The Heart of It All...

"The heart is not so easily changed, 
but the head can be persuaded..."

This is not an entry about Frozen, although that might not be so bad to read.  That was a pretty chill movie... get it?  Chill?  See what I did there?  Yea, apparently I'm not as funny as previously claimed.  I can't help it if I adore a good pun... a lot.

Sidenote:  I LOVED Frozen!  I know some did not, but I thought it was adorable, the music was fun, the voices were great, the themes were awesome, the I loved that they decided NOT to have two people get married in a week.  You can begin to really like someone in a day, I know form experience.... but enough to love them for all time?  Yea, there's a resounding, "use your brain, please!"

Anyway, I love this line from the film because I believe that it's one of the most poignant moments.  Someone's mind can be changed as we are wiling to think about things differently.  However, deep-seeded beliefs and feelings are not always as easily swayed when the heart is involved.  The heart is central to the body, and thus, central to how we function... to who we are.  The heart pumps blood through our ENTIRE BODIES - it allows us to live and effects EVERY part of us.  This is its literal function.  However, the heart is more than literal.... We talk about the feelings we have being deep, being central to our souls, and often controlling our mindset.  Again, we see the heart effects EVERY part of us.

We have been told that before the second coming of our Savior, "men's hearts shall fail them..."  What does this really mean than?  Well, if we look at the literal sense of the statement, heart diseases and attacks are growing more and more common.  Many illnesses are overtaking our bodies, and as the heart being the central controlling factor, is frequently involved.  In the less literal way, but still as vitally real, we see hearts failing everyday within society emotional spectrum.  People CARE LESS than previously seen.  People are increasingly apathetic and selfish.  People are giving up on kindness, charity, and sacrifice.  Ideas of divinity and God are pushed aside for more frivolous ventures... We forget what's important and often go for the easy route or instant gratification.

"Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." - Luke 21:26

We put our FEAR in men, in those around us or society's ideals, while we should instead be putting our FAITH in God. It really comes down to the fact that fear is a lack of faith.... in ourselves, in others, in our Heavenly Father.  We allow our fear to overcome and fail our faithful hearts.

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, 
but in the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:5 

Now, I believe there is an importance in using your heart and minds together.  We were given our minds for a reason, but we were also given our hearts for a reason.  In the past few months, I have observed those who are too focused on their minds and not their hearts, and those who are so focused on feelings while they fail in using logic.  Both situations are negative.  In fact, I suppose one could argue in these final days people's minds are also failing them... However, the mind can be changed and brought to new knowledge and understanding.  The heart IS much harder to shape and rebuild.  The heart is the center to our being....

Why am I writing about this?  I'm been debating within myself what ways my heart has failed me.  When have I lacked kindness or charity?  When have I looked for what I want in the moment more than what is right?  When have I lacked FAITH?

I will not be one to let my heart fail me.  I will have more faith in myself.  I will not let my heart fail Him.  I will have more faith in my God and my Savior.  Simple put:

"Remove any of your fear with faith. 

Trust the power of God to guide you." - Elder M. Russell Ballard

*muah*

Song of the Day:  I think in having faith, we should all be a bit more happy.... Thus, here is Pharrell Williams' song, "Happy."  Enjoy!

Not So Super Man....

I am kind of IN LOVE with Superman!  All things Superman are amazing in my eyes... I grew up watching the old Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman series with my dad on Sundays and then it evolved into watching the series on DVD with my mom or college roommates.  I admit, I was am SLIGHTLY in love with Dean Cain, who played Clark Kent in the series.  I spent the end of HS and beginning of college engrossed in the series Smallville.  I loved the old movies with Christopher Reeves, cheesy as they were and still are.  I just love that he is the genuinely good guy with a strong moral compass who wants to serve and protect others.  He cares about others more than himself and it's not just talk - it's a whole lotta action.  At the same time, while saving the world, he's a reporter (aka: fantastic writer - HOT!) and wants to help spread change through that medium of communication.  He also wants to speak of truth, and yet he lives two identities... It makes him a walking paradox, which is just downright fascinating.

On one other note, I AM Lois Lane.  Here is this pig-headed at time, loves to be right, wants-to-know-it-all, who loves to investigate situations and find out the details behind events... She's a planner, but takes lei-way to be spontaneous as needed.  She's highly organized and driven, making goals in life and achieving them for herself.  She is extremely independent and self-motivated... My alter ego is Lois Lane. I can be a bit domineering at times. I like to be in charge of everything in my life, and struggle letting others help me… though I know I need to, and want to. I've actually gotten MUCH better at this in the past few years.  Also, like Lois, I am a complete hopeless romantic. I love all the cliché, cheesy, and classic things that are said in chick flicks and during Kay Jewelers commercials. I love, LOVE! If I have to cry, I wait until I am alone if possible… Yep. I am Lois Lane.

Now, why you ask am I writing about my childhood love, Superman?  Great question!  This weekend Man of Steel came out and everyone went gah-gah over it... I have to be honest when I say this clearly expository  film was a bit hyped for me.  I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting... but it wasn't this.  Now, before I go any further, let me clarify in that I did not hate this film!  On the contrary, I rather enjoyed it and had fun watching certain sequences.  Plus, Superman was gorgeous - I swooned.  Twice.  Overall as a film, though?  I was not overly impressed.

Here's why.

