Sunday, March 07, 2021
Sunday, February 28, 2021
In like a lion....out like a lamb!
Awards circuit has begun again...even though I finally watched the Canadian Country Music Association Awards 2020 from back Sept 28, 2020 last night (free up pvr space, lol), I've hunkered down to watch the Golden Globes 2021 tonight as I'm trying to cut down on taking up non-existant taping space. I'm currently watching the E! Countdown to the Red Carpet for the fashion, something that's been taken to the another level this year. Although, it's all about 'out-of-the-box thinking' which is the ongoing trend for the time being.
Unfortunately, something I've been feeling that I've been having a hard-time juggling these days is the time factor. Granted, even though it's nothing I should really be complaining about these days but I've been so busy with work (where the hours fit so perfectly with my own timeframe) that I've recenly noted to my bestie that where I used to find time to email 'novels' to her with updates, I now have have not been able to maintain this. Due to the nature of my current job, I'm not able to literally waste time as I have to track every moment...
For me, this isn't an actual problem as I've always been OCD on planning what I do with my time but it's unnerving that it feels like 'big brother is watching'.
Therefore, my time management has been sharpened and my priorities have had to be constantly updated. Sleep has taken a hit as well. Luckily, my napping skills with earplugs and eye-mask strategies have really become handy.
Which leads to another downfall that even though I'm excited to see the outcome to this first ceremony in the awards circuit, I've had to make a list as to what to catch up and update watching on Netflix. I've only watched 7 episodes of season four (the season featuring Diana, Charles and Camilla) of The Crown (most nominated Golden Globe show). Yet, I've lined up to watch the new Ginny & Georgia (supposed Gilmore Girl-esque drama) as well as Firefly Lane, The Queen's Gambit, New Amsterdam, Grace and Frankie and Emily In Paris, to name a few.
This is all on top of my normal daily shows I also catch...something that I used to be able to multitask in my previous jobs.
Nope, STILL refuse to complain...:) This is where social media is helpful when used correctly!
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Monday, February 15, 2021
Family/Valentines/Galentines Day & Chinese New Year weekend 2021!!!
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
The lineup on Night 1 9.27.20
The lineup on Night 2 9.28.20
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Had a nice WhatsApp texting chat with Winnie yesterday where we both shared some exciting news! Change is in the air...We're both waiting on the warm weather to arrive so we can catch up in the outdoor park area again!!!
Also caught up on a call with a past George Brown College pal, Vic today. It was nice to touchbase since he lives up in Barrie and neither of us drive! It's interesting that this is the second pal who's contacted me recently to share some of their writings with me. I don't mind reading material but I find the topics out of my normal topical interests. Ah well, why not go out of my normal topical areas.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Puppy Bowl XVII Feb 7, 2021
The Weeknd pulled off a safe and in-built stage type of halftime show!
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Sunday, January 24, 2021
DISCLAIMER revealing names coming up...
Considering I knew who the winner was, the unmasking of the sun (Leann Rimes) was not a surprise. HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprised to find out who the crocodile (Nick Carter, BSB) and mushroom (Aloe Blacc) were at the unmasking! Wow, fantastic!!!
Archewell Audio - Spotify
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, presented a special collection of inspiration, reflection, and perspective from guests around the world, including: Stacey Abrams, Christina Adane, José Andrés, Brené Brown, Rachel Cargle, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Matt Haig, Sir Elton John, Hussain Manawer, Naomi Osaka, Tyler Perry, and George the Poet (plus a surprise or two). Curated throughout the month of December, join them as they reflect on the year, speak openly about the power of compassion, and toast to a hopeful 2021.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Inauguration of America’s 46th President
'When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it.
If only we're brave enough to be it.'
Friday, January 15, 2021
Friday, January 08, 2021
In Remembrance (RIP Alex Trebek)
Monday, January 04, 2021
Monday, December 28, 2020
Saturday, December 26, 2020
My travellor's spirit is peaked in checking out the town of Santa Claus, Indiana after watching Lara Spencer from GMA on HGTV's Suprising Santa Claus, where her team renovated and redecorated two houses in the town.
