Moana Review: SPOILER FREE

Guess what, I went and saw the new Disney movie! Shocked? I know, I HATE Disney! I'm the biggest Disney hater there is. That mouse, that castle, it all makes me sick!

Ha! Obviously I had to go see the latest animated feature as soon as I could. I remember hearing rumors of this movie for YEARS. I mean back when Tangled was in production, there was talk of it. And now it's finally a reality.

So what did I think?

Pretty good. It was nothing on the level of Frozen or Zootopia as far as epicness, giving me intense feels, and blowing me out of the water with amazingness, but it was still quite enjoyable. I'd put it on the level of Big Hero 6 which was cute and fun, but by no means groundbreaking and life-changing.

Dwayne Johnson as "Maui" and Auli'i Cravalho as "Moana"

I'll start by praising it: visuals were off the charts! You can always count on Disney to be absolutely beautiful if nothing else. The character designs, the islands, the animation on everything, just wow! I mean really, wow! So incredible! There's a reason Disney (and Pixar) dominate in this field. And I understand that they went to Polynesian islands to get an understanding of the culture and look so that they could incorporate it into the design. You can really see it and are completely swept away into that world.

I really enjoyed the music too. Again, nothing show-stopping exactly, but I still really liked the songs. All catchy and cultural. I don't think there were any songs that were even remotely boring, not even the slower songs.

The characters were a lot of fun. Moana and Maui are what the movie mostly focuses on and I enjoyed it. Moana is a good, strong female character. Maui had some issues that I will go into more detail about in a minute, but for the most part I liked him. He and Moana had a very sweet friendship.

There's some pretty intense moments. If you have a fear of the sea, my goodness will this bring that out in you. Even though the sea is Moana's friend, there are still storms and intense rides through it. Then there are monsters and supernatural beings that all look phenomenal, but are monsters nonetheless. Some younger kids might find them a little scary depending on their disposition (but really, it's not that bad. Overall, I'd chock this up to a pretty tame movie).
It did give me "da feels" at a couple moments too. I teared up a few times (but I wasn't bawling or anything).

Some issues with the movie: they were trying too hard to be "hip." There were a lot of moments where they made such forced, obvious, lame jokes that made me groan (there's one in particular that stands out to me about "tweeting" that hurts me so bad). They tried so hard to be hip and cool and play to younger audiences with lots of modern references and language, particularly with Maui. But they didn't need to do that! Disney's already drawing the young generation in with their logo alone. If a story takes place in the past, keep it in the past.

Another problem, they did not try hard enough to break out of the "Disney mould" to coin a phrase. If you watch a lot of Disney movies, they have a certain way of going about things, working through plots, setting up characters, etc. There's always an optimistic young character who dreams of something more than their current life, perhaps adventure; they meet a cynical, street-wise person who is forced into joining them; there's an animal side-kick; usually a supernatural/magical force; the main character and cynical person are usually separated around the climax and everything looks like all is lost until, wait, the main character CAN overcome whatever's the problem after all; there's always a fake out of some sort (death, disguise, something is lost, etc); then happily ever after. Tell me this doesn't sound like every Disney movie you've ever watched.
My issue with this movie is, couldn't they have tried to be a little less predictable? Break out of their own cliches at least a little? I mean, I love Disney for a reason. I love their cliches, predictability, and border-line cheesiness, but when it gets way too repetitive, it can be a little waring. There was one forced joke where Maui made fun of Moana's princess status by pointing out all her cliches, and while it was kind of funny, it did not make it untrue. Disney, just by saying it does not make it go away. Just because you're telling us you're aware doesn't mean it goes away.

Anyways, I did still enjoy the movie. While it had its issues, it was still an overall enjoyable and fun experience. I would give it a 7/10.

TRAILER

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: A Review (SPOILER FREE!)

There was an early screening at the movie theater here in my town, so obviously I had to go.

For those who are unaware, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a film written by J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books. No, it's not a film based on some books she's written, it's an original screenplay. Well, actually... technically it is based around a book she wrote back in 2001 while she was still writing Harry Potter called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It was written in the form of a text book written by fictional Newt Scamander for students attending Hogwarts, informing them about different magical creatures; where they can be found, how they can be tamed, their magical properties, etc.
Anyways, now J.K. Rowling has written a movie sort of based around the origins of that book (I suppose is a way of describing it). It focuses on Newt Scamander in the magical community (before Harry Potter took place) as he collects and studies magical creatures, during the time of the dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald.

