The end?

So, it's with a heavy heart that I write this. Just a few hours ago, long time and founding member of Great Big Sea, Séan McCann, made this announcement:

My initial reaction was one of shock, as I'm sure was the feeling of many other fans. Then came the wondering why? Why now? Why is he leaving? Questions that only Séan can answer.

And then came fear. If Séan is leaving, does this mean its the end for Great Big Sea? I admit its crossed my mind, and it scares the hell out of me. For 11 years, Great Big Sea is all I've ever known. They have been my anchor that kept me here. They've been my lifeline that kept me from doing the unthinkable. I'm completely serious when I say that without the strength that the music of GBS brings me, I wouldn't be here typing these words right now. But more fear for Séan. I can't help but wondering what's going on with him right now, and just how bad things could be. I admit, I'm so worried for him right now, and I can only pray that he'll be okay.

Here's a poem I wrote to bid farewell to the Shantyman.

So glad I got to meet him roughly this time last years. The memory of hanging out with him after the show with my sister is a precious one. We talked, laughed, he signed our box sets, and got pictures. I'll always treasure that.

Thanks for the memories, Shantyman. Great Big Sea won't be the same without you!

I'd say cheers, but I don't feel very cheerful right now. 

Krista

Alan Doyle, Boy on Bridge

Writing blog posts isn't always easy, and this post is no exception. Why is it that something is harder to write about when you feel strongly about it? Maybe you want to do justice to the thoughts you're thinking; you want those thoughts to transfer well to words, but the words fail you. Such is my problem in trying to write about Alan Doyle's Boy on Bridge documentary film that aired on CMT Canada on Friday night. The film follows Alan's journey as he writes and records music for what would become his debut record of the same name.

LIGHT THE WAY

Keith Power, a good friend of Alan's remembers that he always wanted to Alan. Power, nearly six years Alan's junior (the same age as his baby sis Michelle) says that Alan was always the centre of attention- forever telling stories and entertaining people. And now, some 25 years later, he still wants to be Alan, for those same reasons.

For actor/musician Scott Grimes, (E.R., Band of Brothers, American Dad, Mystery Alaska, etc) working with Alan is a thrill. You see, Scott is more than Alan's friend, he's also a fan of his music, having been introduced to the music of Great Big Sea (www.greatbigsea.com) back in 1997. Since then, the two have worked together on a couple movies ( Robin Hood and A Winter's Tale), and several episodes of Republic of Doyle (CBC.ca/RepublicofDoyle).

Alan knew that he wanted Grimes and Power to sing backing vocals on the track Light the Way (co-written by Sean Panting), but given the schedules of the two, it would not be easy to do. So, knowing they were coming to a GBS gig, Alan brought them backstage, where he recorded it in his laptop. Scott, as a joke, had gone up an octave on one set of backing vocals, clearly not expecting it to be used. However, Alan loved the sound of it, so it stayed in.

WHERE I BELONG

Despite all his worldly travels, there is one place that Alan truly belongs, and that's the small fishing village of Petty Harbour (est pop 924 in 2011), located approximately 15 minutes south of St. John's, Newfoundland. It was here that a young Alan Doyle got his start, filling in on rhythm guitar in his Uncle Ronnie's band, The Ringdelles.

Ronnie Doyle, Alan's Uncle and Mayor of Petty Harbour at the time Boy on Bridge was being filmed remembers that day. He called up his brother (Alan's Dad) Tom and asked if Alan would like to fill in for that gig. Tom passed the phone to Alan, who agreed, and did indeed fill in. Ronnie still remembers Alan's amazement at being paid a few dollars like everyone else. 

While sitting with his Uncle Ronnie in the Mayor's Chambers, Alan reminisces about days gone by- Sundays at The Squid Jigger, and said that depending on who was playing with the band on that night, the tunes would vary. One fella in particular, you'd be playing a lot of country songs, whereas with another there would be a lot of accordion tunes. It always changed.

