Notice that both me and my brother are sporting the hip flannel look that was in at the time. LOL.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Day 10 - A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago of You
Okay, these are always fun. If I'm going to subject myself to this kind of scrutiny, then I'm sure going to have company. Here's a picture of most of the grandkids at Christmas one year.
Notice that both me and my brother are sporting the hip flannel look that was in at the time. LOL.
Notice that both me and my brother are sporting the hip flannel look that was in at the time. LOL.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 8 - A Photo that Makes You Angry/Sad
The photo ones have been more difficult for me for some reason. If I was honest, a picture that makes me both angry and sad would be of a pregnant drug attic. I chose to keep it a little lighter and share this little guy that just pulls on my heart strings, cat lover that I am.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Day 7 - A Photo that Makes You Happy
If you notice the top item on my list of 20 things, you'll understand why a picture like this makes me happy.
I love water, always have since I was a kid. People always joked that it was funny for a fire sign (Aries) to be so at home in the water. My take on this is that the water neutralizes me. I feel at peace, calm and tranquil when I'm surrounded by water. An act as simple as taking a shower can completely change my outlook, and help me feel more centered.
As far as waterfalls go, I love the tall ones the best, but really I love them all. Mostly I feel the power. The power of the water that is gentle enough to wash a baby, but powerful enough to move mountains. That is awe-inspiring in my book!
I love water, always have since I was a kid. People always joked that it was funny for a fire sign (Aries) to be so at home in the water. My take on this is that the water neutralizes me. I feel at peace, calm and tranquil when I'm surrounded by water. An act as simple as taking a shower can completely change my outlook, and help me feel more centered.
As far as waterfalls go, I love the tall ones the best, but really I love them all. Mostly I feel the power. The power of the water that is gentle enough to wash a baby, but powerful enough to move mountains. That is awe-inspiring in my book!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Day 6 - 20 of Your Favorite Things
Finally, one I will just answer the way intended. A non-inclusive list of random things that bring me joy.
01. Waterfalls
02. Peanut Butter
03. Wizards (especially female) & magic
04. Purple
05. Cats (lolcats too)
06. The Big Bang Theory
07. Chocolate
08. Reading about spirituality
09. Leaning about myself and growing
10. Shimmering nail polish or makeup
11. Helping others without them asking
12. Time Travel
13. Candles & incense
14. Philosophical talks with loved ones (over dinner or tea)
15. Old Hollywood
16. Inspiring quotes
17. Travel (want to see Italy, Scotland, New Zealand)
18. Exploring Inner Peace
19. Huge snow flakes (when I can stay inside)
20. Fireplaces
01. Waterfalls
02. Peanut Butter
03. Wizards (especially female) & magic
04. Purple
05. Cats (lolcats too)
06. The Big Bang Theory
07. Chocolate
08. Reading about spirituality
09. Leaning about myself and growing
10. Shimmering nail polish or makeup
11. Helping others without them asking
12. Time Travel
13. Candles & incense
14. Philosophical talks with loved ones (over dinner or tea)
15. Old Hollywood
16. Inspiring quotes
17. Travel (want to see Italy, Scotland, New Zealand)
18. Exploring Inner Peace
19. Huge snow flakes (when I can stay inside)
20. Fireplaces
Friday, February 3, 2012
Day 5 - Your Favorite Quote
Okay, I'm am a quote fanatic, so this list could be very intensive, I'll try to narrow it down though.
"Be still as the mountain, and flow like the great river." ~ Lao Tzu (Laozi)
"The fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts and mulitply the grief he proposes to remove." ~ Samuel Johnson
"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." ~ Mark Twain
"Take no offense. That which offends you only weakens you. Being offended creates the same destructive energy that offended you in the first place - so transcend your ego and stay in peace." ~ Wayne Dyer
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." ~ James Miles
"Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that, It lights the whole sky." ~ Hafiz
“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~ Mother Teresa
"Be still as the mountain, and flow like the great river." ~ Lao Tzu (Laozi)
"The fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts and mulitply the grief he proposes to remove." ~ Samuel Johnson
"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." ~ Mark Twain
"Take no offense. That which offends you only weakens you. Being offended creates the same destructive energy that offended you in the first place - so transcend your ego and stay in peace." ~ Wayne Dyer
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." ~ James Miles
"Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that, It lights the whole sky." ~ Hafiz
“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~ Mother Teresa
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Day 4 - Your Favorite Book
By now you are probably used to the idea that I don't answer any of these questions simply, and favorite book will be no exception. There are a few that mean a lot to me.