So, what did I think? Utterly phenomenal! I mean, really, really amazing! Where do I even begin?

I guess I will start by saying that if you've never read/seen Harry Potter, you will be a little confused because there are several references to that universe. Even though it takes place in a different time frame it still talks of Hogwarts, muggles, Grindelwald, Dumbledore, obliviate, squibs, etc. Most of these things are explained in the movie, though not in depth. I believe it would be extremely helpful if you already knew what they were so that you could focus on the developing plot at hand. However, I do not think it is required. It can still be viewed and enjoyed by someone who is not an avid fan.

I did like exploring the magical community in America though. That was an interesting ride. I only knew a little bit about it before this movie, so I enjoyed delving into that.

The visuals were off the charts! The designs on those beasts were super creative and not at all generic or boring. I was enraptured the entire time. I want to go back and actually read Newt's book and find out about all those creatures. The visuals for the creatures were not the only thing to impress me though. Overall, the film was visually stunning. Sets, costumes, special effects, cinematography, everything was amazing. I might say that perhaps it spent a little too much time on the beasts-- just looking at them, talking about them, and whatever-- when they served no purpose, but I can't really complain because the movie is called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them after all.

By far, my favorite part(s) were the characters. See, while I loved the Harry Potter films, they lacked a certain amount of depth. They were so busy trying to get the story across that there was no room for real character development, witty lines, and other great moments/scenes that are usually included in books and/or original drafts. That's the struggle with adaptions, a lot is cut out and missed. The Harry Potter books are amazing, but a lot is missed in the movies, not just plot-wise, but character-wise. So that is why I really appreciate this movie. It's an original screenplay by a great author. She had time to put in her character development, original lines, and story-building scenes. The characters in this film were all so great and so memorable; funny, flawed, relatable as characters should be. No cliches at all! There are so many great moments, very J.K. Rowling-esque. I love her style!

The acting was phenomenal! Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander was spot on. I had no notion of what that character was supposed to be like, but he played whatever it was supposed to be so perfectly; a little awkward, yet likably charming and intelligent, but not in that annoying cliched way that a lot of movies do. The other actors were great too. All had great chemistry together and fit into their characters flawlessly.

The one thing I have to criticize was the story, it was a little shaky at some parts (ex: the explanation of "the child", including "burn the witch" type character(s) in the 20th century [seriously?], an ending that didn't entirely wrap the story arch together, and a few others). However, overall, it was an enjoyable ride.

I 100% recommend this movie! So fantastic! (Ha!) 9/10.

TRAILER

Disney Favorites

When boredom hits, I do these kind of things... (P.S. I'm sticking to animated films only)

1) What is your favorite Disney movie?

I have three. I cannot pick just one. They are Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Tangled. Of course I love so many more, but those are my top three, go-to movies. I love them SO MUCH!!! They're the ones that literally get me teared up at the beauty, the emotion, the songs, the characters, the romance, the animation, just everything.

2) Who is your favorite heroine?

Rapunzel from Tangled. I love her adorable curiosity, her sweetness, and the way she half-confidently always tries to take control of situations (it reminds me of myself). I also love her design.

3) Who is your favorite hero?

Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert from Tangled. I love his snark and wit, but how he still has a heart of gold and is a great big softy.

4) Who is your favorite sidekick?

A huge toughie. Probably Ray from The Princess and the Frog. He's so cute and funny, but still sweet and charming and full of hope and unwavering love for his Evangeline.

5) Who is your favorite villain?

Again, very tough. Villains are always my favorite part of a story. I'm gonna have to go with Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty because she's just so evil in everything she does. Her design is boss and even though her plan is kinda stupid, she goes to extraordinary lengths to see it fulfilled.

6) Who is your favorite couple?

I'm sorry to keep bringing it up, but Rapunzel and Flynn/Eugene from Tangled. It's why that movie is one of my favorites. Their romance is one of the gosh-darn cutest, most perfect things I've ever seen on screen!

