A friend of mine used to have a closing line and on one of his shirts he had the saying, "Jump Into Cold Pools". What it basically meant was to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. On June 7 (the day before my birthday, YAY) I am jumping into a cold pool. Figuratively, not literally.

I tweeted the other day that I wanted to participate in one of those marathons where they throw the coloured corn starch at you. It's called Run or Dye and yesterday, I made it official. I'm running a 5K colour race!

Now I'm a far cry from an athlete. Heck, I'm a far cry from athletic. The most athletic thing I do all day is the trek I take from my room the the fridge and back, but I'm turning over a new leaf. I want to try new things, and make lasting memories! I've rounded up some of my closest friends and we're all going as a birthday celebration for me. What a way to ring in 25!

The race is also being held in an area of Toronto that I am told has an incredible view of the city, and is a place I've never been before, so I'll be knocking some things off of The List! I'm really excited and couldn't wait to tell you guys!

The marathon celebrates friends and family, and isn't competitive so it's great to bring all ages, sizes, and shapes and have fun! Heck, you don't even have to run (but I will be!). I want to encourage you that if you want to try something like this, so it! And if you're in Toronto, come join me!!

Just visit RunorDye.com to find your location and register!

Thanks so much for your support and excitement, I can't wait!

Is anyone else still feeling the time change? I think all the travelling I've been doing is finally catching up to me because I literally have zero energy. Anyways, last week I wrote a post about my friend Rob getting his new lungs and I shared about how passionate I am about organ donation. Not long after that post I was contacted by a man named Cameron, who's wife had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a very rare form of cancer that can kill people within the first two years of diagnosis. Cameron's wife, Heather, who was given only 15 months to live, ended up having a life saving surgery which included removing one of her lungs (she's now 8 years cancer-free- yahoo!).

What Cameron, Heather, and their daughter Lily did after was pretty spectacular-- they created LungLeavin' Day which is a day that encourages people to conquer their fears. LungLeavin' Day is celebrated on February 2nd, and even though that day has come and gone, I am still inspired by this story.

I'm inspired for two reasons. The first being of course that one day, Heather may need a new lung, and they only way that's going to happen is if someone donates that to her. Like I expressed last week, donating your organ can be such an amazing gift to someone who, without your help, may not live. The second reason is because I love encouraging people to conquer their fears.

I formed this blog purely because I wanted to fulfill goals that I had long been afraid of accomplishing, and I wanted to record it for others to be encouraged, and for myself to be encouraged. Heck, this blog alone has helped me conquer fears like moving to Toronto, going back to school, and even meeting new people. I've been so fortunate to build relationships with people through this forum, and I'm so excited to build more, and that would not have happened had I not decided to take a leap of faith and conquer some fears.

In fact, this week I'm going to conquer another one of my fears (and bump off goal number 4 on The List) and go somewhere I've never been. I'm not going to plan it, I'm just going to go. Don't worry, I'll bring you guys along with me!

I encourage you guys to visit LungLeavin' Day's interactive website to see how you can conquer your fears, and let me know how you did.

I really do appreciate you all, and I thank you for supporting me each and every single day.

Thanks again to Cameron and Heather for letting me be a part of this with them!

Hey guys! Happy Friday! I hope your weekends are fun-packed and exciting, mine will consist of working and going back to my hometown for a few days! Woo!

Anyways, remember when I went to my first Blue Jays game as a Torontonian? Well what I neglected to tell you about that day was that I was approached by a very attractive young man with one of those neat little carriage taxis. You know, the ones where you and your friend or special someone sit in the carriage and someone else drives it by holding onto the handles and running? Yeah, well this dreamboat of a man comes up to me and asks, "do you need a ride anywhere?". Now at this exact moment two things are running through my mind, first was, "holy crap this guy is cute, is he talking to me?" and the second one was, "don't trust him, he either wants to steal your money or is going to kidnap you". So I just kind of stared at him and smiled and said, "uh, um, no...thanks. Sorry" and ran walked calmly back to my group of friends.

In all honesty, I probably would have hopped on the carriage if I wasn't with a group of 20 friends heading to Starbucks. I could just imagine myself hopping on the carriage, pointing yonder and yelling, "to Starbucks!" looking back and my poor friends who had to walk the block and a half with their petty feet laughing maniacally shouting to them, "see ya later, suckers".  Instead I was too scared and ended up walking the block and a half, (which takes a really long time when everyone insists on walking together).

