Movie Monday

Well, since I had the inside scoop (yeah, I wish!), I was correct on the big 5 awards from The Oscar's last night in my Movie Monday post from a couple of weeks ago, so instead, I'll show you how I decided to dress for the "party" I went to.

We were supposed to have Care Group that night but when I told everyone that it was Oscar night, we decided to just get together and watch the Oscar's ... and I decided to have a little fun.

I'd thought of the idea a couple of weeks ago and told someone at work and they thought it was funny ... as did I ... until I was fully dressed and leaving for the party ... then I started feeling silly (as proven by this last silly pose). In case you were wondering, I'm wearing "Giorgio" Fairweather circa 2002.

I walked in with my head held high (even though I felt like slipping into the bathroom and changing before anyone saw me) and we all had a good laugh. Heck, how else am I going to put one of the 12 bridesmaid/maid of honour dresses to good use?!

Anyway, since the Oscar's were quite boring other than the opening number, I'll review another movie I saw on the weekend. Rabbit Hole:

Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart play ordinary people mourning the accidental death of their 4-year old son in the searing new drama “Rabbit Hole”. Kidman and Eckhart must find a way to navigate the many potholes and detours on the long journey back to intimacy after such a tragic hole is ripped right through their seemingly perfect lives.

I'd say that overall I did like the movie, although it was a bit slow at times. Nicole Kidman was nominated last night for her role in this movie, but I didn't think it was that good. My friend and I both heard her accent come through at different times, too. One of the reasons this movie got to me was because my family has dealt with the loss of a child. It happened before I was born and honestly, sometimes I forget that my parents went through that horrible incident, but seeing a movie like this made me think about it from their perspective. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that it was interesting to see how each of them dealt with their grief so differently ... sometimes working together and sometimes not.

After watching this movie, I want to take this time to commend my parents for not letting the death of my brother destroy their marriage. Blame could have been cast, but it wasn't. Their grief could have destroyed them, but they didn't let it. They dealt with it as best they could at the time. In the movie, both Nicole Kidman's character and her mother have lost children and she says to her Mom, "When does it go away?" and her Mom says, "Never. But it gets easier." That really hit me when thinking about my own parents. Like I said before, it happened before I was born so I don't think about it every day, but I'm sure it's never far from my parents minds. We do talk about my brother and I've seen pictures and man, was he a cutie! I often wonder how we'll know each other when I get to Heaven and will he still be a little boy or not, but what matters is that I'll get to meet him one day.

Snow ... in February ... ugh

This morning when I woke up I looked outside and saw this outside my window ...

And now, by 4pm, it looks like this ...

Needy people make me less Christ-like

I know, I know. That's not a nice title, but it's the truth. Not people who are in need, but needy people. Do you know who I'm talking about? Not people who stand on the street with signs asking for money or food ... people who stand in the doorway to your office and suck the life out of you. Ok, maybe I'm being a little over dramatic. To me, there are two types of needy people. There are people who never do anything for themselves and expect you to do everything for them (which can be exhausting in it's own way, but mostly I can deal with those types of people)and there are just people who need SOOOO much affirmation ALL the time. These types of people are mainly the ones I'm talking about. If I'm being honest (which I guess I already did in the title of this post), those types of people make me unChrist-like. I literally tend to start ignoring these people. Not ignoring as in, you're talking to me and I don't reply at all ... well, not right off the bat, anyway. Now, that would be rude ... just ignoring as in "you're talking to me and after we've chatted for a bit and dealt with our business yet you keep standing there saying NOTHING but you like to hear yourself talk and think that maybe this person I'm talking to will affirm me in some way but I keep looking at my computer screen and typing because I'm working so I'll glance up at you every once in awhile and give you a smirk but hope you'll catch on that I need to get back to work" kind of ignoring.

I know. I'm an awful person. And this is why I've come here to talk about this. I need suggestions of what I can do. These are the types of people that if you give them an inch, they'll take a mile and you'll never get on with your day. This doesn't just happen at work, either. That was just one example. And how come these are the only types of people who don't catch on to the social indicators that the other person is in a rush or would like to move on? Non needy people will see those signs and be like, "Hey, it was great to see you and catch up really quickly. Have a great day," and not be insulted (hopefully). I mean, if you're standing there talking to me and my body is completely turned the other way and I'm saying, "Uh huh. Uh huh. Well, I should be going ..." and you just keep talking! I put that in because if I ever run into any of you in the mall I don't want you all to be thinking, "I wonder if she's thinking I'm needy and wants to leave right now," because those of you who I know read this blog are not like that. But maybe after admitting this, you'll have such disgust for me that YOU won't even WANT to talk to me in the mall anymore. And you know what? I totally get that.