7) What is your favorite dance scene?

The ballroom dance from Beauty and the Beast. The song, the way Belle's dress moves as they dance, the animation of the ballroom, how you can see their love, just everything about it! Perfection!

8) What is your favorite kiss?

Belle and the Prince from Beauty and the Beast. I just love Beauty and the Beast so much, okay? It is a near perfect movie as far as I'm concerned. And that romance is so good! So when they kiss, it makes me so happy! The fireworks, the music, the sparkles, how they wrap their arms around each other, just ahh! Yes!

9) What is your favorite song?

"I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan. Hands down the best song Disney has ever produced. If you don't get pumped every time you hear this song, you are wrong and probably not human.

10) What is your favorite fight/battle sequence?

I was debating between a few, but I decided on the battle at the archery tournament in Robin Hood. It's just a lot of fun. There's so much going on and it's all so clever and entertaining; sword fights, pie fights, mock football, running tents, crumbling walls, a marriage proposal, etc. It's great!

11) What is your favorite opening?

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, definitely. That has got to be one of the most epic openings ever. Just black with some bells ringing and some quiet chanting then all of a sudden we're in the sky with the towers of Notre Dame and epic choir singing, then we come down on Clopin who's telling some kids the story of "a man and a monster" through song. So freakin' good!

12) What is your favorite climax?

Sleeping Beauty. The movie itself is not all that exciting (at least in comparison to other Disney films), but when it comes to the climax, my goodness does it get intense! The music is amazing and that animation is flawless with the lightning, the thorn forest, the dragon, all of it!

13) What is your favorite ending?

I'm gonna have to say Tarzan. I love how it wraps the message together with the "Two Worlds (Reprise)" song as the characters swing through the trees and then end with the Tarzan yell. Yusss! Boom!

Doctor Strange: Review (Spoiler Free)

Finally writing this. I actually saw it opening night. Marvel's Doctor Strange.

I remember back when this movie was announced I did not have the slightest inkling of what it was going to be about. I had heard the name before, but nothing beyond that. Once I heard that Benedict Cumberbatch was playing the lead role, my interest was definitely piqued and I looked into the history. I did not want to be spoiled for too much before seeing the movie, but I wanted a general idea of what I would be walking into.

Doctor Strange in the comics

As a comic book nerd, I know that there is so much involved in just one character; backstories, powers, love interests, weaknesses, enemies, etc. Then of course there's different issues of the comics that have their own version to tell and depending how long the character has been around, everything can change with the years. Anyways, I looked up Doctor Strange and simply read up on his abilities and backstory... and was instantly confused. "So he's a sorcerer? But not really? But he's also a superhero? Sort of? Then what is he?" (that basically was my train of thought). It sounded interesting enough from what I could gather though, and knowing Marvel, it was bound to be at least moderately enjoyable, right?

Cut forward about a year or so. Now I have finally seen the movie. Was it enjoyable?

100% YES! It was so good! I would not put it on the level of Civil War or Winter Soldier or anything as far as action or even story goes, but it definitely was very engaging. The visuals just blew me out of the water! It was like somebody watched Inception and thought, "yeah, I can do that... times a thousand!" I remember watching the trailers and seeing some of that stuff, I was thinking that maybe it might be a little pointless and was just there to look cool (like, "ooh, look what I can do!"), but it wasn't. Well, maybe a little bit, but for the most part the space bending and manipulating was actually used by the characters to fight against each other. It was beyond epic! And the use of "spells", conjuring up weapons, and all that jazz combined with the space manipulating made some really cool scenes.

