Stuff I don’t know what to call
Here’s the story about the Book of Mormon in the church.
My mom felt inspired to write her testimony in a Book of Mormon and give it to one of the ladies she visit taught. The person she wanted to give it to had not been to church for a long, long time. This lady decided to stop attending church before I was even born. And we all know that truly is a long, long time ago.
I went to see the movie Captain Phillips this weekend. One word review: wow! But let me drag it out a bit longer.
When I first saw the trailer for this movie I vaguely remembered the actual incident. I knew the captain had been kidnapped by Somali pirates. I thought I knew he survived. And that was about it. So when I saw the trailer I decided I wanted to watch the movie. The only hesitancy I experienced was the fact it starred Tom Hanks. Mr. Hanks and I had a falling out a few years ago when I discovered after years of contributing to his livelihood, he didn’t respect me. But that’s a story for another blog. It always makes my niece Lyn roll her eyes.
In short, I decided to go see the movie hoping my nine bucks would contribute more to the actual Captain Phillips than to Mr. Hanks. Lyn just double rolled her eyes. She really should be careful about that – she could hurt herself.
I went to the movie with my dad, my sister MZ, and Lyn.
First, I drooled through the new Thor trailer (gotta admit them Hemsworth boys have some good genes) and a quick question to Lyn about the preview. “Does she die?” I asked about Natalie Portman’s character.
Lyn looked at me. “I don’t know,” she said slowly. After all, why would she know? The movie hasn’t been released yet. I just want some assurance the girl ain’t gonna die. I mean, it’s not fair that Tony Stark is the only Marvel superhero that gets the girl.
But I digress.
The movie started and I noticed right off the bat I was not going to like the filming style. You know, the ‘in-the-moment’ shaky hand. Ugh, this is a movie not the news clips.
This was one of the most intense, on-the-edge-of-my-seat movies I have ever seen. The reason it was so intense? Because it’s a true story. Hollywood couldn’t write or fix it to force a happy ending. You get what you get. And let me say again, wow!
The reason the story is so good is because there are so many heroes in the world. Actual, real life heroes. From the captain, to his crew, to the Navy and the Navy SEALS there were so many heroes in this incident. And that is just reassuring to see.
The third reason I liked this movie is because it teaches a valuable lesson. The pirates were able to board the ship because one of the hoses pointed in the wrong direction. In other words, there was a chink in the armor. There’s a lesson in that and I will probably share it with my young women.
It is based on a book. If you’re interested, it is called, “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea” by Richard Phillips with Stephen Talty. I really wish I was into reading because I want to read the book especially since it is authored by Captain Phillips himself. This story captivated me and I’d like to know more of the details because while the script followed the book somewhat it was still Hollywoodized.
In the end, do I recommend seeing this movie? Heck yeah! Go see it or watch it on video. Even if Mr. Hanks is in it (no movie is perfect).
Other movie reviews:
Did you hear about this movie? by ck
Three movies in five days by ck
GI Joe a go or a no? by ck
I totally blab about Warm Bodies by ck
I’m no Ebert by ck
RIPD? by ck
Forty-two days ago my sister calculated how far away my birthday happened to be. And then she told me. I think she thought I would be upset. You know, the whole, “Oh, woest me, I’m getting so old.” It is, after all, my 11th 29th birthday. That’s a big one. I agree. It is big. I have never been this old before.
Instead, of bemoaning the inevitable though, I had an idea for a 40 2 40 party. Since I would not be home for my birthday I decided to make the celebration last for forty days. And anyone and everyone were invited to attend.
To join in the celebration, I just asked you do three things each day leading up to August 5th. Choosing to do one, two, or all three.
Say thank you to someone. Show gratitude every day.
Be brave. Do something you have never done before.
Do a random act of service. Be kind to someone.
How did I do? I admit, I started to slack at the end.
I need to make up 5 days of gratitude.
For the most part though, I performed small acts of service that I hoped would help me not be so selfish.
The being brave challenge really came into play this last weekend. But you will hear more about that next week.
If anyone joined me, even if it was only for part of the time, I sure would like to hear about it.
Thanks for joining me in my celebration. Now help yourself to some cake.
Tomorrow I’m headed to the Uinta Mountains. I will be there until Friday and will come home, exhausted, sun-burned, bug-bit, stinky, and did I mention exhausted?
It’s our annual Girls’ Camp for our stake. Two hundred-some girls plus leaders head to the mountains. We hike, do crafts, listen to inspirational speakers and in every instance provide a place conducive to the Spirit. If done correctly, it can be a game changer. A bolster of confidence.
Years ago I went to Girls’ Camp as a young woman (on a side note, to the same camp I’m going to tomorrow as a leader). I belonged to the category “loner” with no friends. But during camp, that all changed. I forged some very dear friendships that helped me through some very tough times.
Going as a leader has given me a new perspective on this week long adventure. I never realized that for a leader, this is almost a year-long planning process. I think the campers would be surprised at how many prayers are said in their behalf.
However, nobody is forced to participate or even have a good time. That depends solely on the camper. If the girl comes with an open heart she will feel things she may have never felt before. She will even be sad at the end of the week to have to return home.
And when that is at stake, who would mind spending a week up in the mountains? Not me.
So, please stop by my blog this week and feel free to comment. I won’t be able to check on my stats until I return next weekend though. Perhaps there will be a tell-all sometime in the future. Maybe even a picture or two? Eh. We’ll see.
