Let me tell you about my day.
I woke up in a lot of pain from the grade 3 sprained ankle I sustained a week and a half ago. My ankle is still bruised and swollen and I think I did a number on it last night during my sleep. I can't put weight on it yet because of the severity of the sprain so I've been on crutches for 11 days now. My underarms are sore, my right leg is achy because of the toll it's taken being my only useful leg right now, and I'm getting cramps in my left leg from not using it for almost two weeks.
That was only the beginning.
As I hobbled into work today the lobby of my office building was slightly slippery and as I attempted to put weight on my crutches they slipped right out beneath me and I fell to the ground. My rear took the brunt of the fall although I really hurt my left thumb. It's bruising and been sore all day.
As if that weren't enough, around 3 pm today I got a migraine. Fireworks of pain shot through my brain and it was all I could do not to burst out in tears.
So that was my day.
I don't write to complain at all. I'm not one to ever want anyone to feel sorry for me. I'm a strong woman and independent and I can get through this. I know I can. I've been in worse pain before. But as I laid on my back in my office with my ankle propped up on a medicine ball to relieve the swelling in my ankle that had been growing all day, I got to thinking about pain. And it's purpose.
There are all different kinds of pain, but physical pain is something I feel I've been "blessed" with a lot on this earth. I'm not a hypochondriac at all, actually just the opposite, but I think that's because I learned about real pain from a young age. Crohn's Disease has been my friend since I was 8 years old resulting in times of writhing and indescribable pain that can't really be explained. Hours that I spent crumbled on my bedroom floor begging for relief, days that I spent in hospital rooms asking for more morphine, times when I wonder why pain has found me. This time. Again.
But through all these experiences I've gained priceless perspective and understanding, things I don't think I'd trade even to get rid of the pain. I've learned just what the body is capable of enduring, how far it can be pushed, just what is possible when pain is the only thing I feel. It has made me stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate.
Most importantly, I have found gratitude in this mortal body of mine. That it can heal itself seamlessly, that it can make itself whole again. I look forward to the day when this mortal shall put on immortality and when bodily pain will forever cease. I look forward to the Resurrection with anticipation and excitement.
So for now I will continue on. There will be more days of pain in the future. I have yet to give birth to a child but I don't worry about the pain it will require. There will be more injuries that will have to be overcome. There will be sickness and disease that will surely be met at some point. And finally there will be the road to death however that may come.
But today I am grateful when the pain subsides. I'm grateful for little pills that help in that process. I'm grateful for heat packs and ice packs. I'm grateful for crutches that keep me mobile. I'm grateful for sickness - that we can recognize health. And I'm grateful for pain because I know in the end that He knows what I'm going through because He suffered all.
When I come begging on my knees for help, He is always there.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
An Ode to Buzzfeed - 29 Movies in 2013
I wish I had the time or stamina to find gifs for each of these but here's Hannah's list of the 29 movies I saw in the theater this year. That's approximately $348 in movies. But who's counting.
In chronological order and ranked on a scale from 1 to 10.
1) Beautiful Creatures
5- It was a girl's night out in the dead of winter. All I can say is that it was better than Twilight.
2) Safe Haven
5- Not Nick Spark's best, not his worst.
3) Warm Bodies
8- For it being a ZomCom and me not usually into ZomCom's, this was refreshingly funny. Loved the narration and the writing. Made me lol once or twice.
4) Oz the Great and Powerful
2- Hated it. Will repeat. Hated it. James Franco is the new Nicholas Cage. Useless and uninteresting.
5) The Host
5- I was entertained for two hours but not inspired. I guess it reminded me too much of the show Animorphs that I watched when I was a little kid.
6) 42
7- Good movie but didn't rivet me. I can't complain about a good sports movie though. Predictable but inspiring.
7) Jurassic Park 3D
6- I mean, how could I not? I hadn't seen this one in about a decade and it scared me just about the same as then. I think I can go at least another decade before another viewing.
8-10) Fast and the Furious 6 (x3)
9- Okay. My beloved friend Katie got me hooked. Granted, I didn't pay for this one all three times out of my own pocket, Katie subsidized, but I'm glad she did. It was all worth it. Not quite my favorite action movie (nothing tops Daniel Craig's James Bond) but pretty dang good nonetheless. And sitting next to Katie is a must.
11) Now You See Me
5- Too many holes but I've become a pretty big fan of Woody Harrelson. I didn't mind being entertained by this movie for two hours.
12) Star Trek
8- I never mind watching Chris Pine. Never.