The story had potential to be really complicated and hard to follow, however, it was laid out very simply and told as straight-forward as possible, making it pretty easy to follow and understand (at least for how much had to be explained). As I said above, I was a little confused about some stuff that I read up on, but as I watched the movie, everything was made clear. I now understand what/who Doctor Strange is and his powers. (Before, I was particularly confused about his cape. The movie helped me understand it. It's now my favorite character ;P)
The pacing between dramatic scenes, action scenes, and comedic scenes are all well-rounded and well-paced. You never get too sick of any of it. And since I haven't mentioned it yet, the comedy was not overdone and was just the quirky sort of humor I like. I was actually laughing out loud at several parts.
I will say that there are a few plot holes and loose threads that are not too hard to find; like, "if you can do that, then why can't you do this? Why didn't that happen this time? If this thing is so important, shouldn't there be more security for it? Shouldn't that person be dead???"
However, they are all pretty minor things that are sort of nitpicks and aren't really what you come to a Marvel movie for. You come for the action; to watch interesting characters do interesting things. And you certainly get that in this movie.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the character fantastically! He seems to always get those arrogant, yet likable jerk roles. I have to criticize his accent though. Part of it might be because I know that he is British and I know he's faking... but I could definitely tell he was faking that American accent. Sometimes it was okay, but a lot of the time... ehh. You can really hear it on the R's. He had really hard "aa-rrr"s. He sounded almost southern or something. I don't understand why they didn't just make him British. Is Doctor Strange known for being American or something? I don't know. Other than the accent, B.C. was great! He's a really good actor (it's why I'm a fan ^_^). Even though I've seen him in so many things, I still always believe I'm watching a character and not an actor playing a character.
The other actors were good too. I know that fans of the comic were upset that the Ancient One was changed to a female in the movie, but I thought that she was portrayed very well (but what do I know? I haven't read the comics).

In conclusion... Visuals: top notch, acting: stellar, story: interesting. My rating: 9/10. Go see it!

TRAILER

WRITING PROMPTS- Week #1

As many of you know, I am an English major, trying to become a professional creative writer. I'm trying to improve my writing skills because honestly, I'm only okay. The best way to improve is to practice. I've decided to do daily writing prompts (almost every day). They range from poems, to descriptions, to songs, to short stories, to anything really... and they're all to expand my creative writing output.

I'm going to be posting all my prompts here on my blog if anyone is interested. They're just dumb little things, but if anyone wants to read them, here you are:


#1- Friendship: Write about being friends with someone.
Friends
“Hey, loser!”
“What’s up, weirdo?”
“Did you see that link I sent you?”
“Oh yeah! I was laughing so hard!”
“I know, right?”
“The stupid guy! When he falls down!”
“I know!”
““Wuuuuuuuut!?””
“I know!!! I was laughing so hard, I was actually crying!”
“Oh my goodness... So dumb!”
“Yeah... So we’re still seeing the movie on Friday, right?”
“Obviously!”
“Awesome! I am so PUMPED!”
“Me too! I have literally been counting down the days!”
“Nerd. Just kidding. I have a counter here on my phone. See?”
“Ha! Look at my background. It’s from the movie poster, but I changed the colors a little.”
“Oh my gosh! That is the effin’ coolest thing I’ve ever seen! Send it to me! We can be screen buddies!”
“Oh yeah, totally!”
“Oh, I just got a text from Jan. I gotta go.”
“Alright. I’ll see you on Friday then.”
“Wouldn’t miss it!”
“Don’t forget to send me that picture.”
“I won’t.”
“See ya, sucker.”
“Bu-bye, mah homie.”



#2- The Unrequited love poem: How do you feel when you love someone who does not love you back?
Never Ceasing
Fluttering, unrequited
Ever increasing
I think about him day and night
Never ceasing

Pounding, pounding
My heartbeat increasing
I think about him late at night
Never ceasing

Unnoticed, unseen
My pain is increasing
But my love will go on
Never ceasing.



#3- The Vessel: Write about a ship or other vehicle that can take you somewhere different from where you are now.

The Old Red Pick Up Truck

It was a small, red, clunky old pickup truck. Stupidest thing you ever saw. My older brother actually owned it before me and someone else had it before him... and most likely someone else had it before them. It was so old.

It went zero to sixty in 1.5 years. Every time I got on the highway, I would floor it and would still have people tailgating me before I could reach the appropriate speed. One time this Volkswagen actually collided with my bumper because I was going so slow. A Volkswagen! If it were some sort of sports car, that would be a little less embarrassing, but a Volkswagen?

There’s still a small dent in the bumper of my pickup, but it is hardly noticeable amongst the other dents, chipping paint, and sun damage covering the entire exterior. My favorite place to stare at is the giant white sun spot on the hood. It is sort of shaped like a horse. Sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic, I’ll stare at the spot and try to picture the horse running. If only I could get on its back and ride away with it. It would probably be faster than the rundown hunk of metal I was driving.

