McSweeney’s List (29 November, 2023)
Accessible Audio for McSweeney’s List will be available soon!
Man, do we respect hustle. I'm speaking in the societal we of course, as I'm wont to do. We venerate those who work 26 hours a day only to return home to care for an ailing parent, a house full of foster animals and a crafts-based side gig. When these people show up pale and hollow, exhausted and unkempt, we click our tongues and pat them on the back for doing so much, but we never tell them to do less.
Yes, it's only been two seconds in the grand scheme since we as a species stopped having to hunt, gather, and worry about how to get a fire going. And yes, it's been about one second since we instituted labour regulations that allowed us a modicum of dignity in our workplaces. But now that we're here, it's important to remember the value of rest.
I'm not talking about self-care, the current definition of which seems to require loads of cash or a fair amount of effort. I’m talking about giving ourselves and each other the permission to rest -- to cancel plans, to turn off our phones. Instead of saying “sorry for the mess”, what if we say “welcome to my mess, thanks for coming”?
I love rest. I'm really good at vegging, chilling, daydreaming, napping, all the cozy things. I'm also often riddled with guilt about it. Why? Because even I mistake action for meaning sometimes. Consistently though, when I create space for relaxation, allow myself to take the time I feel compelled to take, things work out. Ideas come more easily when I'm playing phone games and watching cartoons than when I'm staring at a blank page trying to make something happen. In fact, forcing things hardly ever works, but it does create the illusion of effort.
A couple of weeks ago, a regular day got hectic and kicked my ass. I found myself going through the motions while wishing time away, a nasty habit that I think should be considered a sin. And that was only the first part of the day! I was scheduled to rush home, shake all that off, throw on some bells, and attend an event. I know it's a glorious problem to have, but I was genuinely tapped out. I couldn't force a smile. I didn't want to be nice to people. I was empty. So, I bailed. I sat on my couch, staring at videos I wasn't actually watching, chain smoking joints. I swear, my brain did not conjure a thought for hours, my facial expression did not move. I had my usual moment of guilt in which I lamented my own inabilities, told myself that Other People could've pulled this off, and I could not. But there was truth in that: I could not. Not that day. Yes, technically I could’ve done the damn thing, but pushing myself in that moment would've left me so depleted that it would've taken two days to charge back up. Instead, sitting and staring on my couch, I finally felt social enough to call my bestie, and when she made me giggle I realized it was the first time I’d laughed all day, and I felt healed.
On the other side of the “rest” coin are my Über-Achievers, and I know a few of them. They thrive on packed schedules and detailed spreadsheets (you know who you are), until they hit a wall. They juggle everything efficiently until that moment, and right then, it all falls down. Whether it's a mental collapse, or an illness, life has a(n often ugly) way of creating space for relaxation, if we're unable to carve out that space for ourselves. Those moments often come with tears, with deafening silence that forces you to focus on all the things you've been avoiding. Things like grief, uncertainty, changes whose time has come. Like truth and the sun, these cannot hide for long, no matter how we structure our lives to keep them at bay.
The economy runs on hustle. On your hustle. We The Workers have always outnumbered The Man, and if we suddenly came to the collective conclusion that we weren't going to play by these rules anymore, the game would irrevocably change. Until that revolution comes, I make an effort to remind myself that when it comes to muggle jobs, it's rarely that deep. For instance, a dear friend of mine spent years in a career with real life implications. She directed truckers to border crossings, paperwork signed, sealed and delivered, with perishable items. One wrong move: one unchecked box, one overweight load, and real live humans could be stuck on the wrong side of the imaginary line for days. Food could spoil, creating a helluva knot in the whole chain of events. Now she works in an industry where everything can be solved with an email. Despite the company's best efforts to fan the flames of distress, trying to make every little thing an emergency, she is calm, cool and collected, aware that there is no emergency here. By the same token, I repeat to myself often that I am not a surgeon. The biggest mistakes I can make (on the job) are administrative ones. I save my colourful foibles for my personal life, but that's for another day.
This, Dear Reader, is your reminder to rest. To not panic, to take it in stride, to let that shit go. This season is about to put wild demands on us in the name of love, light, and celebration, and when that starts to go sideways, let this be your permission slip to cancel your plans and do absolutely nothing.
