30 Years of Dirty Dancing

This past week was the 30th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, with Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. I love this movie, and have seen it multiple times. It is one of, if not, my favorite movie. However, it was not until this past week that I watched the remake. I was hesitant to watch it at first, because I loved the original so much. While I did not like the ending of the remake I did enjoy a majority of the movie. There were a couple quotes in the remake and original that really stuck out to me. I felt that I could really relate to these quotes.

The first quote that really stuck with me was at the beginning of the remake. Baby says, “You never forget your first love. A single song can take you back to that time.” I believe that this is so true. For me the song that brings me back to that time is Own It by Bailey Bryan. Whenever I hear that song I am instantly reminded of my ex. I also believe that not only do certain songs bring back memories, but also certain scents. There have been times where I have smelled cologne that he used to wear, and certain memories came to mind.

The next quote was also by Baby. She said it in the original and in the remake. Baby tells Johnny, “Me? I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I’m scared of  walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” This quote really hit home for me. I recently was telling my friend about some fears I have in a relationship of mine. To me this quote is about being vulnerable, and about sharing your fears. Everyone has fears; it is all about admitting you have them and talking about them.

There were a ton of good quotes in the movie, but those two were the ones that really stuck out to me. In the comments tell me what quotes you liked, if any! Did you see the remake, and if you did what did you think of it? I hope you all have a wonderful week.

-A

Quote Printout: quote.jpg

Photo Credit: https://www.cineworld.ie/films/dirty-dancing-30th-anniversary

A Lesson From Moana

            This past weekend I babysat for a couple of families. The kids were great and I always enjoy watching them. One of the things that the kids and I did this weekend was watch the movie Moana. I had never seen Moana before, and while there were some parts that were a bit confusing and weird to me there were some quotes that really stuck out to me.

            The first quote was when Maui had left Moana and she was feeling like she would never be able to return the heart to Te Fiti. Moana said, “Why did you bring me here? I am not the right person. You have to choose someone else. Choose someone else.” Everyone has felt this way at one point or another. I know I sure have! It is easy to feel like you are not the “right” person or even strong enough to deal with certain situations or trials thrown your way. There is a family that I know and absolutely adore that recently had a beautiful baby girl named Peri. Early on in the pregnancy, this family faced some hard news. They learned that Peri has spina bifida, and that their baby would be facing a lot more than other babies. Getting news like this would throw a lot of people for a loop. Peri’s parents, Kate and Eric, really exemplify the meaning of the next two quotes.

            The first of the two is “The Ocean chose me for a reason.” The second quote goes hand in hand with the previous, saying, “Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface. Far beneath in some cases.” There are reasons that we all are facing the trials we are. We all have strengths that lie within us that we may not know are there yet. In time it will be clearer why we were given the trials we were. Kate and Eric are some of the strongest people I know. They have really taken the bull by the horns and come out on top with everything that has happened. They are definitely the perfect choice to care for and love Peri.  Kate found her strength and now has a blog to help inform others about what to expect with spina bifida. (www.ourspinabifida.com) Kate and Eric are not the only ones who have a lot of strength. Peri has two sisters, Brittain and Delaney. Both girls have been incredible. There were times when they were away from their parents. That would be extremely hard for some kids, but Brittain and Delaney were great. I have loved seeing videos and pictures of them and Peri together. Both girls love their sister and it is amazing to see how they have been super strong and brave. This family is amazing and I definitely could not imagine stronger people. Much like Moana finding out she had the strength to return the heart, the Slivinski family found the strength to get through their challenges.

            Everyone is faced with tough things, and everyone has the strength to get through these things. It is just a matter of digging deep and discovering that you are strong enough and why you were chosen to face that trial. I hope that you are all able to discover your strengths during whatever trials you may be facing.  As always, if you have a comment on my post or just want to share what you thought of the movie Moana leave it in the comments below! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

-A

Where Do You Go For Peace

            Hey everyone! I know I have not posted in a while. Life has been crazy stressful with work and school! This is actually what today’s topic is. Where do you go when you want to clear your mind? Who do you go to when you need to talk?

