Forgetting Who The Judge Is

This week the world lost one of the funniest, most talented, and apparently to those who knew him, one of the sweetest men ever to grace our screens. Robin Williams.

It is the first time that a death of a celebrity has actually made me cry. I hadn’t realised how many movies of his that I grew up with and absolutely love. The fact that he lost his life the way that he did makes it even more tragic.

There is so much that needs to be said about the darkness of depression and how little it is understood. There is also so much to be celebrated and appreciated in the life of Robin Williams. However, as much as I considered sharing my thoughts on these topics, there is something else that has been plaguing me lately that I really feel I should share.

I found out about Robin Williams’ death over Facebook. For a couple of days, my newsfeed was full of updates from friends and news outlets sharing about his loss and the latest news surrounding his death. It was on one of these updates that I saw a comment from a Christian that I have seen and heard many times before when people in the public eye pass away. It went something like this – “It is a shame that he is now separated from God forever.”

Let that sink in for a moment. “He is now separated from God forever.”

Someone who never met Robin Williams has decided his fate in eternity.

I was 17 when Princess Diana died. I remember that day so clearly. First the news was that she had been in a car accident. Then we heard two people in the car with her had died. Finally the news came through that she had died too.

I remember how sad my mother was. I wouldn’t call her a massive Diana fan, but it was a tragic death and I recall many people being very emotional.

It was a Sunday and we had a guest speaker at the  evening service at church. It was customary to take the guest speaker out for dinner afterwards. It wasn’t surprising what the topic of conversation was. I will never forget what the guest speaker said. “It is sad that she is probably now in a place where none of us want to be.”

When I was 17 I was even more introverted than I am now. I also put people like this guest speaker up on a pedestal and would not dare to speak against them. However, I must confess that I was so shocked that this man was consigning to hell a woman whom he had never met, except through the media. Hardly a reliable source. Outwardly I was silent but inwardly I was screaming, “How do you know?”

I don’t understand why people who believe in the reality of hell and desire to save people from it while they are alive are so quick to send those same people there when they are gone.

Even if we did know Robin Williams or Princess Diana personally, can we honestly say that we know the state of their souls in their last moments? Do not mistake my meaning either. I am not trying to argue that they were saints. My point is that we do not know. No one can definitively say that they knew them as God did.

I understand that there are those that view suicide as a great sin. I also understand that there are those who disapprove of the way others chose to live their lives. I do not claim to be a great theologian. I am far from it. I take comfort in the fact that I do not know all the answers, but I am created and loved by the One who does. However there is one thing that I do know with absolute certainty.

I am not the Judge.

As far as I’m aware, there is only One who I need to give an account to for my life, and thankfully there is no one who has to give their account to me.

I am sure that there may outcries about sin and phrases like cheap grace bandied about. But believe me, I know that the grace that saved me came at a great cost and I do want to live my life in a way that pleases the One who paid it. I also hope and pray for others to feel the same as I do in that regard.

But I am glad that I am not God. And I am glad that you are not either.

I watch a lot of movies. For this reason, and I know it could be seen as a cop-out, I watch them open to hearing from God through them.

As I have been thinking about this topic, there are two scenes from movies that come to mind. The first is from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf tells Frodo that Gollum has been following them and one of the best moments of the movie play out for us:

Frodo: It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance.

Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends.

The second scene is from the great 80s movie, Footloose. The town’s reverend finds people burning books and is horrified that his example has led to this behaviour so he intervenes:

"Whose authority are you acting on? Hold it everybody! Listen to me!  When did you all decide to sit in judgment? Who elected you to be the saviours of everybody's souls in Bomont? When you've burned all of these, what are you gonna do then? Satan is not in these books. He's in here! He's in your hearts. Go on home, all of you. Go and sit in judgment on yourselves."

I don’t want to fall into the trap of judging people who I see as judgemental. The majority of the time, these are good, loving people who are not remembering that only God knows the heart. So I will end with these three points of advice, which seems appropriate for a blog that sounds like a sermon: 

1.         Imagine for a moment what heaven and hell would look like if you got to decide where people spent eternity.

2.         Thank God that that is not your job.

3.         The next time you are ‘eager to deal out death in judgement,’ instead, ‘go home and sit in judgement on yourselves.’

