April R.A.K. Wrap Up

I LOVE R.A.K! I love receiving and sending out books. I get super excited to do both! Before I sign up, I try to make sure there is SOMETHING that I can send to someone even if they're just bookmarks.

This month, I did not receive any books. However, I did manage to send out one book and three bookmarks.

I sent Angelina's Bachelors by Brian O'Reilly to Mary from Sweeping Me.

I sent Descended by Blood bookmark to Pragya from Reviewing Shelf.

I sent bookmarks by Rosemary Clement-Moore and Cecilia Grant to Jana from Infinity.

 

April was a great month for kindness :) How big is your R.A.K.?

Decoy Giveaway Winner

The winners have been notified. If they do not reply by May 1, 2012, a new winner will be randomly chosen.

Congratulations to the winners!

Movie Review: Wrath of the Titans

When I found out that my uncle goes to the movies every weekend by himself, I decided to go with him every time I am in town. I just feel bad when I see people go by themselves to watch a movie or to eat alone. So, this weekend was the first time we are starting this tradition and we decided to watch Wrath of the Titans. Let me tell you, totally better than the first movie.

I love that the movie started with the action right away. It was great that Perseus went right ahead to saving the people he cared about, especially his son. He cared not about his injuries, only save those around him or lessen the damage.

It was interesting that Zeus came straight to Perseus and asked him to save the world for the sake of the ones he loves. The gods have weakened because everyone stopped praying to them, and they needed a demi-god to save everyone.

One of my favorites was the god Ares. He was Perseus's brother, except he was a full-blooded god. Seeing him fight was so sexy. His strength and confidence was attractive even though he mostly acted arrogant and angry. It was cool that "praying" to him was like one-way telekinesis with Perseus. When him and Perseus faced each other, it was amazing. It was a bit surprising that Perseus didn't hesitate in killing his brother, though. Despite any hatred or despise, I think there should have been hesitation. Then again, if he hesitated, Ares would have killed him in front of his own son.

My other favorite was Poseidon's son, Agenor. He was so funny whenever he said something. He was practically useless but he had his moments of usefulness. I loved his personality and his comedic timing.

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. It was action-packed with just the right emotional frustration necessary in a movie. I would recommend it.

Quarter Quotes #10

Hi There! I really love L0v3L1f3 so here is another edition of Quarter Quotes from her site! As before, photos are also credited to her, which she credits to Google.


1. Sometimes I wish you'd pay more attention to my favourite songs because the lyrics they sing are the words I'm afraid to say.

2. Don't promise me the moon or the stars, just promise me that you'll stay under them with me.

3. Women wish to be loved not because they're pretty, or good, or graceful , or intelligent, but because they're themselves.

4. A memory lasts forever, never does it die, true friends stay together and never say goodbye.

5. Real beauty comes from inside, and that kind of beauty guarantees happiness because it never fades, never goes out of style and doesn't make people envious or competitive.

6. The worst way to miss someone, is to have them sitting right next to you and know you can never have them.

7. Always laugh when you can. It's cheaper than medicine.

8. A person who never makes mistakes never makes anything.

9. Never frown because you don't know who is falling in love with your smile.

10. The best things in life are unseen that's why we close our eyes when we kiss, cry and dream.

11. Girls are like telephones. They love to be held and talked to, but push the wrong button and you get disconnected.

12. Missing you isn't what hurts. It's knowing that I had you, that's killing me.

I can kind of relate to this right now.

13. A girl is like an apple sitting in a tree, the best ones are too high to reach but not too high to see. So if you've got the guts boy climb up to the top. The good girls are always waiting for a guy not too scared to drop.

14. Sometimes we must get hurt in order to grow, we must fail in order to know, sometimes our visions clear only after our eyes are washed away with tears.

Can you relate to any of the quotes? Did you like the photos? Which quotes/photos are your favorite?

TV Review: Vampire Diaries Season 3: Do Not Go Gentle

OH. MY. EYES! Crying galore. This episode was amazing! Check out my gushing comments during the episode!