It was in Petty Harbour that Alan got his first movie credit as well- although he'd not know of that until many years later- in A Whale For The Killing, where he was listed as Alan Doyle- Boy on Bridge. That bridge played such an important role in Alan's life. He couldn't go anywhere without that bridge; it brought him to school, and later to St. John's, where he would attend university, help start Great Big Sea, and meet the woman who would eventually become his wife- and a brighter future. In retrospect, he supposes that's what Boy on Bridge really means.

JIM CUDDY JUST SANG ON MY RECORD

There are many Canadian musicians who, when writing songs, try to emulate Blue Rodeo. Alan is no exception to that. Hawksley Workman of who Alan says: don't get his way and let him do his thing- wrote and recorded several songs together for the Boy on Bridge record (Sorry, Love While Love's Awake, and one of the bonus tracks Somewhere In The Love We Made), including the song Northern Plains. As he was recording it, Alan thought like many others, "Wouldn't it be cool if Jim Cuddy sang harmonies on the track?" So he called up Jim, who agreed to do it. Obviously ecstatic at this happening, and rightly so, after Jim does the harmonies, exclaims "This record is now called 'Jim Cuddy just sang on my record' and that Jim's picture was going on the cover. "I'm the worst performer on my own record!"

Oh, and a couple pieces of advice. 

1. Never challenge yourself to write, sing and record a song about a cruise ship while on a cruise ship, because the free beer and wine slows it down. 

2. Hit record before you get the audience  to participate in said recording.

The end result was Mutiny on the Dawn, a bonus track available through Alan's website alandoyle.ca. The link for the bonus tracks is alandoyle.ca/bonus 

It's a song about the people on the cruise ship the Norwegian Dawn, who plan a mutiny. The audience all sings along, clapping, cheering, singing, and adding in "crazy noises of celebration", making a rollicking tune that much more fun. 

ON THE INJURED LIST

Towards the end of the Safe Upon the Shore tour, the slipped disc in Alan's back ruptured, causing him a lot of pain. When he got home and got an MRI to see what happened, the news was revealed, and he was told that he would need surgery or he'd face having nerve damage in his legs. With no other option, he had to go under the knife. Said a source that I won't reveal, he suffered with the pain after. He had a bed in the living room for weeks, and had to use a walker to get around. It was the first time I'd seen him in such incredible pain and it broke my heart. I hope he never has to go through that again.

WORKING WITH THE MAN OF A THOUSAND SONGS

It's unfathomable to me that there are people out there who have never heard of Ron Hynes. Here in Newfoundland, he is a legend, and is also one of Alan's idols. In Alan's opinion, Ron is, he thinks, the best songwriter in Atlantic Canada if not all of Canada. As a young boy in 1978-1982/83, Alan grew up watching the Wonderful Grand Band on TV, as did many others.

This time was not the first time that Alan had attempted to write a song with the great Ron Hynes. The first time, Alan admits that he was too young and excited for the opportunity to get anything done. The second chance came during a time when Ron was battling his drinking addiction. But luckily the third time was a charm and the sad but lovely tune (one of the bonus tunes available on Alan's website) Heart So Longs To Know was born. Written on a postcard of all things, in Ron's kitchen in Ferryland, it became another notch in his songwriting belt. 

STRUGGLES AND THE TRIP TO NASHVILLE 

GBS manager Louis Thomas, a good friend of Alan's, and also his personal manager, calls him up one day, challenging him to do better and write better songs, not a bunch of GBS B-sides as he put it. Alan was clearly frustrated, not wanting to have to work like a dog to get his own songs on his own record, but he pushed through. He says that the people he has around him are horrible ass-kissers; won't tell you that you're great. He knows its because they're trying to help, but in his mind all he hears is "You suck, I hate your songs." But on the advice of Louis, he heads to Nashville to work with fellow Atlantic Canadian and songwriter extraordinaire, Gordie Sampson. 

