Take A Chance on Me

For those of you who don't live in my Charming City, you may have never heard of a little event called the True/False film festival. If this is the case, I am so sorry. You are missing out. True/False is a documentary film festival in its 6th year. The fest brings in people from all over the world (literally--I've talked to people from Poland, England, and just got off an ichat with some filmmakers from Denmark) to showcase their films. In between films, you get to meet artists, enjoy great music, and even partake in a party or two. It has been an eye-opener to me, a farm girl, to see the enticing entities of documentaries.

Last year was my first time to delve into the fest and I waded into the baby pool, seeing three films. This year, I decided to volunteer. I spent the last two days crawling under risers, building street art, taping down lights, creating a venue for an awesome party, and getting to know people I will never forget. I now wonder how I could have gone the first 5 years without volunteering. While I thought the films last year were life changing, the event is much more so. I just finished my first two films. What is even more incredible than viewing the films is hearing the creative genius behind them and allowing those filmmakers to share their craft. So cool! The main film I saw was called "Love on Delivery" about a pipeline of Thai women coming to Denmark to find their husbands. Thus the title of my entry. They truly were taking a chance on making their lives new and economically bearable. The film looked at marriage through a lens I myself could never see. I cried remorsefully and felt proud for the women all at the same time.

My church says that film is a great way to see other people's worldviews and how they see the problem central to life. I couldn't agree more. If you want to hear more on the subject, check out everysquareinch.net. I would also recommend going to www.truefalse.org to see more about the festival and all of the films involved.

I am taking a quick lunch break but I hope to be able to update on more films soon.

Here's to taking a chance on documentary film at its finest.

Sing a Song

I am watching the Oscars from the comfort of my hotel room in Overland Park. I started it at the bar at Carraba's and have continued here. I am a little disappointed in Penelope Cruz for best supporting acress but the show has completely redeemed itself in this moment. "The Musical is Back" number was incredible! I am a sucker for musicals, but wow. It was a good time. I mean, Baz Luhrman must be feeling the recession to have agreed to complete the number. But it was great.

A not-so-surpising Heath Ledger win makes me thrilled. I loved Heath. To see him win post-humously is appropriate and deserved. His families' speeches were absolutely beautiful. I am a little teary.

I watched "Man on Wire" at last year's True/False and it's so cool to see the director speaking of the film. I SO want it to win just so I can say, in a snooty voice, "I saw the best documentary of 2008." Seriously.

And thereit is! I won!! Well, okay, Man on Wire won. But I saw it. Yes, I did. And so, in a way, a little piece of me won. I would be lying if I said that I did not scream all by myself in my hotel room when I heard that it won. So fun! I can't wait for next week to see some more amazing documentaries.

My computer is going to die, so I best get going. Plus I am about to crash.

Here's to the Oscars.

School Days, School Days

I finally did it. Done. Completed. At least my part of the bargain. I have been MIA for the last few weeks because I have been applying to graduate school. I wanted to finish the application and tell my boss before I started talking about it out in the open. But I am pretty excited about it. I won't find out for a few months whether I am in the program, but it's been an exciting and anxious time. I am thrilled about the possibilities God has in store for me, whether or not I go to graduate school. I will definitely keep you all posted.

On top of this, I have been doing some Bible study and working like crazy. I am currenty in the dining hall during a work event. This time of year is so hard. I get attached to so many of these kids. Ultimately, some of them will make the choice to go somewhere other than MU. While I respect the decision, it's hard for me to see them go when I've worked so hard for so long.

Don't worry; I have been catching up with the Bachelor. It's pretty great. I am a big fan of both of the girls who are left, so I will be excited either way. One funny thing... I am studying Esther as part of the Beth Moore bible study. So much of it kind of reminds me of an ancient bachelor. They do a search for all attractive ladies and then they come "perform" for the king. Seirously... could it BE any more like the Bachelor? It's so interesting to compare. If you haven't read the story of Esther, I highly encourage it. It's fun. It's scandalous (sort of). And it's the only book in which God's name is never mentioned. It's two books before Psalms. Read it. Message me. We'll chat. I hope it blesses you.

I am off to work a little more and then hopefully grab a nap. Enjoy your weekend.

Here's to Esther!

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

I am on a little hiatus from posting because I am taking some time to work on a big change in my life. Or I should say a potentially big change. More news on that when it is finished. Until then, I am not trying to ignore my bloggy friends. I am just spending most of my free seconds on this "thing." Pray for me!

Here's to change!

It's My Party

This has been a long week. Eric passed me some sniffles early in the week, and there's been lots to do with work. Despite all of this, though, I think it's been a good week.

If you're wondering, the GRE went fine. Nothing to report. I did wake up a little late and had a freak attack. Being the Type A that I am, however, I thought the test was an hour earlier than it was. So, even after waking up an hour later than I wanted to, I still got there at 7:45 for a nine o'clock test. Yes I am a dork. I am crossing my fingers that my score is good enough to not ever have to take that stupid test ever again. Here's hoping.

I had a presentation last night for work. We travel throughout the state and give workshops for students and parents about navigating the college planning process. I love giving these workshops. People tend to truly appreciate my effort. Parents who are going through the process for the first time, in particular, look at me like I am the goddess of all things college. It's kind of fun. We always get surveys back, and all my surveys from last night said, "much more interesting than I thought it would be." Moral of the story: it's easy to exceed expectations if the expectations begin quite low. Love it!

Tonight, we get to play parents to toddlers. My lovely friend Lila has her preschool sockhop tonight and we get to be her stand-in parents. It is destined to be the highlight of my week. I will consider posting pictures. I am sure I will have stories.

Here's to preschool dances!