Grow Through Life

We have TWO days left of 2014! As you look to 2015, make sure your goals are not just destination points, but JOURNEYS. Where you go, you GROW. 

I have a BIG project I'll be working on in 2015. Of course, I will be here sending uplifting thoughts your way as well! See you in 2015!

"Life rewards actions, not intentions."

When I crossed the finish line two days ago, a flood of memories from the journey it took to get me to that moment hit me. I took many steps in my journey, made many changes physically and mentally outside my comfort zone. 

- I made goals. 
- I joined a group/community and a coach to hold me accountable.
- I found an amazing strength conditioning program (PiYo)
- I drank Shakeology daily (Every. Single. Day)
- I decided to serve others by sharing my love of fitness and put myself out there to all of you (scary!) 

And wouldn't you know it, I completed my goals and felt stronger and healthier than my last marathon.
Now the new year is upon us. I have new goals that I will share soon! 

YOU have new goals, new resolutions.
What do you want to feel like when you cross YOUR finish line?
If you're ready to find a fitness program that empowers you or get your nutrition on track, then let me help you start your journey. 

There are a lot of people just like YOU coming together to get ready to tackle their fitness goals ... and their life goals ... starting soon.
Now is your chance to join us.
Now is the time to FOCUS ON YOUR FINISH LINE.
Let's cross it together.

Insanity Max:30 HAPPENS NOW!

       

Want to join LEAN in 2015 but don't have a program yet??? Perfect timing! Insanity Max:30 was just released NOW and you can only get it if you are a coach or a customer working with a coach (that's me!)

5 workouts a week + 30 minutes + constant modifier shown = YOUR BEST BODY
Are you a runner like me? That's why I just ordered it myself to help my athletic training to increase my speed!
Know someone you'd like to give this program to as a present this holiday season? Let me help you out! 

If you order the challenge pack through me, I'll put in you our team challenge group that starts Jan. 5 with Insanity Master Trainers! Hit me up if you're interested in this incredible program!

LEAN in 2015

You deserve to FEEL AMAZING in 2015! 

Now is the time to start planning for your fitness and health goals for the new year. We often make resolutions in order to lose weight … but I’m challenging you to think about how you will FEEL when you finish a workout, stick to eating healthy meals, and interact in a positive environment that will support and encourage each other.
How will you feel? YOU WILL FEEL AMAZING! 

Once you start feeling this way, the results will snowball ... until you realize that you've built a daily habit to take care of yourself.

This will not be the year you give up. This will be the year you make Long-term Exercise And Nutrition a habit in your life.

This will be a private/closed facebook group where we can support, motivate, and have fun challenging each other to be better than we were yesterday or last year.

Requirements to join the group:

-- A home fitness program with at least 30-min sessions. (Examples: P90X, Winsor Pilates, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, PiYo, Insanity, Jane Fonda, etc.)

--An accountability partner to join with you. (Spouse, BFF, parent, sibling, boss, co-worker)

Why a HOME fitness program? Because there are no excuses due to weather or car problems or other time constraints. (If you need help finding one, send me a private message and I will help you!)

Why an accountability partner? Because you are 3x more likely to succeed if you have someone to hold you accountable and support your commitment to this group. You don't both have to do the same program, but you both have to join the group.

Why am I doing this? Because I know you can do it and I'm passionate about fitness. I am working on a big project this new year and need my own accountability … because it is going to be HUGE!!!! Details soon! 

Find me on Facebook and join the movement to be LEAN in 2015!

Monday Motivation

Rules for Life

1. Miracles happen. #truth
2. Trust that everything happens for a reason.
3. Who we are on the inside will reflect on the outside.
4. You are not weird, strange, crazy or odd. You are unique ♡
5. Chocolate fixes quite a lot.
6. So does exercise.
7. It is the journey that matters most
8. Acceptance will heal what time can’t.
9. You will never regret time spent with nature.
10. Sleep well; our bodies + minds are always better after rest.

The journey through life takes us all through a succession of lessons. Learn something new everyday.
~Sweat/Transform/Inspire~
~Live an Uplifted Life~  

A Happy Life!

Happy Monday! Here's some motivation for your week :-)

Define Your December

The holidays are a time of family and gratitude. Sometimes we forget about taking care of OURSELVES in the process. My wish is that YOU stay on track and stay sane this December ... so I'm teaming up with some awesome coaches and gearing up to help YOU be the BEST YOU this holiday season!!!