Also spent the day binge-watching First Man - 2018 with Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Ad Astra - 2019 with Brad Pitt and A League of Their Own - 1992 with Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna. I haven't seen this movie since it first came out during the Blue Jays world series. What a nice refreshing reminder of how good it is!!! With the likes of Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna, Bill Pullman and other phenomenal actors! SUCH a FEEL-GOOD MOVIE!!!!
Friday, December 25, 2020
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Countdown towards Christmas...
Had a quick chat with Ling in Oz this arvo (Wednesday morning for them) where she sent me several photos of the kids where one looked like they were all snapping their fingers...but apparently (when I brought it up) they were making they were making 'love hearts' similar to how they're done from Korean shows (that I DO NOT watch. Case in point...details...)
Decided (can also enter different synonym as my recordings are getting to the timeframe where it'll be deleted regardless of whether it's saved or not...I question this...hrm...) to watch The Tenors -- Fan Favorites with Victor, Clifton & Fraser where they sang classics and hits from the Great American Songbook such as 'Hallelujah', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'My Way', 'Sweet Caroline', 'Always on My Mind' to name a few!Monday, December 21, 2020
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom featuring Viola Davis & Chadwick Boseman
- PLAY ON (from Dec 15) that Celebrated the Power of Music to Make Change. Hosted by Kevin Bacon & Eve with performances from Bon Jovi - American Reckoning, Yola ft The HighWomen & Sheryl Crow - Hold On, Gary Clark Jr. - Feed the Babies, LL Cool J ft DJ Z-Trip - Illegal Search, Sheryl Crow - Beware of Darkness, Ziggy Marley & Andra Day - Justice/War/Get up, Stand up, Machine Gun Kelly - Forget Me Too/Bloody Valentine, Maren Morris - Better Than We Found It, Sara Bareilles, Jon Batiste, Emily King & Steve Jordan w/ Pedrito Martinez, Chris Bruce & Meshell Ndegeocello - People Get Ready
Appearances were also made by: Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, John Legend, Noreen Springstead (Executive Director - WhyHunger) & Sherrilyn Ifill (President & Director - Counsel NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund) and Micheal Bloomberg.
- Also finished watching season 2 recordings of Songland. The composer in me LOVES this show as people come in with songs that a variety of artists sit around, brainstorm and creatively change towards a larger goal!
For example, the episode with Bebe Rexha, who originally (pre-pandemic) was looking for a song towards the 2020 Tokyo olympics (that’s now been pushed to July 23, 2021). I was especially ecstatic in seeing how the song, Miracle was put together through a collaboration of two original & different songs that Bebe had the foresight to see and combine together. Definitely brought me back to To my musical theory days of harmony and counterpoint…
I also relished the season finale episode where Usher was the recording artist considering the song he would record. It's so fascinating to get a glimpse into the background of making songs!
- Garth & Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event last night who's song request list included 'What I'm Thankful for', 'Little Drummer Boy', 'Silent Night', 'Santa Baby', 'Belleau Wood', 'Mary Had A Little Lamb', 'Ugly Christmas Sweater', 'Oh Holy Night', 'Frosty The Snowman', 'Wish You A Merry Christmas', 'Hard Candy Christmas', 'Feliz Navidad', 'Shallow' (from A Star is Born), 'Baby Jesus Is Born' and 'Same Auld Lang Syne'
- Also last evening's The 22nd Annual A Home for the Holidays hosted by Gayle King with performances from Josh Groban (Celebrate Me Home & Angels), Miranda Lambert (Bluebird), Andrea Bocelli (I believe), Leslie Odom Jr. (Heaven and Earth & Snow) and Meghan Trainor (It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas). It's a great way to motivate people in the push towards adoption!
