March | 2016 | astoldbytaniya

The Adventures of A Kid Movie Lover: The Good Dinosaur

Posted on March 23, 2016 by astoldbytaniya

THIS DOESN’T HAVE ANY SPOILERS TO THE GOOD DINOSAUR! SPOILERS FOR THE LION KING!

Many would say my obsession with animated children movies is a problem. I’ve had a couple of ‘frenemies‘ say that it is only due to my lack of wanting to grow up. Cue eye rolling. However, I digress.

My love for Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks movies are the only thing that keeps me sane. I promise! Come on, we all know how stressful ‘adulting’ can be. BILLS! BILLS! BILLS! On a night when I need to unwind, I can always count on my movies. I’ll pull out my old school VHS player and press rewind for some great singing and dancing.

My absolute favorite childhood film is The Lion King. It’s an amazing quality that I can quote it from beginning to end. I sing along to all the songs and pretend that I have great friends like Timon and Pumbaa. I cry whenever Simba is running after the gazelles to save his trampled father. I pretend that maybe, just maybe, the story will change were the greatest king that ever lived, Mufasa, will be able to return home with Simba. I just pray that they’ll stop Scar and run the Pridelands together.

Even more than that, I enjoy the rivoting story of a young cub growing into a king. He, after watching him grow up, finally finds the strength within to overcome his past. He has to come to grips with the past of accidentally causing the death of his father. He even has a moment with his father appearing in the stars and in the pond near him. It’s, in my opinion, the greatest scene in any movie ever made.

Overall, I love the inspiration that the story gives. I never felt I would find a movie even remotely close to that. Until last week, I went to see a movie with my daycare kids called, The Good Dinosaur.

The kids raved and ranted to me all week about the movie. They said and I quote how it was the greatest movie ever and how emotional it made. I, considering their rants and raves about everything, took their comments lightly. Was I wrong? No one could blame me though. These are the same children that ranted and raved to me about Frozen. Don’t get me wrong, Frozen is awesome. However, it was not the greatest child animated film. According to them, it was.

Thursday, March 17th, was the day I realized there was another movie right underneath the greatest. Within five seconds of the movie, I knew that I was hooked. I couldn’t compare myself to such a magical experience. I will try not to include any spoilers. However, I will try in a couple of steps to explain to you why you should see “The Good Dinosaur”. If you are a Lion King fan, this is a requirement.

Scenery

The film’s digital scenery is like none that I’ve seen before. It’s very detailed and pure. It’s so realistic that most could look at this photo and think it’s real. If you look closely you can see our protagonist, Arlo is on the top. Arlo is a lime green dinosaur that captures your heart from the start. The second thing that captures your heart is the beautiful place and scenery that the film showcases. I thought nothing could compare to the Pridelands until I say Arlo’s back door.

Friendships

As you get older, friendships dwindle or fade away. There are some that have the same few friends since they can remember. There are others like our good dinosaur, Arlo, that make friends that will leave a lasting impression on our life. Arlo meets a interesting sidekick that he once hates but later feels responsible for. Arlo and his friend (will not ruin name) go through the test of times together. They are a great example of what friendship means opposite Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR SEEING THE LIGHT An Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend in DisneyPixars The Good Dinosaur. Directed by Peter Sohn, The Good Dinosaur opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 25, 2015. ©2015 DisneyPixar. All Rights Reserved. (Stills edited by Stitch Kingdom)

Underdog

Every movie has one. This isn’t a spoiler. Arlo, is similar to our wonder hero from The Lion King, Simba. Arlo has to fight through his past to overcome his deepest fears and be the good dinosaur fans know he can be. Arlo doesn’t disappoint.

Great Storyline

Story’s that captivate you no matter your age are the best. For me, I looked around the theater that Thursday afternoon and saw all ages crying, laughing and cheering. Adults taking their children, grandparents that their grandchildren, could all be seen smiling after leaving. I knew then that this movie had a strong effect and should be seen by everyone possible. The main reason that this movie really captures people is because of its relatable tone and voice of reason. It’s deep message could be used throughout one’s life. Similar to Lion King’s effect of embracing oneself, The Good Dinosaur allows viewers to desire that feeling. “The Good Dinosaur” the essence that adults and children near and far will doubt themselves sometimes. The true goal is to be loyal, honest, true and overall, good.

http://media.photobucket.com/user/horseanne/media/windowslivewriterlionking-df21lion-.jpg.html?filters[term]=lion%20king%20sunset&filters[primary]=images&filters[secondary]=videos&sort=1&o=20

Still from the movie, The Lion King. Recieved from Photo Bucket.

