McSweeney’s List (15 May 2024)
Y’all, I went with the flow, and it took me where I needed to go. Considering how I regularly preach my personal brand of spiritual surrender (a mish-mash of things said by far wiser people than myself), it seems only fair to keep you abreast of the results in my personal life.
I think of this life as an experiment. Not a dress rehearsal, we are not practicing the same scene, but a choose your own adventure with only one guaranteed ending, (and even that is a philosophical uncertainty). Thus, everything we do - from how we present ourselves in the world, to our daily routines, to the values we place on qualities and things - is an experiment. Yes, an experiment in outcomes, but more importantly, an experiment in experience. What will happen if I do This vs That? What would it feel like to try A, B, or C? Very few things are black and white in this life, and every shade of grey in between also has a story worth knowing, a lesson or perspective worth catching. So, it's fair to say that many of my beliefs and behaviours are experiments, and as such, they don't necessarily come naturally to me.
Take, for example, going with the flow. I've practiced this one for a long time now, with varying degrees of both comfort and success. On one hand, I am calmed by the surrender, the faith that things will work out for the best even if I don't see it, but holy shit, I have intrusive thoughts, high anxiety, and I'm a major depressive (like, per diagnosis, not like a mega depressive person, just that - you know what, you gettit). Panicking is in my DNA, as are worse case scenarios that spiral so fast I could write a whole Final Destination reboot that would span the next decade.
I knew I'd be looking for a spot for this Moving Day (seriously QC, why with this nonsense?) last year. Even though I managed to chill until the calendar flipped, I nonetheless started calling apartments too early, being told again and again that they had no idea what July vacancies would look like, and to call back. The waiting game did nothing to assuage my desire for control and planning. I couldn't visualize what part of town I would end up in, or what size apartment, because everything seemed equally probable from that distance.
Cut to April, and things were looking brighter. The people who told me to call back foresaw availabilities, and seemed affable enough by phone. Cut to May, and I felt tested. Voicemails, emails, more try again in a few weeks. One rental agent told me he couldn't show me an apartment unless my credit score was 700. Another rental agent told me that considering how many people were coming to see the place, I should make an offer on how much rent I'd be willing to pay. In all my many years and leases, I've never heard either of these things before, and I was beginning to panic…uh, harder. I'm comforted by backup plans, so I made all the couch surfing temporary plans for if I seriously couldn't find a place in time. I resisted the urge to lower my standards and up my budget: there would be the time to do that if need be, but to do so too readily would only trap me in a shitty spot. I let the wise inner voice that offered that tidbit run free, focusing on the practical advice and trying to drown out my screeching stress.
Two weeks ago, I saw a place I loved. I was so confident and satisfied, that I stopped making calls, and instead held my breath and crossed my fingers. I felt crazy for having that faith. I felt like I should be running, calling, viewing, but I waited. Not patiently, per se, but waiting nonetheless. In fact, when I started this article, I was struck by superstition. For a hot second I was convinced that to write about it before I signed the dotted line, would make it glitch out and disappear, but I began regardless.
Today, I signed the lease. It's the spot I wanted, in a hood that feels like home, for under my original budget. While I did make a million calls, I only saw two places. There were times when it felt like I was supposed to be running around more, but I reminded myself that being busy does not always mean being productive. Sometimes, it means slow moves based on all you've learned until now. Sometimes it means staying still despite the inner storm. So today I write to tell you to stay hopeful. Stay the course, keep the faith, and breathe as deeply as you can. Because I just went with the flow, it took me exactly where I needed to go, and I'm not special: the flow’s got you too. Go with it.
Express Yourself
In the spirit of Forget The Box’s own multidisciplinary open mic at Bifteck on Sundays, EXPANSION MONTREAL is bringing another new inclusive open mic platform to The Main! A place where you can share yourself unapologetically! A safe space for expression. Welcoming in all forms of performing arts (music, movement, comedy, poetry, acting, ETC).
Hosted by Big Daddy Queen Power
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
FREE EVENT
SIGN UP ON LOCATION AT 8pm
Bring your own instruments!
There will be a keyboard available to play with. There is a guitar and bass amp on location. Possibility of back track karaoke songs for those who just want to sing!
Of course, you are welcome to come hangout, make new friends and enjoy the incredible talent that this epic city has to offer!
WHAT: Expressions Open Mic
WHERE: The Blue Dog Motel, 3958 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y3
WHEN: Wednesday, May 15 @ 8PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange) / Mont Royal (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
YUCK IT UP
Take in the charms of Old Montreal while getting your daily dose of laughs! Professional comedians bring the fire to the waterfront every Thursday night, and the show is pay what you can (legit best deal in Old Montreal).
Pub St. Paul offers a warm and festive vibe, plus a full kitchen, so it's officially dinner and a show. Don't miss it.
WHAT: Old Montreal Thursday Night Comedy
WHERE: Pub St. Paul, 124 St. Paul St. E., Montreal, H2Y 1G6
WHEN: Every Thursday, 830 PM - 10 PM
METRO: Champ-de-Mars (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
SPRING FLING
It's Porchfest season! The very tip of the outdoor festival iceberg, Porchfest marks the start of summer dresses and tote bags of seltzers. Walk the tree lined streets of NDG and enjoy all sorts of shows from the balconies of talented artists. Bring kids, friends, pets, and your comfiest walking shoes. It's a great way to explore the hood, meet the locals, and pick up some new favourite bands. Get your steps in!
SING ALONG
Add your voice to a group singing event that facilitates human connection and fun!
Singing helps us release endorphins and oxytocin which help alleviate stress and decrease anxiety. You don’t need to be a professional singer, the goal is to simply enjoy the magic of music by singing together. You can also bring an instrument if you know how to play one and can follow chord progressions and rhythmic structures. If not, just bring your voice and ears and let’s make this a memorable evening.
Bring snacks to share with the group after the event, there will be time to socialize.
PS, the socializing at Espace Joie de Vivre is particularly fantastic. Make a new friend!
WHAT: Harmony with Branco
WHERE: Espace Joie de Vivre, 1485 Atateken St., Montreal, H2L 3L2
WHEN: Sunday, May 19 @ 6 PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Facebook
SPREAD THE WORD!
Speaking of open mics, submissions are open for On The Boulevard’s June dates! Head over to the SIGN UP FORM and join us for a particularly energetic evening of music, comedy, improv and sketch, spoken word, storytelling, dance, and more!
And don’t forget on May 26th is our special FRINGE EDITION of On The Boulevard! We’ll have music and comedy, but we’ll also have 20 Fringe/OFF-Fringe productions on the lineup to promote their show in this year’s festival! If you’ve got a Fringe show and you haven’t signed up… WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? DO IT HERE!
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