I get that Jesus would never have turned away from someone because He had to be somewhere else. I get that Jesus would affirm that person with His love and make them feel like the most special person in the world. I get it ... and that's why I feel bad a lot of the time ... but again, if I'm being honest, most of the time, I don't ... hence ... unChrist-like. How hard would it be for me to say, "Yes, you look amazing in that outfit" (even though it's the trillionth time they've asked me) or "Hey, you did a great job on that project" (even though it's their job and that's what they get paid to do). Ok, I'm going to try to soften the blow and not make myself look so bad ... if that's even possible. I have no problem telling someone they did a good job or that they look great if I can tell they're not searching for the compliment. Does that make sense? Hopefully that explains it a little better. So now, can you please tell me how to get that "that person's searching for a compliment so I'm going to be stubborn and NOT give it to them" thought out of my head?

I understand that we all have our insecurities. I really do get that. I've got a couple big ones of my own that come to mind, but that's for another post. I guess it's when people's insecurities become other people's problems that I have an issue ... ok, I'm sounding like a bitch again. Ugh. Maybe I should just quit before I dig myself too big of a hole ... or maybe I'm too late for that. Or maybe I should add this to my lent list.

I'd LOVE your thoughts on this topic. Help!

Globetrotters!

Other than the obvious rewards of being a Big Sister, there are some pretty great perks as well. The main one being that you get free tickets to a lot of things. Last night we went to yet another Heat game and last week we got to go see the Harlem Globetrotters (oh, and did I mention that last summer we went to Cirque du Soleil? Yeah, that's right).

I felt a little bad for them because as many people as you see in the stands ... yeah, it didn't fill up any more than that. I "think" I had seen them when I was a kid, but people have been questioning my memory of them coming to my High School and that maybe it was a knock off team. Maybe they're right, so in that case, this was my first time seeing them ... which, nope ... just doesn't feel right saying. Oh well. 1st, 2nd ... does it really matter? I think it was Rachel who commented on my Facebook status that she'd heard you only need to see them once every 10 years and I think she's right. It was fun and because I love basketball, I can appreciate the talent it takes to be silly and still pull off the shots and plays that they do.

When they had been introduced and were warming up a bit, I looked at one of the guys and thought, "He looks familiar. Why would I "know" him? Has he been on a talk show or something lately?" And then it came to me ... THE AMAZING RACE! Flight Time and Big Easy were contestants on one of my favorite shows a couple of seasons back. For some reason Big Easy wasn't there, but the guy twirling the ball on his finger in the picture above ... that's Flight Time! Don't believe me?

Apology accepted. ;)

They pulled a lot of kids out on the floor and did fun things with them.

Of course they have to do the pretend-there's-water-in-the-bucket-and-chase-you-around-and-then-throw-it-on-the-crowd-but-oh-wait-it's-just-confetti schtick.

Flight Time pulled this kid out on the floor and was dancing with him. I don't know if you can tell by the kids look on his face, but he was TOTALLY getting into it. Way to go, white kid! Show 'em how it's done!

And the oh-my-goodness-he-pulled-his-shorts-down-and-the-guy-has-on-Elmo-underwear schtick.

There was a line up to meet Flight Time because he was one of the main "characters" but I didn't want to make Danielle stand in line for my crush, so I got her to take this picture of me instead.

In between people walking up to him, I whispered, "The Amazing Race is one of my favorite shows. You did a great job on it!" He said, "Thanks! It starts up again on Sunday," and gave me the thumbs up. I said, "I know!" and waved and walked off. Lately when I watch TV, I watch mostly PVR'd shows, therefore, fast forwarding through commercials (it's GLORIOUS!), so I although I knew that The Amazing Race started again this past Sunday and that they were bringing back past contestants, I didn't know who they were bringing back. As we were walking away I thought, "I wonder if him and Big Easy are back on again ..." and sure enough, there he was on my TV again last Sunday. I wish I would've known that because I would've tried to have gotten some info from him about the season ... what? I can be persuasive! Yeah, you're probably right. He's not allowed to spill any beans. Oh well. It was cool to see him and great that one of my favorite shows is back on again.

Back to the Future

This is SO awesome! I know exactly which picture I would recreate from when I was a kid.

http://irinawerning.com/back-to-the-fut/back-to-the-future/

My challenge to you all over the course of the year is to try to recreate one picture from when you were a kid. Fun, right?

