Movie Review: "Disconnect"

Although I could undoubtedly host a blog of movie reviews, I rarely post about my cinematic escapades.  Escapades?  As if.  Movies make me happy and that's usually enough information!  This weekend I saw the movie Disconnect.  One of the movie's facets relates to social networking, so it only made sense to throw a few thoughts on my blog.

 

image from www.wilkepedia.com

If you've seen the movie Crash, it had a similar vibe of shifting from one story to the next and slowly intertwining the stories.  The movie explores how technology pulls us together and turns us away from each other, especially when our "normal" mode for communication fails (old-fashioned spoken words).  It highlighted on tech connects such as message boards, texting, on-line dating and the infamous blue and white "F" site.

I went into the movie thinking it would be fairly light and outline how people can't eat a meal or use the toilet without their phone, but (thankfully) it contained much more depth -- plenty of character development within themes of loss.   A lot of the movie was about loneliness, and the irony of loneliness when we are surrounded with people.  If the Director/Writer/Producer intended the audience to feel sadness, discomfort and anger ... they succeeded.  

Like it or not, technology affects and defines our daily relationships.  We long to feel included, heard, understood and affiliated, and technology can be an all-inclusive direct route.  Its "pulling away" is something I work with on a daily basis as a therapist.  I've laughingly said that Facebook is keeping me in business, but it's true -- the gravitation towards the touch screen and instant messaging rivals what's in front of people, whether it's a spouse, children or an stacked in-box at work.  Or, in my case tonight ... my bed!  

When Tyler began playing sports I looked forward to meeting other team parents and bonding with fellow soccer moms.  The first couple of practices I was solo on the bleachers despite the row of cars behind me.  As soon as I turned around it became clear.  Faces behind a glowing screens.  I was bummed, but I totally get it, too.  Technology has become a comfort zone -- a reflex during down-time, and for many parents it's a form of self-care to have a slice of space to themselves.  

If you want to laugh and witness a happy ending, you may want to skip this one.  If you don't mind thought-provoking and moving in a positive direction interpersonally -- check it out!! 
 

One more reason:  Jason Bateman. 

Insta Friday!

A few Insta captures from the week.

I think everyone in Iowa is pouting about 

the weather this week.  Myself included.

Monday we were sweating at soccer practice,

filling up the kiddie pools and toasting marshmallows.

Friday we were wearing puffy coats 

and dodging snowflakes.  Ugh.

On a positive note, the bizarre weather fills

the awkward silence in the elevator at work : )

Throwback of my sister and I.  Cuties!

Explorin'

Our "back woods" has been an ongoing project over the years.  

Each year Tom clears out a deeper path within the green.  

A direct route for adventure.  

I've enjoyed the woods for the beautiful photo backdrop; 

the boys welcome it for hours of exploring.   

Last year they filled their tummies with raspberries and 

began building a fort out of sticks.  The first thing on their agenda lately 

has been to play in the woods -- they can't get enough!

Unfortunately my nerves get the best of me, and instead of 

seeing the woods as discovery and immersing in nature, 

I envision ticks crawling on heads and accidental falls.  

I don't consider myself heliocoptery or hovering over the boys' every move, 

but if you could see my mind, it's flying in crazy directions.  

Of course this thought frenzy is only in our woods!!

So, most of the time I end up hanging around the house and letting 

Tom and the kids venture (and crossing my fingers they are tick-free).  

Last weekend I took their eager lead and ... it was just fine.  

We were just fine.  

No falls or breaks, no freak-outs.  

I'm easing out of my worry rut and following the boys into their haven of exploration.  

Instead of feeling the isolation and eerie quiet of the country, 

I'm trying to take in the minutes of peacefulness.  

Instead of holding onto "what might happen," 

I'm dipping into the moment and finding that time has slipped away and 

I'm smiling and gathering twigs with the boys.  Sweet adventure.

Iowa Hawkeye {Sneak Preview}

The Hawkeyes held their Spring Game over the weekend.

I'm not a huge football fan, 

but I lap up the spirit, people-watching and popcorn!  

The scrimmage is family-friendly and it's a

chance to check out the players (ahem, their ability)

and warm up the bleachers for the upcoming season.

