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This is my first review, which I warn you will be ridiculously long (taking days to write for quite possibly a tiny audience consisting only of me, myself and I), so let's get to it!
Last Sunday night's Rumbelle-centric episode of Once Upon A Time was such a treat. After weeks of seeing my favorite couple together in only 20 second cameos, where their lunch dates and picnics were so rudely interrupted by various fairytale characters, Rumpel and Belle finally take center stage again!
While Belle tosses back a few at the tavern, she's joined by Dreamy. They overhear talk of a hunting party wanting a few recruits in defeating a fiery beast called the Yaoguai. Since Belle no longer has her own beast to tame, it doesn't take long for Dreamy to talk her into joining the men in their hunt.
But first, Dreamy has a little parting gift for her. A bag of sparkling fairy dust, which just might come in handy on her new-found adventure.
And for Belle, her adventure is pretty easy peasy thanks to a book on said creature and her smarts for understanding an ancient language. (Which looks remarkably similar to Chinese). After purposely leading her ride of annoying and boisterous hunters down the garden path, Belle finds the Yaoguai's cave faster than Rumpel chopped off Hook's hand.
But the Yaoguai doesn't like house guests, and has no reservations about killing girls donning perfectly arranged braids and red lipstick. Luckily for Belle, Mulan-the-bad-ass comes to her aid.
Mulan is not amused, and really doesn't care to stick around since Belle just cost her her hunt. Mulan had been tracking down the fearsome beast for weeks and Belle found it in just one day, thanks to her book... which probably had no pictures.
Rambling Note: See? Knowledge really IS POWER! That one Doctor Who episode (coincidentally with the same theme, only concerning a werewolf) and all those after school commercials weren't just engaging in lip service. Books really can be arsenal. How wonderfully nerdy is that?!
Fastforward a bit, and Mulan comes to Belle's rescue a second time. She rescues Belle from the aforementioned bullies trying to give her a good christening down a well. (Which in their simple minds she deserves, seeing how she led their gullible minds to believe that the Yaoguai prefers lake habitats to mountainous terrains. Those brutes, with all their boorishness and boasting, and let's face it... probably a lot of ungentlemanly farting and belching... learned the hard way never to trust a woman who could read and think for herself. Likewise, if she's wearing chain mail and carrying a sword, your ass is pretty much toast. I hope they learned their lesson).
Confession - As much as I've not enjoyed Mulan in this series, I loooved it when she fought the guys here. I was definitely cheering her on. Girl Power!!!!
Swallowing her pride, Mulan asks Belle to join her on her hunt. Together, they'd make a good team. Brains + Brawn = That Yaoguai is gonna be dead barbecue to feed to Mulan's entire village. It'd be like a big picnic!
But there's a problem. Mulan's leg is injured, and a la Disney's Gaston, Belle is gonna have to "KILL THE BEAST!"
And she does, figuratively speaking of course, because the fiery creature is in actual fact Aurora's boyfriend/Mulan's future loverboy Prince Phillip. That dragon lady Maleficient had cursed him! Thanks to Belle's keen interpretation of the beast's message (which he scrawls in the dirt), alongside Dreamy's bag of fairy dust, Phillip's curse is now broken.
Random Thought: Phillip explains that's he's been trying to tell the village people who he really is, but I guess loverboy's brains were a little fried (literally) because he should know aggressiveness and pillaging villages isn't exactly the way to get anyone to listen calmly. It's kinda hard to look deeper into a scenario when death is barreling towards you at 30mph.
Apparently, he tried writing a message - in fire - for help, but all the villagers knew was that their homes were being burned down by a monster that breathes fire and charges people like a lion on the kill. Even from a distant hilltop, I didn't see any message written on the grasses below. All I saw was one huge fiery doodle.
Then again, in Phillip's defense my acumen for dead languages are pretty much most definitely zippo and null.
Now for a little time traveling to Storybrooke.
In the hull of Captain Sexy's Hook's cloaked ship, Archie is being interrogated. Hook is threatening the cricket to spill the beans about where Rumpel's/The Dark One's precious dagger is. Learning that Archie truly doesn't know anything about this dagger, Hook gleans that Rumpel's most precious object is his son's cloak. (Rumpel has had success creating a magic potion that will allow him to cross the town line with his memory still intact. All it takes is one drop of this potion on the object he holds most dear, which is why Hook wants the cloak with all his evil heart. If you ask me, Hook really needs to dispense some of Archie's services for himself. Methinks Hook has a lot of issues that he really needs to let go of; mainly this vengeance crap with a man that could kill him without even touching a hair on his purty little head).
