How to get a MacBook Pro for under $1000

This is for real. No wacky pyramid scams or other wise. This is a tutorial of how to walk into Future Shop and pay less than $1000 for a MacBook.

The 13" MacBook Pro retails for $1249. Apple has a promotion on right now for college/university students that offers $100 off any computer plus a free $100 Mac app store giftcard. They also always offer $100 off a printer when you buy a computer and since they have some that are only $99 you can get a free printer. Future Shop has the 13" MacBook Pro on sale for $1199 this week anyways but if you are a student they put it down to $1149 to match Apple. They don't have Mac app store giftcards so instead of giving those away they are offering Microsoft Office for Mac for free with the MacBook if you are a student. (Side note: they don't actually care if you are a student or not. I am not a student and still got this. They don't ask for proof. If you are visibly too old to be a student tell them you are shopping for your brother/sister/niece/nephew/son/daughter/whatever. They really don't care, especially since this offer is also available online.)
So now you are down to $1149 + free MS Office. The salesman is going to try to sell you all these extended warranties. Make it seem like you're interested but tell him that it just costs too much. Ask him if he can do any better on the price of the warranty or the computer. The 3 year warranty costs $299 but the salesman was able to knock $80 off the price of the computer when I agreed to buy the warranty. (This proves that they can for sure at least take $80 off. See if you can do any better.) He said something about how the discount is essentially coming off of the warranty but since they can't actually reduce the price of the warranty, he will take the discount off of the MacBook itself. This brings the price of the MacBook Pro down to $1069 and now you have MS Office for free and a warranty for $299.
Here's the catch: After purchasing an extended warranty at Future Shop, you have 30 days to "return" the warranty (they actually call it PSP- Product Service Protection), meaning cancel it for a full refund. Who wants that shit anyways? Since the discount was taken off of the computer, and not the warranty, when you cancel it you'll get your $299 back but still get the MacBook for $1069.
"What about a printer?!" I asked. "Apple will give me a free printer." Well Future Shop won't give you a free printer, but they will give you a Canon All-In-One for $10 when you buy a computer or tablet. $10? Why not! It retails for $59.99.
Well I took that little printer home and sold the shit out of it on Craigslist. $50 cash in hand. That's $40 profit to put towards the computer bringing the price down to $1019. And Microsoft Office? Who actually pays for software these days anyways? Suckers, that's who. But if the store can sell that for $130, why can't I? Craigslist, be my bitch. Someone will be swinging by tomorrow to grab that fucker for a smooth $90, which I of course will apply to the tab bringing your grand total down to $929!!!!!! Ring ring ring ring ring. Cha-ching, cha-ching. The price is right! Now if only sales tax in Ontario wasn't 13%.... son of a bitches.

I have to be honest...

I'm not sure why, but lately I've been pretty off of music. I don't know if it's due to working so much and being so constantly exhausted, or growing up faster than I'd like to and becoming jaded, or a combination of both. Lately everything I listen to either bores me to the point of turning it off, or makes me outright cringe. This whole situation upsets me more than I can textually explain. I start to feel like I've lost myself- since when am I not interested in music? It's the most important thing in my life. If I don't have that, what do I have?

I'm bored with everything on my iPod, and everything on the radio sounds the goddamn same... and it's awful shit. I feel like I don't even know how to play my guitar anymore. I pick it up and I don't know what to do with it. I don't even remember how to play my own songs.

I've now been at my job for over 10 months and I'm more miserable and jaded than ever. Every "musician" that I work with is exactly what I consider to not be a musician and everything I never want to be. Egotistical, competitive, arrogant, irresponsible, immature (not to mention a hillbilly). In my opinion, being a musician is not a hobby- it's a career. Until the day that playing music becomes you're full time job, you are not a musician- just a wannabe. But everyone has to start somewhere I suppose. Maybe these inbred pig farmers that I call co-workers are what have left such a tainted taste in my mouth.