1) There was NO character development.  You were left wanting when it came to this area.  In fact, I was surprised that for an exposition-based approach, there was such a lack of character development.  What do I mean by this specifically?  Well, first they did nothing to make you care about any of the character really.  You felt empathy for Clark Kent and perhaps his mother, but otherwise nada.  At the end of the film when Perry is pulling the girl from the office from the rubble, you don't want her to die, but quite frankly, you don't really care.  They did nothing to establish that connection to audience members.  Also, Lois and Clark don't really grab you as "lovebirds" in this at all... and that a MAJOR point of the series.  Clark's ONE weakness is Kryptonite, right?  WRONG.  He has two, and one is Lois Lane.... When they kissed at the end you kind of felt like, "Why?"  There was not enough created around their relationship when that is such a pivotal piece to the saga.

2) Lois Lane was not quite Bad-A enough.  This is not Amy Adams fault at all - though she makes a weird Lane to me.  It's the script-writers fault.  She came in with intensity of character needed and the driven, dominant personality flares expected for Lois Lane.  However, after the two sections of the movie with her, so became flat and just put in harms way to be there... The real Lois would not be asked to go on the ship for really no real reason.  The real Lois would sneak on the ship and get caught... then have to figure a way out of the mess.  The real Lois is just more of the master-mind behind everything.  I felt like there was an attempt at this, but it fell flat.

3) The jerky camera.  It's a style, and sometimes I really appreciate and enjoy it... but not in EVERY freakin' shot!  It was overdone and made my head hurt a little bit.

4)  The "Less Is More" theory was WAY off.... They did not grasp that concept.  There was at least three specific places the movie could have ended, but they kept taking it further... and not to develop the story, but to destroy more stuff.  If I had to hear one more villain monologue... Now, I'm a girl who loves a good action flick, but there was no need to destroy Metropolis THREE TIMES over, and then also destroy Smallville completely.  It was superfluous and excessive. The movie went TOO long, and not because of length, but because of the content within that length. 

5) The ending - ***SPOILER ALERT*** I hate that Lois already knows it's Clark when he comes to the Daily Planet.  It's not as fun... I know it's stupid to think she'd be fooled by the glasses, but that's part of the story.  Everyone else is fooled by the glasses, so she can't be the one smart duck right away... It takes time. Also, the government knows who he is because they know who his mother is and where he's from... I feel like this could become an inconsistency.  Others KNOW, and they aren't all going to keep shut.

The movie was NOT terrible, but it was not up to par in my book.... I wanted more.  However, the end did give me a lot of hope.  Oddly, as it left much to be desired, it left me dying to see the next one because the set-up looked like more of what I'm into regarding this story.  I love when Lois and Clark take-on cases together and do detective work.  I love when he is saving those around the city without anyone knowing who he is and doing all range of protective work.  I love the depictions of his everyday life and how that contrasts... how he struggles to make both lives work successfully, and is constantly adapting and growing because if his experiences.  That is what the second film looks like it'll be for us... I hope!

In conclusion, Superman was NOT so super this time.... and that was the fault of the actors.  Hello, screen-writers - get it together! Superman is still my favorite superhero, but this film left me wanting more.... I think the second film might give that to me.
*muah*

Song of the Day:  This is Eliza's current fave, and I pretty much love it too.  Here is Hot Chelle Rae with "Hung Up."  Love it - Enjoy!!!
 

Why I Cry...

I can say that I'm not emotional person, but that's a flat-out lie. I don't mean to lie, but when I say that it just comes out. Truth is, I'm VERY emotional. However, my emotional is not a crying fest. If yours is there is NO judgement here - it's probably a little bit sad that I have so much trouble crying in front of others. I mean, I should be able to show that form of emotion, but unless I'm on a stage or by myself... It's typically a dry faucet.

However...

 ... There are moments I let the water-works loose. Why, you ask? Well, there are a few categories and one major one is film. If there is a moment in film that really moves me, I will often let it rain. It IS usually in a dark theater, so... Haha!

Here is the recent explanation for my outward display of emotion - three times, each time. Did that not make sense? It's about to. On Christmas Day I went with my family to see the film version of the musical Les Miserables.  A few days later I went with my friend, Amber, to see the movie again.  The following Monday for FHE, I went yet again to see this amazing film.  Yep, I went three times in two weeks.  Haha!  I regret nothing.

I know there were imperfections.  I know that Russell Crowe was NOT up to par for this film - not his voice, nor his acting in all reality.  I know that some people really hated all the up-close action - and though I didn't love it all the time, I did appreciate the emotions evoked from some of those shots and the way you could see the work behind the actors.  I know that usually you want acting to look natural, and I did feel like a lot of it was natural (well, as natural as you can be when singing your daily dialogue - haha!).  However, I appreciated that there was emotional effort so often put forth from the actors, and that we could really see that in them.

So, there were imperfections, I truly loved Les Mis.  For me, it was the therapeutic outlet I needed in my life after recent events.  What events you might ask?  Well, I was debating if I should put it in the open or not, but I decided that not only will this be a further form of therapy, but it might help someone else who falls into a similar situation in ANY way.

A few months ago I started "dating" a boy who I met at church after he got up and bore his testimony.  He was cute, sweet-talkin', and into a lot of the same things as I am... Or, so he said he was.  We began as friends for a few weeks and spent time getting to know one another just as friends.  After a short time, we began "dating" for about a month and a half - I put it into quotations because we both SAID we were dating, and we were going out on dates, but that was 100% not his intention.  After about a month and a half of dating he had borrowed a LOT of stuff from me and was really avoiding giving things back to me.  Also, he was showing some interesting colors.  He hit on another girl in front of me.  He took off and left me in a club after I cooked him dinner.  He wasn't into taking pictures with me or ANYONE (you can hate pictures, but this was weird).  His stories began to have inconsistencies   He said his wallet was stolen, and after I got him a new one in Nicaragua, he was suddenly using the old one again...  Don't think I didn't call him out on all of these things either.  We fought enough to the point that I was prepared to break up with him, but just wanted my stuff back first.

