Stream of Cheese

Happy Early Halloween everyone!

2008-10-26T01:55:18Z

Yeah I know...but I figured you all would enjoy this lovely picture to make up (HA!) for my absence.

Yes, that is Harley. He made a new friend. And the scary thing is he hasn't left! It's been an hour and a half and he's still curled up on Bucky's lap. (Bucky is the center peice of my Halloween display and will be running for president, if you are wondering why I have a skelelton dressed in a suit on my recliner...)

In other news, I got a (nother) promotion at work! Now I get a pager and am on 24/7 call...weeeee! Tax Season, here I come.

IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!!!

2008-01-16T22:41:31Z

Yes, it's that magical one day of the year when it snows in north Georgia!!! Right on time too, maybe we'll get lucky and have *two* this year.

Too bad it won't stick though, I like the snow :D

Heh heh, Merry Christmas....

2007-12-22T18:09:29Z

So this is totally fucked up.

For about the last year, my uncle on my father's side has been going downhill healthwise. He's been in and out of comas for a while and we all knew that his time was coming. It was just a matter of when.

Now my aunt, who is my dad's sister and only remaining family member, has had to take care of this guy and it has been taking an extreme toll on her health as well. Last I heard, she was down to 89 pounds. She and my father haven't been speaking for the better part of decade from the fallout of my grandmother's death.

See, Aunt Jeanne had to solely take care of Grandma, who had Alzheimer's for about a decade, because they were up in Philadelphia and Dad was down here. Dad, because he didn't want to see his mother in that state, refused to go up there and visit, and a riff eventually formed. Well, long story short, when it came time for the will, Grandma left everything to Dad, my brother, and I (we're the only grandkids on that side of the family, Aunt Jeannie never had any), because she and Grandpa played favorites and Dad was Grandmas, but since dad never visited, Aunt Jeannie kept it all for herself because she felt (not totally disagreeing with her either) that since she had dedicated more resources, she was entitled to it. Which just made things even worse...

So come to yesterday. So my uncle finally died at around 6:00 AM. By 2:00 PM, my aunt was also gone. She literally worked herself to death taking care of her husband and had developed pnuemonia. I literally have no idea how to feel right now. Talk about a downer for Christmas.

Speaking if which, Jennie!! I got your present. I LOVE THEM!!! I've never heard of Purdy's before, but they are now on my favorite list. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I'm sorry I haven't been able to answer, work is still trying to kill me. BUT THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!

The best laid plans of mice and men....

2007-11-28T18:34:45Z

See, there is a drawback to working at the same place as your spouse.

So I got Justin's Christmas present shipped to work so he wouldn't see it come to the house. It very nice, because Fulfillment notifies the actual person addressed as the receipiant that they have something. Now they hadn't told me yet, so I didn't know to pick it up.

Well we're at lunch in the breakroom, and one of the accountants walks through with a bunch of packages that she had picked up from fulfillment. She knows me from her CS days and she was being helpful, so she decides to tell me I have a "small tube-like package" waiting to be picked up...right in front of Justin.

So now I'm busted, we both know it. I get to endure a nice lunch of him laughing at me the whole time. Couldn't even blame this one on the cats either, like I usually do (not that I didn't try :-)).

This is worse than last year when I had a perfect plan to get it in the car without him knowing, only to be busted by someone bringing it to t my desk to be "helpful" again. I'm too wellknown for my own good, apparently. Yeesh.

Oh well..back to work.

Yeah, I know it's been a while

2007-11-22T05:25:11Z

In short, long days with the major software release next week...but I still wanted to say.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!!!

Thank you again

2007-10-23T01:08:01Z

Thank you for our talk. I can't say it enough, you really have no idea what it meant to me. I just needed to hear a friendly voice. I owe you one.

People amuse me to no end

2007-10-22T14:06:30Z

It's things like this that make me lose my faith in humanity.

Double your pleasure, double your fun...

2007-09-24T20:31:42Z

So remember my friend, Kevin? The one who's wife and he were really trying to have a baby and couldn't...but finally conceived with help?

