New & Exciting Things

I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve updated about the actual exciting things happening in my life. Things got kind of weird and depressing for a bit there, but I promise that’s certainly not the case in my life. I’ve just turned a little bit more introspective, but trust me, I am indeed very happy, content, and making plans for 2013.

On Friday, I attended something called the Desautels Entertainment Management Conference at my neighboring University, McGill. When I first heard that this conference would be taking place, I knew I HAD to be there- regardless of the price. It is VERY rare (in fact, it’s never happened) that there has been a place for students to go and learn about the entertainment industry, with a panel of executives who are currently successful in their various fields (TV, radio, music, planning world renown events, etc).

I was lucky enough to be chosen from my school to go to this event on their behalf, therefore being subsidized for my attendance and participation. Win-win situation! I spent the entire day attending panels and keynote speeches given by executives in an industry that I dream of working in one day. Their speeches were ridiculously inspiring- they all spoke of their passion, dedication, hard work, and how it’s the kind of business that allows you to stand out, rather than forcing you to fit inside a box.

My first panel of the day was about the music industry, and along with Andy Nulman’s keynote in the afternoon, I must admit they were the highlights of my day. I loved sitting there for hours, listening to these people discuss how they made it, where they started off, and to realize that I’m doing things right at the moment- taking every single opportunity, doing the things I love, and doing it out of passion. It was the kind of thing I needed to hear, even though maybe I already knew it was all true, to remind me that I’m doing what I love more than anything and I can be so, so happy if I continue to pursue my dreams in the music industry. I have a renewed sense of love and appreciation for what I do, what I want to do, and what those who currently work in entertainment are doing for everyone behind the scenes.

What else? 

Well, I may not be making plans to travel halfway across the world in 2013 like I did TWICE last year, but slowly my plans are starting to come together in little bits and pieces for the coming months. I recently decided, on a whim, that a trip to BOSTON was necessary in my life, because one of my long-time favorite singer/songwriters Andrew McMahon is performing there in April.

And so just like that, I’m planning my school schedule around this concert and this road trip, because I am so deliriously excited. I have been a massive fan of his music since 2004, and have not seen him live in YEARS. He also happens to be one of the musicians that I adore most who I have never met. The Boston show is apparently a very small venue, and what I want more than anything is to be in a car for endless hours with some friends, and enjoy an intimate concert for an artist that I don’t get to see NEARLY often enough.

And otherwise, there are a million little things to be happy for these days. 

Working my butt off at CONFRONT and seeing results, getting back into finding time to interview musicians (something that has been severely lacking in my life), taking some time for myself to make big decisions for the future, making productive to-do lists and accomplishing each little thing, the quality time with my nephew who has grown into such a little boy lately I don’t think I could possibly love him more right now, still reading lots of wonderful books, spending time with friends until the late hours of the night just relaxing & enjoying the quiet time away from everyday life, and so many more.

2013 has been better than I sometimes give it credit for. I’m excited about February though, excited to see the worst of winter be done, and to start really getting into the swing of semester, as well as all the activities and good times headed my way!

And how have YOU been?