I love that Caroline is on Stefan's side :)

Caroline: "Stefan is your epic love."

 

Elena: "I'm going to the dance, and I'd like to go with you."
Stefan: "Uhm.. I'd love that."

My reaction: You're being played Stefan!!! I feel so bad for him. When he found out Damon kissed Elena, he punched him. What if he finds out Elena made out with Damon? It would crush him!

Stefan ringing the doorbell. So romantic!!! They need to get back together. He is so understanding. He is so perfect, I bet Elena feels so bad inside.

Caroline: "Why do you always have to prove you're the alpha male?"
Klaus: "I don't have to prove anything, love. I AM the alpha male."

Klaus sounded like a kid who wants his favorite candy. He just wants to be loved.

Stefan really have something against Klaus now. He seems like he is able to tell people Klaus what to do now.

Why does Caroline love Tyler? I'm sorry, Tyler irritates me.

I love how Klaus always wears white/cream suits. There must be some kind of symbolism to it.

Damon: "He already has a brother. Not that I'm being territorial or anything."

So much tears in this episode...

Stefan: "After I bit you, I never wanted to feel again. But someone kept telling me that it was okay to feel. No matter how much it hurt. That our emotions are what makes us human. Good or bad. And to never lose hope."
Elena: "Who gave you that horrible advice?"
Stefan: "Some girl I used to date."
Elena: "I don't have anyone anymore."
Stefan: "You have me."

The ending was just wrong. Too cruel.

Did you see this episode? Wasn't it amazing?!!! Talk to me in the comments :D

13 Stress Relievers

The whole month of April have been the most stressful month I've had so far. I've been close to losing it many times or just simply exploding and wreaking havoc. Thankfully, I've seem to have held it together if I'm still posting right now :) So, I thought maybe it might be helpful to Google search some way to relieve stress and share my one personal way to relieve stress. Check it out!


1. Exercise
Many people exercise to control weight and get in better physical condition to become more healthy or physically attractive, but exercise and stress management are also closely linked. Exercise provides a distraction from stressful situations, as well as an outlet for frustrations, and gives you a lift via endorphins as well. This article can tell you more about the stress management benefits of exercise, and help you get more active in your daily life.
Arianne: I started an ab exercise routine every night before bed and after I do them, I feel quite accomplished and happy.

2. Sex
You probably already know that sex is a great tension reliever, but have you officially thought of it as a stress-relieving practice? Perhaps you should. The physical benefits of sex are numerous, and most of them work very well toward relieving stress. Sadly, many people haveless sex when their stress levels are high. Learn how to avoid this trap!


3. Laughter
The physical act of laughing releases tension and brings positive physiological changes. Finding ways to work more laughter into your day can be an effective route to stress relief.
Arianne: I am always silly when I'm around my creative writing group. They like to laugh AT me and I like to welcome it. It makes me feel better.

4. Time Management
Honing your time management skills can allow you to minimize the stressors that you experience, and better manage the ones you can't avoid. When you are able to complete everything on your "to do" list without the stress of rushing or forgetting, your whole life feels easier.
Arianne: This is hard when I'm not only worrying about my own time, but others as well.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet
A poor diet can bring greater reactivity toward stress. A healthy diet can bring greater physical and emotional wellness. Find some simple go-to meals and snacks, and feel less stressed in your daily life.
Arianne: I fail miserably at this no matter what :(

6. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Consuming caffeine too late in the day can affect sleep quality, which impacts stress levels. Consuming too much caffeine in general can make you more emotionally reactive to stress. Learn how much caffeine is too much.
Arianne: I'm avoiding coffee at work. I don't know if it is working.

7. Don't Procrastinate
Putting off a stressful or labor-intensive project can only increase the stress you experience. Learn how to stop procrastination can allow you to get done what you need to do, without the added stress of rushing for a deadline.
Arianne: I don't get stress when I procrastinate, which is not very often. I get really stressed when others procrastinate and my grade depends on them getting their job done and correctly.


