Category: Blogging

Posted in A7X, bands, Blogging, fob, Music, my thoughts, Pierre Bouvier, Simple Plan, yes I know his middle name

Ban the word Frontman

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Pierre through the years
Pierre Charles Bouvier

I’m not one for idolising people.  For several reasons.  People are flawed.  People are not perfect.  Everyone makes mistakes and are not worthy of being put on a pedestal.  However, in saying that, I’m not a perfect person, either.  So, I will allow myself to indulge in the act of ‘idolisation’ somewhat. 
And there is this one frontman – I’ll get back to how problematic I think that word is, in a minute – that I will hold up a little.  
Mr Pierre Charles Bouvier, lead singer of Simple Plan has been on my radar for the last eleven years, and today he turns 36.  I’ve probably talked and written about him a lot over the years, but I felt lead to go a bit more in depth.  
I must admit, my initial attraction to Pierre was shallow, based on looks and voice…but, that’s normal?  I mean at that point I was 19 and had never really had any crush on a ‘celebrity’ [not counting Kick Gurry from Looking For Alibrandi].  And seriously, who could blame me?
Pierre in the studio recording Still Not Getting Any
My early days/years of being a Simple Plan fan I must admit were, in hindsight, a tad embarrassing.  Being in the middle of my science degree at university, and nursing a fledgling obsession with this band…was a recipe for disaster.  Well, not quite.  But it was a matter of contention with my parents.  My writing flourished thanks to my crush on Pierre…which then ended up in arguments with my mum because she’d catch me awake at all hours of the night on the computer.  At one point she even told me I needed to see a shrink…basically…yeah…
I blame Pierre.  Always.  Still do.  Or more specifically, EP.  But, I digress. 
[I always blame this face]
Pierre on Channel V’s What U Want Live, 2005
Pierre became my writing muse; I’ve written over 40 fan fictions featuring him in some form or another.  Then seeing the band live in 2005 for the first time?  That just cemented the attraction for me.  

Pierre, 2nd October, 2005, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

I haven’t looked back, really.  He will always be my favourite singer in a band.  His personality and raw talent are what attract me these days.  Especially after having met him twice.  

Pierre, 2012/2013 obviously
Pierre is down-to-earth, self-deprecating and seriously an all round nice guy.  He’s not afraid to joke about where he comes from and take the piss out of the band and their music.  
Plan!

Chuck: We didn’t play… Save YouPierre: Save You…save you…David: Which is by the way now called, ‘Shave You’.Pierre: ….*sings* I wish I could shaaaave you…

Pierre and Delilah
How can you not love that face? Anyway.  
Pierre [EP, Pips…] is one of those singers in a band that I will always recognise and respect.  Simple Plan would not be the band it is today if this wonderful man wasn’t fronting it.  
The dreaded word…. frontman

M Shadows, A7X
I’m not a fan of the term ‘frontman’.  Especially when it comes to Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan.  Let me unpack that a bit for you.  When I read the word ‘frontman’ I visualise a rockstar, a guy who is cocky and struts around the stage.  I would call M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold a frontman.  Because that is what he is most definitely, at least on stage.  Off stage…not so much.  But, that’s the point really. [I’m not dissing Shads by any means…he’s my second favourite lead vocalist ;)]
Pierre on the other hand, doesn’t come across that way.  Yes, he exudes charisma and can hold the crowd in the palm of his hand, but he doesn’t come across cocky.  He’s real, personable… almost like an Aussie.  Maybe that’s the Canadian in him, though.  Haha.  
The other issue I have with the term ‘frontman’ is that it seems to shine the spotlight on the lead singer and take all the attention away from the rest of the band, who, to be honest, are just as important.  
It’s also problematic when you get a band where even the lead singer is forgotten or not known.  
Eg.  When I first heard about Fall Out Boy…I thought Pete Wentz was the ‘frontman’ because he was the one most seen in the media.
Pete Wentz, frontman?
But, guess what…this is their lead singer.
This is not Pete Wentz.  This is Patrick Stump, lead vocalist of FOB
I don’t think it’s necessary to call them the ‘frontman’… ‘the face of the band’ whatever.  The band should be seen as a whole!  Incidentally I think the drummer is the most important member of the band…
Lucky Simple Plan has four drummers.  [What?]
Chuck, official drummer
Pierre, self-professed better drummer than Chuck
David actually better drummer than Chuck, according to Chuck
Seb, air drummer extraordinaire
So, anyway.  Let’s ban the word ‘frontman’. On an aside, I’m sure all the lead vocalists of bands who grew up with self-esteem issues would thank you for it.
Simple Plan and other bands