New Comments section

Ok, so I'm a copycat ... but don't "they" say that's the best form of flattery. I'm still reading the blog Jamie the Very Worst Missionary and I noticed that her comment section changed. A lot of people were asking about it, so I decided to jump on board as well. This way, you can choose whether or not you want to get an email when anyone else comments on that post and when someone leaves a comment, I (or anyone else for that matter) can reply directly to that comment. I thought those reasons were genius, so that's why I've signed up. Hope you like it!

I've just noticed that it's wiped out any of the previous comments, so I'll try to figure that out because when I go to "edit posts" it still shows me the comments there. Hmmm...

A Pickle is a what?

So, this is going to be a bit of an embarrassing story, but it's also kinda funny, so I thought I'd share.

A couple of months ago, I was hanging out with my friends and somehow the topic of either cucumbers or pickles came up. I don't remember exactly how it all went down, but I remember being completely confused and then saying (yes, out loud), "Are you saying that a pickle is a cucumber?" Someone looked at me and said, "Yeah, a pickle is a pickled cucumber. Didn't you know that?"

Now, I probably should've said, "Yeah. Of course I knew that. I was just seeing if YOU knew that," and left it at that, but I didn't. My mind was in such shock that my face alone gave away that no, I did, in fact, NOT know that.

I know what you're going to ask ...

"How could you not know that?"

Here's my perfectly good explanation that I think makes perfect sense but always makes people laugh instead of saying, "Yeah, Fiona. I can completely see where you're coming from."

When something has been "pickled" you say Pickled Beets, or Pickled Carrots or Pickled Peppers (remember, Peter Piper ...). Why, then, does one not say Pickled Cucumbers? Why are they called ... just ... Pickles? I don't get it. One of my friends asked me the other night (because this conversation came up yet again - it's ok, I find it funny now, too), "What did you think pickles were, then?" I said, "Pickles! I thought they were their own thing!" Someone else asked, "How did you think they grew?" and I answered, "Just like everything ELSE grows in the garden." Since I don't like the taste of pickles, I really (obviously) hadn't given it much thought. At Christmas we were discussing the fact that my sister likes pickles and I like cucumbers, but she doesn't like cucumbers and I don't like pickles. My nephew pipes up and says, "But they're the same thing." Shut up, kid. Yeah, my 14 year old nephew already knew something that I didn't find out until my late 30s. Sheesh! What happened to respect your elders. Psssh.

BTW - I just looked up what pickling is: Pickling, also known as brining or corning is the process of preserving food by anaerobic fermentation in brine (a solution of salt in water) to produce lactic acid, or marinating and storing it in an acid solution, usually vinegar (acetic acid). The resulting food is called a pickle. This procedure gives the food a salty or sour taste.

Seriously. How can you guys eat that stuff? Fermentation? Lactic acid? Ich. I will admit that I do enjoy a good Dill Pickle chip, but that's as far as I go.

Like I said, I do find this quite funny, and for me, that almost shocks me more than the topic itself. You see, I used to not like to look stupid in front of people. I mean, does anyone? ... and I know it's pretty much avoidable at least a couple of times in a person's life, but instead of joining in the laughter like most people, I would get embarrassed and then kinda angry. I would ALWAYS join in laughing at someone else when they looked stupid, but heaven forbid anyone ever call ME out on something. So, to me, this is progress. I wasn't purposely working on this about myself (I was more working on the actual "don't look stupid in front of people" thing), but the fact that this topic has come up a few times since it happened and I join in on the laughter, makes me happy. I guess somehow along the way, God has helped me to take myself a little less serious. I love learning a lesson that we don't always have to learn the hard way. I mean, I guess I'll have to wait until it happens again and see if I react the same way ... oh wait, it DID happen again, but it has something to do with a femine hygiene product and probably isn't really something we should talk about here ... but it was FUNNY ... and very enlightening to me. If we're ever face to face and you want me to tell you the story, just ask.

Now, who doesn't have the Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers rhyme going through their head? You're welcome.

Wordless Wednesday

Pet peeve

I hate, no, HATE when smokers throw their cigarette butts out the window. Seriously?

Movie Monday

This ... was a terrible movie. There, I said it. If you liked it, I'm sorry. We can agree to disagree, right?

From about 3 minutes in, I knew this was going to be a painful 2 hours ... yet, I continued to watch. I don't know why. I can't explain it, but even if I'm reading a not so great book, I have to finish it. I'm the same way with movies. I guess I always have a little hope that it'll get better. Oh, sorry. I guess I should give you the synopsis of the movie so you know a little of what it's about.

Nelson (Keanu Reeves) is a man devoted to his advertising career in San Francisco. One day, while taking a driving test at the DMV, he meets Sara (Charlize Theron). She is very different from the other women in his life. Nelson causes her to miss out on taking the test and later that day she tracks him down. One thing leads to another and Nelson ends up living with her through a November that will change his life forever.

