And the Oscar goes to....

I always like watching the Oscars and this year is no exception!  I'm excited to see how Anne Hathaway and James Franco do -the commercials have been hilarious - especially the wardrobe malfunction one haha!  I definitely have my favorite movies and so I thought I would do my own Oscar predictions and see how close I get:

Best Picture:  Unfortunately, I haven't seen every movie nominated (I normally do) but I do think it's either going to be between The King's Speech or The Social Network.  I loved The Social Network and it did get the Golden Globe, but there's been lots of talk about The King's Speech (which I haven't seen).  I would love it if The Social Network wins, but my prediction is that The King's Speech will get the Oscar.

Actor in a Leading Role:  I believe that Colin Firth will win for The King's Speech.  I thought all of the actors did a great job in each of the movies nominated but I would be surprised if Colin Firth did not win. 

Actor in a Supporting Role:  Geoffrey Rush will win for The King's Speech.  I really wish I had seen this movie before tonight ugh! 

Actress in a Leading Role:  Natalie Portman was really amazing in Black Swan and I'm sure she will win the Oscar.  Part of me wishes that Jennifer Lawrence would win for Winter's Bone because it was such a great movie and she did a really good job as well. 

Actress in a Supporting Role:   I am going to go out and say that Hailee Steinfeld will win this for True Grit.  It might come as a surprise if she wins, but I think it would be great because she is so young and this was her first big role. 

Animated Feature Film:  Toy Story 3 will win!  It was such a good way to end the movie franchise and I know I am not the only one who got teary eyed at the end! Or am I...

Writing:  Aaron Sorkin will for sure take home the Oscar for The Social Network.  The movie was so good and the writing was brilliant!

Music (Original Song):  It will be between Country Strong and We Belong Together.  Honestly, I am not sure which one will win, but to make a prediction, I will say We Belong Together. 

There are many other categories, but these are the ones I feel informed enough to make a prediction about.  I do have to say that my favorite movie of last year was The Social Network but I also really enjoyed Inception (even though I didn't fully understand it) and Winter's Bone.  There's really not one on the list that I didn't like and hopefully I will be able to see the full list over the next couple of weeks. 

Enjoy the Oscars tonight!  Oh yeah, and guess who one of the presenters will be?  You'll know who I am talking about as soon as she walks out on stage :)

Today I am grateful for:  1.  Great church service this morning  2.  A lady who spoke about living financially free at church today.  3.  Running 4 miles   4.  Beautiful weather (before the storms hit tonight)  5.  Hanging with friends tonight.   

Snotty noses, Mexican food, and a nice surprise...

Yes, these three things were all parts of a really great day for me!  I was off work today, so I went to Christy's house to hang out, help clean, and see my two favorite little people who greeted me with sneezing, coughing, and runny noses.  I usually run from sick people but of course with Martha Ann and Wylie, I just got in there amidst all the snotty noses and played and hugged and hung out.  Martha Ann and I have really become great buddies and I love how she just stays right with me and makes me laugh a lot.  And I got more smiles and giggles from Wylie today than I have ever seen.  Christy and I worked on cleaning her house (she used a coupon from Kevin's favorite things!) while Martha Ann did a little dancing and pulling out toys that we were trying to put up.  Wylie, of course, laid around and watched all that was going on. 

As we were cleaning, I noticed Christy starting to cough and sneeze too.  The germs were spreading quickly but I was staying strong.  We decided it was time for lunch and so we went to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants which always makes for a great day for both of us!  There was a moment of excitement while we were there when Martha Ann started saying a new word.  She said "ball!"  We congratulated her every time and she then went on to say it quite often in between our fajitas and chips and salsa which was delicious!  She also ate most of K-K's tortillas while dipping chips into the salsa and feeding them to me.  Isn't she the sweetest :)

On the drive home, I noticed myself sniffling and coughing some.  The germs had got me.  So basically we were a Suburban full of snot heading down the highway ha!  We did make it home and I have to say by the end of the day, we were all feeling a little better.  Hopefully they all get better soon, especially Christy - who as a mom, isn't really allowed to ever get sick anyway :)