In honesty, looking back he was saying and doing shady things from the BEGINNING.  I should have had two eyes open, but I didn't.

Really, what it comes down to is I felt off.  I felt off from the beginning.  I knew right away that something was off and I felt no peace in being with him.  Why did I continue on?  Well, I felt like I must have been having trust issues or just be being scared.  Honest to goodness - I have NEVER had trust issues or been scared in a relationship.  Nope, never.  However, here I was second guessing myself constantly.  I can finally say I know what a "stupor-of-thought" feels like and what a "Martin Harris" moment is like... No disrespect to him, but it's a good way to describe this situation.

Anyway, getting to the brunt of this tale, this boy was not who I thought he was in the least.  His name is Cory Kellogg.  Yep, I'm writing his name in here - you can click on the name for a picture too.  I do it not to be malicious  but to warn any other girl who come into contact with him that he has some serious issues and is not a good person.  I know people can change, but hear me out.  Cory (who had given me a different spelling to his name, by the way) is a convicted felon MANY times over with a history of forgery and theft.  He creates "alternate identities" and "forged stories" to gain respect, trust, and establish relationships with people.  His main targets are girlfriends and family members, but it doesn't end there.  He goes after many people.  He had created an ENTIRELY different identity with me and my friends... He doesn't go to BYU; doesn't play basketball.  He didn't serve the mission he said he did...  He doesn't work in marketing and is not traveling when he says he is (Mr. can't leave the state).  He is a COMPLETELY different person than who he said he was originally...

I saw the signs.  I didn't listen.  It's like Taylor Swift's new song, "I Knew You Were Trouble."  I knew... and I ignored.


Now, how does this all tie into Les Miserables.  Well, that movie is what has truly helped to lock in the healing process.  When I found out everything about Cory, how he had fully lied to me and stolen money and things from me... I was angry.  I'm talking so livid I was shaking and in literal defined shock.  I walked into a room and knelt down right away and just prayed... Prayed for the power to forgive.  I prayed for the ability to move on and know what to do in this situation.  I prayed for comfort and feelings of love.  Those feelings came immediately, but it had been hard at time to keep them in my heart.  I feel like just in the past few weeks  I've started to let go of all that anger because I'm talking openly about how I felt/feel.  Sometimes putting on a happy face is genuinely not the best avenue to take... talk about things openly.

Les Mis - promised I'd get there! Les Miserables is all about love and forgiveness.  It's all about moving forward in life and realizing what "side" you're on in life.  In the final scene, Jean Valjean tells Cosette the truth about his past through a letter and says he never really learned forgiveness and love till she was in his life.  You see the priest in the end still carrying such a place in Valjean's life because he forgave Valjean for stealing his silver and let him know God would forgive all his other sins.  This movie/story is all about forgiveness, redemption, and standing up for what's right.  In the very final moments of the film you see all those who have passed on at the barricade.  They talk about the power in coming into the "light" and being on the side of the Lord in the end - it has a veiled message of worrying about yourself and letting go of others choices...

Do you hear the people sing?
Lost in the valley of the night
It is the music of a people who are climbing to the light 
For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies
Even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise 

They will live again in freedom in the garden of the lord 
They will walk behind the plough-share
They will put away the sword
The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward!

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring when tomorrow comes!

I don't know what it was, but when I heard them talk about the darkest night ending, I realized that the feelings I was having because of Cory would fade and end.  Truth is, they have now - I'm completely free.  When they talked about all men having their own reward I thought of the choices I am making in my life and how I can improve - how can I gain the reward I desire and be on the side of the Lord in the end?  I thought about the world I long to see that's past the insignificant crap I was feeling because of current situations and the promise of a bright future when tomorrow is here - meaning, not just the next life, but the next situations in my life now.  I can't fully explain it, but I just felt free.  I felt relief and compassion.  I felt forgiveness in my heart and a realization that I had learned new things about myself and life from this experience - in some ways, it was a blessing in disguise.

I know that forgiveness can be hard - really hard - but we can receive great blessings and relief in our life as we just let go of things and as we forgive others.  I know that we are blessed in our forgiveness.  Grudges are like splinters that stay under your skin and fester - they only hurt you more and more.  Let go and move on.... and love.

"To love another person is to see the face of God."

I'm thankful for the film version of Les Mis - really, I am.  For whatever reason, this adaptation struck me differently than the story has before.  I've seen the musical twice and listened to the CD recordings over 200 times in my life.  I even sang some of the songs for competitions or recitals in High School - it wasn't as cliche then, promise.  I have always loved Les Mis, but this time things struck me differently.  This time, I was healed from the words and music.

And so, I cry... and I'm oddly okay with tears.
*muah*

Song of the Day:  DUH.  Here is the finale sequence of Les Mis's finale with the 10th Anniversary Cast.  Enjoy!!!

CUTE BLOG = CASH

"I'm sorry that people are so jealous of my blog... but I can't help it that it's so popular..."

 Okay, okay - that's not the EXACT quote.  I changed it up a bit... My friends and I quote Mean Girls WAY too much.  Well, CAN you quote Mean Girls too much?  Perhaps not.

Point is, I'm entering a contest called "Rate My Blog" from thecutestblogontheblock.com and I'm pretty sure mine is the cutest blog on the blog... Thus, I thought I'd humbly say so right off the bat.  I mean, I'd be stoked to win because - CUTE BLOG=CASH.  Yep... and I could definitely use some more of that for my last semester of Grad School.

Anyway, I'll be putting the link up shortly to vote if I "make the cut."  For now... just enjoy sifting through the most recent entries and the AMAZING song below!
*muah*

Song of the Day: Here is Colton Dixon's single "You Are."  LOVE this! Enjoy!

