Final Post

Now that I have graduated from seminary - it is time for me to close this chapter of my life as well as this blog.  Do not fret, for I have a new blog!  

http://auburnaudacity.blogspot.com/

This blog will chronicle my life until I make another major shift.  Who knows when that will be.  I invite all of you who have enjoyed this adventure with me to come with me as I venture out into the world beyond academia.  

It will be a mix of my thoughts, my experiences and hopefully some strokes of genius :)

Thank you all for caring enough to read!

Katie

Life after Seminary

I apologize to all of those who read this blog regularly and have noticed that it's been nearly a month since I have written. My life has been crazy and emotional. I graduated from Gordon Conwell. I said goodbye to my dear friends at school and the church I love to move home. My mother and I drove my car full of all my belongings back to South Dakota. It took two and a half days and we made a pit-stop at Niagara Falls, which was lovely.



Since being home I have spent time with my family (a birthday lunch for my brother, a shopping trip with my nearly 2-year-old niece, a couple visits to my grandma's house), friends (a trip to the camp to see Bridgett and her remodeled house as well as a couple of other girls I love, a trip to Nealy's apartment, and a stop at the USF theology department.



Otherwise, I've been keeping busy unpacking, playing Wii, and applying for jobs. I had an interview yesterday for a job I would really like, but I'm trying to not get my hopes up. I'll find out about it at the end of May - which really isn't that far away.



While I was ready to be done with seminary - I am finding the transition home to have its own challenges. Certainly the benefits outweigh whatever hardships I face here. I miss MA, though. I miss my friends. I miss my church. I miss the scenery and the independence. But I suppose that is normal. I am just grateful to have things to miss.

Finally, this blog was set up to chronicle my time at seminary. I am debating what I will do next. Rest assured that when I decide - I will announce it here. If there is something you would like me to do - opinions of mine you would like to hear (or debate) please let me know.

Top 10 things I'll miss about Immanuel Church...

10.  The food brought in for fellowship time after the service.  Cookie brownies...yum.

9.  Sarah saying "blessings on your head"

8.  Hearing "Sweet Caroline" spontaneously sung by the choir before the service.

7.  Phil always spotting my grammatical mistakes - but rarely letting me know...

6.  Phil Dodge and Bud Lohnes talking to me after the service.

5.  Hugs from Edna Goodwin.

4.  Passing of the peace and praying in the center aisle.

3.  Sarah and I butchering the noonday prayer in the Book of Common week after week.

2.  The random acts of kindness and gifts from Wendy the organist - including the Red Sox game

1.  The Hospitality - people inviting me into their homes and sharing with me what they have - food, stories, laughter and one awesome pie plate.  

The hardest thing about finishing seminary will be to leave the church I have called home for the past two years.  I will miss everyone there.

Books...

Last June I blogged about the books I was reading for fun and had a sudden desire to do so again.  That is probably because I've been reading books all day that are for a paper and hence not fun.

I will begin where I left off...

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

This was a great book.  I found myself spending the afternoon reading this rather than doing my semlink this summer.  I identified very much with Fanny Price - the heroine.  She is, by far, the most moral of Jane Austen's characters.  I also enjoyed that the aunt had a pug - gotta love people with pugs.  What I am most dissapointed about is how the movie version changes the storyline so much.  It makes Fanny into a independent feminist writer (not a bad thing in and of itself) but that is not who Fanny is (in the book).

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

You will notice very quickly that I read a lot of Jane Austen this year.  I loved this book as well.  Eleanor and Marianne are such wonderful characters.  As I read this book, I pictured the cast from the 1995 movie (Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, etc.)  It is quite a long book, however.  Brace yourself for quite a ride.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This book concluded my Jane Austen run while at Seminary.  I have now read all six.  I have to say that it took me awhile to get into this book, but by a happy accident my mother bought me the movie version for Christmas because it looked like something I might ask for.  I immediately fell in love with the movie and the book became one of my all-time favorites soon after.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

This book was one of my Christmas presents.  I wanted to read it while living in MA.  I had already visited Orchard House and seen the movie about 20 times so I was pretty familiar with the story.  The book was wonderful and not a week after I finished I returned to Orchard House for the second time.  Having been in their home and seen where Louisa actually wrote the book makes this family so real to me.  Even at this moment I am listening to the soundtrack to the movie because it helps to motivate me.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I found this book in the basement of the church where I work.  I asked if I could borrow it to read it and I just finished it last night, actually.  It is one of those books I've been meaning to read for ages and had just never gotten around to it.  It makes me want to read the entire LOTR trilogy now.  In highschool I managed to read the Fellowship of the Ring, but not the others.  Perhaps I will tackle that series soon.

My next goal is to work on the works of CS Lewis.  I got a compilation for Christmas, but left it at home since I knew I wouldn't get to it this semester.  It will be a good way for me to keep up with some sort of theological reading since I will soon be done with seminary!

My Roommate on AFV!

I apologize for not posting for awhile - even though I've had things to write about.  

Quick Recap of my life:

- Easter Sunday was great!  Sang "Then Came the Morning" in the choir at church.  That afternoon I went to Jana's where about 15 of us gathered and had breakfast food in the afternoon.  I brought the bacon.  And no, that is not a metaphor for money.

- This past week I had the last lectures in all my classes and took the final in my Semlink class.  Friday was my last lecture of seminary - and I wasn't really that sad.  Honestly, it just hasn't hit me that I won't have class for awhile.

