My Baby Girl

Today, a precious angel was taken from us.

Macy has been a member of our family for ten+ years. I remember my mom and dad surprising us with her all those years ago. We knew we were getting another puppy, but we thought she was coming in three weeks. Then, one day, we went over to our friends, the Dicksons' house and lo and behold, there she was, the cutest darn fur baby you ever did see!

I also remember debating over what to name her for what seemed like hours. We were all sitting on the floor in a circle as she gradually moved from lap to lap and fell asleep, sometimes she couldn't even muster up the energy to reach the next lap and would just fall asleep on the floor halfway there (she wasn't much of a player). It took us FOREVER to agree on a name, but eventually we decided on Macy.

Not much changed in her personality from that night. Really, all she would do was sleep. I remember taking her into the backyard and she could hardly make it a few feet before collapsing and falling asleep on the grass. She was super shy and you had to work hard to earn her trust. She wasn't an aggressive dog though, just very timid. She didn't like anyone getting in her personal space without a significant amount of trust. She wanted to get to know people, you could always see it in her eyes, but she was just scared to.

I'll tell you, the one person she absolutely LOVED AND ADORED was Chase, our other dog. She followed him everywhere! She was always climbing all over him, cuddling with him, and mimicking his every move (which was unfortunate because he had a couple bad habits like escaping the yard).

Speaking of escaping the yard, there was one time when Macy was still fairly young that the two of them got out during a rainstorm. All of us went out and searched for them forever! Eventually, we found Chase, but there was no sign of Macy. We were all a little panic-y because she was still a puppy and also (like I said) timid. Mom drove the car around while us kids rode our bikes through the rain. There's this huge hill that leads down to a back road which separates our neighborhood from the highway. I thought I could ride down there and check, but then I was concerned about riding back up the hill afterwards and I didn't think there was any way she could've got out that far. However, I decided I might as well check, so I rode all the way out there.

As I was riding along the back road, something caught my eye: some movement in the cow pasture. I stopped and looked. Sure enough, it was baby Macy bounding towards the highway. I stopped and called to her. I couldn't go to her because of the barbed wire fence, so I just kept calling. Eventually, she stopped and came back. She was so happy to see me, shivering under my coat, probably from cold and fear (and maybe some happiness). I called my mom and she came and drove her home.

After Chase died, Macy was heartbroken. And while she had never been the most energetic and playful dog before, she definitely sobered up even more once he was gone. She got stuck with dumbhead Troy, our third Weimaraner; her complete opposite in every way. He always wanted to play, run, and cuddle with people-- everything Macy did not want to do. While she definitely liked him (most of the time), she definitely was not as close to him as she was with Chase.

I have many fond memories of this girl and her funny, subdued personality. I always described her as a cat disguised as a dog who moved like a horse. She liked to be touched, but only in certain spots and at certain times, she slept like 20 hours of the day, she didn't like to cuddle, she slept in strange places and positions, and you had to work for her trust... like a cat. She also galloped just like a horse when she ran; it was the funniest thing to watch. She was the clumsiest thing ever. If she ever actually tried to do dog-like things, it was like watching a horse try to do those things (like cuddle, play, etc.) She just was not good at it.

Troy is a natural at all those things. He is 100% pure dog. Whenever we would play with him, every once in a while, Macy would try to get in on the action, but would only get in the way because she was too slow and/or just didn't know what was going on. We nick-named her the "fun buster." We usually let her join in because it was so rare that she would try unless the sole purpose of this fun was to burn off some of Troy's energy and she was just getting run over.

My favorite memories of Macy is just hanging out with her in my room. She became my buddy when I got older. During the couple years when I came home from college and was just working at Togo's, I hung out in my room a lot, on my computer and what-not. Macy decided she liked hanging out in there with me. She didn't love being on my bed because of personal space, so she'd chill on the floor. Eventually, we put her very own cushion in there for her because she was in there so much. She also liked sleeping under my bed. Sometimes, I would come in and sit on my bed and I would be there for like an hour and then all of a sudden, there would be movement from under the bed. It would totally freak me out because she would be so quiet, I had no idea she was there.