So as we're heading out of Starbucks I see another person running with a carriage and people sitting in the back. This time, it was a tiny young woman. And as she passed I looked over and saw, printed on the back of the carriage, "The Amazing Race Canada". Yeah, the cute guy was a contestant on The Amazing Race Canada and was needing my help to complete a task.

True story.

I totally could have been one of those background people in The Amazing Race! Which would have meant completing number 8 on The List!

Double bummer.

You better believe the next time someone with a carriage taxi asks if I want a ride somewhere, I'm going to say yes!

Also! Today I'm participating in Whitney's #backthatazzup Friday!

Have a great weekend guys! Let me know what you're up to this weekend! See you Monday!

Is it really Wednesday already?

I went back home yesterday for the night and slept on my cousin's couch. I'd like to take this moment to share with you the fact that said couch was about the size of a sofa chair, and while sleeping on it I felt like I was Snow White sleeping in the Seven Dwarves' house. Needless to say, my back is in knots and I'm exhausted.

Plus it's Wednesday and this week has been so lame. On the plus side, last's night's episode of New Girl did not disappoint!

I figured today would be a good day to post an update of one of my goals! Get ready, because this list is going to be looooooong.

2013 Academy Award Nominees

[X] 5 Broken Cameras (Best Documentary)

[ ] A Royal Affair (Best Foreign Language Film- Denmark)

[X] Adam and Dog (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Amour (Best Picture, Best Foreign Language Film- Austria, Best Original Screenplay)

[X] Anna Karenina (Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music [Original Score], Best Production Design)

[X] Argo (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Asad (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[X] Avengers, The (Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Beasts of the Southern Wild (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Brave (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Buzkashi Boys (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[ ] Chasing Ice (Best Music [Original Song])*song only

[X] Curfew (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[X] Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduq) (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[X] Django Unchained (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] Flight (Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay)

[X] Frankenweenie (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Fresh Guacamole (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Gatekeepers, The (Best Documentary)

[X] Head Over Heels (Best Short Film [Animated])

[X] Henry (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[ ] Hitchcock (best Makeup and Hairstyling)

[X] Hobbit, The: An Unexpected Journey (Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design)

[ ] How to Survive a Plague (Best Documentary)

[X] Impossible, The (Best Actress)

[ ] Inocente (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Invisible War, The (Best Documentary)

[ ] Kings Point (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Kon-Tiki (Best Foreign Language Film- Norway)

[X] Les Miserables (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Music [Original Song], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Life of Pi (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Music [Original Song], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Lincoln (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare' (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Master, The (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress)

[X] Mirror, Mirror (Best Costume Design)

[ ] Mondays at Racie (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Moonrise Kingdom (Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] No (Best Foreign Language Film- Chile)

[ ] Open Heart (Best Documentary Short)

[X] Paperman (Best Short Film [Animated])

[X] ParaNorman (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Pirates, The! Band of Misfits (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Prometheus (Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Redemption (Best Documentary Short)

[X] Searching for Sugar Man (Best Documentary)

[X] Sessions, The (Best Supporting Actress)

[X] Silver Linings Playbook (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Skyfall (Best Cinematography, Best Music [Original Score], Best Music [Original Song], Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Snow White and the Huntsman (Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects)

[X] Ted (Best Music [Original Song])*song only

[ ] War Witch (Best Foreign Language Film- Canada)

[X] Wreck-It Ralph (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Zero Dark Thirty (Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Screenplay

I've made a lot of progress! I think I can actually do it this year! I can't wait to check that goal off of the list, it makes me smile just thinking about it!

How has your week been?

If you've been following The List, then you'll know that it has been a goal of mine this year to watch all of the movies nominated for an Academy Award, (even the movies nominated for Best Song). I've been trying really hard to get this list knocked down, and thanks to Netflix, I am able to really get cracking on it before the year's end. Anyways, here's my updated list of films that I've watched this year. Of course, anything marked with an "X" means I have watched the movie.