He didn't know anybody besides Gordie, but somehow he managed to write three songs- Where the Nightingales Sing, I've Seen A Little, and My Day. Also coming out of those sessions was an original, and personal favourite of mine, Break It Slow.

ANTHEMS AND WORRIES

Singing anthems is terrifying, Alan admits, because if you do it well, nobody notices. But if you screw up, everyone loves to make fun of you. This was said of singing the anthems for a Detroit/Toronto game, where he was doing press with Republic of Doyle co-creator and good friend, Allan Hawco. Although the American anthem is difficult for someone that doesn't have a "range-y" voice, Alan delivers (for those interested, there is a clip on YouTube).

There were worries on Alan's part about the whole project. As he and GBS were now at the end of a contract with Warner, they were technically deemed free agents, and he had to find someone else who was willing to release the record. But even if they did, would it be in a limited capacity? Luckily for Alan (and for us fans, Universal Music Canada was,  and released the project in full.

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS (RUSSELL CROWE AND COLIN JAMES)

Russell Crowe helps out in Vancouver, and while he loves to tease Alan, ("take another lap around the building", "we're all here to make you look good-notice how many people that takes?") it's clear the two admire each other. Crowe says that when he knows he's writing for Alan, he goes to a higher gear... A place of brevity, because after 24/25 songs together, he knows what Alan wants to hear, and that it comes down to being touched by a song. He also says that Alan lives for his audience, and deserves the big one. 

The pair, who met during the 2004 NHL Awards, have fast become good friends, writing many songs together, with Alan producing Russell's only solo cd, My Hand, My Heart. Since then, Alan has appeared in two movies with Russell, and also on Republic of Doyle.

Alan is clearly blown away by Colin James who plays a mean bluegrass style guitar on Testify (sparked by the infamous phone throwing incident in NYC, and written while Crowe was doing press for Cinderella Man), giving it the feel it truly deserves.

Colin, who knows GBS well loves that Alan stepped out of the box and the way he did music.

MORE NERVES

Because of his back, the opportunity to work with great TV composer Mike Post had to be postponed. Alan, was worried he'd lost his chance, but luckily things worked out, and although nervous, he is is glad for the chance.

Post, who became a fan of GBS after seeing them at the HOB in L.A. about 6/7 years ago says that he was immediately blown away by the band. They weren't just rock, folk or pop, but all things combined. He also said that he knows Alan is really smart and talented- no BS. And he knew it when they were fooling around in the studio. He was sick, so they hadn't started until 2 that day, and 3 hours later they had a song. Later that night, Alan finished the lyric. 

Says Alan of the experience: I wanted to do something I'd never done before; not something I could've sang somewhere else. 

BLOWN AWAY AND GREATFUL

When it comes to the performers on his record, Doyle is blown away. They (Russell, Jim Cuddy, Hawksley, Mike Post, etc) did it for nothing whereas others would've had to pay a lot to get the help he did.

He's very thankful to Great Big Sea too, because if not for the band, he a young man, just out of university, never would've met his wife. And if he'd never met her, they wouldn't have their son together. He tries to pass off his strong emotion here by blaming it on dust, but its clear his family means everything to him.

When asked what advice he'd give his younger self on that bridge, Alan pauses before giving his answer. Even if he could, he wouldn't give any, because that young man found his way on his own and has done very well for himself.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

After watching the documentary, many thoughts have filled my head. 

1. I love the behind the scenes look to making the album and seeing how it all came together. 

2. It was hard seeing him in pain, and struggling to get around while using a walker, but was touched by his strength. 

3. I laughed quite a bit when he was working with Ron Hynes, there was obvious boyish delight on Alan's part, working with an idol of his. 

My overall impression is one of awe, wonder and pure delight. I feel as if I was taken on a journey, seeing all the ups and downs, highs and lows and everyday things that can get in the way of your dreams. But Alan is an inspiration, getting through everything and making his dream come true. I can honestly say now that I'll never hear the Boy on Bridge record the same again, and I'll always appreciate and love it more than before because of everything he had to go through to make it.

