exhausted. It seems like when you are in cold, winter conditions, you use about twice as much energy as normal for things like washing pots, brushing your teeth, or changing your clothes.
On Sunday we made the pass. It was a wonderful experience to be able to avoid avalanches and successfully make it up and back without bodily harm. The view was breath taking and the mountains humbling. I was no rock star amongst the elements. Just another part of the food chain. We noticed that a wolf had been scoping out our path. Huge tracks the size of my expanded hand interwove with the trail. I was honored that such an amazing animal would take the time to sniff us out. Dude.
The final day was sad. It was great weather and we had run out of time. We packed up our camp and set off down the Tonquin Valley. I did a lot of thinking while out on the trail and realized how much my touring and being in a band has changed how I deal with stressful situations. The tent was really small and we were in eachother's face, just like in Muffy. All good and no worries. Now for some music.
Feb 17 2004 Xbox Game Night
Well, Hello everyone. Yes, tonight is xbox game night. A few friends of mine are coming over to kill things. We are going to finish a game called Brute Force, which is a pretty good game for three or four people to play. Each player gets a different character to play with different abilities. Very cool. I am doing alright. Still recovering from surgery. It's amazing how my stomach is still sore even though it's been a month. Well, what can I say.
The Juno's are coming so hopefully I can start playing the drums again. I have this rubber drum kit so I don't get evicted from the apartment. Bonus.
So, it's time for me to go and drink some more coffee and do some crossword puzzles.
Talk to you all soon
Kim
February 14, 2004
Jean Stilwell "Les Chemins De L'Amour" on my discman as I flew across the North Saskatchewan on the LRT. Shooting out from under ground, time took on the slow feel of a melancholy French film.
Two good coffees and Jaco took me home. "Word of Mouth" brought a smile to mine as I moved my body to his music and even marched to the recorded drums (adding in a little of my own beat, of course).
Happy Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day Entertainment...
Last night my entertainment was "Winterreise (Winter Journey): 24 variations on isolation and despair" German poems by Wilhelm Muller sung to music of Franz Schubert.
Yea, so he's heartbroken. Why doesn't he buy himself some frekin' flowers and enjoy life? It's Valentine's Day -- let yourself know how much you really care.
TWIN FANGS GO BIG!
Last night I saw a great band at the Sidetrack Cafe. www.sidetrackcafe.com
I was completely blown away by TWIN FANGS . Forget the White Stripes - this had depth - Take one great guitar player/songwriter with total vocal committment and a drummer who's on FIRE and there you have it - bigness!
Check them out if you can -
February 11, 2004 One More Sleep...
I LOVE LHASA! Oh my goodness gracious! Scheisse! Who ever has not listened to Lhasa, listen to her now! Her albums are soooo utlra sexy. She is spanish singer from Montreal, Quebec. The album Llorona will make you cry, laugh, jump around, salsa. Track 2 was playing this morning and I was dancing so hard I sprained my neck. Now Kim and I can bond.
We had a band meeting last night. it was supposed to be a band meeting but we ended up doing an interview for MUSIC Magazine. It was a cool interview though. No questions about the name of our band or what kind of clothes we wear. Mostly questions about our gear, influences, and musical history. Nice.
Only one sleep until I hit the mountains by storm. Yes Kim, I will try not to drink the yellow stuff. Only clear for this girl.
Feb 10 2004 That Time of The Month
No, No. I don't mean that time of the month. I don't understand what goes on in people's minds. I went to W.E.M. yesterday, for a short walk to get out of my apartment due to some surgery last month........ and I see that they have Pink Flamingo's in a cage by the submarines. Yah, like that's there natural enviroment. The necks on these birds are amazing. The way they can turn them all the way around. Just thought I should share.
Well, Rachelle, I hope you have a good camping trip in the mountains. I feel much better knowing that you can pee inside your tent. It's a good thing. Yah. Just don't drink it in the morning.
Apple juice.
Kim
February 9, 2004
Rachelle!!! Remember how we talked about not getting too personal in our diary entries? Let's make a deal; I won't write about have a crush on someone if you don't talk about you "freshette". Deal?
Glad to hear your crazy adventure is still going ahead... just please don't get stuck under an avalanche. I'd really miss you... and your stories about peeing into a bottle.
