Fault In Our Stars.

Warning: This post contains spoilers. If you are planning on reading or watching Fault In Our Stars, don't read this!.


To the teens who have watched or read Fault In Our Stars,

I hope it meant something to you. I hope it made you feel something. I hope it made you angry, sad, confused. I hope you walked out of that theater with a new perspective. I hope you realize how precious life can be.

This book/film, while terribly sad, is important. Not only does it show you the realities of childhood cancer, but it shows you that life, at any point, can take a turn. That we are lucky to be on this earth, right now, and that we need to live it to the fullest while we can. That we should not waste our time on silly drama, but that we should embrace those around us and love them with all of our might. Because we CAN.

Although I read the book a few years back and knew what to expect, I was still sobbing in the theater on Saturday night. I can't help it. It's just not natural to watch something like that happen. We avoid illness and death and all that other scary stuff because we assume it's not going to happen to us. But it could- it could happen to anyone. It's happening to my dad right now. And while he is fighting and is healthy, it still scares me to my core. The fear that was displayed in that movie is very real. It is something way too many people are dealing with, right now. And we don't even think about it, because we are too worried about other little things.

It's time to start thinking about it, and to start doing something about it. If Fault In Our Stars made you feel something, if you shed a tear or felt some emotion, there are ways you can help comfort those who are dealing with cancer, just like Hazel and Gus. You could become a volunteer and visit people, try to cheer them up. You could donate your books, your old toys, to the children's wing at hospitals so that they have something to do. You can donate $ to your local hospital or to various cancer organizations (I suggest American Cancer Society, because I happen to know the amazing things that they do). You could run a 5k and dedicate it to someone who CAN'T run because they are too sick. Those are just a few ways you can lend a hand and your heart to show cancer that we are paying attention, and we aren't going to back down.

Fault In Our Stars is a love story, but it's so much more than that. Please know that. Please live each moment mindfully. Realize that your words and actions mean something.

I empathize with you as you wrap your head around this story. And if you've ever lost someone, I know it hurt to relive that grief through the movie. But know- this is your only chance you've got to be truly alive and to make a mark. Ready. Set. Go.

Love, Megan.

Frozen

It's Sunday afternoon. It's snowing. I have a hot cup of coffee in my hand. All my Christmas gifts are purchased. I'm working on drafting up my blog posts for the week. When I finish I'm going to read while my stuffed pepper soup cooks on the stove. I'll probably pop in a Christmas movie later while I finish my Christmas cards.

That, my friends, is a perfect winter Sunday afternoon. Minus the whole snow thing. Here's to hoping it doesn't snow too much.

But speaking of snow, I want to talk about Frozen. You know...the new Disney movie. What could a 26 year old possibly have to say about a computer animated Disney movie? A lot, actually.

Warning: This contains spoilers. If you are planning on seeing Frozen, don't read this. Or do, if you feel like it. I'm not going to stop you. Just don't get mad at me for not warning you.

Wizard of Oz

You know how last week I was all giddy because I got to see Fall Out Boy in concert? I'm just as giddy now,but because I saw Wizard of Oz in 3d this weekend.

Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie. I love everything about it. When I was in kindergarten I used to watch it after school like all the time. I get excited when it's on tv. I know every line. My mom and I used to go to the Wizard of Oz display at the mall every year. I can't get enough.

I happened to read something about the movie coming to Imax theatres for a limited time and immediately Tom and I made plans to go. I practically skipped into that theatre, y'all.

As I sat there with my 3d glasses on, I let myself fall into the world of Oz. I don't think the smile left my face the entire time. I said the lines, sang the words, giggled, and even cried. It was almost as though I was seeing the movie for the first time all over again.

I think each of us can take something from that movie. For me, and probably many, it's the realization that sometimes what we want the most is already inside of us, it just takes a little adventure to realize that.

The lion is my favorite character. I relate to him the most. I spent most of my life wishing I was braver, wishing I had more courage. It took me a very long time to realize I am brave, I just had to dig a little deeper to find it. You know when Dorothy is trapped and the three of them are trying to come up with a plan? The lion goes on and on about what he's going to do to save her, and then pleads the other two to talk him out of it. I've always understood that part so well. There are many times I wish I could get out of a situation, wish someone would give me an easy way out. But most of the time, my friends step in like scarecrow and tinman, and push me forward. Like they should.

Of course, the other obvious message in the movie is "there's no place like home". No matter how far away we can drift, our home will be there. And home doesn't even necessarily have to be your immediate family or the house you grew up in. For me it is, but I know there are people who aren't as lucky and who may never want that to be considered home. I don't think it has to be. I think home is wherever you are most at peace, most full of love and joy. Surrounded by people who you adore and who make you a better person.

Besides my family, my other home is anything mercy related. That was made obvious to me again tonight, when I led a prayer service for Mercy Day with the sisters of mercy. I walked into the chapel with an overwhelming sense of peace. That's hone, and there really is no place like it.