Two thumbs way up, and five stars here. 

Your thoughts?

New poetry- "1000 Words"

A little while ago, I learned that a friend of mine was going to a Great Big Sea show, and I asked her that if she got a chance could she tell Alan that I send my love and that I say hi? Well, that show was two days ago, and I'm very happy to say that she did indeed get to pass on that message! 

As she tells it, they were chatting, and it was after he gave her a birthday kiss that she passed on my message, saying " Krista sends her love and wanted me to say hi to you from her." 

She said that he then took her hand, smiled and said "Yes, please tell Krista hi back from me."

Now maybe I'm just a sap, and maybe I'm reading too much into this, but the way in which he told her to say hi back was very kind. It still blows my little mind that after all these years, Alan still remembers me. I never thought that when I met him more than 10 years ago that he would still remember me today.

I think it's because I don't expect people to remember me. I honestly think "Why would (insert name here) remember me? What's so important about me that (insert name here) still knows who I am?"

I really can't explain it. But I do know how it makes me feel. Important. Here he is, a star- many albums under his belt, several movies, a book due to drop next year- with thousands of fans, yet I'm one of the ones he remembers. Me? I never thought that someone so important would remember me. 

I sat and thought about it a while after my friend told me, and then I started to express my feelings the best way I knew how. I wrote. 

Alan, if you somehow see this, I want you to know how much your kindness means to me. Maybe someday I'll be able to tell you what you've done for me. But for now, this poem will have to do:

A picture is worth a thousand words

That's how the old saying goes

But why do I struggle to find them

When I need them the most?

How do I begin to thank you

I really don't know what to say

To a person that can cheer me up

On my very bluest of days.

Like a lighthouse beacon through the fog

When it seems all hope is gone

You'll give me the encouragement that I need

And I find the strength to go on

So how do I say thanks for everything 

The kindness throughout the years

The words that have kept me strong

When I was on the verge of tears?

I don't know how to put into words

The thoughts going through my mind

I could sit here and think on it all day

And the words I could never find

Yes a picture is worth a thousand words

That old saying is definitely true 

But for now I'll use just a couple

And they're simply to say: thank you!

Krista 

Confession

Not many of you know this, because I try not to talk about it much, but I'm pretty sure, even though I've not been diagnosed, that I'm battling depression.

It all started back when Hurricane Igor hit a few years ago. The apartment I lived in at the time got hit hard, and the upheaval it created changed me. Even though I technically had a place to stay during the week my apartment was being repaired, I still felt homeless. I had a roof over my head, but not my own roof. 

Shortly after that, I started seeing a counsellor for the issues Hurricane Igor created. I thought, rather foolishly I guess, that this person would listen to what I had to say and that she would help me get through the trauma that I'd gone through. I was wrong. Really wrong.

Within a couple weeks of seeing this counsellor, she suggested that I "should be over it" by now, and that I was "holding onto it like a crutch". That upset me. She obviously didn't understand me, or the challenges that living with autism causes for me. A typical human being might get over it, but for someone who has an intellectual disability, things are just a wee bit different. Lets just say I never went back to her for any more appointments.

I eventually did "get over" the pain that feeling homeless had caused me. But due to the flooding, every time we had heavy rain after that, I was scared that we would have flooding again.

I still feel that way.

There have been other things since then that have driven me deeper into this undiagnosed depression, but when I really stop and think back on it, I suppose that the issues causing it go back further than the hurricane.

It was sometime in 2002, as I recall, a rather tumultuous year in my life. That year, my parents got divorced, I found out about my mother's affair with my Dad's brother, and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 16. I hated that. I'd already had enough issues at school, and as far as I was concerned, it was the last thing I needed to be dealing with. I just hated being different, I suppose. And to top that year off, my mother, sister and I moved into a new place with my now stepdad, my father threatened to kill my mother (the day after my 17th birthday) I had to give a statement to the police about what happened. And if that wasn't enough, I had to watch my father get arrested. No child should ever have to see that happen. 