Because I became her buddy, she definitely trusted me a lot. I think we both had very similar personalities at the core. She always let me invade her personal space no matter what. She would let me do whatever-- put my face right in hers, lay on top of her, touch her paws (she hated that), kiss her nose, etc.

Now, for some funny/memorable things about her:

• The Flop: whenever you walked towards her, she would flop on her back, meaning she wanted you to rub her tummy
• Droopy face
• The white spot on her chest
• Getting excited over ice
• Lip smacking
• Whimpering and twitching while she dreamed
• Sleeping in weird/uncomfortable positions
• Her big, fat, lumpy tummy
• Stealing Troy's bone even though she already had her own
• Her groans as she adjusted herself
• The mighty squirrel-catcher
• Her dainty poses
• Her doggy smile
• Us saying "Macy! Macy!" like Nefreteri from The Ten Commandments
• Her terrible hot breath whenever she panted
• Eating Troy's food because he was too distracted
• Not caring at all about Troy (or at least pretending not to)
• Being such a good girl at the vet-- everyone knew and loved her there
• Being the most pathetic creature in the world whenever she got medical work done
• Never complaining about her pain (from her ears, her lumps, her hips, etc.). She just dealt with it like a trooper
• Acting like she's asleep or not caring when really she's calculating and planning to steal food, Troy's bone, or something
• Her deep, manly bark (especially compared to Troy's high-pitched, baby bark)
• Her little trot
• How she was always happy no matter what even if she was sleepy, timid, and droopy

I am going to miss her so much! (I was crying a lot while writing this.) She was such a good girl even if she wasn't your typical dog. But that's what made her special. I love you so much, Macy! Go have fun with Chase and Mika without all your ailments. <3 p="">

Animated Crushes

I decided to compile a list of my animated crushes. No particular reason, I’ve just been thinking about it recently. I have, in fact, ranked them. I am including ALL my animated crushes, not just Disney. These are crushes I’ve had over the years. Some of them still linger or are even in full swing (mostly the top five or six are the most prominent currently)...

15) Simba- The Lion King

The first movie I ever loved (like, literally)! Don’t talk to me about beastiality because I think the first elephant in the room we should address is that all these guys are ANIMATED!!! I remember watching it as a kid and I just thought Simba was the coolest, but then when I got a little older, I realized how much I really liked him. As an adult, I think I’ve gotten over the crush, but I definitely have a soft spot for him.

14) Phillip- Sleeping Beauty

I remember as a kid I thought he was awesome for all the things he did at the end of the movie like killing a dragon and such (I still think it’s pretty cool). He’s one of the few princes who really steal the spotlight in a princess movie. He’s also got my favorite line in the movie: “Now, father, you’re living in the past. This is the fourteenth century.” Haha! Then, of course, he’s very handsome as he should be.

13) Eric- The Little Mermaid

I don’t have much to say about him except he’s probably one of the most handsome of all the princes. His dark hair and blue eyes! *swoon* And he’s just so nice and happy all the time. What a good guy! And he has a dog!

12) Hercules- Hercules

Love this guy! He’s like an awkward, shy kid in a giant body. He’s such a cute, naive little sweetheart who’s out to do good. I love how he stumbles over himself all the time and has a minor stammer, especially when he’s around Meg. “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.” Yes!

11) Robin Hood- Disney’s Robin Hood

Man, I still think he’s the coolest! He’s so suave and chill, escaping the law with such ease. Plus he’s so kind to the people of Nottingham and really good with kids. Not to mention how romantic and totally in love with Maid Marian he is. I also love his English accent. I don’t care that he’s a fox! He’s awesome!

10) Flint Lockwood- Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

This might sound dumb to some people, but I 100% had a crush on him. This movie is one of my guilty pleasures and I guess I just like those brainy, awkward, quirky, funny weirdo-types (but in an endearing way). 

