So Others May Live

Getting ready to play at an Honor Flight

I have been playing with a community band since I moved to the DC area. Part of our service to the community is to play concerts at Honor Flight arrivals, summer parks, retirement communities, and military remembrance days in the city. As part of this, we almost always salute the military by playing an Armed Forces Salute. Whenever we play this piece, we invite members of the audience who have served to stand and be recognized when their branch's tune starts to play. We honor the United States Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard, and there are always at least a few men and women who stand for each salute.

More than water police.

It's seeing the veterans stand so proudly, yet humbly, that always gets me choked up. Despite our country's many shortfalls, we are so blessed to live in a society where people are willing to sacrifice their lives for the good of each of us and others throughout the world.

I'd like to say that I've always recognized the great importance of all of our branches of the military, but this is not the case. I've always had a basic understanding of the missions of each of the combat-oriented branches (Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy) and respected their service and sacrifice during times of war, but I have to admit that whenever the Coast Guard song began to play, I'd wonder in my head, What does the Coast Guard even do? Aren't they like the water police?

I like to think that my innocent naivete is adorable, but I think that only passes when you're six years old.

Then I came across a great movie called The Guardian, which really helped me to learn more about the sacrifices that our men and women in the Coast Guard make each day.

Click here to purchase on Amazon.

Definitely not one of the reasons I
enjoyed this movie...

This movie, starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, is about the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, who live by the motto "So others may live." Ben Randall (Costner) is a legendary rescue swimmer that is asked to train new recruits after suffering a tragedy in the field. There, he encounters the young (and only slightly attractive) Jake Fischer (Kutcher), who first appears to be more interested in breaking records than in saving lives, but he actually has deeper reasons for joining the USCG. Not only does this story follow how these characters deal with suffering loss and guilt, but it provides a perspective of the intense training required to become a rescue swimmer. Many of the extras are actual rescue swimmers, as the film worked closely with the USCG to try to accurately portray the lives of these men and women (Kutcher actually went through the training himself so he could be physically fit enough for filming). The bonus features include interviews with many rescue swimmers and their families, who detail the challenges they face but also the rewards they find in their calling.

I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. Not only was it an entertaining film, but it really helped me to learn more about the Coast Guard. Most importantly, I think it also brought up some great themes.

We often forget the importance and loving quality of sacrifice, except for the occasional "say thanks to our military" days and the times we really reflect on the Cross. One of the commanding officers tells the new recruits in the movie, "You get the chance to save lives - and there is no greater calling in the world than that."

No greater calling.


I know it's just a movie, but many of the men and women in our military just seem to get it. There is no greater calling in the world than to love one another, and that sometimes means laying down one's life to save the life of another (John 15:13). The movie begins and ends with a similar quote that also ties into this theme:

There is a legend of a man who lives beneath the sea. He is a fisher of men, a last hope for all those who've been left behind. He is know as the Guardian.

The real Fisher of Men is not a legend, but a real, true, actual, living last hope for all those that have been left behind. He is the Guardian of our souls, helping to carry us up from the deep, dark, turbulent waters to the enlightened surface. This Guardian - Jesus Christ - died so that others may live.

On this memorial for our Veterans, let's pause to thank those in the military who have served, especially those who have had to make great sacrifices so that others can live. Pray for those who need protection, as well as for those who protect us. Yet, let us also take a moment to remember the ultimate sacrifice that has been made so that all of us may have the chance to live in the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven forever.

Sisters, Sisters!

Here's a little humor for your Tuesday morning to help you get through the week, as well as a little preview to some of the fun things that happened this past weekend.

Enjoy a little comedy from Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye from White Christmas... and if you haven't ever seen this movie - what are you waiting for?! Get on it! 

7 Quick Takes Friday (#27)

Thanks Jen for hosting!