In today’s world of One Direction [and the fall out going on with them at the moment] and dance music that seems to be taking over the airwaves, I miss the days of actual bands.  You know…Good Charlotte, Blink 182, A7X, Simple Plan, Eskimo Joe, Coldplay, The Living End….and then back further, The Eagles, ACDC… and I could name many others.  But, I won’t.
The point I want to make right now, is that these bands write their own music and play their own instruments and have fun doing it.  They also care about their fans [maybe not so much Blink…] and want to make a difference through their music.  
Not saying that pop groups or other artists can’t or don’t, but I think bands like Simple Plan and A7X are special in ways that I can’t even really put in words.  
Watching a band live is something I think everyone should do at least once in their life.  I’ve been pretty lucky to do it a lot more than once.
Coldplay x 2
Simple Plan x 3 
Eskimo Joe [and support acts]
Third Day
The Eagles
Needtobreathe
Tonight Alive
The Never Ever
We The Kings
Youth Group
All American Rejects
Kisschasy
The Madden Brothers [I count as a band, because Good Charlotte] [and support acts]
Murphy’s Lore
…to name just a few.  
This whole blog post seems a tad disjointed, but I’ll just blame this face and I’m sure you’ll forgive me…or him.
PS.  Pierre is the best band dad going.
Pierre and his daughters [from his instagram]
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 25/26

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

10 ways to win your heart

Take note 😉

  1. Love God
  2. Be kind, compassionate, friendly
  3. Take me to a concert
  4. Sing duets with me 
  5. Cook for me
  6. Love footy as much as me
  7. Love music
  8. Tell me you love me
  9. Spend time with me
  10. Be yourself
Wait….that sounds exactly how my boyfriend won my heart 😉
Your religious beliefs

First and foremost, I am a follower of Christ.  So, I guess that makes me a Christian.  But, being Christian is much more than having a religious belief.  Though, it does fit under the wider category of having a religious belief.  Haha.  You get what I mean.
I believe that there is only one true way to God, and that is through Jesus.  For He said, “I Am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”
That may sound narrow.  But, the way to God is narrow, but it is the only and best way.  
Yes, I get really deep on a Saturday mornings…so, that’s my belief in a nutshell.  Feels good saying it out loud…or at least writing it.
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 23/24

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Something you always think “what if…” about

Sometimes I wonder, what if I’d never grown up in the church, what would my life be like?  My life I know would probably look very different as many of my friendships revolve around the church.  My outlook on life would be different.  I would probably be strongly pro-gay; more open about how dirty my mind can get; more likely to spend my money on going to concerts…but then by the same token some things probably wouldn’t be any different.  
Music would probably be a big part of my life, I’d still be shy and outgoing all at once.  It’s something to think about at any rate….not that it would ever be a reality, hey?  The church will always be a part of who I am.
Things you want to say to 5 different people

To the online friend who WAS a friend, once upon a time

You made me who I am today and I appreciate the time we were friends because you taught me more about myself.  I’m not the person I was four years ago, and thank God for that. 
To the one who got away

I pray you find someone who will complement you the way I couldn’t.  God will bless you with the right life partner one day.
To the one who brought me into this world

I am so grateful that you decided to have me, and tried your best.  I am grateful for your courage to give me up.  I thank God for the life you gave me.  
To the family that I am no longer in contact with

I still love you guys, and I pray that one day we will be reconciled.  Not just me, but my dad and nan and everyone.
To my brother

I appreciate and love you even if we don’t talk much.  You have grown into an amazing young man, and I’m proud of you.  
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Days 20/21/22

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
The last argument you had

I don’t really remember the last argument I had, which probably means it wasn’t all that important in the grand scheme of things. Knowing me, it would have been with my mum about something really pointless.  Or at least, something not worth getting all up in arms about.  
That’s probably a good thing that I don’t remember, because arguments aren’t fun.  I don’t like arguing with people because sometimes it just leaves a bad feeling inside you.  
Online I’ve gotten into “debates” about my beliefs but I don’t think they would’ve been the last arguments I’ve had.  
Something you can’t seem to get over

I’ll have to think about this one, but it should be easy really.  There are several things that tend to get to me a lot.  Even when I know I should let it go.  I think the biggest thing for me is the Creation v evolution debate.  Both sides of the line approach the debate the wrong way without understanding the other.  
And it’s something that often ends up irritating me.  
I’m a Christian.  Yes.  But I’m a firm advocate of the Theory of Evolution as it stands. We don’t know God’s ways and means.  Only He does.  Who’s to say He didn’t utilise evolution to get the bios to where it is today? 
My issue is with people who suggest that evolution has anything to do with the formation of the universe.  It doesn’t.  That’s as much science as alchemy was.  I also have a problem with the arguments  people who deny evolution come up with.  
Yes God Created everything, but you can believe that and evolution can still be true. Yes, natural selection as Darwin presented it appeared random and what not….but did you ever stop to think that maybe it only LOOKS random to our human minds?  God is infinitely MORE than us and we are not given to understand everything He has done.
Not sure if that made any sense.  It does to me.  
And in the end, it’s not important for our salvation.  
10 things about you people don’t really expect

