better than revenge.

It began with birthday cake. Riley pinched out the candle flame before the song was over and I yelled at him. He quickly re-lit and made a new wish so it would actually come true.

Next, the games began. So much water was squirted and dumped. Balloons and guns and sprinklers. Then Riley brought out a literal bow and arrow and proceeded to shoot everyone, because he 'was trying to make it realistic.'

Don't worry, Kari. It's padded. He said. It will be fun. He said.

The odds were not in my favor.

With the water sources depleted, my heart calmed down. Until he placed me in a death-grip. The more I fought back the tighter the hold. Soon, he brings me to the ground. Best friend comes to save me -- he brings her down while still holding me. Not sure if I should be fearful of or impressed by his strength. Minutes later, Anna and I both surrender.

Riley receives death threats and glares from my mascara stained face.

Dry clothes are found as the men set up our backyard movie.

He gives me an apology hug and I dump a bottle of freezing cold water on his head.

Us girls decide the best punishment is cuddling with someone else during the movie.

And then Peeta's face. Movie giggles. Frozen boys.

A perfect end to summer.

goodnight.

The last year of my life was exceptionally awful, so tonight on the eve of my 22nd birthday, I let off a floating lantern. With it, left the past. I sent all my feelings of regret and sorrow and hurt.

Tomorrow night, I'll send off a second with a wish for the future. A wish to find love and happiness in every moment of my life. A wish to bring that same love and happiness to all I meet. A wish for change and improvement.

Hopefully Flynn Rider will be by my side tomorrow.

reasons i think you should see the lucky one.

[I rarely sit through a movie and upon sight of the credits, immediately want to watch it again. With The Lucky One I did.
And if you are even remotely attracted to Zac Efron... well, lets just say that in this movie he could turn a straight guy gay.]

1. Taylor Schilling is so so so relatable. Her facial expressions held so much emotion. Numerous times I could tell exactly what she was thinking. I feel like this is so rare now in Hollywood.

2. The little boy is the perfect amount of adorable and innocent. Usually child actors just have a cute face, but he was actually talented. You could see the conflict and hurt in his eyes in some scenes and the contrast of pure happiness in other scenes.

3. Nana! Holy bananas, she made me want to be old. I already struggle with wanting to be 80, and she sealed the deal. One of those well-written characters that are equally hilarious and wise. So many funny moments occurred thanks to her.

4. Only a little bit of crying; unlike other Nicolas Sparks' book-to-movie films where you leave the theater in hysterics. There were only a couple tender moments, so if you don't cry easily then you'll be dry-faced the entire time.

5. The special hugging. I feel like I shouldn't say anymore...

6. Zac Efron with puppies.

7. Zac Efron shirtless.

8. Zac Efron playing the piano.

9. Zac Efron with puppies.

10. Zac Efron dancing.

11. Zac Efron with puppies.

12. Zac Efron playing with a child.

13. Zac Efron with puppies!


I will say though, that the military Zac wasn't so good... His acting was a bit rocky there, but it's such a small part of the movie.