Confessions of a YouTube Addict

It is amazing to me that there are still so many people yet to discover the joy of YouTube.  But I have to remind myself - that is not really a reflection on them, it is a reflection on me. You see, I have become somewhat of a YouTube addict.

My name is Gwen…and I am a YouTubeaholic. This is my confession.

At first the addiction started with TV shows. When I came home from the UK there were a number shows that I missed, but I discovered whole episodes uploaded on YouTube. Now, nearly 9 years later, the list of shows that I am able to watch has expanded thanks to those willing to flout copyright laws.

TV shows and networks around the world are catching up though, with many now having their own channels releasing content on their terms, which will likely lead to the downfall of the channels illegally uploading. My favourites are the channels for Britain’s GotTalent and Jimmy Fallon.  Mainly because you don’t really need to see whole episodes of these shows. The best bits are usually what YouTubers get to see.

So that was how my addiction began. Innocently enough, but my viewing habits expanded. I don’t even remember how, but I soon discovered what I thought for a time YouTube was really made for. And I don’t mean cat videos. I mean FanVids.

It was so encouraging for me to find a community of people who are in love with the same shows, movies and characters that I am, but they have the talent to express it in a video.  The quality of videos can vary greatly, but if you find a good one, there is nothing better. I am a huge fan of KatSw3. She hasn’t released anything in a year, but every now and then I go back and re-watch some of her excellent creations. So check out her stuff and while you are at it, search for a fanvid for something you love. I guarantee you will find it and you will take comfort in the fact that there are people out there who are as obsessed as you are.

While you are doing that, you may stumble upon fanvids with a twist. Channels like How It ShouldHave Ended, CinemaSins, Bad LipReading and the Honest Trailers on the Screen Junkies Channel have taken the fanvid premise and added some sass. These channels provide heckles in video form but they are fun and they are indiscriminate. No one is safe and for some reason it makes what they do ok.

If comedy is your thing, look no further. There are so many comedians writing and creating content for YouTube. I am a fan of Convos with my2 Year Old, Tripp and Tyler, Stuart Edge and DavidMitchell’s Soapbox, but I must admit I have barely scratched the surface of what is available.

As a fan of Jane Austen, I have subscribed to PemberleyDigital and The LizzyBennett Diaries. These are modern retellings of Jane Austen stories, presented as a vlog. There are other classics stories that are being retold in a similar fashion (Peter Pan, Jane Eyre) and I am sure this will increase. I am still discovering more and more original shows created for YouTube and I get the sense that this is not necessarily being seen as a stepping stone to something bigger. There is a community of people around the world passionate about creating content for YouTube.

This is one of the greatest things about YouTube. It has given people a creative outlet that previously only existed on a television screen or in a movie theatre. Now there are YouTubers creating and releasing this content themselves. You see YouTube is not just a place where people can watch people fall down stairs or propose to their girlfriend. It has become a legitimate career. We are getting to the point when kids can start dreaming of being a YouTuber when they grow up. That thought really excites me because surely the more options people have to do what they love for a living, the better.

The Fine Bros are a great example of this. In my opinion, they are leading the pack in terms of creating content that has a worldwide reach. Every month these Emmy Winners  create a video that is amongst the most-viewed in the world. Their React series (Kids React, Teens React, YouTubers React and Elders React) is both entertaining and insightful.

If you are a movie junkie like me, you’ll love AMC Theatres. They have a daily news show and they do spoiler reviews of big blockbusters. If you’d appreciate short, sharp movie reviews, my favourites at the moment are Chris Stuckman and SchmoesKnow.

My favourite vloggers are Rhett and Link on Good MythicalMorning and Good MythicalMore. I think a good vlogger is someone who is likeable, relatable and fun - and these dudes from North Carolina really fit the bill. I can imagine having a good games night with them.

Prefer something to feed your soul and spirit? Then you’ll love ExploreGod. I love this channel so much! The tone of it is just right for me and there are real gems of truth to be found there.

If I haven't mentioned anything you think you'll like, everything else you could possibly be interested in; war, history, art, science, music; can probably be found on WatchMojo.

I have suddenly realised that this confession has turned into a promotion. To be honest, I probably don’t see being a YouTube addict as being such a bad thing. In fact, I love it.

