Why Up is easily one of my favorite films of 2009

When I saw UP for the first time during Christmas break, I remember thinking, "Am I really bawling like a baby right now?" The first ten minutes were absolute perfection; I was engaged, I was moved, I was in complete and utter awe of Pixar's genius. It really didn't surprise me (after all, they've been thoroughly consistent since Toy Story) but I was wondering, "How is it that Pixar has brought me to tears yet again?"

Okay, so I'm not a stranger to crying during films. My boyfriend, the screenwriter, pokes fun at the fact that almost anything seemingly touching in a film can produce a misty eye or two. While there is some truth to that, not every film touches me in such a way that it enters my mind from time to time, the way UP certainly has.

Sure, the film had three things I happened to love: Lots of balloons, a dog (a talking dog, at that!) and an exotic bird. That alone, reeled me in. It already had the Liz-is-interested stamp of approval. However, I wasn't ready for the undeniably touching love story I was about to experience. This film wasn't about two extraordinary people falling in love, rather; it was a film about two ordinary people wanting to do extraordinary things.

Even though Carl abandons his home and leaves behind all of his and Ellie's belongings at Paradise Falls, UP by no means sends the message that you should give up on your dreams. Instead, it reminds you that the relationships you build with loved ones can too, be extraordinary adventures. When he finds Ellie's Adventure Book with the note she left for him, one thing becomes clear. Life is what you make of it.

So why is UP easily one of my favorite films of 2009? Well, it reminds you that no matter the places you go or the things you do, it's the loved ones you surround yourself with that ultimately enrich your life.

Consider it the start of greater things

I'm finally doing it. After six weeks, I've finally gotten the nerve to blog about my adventures/mishaps of my last semester at Cal State Long Beach. What I had written before was rather melodramatic; kind of pathetic, really. It's been such a long time since I've really written about my life in any detailed fashion. Yes, I may have a slight addiction to twitter, where I tend to share the tidbits and tidings of my daily routine, but this is a little different. It's more...personalized.

As I enter my seventh week of Spring semester, I can't help but to feel a little victorious. Eight weeks ago, I couldn't fathom the idea of waking up before sunrise, let alone stay on top of my game school-wise. But it's happened. I've grown up. I realize it's taken me almost a decade to come to my senses, to realize what I was good at, and what I should aim for, but a decade is better than never. This isn't Irvine Valley College anymore. I'm not nineteen and sleeping in until noon, going to Disneyland for the afternoon instead of class. I don't even know that girl anymore and while I realize that is disgustingly cliche, it's true. I came to Cal State Long Beach completely terrified that I would fail. I was never supposed to transfer. I was going to get stuck in that little community college forever. I was going to eventually give up and find a job, like most everyone I knew in high school, (minus a kid). But, for whatever reason God only knows, it didn't happen that way. Failure wasn't in my future. Failure still isn't in my future.

There are a few people I never had the opportunity to thank on my way here and I wish I could have the chance to do so. I wish I could give them a big hug for allowing me this open door of possibilities. There was Ms. Lechuga, who was filled with nothing but mercy and gave me that 52.76% on my final which I so desperately needed to pass. There was Bob Miller, who never gave me the answers to any of the questions, but allowed me to figure it out myself. To this day, I don't believe he knew how much his advice, guidance, support and friendship meant to me. Even if he's watching down on me now, I know he's not taking any credit. That's just how he was and that is why he is always going to have a special place in my heart.

With about ten weeks of school left, I feel excitement. Sure, there's a little fear there as well, but it's the good kind, the kind that keeps you on your toes and gives you reasons to keep going. I may be stressed and tired and anxious for the semester to end, but I know that when it does I'm going to feel a little sad. This is where I've grown as a person. This is where I've gained confidence as a writer. This is where the beginning of my adventure really began.

This campus, this beautiful melting pot, is my stepping stone.