Tragedy and Revelations

A little over a month ago my uncle was put in the hospital for what seemed to be something to not cause too much worry.  Four weeks later I was speaking to a huge, packed out church standing over my uncle's casket.  I'm not going to go into the emotions that my family experienced and are still experiencing--it's unexplainable and impossible to emphasize with because each loved one lost is a different experience to everyone.  What I do want to go into are the things that God has revealed to me through this tragedy.

Life is short.  No matter how long you live--life is still short.  I've spent so much time saying "I'll do this eventually when I can.  What I can afford to. When I loose weight;" the excuses are endless.  So I'm trimming the fat in my life.

I'm no longer going to surround myself with people mindlessly.  I know who my best friends are.  The ones who called me.  The ones who cried with me. The ones who know me inside out.  Those are the ones that I'll keep close.  I like all my friends, but my heart can only be open to a select few.

My family is everything to me.  I cherish every moment I spend with them and I'm happiest with them.  It's time to make them a top priority.

There is a reason I haven't found a church in Raleigh.  I already have a church.  That I love.  That I intend to become more involved with as things start falling into place soon.

 God has revealed a new life to me.  A life that I ignored and decided against when I moved to Raleigh.  It's time to change.

This post is dedicated to my Uncle Mike

Blog recommendation!

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Into the Beautiful

Chronicle/Woman in Black

"It's a short movie.  It's less than an hour and 30 minutes"
"Well, some movies are better shorter than long and drawn out.  Take Breaking Dawn for example, it should have been only 30 minutes."
And as my brother and I discovered, an hour and 23 minutes was the perfect amount of time for Chronicle.  Later I discovered that an hour and 35 minutes was also the perfect amount of time for Woman in Black.  It was refreshing sitting through a short and sweet movie---even though both Chronicle and Woman in Black were far from being "sweet" films.  Of course, not every movie should be short.  I fully expect my butt to be numb after I watch The Hobbit---each minute of that movie is bound to be glorious and well deserved.

Cameron loved Chronicle.  When we left the theater he raved and raved about it--long enough for me to realize that he was not being sarcastic.  Not that I thought it was horrible---I just didn't think it was fantastic.  I had low expectations for it to begin with and while it exceeded my expectations it's still not a movie that was remarkable or something I would watch again.

The movie centers abound three--high school? college?--kids who find a stone type thing that gives them telepathic abilities.  As almost anyone will tell you--not everyone should be granted with powers.  Because one emo kid will ruin the fun for everybody.  You easily sympathize with Andrew, the abused, poor, misfit, emo kid.   But  you also enjoy the other two confident, easily popular kids as well.  It's extremely well done.  The effects are well done.  It's just a little to predictable for me.  But it as fun movie to watch.


I had to drag myself to go see Woman in Black. In fact is Ashley hadn't been persistent I probably would never have gone to see it.  Not that it looked bad--I just don't handle scary movies well.  This episode from Boy Meets World still freaks me out:

Well, to be honest, I can't give the best review of the movie considering I spent a considerable amount of time with my eyes closed, fingers in my ears.  Or doubled over in my seat so I couldn't see the screen.  Or with my hands over my face, leaving a small enough gap in between my fingers to see Daniel Radcliffe's face.  But from what I did see, I thought it was well done.  It's not revolutionary but it's a scary movie with secretive British people and a freaky marsh. 

Daniel Radcliffe's character has to travel to this town to got through the paperwork in an old house---in the middle of a marsh.  Conveniently, you're stranded at the house often because when the tide comes in on the marsh and the road is in accessible.  Perfect setting for scary crap to happen.  So many warning signs for his character to get the heck out of dodge.  The people in the village want him gone, the house is in the middle of a marsh causing you to be stuck at the marsh except when the tide is low, and the house looks like this:

Um. Yeah.  I would never have even stepped foot in that house.  But he does....because he's Harry Freaking Potter (you're a legend man to us all---oh AVPS).