I love the community feel that you can get from it. I love that if I think of a TV show or movie that I haven’t seen in years, I can search on YouTube and probably find something – from a fanvid to an entire movie. I love that I am exposed to talent that I probably would never have known existed if YouTube wasn’t around.

My name is Gwen…and I love YouTube.

Back to School

Today was the first day back at school after the summer break, and as you can imagine last night saw the usual mix of emotions - sadness that the holidays are over, anticipation over what is in store for the year ahead, and anxiety over which teacher they may get (especially hoping it is not 'the mean one' that has been dreaded all summer). However, it wasn't the children experiencing this range of emotions. It was me.

Every time the kids go back to school I experience the same feelings I used to experience when I was a kid.

The summer holidays are book-ended by significant 'night-befores' - Christmas Eve and first-day-of-school-eve - one the antithesis of the  other. Hopefully we are all familiar with the excitement that welcomes Christmas Eve. I once thought that we were also all familiar with the dread that welcomes the night before school, but I am quickly learning through my children that that is not the case.

During the last couple of weeks I have been doing what I can to prepare the kids for school. Apart from all the practical things, I have been ensuring they have done all they wanted to do over summer, asking them what they are most excited about for school and preparing them for not being with the friends or the teacher they want for the year. However, I slowly realised that this was more for my benefit than for theirs.

Perhaps it is a good reflection on their school, or on them, that they do not seem bothered about going back to school at all. In fact, when I parked the car outside the gates this morning to ask them how they were feeling they said 'excited', 'happy', 'great'. One of them eventually said she was a little nervous, but she had a big smile on her face at the time. What is that about?

It has caused me to ponder what it was about school that made me hate going back. My favourite years of school were without question my last 2 years of high school. I came into my own in those years, both academically and socially. I think I had started to figure myself out a bit better, plus I had some good teachers and a very good group of friends.

Ironically though, I think my high school was probably the worst of all the schools that I went to. My Primary school and Intermediate were considered better schools overall.

Intermediates are weird schools aren't they? Why we separate those two years from primary and high school I will never know.

During my first year of intermediate I had 'the mean teacher'. She was absolutely awful. I don't know why some people become teachers if they clearly can't stand children.  I honestly can't remember her smiling that whole year. My main memories of her are she stunk of smoke, had the voice to match her smoking habit and she would use any opportunity to mock or yell at any student.

I was a dream student. The goody two-shoes. Any teacher would love to have me in their class. But even I cannot remember her saying a single good word to me, but I sure remember the bad ones. (If my kids ever have a teacher like that - we will be having words!)

Thankfully, the next year I had an excellent teacher and a great group of friends. We laughed a lot, played heaps of sport and I really enjoyed learning. It is interesting that in my memory, when I think of form one it is always dark, but form two is always sunny. Suffice to say, apart from those two years in high school, the last year of Intermediate was one of my favourites.

Throughout primary and intermediate I had the same best friend. I looked up to her and she knew it. I wouldn't call her a bully, but she certainly had a dominant personality, which in hindsight, wasn't a good mix with me. But when you're that young, it's just great to have a best friend and I have lots of good memories with her, and lots of great memories of our time in Primary School together. It was a great school.

So I didn't have a school experience that was any better or worse than anyone else - so why the 'before-school-dread'?

Well, I have the answer everyone. The reason is choice. Freedom. Call it what you will, but the fact is that no matter what, I HAD TO go to school, and I hate HAVING to do something.

I go to work now of course. I suppose I do have to earn a living and there may be a parts of my job that I don't like sometimes. But I know that if I really wanted to leave, I could. Nothing is chaining me to that desk but my own choices.

I do need to work, but I am blessed to be in a position where what I do for work really is up to me. (A product of a good education!) Don't get me wrong, I'll never be an astronaut or cure cancer, but if I really wanted a change, I know I could find something else. It would not be an easy decision to make but it is still within my power to make that decision.

Every weekday I make the CHOICE to go to work. I therefore make the choice to do that work well and enjoy myself while doing it.

My kids do not have the luxury of having a choice regarding whether to go to school or not, or even which school they go to. But they do have the luxury of getting an education, making friends, growing their characters, and creating lasting memories - good or bad. Perhaps they are already smarter than me and can appreciate that. If that's the case, I'm not surprised they were looking forward to going back to school.