We'll kick off with the 3 Day Refresh right after Thanksgiving, then go right into PiYo - but just for 30 days!! 

Want to be in a group that is:
Positive?
Energetic?
Flexible to your needs/schedule?
Full of healthy tips and tricks?
Experienced/trained to help you through PiYo workouts?

Then this group is for YOU!!!  

This group is all about positivity and flexibility to your schedule and needs. No guilt here! We just want you to stay on track and not go overboard with all the sweet temptations that can happen during the holiday meals and desserts.

It will be just enough to keep you healthy and happy during the holiday season ... just enough to help YOU take care of your mind and body so you can enjoy every moment the season has to offer.
WANT IN??? Let's connect! Don't be afraid to email me or make a comment. PiYo has been life-changing for me and I know you can see results too. Don't let the holidays rule you ... DEFINE YOUR DECEMBER! 

The Middle

I'm learning to love the middle.
It's pretty easy to start something, whether it be a new routine, a meal plan, or the start of a transformation. The energy and excitement of it get you going. But it's a lot tougher to enjoy the middle of your journey.

This summer, I started a new program called PiYo. After four months, I had to ditch all my jeans because they were now too big. I bought six new pairs of jeans that were all a size lower.
A week ago, I started a 21 day journey of clean eating, portion control, and simple 30-minute workouts. I've already lost 3 pounds. The jeans I bought are now starting to have a little "room" in them.

It's easy to reward ourselves with food. I'm a big believer in rewarding yourself with tangible items that let you see each day how far you've come.

But to get to that point, you have to get to the middle ... the middle of your transformation. That's where I am now. The middle is not some glamorous place to be ... in fact, it's uncomfortable at times ... but it's where we learn what we're made of. Is this the time that you quit again or are you going to push to the end? It's up to you, but I can say that enjoying the middle will propel you to that finish line.
And that finish line, that feeling of achieving your goal ... well, that's just an amazing place to be. 

Cinnamon - Fit Tip Tuesday!

Fall is in full color here, which means lots of people are "pumpkin-fying" everything ... pumpkin this, pumpkin that. We tend to add dashes of cinnamon here and there, too ... but did you know that cinnamon has amazing benefits?

BUT did you know that different types of cinnamon have greater benefits for you?  

Cassia is what we see mostly in the United States, and unfortunately it is the inferior kind of cinnamon. It contains higher amounts of coumarin, a chemical compound, that is toxic for the liver and kidneys.  AHHHH!!! Why don't they tell us these things????? Seriously???? 

So we want to make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon. It is more fragile, easier to break, lighter in color, and more fragrant. Most of the supermarket cinnamon is Cassia ... so what do we do???? Go to Amazon, of course :-) 

I've been loving Amazon Grocery! You can find plenty of Ceylon cinnamon at Amazon for regular prices of Cassia. 

So what can we do with all this awesome cinnamon? There are various ways to spice up your day - breakfast toast sprinkled with cinnamon offers a potential metabolism boost, a dash of cinnamon stirred into a cup of coffee or tea adds a dynamite flavor, and a cinnamon sprinkle on your Shakeology will add that much power to the dense nutrition.

Like all other spices, cinnamon loses its strength in fragrance and color over time. Store your cinnamon powder or sticks in air-tight bottles in a cool place, away from any moisture, sunlight or heat. Racks above the stove or near a window are poor storage choices. Refrigerating spices without any tight sealing is not recommended due to the high humidity level in fridges. The shelf life of properly stored cinnamon is about 4-5 years for whole cinnamon and 2-3 years for ground cinnamon.

Typing this post has got me thinking about one of my favorite TV shows, Psych ... when Shawn and Gus went to the Cinnamon Festival in Dual Spires, a throwback episode to Twin Peaks.

Anyone else love Psych???? :-)

So there's today's fit tip! Now go add cinnamon sprinkles to your food :-)

Motivation Monday

Hello, all!!! Hope you had a great weekend! I have been planning for my upcoming birthday countdown that starts Sunday. I will be doing the 21 Day Fix and am so excited to mix things up and try something new.

Love this quote by Anne Frank. We all can learn to see more of the beauty in things!

Post-Workout GLORY

Happy Friday, all!!!