Tonight while goofing about on the internet, I decided to give my iTunes playlist another chance to sweep me off my feet. I started with the song "Little Hell" by City and Colour, which I absolutely love and put the shuffle setting on. As much as I love "Little Hell" it still didn't make me feel anything.
Finally the song "Paper Wings" by Rise Against came on and for the first time in several months I got goosebumps. I immediately turned off shuffle and put on the Siren Song For The Counter Culture album. Front to back. I'm in love. Again. It's literally the perfect record. It feels good to be me.

It's All About The Little Things

1 cup of peanut butter + 1/2 a cup of sugar + 1 egg = 3 days of snack induced smiles

Always....

A truly great song can be stripped down to nothing and still give you shivers.

This week in music: March 29 - April 5

I love new music. So much has happened in the world of my bands this week. Yes, my bands. That's what I call them. My faves. My heros. The guys I've grown up listening to and will forever love. There is something though. Some love-blinding vice that makes you oblivious and in complete denial when something you have so much admiration for lets you down.



Sum 41 has been a favourite of mine since I was 8. That's 10 years going strong. That's the longest I've ever been in love with a certain band. In fact, I remember as if it was yesterday being 8 and wanting All Killer No Filler more than anything in the world. My mom refused to buy it for me because Sum 41 was not a boyband like *Nsync or Backstreet Boys. They were "punks" and "hoodlems" and their music was "loud and noisey" and had "bad words". So being my defient self, I called my dad and had him drop it off at my house. Ahh the joys of devorced parents. I remember the Sam The Record Man bag and everything.
Well last Tuesday album #6 dropped and I was beyond excited. I felt like a little kid again as I imagined the spikey-haired Whibley and his synchronized pop-punk jumps.
Screaming Bloody Murder sounds like Patrick Stump and James Hetfield fucked and popped out a retarded little baby. I don't hate it, but I can't love it. Attn Deryck Whibley: You are not John Legend. Lose the fucking piano. Xoxo Nicole


Long awaited. Solid. That's all I got for now as I am giving it a first listen as I type this. I do really like that they leaked it themselves and I'm not stuck with some shotty copy. Now tour goddamnit.


City And Colour leaked the first single "Fragile Bird" off the upcoming album Little Hell today. You all know how much I love Dallas Green's music but I can't stop picturing the Black Keys when I listen to it. See for yourself here.

R.I.P.

Oh, How I Miss Synchronized Pop-Punk Jumps

10 Secrets

Okay, so they're not really secrets, but because there's nothing on TV, here are 10 things you may or may not know about me.

1) On top of being a huge music fan, I'm a musician. I play guitar, I write songs, and although I know I really shouldn't, I sing when no ones listening! For a loooong time now I've been working on recording some of my songs but I constantly scrap them without posting them anywhere because I'm embarressed of the vocal take.

2) I'm a vegetarian... And I feel weird talking about it. It's been years since I've eaten meat but you'll never catch me preaching about it because everyone is capable of making their own decisions. And this is mine. But please just don't ask me why. If you have to ask, then you'll never understand it.

3) I have a major confidence issue. I never believe in myself. I tell myself that everything will work out, but I never really believe it. In the end everything usually works out fine, but until I get to that point I could really drive myself crazy. This happens with everything big and small. I used to think I'd never be capable of straightening my own hair (1st work problems, I know) but one day I just did it and it was fine. I used to make it into and huge issue in my mind. "If I can't straighten my hair then I'll never be able to move out because I won't be able to leave the house if I have bed head!" Over-dramatic much? My current worries involve getting my driver's license and just my future in general.

4) People often assume I'm a big stoner because of the way I dress and the music I listen to, and that's a STUPID assumption! I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, I never have. Yes, I like to drink a little here and there, but that's as far as it's ever gone.

5) I'm the biggest homebody you'll ever meet. I'd rather be lying on the couch with my cat then hanging out with friends any day.

6) I can hold a grudge forever. I'm not saying this is a good thing, but once you give me a reason to hate you, I will cling on to that forever and start nit picking and soon I'll have come up with 4000 other things I can't stand about you. And without speaking a word, I'll make sure you know exactly what I think of you.

7) I'm a Simpsons fanatic. I constantly quote the episodes, and apply they situations to real life and make references. I know it's totally nerdy but I just can't help it. Everyone has that one thing that they're a total dork about. I can think of at least 5 things for myself, and this is one of them.

