support.

So so true.  Really liked this article I came across, talking about those times when you just feel like you're just given too much & you can't handle it. 

I've often felt that sometimes life can just feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to understand why certain events in my life happen, or why I meet the people I do.  I know that I sometimes find it hard to have faith in the plans God has for me.  But I think for me, faith is partly shown through the people I meet, the situations we meet through, and how we influence & support one another.  I just don’t know if words can ever express how blessed I feel, to have some of the people in my life that I do... or even did.  It's all contributed.

happy & sad.

different.

Embrace what makes you different.

star trek: into darkness.

"How do you choose not to feel?" -James Tiberius Kirk, Star Trek: Into Darkness

Went to watch Star Trek: Into Darkness last week.  I loved the first Star Trek movie, and this one was pretty good as well.  Some plot holes, but still a thoroughly enjoyable theatre movie.  With my mood lately, the climatic emotional scene, coupled with the theme of controlling one's feelings, got to me a little more than it may have normally.

I know we are human and it's what we're meant to be, but I wonder if sometimes it might be handy to be half-Vulcan.  I know this is usually a rough time of year for me, but it feels especially worse this time.  I am just really, really tired of feeling sad.  And sometimes I just really wish there was an off-switch.

silver linings playbook.

Watched Silver Linings Playbook last night.  The way it approached mental illness was interesting & different.  It was very honest, real & raw, and I can see why its been getting nominations.  Also this week, Hockey Talks was launched by the seven Canadian hockey teams.  The month-long initiative stresses awareness, openness, and acceptance of mental illness: "...it's OK to talk about mental illness, its OK to ask questions and, most important, it's OK to get help."

There are so many "not-pretty" things in the world that people don't want to acknowledge or talk about.  And it's sad, and it's harsh, but it's the world we live in.  This past week has brought up some thoughts & feelings that have been a bit difficult & painful - I sometimes sure wish I just knew.

the hobbit.

Went to see The Hobbit last weekend. After finally reading the book last year, and then watching the Lord of the Rings over the holiday break, I was totally in the mood for this!  I loved remembering parts of the book, and seeing how the stories connected.  I didn't mind the changes & additions, as I feel it didn't detract from the movie.  I'll admit I did find the increased frame rate a tad distracting for closer shots, but the panoramas were beautiful.

Also made me miss New Zealand.  It was fun seeing Hobbiton & remembering how we were standing in some of the same spots on our trip :)

Good movie - looking forward to the next ones.

end of year.

Started watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy last night, my first time really sitting down to watch them since purchasing the extended edition DVD's many years ago.  I'd forgotten how much I love these movies, along with some things they represent.  This post I came across - Life Lessons Learned from Lord of the Rings & the Hobbit - touched on a few things that I try to keep in mind in my life, and want to continue into the new year. 

It's so easy to focus on relatively small negatives and be distracted from a world full of amazing and supportive positives.  I feel so blessed to have the family, friends & opportunities that I do, and want to try to always remember how much love there is in my life. 

2012 was a challenging year, full of many changes.  I wanted it to be a year of growth, and I think it has been, though unexpected in some respects.  2013 is shaping up to be another busy year, and I hope that I can be strong, and make the most of everything.

avengers.

Finally watched The Avengers last night.  Very entertaining movie - good action, crazy effects, witty banter.  Many things I enjoy in a superhero movie.  I was worried the star power & reviews would over-hype it but it was well balanced.  Glad to have watched it!

Also great to start the night with breakfast for dinner :)

just try.

"You’ll never know until you try."

I don't know how Disney keeps doing this to me...

hunger games.

Watched The Hunger Games today with E.  I read this trilogy while we were on vacation, and the first was definitely my favourite, so I went into the movie slightly wary, trying to not make my expectations too high. 

A movie adaptation is always challenging, especially with such a complex book.  It was an interesting spin on the story and I think it did a pretty good job with what it could do in 2.5 hours or so.  Glad I watched it, and am definitely looking forward to the next one.

Peetaaaa <3.  Hahaha.

direction.

"Knowing where you’re going can be confusing. Trust your instincts."

Disney is so wise.

tale as old as time.

Another great classic Disney movie watched in theatres over the weekend.  I think it is less about the effect of 3D, and more about the nostalgia for me.  Although the ballroom scene was definitely beautiful.

Love.

muppets.

Went to go watch this movie with my sister on Thursday - I love Muppets.  Between the Christmas specials and stuff like this, it just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.  Just a really fun, feel-good movie.

And I am totally not ashamed to admit I teared-up multiple times while watching :)

crazy stupid love.

Watched this movie with my sister last night and definitely enjoyed it.  A good mix of ups and downs without anything too ridiculous or depressing.

Ryan Gosling is suuuch a beautiful man.  And love love love Emma Stone.

lion king 3d.

Still and always will be an amazing movie.  I never saw this in theatres when it first came out so it was definitely fun to watch old-school Disney on the big screen.  And the 3D wasn't too bad - it just added a bit without distracting from the classic-ness of the movie.

The fact that I got to share it with one of my best buds, back just for the weekend, was an extra plus.  Also nice to catch up with a few people I haven't seen in a while.  Good times.

Thought this was funny :)

harry potter ends.

Finally watched The Deathly Hallows Part 2 on Monday.  I actually liked the final battle better in the movie - I need/want to read all the books from beginning to end again.  So many details, that I can't always remember which are from the book and which were added for the movie.

Very well done - minus the last 7 or so minutes that I didn't like even in the book.