It was great seeing Daniel Radcliffe in a different on screen role and he did great.  All in all it was a jumpy, scary movie that will keep your heart racing.

Guest Post: Fear

As you may recall, I challenged my friend AJ to write a devotion last week.  I also challenged myself to complete my character profiles--I did not do this.  But in my defense, I'm in crisis mode with my family and my mind is not fully devoted to anything besides prayer and family.  However, AJ completed the challenge.  And here is her wonderful devotional:

Today I want to talk about the F word.  Oh yeah, I’m going there.  It’s the ugliest four letter word you can think of.  Okay, ready?  Here it goes…

FEAR.

At some point, we’ve all been scared of something.  As children we are scared of monsters under the bed, the boogeyman in the closet, or in the case of one of my nieces…the tooth fairy.  J  But as we grow, fear begins to take on a more real form in our lives.

Have you ever let the fear of failing keep you from going after something you wanted?  Maybe it’s a new job, or trying to reach your goal weight (boy have I failed at this one a time or two…or ten), or maybe you’ve been holding off on dating someone new because you are fearful of what a new relationship could bring. 

We often let it {fear} paralyze us from pursing our goals because we have a fear of failing.  I look back on my life so far and already I see many times where I have let the fear of failing stop me.  I didn’t try out for the dance team for the first 3 years of high school because I was scared.  Scared of what? I was hesitant to even tell people that I was thinking of starting a side business because I was scared of it failing.  If we let fear stop us from everything, nothing in our lives will ever get accomplished!

 But not after today.  No more.  Yeah, I know…easier said than done, right? 

But friends, today I have great news.  There’s someone who wants to take all our fears and worry away!  He wants us to completely and utterly TRUST in Him.  To not even worry about that new job, that diet, or that new relationship.  Know why?  Because He already knows how it turns out.  J  He has a plan for you, for me, and He doesn’t want our FEAR of failure to stop us from pursuing His will for us.  Oh yeah, by now you know who I’m talking about…God. 

No more will fear stop us.  After today I want you to take the F word, FEAR, out of your vocabulary.  Two verses I leave with you today:

Jeremiah 29:11-  For I know the plans I have you, says the Lord.  Plans for good and not for evil,           to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)

Mark 11:24- I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. (NLT)

I don’t know what fear you’re battling with today friend, but I know that if you truly give it up to God and trust in Him and His will, you will be blessed.  I encourage you to replace the word fear with another F word.  You’ve probably heard it a time or two…

FAITH.  J

Blessings,

Amanda

the words "I Love You"

Last night as I stood with some of my family in the ICU waiting room and listened to our voices reaching out to God for healing I was filled with happiness and love.  Despite everything around me--not one dark thought was able to enter my mind.

Afterward while we talked about how my uncle has a family filled with fierce love for one another, my uncle Glenn said something that has stuck with me:
(for reference purposes, my uncle Glenn is married into the family.  As is my uncle Mike.)

"This family loves one another.  It's shocking.  When I first met this family I was shocked by the amount of people who said 'I love you' to another and how many hugs were exchanged.  It took time for me to get used to it.  My family didn't do that.  This family says it every chance they get.  And that's special."

I tell people I love them as often as possible, including my close friends.  It's natural.  It's normal.  I need them to know.  I want them to know.  But as I've gotten older I have noticed that it throws people for a shock.  I dated someone once whose family hardly ever exchanging hugs, compliments, or much less "I love you."  They just didn't do it.

I don't know how many families and friends exchange these words on a daily basis.  Of course, just saying them isn't enough--you have to mean it.  I know that my family loves me without pause.  I have floods of memories with my family that are entrenched with love.  And when I speak to my family and see them, I am 100% happier than I was the moment before.

In that room last night, I felt God's spirit as well as the weight of a family's love in the room.  And it's because of that feeling, because of the knowledge that my family's love is true that I know these present circumstances will not stop us.  We will continue fighting.  My uncle Mike will continue fighting.  For his family.  For Kelley. For Katie. For Lauren. And for his wife, my aunt Sandra.  We don't know why things are what they are--but I pray that we can show the hospital and others that our love for one another is unwavering.  And that our love derives from our relationship with Christ.  And that it is because of Him that we will survive this.