(And if you want a glimpse at what we did on holiday - check it out here.)

My Favourite Movies of 2013

I realise I am probably late to the party here in offering up my list of my personal favourite movies for 2013. I have already read and watched many reviews on the year in cinema but here are my two cents worth anyway.

I think that these lists say more about the person that compiles them than the quality of the film, as all film is subjective, so you are free to reflect on what my list says about me (and perhaps what your list says about you).

When I look at my list I encounter the truth of my Grinching Theory. All of the movies on this list have one thing in common - they surpassed my expectations.

Before I continue I must add the perhaps obvious disclaimer that I have not seen all the movies that were made this year, not even all the movies I wanted to see (Unfortunately I have bills to pay and a family to feed. Annoying I know.) This means for example that the probably to-be Oscar nominated Gravity is not on this list. If you are reading from overseas, you also need to note that the probably to-be Oscar winning movie 12 Years a Slave is not in this list either, but that is because we have to wait till February here in NZ.

With explanations out of the way, here are my favourite movies of 2013. (Spoiler alert.)

5. Man of Steel
Finally a Superman movie that meets the potential of this iconic character! The Christopher Reeve movies were far too camp for me, and in every incarnation the main issue I had with it was Lois Lane. This intelligent prize-winning journalist does not realise that the man in the glasses in front of her everyday is Superman. I never found that believable. In fact, it could almost be considered demeaning!

I realise I am talking about Superman and believability should not be important, but it did not make sense with the character of Lois that this 'unbelievable' world created. So the fact that the 'Man of Steel' Lois goes about cleverly seeking out the identity of the mysterious man who saved her life, and actually finds him, finally gave me a Superman movie I could believe in.

Ironically, I thought the casting of Amy Adams, as much as I love her, was the weakest in the movie as I did not see any chemistry between her and Henry Cavill. However, I was a big fan of Russell Crowe as Jor-El and the whole origins story presented in this adaptation.

I know that fan-boys and girls were upset, even angry with this movie, especially with the ending where Superman actually kills someone! (Shock horror!) But the reasons they did not like it were probably the reasons that I did. Zack Snyder finally gave me the Superman I've been waiting for, which is why it deserves a spot in my top 5.

4. Warm Bodies
I watched Warm Bodies on a plane and it made the 13 hour flight a whole lot more enjoyable. I was looking forward to seeing it ever since I saw the trailer and it was even better than I expected.

I have heard other reviewers compare it to 'Twilight' but I could not disagree more! For starters, I have watched all the 'Twilight' movies (purely for research purposes) and they are as shitty as everyone says!

Warm Bodies is a funny and cute movie inspired by Romeo and Juliet, with the original spin being that it is a Zombie movie. I think the comedy-zombie movie, a la Shaun of the Dead, should officially be considered a new genre. Warm Bodies adds another level as a ZomRomCom and I love it!

3. About Time
I was not looking forward to seeing 'About Time' as much as the other movies on this list. After all, do we really need another movie where Rachel McAdams is in love with a time-traveller? Do we really need another Richard Curtis movie? Well it turns out that the answer is definitely yes!

I might even go so far as saying that this beautiful film is my favourite from Richard Curtis. It is so sweet and the message behind it is so touching without being schmaltzy.

Domhnall Gleeson in the lead does a better job at being Hugh Grant than Hugh Grant did, and Bill Nighy was so lovely as Gleeson's father.

I've just realised that this mini review of mine includes the kinds of words that filled my mind after watching About Time - beautiful, sweet, touching, lovely...

2. Star Trek Into Darkness

I loved the 2009 Star Trek movie. So much so that as soon as I left the theatre I looked up when the sequel would be made and my heart sank when I discovered that I had to wait 4 long years before I could visit with Captain Kirk, Spock and their mates yet again. Luckily I had the DVD to keep me company, but this led to a lot of expectation leading up to 'Into Darkness'.

This was added to by the inclusion of Benedict Cumberbatch as the totally bad-ass, yet beautiful, Khan. This has been Cumberbatch's year with many of his movies that have been released, but personally, this was finally the year that I watched his amazing version of Sherlock and what can I say? He had me at "deduce". I am certainly part of the Cumbercollective.

