Bring It

We have all been there...it's January 1st and now what?  Do I make a list of resolutions?  Do I even care enough to change what I was doing last year?  It may be almost at the end of the month but I am still defining my resolutions...or rather how I want to create an even better 2012. My obsession this week is focusing in my resolutions and the current book series I am addicted to (I have fallen into the arena...I have been sucked into the Hunger Games)

Here's what I have so far:
1. Read 12 books of varying genres, I figure there are 12 months in a year and it's 2012...time to step it up a notch. Who knows maybe I can even get to 15!  And the book that I am currently devouring is "Catching Fire", book 2 of the Hunger Games series which is brilliantly written by Suzanne Collins.   
2. I am going to stop accepting situations in my life that I am unhappy with - if I want to change something, then I am going to start taking actions to change it.  (a little vague, I know...)
3. Work on really and truly stretching myself to Give Back - I have not yet read (but it's on my list): "Start Something that Matters" written by Blake Mycoskie, creator and founder of Toms - a wonderful one-for-one business program that allows for you to not only buy awesome shoes (and other items) but then give a pair to a child in need. 

I love the blog of "Start Something that Matters" that highlights other programs with a Give Back motto and also highlights the wisdom of Blake Mycoskie.  I have never met him, but think he is simply fantastic!  He seems to have such a rockin' cool soul.  (Plus, one of his entries on his blog offers some great idea for books to read!  It helped to inspire me reading 12 this year.) 

4. Grow closer in my faith.  There are always new things I can learn and new avenues to be explored.  Plus, continuing to improve my relationship with Christ is a win-win.  I am also going to look more closely into the life of a saint.  This year it's Saint Thomas of Villanova and I will try to gain future insight into the virtue of humility. 

 

5. Keep my mind & body stimulated - this is an extension of my reading goal...and adding on healthy living.  It's important to exercise to stay fit but to exercise your mind too so that it stays focused.  I will try to do more puzzles and word searches.  It may sounds simple but even that is a big help to keep your mind active.  I want to incorporate more foreign and/or independent films that require more thought to process.  As much as I love Romantic Comedies, it is also important to put value into other avenues of Film making. This also goes with keeping my creative juices flowing.  I will do better to have more blog entries as well as work more on actually completing the One-Act plays I have started.  It's as if the characters' stories have been put on pause and they are desperately waiting to have it completed.  

Alright 2012, you may have started off rocky - but you will finish strong! Bring it!

Things I Love This Week - Feb 28th

Things I Love This Week

Television:

• Glee: My roommate and I bond over this show...we were late to join the craze, so we have been using Netflix to catch up on the episodes.  For a theater lover like my self, this show offers musical flare, drama, romance, witty dialogue (well, sometimes), twisty plotlines, and crazy characters.

Movies:

• Singing in the Rain: I saw this movie for the first time (I know, I know...why did it take me so long?!?!)  Anyway, I loved it!  Such a great classic and deserve every bit of praise.
• The King's Speech: In honor of the Oscars, I had to put in a note about this film.  This is worthy of the award!  Such a truly great film and a noteworthy performance by Colin Firth.  Someone special to me took me to see this movie and I am thrilled that he knew I would value this experience. 

Short Films:

• Nooma: is a company that houses a series of short films narrated by Rob Bell.  They are each about 10-15 minutes long of sheer brilliance.  Rob Bell takes a specific point about God, Jesus and Christianity and outlines it in these short films, which can be found on their website.  Seriously, check them out!  My favorites so far are: "Kickball," "Lump," "Flame," and "Sunday."    

Music:

• "Only Hope" -Switchfoot:  Such a touching song (featured in A Walk to Remember) that speaks to our desperate need to be connected to our creator.   

Things I Love This Week

Up Coming Trips:
Clemson, SC--I am going to visit one of my sisters, SaraLynn, and I am so excited! She attends Clemson University and I am so proud of her because she graduates very soon! I am driving down with her fiance and my very dear friend, Daniel.

Movies:
Avatar--It comes out tomorrow!!! Seriously, this movie is amazing and I am so excited for it to be on DVD! I must own it ASAP!

Theater:
Reduced Shakespeare Company's The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged-- The Virginia Stage Company and the Virginia Arts Festival are hosting this show at the Wells Theater now through Sunday. I saw it last night and LOVED it!!!! I was laughing non-stop! The script and the 3 actors are brilliantly witty and fun!!! If you have a chance to see this show, I highly recommend it! Please check out their website. The guys in the show are very personable and would love for you the see them and say hi after the show. I even got them to sign my playbill.

Things I Love This Week...

Songs:
"How He Loves": John Mark Mcmillan - it is such a beautiful song! If you have a chance to look up lyrics, I highly recommend it!

Movies:
Hocus Pocus - it's almost Halloween and this movie always gets me in the mood!

Other:
Theraflu - seriously, I am getting over a cold and this helped so much!

kleenex with aloe - this also helped with my cold!

Things I Love This Week...

Movies:

Fireproof - powerful message, wonderful story

Songs:

Summer Nights - by Rascal Flatts, perfect song to get you in the summer mood
Wild at Heart - by Glorianna, this new group has my attention

Radio Stations:

KLOVE - a Christian radio station that always keeps my heart focused
US 106 - a new country station I have been exposed to


Other:

Updating my status on facebook and twitter - I like keeping my friends informed

Things I Love This Week...

These are the things in my life that helped me get through this week.

Books:
---The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose By: Matthew Kelly

This book was loaned to me from a dear friend and I am so grateful to be reading it. This book provides the inspiration I need to continue to pursue the things I want out of life.

Movies:
---Sleeping Beauty - the new Disney DVD

This is one of my favorite Disney Movies and this new special edition DVD provides extra footage and features for those of us who are fans.

Songs:
---"Come On, Get Higher" - By: Matt Nathanson

This song puts me in such a good mood.

---"If Every Day Could Be Christmas"

I know it is too early to be singing Christmas Songs, but my co-worker and I have been randomly breaking out into this song this week and it has gotten us to laugh and enjoy the work day even more.

Online Sites:
---www.passiveaggressivenotes.com

Seriously, this is pretty amazing

---www.blogger.com

I have a blog now! Needless to say, I am excited about it!

---www.goodreads.com

This is site where you can post what books you have read and review them, plus put up books you would like to read. And...you can even invite friends and view the books they have read. It's a great way to look for books to read and share with others your favorites!

---www.vastagelife.com

This is a site to promote a theater in Norfolk, VA. You should check it out...it looks pretty cool!

---www.thefacebook.com

It's true...I am addicted.

---www.regnumchristi.com

This site is devoted to share the message of this beautiful movement within the Catholic Faith. I am a member of Regnum Christi and it has truly impacted my life.