If I hadn't found Great Big Sea that year, I don't know where I'd be. They've literally saved my life when I felt like I had nothing left. But I'll talk about that another time.

It all came to a head in 2009. Upon returning from an all too brief trip to Ontario to visit friends and see GBS, I crashed from the high. Feeling like I had no other option to end the pain, I went to the bathroom and downed the first pills I could find. I guess in hindsight that wasn't my brightest move, but unless one has been that low, they don't know what drives one to that end. Thankfully by the grace of God, I'm still here.

Add in being bisexual, and my life isn't an easy one. The hurricane left me a mess, I hit a wall emotionally, and had to opt out of school, which made me feel like a loser. Feelings that I still battle with. Most days are good, but there are some days that I just want to give up. But it's because of you, my friends that have seen my struggles, that I fight the bad thoughts. I know that no matter how bad things are for me, it could always be much worse. I'm alive, and that's a gift.

I'm rambling now I know, but I somehow feel as if writing this is cathartic, so I'll continue on.

In 2011, I lost a good friend suddenly, and I've never really gotten over it. It was unexpected, and I had never experienced that kind of grief before. And then just five months ago, I lost my beloved cat, Cuddles. My heart was crushed. That, without a doubt, was the worst pain I've ever felt. I didn't want to go on. But with the love of family, friends, and a few kind words from those on Twitter, I got through. It's still hard, but I get through it cause I have to. I have my kitten Charlie now, and I'm Auntie to the most precious nephew, Caleb David, now 14 months old. It's for him that I keep going.

Okay, feeling much better now that I've got the tears out. Thanks for listening.

Krista

If you can't say anything nice...

So, I'm watching videos on YouTube, and for a laugh, I decided to check the comments on the video I was watching, Alan Doyle singing his original song "Where the Nightingales Sing" on Q. And I could not believe what I read. Take a look:

Now if any of you know me in real life, you'll know that there isn't much that upsets me. But, a sure fire way to get me riled up is to insult my friends, family, Great Big Sea, and Alan. 

If you don't like the man or his singing, why comment? It just doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever. Maybe it's just common sense or something- which most people nowadays sadly seem to lack- but why waste so much time on negativity? If you don't like him, that's all well and good. I've no issue with that. If you don't like Great Big Sea, there's nothing wrong with that either. The world would be a pretty boring place if we all liked the same things.

My issue lies with the negativity. This guy (or girl, not really sure) isn't very smart if he/she thinks that "the vast majority of people in this country neither love nor hate him or his music." Um, what? Really? When did this person start speaking for the rest of us? I have my own voice, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let some jealous wannabe, thinks they know it all, speak for me. 

Mediocre talent? Please. If he was mediocre, why would a major record label sign him? Answer me thaf. If nobody loves or hates him, how has his band sold well over a million records and had countless gold or platinum records over the years? How do they continue to sell out show after show on the majority of their tours?

Maybe I'm making something out of nothing here. Most people will say "he/they can defend themselves", but this sort of negativity to a artist/band that has brought much joy to many people...well, it angers me. Another person said she loved the song, would even use it as a first dance song at her wedding- if it was "sung by someone with a 'smoother' voice." Again, I'm dumbfounded. If you're a true fan at all, you know that the roughness in Alan's voice is just a part of what makes his voice so unique. To go bashing someone who can't defend themselves, it's uncalled for. 

I know Alan is a grown man, and can defend himself if need be. I just think the negativity among these commenters needs to stop. Where the Nightingales Sing (done here with an orchestra- http://youtu.be/SEoqX6pp6is *this is not the video under which negative comments appeared*) is a lovely song, with an even more beautiful sentiment. A man who wanted to write a waltz (cause hardly anyone does anymore), because he wanted his mom to be proud. And I'm willing to bet that no matter what, she is.