Tao Te Ching (daodejing)
No book has ever changed my life more than the ancient work of Lao Tzu (Laozi). A guide to life that is focused not on the reward of heaven or punishment of hell but on achieving balance and wisdom in my life right now. Far less heavy handed than most guides to life, the Tao Te Ching teaches moderation, effective leadership, and appreciation of what you have, lessons that speak to my every day life. It teaches me to be who I am, regardless of who's watching or how I am treated because kindness is from within, not dependent on interactions. Perhaps the most famous quote from Lao Tzu is: a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban
I love the Harry Potter series, and book three has always been my favorite. The twist at the ending of the book truly surprised me the first time I read it, mainly Scabbers being an animagus, and that's pretty rare for me. I really care about the characters in these books when I read them, another thing becoming more and more rare.
Good Omens
If you haven't read Good Omens, you should. It is an amazingly imaginative story with so many levels of cleverness I can't even begin to describe them. This book introduced me to two authors I now easily include on my list of favorites: Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Very biblically prophetic in nature, this book is thought provoking and timeless to me.
Honorable Mentions:
Stardust
Excuses Be Gone
Garden Spells
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Tao Te Ching (daodejing)
No book has ever changed my life more than the ancient work of Lao Tzu (Laozi). A guide to life that is focused not on the reward of heaven or punishment of hell but on achieving balance and wisdom in my life right now. Far less heavy handed than most guides to life, the Tao Te Ching teaches moderation, effective leadership, and appreciation of what you have, lessons that speak to my every day life. It teaches me to be who I am, regardless of who's watching or how I am treated because kindness is from within, not dependent on interactions. Perhaps the most famous quote from Lao Tzu is: a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban
I love the Harry Potter series, and book three has always been my favorite. The twist at the ending of the book truly surprised me the first time I read it, mainly Scabbers being an animagus, and that's pretty rare for me. I really care about the characters in these books when I read them, another thing becoming more and more rare.
Good Omens
If you haven't read Good Omens, you should. It is an amazingly imaginative story with so many levels of cleverness I can't even begin to describe them. This book introduced me to two authors I now easily include on my list of favorites: Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Very biblically prophetic in nature, this book is thought provoking and timeless to me.
Honorable Mentions:
Stardust
Excuses Be Gone
Garden Spells
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Day 3 - Your Favorite Television Program
Of all the items in the 30 day list, I think this one will likely be the one anyone who knows me can predict. When judging my favorite television show, there is a clear winner for me right now.
The Big Bang Theory
I fell in love with this show in its second season and have been a very devoted fan ever since. The smart humor makes me laugh out loud like no show ever has. I love Johnny Galecki who plays Leonard, and have ever since Roseanne. Same with Kaley Cuoco and 8 Simple Rules. (Also Mayim who joined the cast later). What a find in the actor Jim Parsons as Sheldon. He obviously makes this show what it is and has the emmys to prove it. There's more to my love of BBT though. As hard as some would find it to believe, I actually identify more with these nerdy characters than I have with any other sitcom stars I've watched. From simple things like the fact that they play video games, repeat clothing choices, feel socially awkward, and order out all the time for convenience sake. It all endears these nerds to me in a real way. I also have to mention that my best friend from high school happens to be a physicist, meaning I recognize many of those traits as well. It's just an awesome show and everyone should watch it!
So after the clear winner, there are a few other shows I feel the need to mention.
Merlin
My husband and I watch this show on Syfy channel every week with my dad. It's a British show, but has all the things the three of us love: mideval times, magic, dragons, arthurian legends and more.
Dharma & Greg
This show didn't make my list until after I married my husband. He and I are very similar to them in almost eerie ways. It's wonderful to watch the yin and yang of opposites and how they can fit together just right.