2013 Academy Award Nominees

[ ] 5 Broken Cameras (Best Documentary)

[ ] A Royal Affair (Best Foreign Language Film- Denmark)

[X] Adam and Dog (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Amour (Best Picture, Best Foreign Language Film- Austria, Best Original Screenplay)

[X] Anna Karenina (Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music [Original Score], Best Production Design)

[ ] Argo (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Asad (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[X] Avengers, The (Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Beasts of the Southern Wild (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Brave (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Buzkashi Boys (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[ ] Chasing Ice (Best Music [Original Song])*song only

[X] Curfew (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[X] Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduq) (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[ ] Django Unchained (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] Flight (Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] Frankenweenie (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Fresh Guacamole (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Gatekeepers, The (Best Documentary)

[X] Head Over Heels (Best Short Film [Animated])

[X] Henry (Best Short Film [Live Action])

[ ] Hitchcock (best Makeup and Hairstyling)

[X] Hobbit, The: An Unexpected Journey (Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design)

[ ] How to Survive a Plague (Best Documentary)

[ ] Impossible, The (Best Actress)

[ ] Inocente (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Invisible War, The (Best Documentary)

[ ] Kings Point (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Kon-Tiki (Best Foreign Language Film- Norway)

[X] Les Miserables (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Music [Original Song], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Life of Pi (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Music [Original Song], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[ ] Lincoln (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare' (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Master, The (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress)

[X] Mirror, Mirror (Best Costume Design)

[ ] Mondays at Racie (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Moonrise Kingdom (Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] No (Best Foreign Language Film- Chile)

[ ] Open Heart (Best Documentary Short)

[X] Paperman (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] ParaNorman (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Pirates, The! Band of Misfits (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Prometheus (Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Redemption (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Searching for Sugar Man (Best Documentary)

[ ] Sessions, The (Best Supporting Actress)

[X] Silver Linings Playbook (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[ ] Skyfall (Best Cinematography, Best Music [Original Score], Best Music [Original Song], Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Snow White and the Huntsman (Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects)

[X] Ted (Best Music [Original Song])*song only

[ ] War Witch (Best Foreign Language Film- Canada)

[X] Wreck-It Ralph (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Zero Dark Thirty (Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Screenplay)

As you may know by now, I’m currently in the process of moving. It’s been a while since I’ve had to move, and since then I’ve accumulated quite a bit of stuff; stuff that needs to get packed. I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to plan out my packing so I’m not frantically throwing things in random boxes the night before the big move, spending endless hours scrolling through Pinterest trying to find the best packing and moving plans and have found quite a few really great tips, and along the way have discovered a few of my own.

With the new school year before us, and a lot of you going away to college or university, I thought I’d give you guys some tips that I’ve learned in order to have a (somewhat) smooth move.

1. Make a list

Getting organized is hard during a move because there is so much chaos-- so make a list. A lot of times we forget about the little things, so by making a list we can avoid franticly running around like a chicken with our head cut off. Start off by looking at your moving date and how much time you have between now and then to complete things, and then prioritize. What can you pack early? What needs to be purchased before (or after) you move? Do you need to rent a moving truck? Remember to switch over your utilities and address, and give them at least 2 weeks notice so you don’t have to wait forever to get your internet set up. Keep the list handy so that when something else pops into your head, you can write it down instead of trying to remember what it was later.

2. Start collecting boxes

It seems like nowadays most grocery stores aren’t giving away their boxes, so if you wait to long, you might not get enough. Mention to your friends and families that you’re looking for boxes, so if they see any, to pick them up. This way, you can also pack as you collect, which will save you time as you approach your big day. Helpful tip: I really like using old banana boxes because they come with lids and handles, which makes it very easy to transport.

3. Label

If you are having people help you move, it’s really efficient and less time-consuming if you not only label what’s in the boxes, but what room they go in. That way you don’t have people trying to track you down asking where to put things, or having to remove the boxes to their designated room. Number your boxes as well just in case a box is forgotten, you’ll be able to track it down easier.

4. Take pictures of your electronics

I’d like to think of myself as tech-savvy, but even I am a victim to the cable chord mix-ups. Taking a picture of the back of your TV and the proper wires hooked in will save you the time (and the tears) of figuring out which wire goes where.

5. Distribute your books

If you’re a big reader like me, you’ve probably collected quite a few books. It can be hard to move books if you’ve packed them all in one box, as they can get very heavy, and if you don’t have a dolly to move them you could really risk injuring yourself or breaking a box The best way to move them is to distribute your books through other boxes. I’ve started backing them with clothes since clothing ways next to nothing. Plus, because books can fit easily into nooks and crannies you can save on boxes by throwing them into whatever boxes still have extra space.