Quick Thought: I don't really know why he thinks he needs the town's shrink to help. What need does he have of Archie when he has his spy glass which can obviously see through an entire town of brick buildings? Does the brute not understand that he doesn't even need Archie when there's the shapeshifting Cora?
My personal opinion is that he just enjoys being a bully and parading around that shiny hook. I think he's become rather fond of his steampunk-ish hand.
But I digress.
Hook isn't only causing trouble for Archie. First, he breaks into Belle's library... but no worries. A shelf of books knocks him on his pretty ass, and after Belle's frantic phone call with really bad reception, Rumpel comes to her rescue. (All the while, back at Mr. Gold's Pawn Shop Smee steals the cloak for Hook. As Admiral Ackbar would say, it's a trap!)
Rumpel is pretty PO-ed. It's the same old relationship woes that we've witnessed with Rumbelle before. Rumpel wants to rip someone's heart out, but Belle can still see the good inside the beast. If anyone can reform The Dark One, it's Bookish Belle. (This would be a rather unhealthy relationship in real life, but since it's fiction I'll let it slide because I love these characters so much).
After Belle rescues Archie from the invisible ship... (those darn gulls resting in mid-air were a dead giveaway that Cora never thought of)... she searches for the cloak which Rumpel needs to find his son. (Like the American Express card, he can't leave Storybrooke without it). Unfortunate for Belle, she risked her life only to find a small chest of buried treasure.
Well, ya can't win 'em all.
Belle turns around to find Hook holding the cloak. While Belle has proven in this episode to be all bad@ss, she isn't quite quick enough to snatch back the pistol Rumpel gave her to protect herself from a particularly sexy and dastardly pirate.
I have to admit something here. Apart from Hook caressing Belle's face with a loaded gun, I was jealous of her in this scene. I don't know if it's because he's near-sighted or what, but Hook seems to be really fond of threatening his enemies with only about a half an inch between them.
All I could think during this scene was that the man put on his eyeliner a hell a lot smoother and better than I do, and that I really hope for Belle's sake that the man munches on breath mints throughout the day. Were I Belle, I could withstand Hook's threats if only he had fresh minty breath.
The importance of good oral hygiene aside, Belle learns of that little detail Rumpel left out about Milah's death. Belle was in denial for about 3 seconds, but in an instant her faith was renewed. She professes to Hook that Rumpel has changed and "his heart is true." (I think she read that in a few romance novels and liked it so much that she borrowed it for her real life. I'd do the same, so color me a little jealous again, nerdy-style). Belle then proceeds to take down Hook, who falls over like a ton of bricks. (He still manages to look all sexy when a girl in heels bests him). Bae's cloak in hand, Belle runs for her life.
But this is Hook we're talking about, and like a cheetah on the hunt he's up on the ship's deck before Belle is.
It looks like it's all over for our storybook heroine, but all that good karma from saving crickets, rescuing princes and hot dogs on the run is on her side... because behind Hook stands her lover whose heart is true!
And her lover-whose-heart-is-true proceeds to beat the everlasting hell and damnation out of Hook.
And deservedly so, I might add.
Next, we hear no whimperings from Hook. In fact, he's egging Rumpel on to rip his heart out like he did with Milah. Belle is understandably upset, not wanting to witness a murder and all, so after a little course correction she gets through to Rumpel whom let's Hook live.
Hooray!!!!!
After a heart to heart talk inside Rumpel's car, it's time for what they've all been waiting for. It's time for Rumpel to cross the town line and search for Baelfire.
But just as Rumbelle fans start to witness a smooch between the two fairytale characters, Hook gets his piece of the pie by shooting Belle.
Booooooo! You terrible and despicable rat bastard! Belle is only the #1 princess in all fairy tales! I hate you, hate you, H-A-T-E you! I'll feed you to the hungry crocodile myself!
Belle falls over the town line, losing all her memories. Hook, in that vengeful voice I can't help but be ashamed of falling in lust for, tells Rumpel that she'll live "but just won't remember who YOU are!"
A menacing cackle from Hook would have inserted itself well here, but instead we see Rumpel having a full-on nervous breakdown. Just as he begins to hurl a fireball at Hook, a car is speeding it's way INTO town.
By this point, I'm having a little breakdown of my own. I'm angry with the sexy pirate, feeling sorry for Rumbelle, but at the same time I'm relieved because finally an hour long mystery has just been solved. At last I understand why this episode was titled "The Outsider!"
So Hook gets hit by the car. I really don't care about that. It's the least he deserves after threatening innocent conscience's/crickets and bookworms.
- Is Hook dead? PLEASE, NO! I love to hate him and he's too sexy to die. Really, I just want to look at him. Is that too much to ask?
If still alive, will he still have his memory? I think he would, because the curse never affected him just as it didn't affect Emma.