This movie had its faults and die hard Trekkies hated it. They even voted it the worst Star Trek film ever at a recent convention - making me love the movie even more to be honest. The problems in the movie (They cured death? Really??) were outweighed by Cumberbatch and all the adrenalin-inducing fun!

It is simply a good-time space movie, which is what you want in a Star Trek outing don't you? It also helps that the characters and the dynamics between them are so easy to love in this world that JJ Abrams has created . (Here is hoping he can do the same for Star Wars!)

I have already watched 'Into Darkness' 5 times and I will no doubt watch it some more, and I already can't wait for the next instalment. (I just hope JJ Abrams' successor doesn't screw it up!)

1. Thor: The Dark World
I loved 'Thor' (the best pre-Avengers movie) and 'The Avengers' so once again I eagerly awaited the next instalment from Marvel. 'Thor: The Dark World' did not disappoint. Director Alan Taylor did an excellent job of picking up where Kenneth Branagh and Joss Whedon left off, as did the whole cast.

The writers also did a great job in continuing the love story between Thor and Jane, and what is ultimately the story of a dysfunctional family, which includes Thor, Loki, Odin and the tragic Fridda.

Malekith, the resident baddie is really just the vehicle for exploring the dynamics of the more important characters. Some Marvel fans may take issue with this. I did not. I don't really care about a baddie who is here today and gone tomorrow. To be honest, I mostly care about Loki. He is the true star of the movie. It sounds cliche but Loki seems to be the role Tom Hiddleston was born to play. Hiddleston as Loki can make you happy, sad, angry, empathetic, mournful and joyous.

As soon as I left the theatre I wanted to see this movie again and that feeling has not waned. That is the sign of a great movie.

Honourable Mentions:
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Let's face it, this is such a great yarn that it deserves a mention at least. I also have to include it because as a Kiwi I think I would be breaking NZ law if I didn't.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I have a feeling that this will make it higher up my list after a few more viewings, but at the moment, even though I loved the cliffhanger ending, it made me so impatient for the final instalments that it does not make the cut just yet.

Worst Movie:
The Big Wedding
So much talent, so much potential, so much disappointment. I hated, and I mean hated, this movie and all of the characters in it so much I couldn't make it to the end. It is fine to disagree with my favourites list, but please, I urge you, steer clear of this shocker. You have been warned!

Christmas Movie Season

I was very fortunate to be raised in a movie loving family. My dad blessed us with his overspending in the video store while we were growing up. It made us very popular amongst our friends and extended family.

My family is also very big on Christmas. The decorations, the carols, the gifts, the food  - we love all of it. And of course  we also love the movies!

Just as the star or angel completes the tree, Christmas movies complete any Christmassy event or activity. Put up the tree, make some popcorn and then watch a movie! Wrap some gifts while watching a movie. Do your Christmas shopping then relax with a glass of wine and a movie.

There is no better movie season than Christmas. Not because the movies are better than others, but the purpose of a Christmas movie is to help you get into the Christmas spirit – joy, generosity, goodwill towards others, appreciation for family – this is what you want to experience during the Christmas season, and this is what the best Christmas movies deliver. 

Another important part of Christmas is nostalgia. When I watch a Christmas movie I like to think about what was happening in my life when I first watched it and when I last watched it.

Now I have the added joy of watching my kids experience them for the first time.  I love seeing Kevin McCallister make them laugh and Ebenezer Scrooge make them cry. As I watch my kids watch these movies I see them inheriting a love for them and all things Christmas, just as I did. Christmas movies are becoming part of my young family’s tradition. They are helping to create some great memories, just as they did for me and my siblings. It would not be Christmas without them.

So since we are heading into the season of giving, I am kicking things off by sharing some of the movies that I will be looking forward to watching this festive season…

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Why do I love this movie? Next to the Nativity story, A Christmas Carol embodies the message of Christmas more than any other and it continues to be relatable 170 years later.  This movie, starring Jim Carrey in many of the lead roles, is a must-see because it is an excellent adaptation of this poignant and beautiful story.

My favourite scene…Ebenezer Scrooge walks in trepidation into his nephew’s home after resolving to change his ways and is embraced by one and all.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Why do I love this movie? Okay, I know this is such a classic that it is probably a cliché, but I finally watched it last year for the first time and it lived up to all the hype. It epitomised the warmth and loveliness you desire from a Christmas movie.