My nice surprise happened after I got home.  I checked my mail and saw a letter from Bethel University, where I got my MBA from.  I opened it up and the letter said that occasionally the school goes through their financial records and noticed that I had a credit on my account.  They attached a check for what I was owed and when I saw the check, I have to say I jumped up and down.  It was for a substantial amount and as you know in my earlier blogs, I have had minor financial struggles this year and this will definitely get me caught up and back on track!!  In fact, my "frustrated conversation" that I had with Christy yesterday dealt with this and little did I know the answer was in my mailbox the entire time.  The crazy part was that it has been over a year since I attended Bethel but this check came at the perfect time! 

So yes, snotty noses, Mexican food, and a perfectly-timed surprise made for a really great day!

Today I am grateful for:  1.  Hanging out with Christy  2.  Martha Ann's new word  3.  Wylie's smiles  4.  An answer in perfect timing  5.  A really good day

Is it bad that I'm a little disappointed?

Tonight, severe storms came through Tennessee.  The news had talked about it all day.  They would interrupt programming to say where it was and how bad it was going to get.  I kept seeing posts on facebook about how bad it was and I knew it was heading our way.  I was prepared with my tennis shoes and flashlight.  I had almost eaten an entire can of Pringles watching the weather report.  I guess I thought I needed to fill up on food in case I was stranded after the storm.  I was supposed to go to the movies tonight to see 127 Hours but we decided to not go because of the weather which I was disappointed in but didn't really want to drive in the bad weather.  Then the time came.  There was a flash of lightning and the power went out for a minute.  I did jump a little when that happened (possibly a slight scream) but was ready for the big storm.  I waited.... and waited... and waited a little bit longer.  The news was reporting of a possible tornado touchdown at a mall that is only a couple miles from my house.  I saw on facebook that a friend posted her fence was blown away and she only lives a couple of miles from my house as well.  I kept looking outside and wondering where the storm was.  After awhile, the news said that the worst of it was over and I barely saw any wind.  I am not making light of the fact that it did get bad in some places and of course, I pray that no one was hurt tonight - but I was a little disappointed that my neighborhood saw nothing.  Oh well, I should probably be thankful instead of let down, right?  My sister, Cara shares this "weird thinking" with me and she sent me a text tonight to tell me she was a little disappointed as well haha! 

I do have to give a shout-out to my sister, Christy.  I called her today to "rant and rave" about a frustration I was having.  She, of course, listened and sympathized with me.  The way I work is this - if I get really frustrated about something, I have a "Kevin moment" where I either vent my frustration to myself or to the unlucky person that is nearby and then after a little while, I'm over it and work on making the most of that moment.  (Some of you are familiar with this).  So, today Christy was that unlucky person - and I am thankful that she listened and let me vent.  Afterwards I went for my 3-mile run and as usual, things were better afterwards.

Oh, I heard from one of my publishing contacts today and I am sending in a copy of my book so we will see how that goes!  No matter what the outcome is, the possibilities are exciting!  Tomorrow I will be spending time with Christy, Martha Ann, and Wylie so it will for sure be a good day! 

I guess I should be getting to bed... and I think I hear distant thunder... fingers crossed :)

Today I am grateful for:  1.  An unexpected day off from work  2.  My 3-mile run  3.  Working on my vision board  4.  Staying safe through the storms  5.  Hearing about other people's good news!

A few random thoughts...

I really just have a few random thoughts to share tonight -

The last two days have consisted of 2 main events for me:  Work and TV.  I had quite a few shows to catch up on, so I spent the last two mornings cleaning out my DVR.  I have to say the favorites I've watched recently would be Modern Family (the funniest show on TV!), Who Do You Think You Are (I really want to trace my family history every time I watch this show), and Our America (a show on OWN where Lisa Ling explores fascinating and controversial people in America).  I am a self-proclaimed lover of TV shows and make no apology for it.  Maybe one day I will list all the shows I keep up with during the year - it's a little overwhelming at times.  Work has also kept me busy the last couple of days.  Yesterday, I went to the wrong church... in the wrong town!  It wasn't the best way to start my day but I did finally make it to the right place and made the most of it.

