TIFF

A few weeks ago I was enjoying some music and brews at Founders. I was mainly there to check out the band A Lull. I had cheekily feel in love with them a year prior during a summer concert series connected with Mars Hill Young Adult. In "hipper than thou" fashion the group chose to meet in unorthodox circumstances and inside theaters. Along with the concerts, they also did a film series and traveled to the Toronto International Film Festival 2011 (TIFF). Even though A Lull's performs during the summer concert was probably one of their worst (due to some technical issues), I went nuts when I found out they were returning. I told everyone just how excited I was by telling them I was going to pee my pants, just incase they couldn't tell from the erratic look on my face.

After listening the opening band I was hanging on the patio trying to contain myself with a friend, John. He was talking with Eric (the director of MHYA) about the upcoming 2012 TIFF adventure. The 20 original spots had filled up and unfortunately John was the first one on the waiting list. He was hopping there would be at least one drop out or the more unlikely event that 10 additional people would signed up so the trip could accomodate a group of 30. Even though John and Eric were both encouraging me to sign up I had already decided, although I would love going, it was just too expensive. I was pretty bummed because I love adventures and movies. As they talked more about TIFF and as the beer set in I felt like I was really missing out. 

I'm not sure if it was the personal invite, the magical qualities of the beer, a high from the concert, or the very late hour, but when I got home I immediately turned on my computer to sent an email asking to join John on the TIFF waiting list. Then I feel asleep with my computer still on my lap. When I woke up in the morning and came to my senses, I panicked at my impulsive action. I even drafted up another email stating I wasn't really serious about the previous 2:00 a.m. message. It was just a little joke, haha... I want to keep my money. But something made me hesitate. Maybe it was knowing that I was only on the waiting list and the chances of having another 8 people sign up was unlikely. I figured I could sit on the idea and think about it through out the day. Ultimately, I decided leave it up to the world. If a spot opened up, I'd take it. 

Now this really isn't a big deal. It really just a silly story about how I signed myself up for TIFF. I did end up getting a spot and so did John. With the trip just days away, I'm very ecstatic it all worked out. We will all be climbing into 12 passager vans and taking a four day adventure together to Toronto. We each get to share and experience 5 films and engage each other in discussion. In our free time we can explore the city and I'm crossing my fingers for a Hockey Hall of Fame visit. I'm pretty geeks to be participating in this unique 30 person, uber cool vacation.  Happy TIFF!