So now their having twins...which I totally called when they told us they were expecting. I mean, c'mon...she's a twin, her twin sister had twins, and she conceived with the help of a Reproductive specialist, which totally produces multiple births.

Sorry...I had to tell someone. I'm too busy laughing my butt off and my husband is in a darn meeting and can't share in the hilarity of this.

Dear Microsoft...

2007-09-19T03:02:23Z

I'm sure you know this, but just in case you forgot...WE LIVE IN A CAPITALISTIC SOCIETY!!!!

So if I want to buy a new laptop, so that I can have an easier time working at home on the days I or my husband is sick, and my company doesn't support Vista, thus requiring me to get an XP Pro machine...I SHOULD BE ABLE TOO!!!

Plus, I've tested Vista...it's a piece of crap. The UAC is a total joke. I know I am just a stupid user, thus the need for you to block me from myself, but really if I can't install a program that is necessary for my job, it's a bit much.

But no, thanks to you strong-arming every major computer retailer, I have no choice but to buy a machine with Vista on it, then pay an additional 250 bucks to buy a copy of XP Pro and reformat it before I can do anything.

And you know what, I'm just annoyed enough to do it. Although really, you get more money anyway. Bah, what's the point.

Me 1 Epilator 1

2007-09-17T23:42:30Z

Ok, so I got an epilator.

For those of you who don't know what one is, it's a little device very similar to an electric razor. Only instead of cutting the hair, it rips it out of your skin by the root. The through process is that it slows growth so you don't have to deal with it as much. And it supposedly curbs growth as well.

Yes yes, even though I'm lucky and can get away with shaving once a week, (although by Friday I'm really looking scruffy) I figured since I wear nothing but shorts all the time, if I could find a way to go longer without it, I would try it. And well...waxing is a pain in the ass.

Plus, thanks in part to my mother always pointing it out whenever she could and a stupid comment my now husband made when he was 14, because he didn't realise that pointing out facial hair on girls was a major faux pas, I'm hypersensitive about any I have. I admit, it's not as bad as other people I know, but well..thanks mom. And again, waxing is a pain. So I figured what the hell, it was only 40 bucks.

Ok...chin, not so bad. A little prickling, but it's bearable. Upper lip...HOLY SHIT! Sensitive city. And since the hairs up there are so fine, you have to use the higher speed to get them. They say the first time is really bad, but you get used to it. I suppose it's like child birth...and it did get better after those first few passes. But damn...

Unfortunately, I really didn't get to try it on my legs since I shaved yesterday, so I'm holding out on that verdict. But people use these things for the bikini area?!

The best part was watching the expression on my big, tough, hairy husband. If you ever want a good laugh, and want to prove women really aren't the fairer sex....use an epilator in front of a guy. Trust me on this. :)

I KNEW IT!!!!

2007-09-06T16:03:27Z

And all this time people thought I was crazy because I hate getting up in the mornings.

Who's laughing now?!

Proof that waking up early isn't healthy. Now if I can just convince the boss that I need to come in at 11 instead of 9 :)

If I never see another scanner again...

2007-08-24T02:37:15Z

It will be too soon.

Two weeks of working late, on the weekend, and having to put up with a prick who pissed off everyone he was working with because he thought he was better than the rest of us.

Damn Sales and their bullshit. "Hey! Let's get this program out! Sure it doesn't work, but if we get it out now, we can make a profit! "

Never mind all the pissed off customers, at least you make your quota.

I'm sorry, when the VP of Development is saying it doesn't work...you don't need to put it out. Reputation, what reputation? All that matters is sales gets their money.

</rant>

So my friend concieved...

2007-08-20T01:05:03Z

I'm very happy for him and his wife. They have been wanting kids for the longest time and they finally got their wish. I hope it is everything they want it to be.

But I have to say...this is a weird sensation. I've known Kevin since he was 14...and now he's reproducing. It's just....odd. I'm happy for them, but part of me feels like it just got really old..and stepped into the Twilight Zone.

