Naivety, a thing of the past

Overall in our society, being naive is generally spoken of with a negative connotation.

-That person was naive and were financially taken to the cleaners
-A naive woman didn't realize "men only have one thing on the brain" and was taken "advantage" of
-A person in love in naive to think that love can conquer all
-A naive person lacks experience, knowledge, is not sophisticated and overall just doesn't know what they are doing.

I grew up in a very religious based home, but a strong education-based household. There were no questions about whether I would go to college or not because my father was a college professor, my mother a high school English teacher.

Except for the rare item, I believed that people were 100 percent good, but people make mistakes. It's sad to say, my outlook there has changed.

As a journalist I've seen too many stories of unexplained horror such as murder, child abuse, terrible accidents and just blatant disregard for the feelings of others to just believe these are all good people who make the occasional mistake. Basically, now, I do believe that there are just plain bad people, whether they were born that way or conditioned.

Have I lost faith in humanity? Not by a long shot. I can't even count how many times I have seen the good of people. Some examples: A community coming together to morn the loss of a murdered child, animal rescues, and a married couple that proves the theory that true love can exist and last forever.

I will say though that sometimes I wish I could go back to my days of naivety, turn back the clock and close my eyes through parts of it. I wish I could cuddle up to my son without the fear that he could one day walk out that door and never come back. I wish I could believe that I, 100 percent, understand the meaning of life.

I do think keeping certain aspects of naivety is important. I can see the way I treat people change the less naive I become. So, even through the array of blindfolds coming off, remember to sometimes try to keep them on part way when it comes to how you treat people.

That said, personal growth is a good thing, but maybe taking it one step at a time is better than ripping the band aid off at once.

Oscar Predictions 2014

If you are coming to my complex on Sunday, turn around now you big cheats and don't go any further!!!

Some get into the Super Bowl, some get into the Olympics, but I get into awards season. I know it seems a little vapid and unimportant to some, but I think it's a load of fun.

You get to dress up nice if you want, you can make a nice dinner and get together with friends. Plus, you are talking about movies, so what do you have to lose? (assuming you have seen at least some of them.)

I am in the middle of preparing for the big event, so here are my winning predictions and the reasons behind them (at least for the big ones). You can all laugh after the show is over. Yes, if I have time I will be live tweeting because I am a nerd like that. So, sit tight folks, this is going to be a long one.

Best Picture- 12 Years a Slave
I really think this is a no-brainer win. The others that I have seen were good, but 12 Years A Slave also won the Golden Globes for a drama, so I think it's got a pretty darn good shot. Plus dramas seem to go farther at the Oscars than comedies do, so American Hustle, which won at the Golden Globes for best comedy will fall short. Regardless of the fact that 12 Years is kind of slow moving, it is moving. You walk out of the theater changed which I think it the big sign of a good film.

I have no idea why American Hustle or the Wolf of Wall Street was even nominated. They were both terrible.

Best Actor in a Leading Role- Matthew McConaughey
Why? Well, I haven't seen the movie, but both SAG and the Golden Globes seemed to think it was worth it, so I doubt he will be passed up. Even though I really do think that Chiwetel Ejiofor deserves it more. But, I don't think anyone will forget what he did. I think he will have his opportunity again. McConaughey may not if he goes back to chick flicks, which deep down, I hope he does.

Best Actress in a Leading Role- Cate Blanchett
I have not seen Blue Jasmine, but she was recognized at both the SAG awards and the Globes, so I think she's got a really good shot. She is a fantastic actress and I believe it's time she had more lime light thrust her way.

Judi Dench and Meryl Streep are both really good contenders because of their extensive skills, but they have both won so many, I think it's time for them to step back. Sometimes I think those two get nominated, because if they aren't, it would be considered offensive.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role- Jared Leto
Again, recognition at both recent awards leads me to believe Oscar is in Leto's future. Plus he had his super hot teenage phase and got past it somewhat normal, got a load of crappy roles in the past and was fat for a long time. It's time he was golden. Anyone who can gain or lose that much for a role at some point during his career, deserves something at some point!

Best Actress in a Supporting Role- Lupita Nyong'o 
The Globes passed her up, but the SAG awards didn't. Good for them. Let's hope the academy won't either and that they will see though the holograph that is Jennifer Lawrence and see what I saw. An incredible actress that moved me to tears. Lawrence is good, but her year was in Silver Linings last year. American Hustle's performance falls far behind.