So, my problem with the movie wasn't so much about the storyline (although I'll get to that in a minute), but the acting. It was HORRIBLE!!! I never expect much from Keanu (sorry, I know he's Canadian). I mean, I liked him in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and also in The Matrix, but in B&TEA, he was a goofball and he pulled it off. To me, it didn't really look like acting. It looked like that's how he really talks ... and to me (can you tell I'm trying to get across that this is just my humble opinion), I've seen a little of Ted in all his performances since then. In The Matrix, it worked for his character to be very monotone and I really did like that movie. Oh, I also really liked Point Break, but I think the storyline and Patrick Swayze carried him through that one. Plus, it was about surfing, so he could bring that goofball thing into it again and it worked:
Johnny Utah: You're sayin' the FBI's gonna pay me to learn to surf?

Johnny Utah: Vaya con Dios, Brah.
Hmmm, am I sensing a little Ted in there yet again?

Anyway, that's Keanu. Now, about Charlize. As I was watching the first few minutes, I thought, "This must have been one of her first movies. This is awful!" So, I went to my trusty IMDB and looked it up. I was surprised to see that this movie came out after The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Cider House Rules and Men of Honor ... movies in which I'd liked her.

It must have been the script, then. The whole thing is too forced and unrealistic ... to me. I don't want to give too much away in case, in spite of my warnings, you still see it (luckily this is an old movie so most likely you won't CHOOSE to rent this one). Yes, it's explained later on why she acts the way she acts, but really? Ugh. I don't even really want to spend too much more of my time on this movie, so I'll try to end on something positive. Yes, there were a few sweet moments, but I think the best things about this movie were the kid who played Abner (Liam Aiken - he's also in Lemony Snicket, Road to Perdition and Stepmom - SUPER cute kid ... who's now 20) and the guy who played Chaz, Sara's friend from downstairs (Jason Isaacs - he also plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies - I knew he looked familiar while I was watching this dreaded, err, uhm ... movie).

Again, sorry if you liked it. This is just my humble opinion ... and it is my blog, after all. ;)

Lent

Yes, it's that time of year again. Well, in a couple of weeks it will be. I had been wondering what I should give up this year. I guess I'd been praying about it, too, but not designated, sit down and that's all I pray about kind of prayer. I'd be going through the day and the topic of Lent would come up and I'd say to God, "Hmmm, what do You want me to give up this year?" I still consider that praying. I don't know about you, but I have a LOT of those prayers throughout the day ... "Thank You for getting me up when my alarm didn't go off." "Ooooh, Lord, how do you want me to answer this person right now? Sock it to 'em (about the gospel), or slow and steady?" "Thank You for not letting that crazy driver in the roundabout kill me when they swerved over into my lane because they don't realize this is TWO LANES, buddy!" Ok, that was a mixture of prayer and yelling at said driver, but you get the idea.

So, although I'd been thinking about this, I was thinking more material things. Since I'd already done sweets, TV and then computer, what was left? Was I supposed to do those things again? To be honest, I wanted a bit more of a challenge since I knew I could do those. Yes, they were hard to give up at first, but I'd done it before and knew it was possible ... and for me, it kinda loses it's sting when it's not really hard to give up. So, why was I surprised when God finally revealed to me what He wants me to give up? Here's how it happened:

I went to Care Group last Monday and after catching up with everyone and saying our usual, "How was your week?" "Nice hair, did you get it done?" type of questions, we got down to the nitty gritty. We were asked to read Isaiah 58: 6 - 12. I opened up my Bible and you know how some paragraphs have "titles?" Well, this one said "True Fasting." I looked at our leader and said, "You're not going to make us fast, are you?" I was thinking food and you gotta remember, since I started on Jenny Craig, I don't eat a heck of a lot! I mean, I eat enough, but don't ask me to give THAT up, too! I'm joking ... kind of.

Anyway, we started reading the passage, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free ..." "Phewf," I'm thinking, "it's not about food. Yes, injustice ... set the oppressed free!" Then, whoever was reading, got halfway through verse 9, "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk ..." and I didn't hear any more of the reading.

Pointing finger and malicious talk.

We read through the whole passage one more time and then we were supposed to write about what jumped out at us. I knew what I was going to write about, and it wasn't pretty. Here's what I wrote:

With Lent just around the corner, I had been wondering if I was supposed to give up TV, the Internet and sweets again. I know all those things are doable, but gossip and malicious talk?! That would be hard. That will be a real challenge.