SHOW ME YOURS
Sure, I compile a great list (you're welcome). But the truth is, this list is only as good as what you submit. If you're doing something cool but not sharing the deets with me, you're kinda missing an opportunity. Not only do I love to shout shit from rooftops, but our FTB Fam and Fans are a super supportive bunch who love local, groundlevel and DIY art. Don't be shy. Show me you goodies.
ROUND TWO
At the first edition of this show, I laughed, made friends, and was introduced to a fab venue in Espace Joie de Vivre. I am so stoked for this one!
I caught up with comic, Forget The Press royalty, and host extraordinaire Jason Yearow for a few words.
Sticks N Stones: A Down Low Comedy Show is back for its second instalment! After the huge success of the first sold out show, we’re back with another banger, and a lineup of some of Montreal's best comedians where no topic is taboo. We aim to be the monthly show that you know is going to be a wild time. Complete with a DJ and afterparty, this is a unique show in an intimate venue, providing a one of a kind experience in stand up comedy. Come and see what the fuss is about!
Here's the lineup:
Paul Baluyot won the Best of Open Mic at Montreal’s Comedy works in 2011, and he never looked back. From there he went on to Montreal Fringe, Sketchfest, Ottawa’s Cracking Up the Capital Comedy Festival, and Zoofest as part of Off-JFL. He's toured all over Canada, the U.S., the Philippines, so catch him while he's in town!
Ottawa native George Assily has performed at YukYuks, The Comedy Nest, and in 2020, he won the Mike MacDonald Comedy Competition. On Tuesdays you can usually catch him at Le Bordel Comedie, and if you miss him in between shows, catch him co-hosting Lebanese Weight Watchers.
In 2010 Rodney Ramsey co-founded the Underground Comedy Railroad, Canada's first all black comedy tour, touring every Black History month. In 2021, he co-created the Unknown Comedy Club, Canada's first virtual comedy club. Started in response to Covid closures, the format was a hit, and now you can book virtual or live performances to get your party popping, all thanks to this guy.
Michelle Dominique is the co-founder of Comedy On Demand (along with Abby Stonehouse). They bring comedy to you wherever your party is, so we can assume she’ll be bringing the party to this show. (Uh, that makes sense, right? Sure it does.)
On Hash The 1’s Insta profile, he says he’ll insult your friend or family for $25, so I like him already. He's a pretty big deal on both TikTok and Cameo, and I have a hunch he’s gonna slay live.
Your hosts for the evening are as always Jason Yearow and Lucas Alcantara. One of them is built like a bouncer because he was one, and the other is built like a comedian. I’ll let you figure that one out. These guys keep the laughs coming while herding the other cats…erm, comedians.
The event is BYOB, so come say hi to Andrew Jamieson and I while we drink out of our official Plateau tote bags.
WHAT: Sticks N Stones: A Down Low Comedy Show
WHERE: Espace Joie de Vivre, 1485 Atateken St., Montreal, H2L 3L2
WHEN: Friday, December 1, Doors @ 730 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Facebook
START THEM EARLY
Walsy is almost like any other kid his age except he finds it difficult to do everyday things others might find easy to do. Why? Because of his disability. But that doesn't stop him from doing anything he puts his mind to. He uses his imagination and determination to find clever solutions to his problems. With his loving family and steadfast friends by his side, Walsy embarks on a daily journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he unlocks the true power of his unique perspective, realizing that he has a gift that allows him to touch the hearts of those around him with boundless love and compassion.
Dive into Walsy, The Red Glove, the first volume of Sarah Kourkejian's debut inclusive graphic novel series, and prepare to laugh, cry, and be inspired by the one-of-a-kind hero who proves that being different is what makes life more interesting.
DETAILS: www.nonomission.com
GIFTS WITH HEART
It's almost the season of giving, but right now, it’s still the season of shopping. Amazon has more money than God (I’ve got God on speed dial, and this has been confirmed), so put you cart on ice and buy things from real people.
Concordia University’s Otsenhákta Student Centre is excited to invite you to this year's Indigenous Holiday Market! Stop by for your holiday shopping and support Indigenous artists, businesses and students!
WHAT: Otsenhákta Student Centre Indigenous Holiday Market
WHERE: Mezzanine, Henry F. Hall Building, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, H3G 1M8
WHEN: Thursday, November 30, 11 AM - 4 PM
METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