Accountability

Hey! Guess what is a great motivator?  Accountability.  So in my effort to get in shape mentally and physically I've decided to post my efforts---good and bad---here on my blog.

Goals:

Weight Loss:  Loose 20 pounds by May 1 (Just in time for Hong Kong!)

Book:  Have early character profiles done by the end of this week

Ok.  Now let's get this thing on the road.


And to my dear and beloved AJ:  I have goal for you....post something by this Sunday.  I believe in you and know that you can do it.

And because no blog post is complete without a picture:

Bam.

The Mixer

For Christmas my papa gave me my late Mama Lou's stand mixer.  It's fantastic.  So I thought I'd share.

My grandpa and my mom were able to find most of the attachments my grandma had and I spent the better part of a night playing with all of them.

The classic.

So Sweeney Todd

mini baseball bat. just kidding.

Dough hook

or a hook hand.  You decide.

New Obsession-Breaking Bad

A few months ago a coworker recommended a show called Breaking Bad to me.  He described it as a show about this middle aged chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and ends up cooking meth so his family will have money once he has passed away.  Interesting--maybe I might watch it--if I have time...it didn't really sound all that gripping.

I had no idea how gripping it really was.

Bored one night, I flipped on Netflix and found Breaking Bad and watched the pilot.  It was unlike any other show on television.  I sped through all four seasons that are out as quick as I could and the plot consumed many of my waking hours.

Walter White

It tells the story of Walter White--a boring, middle aged, chemistry teacher who leads a painfully dull life.  Until he's told that he is dying.  Then he becomes highly sought after meth cook, and slowly the power, the money, and the ever present hectic and life threatening state being a drug lord can be gets to him--but not in a negative way.  If you look closely, and look past his moments of fear, you'll see it.  He likes it.  No he loves it.  He was born for it.  The perfect character that you hate but really want to win at the same time.

Jesse Pinkman

And then you have Jesse.  He starts out as your typical junkie-but you slowly see his character deepen and through it all you'll find yourself rooting for him--much more than Walter.

But besides all that, the show is fantastic for other reasons.  The cinematography is incredibly stunning and the music fits and flows perfectly in every scene.  There are so many times that the camera becomes a character of it's own.  The use of point of view shots and time lases is beautiful.

Check out this POV montage (no spoilers)

I wish I could fully describe how groundbreaking this show is, but I can't so you'll have to watch it. I also searched for a good clip to share but most them have spoilers--so again, you'll have to watch it :)

Happy New Year

Yeah, I've been a little MIA the month of December but here I am :)  To celebrate the new year I think a slight 2011 recap is in order.

Kelley and Cameron

Ringing in 2011 the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a wonderful way to end the dreadful year of 2010 and welcome wonderful 2011.  This trip also introduced Cameron and I to the Rockin Roller Coaster and we now have an unforgettable DVD of the experience.






Then came my first taste of a baking craze.  Which eventually led to my teeny tiny cupcake business: The Cupcake Pub.  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Paige for giving me the push I needed.  Right in time for her gorgeous wedding.

Paige and Brian

And of course, weddings come with really fun bacherlorette parties.

 Let's not forget that the final Harry Potter move came out this summer.  Ahh what a night of fun, tears, and excitement.

 I also was introduced to the Very Potter Musical and the Hunger Games this year.  Wonderful :)

At the end of a summer filled with Sanford and the beach I bid farewell and good luck to Sage as she made the big move to Kansas. I myself moved back to Raleigh with Ashley and Anna. 

Anna

 And bought my dream car.

Phoenix

2011 was the year of several road trips, including a couple of trips to Busch Gardens.  Trips that filled with roller coasters, scarecrows, hotels, and freezing our butts off.