WICKED

So, the other weekend my friend Spencer had the brilliant idea to try and win the Wicked lottery.  If you don't know what the Wicked lottery, let me clear it up for you.  It is not an extremely evil gambling system... On the contrary, it is nothing but pure goodness.

One of my favorite musicals, Wicked, is currently on tour here in SLC for July-August at the Capitol Theater.  The lottery system allows us less financially inclined individuals to try and "win" two tickets to see the musical for $25 each.  You head to the theater 2 1/2 hours before show-time and enter your name (free to enter) into a drawing that takes place exactly 2 hours before show-time.  They usually pull around 10 names (20 tickets), but it depends on the number of access tickets they have for any given show.  If you win (which is often a long-shot with how many names are typically in the bowl), you have to pay right there in cash and you get the two tickets for ridiculously cheap!  It's a fairly incredible opportunity if you win... and I did just that - I won!

 We put out names into the Saturday morning lottery and my name was the second name they pulled!  I could hardly believe it... I screamed.  I ran to the front.  I gave a "mini-speech" to the crowd ("I've never won anything before!  Sorry I yelled - I'm just so excited!  Good luck, everyone - good luck!").  I walked through the doors.  I bought two third row tickets to Wicked.  Two hours later, Amber and I walked into the theater and saw an AMAZING production of one of my favorite musicals.

Now did you catch that I said this was Spencer's idea and yet I entered the theater with Amber?  Yea.  There were four of us going for tickets and the luck took a break for our group after my name was called.  However, the luck did return... a few hours later, in fact, when Amber's name was called for the evening show and Spencer and Mark were able to get into the 8pm show.  Yea... It was awesome - REALLY awesome.

Moral of the story: Sometimes, gambling your time can be quite well worth it.

*muah*

Song of the Day: My friend Darell posted this video of a mash-up of "Bust Your Windows/Why You Don't You Love Me."  It's a fabulous cover by Scott Hoying (from Pentatonix) and Rozzi Crane (AMAZING voice)... Enjoy!

Sports. I Love Them.

I adore the Olympics.  Every two years when  those two-three weeks in winter or summer come around, I am ecstatic, and more than willing to spend evenings in watching my favorite events and/or athletes.  I love sports and healthy competition - it makes me really happy.  Most people know how mush I genuinely love sports.  Another thing I love?  London.  There's not secret there.  Haha!

So needless to say, I have been enjoying these past two weeks immensely.  I watch for the medal count each night, hoping beyond anything that we're beating China and that Great Britain is also doing well.  This year, I reel in catching a view of the Eye or Tower Bridge, all lit up at night.  I re-watch moments from the Opening Ceremony each year.  I Tivo events I'm passionate about (gymnastics, volleyball, and swimming in summer), and look up information on athletes.  I cry at way too many of those "P&G: sponsors of moms" commercials, or when certain athletes win their gold medals... and when they play the National Anthem.  I turn into the untypical softie.  It's a pretty great few weeks...

See, how can you not tear-up after that... OR, how could you not choke back emotion after seeing Aston Eaton's mom bawling and saying, "I knew you could do it!  I believed in you."  So sweet.  Haha!  I'm 100% sincere... I get emotional a lot during the Olympics.

Now, football season (which I am also VERY passionate about), I don't get so outwardly emotional.  I mean, I have plenty of emotion (elated happiness over an epic win to fiery rage over a dramatic loss), but it's different.  I would never cry over football - haha!  So, speaking of football... Tonight was a won for the Eagles and a won for the Chargers.  Thus, I am a VERY happy girl.

Pretty much, sports have a great ability to make me happy... and I just felt like I should write about it.

*muah*

Song of the Day: Like most Maroon 5 songs, it's a bit sultry, but I adore them and love their newest single.  However, the music video was NOT what I expected... It's great, but different.  Here's Maroon 5 with "One More Night."  Enjoy!

Tuesday Ten: April Showers Bring... Blog Entries.

I feel like Tuesday has just crept on me these past two weeks... I like doing the Tuesday Ten's, but life is a bit crazy right now with school-work, nannying, and an involved church calling. This week, however, I have things listed above in the browser already, so I'm ready to go... I guess that's every week. I'm just sayin' that I'm doin' it - haha!

1 - Dry Humor Magician meets a Kid.... Awesomeness ensues.

2 - Hunger Games Quotes Fridge Word Strips! Love these - want these.

3 - Mario Winans "I Don't Wanna Know" REGGAE mix! I liked this song before... Love it now.

4 - The Pass of All Passes (POAP)! My bestie, Sam, got one last year and I regretted not getting one too! It's legit. You can go to certain Real, Blaze, and Bees games, go to either Seven Peaks or Trafalgars, go to the aviary or raceway, and even ice skate. You get more than you pay for if you use it only a few times... cause it's only $30! I'm down!

5 - Colton Dixon! He's a contestant on American Idol and I LOVE his music... However, even more than that. I love his passion for his faith. He's not afraid to stand up for what he believes in most. About his outward faith he states, "...it is a part of me and I want to share it—no matter what, good or bad outcome. It is me." I like him a lot - and the article below! http://celebs.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981214876

 6 - Salt & Vinegar Chips. I use to hate them, now...

7 - Fashion Star. What a cool show concept! I never would have thought to give it serious thought to watch, but it was on after The Voice, so I just watched it... LOVE the idea that I can buy the clothes right away if I wanted to... So cool! Plus, not all the clothes suck... Score.

8 - David Archuleta spotted during General Conference. Well, Conference in general was a highlight and favorite of my week, but that will get it's own entry... It was that good.