8. Sleep, But Don't Oversleep
You can't sleep away your stress or hide in bed. Similarly, you can't stay up all night and get everything done (or at least, not well). Get your rest, even take a 20 minute nap if necessary but don't go to extremes! 
Arianne: I haven't been sleeping a full 8 hours so that is something I need to work on.

9. Do Something Creative
Paint, garden, cook, feng shui, write haikus… No matter what you choose, doing something fun and hands on will make you feel self-satisfied and have a positive perspective for dealing with other things.
Arianne: I consider blogging and creative writing my outlets. Or singing my favorite songs. Currently, I am in love with Adele's "Someone Like You."

10. Limit Your Internet and Cell Phone Use
Technology makes it incredibly easy to keep in touch with people. It is also an incredibly easy way to drive us crazy! If you find the sound of your phone making you cringe there are two easy ways to handle it: Turn it off for a few hours or change the ringtone to something that always makes you smile. Limiting your internet use is the best way to cut down on mindless procrastination and free your time for better things.
Arianne: This is the reason I lack sleep because I am terrible at this, especially since I got a smart phone.


11. Start Your Day Positive
Make a habit of doing something you love first thing in the morning, can you think of a better way to start your day? Instead of rushing to work, watch an episode of your favorite show, read, do yoga or anything that will put you in good spirits for the rest of your day.
Arianne: I try to do this but sometimes I still fail. So, I just enjoy the moments when I'm doing my makeup and listening to music and think of positive things.

12. Hugs
Possibly the most effective way to instantly decrease stress, don't be shy with hugs! It sounds silly but try it and watch your troubles disappear!
Arianne: I really don't get enough of this.

13. And when all else fails, I do PINK.
Yes, Pink. I look at Pink things, think of Pink things, or maybe go to the store and look at pink products or anything pretty. I call it Pink Therapy. It makes me feel crazier than normal but in a way, it keeps me sane. It keeps me focusing on something other than my problems and as irritating as it sounds to others, Pink makes me feel better.

References: Items 1-12 were direct from the websites below.

http://stress.about.com/od/generaltechniques/tp/toptensionacts.htm
http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/a/stressrelievers.htm
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/25-instant-stress-relievers-2483638.html


What are your stress relievers? Do you do any of the steps above?

Acting Adventures: Two Films, One Weekend

This past weekend was absolutely amazing for me. I felt like a real working actor, except I didn't get paid a single penny for my work ;)

On Saturday, I went to San Diego to film a short movie called "The Devil Was Only Free on Sunday." It was written, produced, and directed by Adam Hersko-RonaTas. He was a 16-year-old high school student who had  his parents teaching at the university I'm attending.

WOW.

He was the most professional and passionate filmmaker I've so far met in my life. He had the fancy lights and everything to make the film possible. His vision was so clear and he was very patient and fun to work with. I truly believe he will go far.

In the film, I was a not-so-nice wife to a suicidal man. Whew, let me tell you, it was not easy. We had to do several takes just to get it right. I had trouble being genuinely mad. The outtakes made for hilarious bloopers though!

I only had one picture from the set but I will definitely post the movie when he sends it to us.

My husband

On Saturday night, I saw one of the filmmakers I'm working with post a status calling for extras for the next morning's shoot. Little old me volunteered and then found out the shooting was at 9:30am. What is wrong with me?

So, on Sunday, I got up early, still wondering why I volunteered. When I got there, it was great. I was bored most of the time, but I felt important because I was an extra. Without me, the film would have been incomplete. At least that's what the other filmmaker said who also played an extra alongside me :)

Check out a couple photos I took with my phone during lunch time, break time, and shooting time.

Manny Cardeiro plays the "Jerk"

Cassie Chase plays the nerdy love interest

The sexy cast and crew :)

Overall, the past weekend was so much fun! I totally enjoyed working with professionals. I hope I would continue to work with them in the future.