Ok side note here: I realize this doesn't paint a pretty picture of myself. After I read it to the group, I was thinking, "Wow. They're going to think that if this is something I've been convicted of giving up, that all I do all day must be to gossip and talk maliciously about people." I'd say that I'm more of the try-to-be-funny-while-bordering-the-line-of-insulting-people kind of talker. Does that make sense?

Even though we only were supposed to read until verse 12, I read on (I know, I'm super spiritual keener like that ... ok, I usually don't do that, but this was obviously God prompted).

Verse 13b and 14a say, "if you honour it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land." Finding joy in the Lord is NEVER a bad thing, and riding on the heights of the land sounds pretty cool, so I think I want to take on this challenge. I'm scared, but I think I'll become a better person because of it. It's worth the risk (ok, is there really "risk" involved? Maybe I should've just stuck with the word challenge).

The other thing I realized after I'd read it to the group is that now that I've been convicted of this, do I really wait for March 9 to start it? "Phewf, good thing God only convicted me of this for Lent and I only have to give it up for 40 days!" No, unfortunately, conviction doesn't really work like that ... believe me, I tried to put it off, but that Holy Spirit is right there convicting me when those thoughts come to my mind ... which I know is a good thing ... but if I'm being honest, can be a bit of a downer sometimes. Ok, maybe that's what I meant by risk ... having this voice in your head telling you what's right or wrong and trying not to go CRAZY!

So, I ended my writing with this prayer: Lord, help me not to fail. Help me to think before I speak and maybe after awhile, I won't even have those malicious thoughts anymore. What? It could happen, couldn't it? Ok, I know I'm human and not perfect, so I'm sure I won't completely be rid of those thoughts and sometimes they'll spill out into words, but I'm gonna give it a try. This week was hard, but I was actually happy when those thoughts stopped me before speaking and then I was proud of myself (that kind of pride is ok, isn't it?) when those ugly words didn't fall onto someone elses ears and make them fall prey to malicious talk as well, because that's the other thing ... when I talk like that, I'm causing someone else to fall as well, and I have enough guilt of my own. I can't be responsible for others, too!

So, there you have it. I'm sure after yesterdays post you're thinking I should be giving up jealousy and I'm working on that one ... but baby steps, people! I haven't figured out if I'm still supposed to give up sweets, TV and the Internet, but I've got a couple of weeks to figure that out. I'll let you know ... or if I'm all of a sudden gone, I'll be back in 40 days.

Jealousy

I have to admit something ... I've been dealing with jealousy lately and I don't like it. Usually I'm quite content and happy with my life. Ok, there may be the occasional pouted lipped times when my hair doesn't turn out like some superstar's that I tried to copy on TV or my body doesn't look like those on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but those are unattainable things (they are, right? Don't tell me otherwise - I like living in that bubble). They have hair stylists, make up artists, trainers and air brushers. This green monster has hit a little closer to home. I'm not going to tell you exactly what I'm jealous of for a couple of reasons:

1) I don't want to make those who I'm jealous of uncomfortable and on the flip side, I don't want anyone who I don't mention that I'm jealous of, to be hurt.

2) I don't want this to look like I'm having a pity party for myself and wanting people to comment and tell me, "Don't be jealous of _____! You're just as _____ as _____."

It really isn't about that. I guess I just need to admit it. Admitting it's the first step, right ... or at least that's what they tell me.

I will tell you that it has nothing to do with being married. There. I said it. Again, I have my moments of PMS induced binges where I have a good, snotty, what-have-I-done-wrong-in-this-life cry, but for the most part, I'm not jealous of those of you who are married. I'm happy that you're happy and that you and your mister (or miss if I have any male readers) found each other, but until/if God decides to bring along Mr. Right, I've come to terms with my singleness.

So, it's not that.

I'm going to try to apply the same "terms" to this new jealousy that's crept up in my life so I can fling said green monster to the curb, but until then, just thought I'd ask for your prayers.

Thanks. You guys rock.

Introducing ... Jamie the V ... (google it!)

Friends, I need to introduce you to someone. She's hilarious and I think you'll all love her. Her blog name is Jamie the Very Worst Missionary. Maybe you've already heard/read of her. If you haven't, read this post first and you'll be hooked. I promise. I love her openness and honesty (and we all know how much I'm all about being open and honest and saying how you feel) about what she's going through as a missionary and just about life in general.

I've started reading her blog from the beginning, and a post from 2008 really touched me. It was called We live like Kings. She talked about going to a ghetto area and meeting some amazing kids that have nothing compared to what she's got. Here's a bit of it:

Here I am, worried about getting too fat because I eat TOO MUGH. I complain that I am sick of my clothes when much of my closet sits untouched. And God help you if you shut off my electricity - I'll curse the day you were born! Because "I shouldn't have to live like this!". But.....apparently....it's okay if thousands of my neighbors live like that.