9 - Unscripted interview with Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Elizabeth Banks - Hunger Games and Hanson themes are present and thus, I am in love... It's a great "non-interview interview."

Unscripted - The Hunger Games - Complete Interview

10 - David Archuleta's "Forevermore." Here's his most recent music video... Love the sound and the song - I hope it's successful at least on soft rock stations - Haha!

*muah*

The Ravenous Match

I'm in love with The Hunger Games trilogy. 

Oh, wait. You didn't know that?  Hm... Ravenous

We obviously aren't close friends... or facebook friends... or you've never read this blog before... who are you?

Well, in case you DIDN'T know, I'm in love with The Hunger Games trilogy.  Therefore, when my good friend, Spencer, asked if I wanted to go see the first film a few hours before premier time I pretty much all but jumped out of my seat, screaming yes into the phone.  Well, I might have done that, actually... Yep.  I did.

Last Thursday, I geared up after my English Methods class and got my junior mints and honey wheat pretzels (no Diet Coke - I know... I've only had ONE in the whole month of March!  Be proud.) and showed up early enough to get pictures with the movie poster - a legit and necessary tradition - and be there for the drawings (at least Tanner won something).  It was just such a FUN atmosphere.  Everyone was SO excited and you could feel the excitement in the theater. Check out the pictures of me and my friend, Megan, sporting a Katniss-like braid and me in my Katniss's song shirt!  Haha...

After the film, I was reeling.  I really love discussing a film right after I've watched it, and greatly anticipated films I want to talk about even more.  So, as soon as I hopped in the car I was analyzing pieces of the script, creative approach to elements of the set and costumes, each actors portrayal of their character, and the themes of the story.  It enveloped my mind for the next few days and was only sated by my need to do school work and have a successful social life.  Haha!  I finally saw the movie for the second time this past Friday (helping my mom's school with the middle school reward party at Thanksgiving Point cinema) and it was interesting to be able to watch more analytically... well, other than having to listen to the "peanut gallery commentary" coming from about 200 students.  Haha!  That was an experience within itself.

SLIGHT Spoilers Below - You've been warned:

Anyway, for a book to film adaptation it was really strong and well-done.  I know there were pieces I might have liked to see more developed (i.e. Katniss and Peeta's convo about what was going to happen now that they were back and what was expected of them), but I felt they did a good job of picking and choosing what would make the story cohesive for ALL audience members - not only those who have read the books.  I know that some details were slightly changed (i.e. costume colors or designs), but I felt like they did what worked for "Hollywood" and on-camera without taking away of adding too much to the original story.  It was probably the best book to film adaptation I have seen in a LONG time... 

I know they worked really closely with Suzanne Collins (the writer) on the film script, so that's probably why it was so close.  Yes, J.K. Rowling worked on the HP movie scripts, but from my understanding, not as closely or regularly.  I love how involved Collins was in this process, because I think that's what made the huge difference.  It's also great how the actors are all so passionate about the story and the themes... I felt that showed in the acting. I was a BIT worried about their choice for Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) in that his look was different from what I expected, but I knew before he was a good actor and had faith he could pull it off - which, he did in my opinion.  Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) did a great job as well!  I didn't know she was nominated for an Academy Award in the past though for Winter's Bone... I missed that one.

Moral of this tale?  I loved the first movie.  I love the books, and love the first movie... I'm excited to watch the story grow through the next films as well.  Oh - and to read the books again this summer.  Haha!  No, but really...

Yep.  I love The Hunger Games.  

*muah*

Sidenote: I can not read any more reviews of this movie... It tends to happen the author of these reviews, or the comments below are by people who have not read the book and therefore are missing the point... it's rather frustrating. You don't have to read the book first, but don't expect the same power behind the message. Sometimes the messages developed more throughout the trilogy and not only in the first book. Had to get that out there...

Song of the Day:  Since I'm so Hunger Games happy, I've been listening to the soundtrack in my car (really great!) this past week.  I fell in love with a few songs and am sure I'll post a few this week.  The first is Taylor Swift's second song on the album, "Eyes Open."  It's a GREAT running song, let me tell ya!  Haha... Enjoy!

Tuesday Ten: Here We Go Again!

These are a fw of my favorite things!!!

You sang that, didn't you?

Yep.  I thought so.

Here is this week's Tuesday Ten.... :)

1 - Tron Inspired Light Suit Dance.


2 - Glitter Nail Polish.  It's almost/kinda/maybe sandal and flip-flop weather and I LOVE my pink glitter toes and nails... They just make me a little extra happy when I look at them!

3 - Gotye's song, featuring Kimbra, "Somebody That I Use to Know," and the really amazing video.  Check it:


4 -  This quote:

I believe this.  You may not.  That's okay.  For the video of this quote (I wanted to make sure that Obama had actually said it) then watch this video (link below).  The whole clip is actually quite good in my opinion...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOwzy-vKaFI

5 - I have nothing on Baby Jamie and his mad Table Tennis skills...


6 -  My Inhaler!  I used it for the first time last night and I could RUN.  I mean, my shins were killing me at the end, but I felt no pressure in my chest when on a treadmill!  I've never breathed like that... never.  When I was nine I remember having issues with breathing when working out... I feel like a whole new person, which is why I love my inhaler.

7 - Upliftothers.com - I love this site and the message it gives about handling tough things in life and holding onto hope and faith.  There's a video on there called, "Why Life Matters," that I adore:


8 -Basketball Shorts... Oh, how I LOVE basketball shorts to lounge around in..... a lot.

9 - Bon Qui Qui's "I'm a Cut You!"  Hahaha - This is hilarious!  I actually love Anjelah Johnson in general!  Haha... She is SO funny - look up her video "Nail Salon" for a stand-up routine of awesomeness, actually....