1. I got a new design for my blog! I've been wanting to change it for awhile, but I was having trouble getting everything the way I wanted it. I still don't like how the header isn't centered, but maybe blogspot will fix that soon... maybe?! Anyway, credit of the photo goes to Jen at Conversion Diary... she posted the photo in her blog months ago and I fell in love with it - it's been my desktop background pretty much ever since! What do you think of the new look? - be honest!
2. Last week, Leila sent me Abby Johnson's book Unplanned, and I finished it a couple of days ago. It really is a powerful story, and it provided a lot of insight into the pro-choice mindset and how Planned Parenthood works. I think we can use information like this to find common ground with many pro-choice supporters - like the fact that we all want to help women - and discuss how to further that - by caring for the whole person, not just by providing immediate but temporary and sometimes harmful solutions to the "problems" of women. I think Abby also has a powerful point, that we are going to win more converts by fighting them with love, prayers, and kindness - if the Coalition for Life hadn't been so kind and friendly to Abby for the 8 years she was at Planned Parenthood, would she have run to them when she realized she needed to leave? Probably not. Anyway, if you haven't read the book, go pick up a copy. Try your local library if you can't afford to buy a copy right now (like me!) or share it with friends! Thanks Leila for lending me your copy for the week!
3. I finally posted about my silent retreat. It's a long post, so ye be warned!
4. One of my favorite things about DC is July 4th! Despite all the politicians and politics that tear this city apart, or so it seems, July 4th really is very patriotic here. There's something about seeing the fireworks over the monuments that really gets me. I also hope to catch the concert this year too! If you were with me last year, you will also be glad to know that I have made a request of my friends that we NOT take the metro this year!
5. In my ample free time this past week, I finished off the BBC series Robin Hood, which I mentioned last week that I was watching. For those of you who like good TV shows, I would definitely pick up this one... except just skip the last season. It started out fine, but then just got weird and awful. Just pretend that the series ended after Season 2. Now, I have to find a new show to watch to help fill some time. Any suggestions?
6. I have a couple more interviews on my plate for "real" jobs, but it you know anyone who works in the chemical industry, would you mind hooking me up? I really just want to get my name out there to see what I can find! So far I haven't had that post-interview "I really want this job" feeling.
7. I've been debating whether or not to join the Bright Maidens for their post this Tuesday on tattoos... I don't really have a polarizing opinion either way, although I look forward on reading other people's insights. However, while watching The Voice earlier this week, I realized that my post would probably just have a bunch of pictures of Adam Levine, who has tattoos all over his arms. I have been a huge fan of Maroon 5 since before they were superstars, and I just think Adam Levine is really pretty, tattoos and all! So I will probably not post on this topic just because I don't think you all are really that interested in looking at a post of pictures... but hopefully I can join up again soon!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

7 Quick Takes Friday (#26)

Jen had a baby! So go visit Conversion Diary... maybe there will be some cute baby pictures up!

1. Long time, no talk! I don't really have a valid excuse for my long absence, as I still have been unable to find any kind of job, so I do spend a lot of time sitting around looking for jobs (and watching TV) and trying to not spend money (and watching TV). It seems whenever my schedule is so incredibly flexible that I put things like catching up on everything happening in blog world to the side. But fear not! I have a couple of posts in the making, one talking a little bit about my retreat and one is that Scripture meme going around (I was tagged by Trista too long ago... good thing they don't have an expiration date!). I also am working on a new blog layout... I am a bit of a perfectionist so I hope to have it just the way I like it soon!
2. Just a quick mention about my retreat since my actual post is so delayed - my silent retreat went well, although it was a lot more difficult that I imagined, but more on that later! Thanks to everyone who remembered to pray for me - I prayed for your intentions every day at Mass!
3. The job search is chugging along. I haven't been able to find anything really temporary even yet, and full time work just hasn't finished getting through the application process. I have had a few interviews for temporary work, so hopefully that will come rolling in soon! Pray for my job search? My sanity (and my bank account) would be very grateful!
4. Speaking of job searching, I am looking for a job in chemistry, and I've found (so far) that they best way to get my name in is through connections. So, a request. Do any of you or anyone you know work in the field of chemistry? If you do, could I send you my resume? Also feel free to check out my profile on Linked In and pass it on to anyone you know!



I find scruffiness handsome. Keep that in mind, future suitors!

5. Check out this great post that I found through Why I'm Catholic, which talks about how Christians become atheists. Simple answer - they start to think about objective truth, and in their search, they end up in the opposite direction of Truth. 
6. I've been watching a lot of TV shows on DVD lately, because they're free from the library! I have long been a fan of the TV show Merlin from the BBC, so now I picked up another BBC show from a few years back called Robin Hood. It's really quirky, and quite cheesy, but I enjoy it (okay, I also admit that I find the actor who plays Robin very handsome). I think British humor just really resonates with my sense of humor (my British friend back home would definitely agree with this - she finds my dry sense of humor ha-larious!). Maybe I should just move to England where I can be immersed in British humor all day. I do sometimes miss living in London!
7. Finally, I have to give a shout out to Leila, because not only does she have some great posts this week, but she also is mailing me a copy of the book Unplanned by Abby Johnson. It's been on my reading list for awhile, and I do have a lot of free time to spend reading by the pool, so I can't wait to get it. You rock, Leila!