Animated Feature Film- Frozen
Again, a guaranteed winner. If it doesn't, it's just for shock or strange artistic value. Frozen has been a top box office seller for a good chunk of 13-14. Plus the music is great, no matter how overdone covers have been on it. It can relate to anyone, trust me.

Cinematography- Gravity
Costume Design- The Great Gatsby
Directing- Alfonso Cuaron
Documentary Feature- The Act of Killing
Documentary Short Subject- The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My life
Film Editing- 12 Years a Slave
Foreign Language Film- The Great Beauty
Hair styling and Makeup- Dallas Buyers Club
Music, Original Score- Saving Mr. Banks
Music- Original Song- Ordinary Love from Mandela, a long walk to freedom
Production Design- The Great Gatsby
Short Film Animated- Feral 
Short Film Live Action- Helium
Sound Editing- Gravity
Sound Mixing- Captain Phillips
Visual Effects- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Adapted Screenplay- Philomena
Original Screenplay- Her

Inspiration: Priceless?

I don't know if more people really are thinking about their health, or if technology has just made us think there are. Either way, whatever motivates people can't be a bad thing, right? 

I don't know how many of you have heard of Arthur Boorman , but I have to say, his video is pretty inspirational. However, it's being used to sell a product. 

I have seen lots of other weight loss "inspirational" motivators in my time including #giveit100, The good old Tae Bo videos and many others. 

Many of my friends have even taken up their own Facebook pages to help motivate people, which I think sends two messages 1) That they want to inspire others 2) That they think they are the new and hottest thing out there. 

Honestly, good for you, but I am not going to "like" your page. This doesn't mean I don't support your awesome transformation, but that doesn't mean I want to see your random success posts on my news feed all the time. Facebook's news feed is already filled with too much crap as is, these days. 

I do say that regardless of the motives behind all these videos and pages, it's still a good motivator for some. When you are trying to loose weight, as I speak from experience, it is nice to have more inspiration than just one source. It helps you keep trying, instead of just giving up. 

In a stressful world, sometimes it seems easier to give up than to keep going. And I know, that even though I am not buying DDP Yoga, that I still thought "If Arthur can do it, so can I." Regardless of whether I do it with his sales pitch or not. 

Just be careful when being inspired. Be inspired to motivate yourself to meet your own goals and not someone else's. 

The eternal debate: Is print dying?

An obvious answer you would hope to hear from a journalist: No. The answer you might hear from the general population nowadays might be a little murkier.

Honestly, there have been a lot of adaptations for journalists as well as businesses all over the country when we talk about multimedia including photos, social media, videos and the world wide web. But I think it all comes down to the consumers you have.

In my world, I have basically figured there are three types of news consumers.

1. People who love digital and hate having a paper copy of anything
2. People who read both, whether they choose digital first or paper first
3. People who only read the paper and are not on the WWW

The reason print isn't dead yet: People love to hold something in their hands, and they like the way it looks. A lot of people feel like they look at the screen enough and don't want to read on the computer any more than they have to already. Plus they can hang it on the refrigerator.

The reason people love digital: It's the speed at which is can be received and often free information though social media or similar means. You must love it, or you wouldn't be reading my blog right now. I could go on and on about my love for digital media, but, I'd just be preaching to the choir.

Personally, here are my thoughts on digital verses print: We will at some point switch to a completely digital age, in fact, we are on the way now.

People are buying movies for digital streaming, they are reading the news via twitter and they are shopping online because it is convenient.

I like to view the design of a newspaper, but I like to view it in digital newspaper format where it's no mess and no fuss. I appreciate the original look of a paper, but I don't like having my hand covered with news print stains and somehow when I have paper copies, I never get around to reading them.

Somehow, it seems easier to just look it up on my computer, since I am on it half the day anyways for work. Of course, being in the news business, and having a very digital based job, I can see where I am probably on my computer 10x more than someone who works at a car dealership, someone who is a construction worker, or something along those lines.

So, whether you are a print media consumer or a digital consumer, either way I am glad you read the news and try to stay informed in one way or another.