I am going away to college at the end of the summer. Four hours away from home and I have to drive the old red pick up truck all the way there. I sometimes wonder if it will make it.

But then I remember... although the air conditioner gives out at inconvenient times and the driver’s window doesn’t roll down. Even though it sometimes steams in weird places, and has a giant crack in the rear window. Even though the seats are uncomfortable, it smells like burnt rubber and old shoes, and it looks like it belongs in a junk yard, it has never let me down. Not once has it broken down on me or run out of gas at an inconvenient time. It has always reached its destination at any cost.

So it may be a piece of junk, but it is a reliable piece of junk. As cheesy as it may sound, it is what’s inside that counts. And inside that ugly old red pick up truck is a good engine, ready to take me to college at the end of the summer.



#4- Dragon: Envision a dragon. Do you battle him? Or is the dragon friendly? Use descriptive language.

This Dragon

This dragon was not your typical dragon. He did not strike terror into the hearts of men from the mere sight of him like the other dragons. He did not live in a dark, damp cave all alone. This dragon loved the outdoors. He spent the large majority of his time basking in the sun, allowing the beams to warm his blue and orange scaly body. His scales patterned his entire body like a checker board and were small and did not lay flat against his body as they should. They stuck up more like feathers did. The other dragons sometimes teased him saying he looked like a giant colorful chicken. This dragon had a large frilled skin flap around his neck that fanned out whenever he got angry. He liked to think of it as a special necklace, but the other dragons said that it made him look like a silly little flower.

This dragon did not always feel like a dragon and when he looked at his reflection in the lake near his home in the Dark Mountains, he often thought he did not look like one either.

This dragon did have a very bountiful treasure like the other dragons, but he kept it out in the open for all to see. He did not hoard it away and spit fire at anyone who came near it. In fact, this dragon wished others would take it. He had no desire to keep it.

The other dragons laughed at him for being so careless. “One day you will have no treasure, then what will you do?” they would ask.

This dragon only laughed back, “What do I do with it now? Stare at it? Stroke it? Count it over and over as you do?” He would laugh again. “Why not give it to someone who can use it?”

The other dragons still did not understand how this dragon could simply give away his precious gold, silver, and jewels. Now, all manner of creatures were coming to the Dark Mountains to retrieve some of this dragon’s treasure. Knomes, elves, fairies, trolls, even humans dared to come. And this dragon shared with all of them.

One day, a young human girl came to retrieve some of this dragon’s treasure. Gladly, he gave her some. As she chose her prize, she rested her small hand on his long, blue and orange tail. “Thank you,” she said, smiling up at him, “You are a good dragon.”

She took her chosen treasure and skipped away happily. And from that gesture, this dragon felt richer than any of the other dragons.



#5- Smoke, Fog, and Haze: Write about not being able to see ahead of you.

Searching for Julianne

“Julianne!”

Thomas nearly tripped over a protruding tree root as he staggered over the dirt path.

“Julianne, please come back!” he called into in trees.

There was no answer. The sun was nearly set and heavy clouds were rolling in over the mountains. It would be very dark soon and Thomas began to wish he had thought to bring a lantern; but he had rushed out so quickly, the thought had not even crossed his mind.

“Julianne!” he called out once again, “Come back, please! It’s getting dark!”

He carefully stepped over a fallen log and hurried onwards, his eyes scanning the fading surroundings for his fleeing fiancée.

“Julianne?” he shouted.

He sighed heavily after tripping over another tree root. It was getting harder to see. Julianne was still out there. Why did she have to be so impetuous and run out into the forest like this? He understood she was upset, but it was simply unwise to be out in the woods alone at night like this.

A low hanging branch hit him in the shin and he stumbled backwards, only to lose his footing over some loose rocks and fall right on the seat of his patched up breeches. Grunting in pain and annoyance, he got to his feet and squinted ahead into the darkness.

The sun was gone now and the thick clouds overshadowed everything in inky blackness. Thomas could not see the path any longer. The trees were no more than mere dark shadows that blended into the continuous black curtain ahead of him.