Why Mary?

This post is part of the Bright Maidens series of posts. Thanks to those lovely ladies for opening it up to all of us!

I've never really had a relationship with Mary.

I've often struggled with talking to her in prayer. I've certainly never been good at meditating on the mysteries of the rosary (I didn't even pray a full rosary until a year and a half ago!). Honestly, in prayer, I've just always wanted to go straight to Christ. Yes, I love my little saint intercessory prayers (my new favorite is a little rhyme to my confirmation saint, St. Frances Cabrini, for finding parking places in downtown DC... it works every time). I also send more than a few "Hail Mary" up to Heaven each day, but when I get deep down into prayer (which isn't often enough), I attempt to have a conversation with Christ (key word: attempt).

Sure, I understand why Mary is important. Her "Yes" made her the new Eve. Her "Yes" brought the new Adam into the world to redeem us all. God chose Mary to be His mother. That's a big deal. I understand and truly believe all of this, but there has still always been a roadblock between me and forming a relationship with Mary.

I think the biggest stumbling block for me is when I hear women say that it is easier for them to relate and talk to Mary, that they always take things to Mary, because she understands how it feels to be a woman.

I've always been confused by this, because I usually feel the exact opposite. Mary was perfect here on earth, and now she's perfect in Heaven. How on earth could I ever hope to relate to someone who is the perfect human being, and how could this perfect embodiment of submission to God's will ever be able to understand me?

Then, on Good Friday this year, I finally watched The Passion of the Christ for the first time. I was shocked and amazed at the brutality that Christ suffered for us. Yes, I always knew and understood that it was the ultimate suffering, and so it would be bad, but seeing it played out made it all the more real. I cringed when his flesh was ripped from his body at the scourging at the pillar. I winced when the crown of thorns was pushed onto his head. I literally curled up into a ball on my chair when the nails were driven through his hands and feet.

But my eyes as I watched Christ suffer? My eyes were dry.

I'm the kind of girl that cries in movies all the time. I've cried during The Prince of Egypt (*sob* God is *choke* soooo gooood! *hiccup*). I tear up during the scene in Pride and Prejudice as Lizzy and Mr. Darcy walk towards each other across the dew-soaked fields (he loves her *sooo* much that he did all those things just for her *tear*). I have been known to watch The Notebook when I just need emotional release through a good cry.

But as I watched Christ's Passion, my eyes were not moved to tears. Yes, I had the proper visceral reactions, but I had thought I would sob like I never have before.

Was there something wrong with me? Was I so cold that I couldn't even shed a tear for the One who died to redeem me? Cry, just CRY!, I screamed in my head.

And then I saw Mary.

I watched Mary place her ear against the stone ground, right above Jesus shackled underground, just to be nearer to her son.

I watched as she comforted Mary Magdalene, letting the young girl cry on her shoulder.

I watched as she used crisp white towels to soak up her son's blood from the cobblestones.

I watched Mary's memory of Jesus as boy: watching him fall, running to pick him up, whispering in his ear that she was there for him. I watched Mary run to whisper in the ear of her grown son, who was carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders, letting him know that she was still there for him.

I watched as Mary accepted John as her son when Christ gave him to her from the cross. I watched as he accepted her as his mother.

I listened as Mary cried out in agony, "Flesh of my flesh, heart of my heart, My son, let me die with you."

I watched Mary cradle her dead son as he was removed from the cross.

I watched her tears, watched her shake, watched her shudder in pain, but never to turn her eyes away from what her son was suffering. She always watched with a steadfast faith, even though her heart was being torn from her chest.

It was during these times when I watched Mary that I finally cried.

It was through this that I came to a new understanding of what it means to relate to Mary as a woman. It means relating to Mary as a mother, because all of us women are called to be mothers, whether it is physically bringing a child into the world or being a spiritual mother to friends and family. All women have that motherly instinct rooted within their souls, even though many "feminists" today try to ignore it and push it aside. 

