A Wrinkle in Time

Saturday I sat in a theater breathless with excitement to see one of my favorite books of all time on the screen.

I left, liking it.  but not loving it.

I didn't have an issue with the fact that they updated the story.  I didn't mind the multiracial cast.  I loved the visuals.  And for the most part, I loved the casting.  But for now, let me say that here, there be spoilers:

What I loved:

• The casting was wonderful.  I LOVED the Mrs.'s characters!  (Though I had a bit of an issue with Mrs. Whatsit's introduction, but I'm willing to overlook it)
• Updating it for now.  The book is form 1962.  A LOT has changed.  They changed the setting.  And I'm OK with it.
• The visuals were even better than I had imagined!!

Where it went wrong for me:

• Camazotz-  Seriously.  From the beginning to the end, I didn't like it.  
• The kids are prepared for the battle before they go, it's not an accident.
• Camazotz isn't an illusion.  It's insidiousness is the sameness.  Everything had a rhythm and a perfection.  Like the people didn't have to think for themselves. That's how the evil spreads- because it's easier not to think for yourselves than to critically think.
• And what's with this wall nonsense????
• Charles Wallace and Calvin O'Keefe
• Their characters were changed in such a way that they were almost not even needed for this movie.  Seriously.  What the writer did to these two is almost criminal.
• Charles Wallace willing submits to The It in order to find their father.  He goes in knowing that the other two can pull him out.  In the movie the kid folds like a card table.  
• Calvin... Oh Calvin... He was there because he's intuitive and can read minds like Charles Wallace.  He is the diplomat and talks his way into and out of things.  Movie Calvin.  Like why was he there????

Should you see the movie?  Of course!  There IS a powerful message there.  And I think all young ladies should see it.

I just wish it had the complexities of the book!

Under Pressure

(Sorry, had to!)

Anxiety.  It's a thing that WAY too many people deal with every day.  Some people deal with a lot, others not so much.  Some people deal with it all the time... and others deal with it more infrequently. 

The thing with anxiety is, that not everyone experiences it, copes with it, or has it triggered the same way.  It's not the flu.

We've all seen panic attacks on TV.  Sadly, not all of them happen as advertised.

Most of the time when I am having anxiety issues, I fall under the "rage or irritability" category.  I get all "Oh HELL no!" and "This is so stupid!"  I can also get rather angry.  I have been known to obsessively clean my house when feeling rather anxious.

Actually I tend to get super indecisive when I'm feeling rather anxious. Like paralyzed with indecision!  Most of the time it leaves me stuck at home with a severe case of "fear of missing out."  Like many, I tend to hermit when I'm anxious.

Sometimes I run scenarios in my head, trying to pre-plan the way things will go.  This generally is super unhelpful and leads to the worst possible conclusions.

Now is it this way all the time?  Of course not.  It's not even most of the time.  I have my triggers, and times of year when things are worse.  Right now things aren't as awesome as other times, but I honestly think a few vacation days and a deep clean of my house will do wonders.

There are ways to combat anxiety.  Some people use medication.  I'm not at that point yet.  I try to use deep breathing, mini-brain breaks when I'm at work.  Sleep and exercise actually do wonders for me.  When my anxiety is due to new situations locations, having friends around helps.

Anxiety is rather prevalent these days.  Or at least it's being called for what it is. 

Many people that I know suffer in one way or another.  Some are medicated, some aren't.  Everyone's different.

The one thing that all anxiety sufferers share is the desire to never hear dismissive comments from others ever again.  The unhelpful comments about how being vegan will make all of your problems ago away.  The cries of "What do you have to be anxious about?" And a thousand other comments aren't helpful or appreciated.

What can you do to help someone with anxiety issues?

Real Conversation I had on the Phone Today

(Background information:  7 months before your trip, DVC members can book at resorts that they don't own a share in.  There wasn't anything to speak of earlier in the week, so I wait listed some resorts that I really wanted, but I decided to look again.  Animal Kingdom Lodge was available today so I called Customer Service!)

Me:  Hi!  So we have a reservation in September at Saratoga Springs, but I see that Animal Kingdom Lodge is free!  And Savannah View!  We want to switch reservations so we can reenact the Lion King!

(Oh, I was deadly serious when I said that too.  There would have been film footage)

Customer Service Person:  Sorry.... I can't do that....

Me:

Customer Service Person:  ... because your Wait list came through!!!

Me:

So instead of staying at the perfectly lovely resort that we were at last time, this time we'll be at the Contemporary!

So excited!!
Sometimes, just the tiniest thing can totally make your day!

And this TOTALLY made my day!