So I've been diligent this week with all my PiYo workouts and marathon training. I usually split them up during the day, so I'll usually do one of them in the morning and the other at night. Running usually gets shuffled to the evening, which makes for interesting moments when I'm running on gravel ...

Anyhow, today was a day that I couldn't split them up. My schedule won't allow for it. However, that didn't mean I was going to skip one of them. Instead, I did them back-to-back, which is pretty difficult.  This is not the first time I've done it, so I knew what I was getting myself into. But that doesn't mean the effects are any less ... devastating on my body.

Five mile run versus PiYo Full Body Blast with strength slides. My legs felt the BURN!!!! They are like jello now. Glad I have the tools to help with a good recovery. Not to mention that my body is stronger and can deal with it way better than before I started PiYo.

Do you have workouts where your face ends up looking like death??? I can't be the only one. :-)

Tomorrow I am doing another PiYo workout. Sunday is my long run (13.1 miles this week). I'm sticking to my goals, even on the weekend ... and even after a tough day of working out!!! 

What are you doing to stay on track this weekend?

Have a great one!!!

PiYo Certified!

My PiYo Certification is in the books!!!

On Sept. 27, I spent the entire day doing, training, teaching, and loving PiYo! It took place in Bloomington, IN at IU and was taught by my coach and PiYo Master Trainer Julie Voris. The day was hard ... we were moving the entire day. I thought for sure my body would rebel at some point.  But it didn't and left feeling refreshed and uplifted in the PiYo glow. 

The day was spent breaking up the different sections of a PiYo live class. Julie also led us through an entire live class. We broke up into small groups and taught the "flow" section to each other. We ended the day with more working out, discussing teaching and formats, and then we were all certified! 

I am so excited to finally be able to bring this in a live format. The first group of people getting this experience from me will be my music students! They will thank me later :-)

I thought for sure the next day I would be completely sore head to foot. I also had to run 10 miles the following day for my marathon training. I was so scared. SCURRRRED. 

BUT my body was only sore a bit in my shoulders and upper biceps (probably from all the planks and down dogs we did). My hamstrings were only slightly sore, too. Other than that I felt great the next day ... and I ran the BEST 10 MILES EVER!!!

Thanks to doing the PiYo program the last 3+ months, my body was much stronger than I expected and barely blinked an eye by doing it all day. I'm so thankful for the program and that it has not only helped me lose weight and gain strength, but it has also helped me become a better runner. PiYo really is for everyone. 

If you're interested in it, let's connect and start livin' it up!!!

Motivation Monday!

Hey all! Hope you had a great weekend!

This weekend I got the first taste of using the PiYo Slides in doing the PiYo Strength workouts.  I did Full Body Blast ... let me just say I almost died during the mountain climbers section.  Ahhhh!!!

The slides add a lot of resistance. It's like adding a resistance band around your legs. I used mine on carpet. The exercises used with the slides were backward lunges, side lunges (bowlers), mountain climbers to name a few. I also felt my form wasn't as good as it normally is, although it wasn't terrible either. It just takes some getting used to. My cat, however, was thoroughly confused with what was going on. :-)

So excited to be using these and taking the next step in my PiYo journey!!!

I also did a 9-mile long run yesterday in preparation for my marathon.  It went great, but I'm feeling it today! Nothing a little PiYo and pigeon pose couldn't fix :-)

This week is also a busy week in my world. Lots of things going on with my music teaching and I am also FINALLY getting certified to teach PiYo on Sunday!!! So excited for this.

I saw this when I woke up this morning and it was the perfect affirmation I needed to hear!

What exciting things did you do this weekend? Do you have big plans for the week? Make sure to do it with LOVE.

You're Beautiful! You can do anything!

Love doing the PiYo Pike!!!

Thank you, Chalene Johnson! :-)

Podcast Love

Hi All!!!

Welcome to your Tuesday for the week!

I like to post about music I play doing workouts, but today I am all about podcasts!!!

Since I am upping my mileage for my marathon training, I recently started listening to podcasts on the my longer runs. I gravitate toward uplifting (duh!) and informational podcasts.  I've become so addicted to them lately, I even listen to them in the car rather than the radio now!!!

I've found some great ones along the way and want to share my Top 5 go-to podcasts!