I was in too much shock to shed tears watching Jesus suffer, but I was able to cry whenever I saw Mary, because that motherly instinct rooted in my soul could experience an ounce of the pain she felt as she watched her son die.

I'm not a mother, and maybe I'm not called to be a mother, but serving and loving others as a mother would love a child is ingrained in what it means to be a woman. 

This is why Mary is important to me, to all women, and to the Church as a whole. It's not just because she was perfect. It's not just because she was the vessel through which God was made flesh. Yes, those things are crucial. 

But now when I ask myself - and more importantly, when others ask me - "Why Mary?" - I'll know the answer. 

It's because she teaches us how to be women in how she teaches us to serve others by being the perfect mother.

St. Michael the Archangel, Pray for us!

Yep, still a superhero.

Remember this guy?

I mentioned him in my Quick Takes a few weeks ago as being my saint for the month of January. I've decided to keep him on for February as well, because we need a protector in battle more than ever, along with all the angels and saints in Heaven with our Lord. We are in a battle for every soul on this earth, and the more obvious it becomes that we are fighting against evil itself, the less people seem to believe in the source from which that evil stems.

I just saw The Rite with a group from the Newman Center, and this movie - being the top grossing film in the country this past week - has caused a lot of discussion about exorcisms, sin, the Devil, God, and the Church. While it definitely lacks accuracy in some of its Catholic aspects - like why they felt the need to make the main character a seminarian learning how to be an exorcist as opposed to an actual priest - its main point is one on which we can all agree.

The Devil is real.

Our society has become fascinated with sin in all forms, so much to the point that we ignore its source - which is exactly what the Devil wants. The less people think about him, the more easily he can take over. As Fr. Lucas stated in the movie, "Choosing not to believe in the Devil won't protect you from him."

The movie is intense and horrific at times, and my hope is that despite its theatricality, people will start to listen to that voice inside their head - "What if this is real?" We cannot believe in God without acknowledging the existence of the Devil. My hope is that if society starts to truly realize the existence and potential of the Devil and his power, that they will likewise start to not only believe in the existence of God, but to answer that yearning for His presence in our lives.


Let us join with Pope John Paul II when he asked us to call upon St. Michael the Archangel to help us in this spiritual battle:

"May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle we are told about in the Letter to the Ephesians: 'Draw strength from the Lord and from His mighty power' (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St. Michael the Archangel (Revelation 12:7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had a very vivid recollection of this scene when, at the end of the last century, he introduced a special prayer to St. Michael throughout the Church. Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world."

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into Hell, Satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.


Amen.

7 Quick Takes Friday (#17)

Conversion Diary

1. I think regular readers will get that I am a fan of Catholic Answers Live by now, but I listened to a great one on Mormonism this week. I learned so much I didn't know before, about spirit brothers and changing doctrine... oh goodness. I can understand how many Protestants believe that they're trying to be the true faith by (incorrectly) going back to the way the early church was in separating from the Catholic Church, but by having that you can change doctrine in your doctrine... how can you even claim to be the only true faith? I would like to be enlightened on this topic. (Right click on the Mormonism link and Save As... if you want to listen to it on your iPod or download to your iTunes).
2. For those of you who haven't seen these videos yet, be sure to check them out. Lila Rose alluded to these videos she had coming out when I heard her speak at FOCUS conference and she said they were BIG. Well, she was right. Let's see if the law officials actually do anything about it this time...
3. I just had one of those starts to my Friday morning. You know the one where I have to treat my 18 and 19 year old college students like first graders? Yea, that one. To me, it's pretty simple. You don't talk amongst yourselves when I'm going over a quiz or lecturing on material. If you're going to talk, don't talk loud enough that I can hear you. Well, not only did I have to say that I would break up this "talk fest" - which they thought was *hilarious*, by the way - if I had to, I then had to say when I turned back to the chalkboard and they started talking again that just because my back was turned didn't mean my ears stopped working. Any ideas on how to earn more respect from them without going all first grade teacher on them? I didn't have issues with this last semester at all.
4. I saw The King's Speech yesterday and it was really good. I highly recommend it. It's easy to see why it's been nominated for so many awards, and Colin Firth totally deserves to win, as does Geoffrey Rush in his supporting role. It also throw some great history into it as well. Check out the trailer:
 
*Note: For those of you worried about the R rating, it's because Colin Firth's character drops the F bomb multiple times in a row - it's one of his methods for getting words out - see, he doesn't stammer when he curses. Otherwise, it's a clean movie!
5. I have a lot of things that I need to get started on that aren't due for awhile but will quickly start to pile up... but I'm finding it difficult to get motivated. Any ideas?
6. Has anyone seen The Rite yet? I got a free pass and will probably go this weekend. I would post the trailer, but I feel like this post is already so YouTube heavy...
7. It's the weekend! On the to-do list this week: finish up an application, write a lab report, pick a topic for my presentation, clean like a madwoman, go through my old clothes and find stuff to give away, hang out with some friends, and sleep. Whew. 