My favourite scene is… I haven’t decided which is my favourite scene yet, but the most memorable scene involves James Stewart, Donna Reed and a telephone. I was not prepared for the amazing chemistry between the movie’s iconic leads.

SCROOGED
Why do I love this movie? There are so many movies that are a spin on the traditional Charles Dickens story that it has become a movie genre within a genre, but this is definitely my favourite. Filmed and set in the 80s, it stars one of my favourites, Bill Murray. I don’t know if there is anyone better at balancing humour and heart in their performances like Bill Murray can, and he does this so well as Frank Cross – this movie’s Ebenezer.

My favourite scene is…During the visit from the sadistic Ghost of Christmas Present, Frank Cross gets a toaster slammed in his face. There is nothing funnier than that when you’re 10.

THE SANTA CLAUSE TRILOGY
Why do I love this movie? Every year I have to watch at least one of these Tim Allen movies. It creates its own take on the mythology around Santa so well. The first movie is the best and is becoming a classic. It is starting to feature on many ‘best Christmas movie’ lists. And sure, the last one isn’t great but it still has some great moments.

My favourite scene is… In the second movie, Scott ‘Santa’ Calvin, attends a sad Christmas party for teachers and decides to liven up the evening by handing out the toys that everyone loved when they were kids. Even though there is magic to this moment, I think that the reaction of all the adults is pretty accurate and very sweet.

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION
Why do I love this movie? You have to watch at least one movie showing a family doing their best to have the perfect, traditional, family Christmas and failing badly. The Griswolds go from anticipation to disappointment to disaster to hope to joy better than any other movie-family and they do this for us again at Christmas.

My favourite scene is…It is a tie between the scene where the wife gets the Christmas lights to work and lets her hubby think that it was him (we’ve all been there – right girls?), and the Christmas Eve dinner scene. The turkey looks perfect but as soon as they cut into it, it pops open as it is completely dried out.  What started off looking like the perfect Christmas diner quickly deteriorates to tears, awkwardness and nausea. (We’ve all been there – right girls?)

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (The remake not the original)
Why do I love this movie? Dylan McDermott. (Gorgeous) Elizabeth Perkins. (Beautiful) Richard Attenborough.(He really is Santa!) Everyone in this movie looks so perfect, it’s like a live-action Christmas card.

My favourite scene is…The midnight-mass wedding. They look like they are heading to work but it is still very romantic.



HOME ALONE
Why do I love this movie? Fun, family, violence…what’s not to love?

My favourite scene is…This one’s easy. It has to be the final scene where Macaulay Culkin’s character looks out the window to see his neighbour as he reunites with his son and embraces his granddaughter. Combined with the incredible John Williams score, this moment is so touching, I have to stop typing about it for fear my tears will destroy my keyboard.

P.S. This is also the movie I am watching while writing this. So thanks for the inspiration Kevin McCallister.

Merry Christmas-movie watching everyone!

The End of Politeness

I wish we lived in a society that valued politeness more. 

Alas, sometimes I feel like people are losing their sense of decency and lack the ability to show even the smallest consideration for others. Simply smiling at a counter - whether you are the customer or the shop assistant - can make both people's day a little easier.

But instead we do not even make eye contact, we do not hold the door open for others, we text during the movie. That last act is often mentioned as the worst of theatre-going faux pas. But today I have experienced the absolute worst and the ultimate in rudeness and disrespect for other people's enjoyment of movies. In fact, I would go so far to say that it is not just a faux pas, but a movie-going and perhaps even parenting sin (yes a sin I say!) which can be summed up in the following questions:

What kind of a moron takes a baby to Thor: The Dark World? How inconsiderate and stupid do you have to be to think that kind of behaviour is in any way acceptable?

I have done my time at the baby-on-board movie sessions. My husband and I used to go with the twins every Tuesday and we have very fond memories of those times. They are such a great idea because everyone is expecting the same experience. Every now and then babies will be crying, the older ones may run around a bit, the lights won't be completely dim and the sound won't be as loud - but everyone is there with those same expectations.

To some extent, I expect babies crying and kids running around during kids movies as well - because that is what they are. Movies for kids. If you get upset at kids during the latest Smurfs movie then you just should not pay to see any kids movies. (I do feel your pain if you get upset about having to see a Smurfs movie though. They suck.)