The Adventures of a Sick Person

Posted on March 7, 2016 by astoldbytaniya

This post is one that many readers can relate to. This post evaluates the issue of being sick. Many of us can feel tough and invincible until we are hurling over a toilet, coughing until we can’t breathe or running a horrible fever with chills. This week I was stopped right in my tracks with this issue and sense it consumed me I decided to evaluate the situation.

Denial

This past week I experienced something that wasn’t in my planner. This issue scratched everything that was planned out and became a top priority. I kept feeling at the start of the week very sluggish, tired, and queasy. I knew that I had been overworking myself. However, it was when I was trying to do the news for my Wednesday night show and was in extreme pain that reality struck.

My tryout session for NTTV news. It’s like I could see this moment in the future. (Credit: Sophia Constantine)

I realized that I was sick.

If you’re like me, you don’t have time to be sick. There’s so many things that need to be done. I always say to myself, “If I can just make it to the weekend. I will rest up and take care of myself.” Well, my body wasn’t relying on the weekend. After vomiting my soul in a toilet from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, I understood that my body had crashed. I texted my boss after my third bathroom visit and told her that I wouldn’t come into work. Plans had officially changed.

Self-Diagnosis:

This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. I knew in my heart that this was an average case of a stomach bug. I remembered a couple of people I knew had it some days ago. However, when you feel horrible and nearly want to die to relieve the pain, you’ll try anything.

I looked up online all of my symptoms and found out the possible illnesses. After sometime I realized, I could either have a case of an Appendicitis or a stomach bug. WebMD is great for the simple analysis but if you don’t want to scare yourself, don’t go on.

Sleep All Day and Night

After finally dry heaving into the toilet the last deposits of my stomach, I finally could rest in bed. I had been sleeping in the bathroom after being tired of running in every 20 minutes.

My only destination when I’m sick…. my bed. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Once I climbed into my bed, I slept for what seemed like forever. It was understandable considering I felt like I had been hit by a wrecking ball the size of the sun. I remember waking up at one point and having my head leaning over the edge of the bed and one sock off. It felt amazing finally not vomiting. I had the after effects of an unsettled stomach that would linger throughout the day. After the 3^rd nap, I was able to look at my television.

Random Marathons

There’s usually only one thing you can do when you are sick. That is to watch television. It’s interesting what’s really on television in the daytime. I usually don’t get a chance with work and school. That wasn’t the case today. First, I watched a couple of daytime talk shows. It’s amazing how many of them they have. I learned how to properly fold a fitted sheet and underwear. Then, I had the channel on a Law and Order marathon. It was delightful because in between naps I would wake up for either the end of an episode or the beginning. I became a really good detective and had a 70 percent chance of picking the right killer. Lastly, I watched one of my favorite childhood channels, Nickelodeon. It was interesting because for four hours they had SpongeBob on. I was a bit aggravated considering all the possible shows they could’ve played. However, after SpongeBob they played two of my favorite shows, iCarly and Victorious. They are two shows that made me laugh in my time of need. Considering when I’m sick how emotional I can get, the shows were a ray of sunshine.

The Keepers

I am very grateful that I live at home for many reasons but one in particular is when I’m sick. My family caters to my every little need. Some would call me a baby. Well, my Mom does call me that. I cry out at moments when I need something to quench my thirst or ease my hunger. I cry out when I need an extra blanket to warm me up. Even minutes later I’ll call them to cool down the house with the air conditioning. They never fuss but only when I try to do it myself. The real reason they complain is because they don’t want me to spread any germs around the house. It’s funny even when they come into my room they make a big deal about disinfecting. They try to come in fast and are covered up similar to a ninja.

Bathing/Shower:

Usually the one thing I am responsible of controlling is cleaning my body. It takes all of my energy to shower or take a bath. I usually convince myself for an hour to get up and get it done. When I finally get up, my legs are shaky and wobbly.

My Brother outside the bathroom when I was showering. He played “Hello” by Adele. (Credit: DJ Breedlove)

I reach into my dresser to find my comfort pajamas, my warm, fuzzy cow onesie. I walk ten steps into my shower and turn on the warm water. I let the water fall onto my body and I wonder why I didn’t do this sooner. I take the longest shower. After what seems like a moment I dry off, put on my onesie and walk back to my bed. I take another nap after I realize it is only noon.