1 John 4:7

I've found that the more I learn about Catholicism and the deeper I get into my faith, the more I see God - or notice the lack of God - in secular pop culture. My latest victim of scrutiny is a movie I borrowed from the library this past week - (500) Days of Summer.

Yea, they look cute together, but don't be fooled.

I was excited to see this movie because I've heard a lot of good things about it. If you've heard anything about the movie, the basic premise is that it tracks the relationship between Tom and Summer, as it jumps around the 500 days between when Tom meets Summer, starts up a sort of relationship with her, and finally when he has to try to get over her and move on with his life. They tell you at the beginning that this movie is not a love story... which is true. It's not a love story in the way that Hollywood defines "love story"... but it does teach us all something about love... rather, a view of what people do in the absence of feeling that ultimate Love.

To be honest, I was initially disappointed with this movie, because my heart was breaking. Breaking for Tom, as I watched him fall completely in love with the wrong girl. Breaking for Summer, who didn't seem to have any regard for the feelings of others and how her actions affected those close to her. As I was watching, I couldn't figure out why I was being so affected by the movie, by the characters. Then I realized that my heart was breaking for myself too, for the pain that comes from a relationship - friendship or otherwise - where a person says one thing with words, but his or her actions say the exact opposite. Or where a person shows a complete disregard for the consideration of others, choosing to live in a world where "I" always comes first in the alphabet of the world. I realized as I was watching that the reason I was so affected by the movie was because I could completely relate to Tom's character and what he was going through - I've been a part of those friendships and relationships. The sad truth is that many people out there today probably have been a Tom before. Most of us can also probably stake claim to being a Summer, a time where we selfishly disregarded the good of others. It seems that so many people out there in our world have hearts breaking as they search to satisfy the hunger in their hearts, instead finding pain from trying to fill the place meant for ultimate Love with a sad adaptation.

JPII, looking for Love

I suppose that one of the purposes of the arts is to show us a view of our own realities, so we can relate to issues in society in a non-confrontational way. But secular art lacks what Tom needed the most. I've especially learned through reading into Theology of the Body that we all long for a deeper love, and that hole in our hearts is Christ-shaped. So while the movie ends with Tom finding the next phase of his relationship career, he's still searching for that fulfillment from a woman, one who may or may not break his heart. What Tom doesn't realize is that he is longing for what Pope John Paul II called a "beautiful love", which is an invitation to discover the true love of Jesus Christ. So the question is - how do we expose the Toms and Summers of the world to JPII's - and the Church's - beautiful teaches about Love? How do we explain to secular society that Love has been and is freely given to each and every one of us, and all we have to do is invite it in?  If we could find some good answers to these questions, can you imagine how much better the world would be, how much better people would treat others?

7 Quick Takes Friday (#15)

Check out Jen at Conversion Diary for more quick takes!

1. Monday is the March for Life in Washington DC! Anyone coming around for it, or are you attending one in your region? I have to teach in the morning, so I'll miss the Youth Rally and Mass they hold at the Verizon Center each year, but I will be marching with many other students from the Newman Center in support of life. We had a priest come speak to us this week, and he brought two women who have had abortions in their past, and they told us about the amazing healing they've found through the Church. Women are so hurt by abortion, that it sometimes disgust me that so many "feminists" are pro-abortion. Let's pray that our voices will be heard this year as we speak up for all the unborn who can't speak and all the women who are hurting!
2. This weekend, I'll be attending the FOCUS Conference in Baltimore, MD. I am so pumped to spend a weekend away from DC with thousands of Catholics. Mass every day, Adoration 24/7, music, speakers, food... can't get much better than that! Hopefully it will be a prayerful and "productive" experience, as well as a time to meet some new people!
3. I found out this week that I've been chosen for an interview for the DC Teaching Fellows! That was some fun news... now I have to register for the Praxis II. I have been assigned to take the General Science exam... I hope they realize that the only science I am qualified (or want) to teach is CHEMISTRY. Goodness, it's not like I almost have a graduate degree in that subject! Just leaving everything in God's hands though - He knows what's best for me!
4. I started teaching lab again this morning. It will be nice to have something to keep me a bit busier than I have been... I have run waaaay too many errands this week.
5. I finally bought a frame for my Ophelia print that I bought at the Tate when I studied in London... 4.5 years ago. I'm excited to have it on my wall finally.