13) Great Gatsby
3- Didn't love it. There was so much hype around this movie and it just failed in my eyes. Not because it wasn't beautiful to watch or because Leo's performance wasn't top notch, I just realized I don't like the story line. So I guess it's not their fault I didn't like it.
14) Man of Steel
5- Mediocre, that's all. I wasn't captivated and I got realllly tired of the action scenes. They went on for just a tad too long in my opinion. Plus, I couldn't get over how Lois Lane magically appeared exactly where Superman finished fighting. Do they know how big New York City is? That's impossible.
15) White House Down
6- Before ya'll go and start judging me, let me remind you - Channing Tatum. CHANNING TATUM! In a white tank top. I also just need to note that I didn't initiate seeing this movie. My friend Chris was dying to see it (dying I say) so I tagged along to keep him company.
16-17) World War Z (x2)
10- The biggest surprise movie of the year. I loved this one. LOOVED! I was roped into going to a 10:30 pm showing on a Tuesday night (a school night mind you) and as I was sitting in the theater beforehand I exclaimed to Katie, "What am I doing? I'm 26 years old and I'm seeing a zombie movie on a weeknight and won't get home till 2 am!" It's all right because let me tell you, BRAD PITT HAS STILL GOT IT! That ponytail, that jaw, the zombies he just destroys. The emotion!
18) The Butler
Katie rented a theater for us and 20 friends to watch this one together. I really enjoyed the movie although I think the highlight was when my friend Lance exclaimed 2 hours into the movie "Is that Oprah?!?" Bless him.
19) The Wolverine
4- I don't remember much from this movie. That's not a good sign. I don't think it was bad though.
20-21) Gravity (x2)
10- Incredible. Who cares if it wasn't perfectly accurate? Come on guys! Can we not appreciate what they did accomplish? Sandra is incredible. George is refreshingly good and the take-aways are deep. I could talk about this one for hours. And don't get me started on how much I loved the ending.
22) Ender's Game
1- Worst movie I saw this year. I'm sorry if you liked it. I'm ever more sorry if you loved it. But this is the thing, I'v never read the book and I think that's the problem. I was so confused in this movie and not in a good way. The character development was poor, the acting not great. The kids went from shooting lasers at each other in a zero gravity room, to being responsible for the destiny of planets, all the in the space of a few minutes. I didn't get it.
23) Thor
7- If I wasn't a fan of Chris Hemsworth before, I am now.
24-25) Catching Fire (x2)
10- This movie delivered, just like the first. All my coworkers know this, but Katniss is my muse, and not just her, but Jennifer Lawrence in real life as well. And let's just talk about Peeta for a second, PEETA! I'm determined to be Mrs. Josh Hutcherson someday.
26) Delivery Man
6- It was snowing outside and I was tired of being cooped up inside. I'm now laughing that I have to justify myself for seeing this movie. It was decently good and I appreciated that Vince Vaughn did something a tad more worthwhile than normal.
27) The Book Thief
8- I don't need a happy ending to be satisfied with a movie. I can walk out of a movie with a sad ending and really appreciate it for what it's worth. But there was something about the sad ending to this movie that didn't quite leave me in the right spot. I think I needed just a little bit more goodness to feel like it redeemed itself from all the tragedy. That being said, the acting of all involved was spectacular.
28) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
8- From the second I saw the preview for Walter Mitty I was counting down the days till the premier...and although I really enjoyed it, I not sure I was in love with it. I didn't walk out of the theater bursting to the seams and desiring to tell everyone on Facebook about it. I really wanted it to be that good. That's not to say that it wasn't delightful. I loved the cinematography and I love Ben Stiller's more serious role, I guess I just wanted it to be my favorite movie of all time.
29) Saving Mr. Banks
9- Definitely a perfect way to top off the year. Now here's a movie that didn't give it all away in the trailer, and I appreciate that. It was emotional and jarring, I was surprised and also moved. Emma Thompson is one of my faves and she didn't disappoint. All I want to do now is build a fort in my living room and watch Mary Poppins.
In chronological order and ranked on a scale from 1 to 10.
1) Beautiful Creatures
5- It was a girl's night out in the dead of winter. All I can say is that it was better than Twilight.
2) Safe Haven
5- Not Nick Spark's best, not his worst.
3) Warm Bodies
8- For it being a ZomCom and me not usually into ZomCom's, this was refreshingly funny. Loved the narration and the writing. Made me lol once or twice.
4) Oz the Great and Powerful
2- Hated it. Will repeat. Hated it. James Franco is the new Nicholas Cage. Useless and uninteresting.
5) The Host
5- I was entertained for two hours but not inspired. I guess it reminded me too much of the show Animorphs that I watched when I was a little kid.