Saved By The Bell
I would be remiss not to mention my obsession as a teenager of the exploits of one Zach Morris and star of my wall posters, Mr. AC Slater. I was very obsessed with this show, even had the trivia game (though no one to play it with :( sadly)
Other honorable mentions:
How I Met Your Mother
Battlestar Galactica
Glee
Top Shot (Cause I watch it with hubby)
Daily Show
Doctor Who
Star Trek: TNG
Survivor (Cause I watch it with my mom)
Walking Dead
The Big Bang Theory
I fell in love with this show in its second season and have been a very devoted fan ever since. The smart humor makes me laugh out loud like no show ever has. I love Johnny Galecki who plays Leonard, and have ever since Roseanne. Same with Kaley Cuoco and 8 Simple Rules. (Also Mayim who joined the cast later). What a find in the actor Jim Parsons as Sheldon. He obviously makes this show what it is and has the emmys to prove it. There's more to my love of BBT though. As hard as some would find it to believe, I actually identify more with these nerdy characters than I have with any other sitcom stars I've watched. From simple things like the fact that they play video games, repeat clothing choices, feel socially awkward, and order out all the time for convenience sake. It all endears these nerds to me in a real way. I also have to mention that my best friend from high school happens to be a physicist, meaning I recognize many of those traits as well. It's just an awesome show and everyone should watch it!
So after the clear winner, there are a few other shows I feel the need to mention.
Merlin
My husband and I watch this show on Syfy channel every week with my dad. It's a British show, but has all the things the three of us love: mideval times, magic, dragons, arthurian legends and more.
Dharma & Greg
This show didn't make my list until after I married my husband. He and I are very similar to them in almost eerie ways. It's wonderful to watch the yin and yang of opposites and how they can fit together just right.
Saved By The Bell
I would be remiss not to mention my obsession as a teenager of the exploits of one Zach Morris and star of my wall posters, Mr. AC Slater. I was very obsessed with this show, even had the trivia game (though no one to play it with :( sadly)
Other honorable mentions:
How I Met Your Mother
Battlestar Galactica
Glee
Top Shot (Cause I watch it with hubby)
Daily Show
Doctor Who
Star Trek: TNG
Survivor (Cause I watch it with my mom)
Walking Dead
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Day 2 - Your Favorite Movie
Ah, movies. Once again, I don't feel it possible to pick just one movie as my favorite. I like many different movies for many different reasons, so here's my award list of my favorite movies in different categories.
Disney Movie - The Little Mermaid.
I love all of the 90's Disney movies, but for me, The Little Mermaid started it all. Perhaps this is because it was the first movie that my father took me to, just me and him. It was a very special treat for me, and the movie will always have a place in my heart because of it.
Honorable Mentions: Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin
Comedy - Princess Bride
Without a doubt, I can watch Princess Bride over and over again. The best one-liners and funniest quotes come from this beloved flick. From Andre the Giant to Carey Elwes, the cast is stellar and the delivery INCONCEIVABLY perfect.
Honorable Mentions: Easy A, Idiocracy, Mallrats, Accepted, Spaceballs
Political - V for Vendetta
Remember, remember the 5th of November. A very well done movie with an important political message. I love Natalie Portman in this one. (For my husband's sake I must mention that Atlas Shrugged was overlooked because I couldn't get over the bad acting of the main character.)
Honorable Mentions: Braveheart, Wag the Dog, Election
Action - Pirates of the Caribbean
A tough call because I'm not a big action buff, but I love pirates and Johnny Depp, so this was a natural choice. Gotta say, the most recent one was a bit of a flop for me, but the first will always be a favorite in our house.
Honorable Mentions: The Mummy, Taken, Day After Tomorrow
Fantasy - Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
In books this may be tougher, but without a doubt Lord of the Rings trilogy takes the cake for this one. I am partial to the first one, but love all three and have watched them multiple times. I am fascinated by elves, entertained by hobbits, amused by dwarves, and allured by rangers :)
Honorable Mentions: Percy Jackson, Stardust, Interview with a Vampire
Animated - Finding Nemo
I really enjoy the animated movies intended for both adults and youngsters alike. Many are favorites, but Finding Nemo epitomizes everything I love about this style of movie. Dory is awesome!
Honorable Mentions: Sword and the Stone, Toy Story, Monster's Inc, Shrek, The Incredibles
Sci-fi - Galaxy Quest
It may be argued that GQ is a comedy, and it is very funny, but it has all the aspects required to also fit into Sci-fi. Since I'm not a big Sci-fi movie fan (preferring TV shows of that kind) it made it to the top of the list.
