Hunger Games

I jumped on it. The Hunger Games bandwagon. I was hesitant to read them, but then loved them. And I was excited for the movie, so when my friend invited me to the midnight showing I gave in. BAD DECISION! Holy moly. Midnight showings are highly over-rated. It is an experience I will never have again. I kind of want to die a little a lot today. I just went and took a nap in my car for an hour. I am feeling better, but MAN, it's not fun. Maybe if I was 10 years younger . . .
I took my camera, but did it leave my purse? Nope. I fail. Oops. All the midnight madness and no documentation.
The movie itself was okay. My biggest complaint is the cinematography. Hold the camera still! It's not artistic to bounce us all over the place, it's nauseating. I was glad we didn't sit any closer than we were or I would have been in big trouble. If you've seen it you know what I mean. If you haven't, think Bourne Identity 2 (or maybe it was 3) blek.
With it being rate PG-13 I expected more blood. It is a book about killing. The swearing was minimal, a couple hell's and damn's. If there was a rating between PG and PG-13, I think it would have gone in that slot. I'm really not one for blood and gore, but I thought it could have used a bit more.
Next, it was kind of long. 2.5 hours! Maybe it was the fact that it started at midnight, but I was done at 2 hours.
I thought it followed the book decently well. The things that were added didn't drive me crazy like some other book to movie adaptations I've seen. I thought the acting was good. Loved Cinna, Caesar Flickerman, and thought little Prim did a great job. I may or may not have shed a few tears when Rue died.

They didn't play up the love story like I would have liked. I thought Peeta's entire roll in the movie was underplayed and if I hadn't read the books I would have been completely lost as to what was going on. In my opinion they shouldn't have left out so much with Peeta. It'll be interesting to see how they make things work in the next movie.
All in all I give it 3 out of 5 stars. The imagination is always better than the movie, but they did a decent job (minus the camera work). I'd see it again in the cheap theater, but I don't think I'll be adding it to my DVD library.

The Ring

So a few people have been asking for a picture of the ring. Here you go. Don't worry about the mess that is my desk at work. :)
Things are going great. Found a place to live! Woot! Checking things off this list. And counting down the days until I'm Mrs. Jordan Jay Bateman!!! Life is good.

Compassionate Service

I am the compassionate service leader in my ward. I use to just be on the committee over one district but the other c.s. leader moved and I got "promoted". Sunday we are having a training meeting and I get to be the one to train the committee members. In preparation for it, I've been looking up different talks on lds.org for ideas, motivation, direction, etc. I came across this talk and LOVED it. It's called Compassionate Service: With or without the casserole. You should read it. It's not very long and it's really good.
As I was reading it, I thought how true it really is. We don't need to take something with us. Sure the casserole or card is nice, but YOU are enough. Sometimes that's what someone really needs, just another person standing there letting you know they care.
I thought on my own life and the service that has been rendered to me and my family. A specific time came to mind when we receive A LOT of compassionate service. When we lost my brother there were so many people always at our house, bringing meals, flowers, doing the laundry, and who knows what else. They really wanted to help any way they could. For me at that time, I was sent a guardian angel and I didn't even recognize it until I read this article. (I'm sitting here crying, just like I was yesterday day thinking about it). I had a friend who was always with me. Didn't matter what I was doing or where I was going. Tiffany was coming with me. I never asked her to (that I remember). At 14 years old, I doubt she was really thinking, "Cathy really needs me to give her some service, what can I do? what can I take her?". She knew I was hurting and going through something hard and she was just there. Always there. There were no flowers, cards or casseroles, just her presence. That is Christ-like service. That is what the Savior would have done if He had been there with me in person.
I invite you all to not worry about doing enough or taking enough. YOU are enough. When you have an open heart and ACT, the Lord will use you as an instrument in his hands. For all the people who give acts of service by just being there or whatever it might be, in my life and in the lives of others, I thank you.
Feel free to share examples from your own life. I like being inspired. Even if it makes me cry.

When I was a kid . . .

My parents have told me on more than one occasion that they'll pay me to not have a reception. Basically they want me to elope, but make sure that they are there. I always told them "NO WAY! I want a reception and announcements and millions of people there." Now that I'm actually in the moment, taking the money and running doesn't sound like such a bad idea. It's not that it's that complicated, but it does require some planning. Making lists of people to invite, finding decorations, which temple, who comes to the temple, who doesn't, bridesmaid, no bridesmaids. blah blah blah. Mom and dad's idea is just so much easier. I'm sure if we went with it, there would be some people who would be upset with us, but they'd get over it. Right? Whatever. Onward with planning! It'll be here before I know it. Lots to get done. Bring it on!

Engaged

I'll be the first to say WHAT THE HECK!? Where did that come from? I know!!! It happened fast and really I didn't see it coming. I didn't see it happening so soon and he completely caught me off guard. Sure we have talked about it. I, being the girl that I am, had definitely thought about it and now here it is. It's difficult to even put my feelings into words. I was on cloud nine all day yesterday. I couldn't stop smiling! I'm a bit ridiculous and I DON'T EVEN CARE. It's so great!!!! The support from the people around me has been great. I know there will be those who think we're rushing things, but when you know you know, and we know. My parents were engaged after like 20 days or something like that. OF KNOWING EACH OTHER. Now they've been married for 28 years. At least I've known Jordan for longer than that. I'll have to sit down and write the whole story. Today is not that day. Suffice it to say, I LOVE that boy.
Life never goes how you think it will and that is perfectly alright with me.
(pictures to follow since my camera is MIA and Jordan is the biggest pill there ever was when it comes to pictures.)

p.s. anyone want to plan a wedding for me? I'm not especially looking forward to that part.

About Me

- I love barns.

- I love to read.
- Sleeping is my favorite hobby.
- John Wayne movies are a staple of life.
- My favorite movie is Anne of Green Gables
- I love camping.
- I love to get mail. Real mail. With a stamp.
- If you remember my name or my birthday I'll love you. If you remember both, I love you forever.
- I do NOT like pears.
- I love to travel, but hate to plan it.
- I love to have my hand held.
- My greatest aspiration in life is to be a wife and mother.
- One of my most favorite people ever is my sister.
- I love to pick fruits and vegetables, but mostly fruit from trees.
- I was once the voice of a spaceship and would love to be the voice of an animated character.
- I love Disney.
- I love to get flowers.
- I'm not a big fan of white field daisies. Contrary to what Meg Ryan might think in You've Got Mail, daisies are not the friendliest flower.

- When I can't sleep I put in a movie.
- It's a challenge for me to not make a face when I get my picture taken.