- Saturday morning I co-hosted my first bridal shower for my friend Ruth Robinson.  My duties were to bring the flowers and the beverages.  Since flowers are really expensive, I decided to make them.  My origami skills came in handy as I made three vases full of lilies.  It was a big hit at the shower and one girl was so happy because she is allergic to flowers - so she was able to appreciate them as well.

- Saturday night I spent at one of my professor's homes.  Apparently he invites all of his students (from every class) over each semester for a night of food and fun.  I hadn't actually planned on going, but I was talked into it at the last minute.  Only about 10 students showed up - which was slightly awkward for me, but it was fun to hear stories about when he and his family lived in Portugal.  We left before the games really started - but I had heard talk of Scene-It.  Probably a good thing I left - it's not really fair to play that game against me :)

- Sunday morning - I attended an emergent church with 3 guys - one I sort of know from a class I took last semester and the others I only recognized.  They were nice and it was a good morning.  I had to attend an emergent church for class - I didn't just decide to go church shopping my last few weeks here.  I ended up eating lunch at the pastor's house - I'm always down for a home-cooked meal!

- Sunday night - I watched America's Funniest Home Videos with a bunch of girls because my roommate Jen was on - AND SHE WON!!!  Actually, I had known for awhile because she is currently in California.  Today they shot the $100,000 episode.  I don't know how that one went, but I do know that she is splitting $10,000 with her two friends from Wisconsin.  

Way to go Jen!!!  We all couldn't be more happy for you!  God certainly has a sense of humor in the way he decides to provide!  :)

Boston Museum of Fine Art

This past Saturday my roommate Jen and I went to the Museum of Fine Art in Boston to celebrate our birthdays.  She missed my birthday because she was on an all-expense paid trip to LA to be on America's Funniest Home videos.  If you are interested in watching, the episode airs April 19th.  I will miss her birthday this summer because I will be in South Dakota and she will be on an extended mission trip to Uraguay (not sure how to spell that...)  So... we made our new birthday April 4th.

It's a very nice museum, even though it is undergoing some construction right now.  Jen and I are both big fans of the impressionists.  As many of you know, I love Van Gogh and there were 4 originals there!

Some of the other highlights:

 

- Monet's Water Lilies

- The instrument room.  Mom - remind me to show you the picture of the trombone with a dragon head for a bell.

- The Egyptian wing 

- Painting of St. Catherine of Siena (someone I've been reading about for my Women in Church History class)

On our way back to school, we stopped at the Prudential Center so I could get my niece a birthday present.  I'm not going to say what it is, other than that it is very New England.  She turns 11 in 2 days!  Gosh!

Most of my time is filled with researching and writing papers.  It's officially crunch time for me.  I am taking breaks, though.  Tomorrow my church is doing a Passover Seder meal.  On Sunday I am spending the afternoon with a bunch of friends to celebrate Easter.  Maybe not as exciting as being in New York - but I'm thankful for having somewhere to go and people to be with.

I wish you all a reflective Holy Week and a marvelous Easter! 

CHRIST HAS RISEN - HE HAS RISEN INDEED!

Bridgett Came to Visit!

My friend Bridgett came to visit me.  We are friends from Lake Poinsett Camp and have known each other for a very long time.  She was my first visitor last year, so this time around we skipped the Freedom Trail and Cape Ann.  Instead we had a great time doing many new things.  I was able to cross a lot of my "to see" list.

FRIDAY

During the day was the Inauguration of President Hollinger (President of Gordon Conwell.)  It was a very cool ceremony and I am glad I went.  He is the 6th president of Gordon Conwell.

Bridgett arrived that night.  We had some Quiznos and watched Emperor's New Groove which is a movie we both love and now both own.  "No touchy!"

SATURDAY

We headed down to Cape Cod, Hyannis specifically.  We took in the JFK Museum dedicated to the time the Kennedy's spent in Hyannis.

Here is Bridgett in front of the Museum.

They had a little video presentation and a whole wall dedicated to the Kennedy Family Tree.

Here we are at the Kennedy Memorial at the beach in Hyannis.  

This is the Saugus Bridge.  Once we crossed this, we were in the Cape.

That night, Bridgett and I went to a Karaoke Potluck at my church.  Since I don't have an oven, we brought chips and salsa.  I was very happy to see some "American Chop Suey" aka "goulash."  Bridgett and I sang one song - to everyone's suprise (including us!)  We sang "Lean On Me."  Good times.

SUNDAY

Bridgett sang in the church choir with me on Sunday.  Both the karaoke and the choir were things that I had hoped she would do, but did not require her to do.  We are all grateful she sang - we really needed her that day!

After church we headed into Boston for a play - Billy Joel's Movin' Out.  It was like a ballet set to Billy Joel music.  It was very cool and very impressive.  We arrived a little early and since the theater was adjacent to the Common, we walked around a snapped a few pictures.  I did get to see the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues, but did not get a picture with them.

In the Boston Public Gardens, all dressed up for the show.

We ate supper at the Bull and Finch Pub, inspiration for the show Cheers.  I had Macaroni and Cheese.  It was excellent.

MONDAY

Monday was our relaxed day.  I don't actually have any pictures...oops!  We went candlepin bowling.  I did better than when I tried it a year ago, but am sadly still terrible at it.  I hope to go one more time when my parents are here.  I can't wait to see how my dad does!  Unless of course he is skilled at that as well... :)

TUESDAY

We went to Concord, MA.  As some of the more astute readers of this blog will note, I went here in August with my friend Dana.  Bridgett wanted to see Orchard House and who am I to deny her?  It was wonderful to see it again after reading the book.  We had watched the movie the night before in order to prepare ourselves a little better.