9) Max Goof- A Goofy Movie

He’s just so relatable with how awkward and insecure he is. He’s such a teenager, but underneath his angsty exterior, he cares a lot about others (especially his dad) and he’s so genuine in trying to make them happy. Plus, he’s so cool in those few scenes when he’s dancing on stage.

8) Shang- Mulan

What a boss! And what a hunk! He’s so honorable and awesome (“a life for a life. My debt is repaid.”) And he sings the best Disney song ever written, so there’s that too.

7) Aladdin- Aladdin

Our street rat-turned prince with a heart of gold (our “diamond in the rough” if you will). Find somebody who doesn’t love Aladdin, I dare you! Fun fact, the animators were going to model his design after Michael J. Fox, but thought he was too skinny, so they went for Tom Cruise instead. You can definitely see it.

6) Zuko- Avatar: The Last Airbender

Ooh boy! Talk about a complex character. My roommate has a SERIOUS crush on this guy and for good reason. He’s got so many sides to him and he’s so interesting! All throughout the show, you just find yourself totally invested in him. And by the third season, when he grows out his hair, you’re like, “whoa, hello Zuko! *cat call*”

5) Dimitri- Anastasia

A very early crush from my childhood. I remember being little and totally loving him. “Maybe we should stop [spinning]” “We have stopped.” He’s just so cute! And-- as my roommate recently pointed out-- he dresses well.

4) Hiccup- How to Train Your Dragon (series)

He’s cute, he’s smart, he’s brave, he’s witty, he’s a peace-keeper, he stands up for what he believes in, and he loves animals (or dragons, I guess). What else could you ask for?

3) Hector- Coco

Man, don’t even get me started on this guy! I could write a novel! I love his optimism, his charisma, his goofiness. And he’s so sweet and such a good dad (not just to Coco, but to Miguel too). Plus, he’s a musician! That’s always some extra points :D

2) Ron Stoppable- Kim Possible

This is a deep-rooted crush. I’ve loved him since childhood. He’s one of my earliest loves, probably because I relate to him a little bit. He’s clumsy and awkward, he’s a social outcast, but he takes it in stride. He is always himself no matter what people say about him. He’s so supportive, he’s funny, and totally lovable. And who doesn’t want a romance like Kim and Ron? Falling in love with your best friend? So cute!

1) Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert- Tangled

My number one spot! Is anyone even surprised about this? He’s funny, he’s smokin’, he’s charming, he sings, and he’s a rogue with a heart of gold. Plus, he DIED for love! Not to mention he’s voiced by my number one celebrity crush ;P I just love how he treats Rapunzel after he warms up to her and how he looks at her! Ahh! *swoon* 

Now, some honorable mentions. These are the guys whom I really, really liked and/or thought were cute, but it never developed into a full-on crush...

Kristoff- Frozen

Jim Hawkins- Treasure Planet

Tarzan- Tarzan

Nick Wilde- Zootopia

Naveen- The Princess and the Frog

Wilbur Robinson- Meet the Robinsons

Danny- Cats Don’t Dance

My Favorite Disney Songs

I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorite Disney songs... I mean, they’re basically ALL my favorites, but I tried to narrow it down some. Trust me, it was no easy task. I couldn’t even get it down to a top 10. The best I could do was top 15. Disney is ACTUALLY my life! You think I love Star Wars or Marvel? No! It’s Disney all the way! (I guess, technically those are both Disney now. Ha!) What I mean is, traditional animated Disney films. Those are my whole world. And the songs are just such a huge part of them. I know every single movie and all their songs backwards and forward. I own every single song and have a very extensive playlist.

So here are my top 15 favorite Disney songs in alphabetical order (I can’t even rank them):

“After Today”- A Goofy Movie

I just love singing along to it with all the different voices. I like these ensemble songs as you get a feel for the tone of the movie, the main character’s struggles/personality, and a great sense of movement as he/she interacts with different people and places.

“Belle”- Beauty and the Beast

Another ensemble song-- a total classic. This is the epitome of a great musical introduction. I love how bouncy and fun it is.