- Tonight's Sketchy Times With Lilly Singh (I miss her 'A Little Late With Lilly Singh' show)
Soooooo extremely helpful to help curb my sweets intake...(a leftover Afternoon Tea treat from Ames) :)
Monday, December 14, 2020
The Prom & Nutcracker flashbacks
Really enjoyed watching 2020 film, The Prom which is filled with the most extraordinary famous actors (Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells - come on, I enjoy all of them in general!). To me, it was like opening an early christmas present!
Personally, I totally enjoyed this fun, feel-good movie that achieved it's goal of distracting me life in general. Even though I'm disappointed that people aren't able to put judgement aside to find offense in it, I choose to disregard and to take in the joy of my own prom flashbacks (that weren't as dramatic)!
Also watched Debbie Allen's (from Grey's Anatomy as Catherine Fox - she's the mouse in the image...😉) documentary 'Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker' that in a sense, rescue's Christmas 2020 with it's original and inspirational dance take on the traditional Nutcracker.
Friday, December 11, 2020
Saturday, December 05, 2020
The Original Santa Claus Parade #SANTACLAUSPARADETO
The parade lineup included: Mother Goose, Polar Bear on ice, Phillipine Heritage Band, The Tooth Fairy, CTV holiday sleigh-in with DJ Tyrone and his daughter, Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra, Molly Maid, BMO Bear, Power of Sport (MLSE), Snow Day (Canada Protection Plan), E.L. Crossley Secondary School Marching Band, The Dalton Owl (The Dalton School), TD Music (TD Bank Group), Winter Forest (McDonald's Canada), Hitmen Drumline, Mr. Peanut (Planters Peanuts), Imagination Starts Here (Indigo and Chapters), Holiday Treats (Metro Grocery), Penguin Pizza Party (Pizza Pizza), #FILLUPWITHLOVE (Dairy Farmers of Ontario), Go Bear (Go Transit), Automotive Partner: Volkswagen, All Christmas Music (98.1 CHFI)
Appearances from: Tyra Banks, Shay Mitchell, Paris Jackson, Lily Aldridge, Sting, Sam Smith, Bebe Rexha, Hannah Gadsby, Ruth B, Mayim Bialik, Iain Armitage, Giacomo Gianniotti, Matt Bomer, Shaggy, Joyeuses Fetes, Kelly Ripa & Ryan Seacrest, Jason Priestly & Cindy Sampson, Pentatonix, Johnny Orlando, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Brett Kissel, The Reklaws, James Barker, Scott Helman, Jullian Shea Spaeder, Kalen Allen, Tyler Shaw, Saweetie, Mrs. Claus, Jose Feliciano and last but not least...Mr. Claus himself!
Performances with Meghan Trainor - "Holidays", Ruth B - "Silent Night", Shaggy & Carys - "Catch Myself Some Rays", The Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Excerpt from "Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker", Ridley College Cadet Corps - "Marching Band #162", Kelly Clarkson & Brett Aldridge - "Under The Mistletoe", Malvern C.I., Malvern Band Toronto, Burlington Teen Tour Band and Dolly Parton - "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Monday, November 30, 2020
“Hockey puck, rattlesnake, monkey, monkey, underpants!" & "Oy, with the poodles already!"
It's unbelievable and really blows my mind that this past October marked the 20th anniversary of the premiere of 'Gilmore Girls!!!
While this show was a nice television break during my undergrad studies with S, it's really standing it's test of time for me. This is one of those shows that acted as a reminder that people (myself pointedly) love this kind of show about family and community. I especially approved of the actors (Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Hermann - RIP, Melissa McCarthy, Milo Ventimiglia, Liza Weil, Jared Padalecki, Matt Czuchny, Yanic Truesdale, David Sutcliffe...and countless others) chosen to act in all the character roles.
Stars Hollow is undoubtedly one of my happy places and is ever more so now in this chaotic time in the world...it's like a bit of a reassurance and reminder of the love that could be showcased in the past before the pandemic. THIS (as well as the show's unashamed passion for coffee) is why I will still make the time to watch a rerun whenever I come across it!