Honorable Mentions: Men in Black, Xmen
Spiritual - What Dreams May Come
I feel this is an often overlooked category, perfect for an often overlooked movie. I love this movie, the painting scene alone is pure visual splendor. I always feel something when I watch this movie.
Honorable Mentions: What the Bleep Do We Know, Dogma
Drama - Shawshank Redemption
Wonderfully written and incredibly acted, Morgan Freeman at his best. This is the first drama movie to really get me. Thought provoking and riveting.
Musical - Chicago
I love the show because of the strong female roles. The movie, while creatively cast, had a very different take which I came to appriciate over time.
Honorable Mentions: South Park, Hair Spray
Fairy Tale/Medieval - Ever After
I love versions of fairy tales and this one is from my teenage years meaning fond memories. I like the grittiness of this take, showing it's still a fairy tale without the fairy godmother and magic intervention.
Honorable Mentions: Ella Enchanted, First Knight
Fun Classic Movie - Love Potion #9
There are so many funny classic campy movies from the 80s and 90s and this one epitomizes them for me. I have always loved Sandra Bullock in this movie, but the whole idea is a fun magical twist to a romantic comedy.
Honorable Mentions: Freaky Friday, Weird Science, Clue, Breakfast Club
I know there are many I have forgotten, but this is what I came up with while sitting here. Feel free to chime in some classics that you love. Some are omitted on purpose, but I may have forgotten some.
Disney Movie - The Little Mermaid.
I love all of the 90's Disney movies, but for me, The Little Mermaid started it all. Perhaps this is because it was the first movie that my father took me to, just me and him. It was a very special treat for me, and the movie will always have a place in my heart because of it.
Honorable Mentions: Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin
Comedy - Princess Bride
Without a doubt, I can watch Princess Bride over and over again. The best one-liners and funniest quotes come from this beloved flick. From Andre the Giant to Carey Elwes, the cast is stellar and the delivery INCONCEIVABLY perfect.
Honorable Mentions: Easy A, Idiocracy, Mallrats, Accepted, Spaceballs
Political - V for Vendetta
Remember, remember the 5th of November. A very well done movie with an important political message. I love Natalie Portman in this one. (For my husband's sake I must mention that Atlas Shrugged was overlooked because I couldn't get over the bad acting of the main character.)
Honorable Mentions: Braveheart, Wag the Dog, Election
Action - Pirates of the Caribbean
A tough call because I'm not a big action buff, but I love pirates and Johnny Depp, so this was a natural choice. Gotta say, the most recent one was a bit of a flop for me, but the first will always be a favorite in our house.
Honorable Mentions: The Mummy, Taken, Day After Tomorrow
Fantasy - Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
In books this may be tougher, but without a doubt Lord of the Rings trilogy takes the cake for this one. I am partial to the first one, but love all three and have watched them multiple times. I am fascinated by elves, entertained by hobbits, amused by dwarves, and allured by rangers :)
Honorable Mentions: Percy Jackson, Stardust, Interview with a Vampire
Animated - Finding Nemo
I really enjoy the animated movies intended for both adults and youngsters alike. Many are favorites, but Finding Nemo epitomizes everything I love about this style of movie. Dory is awesome!
Honorable Mentions: Sword and the Stone, Toy Story, Monster's Inc, Shrek, The Incredibles
Sci-fi - Galaxy Quest
It may be argued that GQ is a comedy, and it is very funny, but it has all the aspects required to also fit into Sci-fi. Since I'm not a big Sci-fi movie fan (preferring TV shows of that kind) it made it to the top of the list.
Honorable Mentions: Men in Black, Xmen
Spiritual - What Dreams May Come
I feel this is an often overlooked category, perfect for an often overlooked movie. I love this movie, the painting scene alone is pure visual splendor. I always feel something when I watch this movie.
Honorable Mentions: What the Bleep Do We Know, Dogma
Drama - Shawshank Redemption
Wonderfully written and incredibly acted, Morgan Freeman at his best. This is the first drama movie to really get me. Thought provoking and riveting.
