I have a lot of random rules I live by. I acknowledge some of these are wacky AF. Nevertheless, it is how I operate.
Near the top of my “Life Rules” list is my policy to never partake in a movie or book where any sort of harm comes to animals—especially dogs. I don’t care how great you tell me it is, I’m automatically out. I have left movies and stopped reading books when I have sensed impending doom for an animal.
Just a couple of nights ago my husband asked me to watch the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie with him. I enjoyed the first two. However, I answered him with a big, “Nope!” I heard a review on my favorite podcast and knew that shit was dark for Rocket the Raccoon. I just need that raccoon to be cute and sassy. I don’t want the sad-ass backstory.
This brings me to the book I just finished. It was recommended to me by my bestie. We often swap book recommendations, and our success rate is high. When my friend told me of this book, she led with, “There is a dog, but it’s fine.” I may have given her the side eye, but she is my oldest and dearest friend and knows my crazy as well as anyone. I got the book and began reading.
The book is Lessons is Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It is an excellent book. My friend was spot on. The dog, named Six Thirty, immediately won my heart. This prompted me to text my bestie multiple times whilst reading to confirm Six Thirty’s well-being. Repeatedly, she told me she would not steer me wrong. I carried on and I’m glad I did. It is the best book I have read this year.
This got me thinking about my strict adherence to this rule in my life. I think it started at a drive-in theater in my youth. A babysitter thought it would be a great idea to take me and my younger sister to see Bambi. To say it had me undone is an understatement. It took me weeks to recover. It also planted the seed of my hatred of all things Disney.
I avoided Disney for the rest of my childhood. Seriously, I could count on one hand the number of Disney movies I have seen. Then I got married and let my husband talk me into going to see The Lion King. Well, fuck that. It was disturbing beyond words. This cemented two life rules. No animal stuff and no damn Disney. I know these rules overlap somewhat, but they are my rules.
I have bent my Disney rule slightly. I will watch some Pixar stuff. The Incredibles is one of my all-time favorite movies. I’m glad I did not miss that bit of cinematic brilliance. It should be noted a friend spent months wearing me down on The Incredibles. He was right. I also love Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews transcends all things. She is an angel and can do no wrong.
My extreme loathing for all things Disney has created multiple moral dilemmas given my unconditional love for The Muppets and Star Wars, now part of the Disney empire. Yes, yes, I have Disney+ as much as I hate to admit it. It pains me to pay that bill every month, but here we are. To be clear, I ONLY watch the Star Wars and Muppet stuff, and maybe occasionally some Marvel business to make my husband happy.
The thing is, life is a really sad business as it is. I do not go out of my way to be sad. I love animals and seeing any harm come to them upsets me beyond words. Who needs that shit? If it is your jam, enjoy! But, if I want to be sad, I’ll just watch the news.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
