Friday Night at the MOVIES!

So one of the best times of the week for all you movie lovers out there like me is Friday! New movies that we have been anticipating are released and we can hit the theatre..sit back..relax in darkness and as Cineplex tagged it best 'Escape With Us' We can let the week fade away and Escape into an imaginary world. I love this!

The Hunger Games comes out this weekend and I am hoping to see it at the IMAX. I took a picture of the movie from one of my Entertainment magazines which I was fortunate enough to get a subscription for at Christmas. It is the sweetest surprise every week to see who will be on the cover. This magazine fills me in on what T.V Shows, Music, Movies & Books I can't miss out on. I have to say..they always get it right! To all those who love the show 'Homeland' because I recommended it..you have this magazine to thank! I had no idea it was coming out until I flipped through the pages of an issue early fall last year. Love it or hate it I like to share good entertainment when I see it!

So its Friday..even though I am currently unemployed ( Don't start my new job at HomeSence until March 31) I look forward to Friday. There is something special in the air before the weekend. I get to spend a little more time with Kyle and make our usual trip to Niagara Falls and cross the boarder and there is as mentioned earlier new movies out but more then that it's the end of a week and the start of a new week which includes new opportunities..more possibilities and who knows..anything can happen not to mention every week that passes the weather gets warmer and the sunshine brighter so Friday's are just special days.

Listening to music today I am reminded of a not so distant memory..last summer at the end of July heading off to Moncton, NB to see U2..pitching my tent..mudslinging it..waiting for hours in the Que while being poured on wondering if everything back in my tent was soaking wet...I had the best time of my life seeing U2's last concert on this latest tour. I can't get the image out of my mind..that morning sunrise the day of the concert..putting on my rain boots..awaking the dawn in the middle of nowhere..just feeling sheer joy and excitement. No one but my fellow U2 friends were there to experience it with me and I kind of think that's special..it's something I will always have to remember ..I will never forget that weekend. I love thinking about it because it always makes me smile..

Here's hoping this summer will render a new adventure that I will be able to smile about next year.

It's the simple things

So today my status on Facebook said " It's the simple things I love the most'' or something to that effect. I wrote that today after putting music on in the office and leaving the bathroom door open while I showered so I could really hear the music. It was such a simple thing but it really made my day. So I thought I would make a little list of some of the simple things that I have grown to love and appreciate that make my day a little happier.

*Music ..in the car..at the gym..while cleaning..concerts..street performers..worship sessions..hearing an acoustic guitar is soooo impactful to me .. I love singing along and hopefully one day will be able to do both .. music is one of the simplest things and it instantly draws me in.

* Fresh bowl of Big sweet black cherries.. I have always enjoyed during early summer and something I always look forward to. Fresh fruit is simple in colour but outstanding in flavour. I love fruit ( A lot!) crispy watermelon cut up in chunks..rosy red sweet strawberries ..ripe limes in cold icy water..mmm Fruit is sweetly simply wonderful.

* Hours at the Coffee Shop.. I haven't done too much of this lately..I think I have been a little down and not wanting to be seen out but honestly this is THE BEST! 1. Frappachino ( Coffee Light-One shot Raspberry Grande 120 calories) that in itself is simply incredible! but 2. unlimited selection of non stop drama filled books not to mention an endless resource for creativity, finance, health and business literature and magazines to catch up on everything you need to know..this is a great simple way to spend hours. I recommend bringing a laptop..a notebook ..pen.. a list of books ( look online at what's new and popular in your area of interest) and go make a day of it. Sometimes I bring a camera to take pictures of articles in magazines I want to look at later or I take notes of important points in my notebook ..

* Get dressed up and look special for fun... This ALWAYS makes me feel better and is one of the simplest things a girl can do. Even just sitting at home today (as I am) I am still in my comfortable shorts and tee-shirt but I made sure it was one of my cutest tee-shirts and bottoms so I feel good..my makeup is on and my hair is DID. It's simple but it helps my day feel better. I am not a person who dresses up and I always think I look better in the dressed down..flannel shirts and distressed jeans look but whatever your style make it beautiful and individual and put it together so it's a complete look. I try to do this every time I go out and I simply LOVE IT!

Some simple things I want to do more of :

*Since the weather outside is getting nicer I want to clean up our deck furniture and spend more time outside talking with Kyle..lighting some of our outdoor candles and sipping on refreshing drinks

* Taking time to blog more and organize our pictures, we already printed a lot off but I want to get them all printed and put together books for family with some of the memorable photos.

* Antique and bargain hunting. I only ever did this a few times but Toronto is riddled with incredible obscure shops and I would like to look for some timeless pieces and interesting things to add to my home. I love finding old movie posters and interesting gifts.

* Learn how to play card games like poker and black jack..or any other fun games that you can play with 2 people or a group.

*Take the Double Decker tour bus around Toronto to see all of the incredible sights I have yet to experience.

* Explore the 'Farmers Market' not sure what it's called but the cool market a lot of cities have where you can find interesting food and crafts..all the nifty stuff.

*Late night city walks..street Hot Dogs and park benches.

*Karaoke

* Rock out at acoustic guitar sessions, at local pubs..wherever..

* Grape juice frozen in ice cube trays with diet 7-UP. (Thanks for that one Grandma)

Ya..so this is my list.. I could go on and on but these are just a few things. I challenge you all to look at the simple ..little ..things that you love and don't take them for granted, enjoy them and find other simple things you can do that will make you smile! I like this list I just made..it has reminded me that there are so many simple ways we can enjoy life!