6) 42
7- Good movie but didn't rivet me. I can't complain about a good sports movie though. Predictable but inspiring.
7) Jurassic Park 3D
6- I mean, how could I not? I hadn't seen this one in about a decade and it scared me just about the same as then. I think I can go at least another decade before another viewing.
8-10) Fast and the Furious 6 (x3)
9- Okay. My beloved friend Katie got me hooked. Granted, I didn't pay for this one all three times out of my own pocket, Katie subsidized, but I'm glad she did. It was all worth it. Not quite my favorite action movie (nothing tops Daniel Craig's James Bond) but pretty dang good nonetheless. And sitting next to Katie is a must.
11) Now You See Me
5- Too many holes but I've become a pretty big fan of Woody Harrelson. I didn't mind being entertained by this movie for two hours.
12) Star Trek
8- I never mind watching Chris Pine. Never.
13) Great Gatsby
3- Didn't love it. There was so much hype around this movie and it just failed in my eyes. Not because it wasn't beautiful to watch or because Leo's performance wasn't top notch, I just realized I don't like the story line. So I guess it's not their fault I didn't like it.
14) Man of Steel
5- Mediocre, that's all. I wasn't captivated and I got realllly tired of the action scenes. They went on for just a tad too long in my opinion. Plus, I couldn't get over how Lois Lane magically appeared exactly where Superman finished fighting. Do they know how big New York City is? That's impossible.
15) White House Down
6- Before ya'll go and start judging me, let me remind you - Channing Tatum. CHANNING TATUM! In a white tank top. I also just need to note that I didn't initiate seeing this movie. My friend Chris was dying to see it (dying I say) so I tagged along to keep him company.
16-17) World War Z (x2)
10- The biggest surprise movie of the year. I loved this one. LOOVED! I was roped into going to a 10:30 pm showing on a Tuesday night (a school night mind you) and as I was sitting in the theater beforehand I exclaimed to Katie, "What am I doing? I'm 26 years old and I'm seeing a zombie movie on a weeknight and won't get home till 2 am!" It's all right because let me tell you, BRAD PITT HAS STILL GOT IT! That ponytail, that jaw, the zombies he just destroys. The emotion!
18) The Butler
Katie rented a theater for us and 20 friends to watch this one together. I really enjoyed the movie although I think the highlight was when my friend Lance exclaimed 2 hours into the movie "Is that Oprah?!?" Bless him.
19) The Wolverine
4- I don't remember much from this movie. That's not a good sign. I don't think it was bad though.
20-21) Gravity (x2)
10- Incredible. Who cares if it wasn't perfectly accurate? Come on guys! Can we not appreciate what they did accomplish? Sandra is incredible. George is refreshingly good and the take-aways are deep. I could talk about this one for hours. And don't get me started on how much I loved the ending.
22) Ender's Game
1- Worst movie I saw this year. I'm sorry if you liked it. I'm ever more sorry if you loved it. But this is the thing, I'v never read the book and I think that's the problem. I was so confused in this movie and not in a good way. The character development was poor, the acting not great. The kids went from shooting lasers at each other in a zero gravity room, to being responsible for the destiny of planets, all the in the space of a few minutes. I didn't get it.
23) Thor
7- If I wasn't a fan of Chris Hemsworth before, I am now.
24-25) Catching Fire (x2)
10- This movie delivered, just like the first. All my coworkers know this, but Katniss is my muse, and not just her, but Jennifer Lawrence in real life as well. And let's just talk about Peeta for a second, PEETA! I'm determined to be Mrs. Josh Hutcherson someday.
26) Delivery Man
6- It was snowing outside and I was tired of being cooped up inside. I'm now laughing that I have to justify myself for seeing this movie. It was decently good and I appreciated that Vince Vaughn did something a tad more worthwhile than normal.
27) The Book Thief
8- I don't need a happy ending to be satisfied with a movie. I can walk out of a movie with a sad ending and really appreciate it for what it's worth. But there was something about the sad ending to this movie that didn't quite leave me in the right spot. I think I needed just a little bit more goodness to feel like it redeemed itself from all the tragedy. That being said, the acting of all involved was spectacular.
28) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
8- From the second I saw the preview for Walter Mitty I was counting down the days till the premier...and although I really enjoyed it, I not sure I was in love with it. I didn't walk out of the theater bursting to the seams and desiring to tell everyone on Facebook about it. I really wanted it to be that good. That's not to say that it wasn't delightful. I loved the cinematography and I love Ben Stiller's more serious role, I guess I just wanted it to be my favorite movie of all time.