Now to people who think they can ignore the shift, well you are just being naive. Eventually digital will reign over print, in fact, that day and age is basically upon us. You can either sink or swim in this digital sea which relates to all industries including education, sales or even being an informed stay at home mom. So, embrace it, or be left out in the ocean without a raft. It's up to you, but sooner or later your arms are going to get tired. I am betting on sooner.

Springfield tragedy brings caution to mind

For the last 24 hours my social media pages as well as local television stations have been flooded with the story of Hailey Owens, a girl who was abducted and murdered her right here in the heartland of America on Tuesday night.

It's a sad story and I know many Springfield area residents (myself included) are saddened and almost shocked by the idea that this can happen so close to home.

I reminds me though, that even over the fact that I believe most people are generally good, there are a lot of terrible people out there who would hurt something as pure and as beautiful as a young, innocent child.

I think overall that Christians are very trusting people, sometimes too trusting. I don't know if Owen's family was religious or not, and I am of course, not putting any blame on the family. But, I think in general that as Missourians we are primarily mid-western Christians and that overall, Missourians  are probably too trusting in people. Of course, I have also seen the opposite. But, I know many people who don't lock their cars because they grew up on a farm in mid-Missouri and don't think anyone would steal from them, or people who allow their kids to play outdoors without supervision.

I think this little girl's life lost will serve as a reminder that life is precious and that sometimes, if you let your guard down, someone can snatch everything good and sacred in your life away from you.

So, basically, live life to the fullest and for goodness sake, lock your doors and watch your children like a hawk. I know I will be for the rest of my son's lifetime.

Valentine's Day....one of earth's silliest and frivolous holidays

I bet by reading the title you believe I am single. Am I right? Well guess what, I will not be celebrating Single's Awareness Day, I like getting flowers from my husband as much as the next girl and I still think it's kind of a dumb holiday.

Why? It's simple. If you are married you should live your life tied to the person you love every day. You should show them you love them with little gestures of romance often, not just on anniversaries and a fake holiday designed to make you pay for chocolates, flowers and lingerie.

If you are single, well it's just a day like all the rest of them, minus the fact that attached people like rubbing your face in all the love and saying "oh look how sweet my lover is for sending me flowers at work." Too bad for you....

I am a big social media nut, but today will I post about how wonderful my spouse is? Will I post pictures of the flowers he gave me? Or a post saying thanks for dinner honey? No. For the exact reasons I've stated above.

Do I love my husband? Of course. Am I grateful for the things he does for me and I do for him on Valentine's Day? Of course. But, I am not going to support a holiday that teaches men that flowers are only necessary once or maybe twice a year? Am I going to support a holiday where kids make valentine's only for their friends and the other kids in their class because they are told they have to? No.

Everything I do comes from the heart. I have learned that if I do anything otherwise, I kind of start to go crazy. Trust me, it's been happening a lot lately.

So take it from me, love the way you want to love and not the way the media, calendar or Hallmark card tells you that you should.

The Olympics, the REALLY LONG version of the Super Bowl

Let me start by saying I am not a huge fan of the Olympics. Yes, I know I am getting griped about as you read. I have also never been a huge fan of the Super Bowl, except for the fact that it means friends and food.

Part of the reason for the lack of fandom is because neither one was a big event at my house. We never watched the Super Bowl and we only watched a few of the events as the super bowl, all of which were figure skating.

I get that great athletes compete at these events, athletes who have spent a lifetime trying to get where they are now. However, that doesn't mean I like to spend every week night watching bob sledding or skating, even though I am probably the only one.

I much rather watch dramatic or comedy tv shows and escape to a fantasy land. Maybe part of that is because I cover sports as part of my job these days. Sports has become work, rather than just voluntary fun.

I do enjoy covering games as a journalist and especially trying to get that one picture that sums up the emotions of the sport, all in one shot. But, I think it's like people who paint for a living or people who watch movies for a living. It's just no longer that thing you do to relax and has become a mandatory part of life.

I rather not watch a week-long version of the Super Bowl, and if that means I am out of touch when people are talking about last night's winner, well, so be it.

But if you invite me over for some food and give me a chance to visit with a friend, well count me in, sports or not.

Religion, marriage and rapping?

I am all about originality. But, people, a rap about marriage? Come on! It's just too much for me.

Marriage Rap Video can be viewed here

I believe in a lot of things about marriage based on my own experience from 5 years and 3 months of being married.

