World Container
Posted on October 17, 2006
Filed Under Uncategorized |
The new album by The Tragically Hip, World Container, is in stores today. I, however, am not listening to a copy of it because, unthinkingly, I spent this week’s music money on new vinyl (The Weatherthans‘ Reconstruction Site, and Lady Sovereign’s Vertically Challenged). Even though those are both great albums, it’s a bit of a shame, because the bits and pieces of music (and media response) that I’ve heard so far are suggesting that this is the most exciting Hip album in recent memory. Hints of genre crossing and experimentation, along with the always brilliant lyrics of Mr. Gord Downie—what’s not to look forward to?
And, “look forward to” it shall be, since my next paycheque marks the beginning of November. And, November marks the beginning of the two month period wherein I buy very little for myself. The reasons for this are twofold. The first, more selfish reason, is that my birthday and Christmas are both within this period. Why buy it myself when there’s a good chance I’ll receive it as a gift? The second, and less selfish reason, is that I need to save the money that I would normally spend on myself, so that I can spend it on family and friends.
As much as I don’t want to think about it, Christmas is only four paycheques away. That means that I’ve got to start with the gathering of gifts for friends and family. On top of that, my new living situation means that I have to buy a Christmas tree (an artificial one, of course), as well as ornaments to hang on said tree. This means that my Christmas expenses will be higher than in past years, so I’ve got to spread the cost out over as long a period of time as I can. Thankfully, I also make a great deal more money than I have in past years; my university days are already a fairly distant memory, and I’m working full time.
I will, however, wait until after Remembrance Day before letting the madness of Christmas commercialism take hold. To do otherwise would be disrespectful. Sure, I’ll likely pick up a gift or two, but I won’t let December overshadow the 11th of November.