This hit me on many different levels. First, I'm just about finished my Jenny Craig program and I'll be honest ... it's cost me quite a bit of money. At first I didn't care because I needed something to get me jump started and consequently, I have learned new tools to help me keep the weight off, however, it's exactly what she said above ... worried about eating TOO MUCH and gaining weight when there are people out there starving ... well, it just makes me sad. I really do think I'll think about that every time I sit down to eat. It will make me more thankful for the food I have as well as realizing that I do not need to eat that much! I can survive on less.

Secondly, all my clothes have gotten quite baggy on me. I know this is a good problem to have, but at this time I don't have a lot of extra money to go out and buy myself a whole new wardrobe that fits. I've found myself getting irritated when I go to my closet and feeling like a slob when I wear pants that hang in the crotch or butt, but I should be happy that I have clothes to wear at all! And there are definitely clothes in my closet that I haven't worn in AGES! I will try to be less of a complainer.

Thirdly, my electricity didn't go out, but my laptop died! Heaven forbid! How will I be in touch with the outside world? How will people know what I'm up to that day if I don't update my status? How will I be able to read my favorite blogs? Those were all thoughts that went through my head ... and while I was trying to figure out what to do next (because remember, I don't have money right now to go buy a new laptop), I went and sat on my beautiful, leather couch and turned on my large, HD TV and watched one of my favorite shows to escape from it all. Hmmm... I'm not saying it's horrible to have nice things, but it sure has put it in perspective for me. I drive down Gladys Street past the Lego Building in my town and right across from it ... along the LOUD railway tracks, I see tents set up. Tents. People are living in tents, just blocks from my condo. And it's COLD outside! Again, putting things into perspective for me.

So, I guess I'm writing this post to ask you to keep me accountable to be less of a complainer and to really comprehend that I do "live like a king" compared to a lot of people.

See, this is why I love blogging. I love "meeting" new people that I may never meet in person that can brighten your day and expand your world just a little bit more. Thanks, Jamie.

Funny

The other day I was driving on the freeway behind this big truck that looked like it would be a sump pump. I looked at the license plate and it started with BM, so I thought, "That would be funny if it really was a sump pump truck." I drove up beside it and on the side of the drum it said, "#1 for all #2 business." haha

Wordless Wednesday

Zumba!

Tonight I did my 2nd Zumba class. It's a LOT of fun! It really isn't that hard. The steps are quite easy and you know what? If you feel you can't do the step exactly like the instructor, just make up your own! As long as you're having fun and grooving to the beat, you'll have a good time and maybe work up a sweat as well. I definitely found the Hot Yoga's a better workout, but Zumba's waaaaay more fun (let's just put it this way - when I come back from Yoga, I have to take the elevator because I'll collapse on the stairs, but tonight when I came back from Zumba, I ran up the 5 flights of stairs). The first class I didn't really work up too much of a sweat because I was watching the instructor and concentrating on learning the moves. Today I felt I already had a good base and did more of a workout since I didn't have to concentrate so much on learning the steps ... plus I moved up closer in the class so I could actually see the instructor better. I'm definitely not as young as I used to be, though, because my knees get quite sore. I have one kneecap that pops out of it's socket, so I have to watch that one a little, but it's good fun.

What is Zumba, you may ask. It's a mixture between Latin/African dancing and aerobics. Here's a little taste.

Firsts

Isn't doing something for the first time great? Ok, most of the time it's great. It means you're experiencing something new and while it may not always turn out to be a pleasant experience, at least now you know, right? :)

Well, last night I had another first. I'm now a model ... ok, I should say "model" because I'm sure when you think of a model, you think of something like this ...


And that was not my experience. My experience was to sit exactly like this:

