She's Back...

Britney Does Toronto.

"Camera, Lights, Action… Kill the Lights”

On March 19th, 2009 Britney Spears performed her second Toronto Concert in over 5 years. My friend Sonya and I attended, but let me tell you: it took months of planning!

Britney has had her ups and downs the past year and a half, there is no denying that, but everyone seems to want her to succeed. She shaved her head, hit a car with an umbrella, lost custody of her children, was subject to a few very public court hearings, was surrounded by people who didn’t want the best for her… the list goes on. However, it seems as thought things are changing for our beloved Brit, and for the better. There are many suspicious circulating by her fans regarding the current conservatorship she is under by her father, but there is no doubt about it: she is back on top.

On March 19th, Sonya and I headed to the Air Canada Centre with mediocre expectations. We dressed tow the nines, in our full Circus-themed gere- fishnets and all. We has been planning our outfits for several weeks- give us a break it was the dead of winter! Our expectations weren't too high because we knew Britney may have rushed into the new album and tour, and maybe she needed more rehabilitation before undertaking such a huge spectacle. I had spoken to some girls who had gone to the concert the night before and they said it was good- but that Brit wasn’t dancing 100% of the time, and not giving it her all in some of the numbers. I hoped my friends were wrong, and that Britn would blow me away, but really, I had no idea what to expect.

The Pussycat Dolls opened and put on a somewhat hilarious show of dancing and ‘getting low’. The pranced around the stage in sparkly outfits and yelled at Toronto to sing along with them. They were definitely entertaining. After they disappeared from the stage, I thought there would be a lull before the opening act, like every other concert I have been to. Not at Britney’s show. Circus acts came out from all directions, men on stilts, contortionists, ‘little people’, tightrope walkers, men hanging from the ceiling… it was such a SHOW and the real show hadn’t even started yet!!!

When it was time for Britney, we were beyond excited. The atmosphere at the ACC was so intense- people just rooting for Brit and supporting her. Everyone was there to see a show- and that is exactly what they got. I think my jaw was dropped to the ground for the entire show- when I wasn’t singing along, that is. She was standing in a ring of fire, jumping on the back of bicycles, flying through the air blindfolded, emerged from the ceiling, entertained all areas of the arena on her “3 ring Circus” platform by constantly running from one ring to the other, and so much more.

I think people like to criticize Britney. I think people wanted her to dance around on a stage like she did when she was 16. In my opinion, if all she did was dance on a single stage, that would have taken away from the theme of the show- which was a Circus. Her job was to perform her songs and entertain. She was constantly moving the entire show from one ring to another so everyone could see her- in 6 inch heels, no less. I don’t understand how someone could not be entertained and pleasantly surprised at the caliber of the show. People also went to her show expecting her to sing. When I heard that people were disappointed by her not singing all her songs I was shocked. Britney never sings live unless it is a slow song! She is too busy entertaining, dancing and moving in general. So that is my rant, and I am happy to finally say what I have been thinking about this whole issue.

It was a spectacle, a show, a theatrical performance- it was everything you could want from Brit! She blew me away.

So if she comes to your area, you should see her.

kel

P.S. Britney’s outstanding costumes were designed by Canada’s own DSquared. Check out their site at:

http://www.dsquared.com/

sweet potato fries

It's 1:17 pm on Saturday morning (well, it feels like morning to me still). Our patio door is open and I am in my pj's listening to the sounds outside. I hear an electric tool of some sort, a marching band practicing (they're quite good actually!) birds chirping and dogs barking. One thing is evident: summer is on its way. Finally.

Ian is out golfing with his brother but today, for me, is going to be purposefully uneventful. I am loving lounging around after such an insanely busy week. I might put on a movie, or go to a cafe patio and read a book. The options are endless. I really should clean though too. Damn.

To mark our first Toronto summer, a patio visit is in order tonight. We are going with a few friends, having some beer and possibly dinner. We'll probably check out one of my favourite chill-type bars in Toronto, the Pilot. Friends from work and in the surrounding area and I go there a lot. And their massive rooftop patio is open now, so it is much more exciting. Check it out: http://www.thepilot.ca/ If you ever go, get the grilled veggie sandwich with feta instead of swiss. Oh, and our friend Mike loves the sweet potato fries there too... delish!

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend as much as I am. Listening to this marching band is cracking me up right now, so I am going to sign off.

Cheers,
kel

toronto bliss.

Holla.

I'm Kelly. I'm 25 (Ekkkk, 1/4 century, I know, I know!) and outgoing. I consider myself a friendly, fun person, but I guess you would have to ask my friends. I decided to start this blog for a few reasons. One of these reasons being I miss blogging. My boyfriend Ian and I lived in Korea for a year and traveled through Asia and Europe. We blogged all the time and it was such a great outlet for us to express the way we were feeling and new and exciting life experiences we were encountering!

Another reason I started this blog is because I am new to Toronto. I have worked here before, but never lived. Ian and I have a place midtown TO and so far we are loving it. We moved here in September and have had an amazing time so far. I wanted to document my adventures and be able to look back and remember the sweet things I experienced.

I work for a large Canadian media company and sell ad space in television shows like The Office, House, Survivor and Heroes, to name a few. I volunteer for an international charity, Amnesty International, and do drop in dance classes when I can. My man is an accountant, currently studying for the second of three exams. We are always up for adventure and spice, so that is why Toronto is perfect for us at this point in our lives!

We're really lucky to live in such a great city. There are so many cool areas of Toronto, and we are just breaking through the cusp. So as I try new things with Ian, friends and visitors, I am going to write a little something about my experience.

Feel free to check in once in a while and let me know what you think.

Cheers,
kel