“Friends On the Other Side”- The Princess and the Frog

Great villain song! It’s so dark and mysterious and yet sort of fun at the same time.

“Gaston”- Beauty and the Beast

An untraditional villain song where the villain isn’t singing about his/her evil plan or something, but instead others are singing ABOUT the villain. And if these lyrics aren’t some of the cleverest/funniest you’ve ever heard in your life, there’s something the matter with you.

“Go the Distance”- Hercules

One of the great motivational Disney songs. It’s so empowering, the way it builds and builds. And it’s so beautiful!

“Hellfire”- The Hunchback of Notre Dame

One of the greatest villain songs ever written! Holy cow! SO DARK!!! That choir chanting, the totally twisted subject matter. Whew! And if you actually watch the scene, the visuals are stunning!

“How Far I’ll Go”- Moana

Might be totally cliche of me, but there’s no denying that this song is amazing. It might not be my favorite movie, but I will say that I loved the music.

“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”- The Lion King

This song is a lot of fun. Don’t tell me you don’t just want to start dancing whenever it starts playing.

“I’ll Make a Man Out of You”- Mulan

One of the greatest Disney songs EVER! If anyone ever says “let’s get down to business” everyone automatically wants “to defeat the Huns.” This song will get anyone pumped up, guaranteed! It’s a great work out song.

“I Won’t Say I’m In Love”- Hercules

I love this one! Everyone tries vocalizing with Meg (and often fails). The attitude in this song is REAL (and that’s why it’s so fun to sing).

“Kiss the Girl”- The Little Mermaid

I was debating hard on whether I should put this one or “Under the Sea.” I ultimately went with this one because I love singing “shalalalala” and also it’s just so jazzy.

“Prince Ali”- Aladdin

What is there to say about this one except it’s awesome? I love how over-the-top it is. It’s like, is there anything this Prince Ali guy DOESN’T have? Haha!

“Out There”- The Hunchback of Notre Dame

What an underrated song! It seriously needs more recognition! You think songs like “Go The Distance” and “How Far I’ll Go” are great empowering songs? You gotta listen to this one. Just the way it builds and builds to that final note! Ooh! And its beautiful message! I just love it so much! I could listen to it all day!

“Stand Out”- A Goofy Movie

A great message and a great beat. I really like how the two songs sung by the rock star in this movie reflect what’s going on in the story-- the motivations of the characters, their conflicts, etc. (And I just slightly like this one better than “I2I”) 

“Wherever You Are”- Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin

This one is definitely a lesser known song from a lesser known movie, but I personally think it’s a beautiful song from an adorable and hilarious movie. I’ve always wanted a nice piano version of this song, but because it’s so unpopular, no one’s bothered to adapt it. Oh well, I still love it!

Aladdin (2019): Review- SPOILER FREE

So I went and saw the new Aladdin movie tonight... This is a subject of serious debate with a lot of people, so let me just tell you what I think:

I have been getting pumped for this movie over a long period of time. I have been bouncing back and forth for a long time on whether I was actually excited for it or not-- when the first teaser came out, I was cautiously optimistic since it didn’t show very much. However, when the second teaser came out and showed the Genie for the first time, I was taken aback like everybody else. I tried super hard to remain optimistic, but I had to admit, it wasn’t looking very good. However, by the time the first official trailer came out, I was pumped again-- Genie looked way better, “A Whole New World” was teased, and everything else looked awesome.

Ever since that trailer, I have been psyching myself out for the movie. I was subscribed to the Disney YouTube channel and the closer it got to the release date, the more promos and teasers they released, only pumping me up more.

Finally, cut to today. I went and saw it with my roommates. Was it as good as I hoped it would be?

First, let me clarify that I certainly did not expect it to be BETTER than the original. Because how could it? The original is fantastic! However, I was expecting something fun and entertaining that could maybe stand up next to the original and be unashamed.

