Well-Mannered Frivolity!

In recognition of the long awaited release of the seventh and final Harry Potter book I decided to pay tribute through blog. Last Saturday night, at 11:00 pm, my brother Clark and I joined the many Harry Potter fans at the U of U bookstore to receive our copy of the long anticipated book. We decided to take advantage of this opportunity to wear our Harry Potter outfits for what may possibly be the last time. Me in my Professor Trewlany glasses and Clark in his wizarding robes (he was crushed that he couldn't find his "Magical Me" book as a tribute to Professor Lockhart).

The Harry Potter Party at the bookstore was fantastic!! As soon as we walked in the door we were all sorted. I was sorted into the Ravenclaw house which we all know are known for their intellect (rightly sorted I believe). Then we received 5 galleons to spend on various activities such as wand making, butterbeer and Bertie Botts every flavor beans at the Hogshead Tavern, quidditch, face painting, Weasly's Wizard Wheezes, ect.

Brett, Aaron, Me, Clark and Steve.. all proud owners of the last Harry Potter book!

Some people couldn't wait to get home before they started reading. Steve read as he was driving us back to his apartment. I even read the entire first chapter out loud to Clark as he drove us home.

What you cannot see here is Brett because he is under the invisibility cloak!

Now I would like to take a moment to share some personal thoughts on the last and final Harry Potter book. I have to be honest here and say that I was a little disappointed. Not only because she killed off one of my

favorite characters but because the epilogue was incredibly chessy. Some may disagree but it kind of ruined the book for me. After giving it some more thought I have concluded that probably the main reason I was disappointed was because now the mystery and intrigue is over. There is nothing left to look forward to, nothing to try and figure out. This last book was bittersweet. I have enjoyed the fantasy that was Harry Potter. I guess I will just have to get on with my own life but what fun is reality?

We've Only Just Begun...

Last week I traveled back in time (or so it seemed) and went to Las Cruces, New Mexico. It was great to see some of my favorite friends of all times... Chacha, Sean E. Boy, Esmer, Lisa, Erika, Corby, James ect.
It was much like old times with the daily trip to Walmart and of course lots of movie watching. Thanks to Corby, we saw three movies in the theater over the course of two days and only paid for one of them: 1408- Freaky! Ratatouille- Lame! Harry Potter- Awesome!

During this trip I had the pleasure of going to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. I had never been before and it was quite spectacular. I have always felt that I was a Cliff Dwelling Indian in one of my past lives. That kind of stuff fascinates me.

Overall, pretty good trip. I think that James Davis said it best when he said, "Alina, I haven't thought about you once in 2 years and now that I see you I totally miss you!" The feeling is mutual with the exception that I actually do think about my New Mexican friends all the time.