The Diet

I nearly drunk the whole pack in one day. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

This is what I call it. I’m not able to eat for a while considering my fear of not holding the food in my stomach. Eventually I can and my basic needs are met with the delicious crunch of Saltine Crackers and a chilling lemon-lime Sprite or Sierra Mist. Towards the end of the night I upgrade to a blue Gatorade. This diet is the only thing to look forward to. I was trying to work my way up to soup but the smell was horrific and I had to turn it away. The diet wasn’t horrible until I smelled my family enjoying their grilled steak, baked potato and salad for dinner. That’s when I realized that my body had really betrayed me.

Back to Reality

After finally being able to go to sleep at 2am, I realize that I am better than the night before. I look back at all my enjoyed moments throughout the past 24 hours. I realize that I never want to be sick again. I vowed to stay healthy. I vowed to always eat my vegetables and fruit, try to exercise and rest. Even though I know, sickness is not in my control.

After napping all day, I could finally fall asleep all night. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

The Adventures of a College Student: Not Enough Time

Posted on March 6, 2016 by astoldbytaniya

(title picture by http://victorygirlsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/clock1.jpg)

Definition of Time

365 days in a year. 52 weeks in one year. Seven days in a week. 24 hours in one day. 60 minutes in an hour. One minute is 60 seconds.

The meaning of those sentences above could easily be summed up as TIME. Time is money. Time is energy. Time is Power. Time is EVERYTHING.

Disagree with me not, for time truly is everything. Even more so when you are a working-college student.

My time, from the moment I wake up, is consumed by things, ideas, plans, and work. My time is not essentially handed out but rather taken away from me. For there are times that I am a rushing race horse. Continuously, running a race that appears like there is no finish line.

This week was a week that I saw time leaving and it seemed that I couldn’t stop it. It seemed as though it was pulling me and I couldn’t catch up.

Time: Local Construction

A couple of months ago, my commute to school would’ve taken, with traffic, 15 minutes. However, the state, coincidentally, started construction when I transferred. At first, it was one lane closing. The solution was to just merge into another lane. Add three minutes. Then it was one whole road closing. That wasn’t so bad and it wasn’t so great either. However, all I did was just take another way to the highway. Add ten minutes. The biggest upset came when two of the bridges I normally would take magically disappeared. This caused me to take a back road that had, sure enough, two school zones. Add 10 minutes. No, let’s add 15 minutes for the fun of my stress in the morning.

Funny Picture that I saw on Facebook about Denton Traffic. (Credit: Avery Comer)

If your Math is at least on a fifth grade level, you’re correct. It’s a 43 minute drive from my house to the University of North Texas. Insane, try doing it four times a week.

Time: Roommate

I have recently began staying with a friend on the days that I go to campus. She stays a lot closer with no construction issues. However the issues with staying with her is that she’s a night owl and a busy bee combined. While I’m snuggly uncomfortably on her old Granny couch. She flickers on lights here and there and holds night conversations with her live-in boyfriend. While my eyes are closed, I can hear her considerably saying, “Let’s try not to wake Ta’Niya.” As she goes in the kitchen to fry some French Fries and drink unusual amounts of water before bedtime.

Also, her air conditioning is nothing shy of – Antarctica meets the North Pole- cold temperatures.

My Polar Bear Best Friend that I’ve known since I was ten. She’s a great person when she’s not freezing me. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Time: School

By the time I finally go to sleep, my alarm, ever so nicely, wakes me with a startle.

My class schedule for this semester. (Credit by: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Classes aren’t so bad. Being in my Major Core classes and an online science class is not a difficult schedule. Basically, I listen to tons of lectures and complete unlimited amounts of assignments. After my classes are over at 12: 20pm, I can anticipate more things highlighted and bolded in my Planner.

I say my goodbyes to my friends as they walk to Fry Street and complain about school over margaritas. If only I had the time to complain.

Time: Work

I rush into work with one leg in jeans and another in khakis with my arms in my labeled polo. That is a bit of an exaggeration but I am in a hurry to clock in. I usually change in the car or in the bathroom at work.

Pajama Day with one of my Daycare Kids. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

I work with the most eccentric group of four year olds. I must have as much energy and craziness as them. If I don’t, I will be aggravated and frustrated. I have to worry about planning activities for them to do every day. The activities usually involve a wide variety of objects; marsh mellows, silly string, construction paper, paint and more. As well as, cleaning up a disastrous classroom after majority of my kids have left for the day. Overall my time at work is between six to eight hours a day. My boss is kind to work with my school schedule so I arrive when I can. Sometimes at work I wish I was rich so that I could just go to school. The time that I use working extremely hard I could focus on homework, studying, or finding an internship. However, I need to pay bills.