We then ate lunch and headed over to Sleepy Hollow cemetary.  At this point in the trip, we both realized we hadn't taken many pictures and tried to make up for it.  I will post a few of the highlights.

We did some "senior photo" moments.  This is the best of Bridgett.

Notice the braid?  Bridgett did that - as well as take this great picture.

We are enjoying the cemetary a little too much at this point.

Believe it or not, this was taken by me with a self timer.  
I am looking at Emerson's grave.
I am the master of looking instantly pensive.

After the cemetary, we headed to North Bridge.  This was the sight of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.  There is a Minuteman statue there carved by the same guy who carved the Lincoln Memorial.  That guy was tutored by the sister to Louisa May Alcott, who wrote Little Women and lived in Orchard House.  Oh the connections!

The Minute Man statue in the sunlight.

My artistic rendering of the Old North Bridge.

That night we ate at Not Your Average Joe's (or as Bridgett called it - Coconut Joe's) with my roommates.  It was a nice end to the day, as well as the trip.

This morning, we had breakfast at Depot Diner (where I discovered the joy of cornbread pancakes) and dropped Bridgett off at the airport.  I have done very little homework since then, but have not been too idle.  However, I must get lots done in the next few days.  Pray for me!

What a week!

I've been so blessed this week that I'm literally worn out from kindness.

Wednesday I went out to brunch with my friend Gina.  Interesting fact:  Gina had never heard of eggs benedict before that morning.    I also received a 3-layer chocolate in the mail from my great-aunt Bernice.  This is the third birthday cake I have received in the mail.  It was probably the best chocolate cake I have ever eaten.  I gave a piece to a former professor of mine here at the seminary and he told me later that if he wasn't already married, he would have proposed to my great-aunt.

Thursday the baked-goods-in-the-mail trend continued with homemade chocolate chip cookies from my mother.  I love chocolate chip cookes baked by my mother and decided not to share them. 

Friday night I checked off one of my many things on my Boston to do list - tried some Samuel Adams beer on tap.  Samuel Adams is brewed in Boston (or near it.. I cannot remember).    I'm not a huge fan of beer, but this wasn't bad.  Thanks to Kerry for taking me out!

Saturday morning was spent at a bridal shower in Hamilton.  Saturday night I headed to Worcester, MA (pronounced Wuh-stah) to see Third Day, Brandon Heath and Revive in concert.  Words cannot express how awesome the show was and how much of a blessing it was for me to be there.  There was a group of 6 that went together and I just had a blast with them.

Today I went to church and then the girls from seminary ate out.  We had intended to eat BBQ but the place was closed.  Then we decided to eat Mexican food.  Interesting fact: Gina has never eaten Mexican food.  (Same girl as the eggs benedict. I've shown her a whole new world of food this week!)  Then we came back, ate cheesecake and played the Office DVD game.  

It's been a wonderful birthday celebration.  I feel very loved and blessed.  My room is full of yellow flowers and whenever I look at them I just smile.  Thank you to everyone.  It's going to be really hard to go back to a "normal" existence after a birthday like this.  Good thing I won't have to suffer for long.  Bridgett comes on Friday!  Woo Hoo!

Lutheran Video

I came across this when I was looking for something else.  It's based off of the Hannukah song by Adam Sandler.  It made me laugh.  Enjoy!

I lack originality.

This is taken from my friend Kim's blog which was taken from someone else's and so on and so forth.  There have been a lot of these types of things going around, but this one appealed to me because I have been a little sentimental lately and therefore am in the mood to give.

But before we get to the contest thing - a little story.

There is this couple in my church that I have become friends with.  They are also good friends of the pastor and her husband, which is how I got to know them.  Both of them are transplants from the Midwest to New England and much of our time is spent cataloguing the differences between the two regions.  For awhile the Kesters were trying to convince me that I would stay in New England, but I eventually convinced them otherwise.  About a month ago, Kimie (the wife) emailed me her husband's birthday which I put in the announcements page in the church bulletin.  This is typical for church members, but he isn't technically a church member yet.  Once he saw this he was determined to figure out my birthday and let the entire church know.  I gave him various hints over the past few weeks. I told him I never give up sweets during lent so I can always eat my birthday cake.  I told him I share my birthday with Albert Einstein.  Finally I told him my birthday was on Pi Day.  Of course he heard "pie day" and had no idea what that meant.

Well, today he figured it out.  However, when I do birthdays in the bulletin, I always do them for the upcoming week and since my birthday is on Saturday - he was too late!  [insert evil laugh]  Besides, I am the one who makes the bulletins - like I would incriminate myself!

It was a small victory for me, but a victory nonetheless.  Speaking of small victories - I bowled last night and got a 147 and a 158.  Those are really great scores for me, but I need to talk to my dad about it because the lanes were super slick and I think that had something to do with it.

Okay,  for those of you interested, here are the rules for the game I stole from Kim.  I'm modifying it a little.

The Rules

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me. Something crafty or yummy, who knows?

2. The gift that you send to your three winning friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make and/or ship your item. 

3. When you receive your gift, please share with blogdom what arrived on your doorstep. If you're not among the first three commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

Movie Moments Part 5

The final post in my series of favorite movie moments of movies that I own.  