I loved escaping into that magical world. The immense joy that movie gives me is just beautiful. I'll carry the words and lessons for as long as I live.

5 Things That Make Me Happy

I was tagged by one of my new blogger friends, Dee, to participate in the blog meme "5 Things That Make Me Happy".

I decided to share some of the more recent things in my life that make me happy. I hope they bring you a little sunshine, too. And, as a bonus, I asked some questions for you to answer in the comments!


1.  Sunday night movie night.

My roomies and I have a new little tradition every Sunday night: movie night! We take turns picking a movie and then the three of us settle down in our respected seats and watch together. So far we've watched: Now and Then, Friends With Benefits, Les Mis, Silver Linings Playbook, The Wedding Date, and The Help. Once Youth Group is over for the summer I plan on cooking dinner for them every Sunday night as well.  We've sort of made an unofficial pact that we'll keep our movie night tradition. Now when I'm out running errands I find myself browsing the $5 movie bin!

What movie should I pick next?

2.  Walgreens

Everyone keeps laughing at me, but the new Walgreens by my house is fan-freaking-tastic. It's like a magical wonderland. This is not your ordinary drugstore, kids. It has a fancy beauty counter, an amazing wine selection, fresh vegetables, deli sandwiches, and SUSHI. I mean COME ON. And the pharmacy area? They have kiosks. And a leather couch. It's my favorite place to pick up things I'll need for the week. I'm in love.

I've been leery on trying the sushi from Walgreens. Should I go for it? What's the coolest thing you've found at a drugstore?


3. The Voice

Following in American Idol's footsteps, The Voice is all about the ladies this year. The guys are getting kicked off, and fast. Last week's elimination show was icky, though. My favorite, Sarah, a gal with a powerhouse voice, was sent home. I wasn't happy, and neither was Adam Levine. But, there's still some super strong contestants left in the competition. Personally, I'm rooting for Michelle.

Do you watch The Voice? Do you have a favorite?


4.  Ruzzle

I try not to start playing silly games on facebook because I know I'll get addicted. But I fell into the Ruzzle hole and I can't get out. It's a lot like Boggle- you have a board with a bunch of letters and you have to find words. In essence it doesn't SOUND that fun, but trust me, it is. I go to sleep having dreams of letters and words.

What's your favorite game to play on facebook/your phone?


5. Cupcake Wine.
Let me just explain to you how I usually drink my wine. You know those little cases that carry four mini wine bottles? I can sniff those things out. But then a friend told me about Cupcake wine, and I tried it. It's my new love. No, it doesn't taste like a cupcake. Don't get too excited. But it is sweet, smooth, crisp, and delicious. I've tried the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Moscato. All good, but I'd pick the Chardonnay. I want to try the Angel Food one. I'm sure I will. I promise I'm not an alcoholic, but I do enjoy a glass of wine.

What is your favorite brand of wine? If you don't drink wine, what is your alcoholic beverage of choice?

I Tag:
Daye By Daye
Bread and Butter
Writing Jewels
Shari Speaks
Still Write

My Personal 2012 Pop Culture Picks

I love reflecting on the year, both personally and pop culture wise. Listed here are some of my favorite movies, albums, and songs from the year.

Top 10 Movies.

10. Brave
There are those who say fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own, but I know better. Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it.

9. People Like Us
Most doors in the world are closed, so if you find one that you want to get into, you damn well better have an interesting knock

8. Breaking Dawn 2
You nicknamed my baby after the Loch Ness Monster?

7. The Dark Knight Rises
 A hero can be anyone. Even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a little boy's shoulder to let him know that the world hadn't ended.

6. The Vow
The moment of impact. The moment of impact proves potential for change. Has ripples effects far beyond what we can predict. Sending some particles crashing together. Making them closer than before. While sending others spinning off into great ventures. Landing them where you've never thought you've found them. That's the thing about moments like these. You can't, no matter how hard you try, controlling how it's gonna affect you. You just gotta let the colliding part goes where they may. And wait. For the next collision.


5. Sparkle
All I think about is music.


4. Pitch Perfect
Even though some of you are pretty thin, you all have fat hearts, and that's what counts.

3. Hunger Games
May the odds be ever in your favor.

2. Perks of Being A Wallflower
So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how could that be.

1. Silver Linings Playbook
You gotta pay attention to signs. When life reaches out with a moment like this it's a sin if you don't reach back...



Top 15 Albums of 2012...and my three favorite songs from each.