- I never did speak of Snow and Charming! Snow wants to move out of her adorable shabby chic-ish cottage and spend a quiet life in Storybrooke, but Charming wants to fight, fight, FIGHT for their old home in FTL. Snow is tired of fighting, and I really can't blame her. All the same, my vote goes to Charming.
Charming 1 / Snow 0
- I'm glad the town now knows Archie is alive, but I want to know who Cora really killed.
- I'm happy for Pongo having his master back.
- Ruby and Archie totally need to hook up. Everytime I see them onscreen, I think they'd make a nice couple.
- Henry is one confused kid. One second, he's drawing up plans for an armory in his 20-something's grandmother's old room, to protect himself and Emma from the evils of Regina. Then fastforward two seconds and, learning that it was Cora that only shapeshifted as Regina to "kill" Archie... Henry tells his Mom "I knew it!" He knew all along that Regina was innocent.
Wuh-huh? Sure, kid. I'm glad Archie is back because you just might need someone to talk to about this. It's been one hell of a stressful week for you, and now you don't even have a dog.
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Over the weekend I was trying to learn how to make a navigation bar, but for the life of me couldn't unearth any tutorials on how to post inside the specific tabs.
That disappointment led to the "Pages" bar for my pets that you see above, so I'm not too bummed about it.
As I was doing that, it got me to thinking about whether I'm really a cat or dog person. I know that a lot of people who know me think I'm a cat person, but I think that's because they themselves don't belong to the cat fan club.
Personally, I prefer both. I find dogs to be the kindest, most sympathetic of the two. Cats on the other hand... well, my cats were never big snugglers but they gave me such peace of mind whenever I was on vacation or out of town. When I'm away, I know I don't have to worry. Wendy really could care less that I'm gone, whereas I know full well that the dogs will be confused and endlessly eagle-eying the front and back doors for our return.
And this is one biggie in the dogs favor:
No litter box! It's a necessary evil, but I do hate it. IMMENSELY!!!!!
I do miss having a bird. I used to have a canary named Westley, and he sang so beautifully. I did worry about him a lot though. (Canaries are really sensitive to their surroundings and even household chemicals). It's pathetic how obsessed I was with this little bird's happiness. After his death, I had nightmares about him for at least 10 years. (This tends to be how I deal with pet losses. My bad dreams about Westley went away only a few months ago).
I'm rambling now, so I'll end this post by asking what is YOUR preference? I've always wanted to do a poll, so you can vote on the one posted in the sidebar. If you wish, you can elaborate (aka ramble as I do oh-so-well) in any comments below.
Here are the choices:
1). Cat's Rule, Dog's Drool!
2). Cats, but only because they're going to take over the world one day.
3). Slimy and/or scaly creatures are more my thing.
4). I don't have time for either. I'm too busy raising my screaming offspring.
5). I'm not owned by any pets. It's easier to just watch other people's pets on YouTube.
6). I prefer feathers over fur.
7). Dogs, obviously. Backwards, "dog" spells "God" and my dog reveres me as one.
8). I love cats and dogs equally.
9). Robot pet. There's no mess, you can turn down the volume, and they're battery operated.
10). Other.
11). I am neither a dog or cat PERSON, because I'm an alien; an extraterrestrial from the planet Vulcan!
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“I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second.”
How do you feel about New Years Resolutions? Friend or Foe?
This week I've been reading a lot of blog posts speaking about this, and there seems to be a 50/50 split. Some people take them very seriously, while others regard them in the same light as emptying the litter box.
I used to be the former. If New Years Resolutions were a subject in school, inside my teacher's grade book there would be a sparkling A next to my name. It isn't even crazy to say that I'd be offering after school tutoring sessions on how to beat your New Years Resolutions into shape. My own teacher would probably be a student of mine.
These days however, probably thanks to burnout, I don't have much use for them. Last year I didn't make any. If I did, I'm sure I forgot all about them by January 2nd.
But this year I started thinking really hard about it. (Insomnia makes me think even more than I usually do, which is saying something as the mind chatter inside my head is neverending). I decided that it doesn't matter what I call them - goals, resolutions, or a healthier lifestyle - and that no one is "positively perfect in every way." We can't all be Mary Poppins. (Actually, scratch that. Mary Poppins has got to be the most imperfect fictional character of all time with a pompous statement like that). There's always room for improvement.
So here's what I came up with, at 4 o'clock in the morning:
- The simple phrase, “Let go.” Stop worrying so much over trivial things. It’s exhausting and a ridiculous waste of perfectly good energy.
- Imperfection is okay, so stop comparing your creative endeavors and yourself to others.