The Saint

Favorite Moment:  Part of the movie is set in Oxford, England.  As many of you know, I spent a semester in Oxford during college.  One of the more famous buildings in Oxford is the Radcliffe Camera - part of the Bodleian Library.  In the movie, they make it seem like the lecture at the end of the movie is set within the Radcliffe Camera and there is a police chase through the Bodleian courtyard.  It's just fun because those are places I used to frequent when I lived there.

The 10th Kingdom

Favorite Moment:  This is a TV miniseries from a while ago, but I love it.  My favorite scene is the three trolls singing along to "night fever" by the BeeGees.  The tape player (yeah... tape player) dies in the middle of the song and they are so disappointed.  Then one of the trolls picks his nose and eats it.  It's such a great scene of sibling rivalry.

Twister

Favorite Moment:  After the final twister there is a scene where the rest of team is driving over the horizon towards the two main characters.  Van Halen's "Humans Being" is playing in the background - love it.  I watch this movie every summer.

Two Weeks Notice

Favorite Moment:  "George, you are the most selfish person in the entire world."  "That's just silly, have you met everyone in the world?"

Under the Tuscan Sun

Favorite Moment:  When Frances sees a snake enter her room, she has the italian realtor come to seek it out.  In the process she breaks down emotionally over her choice to move to Tuscany and he reassures her by telling her a story about faith.  That character is everything a man should be: kind, compassionate, faithful, the list goes on.

Waitress

Favorite Moment:  I love Nathan Fillion in this movie.  He's so awkward and sweet.  It's actually quite a feat to make his character endearing because he's a married doctor who is having an affair with one of his pregnant married patients... yet - I find myself really liking him.  Specifically when he shows up Keri Russell's door and just hugs her for 20 minutes.  We all need a little selfless love in our lives.

While You Were Sleeping

Favorite Moment:  Hands down favorite is the kid wiping out on his bike while delivering papers. It's a transitional scene and so funny.  Two other scenes are tied for a very close second:  The whole "leaning" discussion and the family dinner where about 5 conversations are happening at once... these mashed potatoes are so creamy.  

Well, that's it.  I hope you've found some of this interesting and perhaps it has inspired you to watch a movie or two.  You are welcome to borrow them from me (if that is practical) as long as you return it.  As you might notice, The Holiday wasn't on this list because it is still missing.  Very sad.  

I would be interested in your favorite moments of some of these movies or some of your own favorites.  Perhaps you'll inspire me to watch your favorites.

Movie Moments Part 4

This is the pen-ultimate post.  That is not a value judgment - just a placement judgment.  There is only one more after this one.  Here we go again.  

Spaceballs

Favorite Moment:  I must admit that I really think Mel Brooks is a comic genius.  At one point during the movie Dark Helmut (played perfectly by Rick Moranis) loses track of Lonestar and Barf and one of his underlings suggests watching the movie Spaceballs in order to find them.  There is new technology that allows the movies to be in the store before they are even done filming.  Therefore, they begin watching the movie and watch themselves watching the movie.  It's great fun.  Mel Brooks loves breaking the 4th wall and he does it so well.

Stardust

Favorite Moment:  Ricky Gervais and Robert DeNiro bartering.  Oh to have only been there when that scene was being filmed....  What is great about the scene, other than being hilarious, is that Deniro is doing what he does best (tough guy) and Gervais is doing what he does best (witty banter.)  A close second is the voodoo sword fight - and I realize how strange the sounds.  

Stranger than Fiction

Favorite Moment:  Like so many of the other movies that I enjoy - this one is full of so many little moments that it becomes hard to choose.  A few favorite tiny moments:  Dustin Hoffman asking Will Ferrell if he is happy that he's not a gollum.  Emma Thompson [insert any moment.]  And finally, Tony Hale (of Arrested Development fame) saying that nobody is too old to go to spacecamp.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Favorite Moment:  Edward Sanders singing "Now While I'm Around" because he has a beautiful voice.  It's also heartbreaking because he doesn't know who he's trying to protect.  

Sweet Home Alabama

Favorite Moment:  When Melanie finally realizes that her family has dignity and respects her parents.  This moment happens when Andrew comes back to her house and she suggests having the wedding in Alabama.  It's a small moment - but there is a sense of her finally starting to not be ashamed of where she's from, but perhaps feeling some pride.  As someone from a small town and rather proud of that upbringing (for whatever reason) I like that scene.

Sweet November

Favorite Moment:  This movie was a gift.  Just want to say that.  My favorite thing about this movie is the name of the little boy who befriends Keanu Reeves.  His name is Abner.  You're not going to lead a normal life with a name like that.

The First Wives Club

Favorite Moment:  During a Bar Mitzvah for the son of one of the "first wives" (Bette Midler) the ex-husband brings along his new girlfriend who is much younger and very beautiful.  Midler's character is furious and Diane Keaton (another first wife) asks in all sincerity, "Is she a gift?"  

The Italian Job

Favorite Moment:  I just watched this tonight.  I couldn't stop laughing during one moment, so I'll use that one.  Mark Wahlberg and Mos Def go to see "Skinny Pete" who is a 400 pound Hawaiian informant.  Before actually seeing Skinny Pete Wahlberg tells the Mos Def not to stare. Of course, he stares and then when he tries to talk he's looking everywhere but at Skinny Pete.  It's so awkward and funny.  

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Favorite Moment:  I have the 3rd Pirates movie and the 2nd Lord of the Rings... that's strange.  My favorite moment is Legolas and Gimli bantering before and during the battle.  While they are on the lookout Gimli is too short to see over the wall and is complaining.  Legolas responds by saying, "Shall I describe it to you, or would you like me to find you a box?"  Much needed humor before the battle.