Here's what I said in reply to the negative comments:

My advice? Save your negativity for someone who actually cares and somewhere it applies; don't use it on someone who has brought much joy to many people. 

Your thoughts? 

Did I go too far? Maybe. 

But do I care? No. 

Negative people just need to keep their comments to themselves, because 99.999% of us really don't want to hear them. 

LoveIsLove- LoveEqualsLove- Equality

Whoo. I've thought about this for a long time, wondering if I could share with the world who I really am. I wondered if people would accept me for who I am. For the most part, my friends and the majority of my family accept it.

I'm bisexual. Yes, it's true. I haven't always known it, but about 7-8 years ago, I had a good friend who helped me become comfortable with the truth. I finally knew who I was. And I was scared as hell to admit it.

At first, the reaction was disbelief. My own mother thought it was some phase I was going through. My father wanted me to "be happy, but not in that way." It felt demoralizing. Why should I change who I am? I wasn't confused, like many people thought. I knew who I was, and I was happy about it.

Though I'm no longer friends with the person who helped me with my acceptance of who I am, I am thankful to her for freeing me. 

I first met Jamie through the now defunct online kitchen party on the Great Big Sea website, and we just hit it off immediately. With her, I was fearless. For the first time in my life, I felt like I truly knew what it was to be loved by someone other than my family. And I didn't care who knew we were together. We loved each other, and that was all that really mattered.

I remember an incident in college that had me upset. I remember walking home to my apartment, in tears. When I got there, Jamie was waiting for me, and it'd never felt so right. She held me till the tears subsided, and I knew I was going to be okay. When we went back to the college to pick up some things I'd forgotten, the instructor that had upset me was in the classroom, helping another fellow student. She glared at me, but Jamie glared right back. I knew then that she had my back.

I remember one night at a pub in St. John's. We were dancing and having a blast. But this one fella would not leave her alone no matter what she said or did. I don't know what came over me that night, but I leaned over and said "kiss me," and she did. There was applause. I was showing love to the person I loved, and didn't care who knew it. We held hands on the way back to the hostel, and I didn't care who saw us.

We're no longer together, but that was a mutual decision. She has a new love now, and I accept that. And someday I hope to find that special someone.

To all those who support me and love me despite being bi, thank you. It was hard to say at first, but your acceptance meant and still means the world to me.

And to all those who struggle daily with the decision to come out, I want you to know that no matter how scary it is at first, it will get easier. And you are loved, remember that. No matter what, someone will ALWAYS love you!

I wanna end on this note. Never let somebody else judge you. Love who you want, and screw everyone else. You're still the same person you always were. Who cares if you're a woman that loves another woman. So what if you're a guy that loves another guy? That's none of anyone else's business. Love who you want to love. As long as you're happy, who is the world to judge that?

Peace & love,

Hugs & Kisses,

Krista 

Time for a Rant

Ooh, it's been a long time since I ranted, but someone on twitter has me riled up. Really ready to smack her right across her smug little bitch face.

Perhaps I should explain. I decided to do my nails for Halloween, as I will be dressing up to hand out treats to the children. A friend of mine found awesome black and red nails, so I decided to give them a try. 

Now, my nails aren't as long as I'd like them to be, so obviously they're not going to turn out exactly like any pictures I may find. I know and accept that. I also know that I'm not the greatest at doing nails, but I enjoy the practice. After all, one can only get better by practicing.

After finishing the left hand, which I had liked, I posted it on twitter. No big deal, I thought. Obviously I was wrong. Some snarky little bitch was making nasty remarks towards me. I explained that my nails weren't that long, so it was the best I could do. She was still nasty. 