6. Wrapping breakables

I know most of us use reusable bags, but you’d be surprised with the amount of plastic bags you’ll find hidden in your house! Instead of buying bubble wrap, wrap your breakables in the plastic bags. Or, if you have lots of scarves, you can wrap them in those as well. Pack plates like records, because they’re less likely to break, and stick classes into clean socks.

7. Take pictures

If you’re renting like me, before you repaint or move anything in, take pictures of the place before you move in. This way, if there are any problems when you move out, you have photo proof of the condition of the home before you even moved in.

8. Paint before you move

Painted my bedroom this weekend! I used "Smoke" by Benjamin Moore

If you’re able to, go and paint before you move everything in. You won’t have to worry about clutter and painting around furniture.

9. Set up your kitchen and bathroom first

This is a tricky one, but well worth it. My official moving date is August 24, but we’ve already gone in and painted and set up our bathroom, and kitchen. Having the kitchen already set up makes it a lot easier when you’re hungry and need something quick to eat. If you’re like me and have family that bring food for moving day, it’s also nice to be able to have a free spot in the kitchen to put everything, and a clean fridge and stove to store stuff. When everything is said and done with the move, you’ll also be very glad that the bathroom is already set up so that you won’t be without toilet paper or a hot shower at the end of the day.

10. Kijiji

In Canada, the number one place to buy, sell or get rid of stuff if through Kijiji. If you are wanting to get rid of something you don’t want to bring with you, put it on Kijiji. You’re almost guaranteed to have it sold before you move. The same works if you’re looking for something. People sell and give away stuff all of the time, so if you’re looking for a new coffee table, desk, or dining room set check Kijiji first, because you may find a hidden treasure on there!

11. Groceries

Avoid going grocery shopping too close to your move, because you don’t want to have to transport food that could spoil. Some things a would suggest purchasing before the move though: granola bars, apples and a case of water. When you’re on the move and need something quick to sustain yourself, these are easy-to-eat snacks that will keep your energy up without all the fuss and muss.

12. Hire a sitter

Whether you're a parent of a human child, or a parent of a four-legged child like me, it's best to have someone take care of them on moving day. This way they still get the attention they need, and you can put your energy into focusing on the move.

13. Make sure everything is packed

I’ve been in the position when I’ve agreed to help someone move, and when I’d shown up at their house, they were still packing. Don’t be this person. Have everything packed and ready for moving day, your friends will thank you.

14. Pay your friends

If you’re asking friends to help you move, it might be nice to give them something as a thanks. Something as simple as buying a pizza for lunch, or giving them dibs to any of your stuff you were planning on getting rid of. My friends don’t drink, so instead of buying them beer, my roommate and I are planning on doing a “Tim’s run” for coffee in the morning.

15. Switch your ID

One of the biggest pains of moving is having to switch over all your ID. I’ve discovered something amazing though, if you’re Canadian like me, you can switch your ID online now! No more having to wait take a day off work to wait in five million lines! You can access the website here.

16. Make yourself at home

Once you’re all moved in, it’s time to relax and make your new place, your home. Moving gives you the perfect excuse to redecorate. Get some ideas off Pinterest and go wild.

Good luck!

This year has been leading up to this on moment of pure anxiety and excitement; I'm moving.

Nice picture eh? I took this at the beaches!

When 2013 started my friend Jessica and I decided we wanted to make a change in our lives, we didn't want to have any regrets, and so with that we decided we were going to pack up and move to the city. Toronto. We've spent hours upon hours planning in coffee shops, scoping out apartments, and even scouring the city for the best deals on antiques to decorate our new "sophisticated" bachelorette pad. Finally, we've made it.

Last week we went and picked up our keys and stepped not only into our first apartment in a brand new city, but also into a whole new adventure this year. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time, and I'm not sure how to execute just exactly how I'm feeling at this precise moment. This isn't the first time I've moved out either. I moved out on my own at 19, and had been living on my own until last year when my dad moved back into town and into my spare bedroom. The thing is, even though I've lived on my own, I've never felt, well, on my own. I've always had my family and friends close by; and now, with the exception of Jessica, I'm by myself in a big city.