The Phantom of the Opera

Favorite Moment:  You may have noticed I include "the" when alphabetizing.  I'm not ashamed. Favorite moment in Phantom of the Opera... oh yes.  Christine and Raoul have just finished singing on the roof with the Phantom listening on.  He reprises the song and runs up a statue and then pan out onto Paris.  It's a cool shot and you can really feel that in his mind he's been betrayed.

Tomorrow I'll post the last one.  

Movie Moments Part 3

The next installment of Katie's favorite movie moments.  I have decided not to include the tv shows that I own (Psych seasons 1&2, Ugly Betty Season 1) because there is way too much material for me to choose a favorite moment.  

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End

Favorite Moment:  I bought this movie because I love the soundtrack.  As far as my favorite moment in the movie, however, I would have to say the scene where they elect the pirate king.  It's loud, chaotic, and nobody ever knows what's going on in Jack Sparrow's head.  Plus - I enjoy anytime that a female character goes on a journey towards self-discovery and in this series Elizabeth goes through a great journey.

Pride & Prejudice

Favorite Moment:  This is such a wonderful adaptation of the book (and I am a fan of the BBC version.)  My favorite moment comes from Tom Hollander (Mr. Collins) because he plays the character so different from what anyone would expect.  My favorite moment is at the private ball when Mr. Collins is trying to persue Elizabeth.  During the montage that is not really a montage there is a scene where he stands in the middle of the room holding a single flower and he exhales (as if in defeat.)  It's such a sweet little moment.  Later the flower returns when he proposes to Elizabeth.

P.S. I Love You

Favorite Moment:  Gerard Butler during the flashback of when his character and Hilary Swank's character first meet in Ireland.  The whole scene is priceless, actually.  Each person trying to impress the other and talking about things that neither person understands.  It's very innocent and funny and the scenery is gorgeous.  

Rent

Favorite Moment:  When the HIV support group sings "Another Day" beginning with the New Yorker who talks about how he doesn't always trust what the therapist says but will do it because it seems to be working.  There are some moments in that musical that are so real even though the characters are singing and that is one of them.  

Runaway Bride

Favorite Moment:  This is another movie where the main character goes on a journey of self-discovery.  I wonder what that says about me...  that's for another post.  Small moment that always cracks me up features Joan Cusack (the quirky best friend) cheering on her husband while trying not to move her lips.  It just seems like something I would have done.

Runaway Jury

Favorite Moment:  Since this is a John Grisham movie, you know there is a great twist at the end.  The best part is when the "bad guys" discover the twist when it is too late to do anything about it.  I've decided to stay vague about this particular movie in case you haven't seen it, because you really should see it.  You can borrow it from me if you like.

Sabrina

Favorite Moment:  Sabrina's first day in the fashion industry in Paris.  They are speaking French or barely recognizable English to her, she's running around like a mad man, she turns on a fan which causes the model to drop her contact which Sabrina then proceeds to step on... all in all it is just a bad day.  Later on the phone with her father, he's trying to console her and says that not everybody in Paris thinks she's an idiot to which she responds: that's only because they haven't met me yet.  That makes her character so real and believable.

Sense & Sensibility

Favorite Moment:  Some of these movies are so difficult to pick a favorite moment!  The best moment, for me, is when Elinor is so overcome with emotion that she just cannot hold it in anymore and starts to cry... really cry.  I know that feeling and as the audience I am so happy for her because she's finally able to feel what she hasn't allowed herself to feel for nearly the entire movie.  Emma Thompson just blows my mind and I love it.

Sister Act

Favorite Moment:  The first time we hear the shy nun sing out in church.  It's such a triumphant moment, I only wish they would have built that up a little bit more.  I also wish that it was that actress's real voice - but we can't get everything we wish for.  I also really love Sister Mary Clarence's table grace which is a mash up of the Lord's prayer, Psalm 23, the marriage vows, and the pledge of allegiance - what a great piece of writing.

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Favorite Moment:  I love singing in movies, if you haven't noticed already.  I own a lot of musicals and there are still a couple more to go.  My favorite moment in this movie is the duet of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."  It's a beautiful rendition and that is the moment of revelation for the lead character - she wants to sing.  

That makes 30 movies so far.  I didn't realize I owned so many!  And yet - I never seem to have anything to watch.  :)

Movie Moments Part 2

I'm continuing this now because it's Friday and I don't want to do any homework after sitting through a 3 hour lecture.  Let us continue with my favorite movie moments!

Lars and the Real Girl

Favorite Moment:  This movie is made up of so many little moments that are so amazing.  If I had to choose - which I am making myself do - I would pick the moment when Lars realizes Bianca has a life of her own without him.  She was on her way to a party at the hospital and the lady giving her a ride tells Lars that no woman would just sit around all day and wait for him.  Even female dolls need their independence!

License to Wed

Favorite Moment:  3 words:  Never to Fart.  The whole scene where they debate whether or not the letter on the form is a P or an F is awesome.  Not to mention that it features Angela Kinsey of The Office and Bob Balaban (any Christopher Guest movie) who stole the scene.