10 - "Nail Salon" by Anjelah Johnson!  OH, so funny.... I love it.  I've watched it about four times... in a day.

*muah*

Tuesday Ten: Another Wonderous Week!

This week was a crazy one with my computer to the point where mad Trojans attacked it and it was in major need of being FRIED.  Thus, I come to you from virtually a brand-new feeling computer.  Haha!  It's back to having NOTHING on it and being free of any virus - thank goodness...

Now, with that info behind us, I bring you the Tuesday Ten for this week!

1 - Mick & Sugar -En Krije Sil Ik Dy! Haha... Yes, it's what you are thinking. I bring you "You're The One That I Want" from Grease in Dutch! Hahaha... No, I'm not crazy. This video is a bit famous over there and quite HILARIOUS, but also, by a Struiksma!!! I love my family.


2 -  New Boots!!!!  I got these boots ysterday for $15 at JCPenny's on clearance and was SO excited about it!!! I've been looking for cheap priced, well-made, brown, mid-high boots and finally found them today.  I am VERY pleased with my purchase!


3 -  Olivia Binfield and her poetry!  This little girl is AMAZING!  She has a unique passion for animals and wants to help save endangered species, partially through the use of her poetry.  Watch her audition (really starts at 2 minutes in!) on Britain's Got Talent and how incredible she is because it is worth your time!  It is the cutest thing, funny, and SO creative!


4 - Sheryl Garner.  I love this video of an urban school teacher talking about the importance of friends, family, education, and being LDS.  I'd like to think I've got a little of her zest for life, teaching, and the gospel as well.  It's fabulous!  Go to mormon.org to find out more about what Sheryl and I believe!


5 - England.  I know, I know... this is an obvious one.  However, this week I was/am REALLY missing it!  I miss how many amazing places are close by and how many things there are to do in England alone.  I miss the theaters and London in general.  I miss the culture, the people, the cheap baguettes, the red buses and phone booths.  I miss the amazing museums and the history there... I really wouldn't mind moving back someday. 

6 -This Means War.  I went and saw this movie with my friends, Amy and Andrea yesterday and LOVED it!  I know that there are a few parts where some friends might be offended by topics for a very, very brief moment, but overall, the film was funny, cute, and action packed in many ways.  I loved it! :)  Plus, it has Reese Witherspoon (whom I love!) and two ridiculously good looking men - Chris Pine and Tom Hardy... Yes, please.

7 - "Anywhere Anything" by Gabe Bondoc. I found this guy a few months back thanks to a friend's facebook page - haha! This is on of his original songs and I think it's great... I would buy his album and play it regularly in my car. He's 100% my style!


8 - Netflix.  I know that I'm behind the times, but these past few weeks I've had it, I've grown slightly obsessed.  I can watch many of my American shows AND British shows - what an amazing invention!

9 - Two AMAZING Dancing Kids!  These children are incredible dancers/acrobats (from Russia's Got Talent, I think?) and I was memorized watching them.  Believe me, you'll want to see this video!


10 - "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars.  I love this song, and not because it's from The Hunger Games movie soundtrack... though that's a plus.  Haha!  I love this song and it's so overwhelmingly my style right now.  I'm in the "winter-curl-up-under-a-blanket" mood.... :)

*muah*

"Tuesday Ten" - Keeps the Bored Busy!

This week there are probably going to be too many videos for some of you... Others will love that.  I simply know that some of my readers are NOT YouTube watching fans... bizarre, right?  Haha!  All the same, each video comes HIGHLY recommended.

1 - Home - Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros Acoustic Cover (Jorge & Alexa Narvaez). I am overwhelmed with cuteness after watching this!  This dad is awesome - He doesn't try to correct her movements, notes, performance, etc. in any of their videos.... SUCH a cool bond!  I wanna end up with a man who makes time for his kids like this and realizes how much it means to a child.  Favorite part is halfway through: "One day I'm gonna whistle?" Oh my word... too adorable.


2 -Every Newsie Shufflin'!  Do you love The Newsies?  Do you love "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO?  If you said yes to both (or one) of those questions, you will like love this...


3 - Messy Monday: Ten Ways To Get a Girl to Like You.  I KNOW that this guy kinda appears to be yelling at you, and is a bit young, but I kinda love this video.  He gives legit advice for the most part, and I love his candy bar analogy at #3.... and think #5 is really funny.  Just watch... Some will hate it.  Some will love it.


4 - Katy Perry's Epic Flute Fail.  I died because this is THAT funny... Okay, it is to me.


5 -Misha B - Rolling in the Deep Cover from X Factor UK 2011... I saw this a few weeks back and love EVERY part of it!  I love the remix, the outfit, the giant Great Britain flag chair, the dancers, the lighting... I love it ALL!  Is she not AMAZING?!  I'm so sad she didn't win.  You have to click on the title to watch it because it doesn't have an embedding code, but the two minutes are SO worth it! 

6 - German Man Confused by "Party Pooper!"  I thought this was hilarious... Pretty classic.  My favorite: "Jennifer poops at parties, and peoples knows this?  I poop at parties, but peoples don't know because I close the door."


7- Angry Birds in Real Life... Do you like pigeons?  What about Angry Birds?  If you said no to Angry Birds, you're crazy - even I love that game.  The 17 second video below makes me smile every time - love it...


8 - Footloose 2011: Official Dance Tutorial - Fake ID Line Dance!  I love online dance tutorials - how awesome is it that I can learn to dance from some awesome guys online?!  Love that... I also love this dance! You should learn it too... now we HAVE to go line dancing so that we can use it, right?!