Musical - Chicago
I love the show because of the strong female roles. The movie, while creatively cast, had a very different take which I came to appriciate over time.
Honorable Mentions: South Park, Hair Spray
Fairy Tale/Medieval - Ever After
I love versions of fairy tales and this one is from my teenage years meaning fond memories. I like the grittiness of this take, showing it's still a fairy tale without the fairy godmother and magic intervention.
Honorable Mentions: Ella Enchanted, First Knight
Fun Classic Movie - Love Potion #9
There are so many funny classic campy movies from the 80s and 90s and this one epitomizes them for me. I have always loved Sandra Bullock in this movie, but the whole idea is a fun magical twist to a romantic comedy.
Honorable Mentions: Freaky Friday, Weird Science, Clue, Breakfast Club
I know there are many I have forgotten, but this is what I came up with while sitting here. Feel free to chime in some classics that you love. Some are omitted on purpose, but I may have forgotten some.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Day 1 - your favorite song
Your Favorite Song
This is always a tough question, as a I feel like my favorite song changes depending on my mood and over time. I really like songs with meaningful words.
Truly Madly Deeply is the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding and will always have a special place in my heart.
One of my all time favorite songs is River of Dreams by Billy Joel. I love the abstract message and cool beats of the song. I also love the imagery and the vocabulary (I'm a sucker for any song that uses some of my favorite words, lol)
One song that I really identify with is Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. The first time I heard it I was in a strange place in my life, and it really resonated with me. Particularly the line "we've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way".
Another strange one that I absolutely love is Pure Imagination from the original Willy Wonka movie. While it may not have been the best adaptation of the book, I loved the character of Wonka in that movie with his quotes and songs referencing so many things. But the song Pure Imagination used to speak to the importance of imagination I felt as a child and now it speaks to my hopes and dreams.
My favorite Christmas song is a tough call because I LOVE Christmas songs. They are all about magic and giving and believing. I would have to go with Belleau Wood, the only Christmas song on Garth Brooks album Sevens. It's an amazing story about war at Christmas time.
The hippie in me loves John Lennon's Imagine. The mellow rocker in me lives for Margaritaville. The New Ager in me loves Let Your Love Flow by the Bellamy Brothers. The Taoist in me longs for Let It Be by the Beatles.
Other honorable mentions:
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Wonderful World - Louie Armstrong
Rhythm of Love - Plain White T's
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Joy to the World - Three Dog Night
Lean on Me - Bill Withers
Will You Be There - MJ
Bare Necessities - Jungle Book
I guess I turned this simple question in to a musical evaluation of myself, it was fun for me. Any recommendations based on these?
This is always a tough question, as a I feel like my favorite song changes depending on my mood and over time. I really like songs with meaningful words.
Truly Madly Deeply is the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding and will always have a special place in my heart.
One of my all time favorite songs is River of Dreams by Billy Joel. I love the abstract message and cool beats of the song. I also love the imagery and the vocabulary (I'm a sucker for any song that uses some of my favorite words, lol)
One song that I really identify with is Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. The first time I heard it I was in a strange place in my life, and it really resonated with me. Particularly the line "we've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way".
Another strange one that I absolutely love is Pure Imagination from the original Willy Wonka movie. While it may not have been the best adaptation of the book, I loved the character of Wonka in that movie with his quotes and songs referencing so many things. But the song Pure Imagination used to speak to the importance of imagination I felt as a child and now it speaks to my hopes and dreams.
My favorite Christmas song is a tough call because I LOVE Christmas songs. They are all about magic and giving and believing. I would have to go with Belleau Wood, the only Christmas song on Garth Brooks album Sevens. It's an amazing story about war at Christmas time.
The hippie in me loves John Lennon's Imagine. The mellow rocker in me lives for Margaritaville. The New Ager in me loves Let Your Love Flow by the Bellamy Brothers. The Taoist in me longs for Let It Be by the Beatles.
Other honorable mentions:
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Wonderful World - Louie Armstrong
Rhythm of Love - Plain White T's
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Joy to the World - Three Dog Night
Lean on Me - Bill Withers
Will You Be There - MJ
Bare Necessities - Jungle Book
I guess I turned this simple question in to a musical evaluation of myself, it was fun for me. Any recommendations based on these?
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