Little Women

Favorite Moment:  How can I choose?  Any scene with Beth (Claire Danes) makes me sob.  When she gets the piano from Mr. Lawrence and her final speech to Jo.  In that speech she talks about being content with staying home, but that now she was going ahead of her sisters into the unknown.  [insert sobbing here]

Matilda

Favorite Moment:  Trunchbull is the principal of an elementary school and she hates children, but loves sweets.  One child has eaten her chocolate cake and for punishment has him eat an entire chocolate cake during an assembly.  The cake would feed like 50 people at least.  While the boy triumphs with the support of his peers thus foiling her plan - she succeeds in making me think about that scene every time I see chocolate cake.

Muriel's Wedding

Favorite Moment:  Again - a very small moment, but I bought the movie because of it.  Muriel ends up marrying an olympian swimmer who is trying to get Australian citizenship.  As Muriel comes down the aisle to ABBA's "I do, I do, I do" just beaming (this is her ultimate dream) he turns and gives this look... how to describe the look.  It's like he's been dropped kicked in the gut - it's hilarious and kind of sad at the same time.  The whole movie is that way, in fact.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Favorite Moment:  This movie is endlessly quotable.  "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know because nobody talk to me about nothing no more!"  "Why do you want to leave me?!"  "In my neck was my twin..."  and on it goes.  My favorite moments in this movie happen between Toula and her brother.  First is at the baptism when Toula doubts her value and her brother reassures her and reminds her that she is worth what Ian is doing for her.  The second is when her brother tells her he is taking some classes in art.  Not only do our actions change our lives, but the lives of those around us.  

Newsies

Favorite Moment:  The reprise of "Seize the Day" in front of Pullitzer's building.  The choreography is preparing us for the impending fight they boys will face.  It is also the only time we really see the main characters doing the same choreography as the other newsies.  Finally - love it because the actually reprise fills out the song with more harmony.  Dancing, singing, fighting, Christian Bale... recipe for a great movie.  

Once

Favorite Moment:  I love the part when Marketa Irglova's character is acting as Glen Hansard's agent toward the loan officer.  She picks out his suit and then becomes very outspoken during the interview.  It's much easier to defend someone else's talent than your own.  The whole movie is about two people having a real connection although they barely know one another - this is just one example of many.

Penelope

Favorite Moment:  Any moment with Peter Dinklage.  I think one of the best is when the character Edward licks Max's hand because Max has covered his mouth to stop him from talking.  Max says "He licked me" in disgust and Peter Dinklage's character, acting as the father figure to these two young men, tells Edward "ugh... don't lick Max."  Sometimes we find ourselves uttering the most ridiculous sentences in all seriousness.  I can only imagine what words come out of most parents' mouths with little children...

Persuasion

Favorite Moment:  Watching Captain Wentworth listen to Anne Elliot basically confessing her feelings for him (Wentworth) after over 8 years of being apart.  She's not confessing to him, but to another man during a discussion about whether males or females love the longest after a relationship has ended.  His face is priceless.  

Another 10 down.  I hope you find this interesting.  It's making me want to watch all of these movies now - and since I own them it is very tempting.

Favorite Movie Moments Part 1

Description of project: Katie will go through the movies she owns and describe her favorite moments from said movies and explain the significance of that moment. Some will be thought-provoking. Some will be comforting. Some will be revealing. Most will be lighthearted and silly (thereby revealing Katie's true character.) The movies will be covered in alphabetical order. 10 movies per post.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Favorite moment:  Despite the all-star cast including Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christian Bale and Stanley Tucci, my favorite moment comes from Sam Rockwell who is forced to play a woman in the play within the movie.  Normally the scene is played over the top to emphasize the ridiculous nature, but in this version, it is played very tenderly.  Rockwell takes off his wig and his voice is low as he laments over the death of his lover (in the play.)  Right when I was expecting to laugh I nearly cried.  

Bananas: Darren Streblow

This isn't actually a movie, but it is a DVD on my shelf.  Darren Streblow is a Christian stand-up comedian.  My favorite joke has to be either buck-tooth deer or larva boy.  I also love that he's from northern Minnnesota.  Go to http://www.darrenstreblow.com to see clips from his show. Hilarious stuff and totally clean.

Bend It Like Beckham

Favorite Moment:  Such a small moment in this movie, but so hilarious.  When Jules shows up at Jess' sister's wedding with her mother, her mother sees Jess wearing her shoes and says "Get your lesbian feet out of my shoes!"  Then a little old Indian lady says, "Lesbian... I thought she was a pisces."  I'm laughing now just thinking about that line.  Classic.  By the way, I'm a pisces. 

Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog

Favorite Moment:  There are so many.  I'll have to go with the song "My Eyes" which is a duet between Dr. Horrible and Penny (the good girl he secretly loves.)  One is singing of a world that is falling deeper and deeper into evil while the other sings of a world that has more and more hope.  It reminds me that reality has a lot to do with how we perceive it.  If we focus on the bad things happening (and there are plenty of terrible things happening) we might be overwhelmed.  However, if we focus on the many good things that are happening, we also might be overwhelmed.

First Knight

Favorite Moment:  Sean Connery as King Arthur is the best part of this movie.  The best line is when he tells the bad guy... forgetting name right now... that there are laws that enslave men and laws that set them free.  As a Christian that line is something straight out of Paul.  We were once enslaved to sin, but now we are enslaved to Christ and to one another in service.  Our new enslavement is our freedom.  

Fools Rush In

Favorite Moment:  In most romantic comedies one of the characters have some sort of obsession or some object that means a lot to them.  The other character then procures that object and the first person knows that the other person really cares.  What I like about this movie is that the object in question is a hotdog from New York City.  Bonding over hotdogs...