I feel like it's the first day of high school and I'm in homeroom with none of my friends, and am forced to make new friends to avoid loneliness. Don't get me wrong, I'm great at making friends, but the whole notion of being an adult and having to make practically a whole new group of like-minded friends is anxiety-producing. A million questions are running through my mind: Where does a twenty-something gal with no desire to bar-hop meet classy people? Who will be there to take care of me when I'm sick? What happens if I need help carrying something heavy? Who will open the pickle jar? All of these things make me feel nervous to officially be a grown-up living on my own. That, and my apartment has a large pigeon population, and it freaks me out that they just stare at me through my window; it's like they know something.

I guess what I'm dealing with is, the fear of the unknown. I don't know if it will work out, if I'll love living in Toronto, if I'll find a job that I love, and find happiness in the city, that's why I moved here to begin with, to figure that out. Sometimes, we just don't know what the end result will be, but we just have to have faith that it will work out, and enjoy the journey because that's half the fun.

It happened. Anne Hathaway said it best in her speech referring to her winning the coveted award for best actress in a supporting role. I of course am referring to the ceremony in general. What I seem to forget each year, (mostly because this is the first year I have ever sat down to watch the full award ceremony) is how long it goes. The funny thing is, I didn't find myself checking the clock every ten minutes to see when it would end. This is the first time in Oscar history that I've actually been interested in seeing who won, and had an opinion about everyone who did (I loved Les Mis and all, but the Hobbit should have won best hair and makeup).

In addition to the fact that I enjoyed the Oscars purely because I actually have a goal of watching all the movies nominated, (and am almost half-way through) I was pleasantly surprised by the host this year, Seth MacFarlane. While I've never been a fan of Family Guy, or any other of Seth's shows, I did watch Ted as part of my Oscar goal, and so I had an expectation as to what I'd see Seth do as host. My expectations were met with a rather charming, and talented man. His jokes weren't too off kilter, and I was flabbergasted by his professionally trained singing. I must say, I've developed a bit of a crush.

Apart from Seth's singing, all of the other musical performance were outstanding! The Oscar's this year had a theme: musicals. Both James Bond performances provided goosebumps, (Adele won best song, so I'd expect nothing less) but my favourite musical performance had to be the wonderful mashup of Chicago, Dream Girls, and Les Miserables. Catherine Zeta Jones personified Velma Kelly perfectly, just as if she had starred in the movie this year. Jennifer Hudson made every eye water with her performance of "And I am telling you I'm not going", but when the cast of Les Miserables came out, I couldn't contain myself. As I said in my review earlier this year, Les Mis was fantastically put together with a very talented cast of performers, and I was in awe with how fantastic each actor sang their part in the ensemble.

A few other highlights of the night:

- Reese Witherspoon's dress was DIVINE.
- Playing the "JAWS" theme if a speech was going to long. Hilarious.
- Paperman won best animated digital short, yay!
- Adele's emotional win for Best Original Song.
- Daniel Day-Lewis' acceptance speech was so lovely, a well deserved win.
- Jennifer Lawrence falls up the stairs (something I would most certainly have done) and then recovering well by saying, "you're all just standing up because I fell and that's embarassing"
- Argo winning best movie. Ben Afleck was so grateful, and inspiring in his speech. And nothing says "haha" for getting a Best Director snub than winning best movie. Perfect.

There is so much more I could gush about, I mean, the Oscars were like, 5 years long. But these were just the highlights that stood out to me.

As a literature junkie, I am well-versed in Victor Hugo's novel,  Les Miserables and have also had a good listen to the 20th edition of the Broadway musical. As a result, I had high expectations for this movie (both because I already enjoy the story, and because it was nominated for Best Picture). I have to say, it didn't disappoint.

Not only were all of the actors in the ensemble cast very talented singers, but they sang each scene LIVE. Which I thought was incredible! Singing live brought so much more emotion, and stayed true to it's broadway-style genesis. Anne Hathaway singing "On My Own" with so much vulnerability and emotion really reeled me in. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time! Not to mention how big of a blubbering bafoon I was when (spoiler alert) she died.

And that little girl who played young Cosette? Holy smokes she was good! Her and the little boy who played Gavroche were cast so well! I loved them.

I wasn't a huge fan of Russell Crowe's or Eddie Redmayne's singing, but they certainly did bring a great mix into the ensemble cast, who were AMAZING. When they sang "Do you hear the people sing" it was so marvellously done, I had chills!