I would also like to say that today is my best friend's birthday!  Her name is Autumn and we've been best friends for about six years now.  Since we live in separate cities, we don't get to see each other enough but she truly is my best friend and I'm very thankful that she is in my life.  She owns her own salon in Jackson (any Jackson residents should go to Bliss - it's the best!) and her cutting my hair is actually how we met.  I could tell stories of the time she died my hair blond... it looked awful... or the time she messed up waxing my eyebrows and I ended up with little scabs and lots of tears and choice words!  But besides that, she is the best and definitely fulfills the role of best friend by telling me what I need to hear.  She is a wife and mother and does a great job at both.  Happy Birthday Autumn!!

I wanted to also give an update on the book publishing project.  Because of some great friends, I now have 3 different contacts in the publishing world and I will be sending them emails tomorrow to see what advice, information, or possible help they could give!  I am still writing in to Oprah everyday as well so hope to have some good news on this soon!

I also started yesterday training for the 1/2 marathon.  The race is in April and so I will be training over the next couple of months to prepare.  I ran my 3 miles yesterday and will do it again tomorrow morning. 

Hope everyone has had a great day!

Today I am grateful for:  1.  Starting my training for 1/2 marathon  2.  Great focus time this morning  3.  My best friend, Autumn  4.  Progress being made on the book  5.  Lots of laughter tonight   

Goals and Dreams for 2011...

I should have done this earlier in the year, but since one of my desires for this blog is to be honest, candid, and vulnerable - I wanted to list the goals I made for 2011.  I believe that this will not only give you insight into what I am focusing my energy on this year, but it will also keep me accountable to know that I have put these goals out there for those who read it.  There are 10 goals so here we go:

1.  Become a published author.  I want to see, The Journey, published.  To one day see my book on store shelves, to experience a book signing to connect with those who read it, and to even have the opportunity for speaking engagements to encourage others to truly live out their own unique journeys. 

2.  Start "Pay It Forward" in Nashville.  I would like to hold monthly events in Nashville that surprise a very deserving person, family, or group of people.  This goal comes from my experience on the Oprah show where my sister, Cara. and I were able to surprise a very deserving family with groceries, a Target shopping spree, and paying off some of their bills.  This will take a lot of work but I know that it can happen and can really make a difference in other people's lives. 

3.  Begin "The Kevin Buchanan Show" on Youtube.  This idea actually came to me while watching others who have a daily show on Youtube.  I love having this blog, and having my own show on Youtube would let me share in an even more creative way.  I have a lot of ideas for this so hoping to start it in the next couple of months.

4.  Start working on a new book.  I loved the entire process of writing The Journey - from the ideas, to the actual writing process, working with an editor, and seeing it become a reality.  Although I do not know exactly what the topic would be, I definitely want to write another book.

5.  Get control of my finances, raise my credit score, and make more money than I ever have.  Financially, I am doing ok right now but I want to do better.  My goal is to be financially free and to really make smart financial choices.  To make a lot of money is not a matter of greed, it is just to have more opportunity to experience other things in life. 

6.  Mark 12 items off of my bucket list.  I did make a list of things I want to do before I die.  Have you ever seen the show, My Buried Life?  It's crazy sometimes, but what I like about it is that they make a list and then put action to that list.  Why sit around wishing and hoping - put some action to it and see things happen!

7.  Blog everyday.  Well, my original goal was to blog 365 times this year.  We all know that is not going to happen but I know that it will be a priority for me since I have really enjoyed doing it so far. 

8.  Run a 1/2 Marathon.  I have run 2 marathons in my life and this year I have decided to run a 1/2 marathon.  I will be doing the Country Music 1/2 Marathon here in Nashville on April 30th.  My training actually starts this week so you will hear how it goes... the good, bad, and ugly ha!  My sister, Cara, is going to run as well. 

9.  Be the healthiest and most in shape I have ever been.  This speaks for itself but I have a strong desire to really have healthy eating habits and to feel great about how I look and feel with my own body.