6. Do you ever watch a movie that skips around through time, and you wonder - "Are you doing this to be artistic... or just to confuse me like crazy?" I sometimes think directors do it just to drive people crazy.
7. Have I mentioned that I am really excited for FOCUS conference this weekend? I think I might have...

Repeat as desired

I've been reading through Startling the Day's old posts and came across this one with her all time favorite book and movie recommendations. I always have people asking me for book and movie ideas (I own a lot of books and movies...), and I often become a library lending them out.

Because there are so many good books I've read out there, I'm going to limit my list to books I've read waaaay more than once... but if you want more recommendations, trust me, I have a HUGE list.

So without further ado, here's what I think is worth your time over and over again. If you need to borrow any... well, this library hasn't been hit by the harsh library tax cuts yet, so we're still open 7 days a week.* So get ready to lather in the shampoo, rinse, and repeat as desired.

Books

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - If you've heard of this title, it's most likely from the movie with Anne Hathaway. Well, hate to break it to you, but the movie was like the Shrek version of this book... as in there are ogres, which have layers, like onions. Long story short, the movie is the cheese-tastic layer of the onion (although I do like some of the music and Hugh Dancy), but the book is FANTASTIC. It's probably one of my all-time favorite books, and I've read it so often that the poor paperback is worn and torn. Yes, it's a book written for 12 year olds. I don't really care. I can't wait to read it to my little girls someday, if and when I get married and if I have girls. If I don't, then I'll have to borrow other people's little girls so I can read it to them. Totally not in a creepy way, in a "I'm teaching you to love books" kind of way. It might be better if I just have my own kids... 

You're only allowed to read the version with this cover. Any other cover is lame. Yes, I judge a book by it's cover.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - If you are a woman and you haven't read this book, shame on you. If you are a man and haven't learned how to be Mr. Darcy so I can fall in love with you, shame on you.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - This is a beautiful story about the power of music bringing people together. Go. Read. It. Now.

The Bible by God - I've always wanted to read the Bible the whole way through, even though I've heard most of it many times. I recently found this site to read the Bible in a year, and I think I'm going to give it a try! I'm sure I'll update how it's going... once I get started... if that happens.

Me in front of the Globe Theatre, where I saw 2 plays!

Anything by Shakespeare - I first met Shakespeare in Honors English my freshman year of high school and it's been a wonderful love affair ever since. My goal is to read all the plays and see them all performed. I've read and critically studied at least 14 of his plays (many of them more than once) and I've seen 9 of his plays performed (again, many of them multiple times)... so it's a life goal. I try to take my time and enjoy our love.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - Anyone who knows me for a span of longer than 5 minutes will not be surprised to see this on the list. I've actually lost count of how many times I've read the books... I'm also a fan of listening to the audio books - Jim Dale just has an amazing voice and he acts out each character. If you haven't listened to him read them yet - be sure to check it out - he makes the HP experience a million times better than it already is.

Atonement - by Ian McEwan - I'm actually reading this again now. It's a beautifully written novel that makes more and more sense each time you read it. Even if you don't understand what's always going on, the words just flow like poetry through your eyes into your brain.

Movies

Noting says romance like the gift of a kidnapped, injured woman!

Stardust - To be honest, I'm not sure if I can explain why I love this movie. I just do. I seriously notice something new every time I watch it. I like to think of it as a less cheesy (but still plenty of cheese!) version of The Princess Bride (Mawwiage!), but really, I just think the acting is amazing. The score is amazing. The characterization is amazing. I just love watching it over and over again.

Pride and Prejudice - Unlike the rest of the female population, I have only seen the BBC version once and couldn't get past the hairstyles... however, I am in love with the Keira Knightley/Matthew MacFayden version from 2005. When I say "in love", I really mean it. I can always watch that movie and never be bored. The score is also amazing. The gazebo scene in the rain? *Ahhhhh*-mazing.