Anger Brewing

Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

I have been really struggling with anger for the past while and I can see how destructive this can be. Anger corrupts our minds and fuels negativity in our hearts. It's so hard to take control of thoughts after sadness turns into anger and there is no resolve. I have been looking at some bible verses that talk about anger and have been reminded of how important it is to rid myself of all anger, it is not healthy! It is always so important to keep in perspective that this is one of the enemies favorite tactics to drive a wedge between our relationships. I have found these verses to be a new challenge for me. I want to live these out and follow these truths in all that I am and everything I do. Easier said than done but nothing is ever easy.

Ephesians 4:26-28 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Colossians 3:8, 12-13 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

“Anger and bitterness are two noticeable signs of being focused on self and not trusting God’s sovereignty in your life. When you believe that God causes all things to work together for good to those who belong to Him and love Him, you can respond to trials with joy instead of anger or bitterness.” ~ John C. Boger

knock Out

I finally did it, I got a job..it took me 2 months looking and a lot of waiting and hoping but I am officially a sales associate at a new Home Sense opening up a few blocks away from my building in Toronto.

So I have been battling these really ridiculous thoughts which I am SO sick and tried of! I'm not going to keep telling myself that taking a part time job at Home Sense is somehow a let down. Over and over we (in other words -me) put on this show dumbing down an opportunity because it is less than what we (I) expect...but i am not even going to entertain those thoughts anymore. MAMA'S GONNA KNOCK YOU OUT! SO I am Knocking those thoughts OUT! POWWW!

I am frustrated because I know what everyone is thinking..HECK I am thinking it! I know everyone can agree that WE (You and Me!) are our own worst critics. I have been through the ringer..beating myself up day after day after day about breaking into the creative advertising industry and I have tried to fit it into this 'ideal' position and formula that I see has worked for some but I have yet to make it work.

I will never give up on my dreams but I will say that I am not sorry that I made all of my dreams so loud and vocal, I actually like it..everyone close to me knows what I want for my life and self and this makes me want it even more. I am a passionate dreamer and the underdog who spends more time in the pit slugging it than on lush greenery but this is who I am..I have always had to fight and struggle for what I want and I get it...everyone thanks there is an easier way but get real! Every direction you go requires the same level of effort..dedication and desire..and with those things you can achieve anything! I have had years of experience of navigating through incredibly challenging situations and I ALWAYS end up on top because I have the passion that can take me there and you know what..I still got it.

So ..ya..right now I am going to be working part-time at Home Sense..but watch out..these are the times when I gain momentum..speed..and the drive that fuels those big life changing moments for me.

I can't wait for the next one to happen. I don't understand why I am how I am but this is me and these are the moments that my life has been built on, they have made me the strong person I am and given me the confidence I need to face another challenge. I will succeed.

POWWWW!

Spring is ine air!

Its Wednesday afternoon and after Kyle's text advising me of the beautiful spring like weather outside I decided to spend a few hours at my Chapters..A place I haven't visited for weeks. It's been tough to want to get out and breathe in the fresh air, I have felt like staying in most days just feeling discouraged about life and the lack of incentive as I enter Month 3 of unemployment.

But I have to say it feels good to be out and sip on my familiar Coffee light,one shot raspberry frappuccino. I am pretty excited about spring approaching and look forward to having pretty toes and open sandals in the upcoming months.

I'm really glad I decided to get out today, even if it's only for a few hours and enjoy the day. I am hoping this is only the beginning of bright sunshine filled days to come.

Pushing Daisies

I remember the texture, the smell, the feel.

The new life of freedom that God had given me tasted sweet.

It was the summer of 1999 when my life changed. My life turned upside down, inside out and became more beautiful and remarkable than I ever could have imagined.

My heart and life reflected the image in this picture. My mind had been released and set free and I was full of peace and assurance.

I will never forget that summer and the promise that God made to me to never leave me and to always protect me and keep me safe. I learned that his plans foresee anything that I could possibly imagine and that my life has a special purpose. I cling to that truth everyday and recognize that I still live in that same freedom today and that nothing can take it away.

I just want to rest in this peace tonight. It's been one of those unproductive days for me.

I have been struggling to find motivation and purpose in anything but I know that the greatest meaning in my life is the Lord and when he set me free I was compelled to share it with the world and offer that same hope of freedom to so many others who are bound by their thoughts and lifestyles.

Everyday I feel so far from where I should be according to the status co. but I have the greatest assurance of all and that is the Lord. I am reminded again of his love and the ultimate sacrifice he made for me.

lately I have been bombarded with thoughts of inadiquicy and complcancy and as much as I give far too much time to these feelings I realize that honestly I am still perfect in God's book. No matter how little I measure up to other people

I have to trust in the Lord and live in his obedience and that is enough.

Everyday is tough and I know tomorrow I will drive myself crazy thinking of the things I should be doing (but are not) and I will be upset with myself for not achieving anything throughout my day but I will be strong! I WILL be full of hope and live the freedom that God gave me and treasure the day no matter what happens!

On the Hunt

I have been going crazy the last couple of days watching episodes of Storage Wars on A&E.

If you haven’t seen it, basically people go bid on abandoned storage units in an auction. They only have a brief look and are not allowed to move or touch anything. It’s really interesting, people actually do this as a business, sometimes purchasing a storage unit for very small amounts and finding extremely rare collectible pieces worth thousands of dollars.

I think this would be a really exciting way to make money but could be really stressful and would take a lot of practice knowing what to look for and what items are valuable. The show has got me thinking about what things I may have that could be of value later and what I should be collecting now to make money in the future. It’s tough because products these days are mass produced and it’s hard to say what popular items today will increase in value 50 years from now.

The show is really interesting and I think storage hunting for hidden gems would be so much fun! I would love to do that line of work one day. For now I will watch in amazement! So often the crew on the show comes away with nothing but it’s always that excitement of what if that keeps them (and all of us watching) coming back every time!