for almost 2 hours while students at UFV painted me on their canvas. The instructor told me to pick a point on the wall to stare at and meditate ... so, I prayed. I actually prayed for each one of you (well, the ones that I know read my blog on a regular basis) and of course, my family and I would LOVE to say the time flew by. In the first 15 minutes I thought, "This is easy! I can do this no problem!" Then, I got an itch. Did you know that when you can't scratch an itch, it gets that much worse? I made it a game within myself to withstand the itch. No scratching! It was hard. The instructor would come back into the class every 20 minutes or so to give pointers to this beginner class so that was interesting to listen to and wonder what they were painting and how they saw me. At one point, maybe 35 minutes in, I went a bit squirrely. My eyes started twitching and I wondered if I'd be able to hold the pose. I was happy that I was sitting, but sitting completely still is hard! Luckily, since they were a beginner class, she told them they only had to paint from my shoulders or torso up, so I started tapping my toes to the music ever so slightly so I could feel that I was "moving." There were times where I was thinking about something completely outside of the class and I actually zoned out for a bit, which was great because I wasn't thinking about the fact that I couldn't move. Then all of a sudden the teacher came back in and said, "Half an hour before clean up," which shocked me. Only half an hour left? Then 15 minutes left and then ... with only 5 minutes left, I was again pretty zoned out and forgot about my test to NOT itch and it was too late. I had scratched an itch. Errr! Oh well. No big deal ... and then I was done! That wasn't so bad at all. She thanked me and told me to feel free to walk around and take a look, "but remember," she said, "they're beginners." Hmmm, was she preparing me for something bad? Well, I must say that they did a million times better than I could EVER do, however, do I really look THAT old??? I thought I had a smirk on my face, but it must look like a frown because I looked old and angry in most of the pictures. Mind you, they were all about 21, so I AM old to them! haha! Well, that was "good" to see. I asked her if I could bring my camera next time and she said, "Sure." Hopefully I'll remember and be able to show you all their interpretations of me. I had to take the above picture so I remember what I was wearing and how my hair looked because ... well, I'm old, remember and I might forget. ;)

Why was I doing this, you may ask? Well, unfortunately, I need the money. I really thought I had budgeted pretty well since I bought my place, but apparently, I was wrong. I charged a few big items to my credit card that I thought I'd be able to pay off really quickly and it's kind of stuck at a certain place. It's not huge compared to some people's debt, but I'm used to paying off my credit card every month, so I don't like it being where it is. I've taken on 3 extra jobs besides my full time job to help out, but I'm not getting as many hours as I was hoping I would. My next thought was to take in a roommate. As much as I love my own space, it would be fast money. I asked my cousin because I'm comfortable with her and I knew she was going to get married soon (like, I was thinking by the end of the year), so it would only be for a few months. She said no because she actually got engaged the next weekend and will be getting married at the end of April and didn't want to move again. Completely understandable. The day after she said no, my friend called me and said someone had approached her about a Japanese girl that was living in Abbotsford and working at CBC and things hadn't worked out with her current homestay and she needed a place to stay until May. Perfect! She came over and we met and she was the sweetest little thing. I instantly liked her and knew she'd be a great roommate. I cleared out the spare room and moved a bed in there (thanks to Jon and Jennie for lending me said bed) and got it all ready for her. Unfortunately, she decided to take another home closer to her work. Again, understandable as she only has a bike and didn't want to be riding home from work late at night. So, I wait and trust that God has some other way for me to pay off this debt. I'm trying to be as open as possible and to hear His voice when He nudges me (or anyone else) and gives ideas. I'm not worried. I'm not embarrassed. I got myself into this and I know I will learn from it and get through it. God is faithful and trustworthy, so what's there to worry about, right? :)

Wordless Wednesday

Movie Monday

Countdown to the Oscars (February 27):

My picks for my favorite categories:

Best Actor (I've seen 4 out of the 5 performances nominated in this category - I can't speak to Javier Bardem's performance in Biutiful, but I do want to see it as well):

Colin Firth in The King's Speech - if you haven't seen this movie yet, go see it! Colin Firth does such an amazing job. He plays King George VI (the current Queen's father) who suddenly finds himself The King when his brother abdicates. The only problem is that he has a terrible stutter. His wife finds him a speech therapist (who is played by Geoffrey Rush and also does a great job) and the story of the friendship they make is incredibly heartwarming. Colin makes you empathize with The King on a grand level and he executes the stutter in such a way that I could feel how exhausting it must have been. He definitely wins my vote for Best Actor this year.

Best Actress (I've only seen 2 out of the 5 performances for this category):

While Natalie Portman does a good job in her role as The Black Swan (see previous Monday's review), I'm not sure if she should win. It's hard to pick when I've only seen 2 out of the 5 performances, but if I'm going according to previous awards shows this season, she seems like a shoe in.

Best Supporting Actor and Actress (I've seen 4 out of 5 performances in both of these categories):

I believe these awards should go to Christian Bale and Melissa Leo who play Dicky Eklund and Alica Ward (mother and son). I actually think that Christian Bale should be nominated for Best Actor, not best supporting actor (but then he would've been in competition with Colin Firth and I honestly can't say who I'd pick to win - they were both equally amazing). He's in the movie at least the same amount of time as Mark Wahlberg's character and has WAY more of a presence than almost anyone in the movie. He plays a real life person, which I think would be super hard to do, but at the end of the movie, they showed a clip of the real brothers and oh my goodness! It seemed like the same person. Dicky Eklund was once a very good fighter who got caught up in drugs. He seemed like he was always high on something because he was always moving or kind of skittish. It seems like he would've been a very tiring person to play, but he did a phenominal job.