            I do not go to the same place every time. I either go to the Mesa temple or I will go for a drive. Sometimes driving around and listening to music helps. Other times I feel the need to go to the temple and sit on the benches in front of the temple and think. Tonight as I write this I am sitting at the temple. Sitting alone and thinking can be great, but sometimes it can add to the stress. Sometimes I need to talk to some of my friends.

            I have some of the greatest friends in the world. I know I can text them or call them anytime. I am super thankful for my friend, Marnae. Without her I would be a total basket case. I have talked to her about everything from body issues to boy troubles. There were some times when she would stay up with me until 2 or 3 in the morning, just to work things out.  I definitely can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for me! My other friend, Walker* has been a saint the past couple months. He deserves an award! I have texted him about my worries about a baby I know, my struggles with trigonometry, and much more. He has been such a great listener and so sweet to me through everything. I have more wonderful friends that I have spoken to and am so thankful for every one of them!

            Going to the temple or for a drive and talking to friends are not the only things that I do when I am feeling stressed. If you want to see what else has helped me you can read the following post! (https://junetwelfth.blogspot.com/2016/11/stress-management.html). Don’t forget to leave a comment about where you go for some relaxation or who you go to talk to!

Have a wonderful week!

-A
*Names changed for privacy 

Ladybug's Garden

            I recently got the opportunity to review Ladybug’s Garden, a children’s book written and illustrated by Anabella and Sofia Schofield. I read the book to two girls I babysit. 

            When I first showed the cover to the girls they were not so sure about it. As we went through the rest of the book both girls loved it!  They were so concerned about snail and why he was crying. The book teaches there is always time to help a friend. This sparked a conversation between the girls about how they would be mean to friends, but now they will start to be nice. For the rest of the afternoon, both girls kept talking about “the ladybug book”.

            As I read the book I enjoyed it. It is such a cute book! I loved how it rhymes throughout the book. I think it is a great book for children learning to read. The storyline is fun and teaches a great lesson to the kids. I highly recommend this book! This book is on sale now and you can buy it on amazon! It is definitely worth reading to your children! Here is the link so you can buy your copy of Ladybug’s Garden! https://www.amazon.com/Ladybugs-Garden-Anabella-Schofield/dp/0998516201/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487139831&sr=8-2&keywords=Ladybug%27s+Garden

-A

Year of Yes

         Right before the New Year I read Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I was so impressed by the book that I will most likely read it again this year. I absolutely loved this book and the premise around it!

            In the book Shonda Rhimes tells about her life and how she never said yes to anything. She always found an excuse to not go to events or to make appearances on shows. Throughout the book the reader followed Shonda Rhimes as she began saying yes to things. Some of the things she said yes to were; making a commencement speech, getting healthier, going to more events, and playing with her kids more.     

While I was reading this I began to think of my own life. I realized that I do not say yes to things enough in my own life. I am the type of person who is content with shutting myself in my room and watching hours of Netflix in bed. In fact I do that a lot! However, after reading this I decided that I would make it a point to say yes to more things.

            One of the things that I decided to say yes to more is going on more dates, which was harder than imagined. I found that I wanted to stay in and see if my favorite characters from Greys Anatomy would get together or see how the house Chip and Joanna Gaines fixed up ended. I can say that I have gone on more dates than I did last year, but have stayed in a lot.

The second thing I said yes to was more of a social life. I made it a goal to spend more time with friends and would not make up lame excuses as to why I could not hang out. Just from doing that I have noticed that I have more people to talk to and am happier.

            The last thing I made a point to say yes to is to not being as shy and afraid of the outcome of things. As I said a few posts back I took a chance and asked someone out. It took a few months of me trying to get the words out, but it took a year of me telling friends I would do it. I finally said yes to asking and I did it. After saying yes to that it became easier to stepping up and talking to more people. I’ve realized that it does not matter what they think of me and in the end at least I tried.

            Year of Yes is a great book and definitely a must read! In the comment section below tell me what some of the things in your life you want to say yes to more.