And no...I still don't want one....

Whoohooo! I officially have no more excuses!

2007-08-13T01:10:25Z

Today, we became the proud new owners of an exercise bike. Never mind that I have a gym at my work place (and the flex time to get it in whenever I choose too), and never mind that I am married to someone who requires exercise because of surgery (you would think I would just go into the gym and work out with him), my fat ass still won't do what I need it to do.

We were going to get one anyway for Justin's sake, but the hopes are I may actually crawl over to it (it's right next to the couch, in front of the TV). So let's see how much this plan works out...

What do you mean they're building a new stadium?!

2007-08-12T19:24:00Z

Bah! Part of the problem with going to all the ballparks in the country, is they seem to like building new ones occasionally. It's bad enough I have to go stomach another visit to Skankee stadium (and the only way I was able to do it last time was because Ventura was playing on the Skanks at the time..fuck you Steve Philips...bastard trading my favorite player to the team I was raised to hate...I nearly got disowned because of you!!!!), because they are getting a new one in 2009 (although I get to go to Shea once again to see my Metsies! because of this), but now you are telling me I have to hit Washington D.C. again too?

When did this happen? I know the Nationals are a pretty much ignored team, but how did I miss the fact they are getting one next year?! Oh well, I guess we get to hit the Smithsonian again. And the cheetah cubs!!! I love me some cheetahs. I want one for a pet, but Justin seems to think we can't do it for some reason....bah.

Ok, final thoughts on George

2007-07-24T01:21:34Z

Two more things came to me, whilst contemplating why she had to kill Fred. The main thing that really bothered me about it was the fact that she had already maimed George...wasn't that enough?

No, George's injury was the forshadowing of Fred's death. He lost a part of himself that was blown away in an accident. How did Fred die? Blown away in an accident. George's ear is the symbol of Fred's death, i.e. a part of George that is lost forever. Not that I think he needed it, losing the twin you've known since conception is rough.

Secondly, there was neat bit of forshadowing in OotP. No, it wasn't Molly's boggart, although it did come from their mother. Remember how when the twins came of age, they used their magic for every little mundane thing. Apparating down a flight of stairs, levitating knives and food to the table instead of carrying it three feet. Molly constantly berated them for "using magic when they didn't need to".

So what was the last thing we ever saw George doing? Tackling Yaxley with his bare hands. (or at least I took it that way.)

Bravo, JK...Bravo.

About that DH death I hate so much

2007-07-23T01:35:25Z

Yes, Fred's death sucked. It really sucked. But now that I've had time to think about it, I realised I should have seen it coming.

Why? Well simply because of Mrs. Weasley's comment. "It would be a miracle if we all made it through."

So why did this forshadow Fred? Well, it didn't necessarily forshadow Fred, but it did forshadow a twin. Obviously, ,a Weasley had to go, because yeah, Molly was right. Nine people in one family part of a war, all actively a part of it, and surviving is not realistic. And her boggart was her family dead. So look at the members' personalities.

Arthur - the long suffering, hard working, patriarch of the family. He has had to be an example for his children, and put up with more taunts than anyone else because of his "blood-traitor" status.

Molly - the over protective mother. A woman of terrible rage, but motherly love. We saw what she can do if you make her mad. (screw you Bellatrix)

Bill - the laid back, eldest son. The cool, confident, nice guy.

Charlie - the outdoor, jovial, sporty guy.

Percy - the anal-retentive, uptight, jackass

Fred and George - the joksters. The rebellous, adventurous, defiant pranksters

Ron - the constantly overshadowed, completely lacking in self-confidence youngest brother

Ginny - the fiery, spunky sister. She got Ron's confidence apparently.

Now notice something, there are eight distinct personalities, but nine characters. Each of the separate Weaselys create their own dynamic that cannot be replaced if they die...except for Fred and George. Lose one, and the prankster is still there. Lose someone else, and the personality is totally gone. But a twin...a loss of life, but in essance, he is still there through George.

Unfortunately, I was guilty of being Dumbledore. I cared too much about the twins to see it. Alas, I made a mistake.