Time: Extra

Every day I get a total of two hours to myself when I finally get home. I usually try to unwind by doing my favorite thing, WATCHING TV. I feel that I may have gone crazy a long time ago if I didn’t have my shows to look forward to. I watch a combination of different shows. I love shows like comedy, drama, and reality. I watch Scandal, Pretty Little Liars, Once Upon a Time and more. Sometimes when I’m stressed at school or work I think of what television show comes on that night. This moment is my escape from reality for a bit.

Time: Family and Maybe Friends or Neither

Dinner with my family at Babe’s Chicken in Sanger, Texas. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

My Brother took these pictures. We were in the car as a family. (Credit: DJ Breedlove)

The most heartbreaking thing of all is my lack of time with my circle of love. This circle consists of my family and my close friends. I am robbed of energy and time that I can spend with them. There are times when we are going to dinner or a movie that I snooze in my seat. Though I am grateful for their support they sometimes are upset when I can’t be with them. They become sad when I constantly have to say, “Raincheck, please?” They don’t fully understand the life that I am living and that my acts aren’t intentional.

In Reality….

I would love to say that this post is a complaint. It is a reality of what my life is. This is my life. I know that I only have one to live. All of the many things that I am doing are important to me.

I love that I am going to school to be a Broadcast Journalist. I love that I have a fun job that allows me to be crazy. I love the town that I live in, regardless of all the construction. I will always love my Circle of Love.

There are times when I am completely overwhelmed and exhausted. There are times when I laugh to the point of crying. I love so hard that my heart beats strong. With all of these factors, I continue to add to my planner. Time continues to go on with my life.

Feeling positive about my life. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Media Journal 5

Posted on March 4, 2016 by astoldbytaniya

March 4, 2016

Title: “Bernie Baby” Dead

http://www.tmz.com/2016/03/03/bernie-baby-dies-sids-bernie-sanders/

The article was informative in letting viewers know who exactly the Bernie Sanders baby was. Even if viewers had no idea, the article showed the viral photo of the child. Also, the information on how the baby did of SIDS, how old the baby was and when the death happened. Sadly, I don’t feel like the article was somber enough for the death of this child. The headline was absolutely horrible. Dead is such a strong word. Perhaps I wouldn’t’ve been so disgusted and disappointed in the headline if it said “Viral ‘Bernie Sanders Baby’ Passes”. Also the article only showcased two photos of the baby in the Bernie Sanders attire. Maybe photos of the baby and the family and quotes from the family on how lovely the baby was would’ve been better.

Title: O.J. Simpson: Buried Knife Recovered at O.J.’s Estate

tmz.com/

Very detailed. I loved how elaborate it was in giving facts of the Notorious trial and death. I loved that it let readers and viewers know where OJ was now. However the article was posted as soon as the information was leaked. The article does read as if it’s a lot of hearsay. There aren’t any quotes from the cop that found the knife and the friend that reported the information. Either way, this story is a developing story with many moving parts. I am glad that they recently posted a update video of the police’s statement on the knife being found. Also, the writer and founder posted a descriptive video of all the information and how they gathered it.

Media Journal 4

Posted on March 4, 2016 by astoldbytaniya

March 1, 2016

Title: Stop Everything: High School Musical 4 is Officially Happening (3/1)

http://www.eonline.com/news/745083/stop-everything-high-school-musical-4-is-officially-happening

This article showcases different types of eye catchers to keep the reader interested. The site E online is a known gossip site. I love that it shows videos, pictures, and hyperlinks to support the article. I also enjoy that the article isn’t just a strict news article and loves to crack jokes. However, this is a gossip site but it more less was a blog post about the nostalgic kid movie rather than informing of the new edition. This article was fun because I was a fan of the movie. I’m a little disappointed in the lack of information though. Nonetheless, it was fun.

Title: Russell Wilson: Flyin’ with Baby Future without Ciara (3/1)

http://www.tmz.com/2016/03/01/russell-wilson-ciara-future-baby/

This article is credible by showing a short video of Russell Wilson and Ciara’s child, Baby Future, entering the airport. However, the title of the article is misleading as in they were the only people entering the airport. This article is to cause controversy since Ciara is dating a football player. Ciara was formally with a Rapper Future, who is Baby Future’s father. The Rapper Future has voiced that he doesn’t like that their child is always with the Football player. This article didn’t explain in the headline that Baby Future was actually with Ciara’s Father and that Russell Wilson was there.

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