Who's kidding who? I actually spent this weekend watching Gilmore Girls a year in the life miniseries on Netflix again! (In between different WhatsApp chats with Fayewood and Witkos-in Oz, as well as the 2020 Soul Train Awards on BET) :)
Friday, November 27, 2020
The equalization of J-Town cakes and Boss family workouts...
Stopped by J-town after PT this afternoon as Markham isn't on lock down. We got two cakes out of the little adventure.
Unfortunately, the experience just isn't the same as in the past when I last went with Purple to dine for dinner and DESSERTS!!!!!! before heading to crafteria workshopping...
Due to the Ontario lockdown restrictions and the winter weather (snow and ice...black ice...) hazards, my places to walk safely have been sorely limited.
However, I've been able to rectify the situation by walking rounds in my apartment's 3-storey underground parking lot! The sweet spot is that I complete my exercise as early as 5 in the morning sooooo....I am able to complete several laps without any issues! SCORE!!!
ALSO, I'm DELIGHTED that Twitch and Allison have resumed their Friday Boss Family workouts on Instagram!!!
Thursday, November 26, 2020
It IS what it is....
EVEN THOUGH this line wasn't part of the top 10 wacky quotes said on the popculture classic Saved by the Bell (of which I tried not to miss during it's four season run! ;p), I'm still planning on catching the reboot that starts this evening on the W network with some of the old gang (Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley Lauren.)
As today is American Thanksgiving (nothing better to do than catching the 94th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the CBS Thanksgiving Day Celebration), it's no day like TODAY to be thankful for this reminder...ESPECIALLY when S and I had a wonderful (and impromptu - those are the best!!!) hour long update...it's been much overdue!!!
What better way than by supporting the nurse heroes fund through
Nurse Heroes Live! The Allstar Benefit Concert: NURSEHEROES.ORG
A concert benefiting the Nurse Heroes
Featuring performances by: Black Eyed Peas, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Emily Estefan, David Foster, Katharine McPhee-Foster, Josh Groban, Carole King, Maluma, Leslie Odom Jr., Allen Stone, Adrienne Warren, The Wailers, Stevie Wonder & Pitbull.
Special appearances by: Oprah Winfrey, Billy Crystal, Marc Anthony, Canelo Alvarez, Chico ‘The Gipsy’ Castillo
Honouring the legacy of Florence Nightingale
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
I've recently been able to catch more than just television shows these days including:

Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor' - A deep dive into
the evidence in the Breonna Taylor case, from 9-1-1 calls
and interrogation tapes to jail house calls, surveillance photos
and hundreds of pages of police records on 20/20 hosted
by David Muir and Amy Robach on Nov 20, 2020
SAYHERNAME #BreonnaTaylor
It astounds me on how the system works that a citizen can be so unsafe in their OWN house?!?!? I JUST DON'T GET IT...
Tots enjoy the works that Corden takes part in always!!!
Also caught Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays on HBO and several movies;
the 1998 movie Meet Joe Black with Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins;
Rebel Wilson's Isn't It Romantic and
The Hummingbird Project starring Jesse Eisenberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Salma Hayek.
I'm going to try following the new American series, Big Sky, this evening. I saw last week's pilot and have yet to conclude whether it's worth following or not. hm...
Thursday, November 19, 2020
There's so many souls that we have lost right now, the thought of having angels around us is very comforting, certainly to me.
"I really love the message of what the dynamic is in this story. With everything that we're dealing with right now...I think that's what attracted me to this storyline, I think hit can be really helpful and healing to so many people."
- Patrick Dempsey on ET Nov 13, the day after the season premiere of season 17 Grey's Anatomy
I was mulling over my favourite television show drama's that I followed during uni days (gilmore girls, grey's anatomy, gossip girl, one tree hill, the o.c.) during my daily morning walk around the neighbourhood...and have concluded that they've all (except for grey's) concluded or wrapped up the series.