29) Saving Mr. Banks
9- Definitely a perfect way to top off the year. Now here's a movie that didn't give it all away in the trailer, and I appreciate that. It was emotional and jarring, I was surprised and also moved. Emma Thompson is one of my faves and she didn't disappoint. All I want to do now is build a fort in my living room and watch Mary Poppins.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Taking stock
Making: the best of year 27
Creating: homemade salad dressings
Drinking: so much water that coworkers are keeping track of bathroom visits. The clear skin and lost weight is worth 30 trips to the baño, right?
Reading: about the hard life that is living in Afghanistan as a woman
Wanting: a Navy blazer with gold buttons and elbow patches
Looking: for a new perfume that sticks on me
Playing: an inconvenient game of cat and mouse with a retched car dealership over a broken transmission
Wasting: time looking for a new tv series to start watching. Why can’t Friday Night Lights last forever? Tim Riggins you sexy man.
Sewing: jean hems for my guys
Wishing: my nephew was in my arms so I could see the tuft of hair he’s managed to grow
Enjoying: the brisk chilliness of the weather and my recent discovery of pumpkin spice steamers
Waiting: for him to realize I’m standing right here
Liking: new roommates and late night conversations that assure me
Wondering: what will happen in April. I only see a question mark.
Loving: the slow but steady tightening of the muscles in my quads, arms and abs
Hoping: for more volleyball to be played
Marveling: at the wise and sage advice that was given by Prophets and Apostles
Needing: more than one long hug
Creating: homemade salad dressings
Drinking: so much water that coworkers are keeping track of bathroom visits. The clear skin and lost weight is worth 30 trips to the baño, right?
Reading: about the hard life that is living in Afghanistan as a woman
Wanting: a Navy blazer with gold buttons and elbow patches
Looking: for a new perfume that sticks on me
Playing: an inconvenient game of cat and mouse with a retched car dealership over a broken transmission
Wasting: time looking for a new tv series to start watching. Why can’t Friday Night Lights last forever? Tim Riggins you sexy man.
Sewing: jean hems for my guys
Wishing: my nephew was in my arms so I could see the tuft of hair he’s managed to grow
Enjoying: the brisk chilliness of the weather and my recent discovery of pumpkin spice steamers
Waiting: for him to realize I’m standing right here
Liking: new roommates and late night conversations that assure me
Wondering: what will happen in April. I only see a question mark.
Loving: the slow but steady tightening of the muscles in my quads, arms and abs
Hoping: for more volleyball to be played
Marveling: at the wise and sage advice that was given by Prophets and Apostles
Needing: more than one long hug
Missing: apartment prayer, New
Girl snuggies, and my wingwoman
Smelling: nothing
really
Wearing: neon for as long as I can get away with it
Following: the news however depressing it always seems to be
Noticing: the worn soles on two of my favorite pairs of shoes. Stop it shoes.
Knowing: Monday is a no work holiday
Thinking: about which gym I should join
Feeling: burdened but optimistic
Bookmarking: fashion blogs full of girls that wear ridiculously expensive clothes. I don’t get it.
Opening: emails from an extra special missionary brother
Giggling: over good morning texts that start my day with an end to end smile
Wearing: neon for as long as I can get away with it
Following: the news however depressing it always seems to be
Noticing: the worn soles on two of my favorite pairs of shoes. Stop it shoes.
Knowing: Monday is a no work holiday
Thinking: about which gym I should join
Feeling: burdened but optimistic
Bookmarking: fashion blogs full of girls that wear ridiculously expensive clothes. I don’t get it.
Opening: emails from an extra special missionary brother
Giggling: over good morning texts that start my day with an end to end smile
**The idea for this post was stolen from one of my favorite bloggers at thedaybookblog.com
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
So here it goes....
I deactivated my Facebook account last night. I removed both Instagram and Facebook from my phone. I'm actually surprised that I did it with so little hesitation and so little premeditation. But something happened last night - the straw that broke the camel's back and I knew it had to be done.
I've felt this seed of comparison growing in me for some time. I didn't realize it was working on me and hurting me and completely changing my thoughts from good ones to bad ones until recently.
I spent all Saturday afternoon and evening with some fabulous girlfriends of mine. We went to a lacrosse game in Baltimore, then dinner in the district, and then a movie. It was a full and playfull night. We talked and laughed and caught up and I felt grateful for beautiful friends who complete my life and want to spend time with me in return. These girls are beautiful people. They are strong. They are confident. They are my kind of people. They make me laugh. I trust them with my thoughts and with my ideas.
Only 48 hours later I was at home last night when I pulled up Instagram and saw a picture of my same girlfriends at a Nats game. Almost immediately I was jealous- I was jealous that they went to the game, I was jealous that they looked so beautiful, I was jealous that they were doing something social, and I was frustrated that I wasn't invited to do it with them. Then this thought came into my head "I hate them."