8) I have a physical bucket list. A hand written list of things I want to do before I die. The list is constantly growing, and I am working at crossing things off. A lot of the list items involve music- seeing a particular band live, reaching a certain goal with my music, etc.

9) I have 3 identical pairs of Levi's jeans. Exactly the same. And they're the only jeans I wear. They are Levi's 524 Too Super Low skinny jeans in indigo wash. They can only be bought in the States and I can tell which ones are the oldest/newest due to the amount of fade. I just can't wear any other jeans. #loser

10) My favourite colour is what I like to call "t-shirt grey". I guess it's technically called heather grey. You know- the medium grey with white specs? LOVE! "Ooooh grey isn't a colour!" SHUT. UP.

I. Am. So. Excited.

So many new records are coming out in the next little while. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a total music geek and completely spazz out from happiness when I get news from my favourite bands. Even more important than new albums are the accompanying tours. Eeeeek!!!


Rise Against - Endgame

March 15

I love these guys. They're probably my favourite live band ever. They always put on such a phenomenal show. Some of my best summertime memories involve the Rise Against pit.
Foo Fighters - ???

April ???

There is no name or release date set for the new Foo Fighters album, but they have recorded one, and I can't wait. I do have a physical bucket list, and seeing the Foo Fighters live is absolutely on it.

Click here for goodies.

City And Colour

A) New record in the works, need I say more? Don't even get me started. Go here for updates. It's my new addiction. I check it at least five times a day. I'm a loser. I'll stop now.

B) 2008's Bring Me Your Love has finally been pressed on vinyl. It's definitely one of my fave 3 records of all time. Yes, I know that's a bold statement, but I just love it- and I love limited edition vinyl. My order has been placed for the limited edition white and red swirled variant for 2 months now. Here's to hoping it will be here before the weekend.


Juno Awards

I'm a huge CanRock fan. Canadian rock. Canadian music all together, actually. Every year I sit on the couch with a bunch of snacks and watch the Juno Awards from start to finish. I've always said that when it finally comes to Toronto, I will be there no matter what the price. But now it is on its way, and I'm disappointed. I couldn't give two shits about any of the performers, all the years best records were left out of the nominations, and details about the Juno Week events are few and far between. There's no way in hell I'm paying over $200 to see Hedley. Fuck that. I saw them open for Simple Plan when I was 12. It was painful then, and they've only gotten worse. Depending on who is announced to be part of the Songwriters Circle at Massey Hall, I may or may not attend. I'm not up for shelling out $55+ to see Johnny Reid host some bullshit. But still, I will watch the awards. I can't not.

Overheard At Work

So there I am sitting at my desk, listening to a little girl question her mother. I laughed out loud.

Little Girl: Mommy, why do you have two wedding rings?

Mother: I don't honey, this one is an engagement ring.

LG: What's that?

M: It's the ring you get before you get married, when you promise to get married.

LG: So what happens if you promise to get married and you get an engagement ring, but then you don't get married?

M: Well then you're lucky because engagement rings are worth a lot of money.


Hahahahaha what a thing to teach your 6 year old!

Winter/Spring 2011 Playlist

This is a short one. 11 songs that for one reason or another remind me of this time of year. You know, when the sun is shining, and the snow is slowly starting to melt, but it's still cold enough to see your breath.

This is what I've been up to lately....

1. Work :(
Work has taken over my life. I feel like I'm never home. It's depressing. I'm the biggest homebody you'll ever meet. My house feels like a hotel. I come here to sleep and never get to enjoy my space or my family or my things. And after every two weeks of misery I get a piece of paper that essentially laughs in my face. All this running around, and exhaustion and sadness, and nothing to show for it. "So there goes my life..."

2. CSI: Miami
When I am home, I've been completely addicted to CSI: Miami. Like seriously addicted like crack. I've watched it on TV for the past little while whenever I could catch it but never realised it was actually a series. So I randomly downloaded season 7 just to have a few episodes to watch and became 100% hooked. I've fallen in love with the ultra sexy Eric Delko (played by Adam Rodriguez) and become obsessed with the story line and Eric and Calleighs relationship. I know, I know, this is turning into a soap opera and I'm acting like a total girly girl. Get over it. I'm currently downloading the rest of the series and plan on watching it all starting from season 1.