Ashley, Emily, Kelley

Busch Gardens hit Ashley and I just right.  I'm slowly pushing her towards roller coasters--even if I have to drag her kicking and screaming on every ride.  She'll learn to love it.  I also got to spend a lot of time with Kelley on these trips which I think was wonderful. In fact, this year in general led to many opportunities to grow closer with Kelley and Cameron on road trips.

Cameron

All in all it was a great year.  And I look forward to the upcoming year :)

Potter Post 3 1/3--Book 5 Predictions

Warning: This post contains spoilers

I stumbled across an old article from 2003 this morning: Harry Potter Plot: Your Predictions.  It's from right before the fifth book of Harry Potter was released--Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and it's a magical treasure--so today I'm going to post some of the predictions that readersmade for this book.  But first, a look back:

In 2003 I was still in high school.

Whoa.

And Harry Potter  was getting ready to enter his fifth year of school after having participated in the Triwizard Tournament in his fourth year. 

 

Edward Cullen was a Hufflepuff.

Remember?  The Triwizard Tournament brought three schools together for the competition but Harry's name was mysteriously entered into the tournament under a fourth, fake school in order to fool the Goblet of Fire thus forcing him to compete in notoriously deadly competition.  Things seemed to be going well into he and Cedric touched the Triwizard Cup---remember Cedric Diggory---The Hogwarts champion--from Hufflepuff--?  Well they touched the Triwizard Cup together and-gasp!-it was a portkey that transported them to a graveyard where Cedric was killed.
 

Who killed Cedric? Peter Pettigrew.  But who told him to? VOLDEMORT.  We then witnessed the rebirth of Voldemort.  And learned that Voldemort's wand and Harry's wand don't work properly against each other--who knew how big of a deal that would end up being?  Harry escaped-barely-and returned to Hogwarts just in time to almost be killed by...Mad Eye Moody? GASP! But it was actually Barty Crouch Jr. all hopped up on polyjuice potion. 

The point being that this was a huge moment in the series.  This was the moment that Voldemort returned to power.  This was the moment that forced Harry Potter to grow up.  This was the moment that told the readers--anyone can and will die.  So naturally everyone was on edge waiting for fifth book.  Waiting and guessing about what would happen.  So below are some predictions from 2003:

Who will die?

       Ironically it seems that Sirius dying was the farthest from anyone's mind.  In fact he wasn't even on the poll this site did.  They asked readers who would die in The Order of the Phoenix--below are the choices, results, and I added when they actually died.

--Professor McGonagal...5.15% (Survived--eventually became headmistress)

--Professor Snape... 9.94%  (Died in the last book)

--Hermione...5.08% (Survived--married Ron)

--Rom...7.99% (Survived--married Hermione)

--Hagrid...36.44% (Survived)

--Professor Dumbledore...30.65% (Died in the sixth book)

--Draco...4.74% (Survived)

So it seems that Hagrid and Dumbledore were the most favored to die...Dumbledore dying was always on my least likely to die least while reading the series.  

It was also predicted that Dumbledore would die and Snape would become the new headmaster and lead the fight against Voldemort.  This was a great prediction because it holds a ton of truth, just a little early and only slightly off.

Voldemort is Harry's father

This was a very common predication for several years until JKR finally put and end to it decalring that Voldemort is NOT Harry's father.  Come on guys...Harry has a nose and Voldemort doesn't.

Dumbledore is a Death Eater

Cool predication. Untrue.  But cool.  This prediction got it's ground from the line in the fourth book where Harry tells Dumbledore that Voldemort can touch him now and then there is flash of triumph in Dumbledore's eyes.  This was a huge line in the book.  I personally obsessed over what it could mean and we didn't find out until the end of the series.  But it did not mean that Dumbledore is a death eater.  

Ron and Hermione get together

Oh...that was always a constant prediction.  Except for the Hermine/Harry people (I'm talking to you Emily!)

Ginny becomes important

Well I guess so.

Something is up with Neville. Not sure what.  But something.

Great prediction and we did learn about Neville in the fifth book.

I hope you enjoy this look back into the past brought to you by my friend Google!