Living through a screen...

 

I think I may be fast becoming a curmudgeon or a grouch, it was inevitable really as I had always found certain things people said or their actions irksome so it was a mere matter of time until I became grumpy. Admittedly I didn’t think it would be at the age of 40; I pictured it being around the age of 60 - the kids had moved out, my body was now a battered husk and I was cynical and bitter about the world - but no, here I am aged 40 and giving Victor Meldrew a run for his money. 

You may be wondering what exactly has led me to this realisation of my own grouchiness...well, it was  actually something nice, something I fully enjoyed in fact. Let me explain...

This past weekend was easily one of the most fun weekends I've had in a while, we had won "best overall" in the carnival for our float which was nice after so much time and effort was put into it. The day itself was really enjoyable and many laughs were had by all involved. On the sunday, somewhat weary, I had spent the morning just pottering around the garden and house, clearing out the garage at a leisurely speed and things were fine and dandy. 

As evening descended, my youngest son and I decided we would head down to the seafront to watch the fireworks display that had been arranged to bring the carnival weekend to a close and we were glad we did - it was a brilliant display; the fireworks whizzed and banged in a dazzling array of colours, lighting up the mild evening air, it was a perfect end to the festivities and, (for me personally), a lovely way to end what had been a nice weekend. 

So, you may ask "why so grumpy?", well, whilst the fireworks display was in full swing, I happened to look around the beach and noticed something - nearly everyone around us was filming the entire display on their phones. They weren't watching the wonderful display in front of them, they were watching it via their phones!!! Now, I'm not talking about a quick photo, (which is fine), I'm talking about the entire display. I know this is a regular occurrence nowadays; childrens assemblies are much the same with parents filming it rather than just enjoying it in the moment. I don't get it! You are never ever going to watch it back because it isn't as good as seeing this things in person...which is funny because when you did see them in person you were watching it on your screen, recording it! Bizarre! Maybe I am the weirdo here but I firmly believe we should all just be enjoying these moments without having to film them - your memory of these wonderful happenings will always be through your screen rather than being in the moment! 

I enjoy taking photos and sharing them on social media however whenever I'm watching an event - I'm too busy enjoying myself to think about it. The same applies for nights out or socialising in general - my phone is on silent, I've come to spend time with you, not look at my phone. I always see posts on facebook saying things like "having a great time" whilst they are live-streaming their evening in a club - if they were having such a great time, ehy aren't they just enjoying it rather than filming it for others!? I always automatically think they are having a rubbish night out, all looking at their phones constantly. 

I realise I'm probably going to get some kick back from this blog and there probably are some valid reasons like you were recording it for someone else who couldn't be there, etc. However, I'm talking purely about those who record it because they feel compelled to because everything now has to be via a phone screen. If you like to enjoy life through a screen - cool, you do you BUT I personally find it odd, each to their own.  

So yeah, that was what irked me, am I grumpy? - yes! Does this ultimately change anything in my life? - no, not really. I just find it sad and depressing seeing it en masse like that, it really did look like an epidemic! Like a mobile phone based virus had everyone in it's grip. I couldn't take a photo of it either to show others as I would then be joining their ranks! I just watched the fireworks and walked home charting with my son, knowing it was another lovely memory. Intact, clear, non-filtered memories. Perfect. 

(Sidenote; I also noticed an influx of people chucking litter everywhere, best not get me started on that! We'll be here all night!!!)