10 things? That’s tough.
Well let’s see. 
1.  I love NRL.  It isn’t as obvious as my love for the footy so…there you have it
2. I can have quite a dirty mind.  So…not as innocent as I look and not afraid to admit that.  You should read my writing…or maybe not.
3. I don’t enjoy cooking at all.  
4.  I’m against the death penalty 
5.  I can be quite argumentative about things I’m passionate about 
6.  I enjoy some heavy metal.
7.  I swear, but don’t tell my parents lol
8.  I can be quite shy 
9. I can eat a lot
10.  I can’t think of ten things lol 
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Days 17/18/19

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Things that make you scared

I could list a few things under what makes me scared, but let’s just go for the top three.
Spiders.  Spiders freak me out big time.  I especially can’t handle red back spiders.  I’m well aware that they can’t kill me.  As I’m a grown adult a bite from one of them would only be extremely painful and make me a little sick…which in all honesty is enough of a reason to be scared of them, right?  As it is, I think they’re creepy and just….ugh.  Spiders, just….no.
I used to have some shocking nightmares about red backs when I was younger…that and blue ringed octopi…but I’m not so scared of those anymore because I’ve never encountered them on a day to day basis.
The other thing that scares me is public speaking.  It’s been one of my biggest fears.  You could say that it is a big fear for most people, though.  Or for a lot of people at least.  Interestingly, I think that the fear of public speaking is not necessarily about the actual speaking, but about how the audience perceives you when you speak.  I think a fear of public speaking is about how hostile we think the audience will be toward us, even if or when we know the group of people we’re speaking in front of.  
But, anyway, regardless of how prepared I am, I still worry and stress about speaking in front of a group of people.
Finally, my third fear….talking on the telephone.  This one is the worst because it can be really debilitating.  Especially when I really need to call someone.  And it doesn’t discriminate.  I do not like talking on the phone.  I mean….I can manage it with those closest to me, but I’d choose texting over calling even with close family and friends.  Crazy stuff.  
So, there we have it.
Disrespecting parents

Let me start this thought with something I experienced at the first centre I worked at.  I was working in the After school care and a mother came to pick up her children.  Her daughter didn’t want to leave and she was trying to get her to finish whatever she was doing.  The daughter was 11 or round about that age.  Anyway, mother started to try and talk and the girl shut her down, rudely basically telling her mother to shut up and leave her alone because she wasn’t finished.  That didn’t really shock me so much as that the mother just let her be rude to her and didn’t do anything about it.  in fact she laughed and commented something about how her daughter was always like that.  
That shocked me.  There was no way when I was eleven I would’ve gotten away with being rude to my parents.  I was raised to respect my elders and to not talk back or be disrespectful.  
I think the generation now has become less respectful of parents, which is quite sad to see.  I most definitely will be teaching my children to be respectful to their elders and that there are always consequences for their actions (positive and negative).  Yes, respect is something that is earned by both sides, but parents, I believe, earn their children’s respect by virtue of the fact that they have brought them into this world and provided for them.  
Of course this is not to say that parents deserve to be respected or that they can’t lose their children’s respect.  They have the responsibility of raising their children in a way that is honouring, loving and will edify their children.  And I think that’s why as a firm believer in God that promising to raise my children in a Godly way will ensure that the virtue of respect will be regarded highly by everyone.  If that makes sense.  
Something that never fails to make you feel better

Ok, so maybe this one is going to be a bit shallow, because I should really say something like spending time with God in worship, or spending time with my boyfriend.  But, to be honest the one thing that never fails to make me feel better is anything and everything Simple Plan related.
The fact that this band makes me smile whenever they share something online or release new music or play a show that I can see on YouTube, that’s a big thing for me.  I love this band so much.  It’s almost an obsession.  In fact it was for quite some time. 
I guess I’ve mellowed somewhat as far as that’s concerned, but they will always be my go to band.  And probably be the only band that I’ll happily go to multiple concerts of without being concerned about cost. I mean, come on, I’ve twice flown interstate to see them perform.  That’s how happy they make me.  
Oh, and Collingwood winning games makes me feel better too.

Yes…

Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 15/16

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
The best thing to happen to you this week?