February 9, 2004
It's revolutionary really! I just made one of the coolest purchases of my life. I bought a freshette. You can check them out at www.freshette.com and see what I mean. It allows females to pee while standing up! No dribble, no mess. It rocks! I bought one because I am about to embark on some high altitude, cold adventure and I want to be able to pee at night without getting out of my tent. So, I pull out my device and a nalgene bottle and voila. They are also amazing for third world traveling when you are unable to get off the train or bus. Just wear a long skirt and carry a bottle.
I am going to practice some more. Bye.
You've never lived 'till...
'Till you've watched the Superbowl @ Hooter's in Honalulu. The half-time show was completely hilarious with the whole "Janet/Justin" thing. I mean really. I've never learned so much about making eye-contact in my life - the shrimp were pretty good too.
February 5, 2004
I love this! I can keep track of the lives of my favourite girls just by checking out our diary. It makes me happy 'cause it's almost like we're on tour, only we're all off on our own adventures instead of being stuck in the van together for hours and hours and hours -- there's none of the monotony and (almost) all of the adventure.
Anyhow... I'm writing my final essay, comparing a few revolutions. It's interesting how Rage Against the Machine's lyrics make more and more sense as I learn Latin American history. Politics and Music -- there's a great subject for the message board. Any takers?
Daisy Does North Shore
My apologies, kids as I've been all over this vast but small world unable to make an entry but here's the long and short of it: I have come close to death twice (to my knowledge). This last time was in Oahu on the North Shore. I went out in the most dangerous water I've ever been in and survived. This current is known to pull people to Backdoor - a part of the Banzai Pipeline where it's reef break and the waves are 15 feet on a small day. I wiped very badly twice (pics to prove it) and made it up on an overhead once- 8-10 foot they were- I don't get scared very often, this was one of those times. This was very deep and treacherous water and I made it with the coral pieces in my knees (this is a new sensation)- mom, i brought you a rock back from the depths of that ocean - no problemo!
I surfed with a big greek boy, a former football player and bike racer who is a good 6' and he couldn't get out past the breakwater - My Australian surfer friend Wesley looked at me like I was crazy when I described where I surfed - his beautiful eyes bugged out and he rambled on for a good 10 minutes - oye, mate, you're CRAZY - yes. i agree. onwards, now -
Other adventures: met a 60 year-old world traveller who took me to the "hula bar" - male strippers/mai tai's, free internet and LOTS of pastel fashions and flip flops and talk of Justin and Janet's halftime shenanigans...hmmm...I met a few magical people on north shore solidifying the fact that we all attract what/whom we do- I was lucky i didn't wind up in a surfer coven or another type-seriously - i also rented a jeep and drove all around beautiful hawaii with 2 gorgeous people-Scott you are awesome, see you in Seattle- Stacey, thank god you know how to drive standard - and I bought a surf-board -"the secretary" - it's my desk now. a total of 6'3" worth of paper space-cowabunga!
Toronto was great too - the Jeff Buckley Tribute was a total success and I was in some very heavy company the nights i played. Thank you to everyone for their generosity and love and good wishes.
Aloha- Mahalo-
February 3, 2004 Ladies...
Ladies.... Do not worry. I have something up my sleeve. We are going to be very busy little beavers for the summer. I have been phoning around and talking to various connections. Does Helena, MT make you randy? Well, fasten your seat belts and hold on cuz we are heading south for some crazy ass mountain biking and the music festival. FAT TIRE BEER! Yummy! If anyone is reading from Helena, can you hook us up with some yocal locals to show us the single track? Oh, that means Missoula too. Rrrrrrrrrrr.
35 million dollars Feb 3, 2004
Okay, so I watched the superbowl. First of all. My favourite team, the GreenBay Packers didn't make it. Then the Panthers have to mess up the end of the game. So close but noooot. Oh well.
I miss playing gigs like crazy. It seems like it's been forever. I watched a movie last night, called Italian Job. Not to bad. I like crime movies. 35 million dollars in gold. Not a bad wage for one robbery between about 5 people.
Dream on.
Kim
February 1, 2004 Thawed Out.
It was -20 this morning! Finally biking weather. I was soo happy I jumped on my bike and headed to work. Oops. You aren't suppose to know that i work cuz I am supposed to live the life of a rock star. Unfortunately, the musicians pay is a little slim for the first 20 years, so we all have to subsidize with part time jobs when we aren't on the road.
It is so liberating to be able to fully function with a bike as your main means of transportation. A heck of a lot cheaper too. Last night, I watched "Breaking Away". It's a road cycling movie from the 70's. I highly recommend it for sure. Great acting and exellent protagonist/ antagonist plot.