Maroon 5- Overexposed

• Tickets "you're perfect on the outside, but nothing at the core"
• Sad "I'm scared to death that there may not be another one like this. And I confess, that I'm only holding on by a thin thin thread"
• Daylight "Here I am staring at your perfection in my arms; so beautiful"

Zac Brown Band- Uncaged

• Goodbye in Her Eyes "the life she wanted, it was gone. Prince Charming I wasn't"
• Uncaged "every day find a way to face my fears"
• Natural Disaster "and the rebel in her soul brought her to me"

Pitch Perfect Soundtrack.
Won't do the lyrics because they are all covers :)

• Cups
• Bellas Finals
• Riff Off

Fun., Some Nights

• Some Nights "what do I stand for? Most nights I don't know anymore"
• Carry On "may your past be the sound of your feet on the ground. Carry on"
• Why Am I The One "for once for once I feel like I'm right where I belong"

Mumford and Sons, Babel

• Babel "press my nose up to the glass around your heart, I should've known I was weaker from the start"
• I Will Wait  "raise my hands, paint my spirit gold"
• Hopeless Wanderer "Hold me fast 'cause I'm a hopeless wanderer. I will learn, I will learn to love the skies I'm under"

Alex Clare, Too Close

• Too Close "at the end of it all, you're still my best friend"
• Damn Your Eyes "damn your eyes for taking my breath away, for making me want to stay. damn your eyes for getting my hopes up high"
• Tightrope "the only thing I'm sure of is to have no fear at all. Just go, keep on going on."

Ed Sheeran, +

• Wake Me Up  "and you will never know just how beautiful you are to me." 
• Sunburn "She was mine, I was hers...And all that's in between. If she would cry, I would shelter her, And keep her from the darkness"
• Lego House "I'm gonna pick up the pieces, and build a lego house, when things go wrong we can knock it down"

P!nk, The Truth About Love

• Try "funny how the heart can be deceiving  more than just a couple times. Why do we fall in love so easy?  Even when it's not right."
• Chaos and Piss "I also feel things more than I should. I don't relax very often, as often as I could. I worry how the whole thing looks, it doesn't look good."
• The Great Escape "Terrified of the dark, but not if you go with me. And I don't need a pill to make me numb. And I wrote the book already, but that chapter of my life will soon be done. I'm the king of the great escape. You're not gonna watch me checking out of this place. You're not gonna lose me, cuz the passion and the pain are gonna keep us alive someday".

Haley Reinhart, Listen Up!

• Undone "I don't want you back, I just want to have what you took from me".
• Hit The Ground Running "You better watch your mouth boy, cuz I don't miss a beat"
• Keep Coming Back "don't you have a home to go to? don't you have another soul to hold you? am I the only one who really knows you?"

JillandKate, Heart of Stone

• Burn It Down "caught that liar right in his tracks, and I said some things I can never take back. Wouldn't if I could".
• I Come Alive "I come alive when you look at me that way"
• Breakdown "If we don't get this figured out, it's sure to break us down and we won't ever find a way back home"

Bruno Mars- Unorthodox Jukebox

• If I Knew "I know it breaks your heart to picture the only one you want to love in someone else's arms, but I wouldn't have done all the things that I had done if I knew one day you'd come" 
• Natalie "you'll be begging me please please please, while I sit there and laugh laugh laugh, and you'll be cryin for me cryin for me cryin for me"
• Gorilla "oh look what you've done, but in this jungle you can't run"

Casey Abrams, Casey Abrams

• Wore Out My Soul "As time keeps moving on, your shine is clearly gone"
• Ghosts "Found out that love is too precious to waste, but I'll waste it all on you"
• Midnight Girl "And I wanna tell your right now, you're the kind of girl Ray was singing about"

Jason Mraz, Love Is A Four Letter Word

• I Won't Give Up "We got a lot to learn, but God knows we're worth it. I won't give up."
• 93 Million Miles "sometimes it may seem dark, but the absence of light is a necessary part. just know you're not alone, you can always come back home"
• Hidden Track "I hope you notice that I am still in love with you. Yes I, I'm coming over tonight. I hope you notice I was never over you."

The Spill Canvas, From San Francisco

• Whiskey Dream Kathleen "To my babygirl in the picture, could you pass along that I miss her? I know you're still in there somewhere".
• The Meds "don't get me wrong I think about you all the time, that doesn't mean I enjoy you spoiling my mind"
• To Chicago "At one point I thought maybe I should warn her. But such information is reserved for our dark corners".

Taylor Swift, Red

• I Knew You Were Trouble "And the saddest fear comes creeping in...that you never loved me, or her, or anyone, or anything."
• I Almost Do "I bet it never, ever occurred to you that I can't say hello to you and risk another goodbye"
• All Too Well "And you call me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest. I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here, cuz I remember it all too well"

15 Songs Not Previously Listed That I Really Freaking Liked This Year. No judging allowed.
15. Nicki Minaj- Pound The Alarm
14. Ellie Goulding- Lights
13. Justin Bieber- Boyfriend
12. Carly Rae Jepsen- Call Me Maybe
11. Taylor Swift- Eyes Open
10. Phillip Philips- Home
9. Adele- Skyfall
8. Kelly Clarkson-Dark Side
7. Kelly Clarkson- Stronger
6. The Lumineers- Ho Hey
5. Carrie Underwood- Blown Away
4. David Guetta feat Sia- Titanium
3. Of Monsters and Men- Little Talks
2. Gotye- Somebody That I Used To Know
1. Kelly Clarkson- Catch My Breath