You guys give up yet, or are you thirsty for more?

 Last year as part of Centennial’s Presentation Skills class I was asked to write a final speech. Writing speeches is something I always enjoyed and was pretty good at…so for this one, I figured I would have some fun. I think it was a mission accomplished. Everyone thought it was pretty funny. I hadn’t realized what a reminder it would be to them, since I am so familiar with the topic – the one and only, classic family comedy, Home Alone. The holidays always make me think of Home Alone so I thought I would share some of my ideas with you. 

First, the movie comes around “full circle.” This means it can be enjoyed by kids, teens, adults, and even seniors. It can be enjoyed as a family Christmas classic or a treat for any day. It transcends boundaries of age and time and I believe it will continue to do so for our children and our children’s children.

The movie is great for all ages because there are times when children might be feel scared or anxious, but teens and adults find these parts clever and amusing. I can think of so many instances in my life that help explain the movie’s “full circle” potential- watching it with my Nana at age six, with my friends in grade eleven, and even this past Christmas with my girlfriend and a bottle of wine.  

Home Alone is also one of the best movies ever made because it combines so many antics, coincidences and morals that make it clever, funny and just plain genius. The storm, the tarantula, Old Man Marley, the furnace in the basement – these things all move along the plot. If you’re curious to know the specific examples or need a little refresher it might be time to pop it in the DVD player…

So, maybe I’m wrong but I’m willing to argue this to the end. Home Alone is one of the greatest movies of all time. If it continues to be played on TV at Christmas and products keep being release (like the family fun edition with special features and deleted scenes that I have to get my hands on) I am sure it will continue to transcend boundaries of age and time based on its plot and the memories it creates.

And if you disagree, well then I’m gonna give you to the count of 10 to get your ugly, yella, no good keester off my property, before I pump your guts full a lead…1-2-10!!

Happy birthday to me – 25 and still learning as I go!

So, it has been a while. Life has been hectic, and I let my blog slide…shame on me! But a lot has changed in the last month or so, and I am learning a lot.

I am currently about half way through my field placement. It’s nice to be getting some hands on, practical experience. I have been writing stories, designing templates and managing an internal online publication…right up my alley!

I already have a job lined up for when I am done: a seven week contract with Niagara’s War of 1812 Legacy Council. A lot of exciting things are happening with the online presence of the Council and I am excited to be a part of it. I am also excited to venture back to good old Niagara for the summer. What could be better than combing my love of Communications with my love of Niagara?!

Things with mangia cake are awesome! With adorable business cards printed and quickly depleting Amanda has been busier than ever. You can also now find her on Facebook and Twitter! I recently helped her (aka stood on the side lines as she worked her magic) and received an appreciation for what she does. It’s not easy, it’s pretty amazing, and she puts her all into it – blood, sweat and tears! Thanks for all the positive feedback and support we have both received since launching the website. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

The FAB four - Jules, Amanda, Laura and I at dinner

On a scarier note, I celebrated my 25^th birthday last week! I had a perfect birthday weekend at home with friends and family.  My mom keeps reminding me that I am a quarter of a century old. This makes me evaluate my life and realize that I am on the right path both personally and professionally. I have the most amazing home, friends and family a girl could ask for.  I am glad I made the move to Toronto and explored the exciting field of Corporate Communications and Public Relations. I don’t know exactly where it will take me or where I will end up. All I know is, I am excited for the challenges that lay ahead.

Facebook offers comfort in tragic times

Recently my hometown of Thorold experienced two devastating, tragic loses. With a cloud of heart break and sadness over us all it may have been the hardest week imaginable.

It is times like this that I really realize how important community is. Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues – all brought together in a time of need.

What surprised me most was the presence of this community online. I thought Facebook would seem like something so trivial in times of tragedy, but for us it became a form of comfort. With groups created to honour the memory of two amazing Thorold men, Facebook users began to pour their hearts out. No relationship was too insignificant to share memories, thoughts and best wishes. An abundance of pictures, stories and videos were posted. It became a way to give and receive support to each other. It gave us reason to cry and to laugh. It touched our lives.

We can’t deny the growing importance of social media in our lives. It is all around us so why not use it to our advantage. This also reminds me of the implications of our use of social media has on other users. What we do and say online affects other user and members of our community.

Thorold has been touched by these tragedies and although we don’t understand why, we are comforted by our community – in person and online. We are comforted by sharing and memories. We are comforted in knowing we have two incredible angels watching over us. Grant and Mr. Mahler will always be in our hearts, and their legacy will always remain – even on facebook.