Well... in most ways, I would say yes it was that movie. However, it of course, had its problems and pitfalls too. First, let me rave about it and put people’s doubts to rest:

It was a very fleshed out movie. You know how in the Beauty and the Beast remake, how it tried to fill in some plot holes, tried to round out Belle and the Beast, and make their relationship more realistic... but then it didn’t completely work out in some areas and felt a little clunky? Well, as far as I can remember Aladdin only improved upon its story. I know people don’t like to see it, but the original Aladdin has a million plot holes and I think this new one really filled them in.

Tying into that, the romance felt much more realistic and authentic. The two leads had excellent chemistry and there were several extra scenes added to give them time to get to know each other rather than a “love at first sight” experience.

Something else I got straight away, even from the trailers, were the beautiful sceneries and the absolutely stunning costumes (especially Jasmine’s). If you don’t enjoy anything else about this film, you can at least stare at the splendor and beauty. While I’m complimenting looks, I have to praise the actors for not just looking the part (Aladdin seriously looked and sounded almost exactly liked his animated counterpart and Jasmine was fabulously gorgeous), but they played their parts extremely well. And props to Disney for casting Middle Eastern actors in almost every role.

Speaking of actors, I know everybody has been nervous about Will Smith as the Genie, but honestly, he was probably the best part in the film! He was so funny! (I was saying this before I even saw the film, but) he wasn’t trying to replace or redo what Robin Williams did in the role, he was bringing his own spin to it. The reason everybody loved Robin Williams in the role so much was because he brought his own personality into it, like with the voices and impressions and his own personal charisma and energy-- that’s why everyone loved it. So, that’s exactly what Will Smith did, but in his own style; he brought his own personality. He brought it his sassiness, his rapping, his coolness, his personal charisma, and everything he’s known for into the character... And it was awesome!

Lastly on the good parts, the morals were super strong. The morals taught in the original were still there along with some other ones thrown on top. Also, I felt they were more obvious, but in a good way. I was feeling all the feels! Lately, Disney has been on this trend of trying to shove morals down our throats, especially really annoying morals like feminism or something. And while those morals aren’t necessarily bad, it gets annoying when it’s shoved in your face in a not-so-subtle way. However, in this movie there was a very natural message about strong women that didn’t annoy me at all.

Now that I’ve got all the good stuff out of the way, I do have to point out some of the flaws...

The most obvious is that the musical numbers were not as strong. I wouldn’t go as far as to call them “bad,” but most of them definitely weren’t as fun and catchy as the originals. Some of the dance numbers are really cool though since they take inspiration from Bollywood-style dance.

Then, I mentioned plot changes. Since there were so many changes, they cut down on other parts which made the story feel rushed at times, particularly at the beginning. 

I mentioned a message about strong women before, obviously this change had to do with Jasmine. While I won’t go into detail with what changes they made to her character, I will say in their attempt to make her more “interesting,” I personally felt like they took away her personality. She might have more screen time in this film than she did in the original, but she is a lot more boring. However, that is just my opinion. They might’ve subdued her on purpose in an attempt to make her appear more regal and less seemingly immature.

However, other than those few things, there isn’t really anything I can think of that I disliked or was annoyed with. I might have to see it again in order to analyze it further (and I am definitely going to see it again). There’s probably more I could talk about, both good and bad, but I’ll end it here. I’ve given enough for everyone to chew on. I’ll end with my rating... probably a 7.5/10, at least for now. Prone to change.

Top 10 Looney Tunes Cartoons

Recently, I’ve been rewatching the old classic Looney Tunes cartoons. I grew up watching these thanks to my dad. As I watched them, I took a fun trip down memory lane and came across some of my old favorites. I decided to make a list of my top 10 favorite shots. Now, keep in mind, these are my personal top 10, they’re not exactly the most famous or the highest quality. I also tried my best to have a variety (because there’s no doubt that the Bugs Bunny ones really tickle my fancy). Anyways, on we go. My top 10 Looney Tunes episodes:

10) Plop Goes the Weasel

Foghorn Leghorn 

The dog is in charge of guarding the chicken coop and Foghorn is tormenting him as usual by letting loose all the chicks. A weasel shows up and starts trying to steal the chicks. Foghorn teams up with the weasel to try and torment the dog further.