I felt defeated and upset. After all, I'm not a serious nail artist, just someone who likes to experiment. But I blocked her, and moved on. Tried something new, and really like how they turned out:

This *woman* (and I use the term lightly) actually responded to this photo, and said "wtf are those? Mini hulks?" What a stupid idiot!! It says on the damn hash tag- mini frankensteins. How stupid do you have to be? Can you not read? Argh. People like that annoy me. This world is full of idiots, and she's one of them.

And don't even get me started about the hockey game tonight...

My Weight Loss Journey

Since I was in my teens, I have struggled with my weight. I was active, but not overly so, and lets face it, didn't always eat all the right things. But there were never massive gains, so I never thought about it much.

That was, until I had a dream one June night. In the dream, I could see what my weight was, and I wasn't happy with it. The next morning when I got up, I did something I haven't done in a long time. I stepped on the scale.

When the number - 251.4 - came up, I was both horrified and embarrassed that I'd let my weight get that far out of control. And it was at that moment that I decided that enough was enough and that I was going to make a change for the better.

But where to start right? Well my roommate/sister had started a diet nearly three months before I did and she was seeing results. I downloaded the app- MyFitness Pal - and started using it. And before too long, I too started seeing some results.

Let me explain how it works, if I can. With this app, you input your information (height, weight, activity level, and how much weight you want to lose per week). Based on that, it tells you how many calories you can safely consume each day in order to achieve that goal. 

Working on a credit/debit system essentially, the app can also calculate how many calories you burn from doing exercise. When that's added in, it subtracts from the food you've eaten for the day, and gives you your net. And if you're around a 3,500 calorie average under your recommended calories per week, you can lose a pound (3,500 cals=1lb).

There are many more features, but it would literally take me all morning to explain it all. But suffice it to say that this app works. It doesn't even feel like I'm on a diet. I haven't given up any of the foods I love, and I'm still able to lose weight. I've gotten better at portion control, and because of that, my favourite treats aren't going anywhere.

If you're struggling with your weight, I know how you feel. You may think you can't do it; that it's too hard. Trust me, it's not. This app helps keep you in line, shows you everything in black and white, making you more accountable. For me it was a matter of portion control and actually being more physically active. That's it. No tricks or gimmicks. You don't have to go on some crazy fad diet to lose weight.

It's been over 4 months (127 days) now, and I'm feeling absolutely amazing. The more weight I lose, the better I feel. I have a long way to go to reach my goal of 150lbs, but I know that if I stick with it, I can achieve it.

And today was weigh in day. I wasn't sure how much I'd lost, if any, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a loss on that scale!

Weight lost this week: 1.2lbs

Total weight loss to date: 31.2lbs

Current weight: 220.2lbs

If you need encouragement, feel free to leave me a comment here. I feel thankful to those who have supported me in thus journey thus far- my family, my roomie/sis, and especially Mark Hiscock of Shanneyganock - who all continue to cheer me on. It really means the world to me that I have this much support. Thank you all.

Cheers,

Krista

Republic of Doyle.

Oh my friggin Lord, what an episode of Republic of Doyle tonight. So suspenseful and an ending I did not see coming! As much as I like the people who write for the show, I did not like their ending tonight! All I could think was "how can you do that to Jake? After everything he and Leslie have been through. Why throw us this curve now?"

I've been watching the show since the beginning, and I have always rooted for the pairing of Leslie and Jake. So something like what just happened... I'm not really sure what to think...

No spoilers here, but if you watch the show, I'd love to know your opinion on the latest twist in the show we all love. 

So many questions: is there a future for these two, or is this the straw that breaks the camel's back? Only time, and the next few episodes, will tell.

It's Been Awhile... Again

So admittedly, it's been a long time since I last wrote here. My computer is currently not working, so until I discovered the Blogger app, I was without means of being able to post. But now that I have this app, blog I must.

So much has happened since I last posted. Too much to describe in full detail really, so I'll just do a simple recap to catch you all up.