Now, I mostly watch talk shows (day time and late night) and THAT is very pessimistic.
So, I get excited when grey's storyline (as well as Station 19) started again last week!
Also, a nice pick me up story in the news this morning was the rescue of a northern saw-whet owl stowaway (named Rockefeller aka Rocke for short after the Christmas tree it was picked up from was the Rockefeller Center tree) that happened to get by the checker the first time...which links so well with Derek's message to Meredith as well as adding some optimism to the day's stories!
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
We Remember...
Caught up on a zoom call with my Ry U girlfriends earlier this evening
BEFORE watching The 54th Annual CMA Awards #CMAawards hosted by Reba McEntire & Darius Rucker
Bobby Bones presented Single of the Year to Maren Morris - The Bones Taylore Hill presented Song of the Year to Maren Morris - The Bones Lauren Akin presented New Artist of the Year to Morgan Wallen DiCrks Bentley presented Vocal Duo of the Year to Dan+Shay (@DanAndShay) Cece Winans presenting Reba McEntire & Darius Rucker where
Reba McEntire presented the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to Charlie Pride
Lauren Alaina & Patrick Schwartzeneggar presented Vocal Group of the Year to Old Dominion
Jake Owens presented Album of the Year to Luke Combs
Charles Esten presented Female Vocalist of the Year to Maren Morris
Sara Evans presented Male Vocalist of the Year to Luke Combs
Entertainer of the Year is Eric Church
Musical performances included:
- Dierks Bently, Brothers Osborne, @AshleyMcBryde; @JasonAldean
- Morgan Wallen
- Gabby Barrett & Charlie Puth
- Eric Church @EricChurchMusic
- Darius Rucker
- Ashley McBride
- Dan+Shay with Justin Bieber
- Luke Combs
- John Pardy
- Carly Pierce with Charles Kelley
- JimmyAllen
- Morgan & Chris Stapleton
- Ingrid Andress - More Hearts Than Mine
- Chris Tomlin/Reba McEntire/Thomas Rhett/ - In a World Full of Hate Be a Light @ThomasRhettAkins
- Brothers Osborne @BrothersOsborne
- Old Dominion
- Maren Morris @MarenMorris
- Kelsea Ballerini - Hold My Bottle @KelseaBallerini
Kane Brown - Purple Bag Project
Ambassador (Crown Royal)
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
2020 Scotiabank Giller Prize
Emily St. John Mandel - The Glass Hotel
Shani Mootoo - Polar Vortex
David Bergen - Here the Dark
Minna Koistinen - Glass Artist, Playing with Fire Souvankhan Thammavongsa - How to Pronounce Knife
Gil Adamson - Ridgerunner
Ian Williams - Winner of the 2019 Scotiabank Giller Prize presented
2020 Giller Prize Award:
Souvankhan Thammavongsa - How to Pronounce Knife
Monday, November 09, 2020
He set the bar for excellence. He set the bar for courage. R.I.P. Alex Trebek.
A Canadian treasure (known game show host) who taped his last
Jeopardy! show (most noted for 36 years of the show's revival)
ten days (Oct 29) before succumbing to his two year pancreatic cancer battle
yesterday.
Life is hard but it's also really funny so you might as well focus on the funny

-The Odd Couple
-Happy Days
-The Fonz/Fonzie - Ron Howard
-Laverne & Shirley
-Robin Williams/Pam Dawer - Mork & Mindy
-Pretty Woman/Runaway Bride -Julia Roberts & Richard Gere
-The Princess Diaries - Julie Andrews/Anne Hathaway/Hector Elizondo
Cameos:
John Stamos;Rob Lowe; Chris Pine; Hector Elizondo; Pam Dawer; Ashton
Kutcher; Cary Elwes; Jennifer Garner; Anne Hathaway; Kate Hudson