3. Vet Bills
Joey got really sick this week, my poor little dude. It's always something with him. I feel realy bad, and this one in particular scared the crap out of me. He starting peeing blood. Like not pink, but literally gushing blood. Luckily it turned out just to be a nasty bladder infection which we now have under control. I have to work for 3 weeks to make up what I spent at the vet this week. But none of that matters as long as he's okay.

4. Cell Phone Shopping
I'm due for an upgrade and am totally clueless as to what I want. iPhone? Blackberry? Something else? Yeah yeah, boo hoo. First world problem. Least of my worries right now.

5. Puppy shopping
I know this is stupid given all the above issues, but I want another puppy and I'm kind of stuck on what to do. Morally, I support adoption 100% but A) I'm having a hard time finding what I want in a shelter, and B) I'm worried that a shelter dog will run into all the same health complications as Joey. Nothing is guaranteed when you don't know the dog's past. But I have a hard justifying giving a breeder some obscene amount of money when there are so many homeless pets. I want a small puppy. Under 20lbs for sure, preferably even under 15lbs. Nothing white or bouncy (no bichons, poodles, etc.) I want a young pup that I can have a lot of time with. I like the mutty look of a norfolk or border terrier. But most importantly, it has to be healthy. Please help if you can!

Well I'm tired of talking (typing) and if somehow you've made it to this point, I'm sure you're tired of listening (reading).

Until next time,

Nicole

Now Playing: Coldplay - X & Y

Lame.

Everytime that I've been given 3 consecutive days off work, I've been called in on the middle day to cover a shift for someone, therefore breaking up so-called weekend. I was given wednesday, thursday and friday off work this week, which pay cheque-wise I wasn't happy about, but I really do want the break. I had a feeling that I would be called in at some point and lucky for me, that didn't happen.

I was looking forward to 3 days off to chill and get things done. Yesterday was cold and raining and I opted just to stay home. Waste of day 1. When I went to bed my throat started to feel scratchy and when I woke up this morning (afternoon) after a terrible night of sleep it was even worse. All day I've been feeling gaggy, a little runny, a little feverish, and just overall shitty and in no mood to go anywhere or do anything. Especially not in the cold, overcast, rain. Well I had a guitar lesson scheduled and I had to go. The extra $30 a week really helps, especially considering I earn it in a hour. But I had to walk to get there, and back. And I left my good umbrella in my mom's car. By the time I got there I was so cold and miserable I could've cried.

I'm really hoping that tomorrow will be sunny and that I'll be feeling better.

Now Playing: City And Colour - Day Old Hate [Live]

What I Say VS. What I Think

Setup:
I'm at work. It's 10 to 9 and I'm counting cash and trying to close. Music lessons are coming to an end for the night (thank god) and I'm rushing to get things done so I don't miss the bus home. Guitar student's mother is sitting, waiting to take her daughter home.

Actual Conversation:

Customer: "What's that music I hear?"

Me: "Ummmm.... It could be a lot of things. I mean, you're in a music store."

Customer: "I hear someone singing. Do you offer singing lessons?"

Me: "Yeah, the singing you hear is coming from a vocal lesson."

Customer: "Who's singing? Is that the student or the teacher?"

Me: *recounting the money for the 3rd time because the women won't shut up* "It's both of them, together."

Customer: "Oh I love that song!"

Me: "I don't know what it is, but it's driving me nuts quite honestly. I've been hearing it over and over all day and it's annoying."

Customer: "It's Lady Gaga, Monster Ball."

Me: "OH. WELL." *makes a face*

Customer: *now humming and singing along* "I love this song. I love Lady Gaga. Isn't she great?"

Me: *silence*

Customer: "My daughter dressed up as Lady Gaga for halloween and it was just great. She had the sun glasses and everything. And everyone knew who she was. It was just great.... just great."

Me: "Mmmhmm."


What I'm actually thinking:

Customer: "What's that music I hear?"

