Oscar Time Again

Next week are Oscars so I want to throw down my predictions once again. Last year, I got 11 of the 24 categories right, but I know I could have had more if I wasn't so stubborn by picking my favorites instead of what I thought would really win. This year my goal is to get 12 or more so I'm at least at 50%. Wish me luck...

Picture: 12 Years a Slave. I have only seen four of the nine this year so I'm not the best judge, but of the four I watched, this was definitely the best. Amazing in so many ways and it's nominated for a lot so I think I have a good chance here.

Director: David O. Russell. I don't see American Hustle winning any other category even though it won SAG ensemble award and this is Russell's third movie that was nominated so third time's a charm. I personally didn't really like the stories of any of his movies but loved the acting in all of them so I guess he brings out the best in his cast.

Actor: Matthew McConaughey. Once again, I did not see Dallas Buyers Club. I definitely did not watch enough movies this year. He won the Golden Globe and SAGs though so I have to go with him.

Actress: Cate Blanchett. I actually did see Blue Jasmine and Blanchett is one of my favorite actresses of all time. This was no exception.

Supporting Actor: Jared Leto. He's on a role with McConaughey. I need to see this film obviously. Although I think Michael Fassbender was amazing in his role.

Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o. She was fantastic in 12 Years. I personally don't think anyone else in this category compares, but the Academy obviously loves Jennifer Lawrence (she's hard not to love).

Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years a Slave. Have a mentioned I loved this movie?

Original Screenpaly: Her. I haven't even seen it and I know it's definitely "original."

Animated Feature: Frozen. Duh.

*Note- The other two best picture nominees I watched were Wolf on Wall Street and Captain Phillips and I enjoyed both of them but can't see them fitting in anywhere. 

Others: Cinematography-Gravity/ Costume Design-The Great Gatsby/ Documentary Feature-20 Feet from Stardom/ Editing-Gravity/ Foreign Language Film-The Great Beauty/ Makeup and Hairstyling-Dallas Buyers Club/ Original Song-Let It Go/ Original Score-Gravity/ Production Design-The Great Gatsby/ Sound Editing-Gravity/ Sound Mixing-Gravity/ Visual Effects-Gravity/ Animated Short-Get a Horse!/ Documentary Short-The Lady in Number 6/ Live Action Short-The Voorman Problem

Personality Test

Hello again! So recently, I have been really caught up in something called the Myer-Briggs personality test. Some of you may have heard of it, or even taken it because it's been around forever. According to this test, there are 16 different personalities types represented by four letters. These can reveal strengths and weaknesses, possible career paths, matches for friends or relationships or even just connect you to a cool community. For example, I am an INFJ and when I type those letters into Pinterest or Google, I find tons of fun websites, memes, comics, or blogs from people similar to me. The following were things I found on Pinterest made by other users that fit me almost exactly:

 

Maybe you won't find as much amusement in this test as I do, but if you'd like to try it out here's a link to the website that has a free version of the test: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

I'd love to hear what your results are and if you found them to be accurate at all. You can comment on this blog or facebook or just text me your results. Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend and is enjoying the Olympics!

Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself

My parents are very fond of retelling the story of the Mamba. Whenever I mention a roller coaster or amusement park, my dad starts, "You used to hate roller coasters. You cried the whole line to the Mamba." And I did. The closer we got to the actual ride, the more I completely panicked. I couldn't breathe. I was shaking. I couldn't even move after I actually got into the car.

I was afraid of heights and that fear was completely debilitating. Fear can be that way. In my life, fear has stopped me from enjoying the view of the Grand Canyon, got me stuck in a Burger King playpen (only in my mind), and has deterred me from going to the doctor. Although I hate to hear the story of me bawling like a baby on a fun ride, the Mamba experience was a big moment for me. I loved the ride. And since that time, I have enjoyed many, many other exhilerating rides.

Facing the fear head-on, no matter how embarrassing enriched my life in a small way. As a kid, I was so afraid of heights I couldn't go on the slide at the park. Now I can ride on a airplane and be (mostly) calm. I have also faced my claustrophobia through lots of crowded elevators and my fear of needles by giving blood. I have tackled social anxiety by becoming a tour guide and talking to strangers every day.

I am still afraid of heights . I definitely have to leave crowds with lots of small talk after a while. When I gave blood last week, I still shook. Everyone is afraid of something. I understand my examples are little fears. Many of us are afraid of big things. Fear of death. Fear of failure. Fear of being alone. Fear of not being enough. But I am not allowing fear to control my life. I will face it, challenge it, and most of all accept it. I am afraid. I must not let fear affect my joy.