9 - "Coming Soon" Movie Releases... There are quite a few films in February that I am dying to see.  Some of these are the following:  The Vow, The Woman in Black, This Means War, The Lorax, John Carter, Mirror Mirror (I think I'm excited..), and... Hunger Games! Haha... I'm also excited about Act of Valor and Safe House, but they'll have to wait for a bit until I can get a differently rated version.

10 - The Hunger Games Trailer!!! So, sue me.  I'm obsessed with the books and am already getting stoked for a movie that comes out two months from yesterday.  Haha!  If you have not yet read The Hunger Games series, they are WELL worth your attention.  Get on that... and though a very good friend of mine has reseved me a ticket for the day before the film is released, I will gladly go and see it with you again.  Haha!  No, but really...

*muah*

"Tuesday Ten"... Or Eleven!

The year of 2011 was a completely fabulous one for me.  I don't think that I realized how fabulous it really was until I took the time yesterday and today to look back and ponder on the experiences I had, life changes I took, and friends that I made.  I am one blessed woman, and I need to show my thanks a great deal more!  Haha... No, but really - I am a lucky girl.

Just to give y'all a taste of my life this past year, here are the top ten eleven highlights of this past year for today's "Tuesday Ten... Eleven."  Here goes:

1 - My trip to Seattle!  The first thing that I did when I came back from Germany was fly up to Seattle to visit my brother (Derek) and sister-in-law.  Derek has been one of my best friends for 26 years and counting, and Cami has joined the ranks fairly quickly.  I know that once I got back I would want to see them right away, and even better, I was going to get to see a brand new city and state!  They took me all around Seattle and just spent time visiting with me - I could not ask for better siblings/through-marriage-siblings...?  Haha!  They are amazing and we always spend the majority of our time laughing and having a good time.  Love it!

2 - Working the Sundance Film Festival!  Not only was this a down-right awesome experience for the resume, but I also got to see a ton of inspiring, inventive, and even bizarre films that I might not have seen otherwise.  Plus, I got to work the event and stay with one of my best friends, Chad, and make a new friend at the same time, Emily.  I also ran into my friend, Jessica, from Paris while I was there!  Small world... Even though I was a bit sick through part of it, I had a great time, learned a lot about the indie film industry, and formed some stronger friendships.  I hope to do it again later this month, but I'm thinking time with work and Grad School are not going to allow it.  We'll see!

3 - Finally attending Festival of Colors!  I know this seems a minimal and weird highlight, but I've always wanted to go and so finally going was a highlight from this past year.  It also was a kick-off to tackling a few things on my bucket list and that has been a whole other set of adventures...

4 - Becoming a Nanny for Eliza!  I become a nanny for a second time in May and it has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.  Not only has the job aspect fit perfectly into my life and school schedule, but I also found a fantastic family to be a part of each week.  I work the perfect amount of time and spend my days with the best little girl ever!  She is well-behaved, kind, intelligent, hilariously adorable, and has amazing parents that I really gel with in all aspects.  I can talk to the family about anything job-wise or in my personal life and I truly feel as though I have made friends in this family.  I am SO blessed and grateful that I will continue to have this job through at least this next year.  Love it!

5 - Stadium of Fire 2011!  This year I was again given the opportunity to be a part of Stadium of Fire as an Assisstant Stage Manager, and took on some extra responsibility as the Special Talent Coordinator.  It was a good chance to do some additional networking, learn more about SoF and the event process, and allowed me to meet some new people/form stronger bonds with some old acquaintances.  Plus, Brad Paisley and David Archuleta were the entrainment, which was awesome!  I'm not a huge Paisley fan, but we all know my love for little Archuleta...(Sidenote:  He announced he's going on a mission!  AH!  So stoked.) 

6 - Summer 2011.  I realize how broad that is, but this past summer was simply one of the best I have ever had!  In March, I become part of a new YSA ward and just grew to quickly love so many different individuals.  Over the summer I spent time with many of them going to drive-ins, rodeos, Bees and Real games, swimming pools, pudding slip-n-slids, concerts, favorite restaurants, movies, Brighton sleepovers, etc.  I had a LOT of fun!  There are a few pictures below to help re-capture the memories... I don't think I've ever had a better summer.  For real.

7 - Harry Potter 7: Part II -- A piece of childhood ended!  Speaking of summer, this July brought the conclusion to an epic fantasy for many young adults my age that grew up reading the Harry Potter series.  We were thrilled to follow Ron. Hermione, and Harry on one last adventure to defeat Lord Voldemort, destroy the horcruxes, and see kids turn into adults.  Haha!  That was dramatic in description, but truth be told, I'm dramatic - surprise.  Haha!  I love Harry Potter and everything the series teaches readers and viewers - the "ending to the era," though hard to face, was a complete highlight for my summer.

8 - CONCERTS!!!  Another highlight of my summer (and fall) was the amount of amazing and/or just downright fun concerts I was able to attend.  I saw Parachute (aka: Sparky's Flaw) live for the first time in years, Vocal Point (Okay, that was in March, but still...), Andrew Allen, He Is We, Jon Schmidt (again), Brad Paisley, David Archuleta (again - haha!), Explosion in the Sky, Lupe Fiasco, Sara Bareilles (FINALLY!), Sugarland, Cameron Rafati, Jason Derulo, and HANSON (Be Still My Heart - ABOUT TIME!).  Hanson alone might have been the highlight to my year - amazing.  It was a good year in music for me...