WHAT????
It was in this instant- this singular moment when I realized that that had crossed my mind that I knew I had to do something.
Because this is the thing, I don't hate these people. They are my friends, my amazing friends, but after months and months of seeing pictures on Instagram and status updates on Facebook, after months of seeing only the perfect in everyone else's life my thoughts were beginning to change and resentment and jealousy had taken full grip of my heart.
"She's so beautiful."
"It's not fair that she's hanging out with guys and I'm not."
"Why was I not invited?"
"They are always traveling to somewhere cool and I don't have the money for that."
"I wish I had that outfit."
I wish, I wish, I wish.
I never thought I'd be the person to so nonchalantly unplug from social media so quickly. I'd always resented the people who did Facebook fasts or refused to get Instagram. I still don't really get those people and yet I'm one of them now, at least for the next little while.
I'm not going to now put myself on a soap box and proclaim to do something extraordinary with all my free time but I might just write my missionary brother a few more letters. I want to plant a teeny weeny succulent garden. I want to talk to my friends in Utah more and be more involved in their lives. I want to dig into my scripture study which has been seriously lacking. I want to really care about people instead of just caring about what I see on Instagram. I want to be free of the resentment and jealousy I feel.
Most of all, I want to love.
I want to start loving again.
I've felt this seed of comparison growing in me for some time. I didn't realize it was working on me and hurting me and completely changing my thoughts from good ones to bad ones until recently.
I spent all Saturday afternoon and evening with some fabulous girlfriends of mine. We went to a lacrosse game in Baltimore, then dinner in the district, and then a movie. It was a full and playfull night. We talked and laughed and caught up and I felt grateful for beautiful friends who complete my life and want to spend time with me in return. These girls are beautiful people. They are strong. They are confident. They are my kind of people. They make me laugh. I trust them with my thoughts and with my ideas.
Only 48 hours later I was at home last night when I pulled up Instagram and saw a picture of my same girlfriends at a Nats game. Almost immediately I was jealous- I was jealous that they went to the game, I was jealous that they looked so beautiful, I was jealous that they were doing something social, and I was frustrated that I wasn't invited to do it with them. Then this thought came into my head "I hate them."
WHAT????
It was in this instant- this singular moment when I realized that that had crossed my mind that I knew I had to do something.
Because this is the thing, I don't hate these people. They are my friends, my amazing friends, but after months and months of seeing pictures on Instagram and status updates on Facebook, after months of seeing only the perfect in everyone else's life my thoughts were beginning to change and resentment and jealousy had taken full grip of my heart.
"She's so beautiful."
"It's not fair that she's hanging out with guys and I'm not."
"Why was I not invited?"
"They are always traveling to somewhere cool and I don't have the money for that."
"I wish I had that outfit."
I wish, I wish, I wish.
I never thought I'd be the person to so nonchalantly unplug from social media so quickly. I'd always resented the people who did Facebook fasts or refused to get Instagram. I still don't really get those people and yet I'm one of them now, at least for the next little while.
I'm not going to now put myself on a soap box and proclaim to do something extraordinary with all my free time but I might just write my missionary brother a few more letters. I want to plant a teeny weeny succulent garden. I want to talk to my friends in Utah more and be more involved in their lives. I want to dig into my scripture study which has been seriously lacking. I want to really care about people instead of just caring about what I see on Instagram. I want to be free of the resentment and jealousy I feel.
Most of all, I want to love.
I want to start loving again.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Once-in-a-lifetime for reals
The first time I was ever in a humongous crowd was when I went to Merida, Mexico, with my dad right before I left to serve my mission. It was late summer and that means hot and humid in Mexico. We happened to be there on September 16, Mexican Independence Day, and found ourselves in the Merida Zocolo during the evening leading up to the night's celebrations. We joined with thousands of other proud Mexicans (my tall dad towering over them all) at midnight as fireworks flew off the oldest cathedral in Mexico and erupted into the sky signifying the country's independence. I was standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of hot, sweaty, drunk, and stinky Mexicans and I couldn't have loved it more.
I spent some time in another big crowd this weekend as I joined with 900,000 of my fellow Americans for the 57th Presidential Inauguration and the swearing in of our re-elected president Barack Obama.
6:15 am- woke up
7:13 am- caught the bus to the metro
7:30 am- got on the metro at Pentagon
8:00 am- waited in a ten minute line to go through security- hid my peanut butter and nutella sandwich in my jacket so it wouldn't be confiscated.