Goodnight and Good Luck

Favorite Moment: This whole movie is my favorite moment.  If I had to draw your attention to one thing - it would be the quote that Murrow uses to critique McCarthy "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves."  Sometimes bad things happen and we believe that it is just our fate and submit to evil out of fear.  It is our fear that creates a lot of problems.  We are flawed - we are depraved.  We must learn not to rely on ourselves, but on God.  

Hairspray

Favorite Moment:  One quote:  "Be ready for a whole lot of ugly coming at you from a never-ending parade of stupid."  This was said to an interracial couple concerning those who do approve of such things.  Although this movie is set in the 60s, there are many couples who probably feel they are the recipients of such parades.

Hope Floats

Favorite Moment:  Great advice.  "Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most.  Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning.  Just give hope a chance to float up.  And it will."  So true...

Someone Like You (out of order alphabetically because it is in the same case as Hope Floats)

Favorite Moment:  Hugh Jackman.  Oh wait, that's not a moment...  Let's see.  Jane's speech about real men is pretty good.  The true test of character for any person is to see how they handle crisis.  Real men (and women for that matter) stick with you and go through the tough times with you.  

Expressing Pain

Tuesday night severe back and neck pain woke me up in the middle of the night. After about an hour of unsuccessfully trying to find a comfortable position lying down, sitting or standing, I decided it was time to see a chiropractor. I have since gone to the chiropractor every day this week. Turns out, my neck is not shaped as it should be and my head is in the wrong position (both correctable problems.)

One of the things the chiropractor does during the adjustments is muscle work. He basically pushes down really hard on my neck with his thumb as I turn my head various ways. It's pretty painful, but it's a good pain because I know how much better I'm going to feel when he's done. (That is a reference to my uncle Jerry and his backrubs.)

So today he had me move a different way as he applied pressure with his thumb. I could tell those muscles were extremely tight. He said if I needed to curse or something because of the pain that it was alright. I told him that I don't really curse, which he found fascinating. (He also found it fascinating that I don't drink coffee and we don't have Dunkin Donuts in South Dakota.) He asked me how I did express myself when in pain - to which I replied - usually nothing.

I don't scream. I don't yell. I don't curse. My dad once took me on the corkscrew roller coaster at Valley Fair just to hear me scream - I didn't make one peep during the whole ride. I was scared - but I didn't scream.

After thinking about it some more this morning I have come to realize that I express any kind of pain with tears. I remember in high school that I was in a play. My character needed to have a bun in her hair and the only girl available to do my hair pulled it so tight that tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't scream or curse - just wiped away the tears before she saw them and went to find some aspirin.

I didn't cry today. I don't consider this pain to be so bad. Maybe it is because I've had tight muscles for so long that when someone works on them I am more focused on the relief than the current pain. Perhaps someone might find an analogy there about Christians facing pain and evil in this world in light of their concrete hope given in Jesus. Perhaps not...

Birthdays!

In honor of all my friends who have birthdays (which would be all of you! I hope...)

I really enjoy celebrating other peoples birthdays. Over the years I have done various things to celebrate my friends. Here is a little list of the more interesting ones:

- For Reid who lived on the other side of the state - I sent another friend of mine to his dorm with a cupcake. She had never met him before, and showed up at his door while on the phone with me. I learned later that they became pretty good friends after that - so double present.

- For Jess who shares the same birthday as me - I wrote a play about our friendship. I narrated the play which was about how we met. I used the girls in the service house to act it out. It was a lot of fun.

- Most recently - I had 10 of my friends call up Bridgett and wish her a happy birthday from me. These people didn't know Bridgett and she didn't know them. It was a lot more work that I had anticipated, but it was a lot of fun!

- One done to me: When I was in England, Bridgett called my house and left a message with one of the girls who lived there. When I returned from Paris the girl sang "Happy Birthday to Scuba Katie" to me. It was great!

- Another one done for me: My great aunt Bernie has sent me cakes through the mail on 2 different birthdays! She is also my birthday buddy.

What have you done for your friends on their birthdays? Has anyone done anything special for you?

this scares me...

Confession: I don't know what I'm doing starting in May and it scares me.

Whenever a person nears a graduation, they inevitably get the question, "So what are you going to do now?" I've never had a problem answering that question because I was going on for more education. This time I don't know what to say. I say, I'm going home. That's all I know right now.

Someone asked me the other day if I had begun applying for jobs - no. The problem is that I have no idea what kind of job I am qualified for. I look at teaching jobs with no experience or education credentials. I'll have a masters and end up in a job someone out of high school could do because that is where my work experience leaves me. I have spent my time during school working mostly as a secretary and at the church camp (with the exceptions of dream dinners and the USF writing center.)

I have thought about teaching English in a foreign country - specifically Korea. I keep coming back to that, but I want to be home for a little while before I leave again - at least a year. That means I need to find something for a year. Perhaps Korea won't happen - I'm just not sure at this point. If anyone thinks that Korea is an adventure you'd like to try - let me know!

The reason I am confessing the biggest stress in my life is that I need prayer. I need some direction for the immediate future - God has been faithful in providing jobs for me thus far - pray that he continues to open doors and provide opportunities for me.

Along with prayer, if you are aware of a job opportunity that might suit me - please let me know. Any advice of where to be looking for jobs would be appreciated.

Superbowl Sunday

That title is sort of misleading in that I didn't actually watch the superbowl yesterday.  Instead, I woke up at 4 am and watched the men's singles finals for the Australian Open.  My favorite player, Roger Federer of Switzerland (#2 in the world) was playing Rafael Nadal of Spain (#1 in the world.)  