9 - Starting Grad School at Westminster!  I made the random choice to start applying to Grad Schools with a focus in Education after subbing for the first few months back and finding no luck in the job world.  I think if I was suppose to be just working right now one of the MANY jobs I applied for would have panned out nicely, but instead I was constantly forced back into the classroom so I could get a pay-check and make ends meet.  I then realized how much I loved teaching and kids and could still follow other dreams and passions at the same time as teaching.  However, a teaching degree would allow me a more solidified path.  I checked out numerous schools, but I randomly emailed Westminster on a whim suggestion from my mother and it CLICKED.  I sent an email for more info and an hour later received a phone call asking to set up a time for me to come look at campus.

I was skeptical - REALLY skeptical - but it was just RIGHT from the first meeting and on.  I started the application process in the office that day, finished within the week, and was accepted the following week.  It all fell into place and I knew it was were I needed to be and, for now, was what I needed to be doing in my life.  I have GREAT teachers, the BEST co-hort ever, and really love studying education.  I'm excited to be a teacher and I already see where change is needed... and am debating getting a PhD so I can go into Educational Policy and Reform.  Me.  A PhD.  Maybe not, but before... I would never even have considered the notion.  

10 - The birth of little Zoey Capri! On October 31st, my beautiful niece came into this world.  I was ecstatic.  Then, on December 20th I finally got to meet her and hold her in my arms for the first time... She is AMAZING.  She is my favorite little girl in the entire universe and I can not wait until she's old enough to call her "crazy aunt Linze" for school or boy advice...  I can not wait to see her again and I only wished she were closer by me (her and her parents, actually!).  I love her so much and her birth was a huge highlight in my year and my life.

11 - Weddings!  I had a few of my really good friends get married (and one getting married this Friday that we've been planning for this past year) this past year and it was SO neat to either be at their weddings, bridal events, or just visit with them about the whole thing.  I am SO happy for all of them - Brandon, Jeannette, Sarah, Sam, and Kay.  I'm glad I could in some way or another be a part of your lives and this special event for you!  (More pictures of some of these are to come!!!)

Year of 2011, you were great to me!  Now, I can hardly wait to see what 2012 has in store for me... Only time will tell! :)

*muah*

Sidenote:  I had terrible stomach flu on New Year's Eve and was OUT!  I didn't hear fireworks, yelling, or banging on pots and pans... nada.  It was a pretty nasty two days of vacay.  So, I also failed to recall what the first song of the year I heard was - a usual tradition...  oh well!  Next year?  Haha...

Song of the Day:  I'm gonna go with a little blast from the past... well, two years ago in the past.  Haha!  Here is a constant favorite, always-feels-good-to-hear-you song from Iyaz - "Replay."  Enjoy and reply it... get it?!  Haha... okay, just enjoy.

"Tuesday Ten" - Back Again!

I told you this was going to become a tradition!  You doubted, didn't you?  Yep - shame on you.  I am ACTUALLY going to commit to writing each Tuesday... for at least two weeks in a row.  Hopefully it'll be past that!  Okay, here we go:

1. Toast.  I know that seems simple, and it is!  I just realized this past week how much I really love toast... White, wheat, or a mix from Great Harvest with a little butter and cinnamon sugar - and sometimes, bananas!  It's my comfort food (that and mashed potatoes), and makes me smile just a little bit with each delectable bite.

2. Clementines.  I am obsessed.  I'm eating them by the bucket load lately to avoid eating too many Christmas cookies and European treats from the parentals.  I prefer them with no seeds, but beggars can't be choosers, eh?  Okay - I can, and so I do choose no seeds.

3. Last week I posted a video by Vocal Point with the lead singer being Ryan Innes.  This week, HE is on my favorites list.  His voice is like the butter and sugar to my toast... Haha!  I just really like him - check it.  Here he is singing one of my favorite songs "Colors" (orig. by Amos Lee):


4.The Amazing Rapping Baby.... just wait till he can talk!  If my kid can do this at 2 years old, I'll feel pretty fulfilled as a parent.  Haha - you think I'm kidding. Also, this boy is ADORABLE!


5. Lights.  I love lamp...s.  I love lamps, spotlights, nightlights, black-lights, strobe-lights, flashlights, Christmas lights... so this time of the year it pretty much one of my favorites.  Perhaps it's the hopeless romantic beneath the surface, but I can't explain it other than I love light.  Observe - Check the picture of the Tunnel of Lights in Japan (Nagano Hotel).

(So amazing... How can you not love that?!)

6. I am in love with the following quote:

I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder. 

- Emma Watson

7.   Jimmy Fallon's "Thank You Notes."  I could even just say a favorite is Jimmy Fallon himself, but this week I'll stick to the "Thank You Notes."  If you do NOT know what I'm talk about, check the clip below.  If you DO know what I'm talking about, you've already watched the clip below.


8. I am in love with the show Modern Family.  However, more than that, I am in love with the characters from Modern Family - Cam and Mitchel.  Oh my word - they're my favorites.  Check out a little of their amazingness below!  (Sidenote:  I just got Season Two in the mail - my love was just reaffirmed.)


9. Scarves.  They dress-up any outfit, keep you warm, and make you look even cuter!  I happen to know that my mom spent my Christmas gift money in London- buying me eight or nine new scarves... not kidding and NOT ashamed.  I'm counting down the days till they're mine.

(I like this chart because it shows you the different ways to wear them...)

AND...
10. Take a look below:

I am SO excited to see two of my best friends (Derek & Cami - my brother and sister-in-law) on Tuesday night, and my new niece - Zoey! I am so gonna spoil her like every auntie should...

This is me and Cami - gangsta fo' life! Or, till we give away the jackets...

Here I am with Derek - back in my junior year at BYU, while platinum blond... Oh, the choices we make. Haha! He's been my bestie for 26 years and counting! 

*muah*