He heard a twig crack as if someone had stepped on it. The sound echoed through the darkness. Thomas’s head snapped in its direction. “Julianne?”

“Thomas?” a tiny, whimpering voice squeaked.

Thomas’s heart gave a jolt at the sound of his fiancée’s soft voice. He grappled the air in front of him as he took small, tentative steps forward.

“Julianne?” he called again, “Where are you?”

“Here,” Julianne’s voice came from his left.

Thomas took another step and nearly tripped over a protruding pebble in the dirt. He could hear it roll into the nearby brush. “Julianne,” he said, “Keep talking.”

“Alright,” Julianne replied, “You’re coming?”

“Yes, but I can’t see you. Keep talking so I know where to walk.”

“Alright. I’m over here... I’m sorry I ran out like that.”

“Well, I’m sorry about what happened,” Thomas replied as he placed a hand on a tree trunk to steady himself while he continued to move forward.

“Yes...” Julianne said slowly, “Are you really though?”

“What?” Thomas asked, concentrating on trying to climb over what he presumed to be a fallen tree.

“Did you mean what you said?”

Thomas stopped moving for a moment. “Yes, I did. Every word. I do not need your parents’ approval to marry you. I may not live a prestigious life is court or anything of the sort, but I still earn a living.”

He pushed aside a low hanging tree branch that had hit him in the face. He could tell Julianne was somewhere ahead of him. He tried blinking several times, as if to blink away some obtrusion in his eye, but the blackness remained and he could not see her.

“I know I cannot give you a lot, but if you will still have me regardless, I will give you everything I have and more... including my heart.”

There was silence. Thomas was engulfed in the blackness and he no longer knew where to go. It was almost suffocating. But then out of the darkness, he felt the gentle, warm touch of a delicate hand on his cheek.

“Of course I will have you Thomas.”

My Baby Girl

I would like to take some time to discuss someone very special in my life. Her name is Macy. Who is she? She is my dog.

Let me start at the very, very beginning... several years ago my dad discovered this breed of dog called a Weimaraner. After some debating, we found a breeder in Oregon and ordered a puppy from the next litter, requesting a mellow puppy (since the breed in know to be high strung). Once the litter was born, the breeder kept her eyes open and picked out a puppy. However, as the puppy grew older and was checked out by doctors, it was discovered that it had a heart condition and would most likely die within a few years. The breeder let us know this and told us that we could have the first pick out of the next litter. Our family discussed the issue and eventually decided that we would take the puppy anyways and let it live out its life in a good home... This puppy was our dog, Chase.

Chase

Long story short, we fell in love with the guy and paid to get his heart fixed... Boy, was he so NOT mellow after that XD.

Anyways, the breeder contacted us and told us how grateful she was for taking Chase in. She said that she would give us another puppy absolutely free in thanks, if we wanted. And this is where Macy came in.

There she is, asleep in Afton's lap.

Once again, we asked for a mellow puppy. Boy, did we ever get one. I remember our first night with her, we all sat on the floor in a circle and all she did was move from lap to lap and fall asleep. She wasn't very playful or energetic like Chase had been. All she was interested in was lying down and sleeping. But she was still so cute! She had the droopiest face you ever saw and just looked at you so timid and helpless, you simply had to love her.

She has not changed AT ALL. Although she can no longer lie in our laps, she still only lies around and sleeps all day. I swear, she sleeps for probably 20 out of 24 hours of the day. She only gets up to pee and to eat. She rarely socializes with anybody, only caring to lie in the corner.

However, what may appear as a lazy, boring, grumpy dog is a tragically misunderstood one. That is what I am here to talk about.

Macy is actually a very sweet and loving dog, but she is a little anxious and shy. Plus she kind of has some personal space issues. The thing is, if she is very comfortable and familiar with you, her personal space bubble shrinks and she is much more patient and willing to have you around. Take me for instance, (I don't mean to brag, but) she loves me. I can practically lay on top of her and stick my face in hers and she won't snap. However, if a stranger were to try something like that, she would get very uncomfortable and would lash out.
When first meeting her, one has to ease into her comfort zone. Start by stroking her gently, then if she accepts that, move to scratching under her chin, then see if she wants her tummy rubbed. It is all about reading her body language. When she first meets people, she tends to be very defensive and uncomfortable, but if you show her that you are her friend, she will ease up. And if she rolls over and shows her belly, you are in (still be careful and read her though if you're still pretty new).