8:30 am- found our spot in the green south standing section on the south part of the West Lawn of the Capitol
8:31 am- realized that the program didn't start for THREE hours and that we'd be standing there shoulder-to-shoulder with 900,000 other people, unable to move or go the bathroom for three entire hours
8:32 am- freaked out a little bit (we all know my issues with having to go to the bathroom)
9:00 am- was thoroughly entertained by the crazy man who climbed a large tree and evaded security in order to protest abortion
9:25 am- still distracted by the man in the tree who has now climbed all the way to the top and is swaying precariously from the weak branches and yelling to everyone underneath
9:36 am- gasp as the man in the tree almost falls out of the tree
10:05 am- we find a little room to bend over and stretch our backs
10:30 am- the crowd cheers and boos as Democrats and Republicans emerge from the tunnel and take their respective seats as Congresspeople- am a little taken aback by the booing, super unclassy.
11:11 am- a choir starts singing from the stands
11:15 am- Sasha and Malia enter. They look awesome in their beautiful colored coats.
11:36 am- the Inauguration starts- there's an excitement in the air
11:45 am- thank heavens the program is going quickly- James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson sound spectacular
11:57 am- Joe Biden and Barack Obama take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America- I feel extremely proud to be an American.
12:10 pm- some poet gets up to the podium but doesn't speak loud enough for anyone to hear- borefest- someone get him out of here our legs hurt!
12:12 pm- turn our attention once again to the man in the tree who is still yelling at the top of his lungs and making the people around him seriously mad
12:15 pm- the poet finally finishes his poem, thank heavens
12:20 pm- Beyonce looks BANGIN! She rocks the National Anthem! You go girl!
12:30 pm- the benediction is given, he asks that Joe and Barack are blessed with a real southern/Mexican accent, kinda awesome, kinda hilarious
12: 35 pm- we start the trek back to the metro and only have to wait to get down the escalator at L'Enfant. Easy and breezy.
1:50 pm- make it back to our apartment and rush to Cafe Rio to feed our starving bellies
2:00 pm- scarf....literally scarf our salads without a second's hesitation
2:30 pm- fall into bed for a three hour nap to recuperate from the cold and standing all morning.
Gosh it feels good to be American!
I spent some time in another big crowd this weekend as I joined with 900,000 of my fellow Americans for the 57th Presidential Inauguration and the swearing in of our re-elected president Barack Obama.
6:15 am- woke up
7:13 am- caught the bus to the metro
7:30 am- got on the metro at Pentagon
8:00 am- waited in a ten minute line to go through security- hid my peanut butter and nutella sandwich in my jacket so it wouldn't be confiscated.
8:30 am- found our spot in the green south standing section on the south part of the West Lawn of the Capitol
8:31 am- realized that the program didn't start for THREE hours and that we'd be standing there shoulder-to-shoulder with 900,000 other people, unable to move or go the bathroom for three entire hours
8:32 am- freaked out a little bit (we all know my issues with having to go to the bathroom)
9:00 am- was thoroughly entertained by the crazy man who climbed a large tree and evaded security in order to protest abortion
9:25 am- still distracted by the man in the tree who has now climbed all the way to the top and is swaying precariously from the weak branches and yelling to everyone underneath
9:36 am- gasp as the man in the tree almost falls out of the tree
10:05 am- we find a little room to bend over and stretch our backs
10:30 am- the crowd cheers and boos as Democrats and Republicans emerge from the tunnel and take their respective seats as Congresspeople- am a little taken aback by the booing, super unclassy.
11:11 am- a choir starts singing from the stands
11:15 am- Sasha and Malia enter. They look awesome in their beautiful colored coats.
11:36 am- the Inauguration starts- there's an excitement in the air
11:45 am- thank heavens the program is going quickly- James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson sound spectacular
11:57 am- Joe Biden and Barack Obama take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America- I feel extremely proud to be an American.
12:10 pm- some poet gets up to the podium but doesn't speak loud enough for anyone to hear- borefest- someone get him out of here our legs hurt!
12:12 pm- turn our attention once again to the man in the tree who is still yelling at the top of his lungs and making the people around him seriously mad
12:15 pm- the poet finally finishes his poem, thank heavens
12:20 pm- Beyonce looks BANGIN! She rocks the National Anthem! You go girl!
12:30 pm- the benediction is given, he asks that Joe and Barack are blessed with a real southern/Mexican accent, kinda awesome, kinda hilarious
12: 35 pm- we start the trek back to the metro and only have to wait to get down the escalator at L'Enfant. Easy and breezy.