Me: "What the fuck do you think it is? Look around you, dumbass."

Customer: "I hear someone singing. Do you offer singing lessons?"

Me: "I don't know. Why don't you just look at the sign directly in front of your face."

Customer: "Who's singing? Is that the student or the teacher?"

Me: *recounting the money for the 3rd time because the women won't shut up* "Shut the fuck up. I'm busy."

Customer: "Oh I love that song!"

Me: "GOOD FOR YOU. I'M REALLY HAPPY FOR YOU. REALLY, I AM. NOW SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP."

Customer: "It's Lady Gaga, Monster Ball."

Me: "Well NO FUCKING WONDER I FEEL LIKE SHOOTING MYSELF IN THE FACE."

Customer: *now humming and singing along* "I love this song. I love Lady Gaga. Isn't she great?"

Me: "I don't know. Why don't you go find her?"

Customer: "My daughter dressed up as Lady Gaga for halloween and it was just great. She had the sun glasses and everything. And everyone knew who she was. It was just great.... just great."

Me: *reaches for the bottle of chloroform."


Maybe customer service isn't for me.

What A Dud

...and a disappointment at that. On friday, I was suppose to be playing my first real show. By real, I mean more than playing a cover at my high school's coffee house last year. The fact that I was on at midnight didn't help either. All of my friends who were suppose to come backed out due to work/school/whatever on saturday morning. Yes, some of my loser friends actually have school on saturdays. I was really disappointed. Nobody made an effort on my birthday (blog to come) and while I know 12 is late, especially all the way downtown, I was just really upset. On top of that I was concerned that I wouldn't be asked to play any more shows after selling only two tickets. I was asked to aim for 30. I got to the venue and was told "There's a good amount of people in there." I swallowed hard. I'd been losing sleep over this day. Not eating, having panic attacks, hot and cold flashes. It was a big deal to me. But I just needed to break the ice and then I'd look forward to playing many more gigs in the near future. I walked up the flight of stairs and into the room where the stage was. I had to be there an hour and a half before my set time.

I anticipated going to chill back stage, maybe have a beer. Just calm down. I was told to lean my guitar against the wall and go watch the show. I walked in to find the venue, which probably could have held 1000 people, with MAYBE 60-70 people lingering around. MAYBE. There was no reason for me to be there early. There was no backstage, no soundcheck, no sign in, nothing.

The band that was on when I got there was The Light Division. They are a signed band that the promoter Supernova brings out to show "Look what we can do for you." I didn't realize this at first, but I did realize that they really had their shit together and the instant I walked into the room I felt out of my element and ready to cry. The crowd was small, but the stage, the lights, the venue... "This is all bigger than me".

The bands that went up after them where terrible. Every single one of them. They were kids, like me, and although my ears started to bleed, at one band in particular, I felt much more at ease.

By the time 12:15 rolled around there were 30-40 people there. I got up on stage, banged out my set one out of tune song and lame joke after the other, jumped off the stage and went home. I had to be at work for 9am saturday morning. The dumbasses at Supernova forgot to collect the money from me so I gave my friend his $10 back. The whole thing was pointless. I played to a bigger, more responsive crowd in my high school cafeteria last year, and this did nothing for me in terms of preping me for real shows. This wasn't a real show. It wasn't worth the stress, or panic, or loss of sleep and calories. It wasn't worth the gas wasted on going down to fucking Queen St. It wasn't worth the disappointment and upset I felt towards my friends who bailed. And it certainly wasn't worth getting 4.5 hours of sleep before working a whole shift the next day.

If Supernova did call me back and ask me to play another show, I'd say no. It's not worth my time/effort. Nothing was accomplished from it. In fact, it was totally pointless.

To all those kids who want nothing more than to play music, and can't get into a bar yet, Supernova isn't the way to go about it. Don't waste your time.

Because I Am A Geek

This is the simplest, most awesome idea ever. I have all my ticket stubs, from everything. My birthday is on thursday.... just sayin'.

Come Say Hi

"Yesterday was the worst day ever, and tomorrow won't be better..."

Or at least that's how I felt when I woke up Friday morning. I have this habit of not taking things seriously when I should, but then getting SO stressed out about small unimportant things, that I lose sleep.