Macy loves to have her belly rubbed and despite what she initially lets on, you can actually get pretty rough with her while petting her. She does actually like to be petted and scratched just as much as the next dog, especially when she's in the mood. The thing is, she's too lazy to actually come up to you and ask for it. Most other dogs will run up to you and beg you for attention. Macy on the other hand simply lays on her pillow and sleeps; couldn't care less that you're in the same room as her. Sometimes she will get up though if she really wants a belly rub or something. So, if she comes up to you asking for a scratch or a pet, you'd better gosh darn feel special and give it to her.

I often describe Macy as a cat trapped in a dog's body. She sleeps all day, is temperamental, rarely begs for attention, and sees herself as above everyone.

She does sort of have this high-and-mighty aura about her sometimes. Especially when she's watching Troy (our third dog). Troy is the epitome of "dog." Friendly, hyper, interactive, playful, everything Macy is not. He is also very obnoxious towards Macy and you can often see the annoyance glowing in her eyes like a mature older sister would look at a hyper little brother. I sometimes imagine Macy's inner voice sounding like Roz from Monster's Inc. or Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars.

Troy: perky, fuzzy-faced, thin. Macy: droopy, smooth fur, fat.

I often feel bad for Macy because since she is a cat trapped in a dog's body, she literally does not know how to be a dog. Usually, she does not care to, but every once in a while, we will be playing with Troy, and Macy wants to join in, but she just cannot pick up on what we are doing. She will try so hard, but she pretty much just gets in the way. (In fairness, Troy doesn't know how to play any games either, he only runs around like a psycho. He can't even fetch. What I'm saying is that Macy is not very fast and is extremely clumsy.) I have been trying to encourage my family to include her more though because Troy doesn't care (he literally doesn't care about anything. He is NEVER upset), it's the humans who care. And despite appearances, Macy is actually having fun.
It is the cutest thing when she actually gets excited. She has some hip problems and is pretty fat from lying around all the time, so she can't really jump up like Troy. So instead, she does this little dance in place. That coupled with her "doggie smile" makes her such an adorable sight.

One thing I will give her is that she's pretty smart. Since all she does is lie around all day, we usually assume that she won't move. We'll walk out of the room for a moment, leaving her fast asleep on her cushion, and come back to find her sneaking into the kitchen. She was never actually asleep and was just waiting for us to leave the room. She has actually framed Troy for her crimes before. Because Troy is such a troublemaker, we usually assume if one of them is getting into mischief, it's him. I'm pretty sure she knows this and has set him up. She will do something naughty and then quickly go right back to where she was and act innocent. I was yelling at Troy once for him getting in my garbage when I realized that he had been outside the whole time.

So, Macy is not traditionally friendly, playful, or cuddly, but she is a sweetheart, and very misunderstood. See, everybody loves Troy because he's such a fun, friendly, openly-loving dog (and don't get me wrong, I completely adore the guy), but Macy is so overlooked, especially by some in our family. She is like those quiet shy kids that everybody ignores. You have to take the time to get to know her and become her friend. She will completely love you just as much as the next dog (just because she does not express it as openly as they do doesn't mean its not there).

I love her awkward lip-smacking, her chubbiness, when she wags her whole bum when she gets excited, her happy dance, her droopy face, when she flops when she wants a belly rub, her asthmatic snoring, how she can pound Troy when he's being a pest, her pathetic whine whenever she's left behind, her horse-like run, her doggie smile, the little patch of white fur on her chest, how she always lays halfway off her bed, how she refuses to look at the camera when you're taking a picture of her, how she'll push you away when you pet her because it feels so good, and simply how completely awkward, pathetic, and sweet she is all around. She'll always be my baby girl!

She couldn't even walk around the yard without lying down.

I believe this was when she had ear surgery. She has a lot of ear problems.

Macy LOVED Chase. It was pretty hard for her when he died. It was actually kind of heartbreaking.