The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

I'm listening to this podcast right now as I write this post. Lewis Howes is an author, entrepreneur, former pro athlete, and world record holder in football. The goal of the School of Greatness is to share inspiring stories from the most brilliant business minds, world class athletes and influential celebrities on the planet; to help you find out what makes great people great.

Guests in this podcast include Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, TED talker Simon Sinek, and social media expert Branden Hampton, to name a few.

EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey

This podcast is full to the brim with leadership and personal development speakers you probably know very well ... Steven Covey (7 Habits is my guide to life. I read it once every year.), Seth Godin, Jim Collins, and Ken Blanchard.  There's even one with Tony Dungy, former Colts Head Coach (I live in Indy so you must love the Colts).  You probably know Dave Ramsey from his financial growth/leadership books, but these speak more to me than the financial information. Love all the topics covered in this podcast!

Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast

I heard good things about this podcast, but was skeptical that it would just purely be about intense marathon and Ironman training. It was a nice surprise to learn that this podcast is about SO MANY different things. One of the best episodes I've listened to is called Deep Nutrition, interviewing a doctor about a book she wrote with the same title. I learned SO MUCH about how the body reacts to nutrients. But this podcast also gives lots of personal development material as well.

OH, and I must credit this podcast for teaching me how to run with my mouth closed and just breathing through the nose!!! Totally changed my running and workouts!

The Charged Life with Brendon Burchard

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brendon Burchard shares insights on motivation, success, high performance, and living a fully charged life. These episodes are 10 -15 minutes at the most, so a HIGH DOSE of great information in a short period of time.  Mr. Burchard is very articulate and motivating in these podcasts and leave you with an empowered sense of being!

The Chalene Show

I MUST include Chalene Johnson's podcast, The Chalene Show.  She has another one that I listen to called Build Your Tribe that is highly informative as well, but more toward the business side of things.  I will listen to The Chalene Show on runs more than Build Your Tribe. 

What can I say about Chalene? She is AWESOME! She talks about fitness and nutrition, but also the personal development to help you tap into yourself and grow.  She has a ton of energy and enthusiasm, which is why I love her so much.

What podcasts do you listen to?  I have a few others not on this list, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Happy Tuesday!

Motivation Monday

How have you been doing? I have been extremely busy these past couple weeks, so I apologize for being out of it for a while. This blog is new to me and I am trying to find the right rhythm for it!

I have been in the midst of training for a marathon (in addition to doing PiYo).  I am by no means a fast runner.  Especially this time around for my marathon training, I feel really slow since I am training with a heart rate monitor (via The Maffetone Method).  My running has to be below my set HR, which for me is 150.  That can make for slower than normal running.

Fitness is tough. Running is tough. Eating clean is tough. It’s a sacrifice you have to be willing to make. It’s easier to watch TV or sleep in than to get up and do your workout.

Why do we do it?

Why do we choose the road less taken rather than the popular easy path?

One word: GOALS

You have a goal.

I have a goal.

We work to ACHIEVE.

Some days it might be easier to get up and workout. Other days it will be a struggle.  Last week was a struggle for me.  I’ll admit that sometimes I achieved my goals, other days I did not.  BUT THAT’S OKAY!

No matter how slow I go or how much I have to modify my form, PROGRESS IS STILL PROGRESS.

As long as you’re facing the direction of your goals, you are going down the right road. Be patient.  Be persistent. Never forget why you started.

Keep going.

Keep moving.

You are making progress!

My PiYo Strength Journey - Day 1

Hope you all had a great Labor Day!!!

Let's get back at this!
I've been doing my marathon training during the past week ... 15 weeks to go!
Yesterday was Day 1 of doing the PiYo Strength Series.  I'm part of a challenge group and my coach assigned us Upper Body and Lower Body.  I like the combination of the two ... it's like a full-body workout!


Here's one of my favorite moves:  PiYo Pike!

This is from Upper Body.

Start in side plank, lift hips up, engage core, and move free hand up and under.  Lower back down to side plank. It's a total core challenge!!!

I also had my Accountability Kitty watching my every move.  He even attempted to join me during one move ... he thought otherwise once he got in the middle of it. 

He mainly stayed on the bed and watched me do the workout.  But I swear he must love Chalene's voice because he could be in a deep sleep in another room and once PiYo starts, he's walking into the workout and getting involved.  :-)

Do you have a way to keep yourself accountable? If not, join my PiYo Challenge Group!  It starts NEXT WEEK!!!! So excited to share this workout with the WORLD! :-)

Motivation Monday!