Thursday, I took the day off work because I had to go downtown to attend a meeting about my upcoming gig. If I didn't go to the meeting, I couldn't play, it's that simple. The meeting was called for 6 PM and was only suppose to last around half an hour. I had a guitar lesson to teach from 3:30 - 4:30, and I knew that I'd be cutting it close, but at 4:30, I took off and ran out to Yonge Street to catch the bus.

Long story short, I got stuck in rush hour traffic and at 6:10 had just made it to Queen and Yonge. There was a bunch of construction and I admittedly underestimated how far down the road Douvercourt was. At 6:30 I was still a solid 15 minutes away from the venue and that's when I got a call from the promoter. I explained the situation and although I had missed the meeting, one of the staff members waited for me to give me the paper work and tickets. When I finally got there it was a quarter to 7 and I was beyond stressed and aggravated. I got all the flyers and tickets and everything else which took about a minute and I was sent on my way. 2.5 hours of travelling in each direction for that. Needless to say, I was pissed. Why couldn't they just mail it all to me. Ugh.

So it's now 7:00 and getting dark, and I'm standing alone on the sketchy corner of Queen and Douvercourt waiting for a streetcar/bus/anything that will help me get home, when some big Persian gangster guy whistles at me. I turn to look at him. He winks, throw a gang hand sign, and blows a kiss at me. At this point, I nearly shat myself in fear.

9:30 and I'm finally home, eating dinner and panicking that I have to be at work at 9:15 AM. Of course everything worked out just fine, but I really need to stop sweating the small stuff.

"Hey suburbia, hey suburbia, hey suburbia, we're in love with you."

It's About Time

I guess Canada Post took their sweet time deciding to charge me duty, but my long awaited parcel finally arrived today. Or rather one of those "Come pickup your shit" door hangy things did. Looky what I got!

Restaurant Review: Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Blows

I'm a huge fan of Chipotle, and fresh made burritos in general. After hearing good think about this restaurant and reading multiple reviews claiming that it was even better than Chipotle, I had to check it out.

When I walked in, my first impression was that the restaurant was dull and dingie looking. The florescent lights reminded me of a hospital room and the old, dirty floors and chairs made me think of a run down Swiss Chalet.

I ordered the Art Vandalay which is what they call the vegetarian burrito. I wasn't that hungry going in, so I was prepared for this to be way too much food, as Chipotle's burritos are massive, and rightfully so for the price. The prices at Moe's were pretty much equal to Chipotle, but the here the chips and salsa are free. Chipotle charges $2 for theirs.

My burrito was around the size of something you would order from the big bell menu at Taco Bell for $1.29 but it rang in at around $10 with a fountain pop and tax. I chose the black beans, which I was told were spicy, but was let down as they had no taste whatsoever. The rice was either undercooked or old and dried out because it was hard and chewy like aldante pasta. For me, the rice is the best part of the burrito. I love Chipotle's lime cilantro rice, but on top of being hard, Moe's was flavourless.

The only thing that gave my food any flavour at all was the chopped jalepeno peppers and chipotle mayonaise that I had them add. I should note that Chipotle doesn't offer a burrito sauce or jalepenos, but everything else there has such a great flavour that it isn't neccessary. The sauce tasted sort of like the southwest chipotle sauce from Subway. It was good.

The free corn chips tasted like something you could buy in a bag at the grocery store. They weren't particularly bad, but were nothing special and definately didn't compare to the fresh made chips that I've had at places like Mucho Burrito and Chipotle. I'd much rather spend the extra $2 and get something good. Also, Moe's salsa tasted like Old El Paso's jarred extra chunky.

All in all, this place was a major let down. The portions would not have filled me if I was hungry (and I'm a slender girl) and I could have, and should have walked around the block to Chipotle where I could have gotten three times more food, that was better quality for the same price, served in a bright, clean enviroment.

Side note: I was told that Moe's sings and chats with you and greets you with a big friendly "Welcome to Moe's!" That didn't happen. In fact, 3 out of 4 employees working the counter could barely speak english. But that's neither here nor there, I suppose.

Thumbs down.