1) It's not always easy
2) The belief that marriage is forever is very important to making a union last.
3) Every marriage can be a beautiful and sacred thing, whether you are religious or not. However, religion can be something that binds you.

The reason that many believe that religion is the most important thing in marriage is because it can be a huge argument issue, if it's important to one spouse but not the other. But, I do know that you don't always have to have the same thoughts on religion.

My mother and father have been married for 26 years, both of which went through a divorce prior to meeting each other. My mother's marriage was based on religion, but it didn't work (for multiple reasons, which I think are not my story to tell).

When my parents got married he was Methodist, she a Latter-Day Saint (aka Mormon). It still worked. Why? Because they loved each other and they both knew that the other partner would do anything they could to make it work. They respected each other, even though at times they haven't always agreed on certain issues.

Now, this rap I speak of, is totally ridiculous. I have seen people say "It's the marriage video each young couple should watch before saying 'I Do,'" and things like "It's powerful," and "It's beautiful."

I have always been one to believe that religion needs to be sacred. If you believe God is real and that he is a Holy being who should be treated with respect and love, well, then rap isn't the way to do it.

No offense to all you rap lovers out there, but to me, it has always represented either something inappropriate or something comical. Neither one of those emotions fit with religion if you are religious.

In addition, the video is basically saying that no marriage can survive without God. I wouldn't have met my husband without my religion and I wouldn't be where I am today. That doesn't mean that I should invalidate someone's marriage because that's not how they found their "happily ever after."

So please, don't waste you time sharing this "crap rap." It's nothing but disrespectful towards the religious and non-religious alike. Unless maybe rap is the only thing that speaks to you, and then, you need to "branch out," as my dad always said.

*Editors Note- My dad did join the Mormon Church 2 years ago. 

If my life was a Super Bowl....

Tonight's Super Bowl was well, let me put it this way: I almost fell asleep.

I really don't have any football allegiances, at least not in the pros. All I wanted was to watch a close game and feel smart, now that I cover high school football on occasion. Instead, I just stuffed myself and chased my child around my friends' apartment. The sad part is, I didn't feel like I was missing thing. 

I started wondering, what would my life be like in Super Bowl terms? 

I don't know if I would win or lose, which i guess none of us really do until the game of life is over. 

However I would like to say I've made a few touchdowns:

-Graduating HS

-Experiencing that "first love"

-Graduating college

- Getting Married

- Having a kid

-Getting a Job in my career field

I also know I have experienced a few turnarounds and fumbles:

-experiencing that "first love" (ha ha, good and bad)

-having debt at one point or another

- hurting someone I care about because of bad judgement

-jumping into something too quickly

I am sure I have left out both fumbled and touchdowns. No matter what life has been like for any individual, try to sit down and think about your touchdowns. I betcha they outweigh the fumbles almost every time. 

When is lazy too lazy?

When I was a kid I got tired of hearing my elders say "kids these days are too lazy," or something along those lines. I was offended that someone was calling me lazy before I even had figured out who I was and what I was going to do with my life.

Now that I am a bit older I have had a bit more experience in the lazy department. I understand the concept of working so hard during the day that you don't feel like doing the dishes, or why you might want to play the sick day card.

But when does being lazy just get to be too much?

I, am of course, no expert. Laziness is of course in the eye of the beholder, but I draw the line when your laziness starts to affect someone else in a negative way.

For example, I don't feel like cleaning my sons bedroom or forcing him to do so as he is a two-year old. When Lincoln Logs litter the floor, sometimes you just feel like pushing them out of the way with your foot, or sweeping them under the bed. But, what happens when he grows up? Does he know what it means to really clean if you don't show him?

I know an individual who doesn't know how to cook, she doesn't really know how to clean. When she was shown how to mop the floor her response was, "no one ever showed me how to do that before."

The sad part is, it's probably true.

In my job, and in life, I have seen too many people who are only a product of what they are raised into. It seems almost impossible for them to break the cycle that they learned from irresponsible parenting, or lack there of.

No, I am not saying that I am a perfect parent (because I am definitely not), or that I have been motivated to clean those Lincon Logs out from under the bed quite yet. What I am saying is that laziness becomes unacceptable when it hurts someone else, no matter how small.

Now, excuse me while I go take my own advice.