National Treasure - This movie just holds so many memories for me... being on one of the four channels I had while living in London, every single night (no joke)... quoting the lines with my sisters... fighting over whose boyfriend Riley was going to be with the sisters (I usually won, I played the "oldest" card)... watching it with my Grandma the summer I lived with my Poppy and Grandma... running around DC acting out all the scenes (OK, I haven't quite completed this yet...). I just love American history brought to life, and I think this movie makes it fun and adventurous... and Riley is really witty and cute.

The Holiday - This is one of those "chick flicks" that I've actually heard guys admit that they like. I also think it's just a wonderfully weaved story about love and the different ways that people deal with and learn about and fall in love. The characters are all really great to watch, and Jack Black's character would totally be a guy I would fall for with his geeky cheesiness, while Jude Law's character is also a guy I would fall for with the literature loving and cute glasses. Hopefully the real life version will be a perfect mesh of the two! 

That's me in the green, singing the harmony.

The Sound of Music - I am 16, going on 17!... Do I really need to explain more than this? OK, good, I can continue singing. Edelwiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me...

She's the Man - I only list this because I can probably quote the entire movie... because the lines are hilarious. My youngest sister and I used to watch it together all the time - she knows it better than I do. It's also based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which is quite possibly my favorite comedy. So it's a win-win.

Hope you find some things you like! Maybe next time I will feature my favorite music and TV shows.

*So, I went to the library today (Thursday) to return some DVDs and pick up a book and some more movies... and they were totally CLOSED. What library is closed on a THURSDAY!?!?!? That's so random. I hate cutting library budgets. They feed the minds of America! Let's increase taxes on video games instead...

"Isn't it just possible that you are missing the point and that Jesus is an elephant?" and other fun quotations

I strongly encourage you to check out this blog post over at GW Catholic Forum (well, check them all out while you're over there!). It mentions a segment from The Colbert Report where Stephen Colbert defends the faith against an author who has written a book about religions of the world. I really enjoyed the video, and since I had nothing better to do... I went and found some more. So here are a few videos for your viewing pleasure.

Stephen Prothero, author of God is Not One from June 14, 2010.

I am intrigued by his statement about Judaism - that they don't have this "idea" of sin. If you break the Mosaic Law, then it's just a "whoops" as opposed to a sin? He talks about it as an "exile from God" and a desire to return to God, but isn't that what sin is, at least in the Christian sense? I would like to be further enlightened on this concept.

And Christianity is "losing marketshare"? What?!

Best line (in response to his comment above): "Jesus always wins in the end. I mean, Jesus loves to run up the odds, you saw what he did last time he was here, he let them think he had him on the ropes. But three days later, boom!, he comes back, they clean up at the table... and that will be the case, forever after!"

Colbert Report: Stephen Prothero
- Watch more Funny Videos at Vodpod.

Bart Ehrman, author of Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (And Why We Don't Know About Them) from April 9, 2009.

This guy just irks me a bit. In addition to Colbert pointing him in the direction of John in response to the divinity of Christ, I would also like to point out the covenants that God made, specifically with David:

'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' (2 Samuel 7:11-16)

That's me putting what we've been learning in Bible Study to good use!

But I really like Colbert's analogy of the four blind men and the elephant in a hole... it is just like when a cop is questioning witnesses to a crime - if all of their stories are exactly the same, doesn't that come across as suspicious, as if they rehearsed their responses together to make it appear as if they were telling the truth? Doesn't the fact that each witness has a slightly different perception of the events that happened, where each focused on what he found important versus what a different observer found significant, make the words not only more truthful and believable, but provide the complete story? Just a thought, Dr. Ehrman, just a thought...

Colbert Debates The Bible with Bart Ehrman
- Watch more Funny Videos at Vodpod.

Philip Zimbardo, author of The Lucifer Effect from February 11, 2008.

I would like to read this book. I feel like this exact experiment was in an episode of Veronica Mars. I think his probably came first, but I think I will probably still like the VM version better.

The end of this segment is great. "You send yourself to Hell, God does not send you there."

I think I would be slightly intrigued/scared to be in Colbert's Sunday School class!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Philip Zimbardo
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

While I am not endorsing all that Colbert says, I find his take on defending the faith very refreshing.