The Tragedy in Newtown

I was horrified when I saw what happened in Connecticut today. What has to happen in a person's life for them to believe the only option is kill innocent children? I came home tonight and turned on the news and almost immediately started crying. I watched as parents fell to the ground with grief. My heart is broken for the families who are affected. I feel so blessed to know what I know. To know that those parents will be with their children again. That those innocent children are in a better place today. Here is what the First Presidency had to say:

"We are profoundly saddened by the events this morning at a school in Connecticut. We grieve with all those affected by this tragedy and especially for the families of these little children."

"In this hour of great sorrow we pray the Spirit of our Father in Heaven will provide comfort and peace to all."

As I have been online watching the story unfold, understandably people are discussing gun control laws. I understand the fear that comes from these events can be overwhelming, but I think we have to take a step back and look at the real problem. I believe the issue at the heart of many of these horrible attacks is mental illness. If our nation were better equipped to treat and care for people with mental health issues, there is a possibility that we could prevent these tragic events. If we, as citizens, reach out to the people we know who are suffering, we can make sure these events don't happen again. These shooters often take a lot of time to plan their attack. If they wanted to find a gun, they would. In the case of the shooting in Newtown, the guns used were purchased legally by the shooters mother. I guess the point of all of this is this: If you see someone who is yelling for attention and help, who is mentally unstable, please help them. Gun control is important, but it will not prevent more shootings. We can all help prevent these situations by being better brothers and sisters, friends and co-workers.

My prayers are with all of the families in Newtown Connecticut.

Fall TV Reviews

So if you know me at all, you know that I love watching TV shows. I love taking 30 minutes or an hour and just escaping from reality. I decided I would share with all of you my 3 favorite new shows this fall and my 3 favorite returning shows. My reviews may contain spoilers... so sorry in advance. Feel free to let me know if you think I am right or wrong in the comments!

3 Favorite New Shows

Nashville: I loved Friday Night Lights, so when I heard Connie Britton was doing a new show, I was in! While this show has a totally different feel than FNLs, I love it. You have the conflicted pop star, the tenured diva and of course all of the love interests that come along with both. While I love the acting, what has really kept me watching is the music. I am not a huge country fan, but the singers and music in Nashville are amazing. They aren't the cliche, I have beer and a truck and a pretty face country songs. A lot of the songs are moving ballads that parallel the stories being told each week. I look forward to the music almost more than the drama... almost. The recent duet with Juliette and Rayna sealed the deal for me and was the perfect set up for the rest of the season. I cant wait to see what happens with Rayna and Teddy, Juliette and the Tim Tebow wannabe, and Scarlett and Gunner. Watch it... you will love it.

Arrow: So I am not really a comic book remake girl. I never really got into all of these other movies and shows based on comic books (X-Men, Captain American, Etc). But Arrow, I can sink my teeth into. Maybe it's because Stephen Amell shamelessly works out without his shirt on for a quarter of the show, and maybe it's because I actually feel for his character Oliver, much more so than any of the other characters in this genre. Oliver's tragic desire to make his dead father proud and his desire to be seen as someone different than who he once was all make it worth spending 42 minutes a week watching Arrow. The show also balances developing some complex relationships all while showing us how Oliver can take down crimials. Give it a chance... I think you will find yourself wanting to know more about Oliver Queen.

Go On: Ok, I will admit it. I loved Friends. I have probably watched each episode of the show a dozen times... and my favorite episodes 3 or 4 dozen times. When all is said and done, Chandler made that show freaking funny. His awesome one liners and ability to make every situation awkward was classic. But when I saw he was doing a sitcom, I decided to avoid it at all costs. It is very rare that an old sitcom comedian strikes gold twice. But my guard was down when they previewed it after the Olympics... and when it was the only thing on HULU on some lonely Saturdays this fall. And after two episodes I was hooked. Matthew Perry is still funny, but this time he has more confidence and arrogance then my good friend Chandler did. His arrogance actually makes him more likeable, and makes his struggle with grief and loss more compelling. The supporting cast is stellar and they just keep getting better. There hasn't been an episode where I didn't die laughing.  Watch it... I know you will love it (yes that is a You've Got Mail reference).

Runner-Up: 
The Mindy Show: So I was really excited about this show. I watched the pilot and totally fell for Mindy Kaling's self deprecating character. She was a smart girl who just hasn't quite learned to love herself. As the season has gone on, episodes have been hit and miss. Best moment so far was when Mindy wakes up in the morning and walks in with her BF's shirt on. He gets up a few minutes later and accidentally puts on her pants... which are too big for him. Seriously hilarious scene. I think it will take me a full season to decide if this show is a keeper or not, but keep it on your radar.

3 Favorite Returning Shows

Scandal: Whoever made up the acronym OMG did it just to describe season 2 of Scandal. OMG!!! To be honest I watched season 1 half-heatedly over the summer as a time filler. It is a little risque and didn't have me totally bought in. But the twists and turns Shonda Rhimes has thrown at us viewers are never-ending! My sense of reality is shattered pretty much every week.... And the best part is that we finally know the back story behind Olivia and Fitz! Epic. Pretty much every week Scandal trends on Twitter, which tells me it's a great show :) Cant wait to see what they do after the finale last night. I am praying Fitz recovers and we can go back to tense Olivia and Fitz love moments.

The Vampire Diaries: I could pretty much have my own blog about Vampire Diaries, I am just that obsessed. I don't know how to sum up this season in a paragraph but I'll try. This show knows how to pull out all of the twists and turns that make you stare at your TV for like 10 minutes after the episode, trying to comprehend what just happened. Best parts of the season: Delena getting together, Tyler being an Alpha, Caroline and Klaus, Caroline and Stefan, Jeremy's arms, Professor Shane and the illusive "cure" (I don't believe anything on this show until I see it).  Worst parts of the season: Delena being "sired", Stefan being so depressed and not being a ripper, Hailey (hate her), losing the Mayor of MF and Matt not having a girlfriend. This season has not disappointed and I am so excited to see where things go from here. I am holding out hope for Damon and Elena... and I will hold a vigil whenever they break up (Just Saying).

Castle: Oh Castle. I love all of the silly humor and clean flirting that happens on this show. It really is one of the only shows on TV that just leaves you feeling good inside. I love Castle and Beckett as a couple. Kate deserves to be happy and Castle needed to settle down. The writers have done a great job of teasing us with little moments and not being to scandalous with crazy sex scenes. It really is just a fun hour of TV each week and its worth watching just for fun.

Runner-Up: 
Revenge: So if you had asked me over the summer which show I was most excited about coming back I would have said The Vampire Diaries. And then I would have said Revenge. I loved season 1... like loved it. All of the crazy, wealthy, selfish people had me hooked. But this season has kind of stalled, I like Emily with Aiden, but don't love them. I like that Amanda is happy with Jack, but I don't buy it. I want Ashley to be revealed as a skank and she was. Ok so some things are great but I just don't feel like it has picked up with the momentum they left off with last season. Hopefully that changes after the new year.


 Hope you enjoyed my reviews! And I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season!