- I know it can feel like climbing Mount Everest without oxygen, but do your best to change your attitude over certain things... especially when it comes to matters that you have absolutely no control over.
- Find a way to better separate yourself from others emotions.
- Finally learn how to play that guitar, and even though you can hardly draw a stick figure please attempt to learn how to draw. You’ve always wanted to possess that talent. While you’ll never be anything like a Beatrix Potter or Tasha Tudor, at least you can feel good that you at least tried. (See Resolution # 2). Effort does count for something.
- Even though I already have several blogs, I would like to create another one elsewhere. A clean slate and anonymity agrees with me.
- Manage that over thinking. It’s okay that it’s nearly impossible to quiet your mind. Just try your best to turn down the volume of your thoughts. If they’re negative, push either the “ignore” or “self destruct” button. If the thoughts are positive ones, embrace them.
- To experience a well-rested night of sleep, force yourself to go to bed before 9 pm.
~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~
Now, I'm not saying that I'm sticking to any of these. I'm just saying that I've tossed the little buggers in the air and understand full well that subscribing to even one of them is a healthy step in the right direction.
I decided to start the New Year by saving a lot of my favorite music on YouTube. After having done that, I've come to the conclusion that I still enjoy the music from my childhood and junior high days the most.
Anyone remember this one? Or was this way before your time?
If so, I beg you to please humor me by keeping that information to yourself. 
I'm not a fan of acknowledging chronological age. I like to pretend that I just don't believe in it.
Anyhow, this video was only THE COOLEST VIDEO EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF NOT ONLY THE WORLD BUT THE UNIVERSE! It was boss back then, and it still is. It's like the Mona Lisa of 80's music videos. It's timeless!
(Via)
Season 3 of Downton Abbey airs tomorrow!!!! I'm so glad I'm finally caught up on this show, thanks to good old Saint Nick bringing me the Seasons 1 and 2 DVD set for Christmas.
Don't hate me, but below I'm going to post just a few new pics. I had to take more since we turned on the fireplace for a change. It's been a rainy, wonderfully cool day so there was nothing to do other than take pictures.
Since all the other Christmas decorations have been put away, all left is the village and tree. I started taking off the ornaments, but look at what I'm dealing with here.
I'm dealing with A LOT of ornaments on a 9 foot tree to say sad goodbyes to. So far I've only taken off 9 of them. 9 out of possibly hundreds. (This year I'm determined to make an official tally of them. We have a bet going against my brother. I can't wait to see him lose!)
Abby and I played with her new Christmas baby today. Believe it or not, a couple nights ago was the first time she actually placed a baby/stuffed animal at my feet to play tug-of-war with and chase. (Finally, she's starting to act like a real dog and not a human baby). This is not usual for her, since she's obsessed with just hiding her babies behind the couch and guarding them. I even found Wendy's catnip mouse back there.
If there was a hoarding show for dogs, she'd be on it.
Look at these sleepyheads.
Chewing rawhides, playing with their toys and begging for people food is exhausting work.
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At first, I was undecided but now I think this is so amazing. It's definitely different. I've heard 2 or 3 of their songs before, but I never knew they did all these remakes.
The songs I've heard by them before are these:
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And here's the original song, "My Immortal" by Evanescence. I love both versions of these songs. It's sad, but beautiful.
I confess that I'm guilty of enjoying sad music. As Sally Sparrow said in Doctor Who, "Sad is Happy for Deep People."
- Along with Downton Abbey, Once Upon A Time airs tomorrow too. I don't know if I can handle this much joy in one night!
- I really need to raid the kitchen because this cooler weather has influenced Mom into baking and cooking a lot over the weekend. We have all this wonderful food - left over BBQ, Long John Silvers, homemade Cinnamon Crumb Cake, homemade Lemon Meringue Pie, homemade potato soup, cinnamon bread, powdered donuts, a box of assorted Milano cookies - yet I'm not even hungry.
- I forgot to mention that my niece and nephew were on tv again. Their high school's football team made Championship, and it took place at The Cowboy's Stadium! (Their team won, by the way).
The camera panned on my nephew and his girlfriend a couple times, and before the band played at halftime I heard them announce my niece's name... complete with her nickname "Lethal Weapon." (Because she's a 2nd degree black belt. Her brother is, too).
- My poor brother-in-law just lost his job, but thankfully he already has an interview with someone he's worked with before. Hopefully everything will work out for him, and I hear he wasn't happy at his old job. I really hope this is a blessing in disguise for them.
- I'm extremely jealous of all this snow people are getting. It's been in the mid-40's here lately, which is a pretty awesome change, but snow would be so nice. I don't think I've seen even a dusting of snow in 9 years.
Although we do have ice in our freezer. Does that count?