Also doing a great job was Melissa Leo as his Mom. She was the boys manager and she was extremely controlling. Her character was over the top and since the movie was set in the 80s, had QUITE the wardrobe and hair get up. When I saw her later, on TV as herself, I had NO IDEA that was the same person I'd seen in the movie. She's been winning awards left and right for her performance as well. My votes go to these two. Another good movie I'd recommend. It's not amazing like some others I've seen, but it definitely is good.

Animated Feature Film (I've seen 2 of the 3 movies nominated in this category):

How To Train Your Dragon - I LOVED THIS MOVIE! Synopsis: "A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed." I can't explain exactly what it was that I loved about this movie ... it was just so sweet! I'm an animal lover, so although I don't believe in dragon's, my heart really does melt when I see a relationship form between a "pet" and an owner. A definite must see. Toy Story 3 was also nominated and although I enjoyed that one as well (yes, I did cry), How To Train Your Dragon was more original. We've seen the Toy Story theme a few times now and it was nice to see something different in a kids movie. Ok, funny story. Since I don't have kids (this movie came out before I was a Big Sister), if there's a kids movie I want to see, I have to go with my friends. I met my friend at the theatre and he was already in line when I got there, so I got in line a couple of people behind him. He turns around to say hi and I said, "So, are you ready to learn how to train your dragon?" The lady in between us kind of turned her head but didn't actually look at me and then I realized what I'd said. My friend just shook his head, smirked and looked away and I started laughing and went all shades of red. Aaaha! Too funny. So now when I hear the name of this movie, I can't help but smirk, but it doesn't take away from the greatness of the movie for me.

Best Picture (I've seen 9 out of the 10 movies nominated in this category ... I know! I was surprised as well ... I've never seen that many of the nominees!)

I think The King's Speech should win. It's one of those great movies that you can take your Mom to and not worry about her being offended. You know what I mean, right? Plus, all the actors did an amazing job. When I saw the trailors for this movie, I knew I wanted to see it, but I was worried that it would be a tad bit boring. I was completely wrong. It kept my attention the whole time and, as I mentioned before, it was very heartwarming. You left the theatre with such a good feeling in the pit of your stomach (ok, I did ... I guess I shouldn't speak for others). Loved, loved, loved this movie. If you don't get to see it in the theatre, it's coming out on DVD on April 19.

So there you have it. My picks for winners this year. Can't wait to see all the dresses on the red carpet, either. ;)

Mature People Truths

Mature People Truths

There are a lot that have at least a little truth to them, but my faves are #9, #11, #14, #18 and definitely #22 ... ok, and #26. :)

"4" THINGS ABOUT YOU

1) Four places I regularly go to:
- Prison
- Movie Theatres
- Church
- Save-On Foods
(not particularly in that order ... ok, maybe it is in that order)

2) Four people who e-mail me (regularly)
- Jennie
- Brenda
- Groupon
- Bikram's Yoga (I guess they don't think I go enough - haha - they're right!)

3) Four favorite smells
- Roast beef cooking (which one of my friends made for me last night and it was DELICIOUS! - I love walking into a house and being hit with that yummy smell)
- Puppy breath (call me crazy, I don't care - I LOVE IT! - plus, if I'm smelling that, it means I'm holding a puppy and there's nothing wrong about that)
- Clean clothes
- Baking (pretty much any kind ... I'm not picky that way ;)

4) Four places I would rather be right now
- Italy
- Thailand
- France
- Croatia
I could go on and on, if you want ...

Because I'm Nice ...

Not that I want a lot of competition for these tickets, but it would be awesome if someone I knew got to go, soooooo, without further ado:

The reservation window for Oprah's After-Oscar® Party taping in Hollywood, CA will be open from Wednesday, February 2, at 10 a.m. Central Time until Thursday, February 3, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

If you are interested in securing reservations for this special taping, here's what you need to know about attending the show:

•Oprah's After-Oscar® Party taping will be on Monday, February 28th at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, CA.

•The time commitment for this special taping will be approximately from 7 a.m. Pacific Time until 12 p.m. Pacific Time.

•You must be at least 18 years of age to attend.

•You can submit one reservation request for yourself and one guest. You will be the lead of the reservation and you must attend for the reservations to be valid. If your reservation request is confirmed, you will have until Monday, February 21st to change the name of your guest. No name changes will be allowed the day of the taping.

Click here to go to her site. You will have to create an account on her site before you can enter.

Fingers crossed!!!

Wordless Wednesday