I love the stupid weasel and his slobbering. Also the visual gags are great. Usually I appreciate Foghorn Leghorn cartoons the most because of the jokes made through Foghorn's talking. However, the physical comedy in this one is on point.

9) Room and Bird

Sylvester and Tweety

Sylvester and Tweety are smuggled by their owners into a hotel that doesn’t allow pets. They engage in a chase throughout the hotel while simultaneously trying to avoid the hotel manager.

This one cracks me up on a number of levels. It’s got the usual Sylvester vs. Tweety chase, but I love how they will suddenly become allies to avoid the manager. I especially love the Scooby Doo-like door scene. 

8) For Scent-imental Reasons

Pepe le Pew

A perfume shop owner comes across Pepe le Pew in his store and sends a black cat in to try and get rid of him. The usual shenanigans ensue where the cat’s back is accidentally dyed white and Pepe falls madly in love, engaging in a store-wide chase. 

There’s not a whole lot about this cartoon that makes it stand out from other Pepe le Pew cartoons; the formula is the same. However, it does have a funny little twist at the end and also I think just a lot of Pepe’s lines are so much funnier than they sometimes are as he tries to woo the cat.

7) Scaredy Cat

Porky Pig and Sylvester

Porky and his cat, Sylvester, move into a new home. Sylvester is terrified of the obviously spooky house while Porky is content with the place. Sylvester’s worrying is not in vain though when he discovers the mouse inhabitants are trying to murder them.

This is an especially dark episode, but it never ceases to be funny in the way Porky reacts to Sylvester’s crazy antics.

6) A Fractured Leghorn

Foghorn Leghorn

A cat is trying to catch some fish, cut can’t do so without a worm on the hook. He soon finds himself competing with Foghorn to catch a worm.

I love this one so much because Foghorn just does NOT stop talking. I also love how it ends; the cat’s one line is the perfect punchline to the joke being set up through the episode.

5) Knighty Knight Bugs

Bugs Bunny

In King Arthur’s court, the knights find that the king’s prized possession, the Singing Sword, has been stolen by the Black Knight. They are terrified to go after it because the Black Knight has a fire breathing dragon. The king ultimately sends his jester, Bugs Bunny, after the sword.

Yosemite Sam is one of my favorite Bugs Bunny antagonists-- his short temper and constant yelling. I love him and the dragon. It was a stroke of genius to give the dragon a cold.

4) Hillbilly Hare

Bugs Bunny

While vacationing in the Ozarks, Bugs is accosted by two hillbilly brothers. Bugs ultimately tricks them into a brutal square dance.

Most of the episode is sort of average, but the square dance at the end is the real winner. It is pure genius and so funny!

3) My Bunny Lies Over the Sea

After taking a wrong turn at Albuquerque  Bugs ends up in Scotland and runs into a highlander who challenges him to a game of golf.

“Ya rrrruined ma pipes-ah!” I love Bugs always getting the one-up on the cranky antagonists. This golf game is too hilarious.

2) Bully for Bugs

Bugs Bunny

After taking a wrong turn at Albuquerque, Bugs finds himself right in the center of a bullfighting ring up against a very angry bull.

The bull in this is too funny! Even though he doesn't talk, the physical comedy is spot on.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Rabbit of Seville

A-Lad-In His Lamp

Rabbitson Crusoe

Long-Haired Hare

Feed the Kitty

1) High-Diving Hare

Bugs is the host of a variety show with Fearless Freep as a high diver. Yosemite Sam eagerly awaits Fearless Freep’s act, but when Freep is unable to make it, Sam forces Bugs to make the dive.

This cartoon is one of the first Looney Tunes I ever saw and it was so funny (so I guess it has a special place in my heart). I just thought it was so funny how Bugs always managed to get Sam to go off the diving board and yet Sam was stubborn and stupid enough to keep trying to get Bugs to go.