Inspiration Vacation

To listen to the People's Program Project, click here.

I decided to take a day out to do nothing at home. So I'm blogging.

I'm currently taking a business course and working on a huge contract and organizing an event and doing freelance, which has been a lot of work and a lot of stress. I generally haven't been fun to be around. However, the last few nights have helped me break from my general storm cloudy mood and allowed me to feel inspired again. On early Friday morning, I went to first screening of Where the Wild Things Are. It's probably one of the best films I've ever seen. I've had a begrudging crush on Spike Jonze since this video. I know he's all cool for school but that's probably why I like him.

The book has always resonated with me. I passed it along to my little friend Audrey (pictured above) for either her first birthday or Christmas. It's timeless, eloquent, poignant. (I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before.) Anyhow, the movie is beautiful. The puppetry or whatever you call it is awe-inspiring. The acting is great. And the story spoke to me. I think it's 'cause I apparently have a mood disorder and it's all about moods and emotions and hard they are to control and understand. So there is my review.

Then, last night, my good friend Katie took me to Jay Z as a belated birthday present. (I've been celebrating all month, and don't continue to stop until Nov 1, when I'm attending David Sedaris as part of another rad birthday gift.) I don't know what to say about a man whose marketing plan includes likening himself to God. It was really fun and inspiring. I was taken by how, unlike Mr. Jonze, Hova was totally not too cool for school. He came across as positive and incredibly grateful towards the audience. He spent a good 10 minutes pointing out to members of the audience and telling them how happy he was that they were there. At one point he said "I don't know who, but someone here is going to change the world." And a good majority of the crowd believed him. Very nice. In honour of last night, here's my favourite Jay Z video. I love how his girl in the video dances.

Oh, and this girl was very impressive too. What a performer and what a voice. And what a body.

So yah! Inspired all around. Now I need some help. Antisocial had a Vans sample sale. I can't tell if these are too Hot Topic or just fun. They're totally not me but I'm trying to wear more colour:

Can't wait for tomorrow. I'm making brunch for my Common Wealth family - a total of six people and two wee ones.

Support Your Local Skate Shop

If you're in Vancouver tomorrow, come down to AntiSocial to watch Dear & Yonder, a documentary about ladies who surf. It's getting a lot of good buzz from all the lady blogs out there so I'm really excited to check it out. On a side note, I have to express my sincere love for Antisocial and its owners Michelle and Rick. I've never seen two business people put so much into a community. They are selfless. It gives me a warm feeling in my heart. Michelle was my go-to girl when I used to be the resident skateboard expert at the Canadian Press...she has supplied me with many a good quotes. She is also so committed to the community, it's a real inspiration. And Rick is by far the most humble person I've ever met, considering his ridiculous talent. If I had a kid, these are the type of people I'd want to use as roles models. So yeah, big fan of Antisocial.

And I want to say a huge congratulation to Ali Liebert, Paul Anthony and Craig Anderson, who all have one or two films in the Toronto Film Festival. That's a big deal. To celebrate, here's a hot picture of Ali:

Speaking of Paul, he's hosting Talent Time tonight. If you haven't gone, go. It's a bizarre experience.

Working on the podcast today. It's actually going to be really good. Really funny.