I skipped another day, I know and also the best thing to happen to me this week hasn’t actually happened yet.  
I’m going to Melbourne with Mark and I honestly cannot wait.  It’ll be great to just get away and have some time off to relax. I’m long due a proper holiday, I think.  Sure I didn’t work for two months last year but that was not by choice so I wasn’t really relaxing.  
The end of last year was crap to put it lightly, well at least October, November was pretty bad. To be honest 2014 in some ways was a very tough year.  There were some bright spots during the year but it was still very rocky with work and all that, so for me to get to the point that I’m at now is amazing really.  
It’s all God, I can tell you that now.  He has had His hand on me the whole time. He has carried me through the hard times and I’m here now able to look forward to a lovely holiday with the most important person in my life. 
So, yes, going away with my man will be the best thing to happen this week. 
Though up to now, the best thing would be not having to pay for my car service from a few weeks ago.  My mum is pretty great. 
Three things you are proud about your personality

Well, put aside the pride thing, I think the things I feel good about my personality? 
1.  I think I’m generally a positive person, or at least I try to be.  It’s something I have to work on, but I always find that it helps make me feel more positive when I act it.
2.  I’m a good listener, and I am willing to give of my time.  I think also my patience ties in with this as well.  Again something I have to work on because though it may not be obvious to others, I can become impatient with people.  I guess I’ve gotten better at not being impatient.  
3.  I’m resilient.  Or at least I believe I’m more so now.  I’m always smiling even when I don’t feel it.  I guess I’m really private with my emotions and maybe that’s not always a good thing, but along with the being positive thing…I think that smiling actually helps.  Oneself and others.  
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 14

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Something disgusting you do 

[Yes, I know I skipped a day yesterday, but I didn’t get a chance to get on the blog so here it is today.]

Something disgusting? I pick the skin on my hands and feet.  Maybe not so digusting, but it’s a terrible habit…and I’m trying not to do it.  [Trying and failing….] I think I remember when I started doing it.  When I was doing the mail at STAWA back in 2010-2011, the tips of my fingers started to get dry and cracked…so it went from there.

But, then again it could stem from something I used to do as a kid, which was to put pva glue on my hands then let it ‘dry’ then peel it off…

Haha.  Illuminating, perhaps?

Posted in AFL, Blogging, Collingwood, Football, my thoughts, my writing, relationships

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 13

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

A date you would love to go on

Hmmm, a date I would love to go on?  That’s a tough one, because I think my idea of dating is a little different to what society frames dating as.  Dating to me is just spending time with the man I love so I can get to know him more.

But, if I could choose something special?  Going out together to something we both enjoy, like the footy or theatre…

Oh, wait…we’re doing that twice next week!

There you go.  There’s my answer.

Another short one, but I’ve got Anzac Day on the brain right now.  So, let me take you on a tangent for a moment, since I’ve mentioned the footy.

Collingwood beating Essendon today made me somewhat emotional.  Perhaps it’s just the flow on effect of the Dawn Service and the added atmosphere of the ceremony at the ground, but it really moved me today.

I don’t think I’ve ever been as vocal whilst watching my boys play on TV.  Not in some time at least.  And the number of first timers and young players…and Cloke’s two goals from set shots.  Take that haters!

I cannot wait for the game next Friday.  Bring on the Blue-baggers.  We can take them on.  I’m cautiously optimistic.  Gosh…I’m going to be at the G for the second time [and then a third] in my life.  Can not wait.

Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing, relationships

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 11

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Your current relationship 

What to say about this?
Well for starters.  It is obvious that God’s hand is all over it.  I have never, never felt this way about a guy before.  Not even my ex. Not that I didn’t love my ex at the time. Not that he wasn’t meant to be a part of my life as God brings every person you meet into your life for a reason.  But, I didn’t feel the way that I do now about man now.
Anyway, that’s my ex.
I’m supposed to be talking about my current relationship.
As of Sunday the 26th of April Mark and I will have been together for four months. We are very serious.  I can see myself with this man for the rest of my life; that tells you how serious I am.  It’s hard to put into words how he makes me feel, suffice to say that he makes me smile all the time, and I can’t stop talking about him to my friends and colleagues.  All good stuff by the way.  
He complements me like I can’t believe, and we share a lot of the same interests.  
The thing is, my feelings run so deep that words don’t do my relationship any justice, whatsoever.  It’s an adventure, every day, new and exciting.  And we’ve already proven, I think that we’ll be there for each other when it matters the most.  
So…..I really don’t know what else to say.  Except that I love him with all my heart.  And I want to spend the rest of my life with him.
Wow….that was sappy….lol.  Well, better to be straight out about it, hey?
Oh, by the way, we’re going to see Avengers: Age of Ultron tonight.  Movie date night 😀 
Oh, and Mark can sing.  Bonus points. Hehe… 😀
*i probably used a million superlatives just then….