Stories

What story are you telling? from Rhetorik Creative on Vimeo.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (Amazon)

Secrets

These secrets (from PostSecret) hit home, almost like they came from me.

One Screen at a Time

I've heard a lot about people taking a technology fast. You know, going a few days, a week, or longer with out their cell phones, computers, TV, etc. I wish I could do that, but I can't. It's not that I am not able to because I am THAT dependent on them, it's because of school. I cannot go a few days without using my computer, because being a photography major, taking a digital photography course, I pretty much need my computer every few days. I couldn't even go without my internet because of the online drop box I have to turn in my assignments for journalism in to.

So, I was thinking I'd have to wait until after the semester to do a technology fast. However, today I read a column in Entertainment Weekly about the columnists voyage to consume less media. He realized that too often he is using two or more screens at once.

I do this too. Surf the internet as I watch TV. Check my email on my phone, while watching a documentary on my computer. The list goes on. Instead of devoting my attention to one thing, I am constantly multitasking.

My new goal is to only use on screen at a time. Today was my first day, and not only was doing homework easier than doing homework and watching a movie at the same time, when I sat down to watch Pretty Little Liars (don't judge), I actually watched it, let myself escape for an hour, then came back and sent out the emails I needed to. The emails would've taken me the entire hour had I tried to so them at the same time as watching the show.

I'd call the first day a success. I hope that I can not only make this a habit but expand it to one tab open in my internet browser at a time (right now I have this page, facebook, twitter, and my email open… not productive.) I hope that I can become more focused, productive, and consume less media, but still keep up on current events, film, and the shows I like to watch. And actually watch these things.

Ten on Tuesday- February 22nd

Before I give this weeks questions a go, let me tell you a "funny" story about what happened to me this morning.

I abruptly awoke around 4am. I could clearly read the clock that said 3:58, however, I managed to convince myself that my clock was lying and it was actually 5:45, the time I have to get up at. So I get dressed, and put an english muffin in the toaster. Half way through buttering it, it dawned on me. My clock weren't lying, it actually was 4am. So I finished my muffin and tried unsuccessfully to go back to bed. Funny right?

Anyways, here are todays Ten on Tuesdays. If you want to take part in this too, clicky here.

1. What are your thoughts on Valentine's Day? Do you love it? Hate it?

I have mixed feelings about it. I generally feel that people put too much pressure on their significant other. Did you know some girls actually break-up with their boyfriends because they didn't get what they wanted to Valentine's Day? Anyways, I like the idea of a day devoted to showing the one you love, you love them. However, isn't that what everyday is for? I mean, I don't expect gifts or lavish dinners everyday (I seriously do not expect that or want in a relationship) but shouldn't the one you love know you love them by their actions all the time?

2. What is your favorite romantic comedy?

I cannot think of one romantic comedy offhand unless Enchanted counts. Who doesn't love Amy Adams and that guy whose name escapes me right now. But normally rom coms aren't my thing.

3. Meg Ryan & John Mellencamp: what's your first reaction?

I'm supposed to have a reaction to that? Were they in a movie together that I haven't seen?

4. All time favorite poem or quote?

"It is the experienced, the memories, the great triumphant joy of living to the fullest extent in which real meaning is found."

From the book, Into the Wild

5. What's the longest amount of time you've gone without sleep? (like consecutive hours).

I think it was about 30 hours. And the people I was with were awesome, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

6. What color ink do you prefer to use?

Blue.

7. Share with us a blog that you recently found and fell in love with (and link us!)

Deeper Story

8. If you could be on a reality TV show which one would you chose?

I don't watch much reality TV, but I think Amazing Race would be awesome.

9. Mountains or Beach?

Definitely mountains.

10. With the Oscars around the corner, what's your pick for best picture?

The Fighter. Only because that's the only movie I've seen that's nominated for best picture. Unless Toy Story 3 is nominated, then I pick that. And if it wasn't then it should have been.

Turning Things Around

Lately I've been on fire. And I mean that in a good way. I've had a sudden burst of optimism that followed a moment of clarity. For a long time now, I've been pretty pessimistic. I've been cynical and mistrusting and pretty much scared at what the future holds.

Then, one day this week, it came to me. Why shouldn't I just be optimistic? So, I prayed over that thought, and it made perfect sense. Instead of letting my fears dictate me, instead of being afraid that something won't happen, I should be hopeful, no, expectant that God is going to provide. He will always do what is best for me even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. And since then, things have fallen into place. Granted they are little things, but enough to make me realize how blessed I truly am.

And that feeling, I can't even describe it. The feeling you have when you know that God is on your side, that everything will work out, that your past does not have the power to tell you who you are and who you are going to be, realizing all that, it's amazing.

I've also rediscovered my love for Third Day's Run to You (did I tell you, my friend Pam and I are going to see Third Day and Tenth Avenue North in concert next month!!) so I will leave you with this:

How He Loves, Flyleaf cover

If you listen to contemporary Christian music you've probably heard the song How He Loves. Originally written and sung by John Mark McMillan, popularly covered by the Steven Crowder Band. I love love love that song. But my favorite cover is by Flyleaf. I originally saw a video of the song last year on Youtube, but I just found out it is on iTunes now!

Anyways, I love the passion in her voice, and I love the words to the song, and God's love pouring through.

I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way that He loves…

As of Late

Lately I've been dwelling on regrets more often than normal.

Lately I've been listening to The Ember Days' Fingerpainting EP while trying to relax.

Lately I've been really emotional.

Lately I've been praying more than I normally do.

Lately I've been really inspired in my two photo classes.

Lately I've eaten lots of candy.

Lately I realized that I have a lot to figure out still.