Sunday, March 29, 2015

Insurgent

As you may remember from previous posts, I'm a huge fan of the Divergent series. I read and loved the three-book series. I enjoyed the first movie in the series so very much. The characters feel real, despite the other-worldly premise. To me, the series feels similar to Hunger Games with the strong female lead and action sequences.

Insurgent opens on the factions being displaced. Tris, Tobias (Four), and a few other Dauntless are holed up with one of the very passive, peaceable factions. That doesn't bode well with spit-fire Tris. Her fire gets them nearly kicked out of their safe haven. Soon they're tracked by Jeanine lackies including the former Dauntless leader, Eric. Jeanine has sent them in search of Divergents to help Jeanine open the box. It can only be opened by a Divergent who can pass all five of the factions simulations. Everyone she finds to try to open it isn't Divergent enough and ends up dying during the simulations. So, the search for a more Divergent person continues. Eventually, they test Tris and see that she's 100% Divergent; just what Jeanine has been looking for, but shes in safety, so they start brainwashing her friends to commit suicide unless she gives herself up. Tris can't see people dying "because" of her, so unbeknownst to everyone she turns herself in to save the others. Once hooked up to the simulator, she see her brother on Jeanine's side. The simulations nearly kill her. So, they get a break for Tris. On the way back to her holding cell, she sees Tobias in a nearby cell; he came to save her. In the end, instead of leaving or stealing the box, she decides she needs to open it. When it's opened, it's supposed to have a message from the founders of the factions. So, her and Tobias break into the testing room and bunker down in there. Once through the simulation, the founder's video message is shared, just as Jeanine and her lackies break into the lab. The video tells that there is life outside of the factions and that they should enter the real world when they're ready. I look forward to the last Divergent movie, Allegiant.



I need a new series of books to read, what do you suggest?

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is one of America's most beloved actors with the ability to play so many different and memorable characters. So, I was excited to see that he's still staying current with the following two videos.

Carly Rae Jepsen's music video, I Really Like You is fun, catchy, and features our much loved Tom Hanks. He charmingly lip syncs the entire song and even does a little choreographed dancing; love! I think, it's my jam of the year. It always makes me smile and I hope it makes you smile too.

I came across this fabulous clip on Facebook today. It was from the Late Late Show with James Corden and is literally every Tom Hanks movie in 8 minutes. It was funny, creative, and made me love Tom Hanks even more. I now want to watch all his movies and can't wait to see what he stars in next; he's so very talented!

What do you think?

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

TV Show Addictions

Since I moved from cable to Hulu Plus earlier this year, I've had to find new shows to follow vs. click around and find something interesting to watch. It's kind of been harder than I thought, but I love the massive savings from switching to cable. I spent roughly $70/month vs. $7.99/month. For a yearly savings of roughly $744.12.

The shows:
Hart of Dixie is about a NY doctor that moves to Blue Belle, Mississippi to be a small town doctor. The cast of characters is so fun! Take a peak:

Jane the Virgin is another show I'm addicted too. It's about a Latina woman in her 20s. It represents a lot of what its like to be in a Hispanic family.

Millionaire Matchmaker-I know some people don't like Patty Stanger, but I love her no-nonsense, blunt approach. I just finished Season 7 on Hulu Plus.

About a Boy is about a quirky, British mother (played by the lovable Minnie Driver), her nerdy young son, and her attractive, Peter Pan-esque male neighbor. Every episode is always funny and relatable to a degree.

America's Next Top Model is full of drama and fashion. I could never do it. I just finished Season 21.

Top Chef matches with my deep love of cooking and innovation. My favorite chef just won on Season 11.

Any shows that I should add to my Watchlist? :)

Saturday, March 14, 2015

One Life, Transform It-Matt Chandler Sermon

A couple weeks ago, I was too sick to go to church. I hate missing church as it helps me start my week. To get a great sermon in, I listened to a podcast from Pastor Matt Chandler, titled, One Life, Transform It. It was wonderful and I wanted to share it with you all. It was one of those great sermons that gets you recharged and ready to take on the week.