The last time these two players competed for a major tournament title was at Wimbledon - at match that will go down in tennis history - a match I didn't manage to see.  I wasn't going to let that happen again - hence waking up in the middle of the night to watch tennis.

The tennis was fun to watch.  They are the two best players in the world and for the most part playing at the top of their game.  However, when all was said and done - Nadal ended the night with the championship cup and Federer with the silver plate.  It was hard to watch as Federer struggled to give a speech - something I had never seen him do before.  His dissapointment had brought him to tears.  It is good to see someone like Federer who is considered one of the best players of all time show how much this game means to him.  It's not about the money.

What I thought was really great was how Nadal treated Federer.  He consoled him and comforted him and honored him.  This is true sportsmanship - and one of the reasons I love watching tennis so much.  Nadal has earned my respect and I am more than happy to root for him (when he's not playing Federer!)

I read an article today about Michael Phelps apologizing for the picture of him doing drugs surfaced.  It seems to be very difficult these days to live up to the standards people have for you, especially if you are a famous athlete.  However, Federer and Nadal have proven that it is possible to be classy, dignified, and a great athlete.

On a personal side note - started going to the gym again.  One of my roommates is planning out a workout plan for me.  Feel free to keep me accountable and ask me how it's going when we talk.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

It is said that daughters often turn into their mothers.  Well, it's true.

When I was home for Christmas, I got to see my grandmother again.  Since I am not home often, I am struck by the similarities between her and my own mother.  They physically resemble each other, but there are other personality driven similarities.  My mom and I joked about them saying to one another, "Remember that for the future."

Today I discovered a similarity between my mother and me.  Granted, there are a lot and I am grateful to reflect my mother in many ways.  This particular trait was not one I wanted to pick up and when I discovered that I had, I just had to laugh at myself.

Growing up, my mother always wore a sweater around the house.  It was a button-up sweater, similar to the one that Mr. Rogers wore on his show (only not red.)  There have been many over the years and they have varied in style and color.  It didn't matter if the sweater matched the rest of what she was wearing because, as I'm sure she would rationalize, "who's going to see it?"

Well, recently I rearranged my room and now my desk is next to one of my drafty windows.  I was getting a little chilly and I went and put on my zip-up fleece.  Later I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized that this fleece is my sweater.  I wear it all the time in my room.  It doesn't matter if it matches or not because no one is going to see me, and if they do - who cares?  In this small little way, I have become my mother.

What I Accomplished Today

Today I:

 - Left my keys in my room and was therefore locked out of Lamont when I got back from class.

 - Locked my keys in the car when I went out for supper at Quiznos with my friend Kerry.  

Luckily:

 - Someone was on their way into Lamont soon after I discovered my lack of keys and let me in.

 - Natalie was able to get my spare key out of my room and come to our rescue.  

Praise the Lord for friends and spare keys.

so... it's been awhile

I cannot believe I haven't written since before Christmas - but then again - I can totally believe it.  I tend not to write a lot when I am home because I see all the people that I imagine I am writing this blog for - therefore I don't have to update them on what I am doing because they know.  However, that is not entirely true and for those rare few that read this and do not reside in and around Arlington - I apologize for the absence.  

Christmas was very good this year.  I had joked prior to going home that my only wish this Christmas was not to attend a funeral.  It's a morbid thing to say, but the last 2 trips home were marked by funerals of one of my grandparents.  I am happy to say that I did not have any funerals to attend.  That didn't stop my mother from sending to the funeral home to drop off a memorial for someone she knew that had passed away.  So - I wasn't able to stay away entirely - but I did manage to get in and out of the funeral home in less than 5 seconds.

One great change holiday season was the amount of time spent at my brother's house.  It was by far the most time I've spent down there and I had such a great time being there.  I am not saying that just because they have a Wii...  although it doesn't hurt :)  It was great to spend time with them and his children.  

My favorite story from this break comes from my 9 yr old nephew, Jacob.  We spent Christmas Day at their house and after opening presents Jacob turns to me and says, "Katie, do you know what I like best about Christmas?"  I say, "What's that Jacob?"  He says, "Opening presents and that we get to see you."  awwwww.   Just to be fair, I had such an awesome time with my niece, Randi.  She got a french manicure set and so we spent the afternoon painting each other's nails.  That is the fanciest my nails have ever been!  And Elizabeth finally warmed up to me in time for me to leave again for 4 months.  She makes me work to gain her trust, but it's worth the effort.

Any of you who know me well know that I still spend significant amounts of time at the camp.  This trip was no exception.  I was able to play some broomball (I even scored the final goal!), go sledding (in a blizzard), do some cross country skiing (twice), and play a lot of board games.  I wish I could see those friends more than once or twice a year - but in a few short months that wish will come true.  Granted they all tend to be a little busy in the summers.

One night of my vacation was spent catching up with girls that I went to high school with.  It was a fun night of chatting and playing cranium.  It's been almost 6 years since I've graduated and it was so much fun to see where everyone was in their lives.

I ended my holiday season by getting the flu and then giving it to my mother.  Let me tell you, there are better options for mother-daughter bonding!  And to top it off, I had a 6 am flight on January 1st back to Boston.  I made it back and have been in class for a week now.

4 months until I graduate.  It does not seem possible - but at the same time I am ready for a break.  

PS - I don't have any visitors planned until my parents come in May.  Last chance to visit Boston while I'm here!  And let's face it - why else visit Boston?  :)