1:50 pm- make it back to our apartment and rush to Cafe Rio to feed our starving bellies
2:00 pm- scarf....literally scarf our salads without a second's hesitation
2:30 pm- fall into bed for a three hour nap to recuperate from the cold and standing all morning.
Gosh it feels good to be American!
Alice's Adventures
I've said it once and I'll keep saying it, I get to do some pretty sweet stuff in this city, and last night topped the charts.
It was a night never to be forgotten. Katie and I got dressed up and braved the icy winds and sub-freezing temperatures for a night of ballet at the Kennedy Center. But this wasn't just any ballet, it was the Alice in Wonderland ballet.
Now I didn't grow up with Alice in Wonderland like Katie did. I've seen it a couple times but truth be told I wasn't even sure I remembered the story line before the performance started last night. That didn't matter because as soon as the curtain rose the story started and I didn't need to remember.
Let me put it this way, last night was easily one of the top five most amazing performances I've ever seen in my entire life. From the incredible talents of the ballerinas and ballerinos, the over the top stage sets that were several stories high, the whimsical and colorful costumes, the originally composed music, and the artistic choreography, well....I couldn't get enough of it. I smiled and smiled, electrocuted by excitement and entertained through all three hours of the show.
So if you get a chance, RUN...don't walk to see the National Ballet of Canada perform Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
I promise it will not disappoint.
It was a night never to be forgotten. Katie and I got dressed up and braved the icy winds and sub-freezing temperatures for a night of ballet at the Kennedy Center. But this wasn't just any ballet, it was the Alice in Wonderland ballet.
Now I didn't grow up with Alice in Wonderland like Katie did. I've seen it a couple times but truth be told I wasn't even sure I remembered the story line before the performance started last night. That didn't matter because as soon as the curtain rose the story started and I didn't need to remember.
Let me put it this way, last night was easily one of the top five most amazing performances I've ever seen in my entire life. From the incredible talents of the ballerinas and ballerinos, the over the top stage sets that were several stories high, the whimsical and colorful costumes, the originally composed music, and the artistic choreography, well....I couldn't get enough of it. I smiled and smiled, electrocuted by excitement and entertained through all three hours of the show.
So if you get a chance, RUN...don't walk to see the National Ballet of Canada perform Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
I promise it will not disappoint.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Movie Buff
I come from a movie watching, theater going, family. It’s what we do, every Thanksgiving day, every Christmas day, and almost every weekend. That tradition of going to the movie theater to see the shows never stopped once I moved out and away. I still love going to a big theater with an anxious crowd, of piling into seats, mentally checking a yes/no box of whether I’m going to see each previewed movie, and then at last seeing the curtain rise and the opening credits rolling.
I love movie scores. I love movie themes. I love when movies teach me and inspire me. I love when they make me cry.
With that said I think I’ve developed somewhat of a problem. You see, I’ve developed a certain taste in movies and I have pretty strong opinions about some of them. The ones that have made my favorites list have become somewhat sacred to me and I find that I’m very protective of them. So much so, in fact, that I’ve realized I can’t talk about those movies with just anyone. I get too frustrated when they don’t understand or don’t feel the way I do about them. My blood begins to boil and my face gets red and I have to walk away before I say something like “You’re an idiot for not liking this movie.”
I love Cast Away because Tom Hanks doesn’t speak. Because he finds a friend in Wilson. Because his friends celebrate his coming back to life at the end when he was alive the entire time, more alive than they ever were.
I love Dead Poet’s Society because I want to Carpe Diem
I love The Village, not because it was ever supposed to be a horror movie but because the dialogue between the Elders is so beautiful. And that score. Oh man....it’s beautiful, and haunting.
I love Inception because the plot was so refreshingly new, the acting awesome, the idea so close to being reality, and the music. Have you ever noticed how the swelling never stops? I love it because the top keeps spinning and I don't need to know if it ever falls.
I love Meet Joe Back because Brad Pitt is a hunk. The house on the set is my dream, the music they dance to at the end is exactly what I want at my own wedding, and the music. Oh the music!
I love Casino Royal because it was the first James Bond movie that was believable. I love the emotion ...and the cars... and the man.
I love Star Trek because who hasn’t dreamed about flying at warp speed?
I love The Adjustment Bureau because Matt Damon is my celebrity crush and the concept of the movie was new and exciting.
I love The Avengers because amid the action the writers included humor, real humor, that kept me laughing.
I love The Great Escape because it’s a classic that I watched with my dad when I was little.
I love The Family Stone because in so many ways it resembles my family- our quirks, our trials, our holidays together.
I love The Holiday because of the character Kate Winslet plays. Her heartache is something almost every girl has experienced.
I love Seven Pounds because it’s all about sacrifice.