Yesterday I finished a 60-Day PiYo Challenge!!! It felt really great to COMPLETE this program.  I feel more strength, flexibility, and energy from doing PiYo. Not to mention the weight I've lost.  I'm continuing on to the next phase of the program called PiYo Strength, so I will give total numbers when I'm completely finished.

Next up, I'm getting certified to teach PiYo.  I'm really excited!!! Can't wait to see what's in store!

This weekend I also got some great runs in for my marathon training.  Even in the HEAT, I was doing great. Not all runs are like that, but I'm grateful when they are!!!

Have you finished a workout?  Isn't it just the best feeling in the world? 

Want to join me and do some PiYo? Let me know! Comment below or email me! :-)  

Fit Tip Friday!!

It's FRIDAY!  That means the weekend is upon us :-)

Today's #FitTip is vital for life ... drink more water!!!

The benefits of water are amazing.  Just look!

#2 blows my mind ... simply drinking water lowers your risk of HEART ATTACK by 41%. That's crazy!!!

Staying hydrated lets you see the effects of your workout faster.

For me, kicking my diet coke habit was tough.  I thought I needed a "taste" when I had a drink.  Turns out I needed energy to feel like myself, and water gives it to me. 

How much water have you had today?  Track yourself and see how much you have helped your body today!

Have a great weekend!!!

Nourish Your Body

What healthy choices have you made today? 

I'll show you mine ---

That is about half of my breakfast.  (Sorry, I just couldn't wait to have some before I snapped the pic!)

It is 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup water, 1 scoop of Tropical Strawberry Vegan.  Delicious!

No matter what else happens with my nutrition for the rest of the day (hopefully it's still good!), I can rely on the fact that I had one meal of DENSE, WHOLE NUTRITION.  Read about my non-believer status of Shakeology here.

Shakeology is NOT a protein shake.  Yes, it has protein in it.  But it is SO MUCH MORE!!! 

Let's talk about Vitamins and Minerals.  Shakeology has the 13 essential vitamins and 10 minerals. These vitamins and minerals are important macronutrients your body needs to carry out every chemical process needed in everyday life.  They help your cells make energy.  They build, repair, and strengthen your muscles and bones. 

What meal will you have today that will have ALL of your vitamins and minerals?   

Your body is yours and what you put into it should be sacred.  Make healthy choices.  Have whole foods.  Your body will thank you!!!

Workout Wednesday!

Did you workout today? I did PiYo Sweat this morning. Perhaps you can tell from the sweat on my shirt!! :-)

What workout did you do today?  Don't be afraid to share your story or your progress!!!

Tunes Tuesday!

Do you love music??? Good music is a requirement for any of my workouts or runs.  I'll be sharing some of my go-to songs with you on this blog.

Today's theme is "love." Love is my favorite word in the English language. Of course, there are many other songs that could be added here but my goal is to give you just a couple so you really take note and hopefully listen to them.  (I know my songs won't be everyone's taste, but they are songs that are currently on my workout iPod. )


First up, I have to give props to Jason Mraz's new album "YES!"  It is one of the strongest albums I've heard come out this year.  Well-crafted and well-rounded.  I fell in love with MR. AZ  all the way back when "The Remedy" came out ... (which is still on my iPod).  He has since grown in popularity and "I'm Yours" makes me smile and think of Hawaii when I listen to it.

His new album starts with an instrumental track called "Rise," which is very short and full of serene sounds.  "Rise" leads directly into "Love Someone," which is a song about ... you guessed it ... love!!!  It's pretty upbeat and has one of my favorite lines.  "When you love someone, it comes back to you."  I truly believe in that!!!

Next up is one of favorite bands, Mumford & Sons.  I'll probably post more songs on here from them.  I love all their albums and listen to them all the time, especially on long trips.  This song is the first track off their album with the same title, "Sigh No More."  It starts slow, but then the beat picks up about half way through.  This is usually the first song I listen to on a run.  It lets my mind focus, but then inspires me to go for it when it gets to the upbeat section.

It has another one of my favorite quotes of all time.

Take a listen!  I hope you feel UPLIFTED after hearing these songs! :-)

A PIYO CHALLENGE!

Are you excited for this week? I know I am!