Cute on a baby blanket.
Hideous in a movie theatre.

Even though my kids-movie days are still with me, my baby-on-board movie-going days are long gone! So the above mentioned experience is not what I am expecting when I go to the movies any more. In fact, part of the fun of going to the movies is to escape from life, which includes my children. Otherwise I would just wait until my dad buys the movie on DVD so I can watch it at home in between telling my kids to go to bed. When I spend the money to go the theatre I want to be transported to another world. I want to forget about my life.

So when someone brings their crying baby along, they completely ruin that for me. I am awoken from my fantasy and reminded that I am not Lady Sif, kicking ass while secretly pining for Thor. I am actually a working mum who in a couple of hours has to go home to four older versions of that screaming baby!

Some may say that I am being unfair. What if those parents work during the times that the baby-on-board movie sessions are on? What if they can't get babysitters? What if they are tired parents needing to get out of the house and just thought they'd give it a go?

Well I am sorry but that is what I like to call 'doing your time'. All parents go through their children's childhood knowing that life as you knew it is over and the freedom you had will not come back for years.

I am doing hard time. I deserve to see Thor: The Dark World in a childless environment. Not just me, but every other parent in that theatre deserves it. What about those parents who are only going to baby-on-board movies and this is the one time they managed to get a babysitter so they thought they'd enjoy a movie at the normal volume, with the lights down, not having to worry that your now crawling baby will roll down the stairs. (Yes, one of the twins did do that once. I don't remember which. Probably the crazy one.)

This does not have to be like this though. Why do theatres even allow people with babies into movies? I believe that if a movie is not rated G, children under 4 should NOT be allowed into it. And if some sneaky parent happens to smuggle a baby in, as if they were a Samoan smuggling in a KFC bargain bucket, all the other theatre goers need to take action. Alert the staff! Spill their popcorn! Stand on the seats so they can't see! These people have brought an end to politeness so it is time for us to respond in kind!

This madness can and must end! The revolution begins now people!

You think Loki is crazy?
Just try sitting next to me with a baby when
the next Avengers movie comes out!

On a brighter note, after the baby stopped crying Thor: The Dark World was absolutely awesome. I highly recommend it.

#Dreamshare



"My dream is to be a fantastic
sportswoman! I especially want
to be an awesome soccer player."
Melody
9 years old in 4 days

I am glad that my kids dream big. It is pretty cool that I dreamt the same dreams as two of them when I was a kid. I still have lots of dreams, although it is probably too late for me to try to win X Factor. (X Factor UK, not NZ.) I know there is an ‘Oldies’ group, but it is not the age that is the issue. I am a good singer, but not X Factor good.


“My dream is to be a rock star or pop star who
does a little bit of country music as well.”
Lily
9 years old in 4 days

So what can an old girl do when she realises she can never fulfil her dream? Create a new one? That could be another disappointment.

How about I save myself the pain and put all my energy into making Lily a star! I know this seems flippant, but I can understand why some parents are tempted to live their dreams through their children. It is probably easier than creating new dreams for yourself. Just pretend to be the ‘supportive’ parent instead. It goes to show that dreaming isn’t always easy.

"My dream is to be a teacher. I have already
started teaching my brother how to write.
I am really good at it."
Abbey
6 years old

I think that it is inspiring that even though many of the children in the communities that World Vision works with dream of the basics of life – from clean water, to loving caregivers – they don’t stop from dreaming big. They dream to be nurses, firemen, basketball players, prime ministers, heads of the UN – world changers and history makers.

"My dream is to be Spiderman"
Nathanael
3 years old

Proverbs 29:18 states that ‘Where there is no vision the people perish.’

It is truly distressing meeting a child who cannot dare to dream. If they cannot envision their future, whether it be as a good man or as Superman, it can feel like darkness is winning over light. However, if a child can dream, in any circumstance, to be whatever their heart dares them to be and anything their imagination can conjure – hope still survives.

So my hope is that all children will be free to dream, and if they can keep dreaming big, then so can I!

http://www.sharemydream.org

“My dream is to perform as
Eponine in Les Miserables.”
Gwen
33 years old
#Not2old2dream