I love The Count of Monte Cristo because when the Count comes out of the shadows before the last fight scene my heart drops. Because in our darkest hour we can find hope.
I love Life As We Know It because of the chemistry between the actors and the idea that raising children is the most important.
I love Pitch Perfect because of the witty humor. First movie I ever watched four days in a row.
I love You’ve Got Mail well because, how could you not love You’ve Got Mail?
I love Stranger than Fiction because I actually love the character Will Farrell plays for once in my life. Nothing like the crude stuff he usually does. This is his “Truman Show” role, the one where he’s serious. And I love Emma Thompson oh so much.
I love Life of Pi because it’s just stunning to watch. Every frame a masterpiece. And I’ve started calling my dog Richard Parker.
I love It’s a Wonderful Life because it gets you into the Christmas season faster than anything else.
I love In the Heat of the Night because Sidney Poitier broker through barriers. A lot of them.
And I love Les Miserables and let me tell you why. No, it wasn’t perfect and yes, some of the actors weren’t as strong as others perhaps. But Les Miserables is about love and repentance and sacrifice. The music is inspired. The themes heart wrenching but beautiful. To love another person truly is to see the face of God. I don’t care what people may say, they did the best they could, and I believe their best was absolutely magnificent.
So who wants to go to the movies with me this weekend?
I love movie scores. I love movie themes. I love when movies teach me and inspire me. I love when they make me cry.
With that said I think I’ve developed somewhat of a problem. You see, I’ve developed a certain taste in movies and I have pretty strong opinions about some of them. The ones that have made my favorites list have become somewhat sacred to me and I find that I’m very protective of them. So much so, in fact, that I’ve realized I can’t talk about those movies with just anyone. I get too frustrated when they don’t understand or don’t feel the way I do about them. My blood begins to boil and my face gets red and I have to walk away before I say something like “You’re an idiot for not liking this movie.”
I love Cast Away because Tom Hanks doesn’t speak. Because he finds a friend in Wilson. Because his friends celebrate his coming back to life at the end when he was alive the entire time, more alive than they ever were.
I love Dead Poet’s Society because I want to Carpe Diem
I love The Village, not because it was ever supposed to be a horror movie but because the dialogue between the Elders is so beautiful. And that score. Oh man....it’s beautiful, and haunting.
I love Inception because the plot was so refreshingly new, the acting awesome, the idea so close to being reality, and the music. Have you ever noticed how the swelling never stops? I love it because the top keeps spinning and I don't need to know if it ever falls.
I love Meet Joe Back because Brad Pitt is a hunk. The house on the set is my dream, the music they dance to at the end is exactly what I want at my own wedding, and the music. Oh the music!
I love Casino Royal because it was the first James Bond movie that was believable. I love the emotion ...and the cars... and the man.
I love Star Trek because who hasn’t dreamed about flying at warp speed?
I love The Adjustment Bureau because Matt Damon is my celebrity crush and the concept of the movie was new and exciting.
I love The Avengers because amid the action the writers included humor, real humor, that kept me laughing.
I love The Great Escape because it’s a classic that I watched with my dad when I was little.
I love The Family Stone because in so many ways it resembles my family- our quirks, our trials, our holidays together.
I love The Holiday because of the character Kate Winslet plays. Her heartache is something almost every girl has experienced.
I love Seven Pounds because it’s all about sacrifice.
I love The Count of Monte Cristo because when the Count comes out of the shadows before the last fight scene my heart drops. Because in our darkest hour we can find hope.
I love Life As We Know It because of the chemistry between the actors and the idea that raising children is the most important.
I love Pitch Perfect because of the witty humor. First movie I ever watched four days in a row.
I love You’ve Got Mail well because, how could you not love You’ve Got Mail?
I love Stranger than Fiction because I actually love the character Will Farrell plays for once in my life. Nothing like the crude stuff he usually does. This is his “Truman Show” role, the one where he’s serious. And I love Emma Thompson oh so much.
I love Life of Pi because it’s just stunning to watch. Every frame a masterpiece. And I’ve started calling my dog Richard Parker.
I love It’s a Wonderful Life because it gets you into the Christmas season faster than anything else.
I love In the Heat of the Night because Sidney Poitier broker through barriers. A lot of them.
And I love Les Miserables and let me tell you why. No, it wasn’t perfect and yes, some of the actors weren’t as strong as others perhaps. But Les Miserables is about love and repentance and sacrifice. The music is inspired. The themes heart wrenching but beautiful. To love another person truly is to see the face of God. I don’t care what people may say, they did the best they could, and I believe their best was absolutely magnificent.
So who wants to go to the movies with me this weekend?
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