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!

Today at work, in the Box Office of a Theater Company, we have begun a beautiful and creative project.  We are collectively writing a short play.  We all are writing one page.  We know how many characters and general character descriptions.  Plus, the last line of the previous scene is the first line of the next scene.  It is actually working well and everyone is having fun!  The perfect way to spend this rainy day.  I haven't had a chance to be creative in a while and I am glad this is benefiting the whole team. 

What a beautiful image - God is there to help us reach our "best" selves.  I am ready to be a brilliant butterfly! 

Get Involved. Make a Difference.

Here begins my journey to "Give Back."  I have been feeling disconnected and lacking in charity.  It's one thing to make a donation at church or to help out the homeless on the street (which I am very happy to do), but I have been feeling the need for a deeper connection of giving back. 

I believe in the power of hope.  I believe in hte power of theater.  I believe in the power of women. 

This is how those three things go togther.  Working at Arena Stage in Washington DC, I am exposed to amazing theater productions.  Currently, we have "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage.  This Pulitzer Prize winning drama, shows the harsh reality of Congo life for women yet balances it with a an arrangement of music and brillant character connections that leave you with a sense of hope.  The organization Women for Women International is sponsoring our production.  I had not been exposed to this organization before and am now hooked on their beautiful mission. 

Theater is the perfect medium to reach out to people.  It allows for a conversion between the actors, designers, theater staff and audience members about getting involved and giving back.  It is through this production that I was able to learn more about WFWI and look into getting more involved not only in the DC area but also sponsoring a woman in another country.  The beauty of WFWI is that they not only help women in the Congo, but also in other areas of devestation.  It is time to recognize the great country I live in and all the great things I am blessed to have in my life.  It is time to take what I have and use it to help someone else. 

Friends, it is time to Give Back! 

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.