97. Do "The Gratitude Challenge."

I found "The Gratitude Challenge" a few weeks ago and thought it would be a good exercise to do.  Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I figured there is no better time to start.  "The Gratitude Challenge" lasts only 21 days and provides a task or reflection to do each day to help give thanks and look at the bright side of life.

Day 1's task is to sign the contract and make a commitment to carry out "The Gratitude Challenge."  Here is what the contract says:

The Gratitude Pledge

With a hopeful outlook, I promise to fulfill the terms of The Gratitude Challenge.  Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking photos and connecting with friends.  I promise to take note of life's little blessings and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make my life unique.  From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life. 

All of the instructions for doing "The Gratitude Challenge" are available at their website.  I will blog about my progress with the challenge as appropriate along the way.  Even though I am crazy busy right now, I think it will be good for me to take time to stop and appreciate the good things in my life each day. 

13. Watch all the movies in AFI’s 100 Years 100 Movies list. (39/100)

I watched American Graffiti earlier this week.  I enjoyed seeing a very young Harrison Ford.  American Graffiti presents a coming-of-age story to which most people can relate.  I think anyone can find their high school self in one of the characters or events in the movie.  I also liked that the various stories were enhanced by the characters cruising around town in their cars.  Perhaps my favorite part was the music, which was excellent!

95. Try watching 5 new or recommended t.v. shows to see if I like them too. (4/5)

I've been watching the new V since it came on three weeks ago.  I love Elizabeth Mitchell and I'm happy to see her have her own show.  As for V, obviously it is strange.  Since I'm used to watching strange shows (LOST, Heroes, etc.), I'm probably not as creeped out by it as some people.  I certainly have lots of questions though!  I will keep watching to get some answers.  There is one more episode next week before there is a break until the spring.  I don't know that I like it enough to go back and watch the original show, but I'm definitely intrigued. 

65. Attend 5 JMU events: speakers, concerts, art exhibits, etc. (4/5)

I thought it would be especially important to include my own event!  This past week was The Big Madison Public Health Event.  I helped plan the week with my HTH 458 Health Program Planning and Evaluation class.

The theme was "Safe Day, Safe Night" and the events focused on substance use, sexual behavior, and traffic safety.  My group planned Wednesday night's event where we showed the film "Making of a Hangover."

87. Take the GRE.

Complete!
I took the GRE last Friday with Diana.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I actually liked that it was on the computer.  You find out your math and verbal scores when you finish, but the writing score comes in the mail.  I did alright, but there is always room for improvement. 

13. Watch all the movies in AFI’s 100 Years 100 Movies list. (38/100); 5. Gangster (3/10)

I watched Goodfellas today.  I enjoyed watching it much more than I did Pulp Fiction.  I have never really liked Ray Liotta, but I thought he was excellent as Henry Hill.  Goodfellas is based on the real life of gangster Henry Hill and I find the world portrayed in the film intriguing because it is so different from mine.  I read on IMDB that Henry Hill had to leave the Witness Protection Program after the movie came out because he went around telling people his real identity.  I don't know if that is true, but it certainly adds to the story.