-2012-

July- moved into the new apartment a couple of weeks ago. Really bright and cozy here. All hands are happy. Visit Garden Cove for Garden Cove Day, and a couple special guests show up. Everyone is thrilled, including yours truly!

August- Early August brings a GBS show in Torbay, and new friends. Roomie/sis and I met up with Anna and her partner Dara before the show, and have a blast. We all travel to the show together, and seeing the joy on the faces of my new friends makes the show extra special. What makes it even more special is that former bass player, Darrell Power, returns for a couple tunes. Here's a pic of him and Alan singing together that I managed to capture (that later made it into The Newfoundland Herald). 

Late August- The final countdown to my nephew, due August 23rd. Can't wait to meet the little guy- I fell in love with him on the ultrasound! He finally arrives on August 28th, and is named Caleb David. He weighs in at 10lbs 8oz, and measures 22 inches. Just a whole lot more to love!

September brings about my first birthday in this place, and it's celebrated with family. Not too bad a day overall. A week later, Síle and I head to St. John's- Jeremy Fisher and Séan McCann are playing at The Ship, and we couldn't miss it! Everyone has a great time, Séan stops singing while me, Amelia and Síle continue. He's visibly impressed, though I'm not sure why. Meet him and Jeremy after the show. Really great guys. Oh, and did I mention that this guy was there? 

If you can't plainly tell, that's Alan, who had showed up for Séan's set. I gave him pictures from July that his parents had wanted, and then we chat and after several attempts (the above being the first), we get a good picture together. Perfect night.

October marks the release of the GBSXX box set (For those not in the know, GBS is Great Big Sea, and March 11, 2013 marked their 20th anniversary as a band). Both Síle and I grab it, and agree that it's worth it's price tag. Three CDs, a DVD, a book, a calendar and lots of other goodies. Perfect collectible for the diehard GBS fan.

November- Séan comes to Clarenville, opening for Joel Plaskett. When we sing the chorus to a new song, Séan is impressed. Talks to us from the stage. After the show, we chat with him, give him cookies, he signs our box sets, and we got pictures (if you're Facebook friends with me, you'll have seen them. I promise to post them here at some point.)! Overall, a fantastic night.

December, perhaps my favourite time of year! Finish the shopping, and there are Christmas concerts to attend. First up, The Once! If you haven't checked them out, you should! Lead singer Geraldine Hollett is as sweet as they come! 

Next up, The Irish Descendants & Navigators Celtic Christmas. In what's now become a Christmas tradition, the two bands fronted by Con (Irish Descendants) and Arthur (The Navigators) O'Brien perform classic Christmas tunes, some covers, some originals and sprinkle in some fan favourites. Show that year was delayed by a tragedy, and we take a moment of silence for the young girl killed. 

Christmas at home- food, family, and presents. Who could ask for more?

Okay, so that brings us up to 2013, which I'll do as quick as possible. Meet my nephew for the first time in March and fall in love all over again! GBS show in April, some scary family shit, Cuddles gets killed in May while a friend is visiting. Get words of encouragement from Alan & Séan (see below).

Get inked in June and get a new kitten, Charlie. 

Apartment is making us sick, landlord isn't doing much. Another GBS show in August, this time George Street. Joined the Cocksure Lads Street team- promoting Murray's 60's Brit Pop band. Meet him before the show and have a fab chat. Stayed in for the regatta- dunk tank, good food, boat races... we have a great time. Spend my birthday in September in St. John's- Leo's, shopping, and Erin's Pub. There are lots of birthday messages, including ones from Alan & Murray of GBS. Share cake with a fellow bday girl at Erin's, bartender gives me a bag of Cheesies, says its on him. Have a few drinks, and a fab night. Amelia caps it off by getting me a copy of an unreleased as of yet cd, straight from the artist. Couldn't ask for any better.

So that brings us up to now- a nearly six month old kitten, 30lbs lost (since June), and happy times ahead. To those who have been there for me, thank you. You're the best friends and family a girl could ask for! 

Krista