-A

30 Day Kindness Challenge

         This past Monday I started the 30 day kindness challenge. In this challenge you choose someone that you will make the focus of those 30 days. Once you pick someone you make a point not to say anything negative about this person, to find something positive that you can praise them on, and to do one act of kindness for this person throughout the month.

            I personally have gotten off to a slow start, and have not done great on the second and third parts of the challenge. I have been less negative about the person I chose, and have seen an improvement in our relationship. I really enjoy spending time with this person and I look forward to it. I am even seeing this person in a more positive light. Throughout the week I have noticed that it is easier to not jump to negative things about this person.

            After doing this challenge for a week I noticed that there was one other person who came to mind. I refer to him as Mchotjerk, and have decided to aim this challenge toward him. Let me quickly mention that the name Mchotjerk stems from an inside joke with a friend!  The first thing I am making an effort to stop calling him Mchotjerk. I am looking forward to seeing how my opinions of this person will change.

            The 30 day kindness challenge is really a great thing to do. I believe it came out at a great time, a time when everyone should be showing each other a little more kindness. If any of you want the link to sign up for this challenge leave a comment or message me, and I will be glad to give it to you!

-A

The Magnolia Story

          This year I made it a goal to read more. In order to keep myself accountable I am going to do more book reviews. Today I am going to be focusing on The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

         

 The Magnolia Story is about Chip and Joanna Gaines life as a newly married couple. The book leads up to the Gaines getting their show, Fixer Upper. Not only does the book have funny stories about when they dated and their marriage, but it also talks about the struggles they went through. Not only did they put their faith in each other, but they also put their faith in God.  Throughout the book you see that they really had their struggles and they worked hard to make it to where they are today. They did not have things easy at the beginning and they went through a lot of struggles.

            I loved reading this book! Once I finished reading this I immediately started reading the book again. The Magnolia Story is definitely worth the read. It is very relatable and you will find yourself smiling and laughing through this book. You will not regret reading this book!

-A

Taking Risks

            It’s a new year, and a great time to do things you never thought you would do whether it’s talking to someone you’ve been wanting to, saying yes to more social gatherings, or trying a new outfit you’d never thought of wearing.

Recently I had an experience where I stepped out of my comfort zone, and I asked a guy out. I will say that I had been working up to this for months, and when I tried to ask all I could say was “uhh”. I finally was able to ask, and he said no. Even though he said no, I still felt really good that I was able to ask. I can honestly say that I would not have done this at the beginning of last year.

Now that I have done this and put myself out there I honestly believe that now that I know I won’t die by taking chances I will be able to do it more. This year I am going to make it a goal to take more risks. I’m going to put myself out of my comfort zone more.

What are some risks that you’ve taken? What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but have been too nervous to do?

-A

The Box

The Box

            I was given the opportunity to participate in the blog tour for the book The Box. The Box is a children’s book written by Yvette Cragun and illustrated by Alex Smith. I was able to read the book to the little girl I babysit.

            The Box is about a boy who uses his imagination to turn a cardboard box into different things such as  a fort, a pirate ship, and race car. I thought the book was a great book and that it is a great book for young children! This book is also a good form of bribery for when the little ones in your life are not listening. I used the book ten times over as bribery, and it worked every time!

            The little girl I babysit had quite a few opinions and thoughts on the book. Once we were able to start the book she really got excited. The book rhymed which she really liked. She even brought it up multiple times. At one point the box became a fort that had a “no girls allowed” sign. When she heard that she turned to me and stated that she was offended, because she is a girl. All in all she loved the book and said, “This book is really great!” This book was very relatable to the little girl, and she definitely enjoyed that. She really enjoys turning boxes into forts, which she calls her sleeping box. About a month ago her parents ordered a bunch of new chairs and since the little girl was being super difficult that day her mom gave her the box to decorate. She spent hours coloring the box and putting stickers all over it. After she finished she begged to sleep in it. She began calling it her sleeping box. I do not want to give away the ending, but she really related to the end of the book!

            I would definitely suggest this book for the children in your life! As the little girl I watch would say, “It’s pretty awesome.”

-A