Drew always looks at Tyler to see how he should be posing.

If Tyler is silly, he's silly.

If Tyler says, "No more pictures!" Drew echos the rant.

My attempt at a family photo.

As usual, Tom can't keep his eyes off me  : )

Insta Friday!

A few Insta Smiles to wrap up this loo--o-oo-ng week of dreary weather!  

Meeting Tyler at the bus stop.

He usually sees the camera and runs, 

so I was elated with this capture!

 Woodburning a garden plaque for a friend.

"Chop Wood, Carry Water,"

a zen saying meaning enlightenment.

Yard work.  

{or just a fun ride}

 Studying for geometry test.

Remembering that an acute angle

means "a cute little angle."

Joining in the festivities of Des Moines'

Take Back the Night.  A powerful evening

with inspiring speakers sharing about their survival

and healing after incidences of crime, assault, abuse or rape.

 Cool mural.  Future photo shoot : )

Fake Soccer

Tyler's biggest fan {wearing big brother's cleats to every game!}.

Drew has been ultra-excited to participate in soccer.  

He's been to countless practices and games for Tyler; 

many times my role is holding him back 

so he doesn't storm the field.  

Finally.  His turn!

He had his soccer cleats by 7:00am practice morning (practice is at 5:45pm), 

and we ended up at the field 45 minutes early.  He asked me his coach's name and 

told me he would pick out his best friend on the team.  

The league made it fun with t-shirts and I nearly fainted when it was Drew's turn to go to his team and he zipped onto the field without looking back.  

Wow, that was easy.  Too easy.

I ran to the car to grab a chair and returned to a very frustrated and disappointed Drew.  

I don't know what shifted, but he was in tears.  

He said, "This is not real soccer.  There are too many coaches; I want one coach."  

The practice was a cluster of chaos (normal for 3 and 4-year olds!), and they had multiple college kids coaching.  It didn't look anything like Tyler's practice or games -- I didn't realize how important that was for him.  One of the coaches saw me holding Drew and shuffled him to a new skill station.
He threw the ball and said, "I'm going to the car!"  Ha! 

He's still referring to it as "not real soccer," but we will try again next week.  

We came home and spent a couple of hours of kicking the ball in our yard.  

I'm not sure if it was "real soccer," but the little guy was exhausted.

{Insta} Sound Bytes

"That dress makes you look like an Indian girl.  

Actually, it looks like you got it at Goodwill."

         ~  Tyler

"I wanted to give the menu to her (waitress) 

because she is the best girl."

~  Drew

"I want you to turn into her (Alicia Keyes).  

The black shirt, black hair and black eyes.

Can you be her?"

~  Drew

"Once upon a time there were three pigs ... 

Coughy, pukey and tooty."

(makin' up bedtime stories)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Gone Batty!

Even though we celebrated a couple of weeks ago,

here are a few captures from Drew's 4th birthday party.

The theme changed daily.  Each time I would ask

what kind of a party he wanted, he threw out a new idea.

Batman was mentioned more than once ...

Batman it is!Fancy cupcakes from Nan's Nummies in Valley Junction.

My scotcharoo "cake" made another appearance.

I have a feeling that will be an annual request.

We were excited for special guests from 

Colorado (Tom's sister) and Minnesota (our niece).

Happy Birthday to you, Shirley!

Drew is known for his expressiveness, and watching him open his gifts was hilarious.

His quote of the day:  "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"  

Again and again.

My brother and sister also have four-year-olds, 

so now Drew is joining the club.

Happy 4th Birthday, Drew!

Sound Bytes

Tom:  "What time is it?"

Drew:  "Seven, dot-dot, E, seven!"

*  *  *

"I want two big ones in bed."

Drew wanting Mommy AND Daddy to read him a night-time story.

What I said:   "Awwwww."

What I thought:   "Thaaaat's what he said."

*  *  *

"Do you want to lick the peanut butter off the spoon?"

Interesting question from the guy at 
Coldstone Cremery after making my treat.

What I said:   "Oh, no thank you."

What I thought:  "Only if it's dipped in hot fudge."

*  *  *

"I want you to brush my teeth because you're my best friend!"