Today, I have a major ANNOUNCEMENT: I am starting a PiYo challenge group!!!
The group starts Sept. 8.

Are you interested in starting your fitness journey? Have you tried other programs, but plateaued? Are you a runner and looking for a strength routine to complement your runs?  Whatever situation you're in, let me help you meet your goals! PiYo is an amazing strength workout using your own body weight to SCULPT your body.  I am on my last week of completing a PiYo Challenge and couldn't be happier!

So if you're ready to take a leap and do something FOR YOU that will UPLIFT you, then sign up to workout with me with this challenge!!!

I will also be creating FREE printables to help with clean eating and meal planning!  Nutrition is 70%  of meeting our fitness goals ... and the hardest part for me.  Is it for you as well?  Then let me help you stay accountable and on track!!!

Interested? Contact me directly here.
Visit Uplift Fit's Facebook Page and PM me (and "like" it if you so desire!)

Check out My Challenge Group Page or learn about my PiYo experience.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to TAKE THE STEP you've been tiptoeing around.  LEAP WITH ME! :-)

Motivation Monday!

Don't waste your time living someone else's life ... live the life YOU love!

Happy Monday!!!

Big announcement coming up next!

Go Workout!

The hardest part of working out is often just GETTING STARTED.

We all have days where time just isn't our friend and the last thing we want to do is find the time to get in our workout.

It doesn't matter what you do or when you do it, JUST GO DO IT!

Here are 5 tips to help motivate you and stay on track with your workout:

1. Think about the "AFTER"

How will you feel after the workout? I always have about a million times more energy after any workout.  I always get the "runner's high" after a run.  You will feel great about yourself and your body will thank you in return!

2. Schedule it and don't miss the appointment

We wouldn't miss our doctor appointments or meetings with our boss.  Well, we are the boss of our own body, so don't miss your workout appointment!  A workout that is an hour is 2% of your day.  A workout that is a half hour is 1% of your day. You can spend the other 98%-99% of your day on all the other "to-dos" in your life.  Check off your workout appointment!

3. Relieve stress

I've always believed that working out is the cheapest form of therapy.  I know it truly is for me.  My runs clear my mind.  My PiYo workouts push me and make me realize I can do anything I set my mind to.  Your workout can WORK OFF and SWEAT OUT your life stresses!!!

4. Remember your goals

Very important!!! You've established your goals ... so remember what they are!!! I will sometimes take sticky notes and post them in places I know I will see them to remind myself that I'm working on my goals one step at a time.  Make it a priority to reach your goals!!!

5.  Visualize the achievements!

Close your eyes.  Take some time to visualize the person you want to be.  Visualize your body the way you want it to look and the feeling of amazing health.  Maybe you fit into some new skinny jeans.  Maybe you are full of energy.  Maybe you have no more arm jiggle.  Maybe you have dropped a bad eating habit.  Now, open your eyes ... are you ready to rock and take a step toward what you just visualized? 

Let's get ready to make your workout AMAZING today!!!

Say only UPLIFTING words to yourself.  Each of us are on a journey.  Don't forget to treat YOURSELF with kindness in the midst of the journey.  You won't be perfect all the time.  If you happen to make a mistake, don't leave time to workout, or eat something not good for you, don't beat yourself up ... just love yourself more!  The more you love yourself, the more likely you are to make the best choices for yourself :-)

O Captain, My Captain

Yesterday evening, I learned of the passing of an icon in entertainment, Robin Williams.  I was devastated.  This is one of the hardest passings of an actor/actress/singer/comedian/etc that I've had.  Robin Williams was part of my childhood.

The first time was with Aladdin as the Genie.

Then watching Hook, which is where the above quote comes from.
Then Mrs. Doubtfire. Hilarious.

Then as I got older, I got to experience his greatness in Good Will Hunting, one of my top movies of all-time.  Gus Van Sant, the director, remains one of my favorite directors ever.  But it was Williams' role that took the film to another level.

My dad served in Vietnam and, of course, Good Morning Vietnam was required viewing in our household.  I basically heard this scene a million times.

Another film that blew me away and was a sort of catharsis for me at my dad's passing was What Dreams May Come.  If you want to see greatness, then you must watch this movie.

Today, we remember Robin Williams.  He made us giggle.  He made us dry our eyes.  And I'm glad that he is making my dad laugh in heaven.