Les Mis Mesmerized

This summer it has been a goal of mine to put a dent in my movie list. Recently, I've been able to check off two of those movies: Singin' in the Rain and Les Miserables. 

I have to say, I am truly amazed at the restoration that has been done on older films. The color quality for Singin' in the Rain was incredible. I always enjoy seeing the original plots that have been redone over and over again. To think about what the writers at the time were thinking, I'm simply amazed. I can only imagine making a film that is considered a classic today. 

As for Les Miserables, I am completely mesmerized. There is no other word that fits my current fascination. After reading several reviews, I under the choice to cast Nick Jonas was risky. However, the bashing that he has endured is definitely not called for. I have not yet had the chance to read the novel, but I am certainly glad I was finally able to see it. Well worth it! Now, I just have to keep putting a dent in this never ending list. 

Just take your time, it's only life.

Just take your time, it's only life. (clipped to polyvore.com)

the review

Several days later having found the time to finish it, I am done with One Day. My review? Well, I will try my best not to provide spoilers.

The writing was wonderful. I enjoyed that the language captured the atmosphere of the placing in which it was portraying. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed learning the new facets of them. I think that seeing the characters through the eyes of each other may have given them more depth, but that is just my opinion. 

I was most certainly thrown for a loop. David Nicholls added a twist I was not ready for. I'm extremely interested to see how this translates to the big screen. Overall? I recommend it. There is profanity, but it isn't as though you are reading the stall in a bathroom. It's neat and not used in means to make up for a lack of a vocabulary. I enjoyed the literally references. It was definitely a good choice.

On the night stand.

I'll admit it. I'm a movie critic. What is even worse? I'm THAT girl. The one who reads the book first, and the proceeds to look for the smallest detail in the movie. I will admit that several film classes and a very persuasive professor later has allowed me to spread my wings a bit more.

Being that I behave in such a way, I picked up the David Nicholls novel One Day. Thus far, I'm in love with it. It took me a bit to pick up on the same day, yearly concept, but now I'm keyed in and loving it! Stay tuned for the review. 

Currently Playing:

Strawberry and Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 heart romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces (3 cups lightly packed)
• 1 8-ounce container of strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Directions

In a small bowl whisk together the oil, vinegar salt and pepper. Place the lettuce in a large bowl and toss with half the dressing. Place the lettuce onto 4 salad plates.

Toss the strawberries with the remaining dressing and place 1/4 of the berries on top of each mound of lettuce. Top each with cheeseand sprinkle with the basil.

Calories 150; Total Fat 12 g; (Sat Fat 3.5 g, Mono Fat 5 g, Poly Fat 1 g) ; Protein 6 g; Carb 7 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 15 mg; Sodium 320 mg

Excellent source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Good source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Calcium, Manganese

(I found this today. It's on my to be made list. Yum!)

R.E.A.D.

This summer I have become a woman of many talents. Among my weekly schedule: classes, internship and several jobs. However, I'm loving every moment of it all. Tomorrow starts our summer sessions of class so lots of prayer need there.

But today I wanted to share another experience in my life: teaching a child to read. I'm an avid reader. On a good day or even bad, provided the book is good, I can spend the day curled up with a book forgetting the world should even exist outside. I try to read a little bit of everything. Sometimes I am more successful with the task than others but I make the effort to borrow from my best friend since he is more diverse than my typical tastes.

In my adventures though I found myself presented with a task I've never done before. Today I was able to help a child read. Now, I've been the typically babysitter who pops in a movie, chases a child outside or colors until I can't see straight but I have never gotten to teach someone to read before. It was such an incredible experience. There is that moment when the child understands that the world sounds like and the excitement is pure joy. 

I have quite a few things that I want to do in my life some day but I do hope that a piece of that is teaching because that moment was beyond incredible. 

Barre?

Boredom. It can be a frequent identifier of my view of my workout. I just get bored. Videos? I can turn those off. Running? I can just stop. I am the queen of finding an excuse to JUST NOT DO IT. Nike wouldn't appreciate that I imagine. 

Well today I decided to check out Grand Jeté, a locally owned barre fitness facility in Mountain Brook. I loved it! Granted it kicked my butt and as my roommate pointed out the jello legs will only be worse tomorrow, however, I still loved every moment of it. I was entertained, which is important for the queen of excuses and boredom.

Now, I know everyone can't afford to but if you have time give the class a try. Most places offer a free trial class. Scope out the website, grab a friend and a find a time that works for you. Some places even off a student discount (what will I ever do when I'm not in school). 

But whatever you decide to do, try something that works for you. If you love to run, run on! Swim? Be the next Michael Phelps. You can do it. Me? Well I may just have to try a bit of everything to keep entertained. =)