Things are falling into place quite nicely. As I mentioned, I have a birthday approaching. The big 4-0. Or as I like to call it, my eleventh 29th.
The hardest part of my birthday road trip is finished – deciding where to go. The lucky destination that gets the pleasure of my presence is Missouri. You might be saying, “Um, what?” right now. Yes, Missouri beat out both the Grand Canyon (been there) and Glacier National Park in Montana (why would I want to go someplace colder?!). But Missouri? It has some church history spots I want to see (I can almost hear the ohhhs). Only one small hitch in the get-up – I haven’t made any room reservations. I can’t until payday next week. So… I might be sleeping in the car. All are invited to join me but if it’s a party of one, that’s okay, too. I’m ready and excited.
But this isn’t about the road trip. This is about my birthday party and you are all invited to that, too.
See, my sister, Zoe, did the math for me and discovered something interesting. Tomorrow will be 40 days until my birthday. My 40 to 40, if you will. Ready to celebrate?
To help me ring in middle age and oldsville, I am throwing a 40 day party. Starting tomorrow I am asking you to do something every day until August 5th (which, in my opinion, is probably the best day of the whole stinkin’ year). Here are your choices and feel free to do one, two, or three a day!
Here’s how you can help celebrate my birthday:
Do one, two, or three of these every day starting tomorrow and culminating on August 5th. I’d like to say I’ll accomplish all three every day but let’s be realistic. I live in a small town and live in a bit of a rut. There’s no possible way I could do number 1 for forty days. But I’m going to do at least one of the goals every day.
True, there is no reason for you to join me. But I sure hope you will and keep me posted. Otherwise, it will be me by myself at my own party. For forty lonely days. Insert sad emoticon here :~(
“All by myself… don’t wanna be… all by myself.”
Won’t you join me at my birthday party?
During my twenties, I lived in three different states (four if you count my mission) and almost twice as many cities. I bumped around from place to place. Perhaps looking for a place to call home. Or I just enjoy the thrill of newness. It’s an excuse to get out and explore and not settle for the same old routine. I think I was born with a nomad’s heart – never really attaching to anything.
I am getting that itch again. Maybe it’s time to move on? But I’m older and more hesitant now. I know if I leave, I won’t come back to Wyoming. So I need to make sure. And so I stay.
But today’s question is – where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
Here’s some mood music while you contemplate.
My friend sent me this link. It is amusing and an eye opener. I always thought somebody received their just desserts…
http://www.healthcarecommunication.com/Main/Articles/10965.aspx#
I have a rather big birthday coming up in the beginning of August. Per tradition, I take a road trip for the week (if I’m not home for my birthday it can’t find me so technically I’m still 29).
This is my 11th 29th I’m celebrating people. Where should I go? Where would you go if you were me? Assuming, of course, there is no budget and nothing is off limits. Let’s just be whimsical, shall we?
I’ve started playing a game on my Facebook page (ck’s days). I start with two questions and if I get any bites, I keep the game going as long as I can usually by playing the devil’s advocate.
The other night I posted: who is the most influential person you’ve ever met?
Who is the person that changed your life’s direction and put you on the course you’re on now (excluding the obvious spouse/fiancé answers)?
My niece Bubba (also my biggest fan) took the bait. She replied, “This is hard for me to answer! I feel like everyone in my life has influenced my life and got me exactly where I am today! Some good and some not great! However I am so thankful for everyone that has helped shape the person I am today!”
Encouraged, I continued: Do you think you’d show up on someone else’s list?
To which she replied, “I don’t really feel like I would. Not specifically anyway. But I would hope a few people would think of me when this comes to mind.”
I asked the questions because of the movie 42. I went to see it a few weeks ago and recommend it. As far as movies go, it was okay. What elevated its status is the fact it is based on a true story. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. How ordinary people who are just living their lives are sometimes called upon to do great things. So what makes a person great?
Let me back up and explain that the movie is based on Jackie Robison’s first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1947 Jackie was the first African-American to play for the then segregated Major League Baseball. My dad was in 7th grade when this happened so I took him to see the movie with me. Afterward I asked, “Did you know all that happened?” Referring to the prejudice the Robinson family endured.
“No,” he replied. “We lived in Wyoming. All we had was the radio to listen to the games. I had no idea.”
Back to my question, what makes a person great? Here are a few things I decided.
First, a person who seeks greatness usually fails. Just look at any dictatorship. I really don’t think it’s possible to force greatness. Perhaps there is an example out there but every instance I thought of ended badly. At least, for some poor schmo.
Second, great moments are more attainable than being a great person. However, moments are not resolute. They are, by definition, fleeting. Even a scoundrel can have one great moment. And, as we know too well, heroes can fall.
Third, in order to be great, we need to be good. I don’t think greatness can be planned. It’s more a matter of making right choices consistently and then being called upon to do something bigger. The call doesn’t come to every good person. A lot of good people could have been great if needed.
When I think of someone great, I think of someone who has influenced at least one other person for good. Perhaps even saved a life. At the beginning of the year, I declared that was one of my goals. This might set a record for the quickest renege, but I take it back. To save a life, or to be great, takes a lot of dedication, effort, patience, and the list goes on. I realized, I don’t think I have it in me. It even inspired one of my memes.
Instead, my goal is to be a good person. Somebody who wears my last name well. And if, by chance, I manage to help somebody along the way well then, yeah, that will be cool.
ck's days 