Other notes:

- Thenardier and Madame Thenardier were simply evil, and I loved it! Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are such great villains!
- The harmony between Cosette, Eponine and Marius during "In My Life/ A Heart Full of Love" was remarkable!
- "You're here, that's all I need to know. And you will keep me safe. And you will keep me close. And rain will make the flowers grow." Simply beautiful.
- Eddie Redmayne singing "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" = COMPLETE water-works.
- "To love another person is to see the face of God". Wow.

It's a long movie, but well worth it. If you're not into musicals, this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea, but if you enjoy a could tear-jerking sing-fest, definitely go see this movie!

The Academy Awards are the creme de la creme in cinema. Being a fan of all things cinema, one of my goals of 2013 was to watch all the movies nominated for Best Picture. But since I'm somewhat of an optimist, and enjoy a good challenge, I've decided to try and watch every film nominated for and Oscar this year.

Of course, the Oscars are next month, and there is no way I can watch every film by the Oscars, I am still attempting to check off this list. Below I have a list of films (in alphabetical order) and I will be graciously checking off each film as I watch them. Maybe I'll even post a few reviews up here! I'm surprised at how many I've already seen, given that I hadn't created the list until the nominees were announces. But here goes:

[ ] 5 Broken Cameras (Best Documentary)

[ ] A Royal Affair (Best Foreign Language Film- Denmark)

[ ] Adam and Dog (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Amour (Best Picture, Best Foreign Language Film- Austria, Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] Anna Karenina (Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music [Original Score], Best Production Design)

[ ] Argo (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Avengers, The (Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Beasts of the Southern Wild (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[ ] Brave (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Chasing Ice (Best Music [Original Song])*song only

[ ] Django Unchained (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] Flight (Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] Frankenweenie (Best Animated Feature)

[X] Fresh Guacamole (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Gatekeepers, The (Best Documentary)

[ ] Head Over Heels (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Hitchcock (best Makeup and Hairstyling)

[X] Hobbit, The: An Unexpected Journey (Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design)

[ ] How to Survive a Plague (Best Documentary)

[ ] Impossible, The (Best Actress)

[ ] Inocente (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Invisible War, The (Best Documentary)

[ ] Kings Point (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Kon-Tiki (Best Foreign Language Film- Norway)

[ ] Les Miserables (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Music [Original Song], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing)

[ ] Life of Pi (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Music [Original Song], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[ ] Lincoln (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music [Original Score], Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[X] Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare' (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] Master, The (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress)

[X] Mirror, Mirror (Best Costume Design)

[ ] Mondays at Racie (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Moonrise Kingdom (Best Original Screenplay)

[ ] No (Best Foreign Language Film- Chile)

[ ] Open Heart (Best Documentary Short)

[X] Paperman (Best Short Film [Animated])

[ ] ParaNorman (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Pirates, The! Band of Misfits (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Prometheus (Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Redemption (Best Documentary Short)

[ ] Searching for Sugar Man (Best Documentary)

[ ] Sessions, The (Best Supporting Actress)

[X] Silver Linings Playbook (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay)

[ ] Skyfall (Best Cinematography, Best Music [Original Score], Best Music [Original Song], Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

[X] Snow White and the Huntsman (Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects)

[ ] Ted (Best Music [Original Song])*song only

[ ] War Witch (Best Foreign Language Film- Canada)

[ ] Wreck-It Ralph (Best Animated Feature)

[ ] Zero Dark Thirty (Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Screenplay)

Today I'll be watching Les Miserables, and I'm very excited to see how the film adaptation turns out!

You know when you're in a job interview and the person interviewing you asks the question, "what are some of your weaknesses?". Obviously, I answer with some exaggerated fable about how I just work too much, and I have a hard time leaving things unfinished. But the first thing that always runs through my mind when I think of some of my weaknesses is, I'm a procrastinator.

I mean, sure once I do get started on something, I really do want to finish it. The issue is, getting it started. Take this post for instance. I thought about writing something at least once a day this week. It took me finally just sitting down and making myself do it. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I had to force myself to write because I didn't want to, it's just that I never make the time, and the opportunity slips by.

Which is why this is another thing on my list of 2013 that I want to change. Not just because procrastination can bring so much pressure and anxiety, (have you ever tried writing an 8-page research paper in 1 night? Not fun) but I'm just tired of letting opportunities pass me by because I waited too long. I'm making a conscious effort to make the deadlines, and experience things I never got to before because I procrastinated.

Step one: apply to university.