10.  Live out my true authentic self.  There's a lot I could say about this and I will save it for another blog, but it simply has to do with being comfortable in your own skin, having confidence, and really living out your purpose for being on the earth. 

So there they are - my 10 goals for the year.  I can say that I am currently doing some type of work on each of these goals.  If you haven't already, I strongly encourage everyone to make goals and write them down.  There is something about writing it down that not only makes it real, but serves as a reminder to keep pursuing it until that goal is accomplished.  My prayer would be that on December 31st of this year, I am able to blog and say that all 10 of these goals are now a reality!!

Today I am grateful for:  1.  Fun with friends last night  2.  A day off to relax and enjoy  3.  Good phone conversations with Christy and Cara today - start training with Cara for the 1/2 Marathon and hearing about 2 of Christy's goals for the spring  4.  Really good food today on Meatless Monday  5.  Getting refocused on my goals for the year. 

I need everyone's help!!

OK, so I am asking for everyone's help to get me on a future Oprah show!  One of the topics on her website is about Harpo Hook-ups.  The show is looking to help make one last group of people's dreams come true and I really want to be considered for this.  My deepest desire right now is to have a bigger platform to do more good in the world.  I really think that "being known" is one way to really make a broader difference and to have more opportunities to fulfill your dreams.  Of course it's not the only way, but in my life it is just something I have always wanted to see happen. 

I believe that the first step in getting me to that level is to be a published author.  The book I wrote, The  Journey, is a project I am passionate about and would love to see made available to a wider audience.  This book is so personal to me because it tells of my dad's life and I know that his life can encourage others to make the most of their journeys.  I have been seeking out book publishers and have quickly learned that it is harder to be considered for publication than I realized.  I am asking Oprah to help get me a book deal!  I have been writing in to her website and am asking any of you to help me out and write in as well.  I have attached the link to her site and would really appreciate any help in this endeavor!  I just know that having this dream come true could literally change the trajectory of my life and that is what I am seeking right now. 

Some would say this is crazy, but what I have learned in life is that you can never experience something you have always wanted to do unless you get out there and really try.  That is common sense I know, but so many people just talk about wishing something would happen and they never try to pursue it - so I am putting some action to my talk!  If you have any questions, feel free to email me at kbuchanan01@gmail.com. 

Here is the link to her site:  https://www.oprah.com/ownshow/plug_form.html?plug_id=7289698
Again, I am simply asking Oprah to help me get a book deal and be able to turn this into a career that connects with what I believe to be my purpose in life. 

Today I am grateful for:  1.  Great weather today  2.  Good work day  3.  A special needs girl named Tess that I met tonight at work  4.  Jeremiah 29:11  5.  The desire to pursue more in life

Keeping it short and sweet...

It's late and I need to get to bed so this one is going to be shorter than normal.  I did however want to at least say something since I didn't get to blog last night.  I'm working in East Tennessee right now and today's work schedule was cancelled so I had the day off.  Well, I'm in a small town and there's not a lot going on so I did make it over to the mall, which took about 10 minutes to walk through and then I went  and saw a movie.  I did however find a cafe to eat at for lunch and it was really good.  Since I travel a lot, I like finding unique places to eat - and this was one of them.  I can't remember the name of it (something cafe lol) but the food was good and healthy too! 

Funny story for today - I went and used the elliptical machine here at the hotel earlier this afternoon.  Those of you who use those know how great of a cardio workout it is.  I only did 20 minutes today but afterwards, I was a sweaty mess.  As I walked past the lady at the front desk, she did a double take - I just kept walking proudly (dripping sweat, messed up hair, and red-faced).  I can only imagine what she was thinking!

So tomorrow it's back to work for a couple of days and then heading back home to Nashville.  Loving this weather and enjoyed a day off today!  Oh, and in a few days I will be asking all of you to help get me on a future Oprah show!  More details to come....

Today I am grateful for:  1.  Awesome weather outside  2.  Really good, healthy lunch  3.  A great pic of Martha Ann / Wylie I got today  4.  Good exercise  5.  Hearing good news from other friends