R.I.P. Fred :-(

Wow...

2007-07-22T20:14:54Z

36 chapters of wow...and an Epilogue of Cheese

JK...I bow to you again, even if you killed one of my twins, and maimed the other one. What bothers me most about Fred's death is the way you killed him. After seeing his and George's defiant departure in OotP, I always figured that if the twins had to go, they would make sure to take at least 15 people with them. But alas, Fred was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I applaud you for having him die doing what he loved most, laughing in an explosion. I just wish it hadn't been because of an accident.

I also wish you had at least taken the time to show what George was doing in the many years after all the events. When George lost his ear, I saw the look of devastation on Fred's face. It wasn't until George started cracking jokes about it (the sole reason I will forever love those two, they laugh when no-one else dares too), that Fred snapped out of it and became himself again. And if the boys have the same personalilty, as we have always seen them too, who was there to snap George out of his trance. The twins took comfort in each other...and now one is gone. Does George ever snap out of it? The last we ever saw of him he and Lee Jordan were beating the hell out of some Death Eater...and it sounded like George was doing it with his fists. If I could have known that, I think all would be well to me.

Now that I have that out my system, the rest of the book!

JK's a Spaceball fan! How else could you explain Voldie being Harry's father's brother's uncle's nephew's cousin's former roommate...err something? She's also apparently a Matrix fan, as that was the vibe I got when Harry was talking to Dumbledore in the "King's Cross".

HERMIONE WAS WRONG!!!! YES!! I have waited for seven books for her to be wrong about something, and boy was she ever. The Hallows, going to the Lovegoods, capturing Rita to break her of her nasty writing habit...the list goes on. THANK YOU!!!

Oh Ron...we always knew when the chips were down, you would be there for Harry. And that nasty horcrux didn't help. Harmonians...SHUT UP! You don't get to claim moral victory when he's getting influenced by an evil overlord's soul.

Neville...I'm sorry, I'm already married. But damn, I love you!!! JK always said we would see your Gryffindor tendencies. You and your grandmother ROCK!!!!! The look of glee when you were carrying the mandrakes said it all. This was fun for you.

I want to go to the Ravenclaw Common Room!! It's blue, it has a great view of the mountains, and it has the coolest password system EVER! It's like my personal dream room.

Awww, the Grey Lady and Bloody Baron were in love. So glad she explained him, I always worried that was going to be one of the things we never knew.

Kreacher is so cuddly in this one. Who knew being nice actually worked?

Regulus Black, I wish we had more time to know you. Although you seemed alot less arrogant than your brother.

Percy Weasley, you are forgiven. Who knew you had a sense of humor too. Yours and Fred's handshake was that much more tragic.

Voldemort, I said it before, I'll say it again. Good will always win, because evil is dumb. Pride goeth before the fall..dipshit. And killed by his own rebounded killing curse? Did he manage to trip over his rope whilst casting it?

Hey Bellatrix, aren't you glad you taunted Molly about her dead son? Although I always figured Neville would get her.

HAHA!! Hey ass on DM who's now a global moderator. THERE WAS A CONNECTION BETWEEN UMBRIDGE AND DUNG!! JUST LIKE THE POSTER IN OOTP SUGGESTED. TAKE THAT YOU ARROGANT FUCKTWIT!!!! (Sorry :-))

Crabbe and Goyle. Woah! Lines!! I didn't know they could talk!!

I was pleased to find out that yes, the Malfoys do deeply care for each other. Lucius always seemed very cold to Draco, but he did care greatly about his son, and he and his wife do have a loving relationship. They always seemed like a marriage of convience, and it wasn't.

Dumbledore, you truly were the chessmaster. I'm still not sure if you ever saw Harry as more than a pawn. You wore the kind smile to his face, but your conversations with Snape seemed to belie you. The gleam of triumph was definately valuable, and it does seem to reveal that you saw Harry as more, but still...you think you could have explained that to him before you or he died?

And finally, Severus Snape. *stands and applauds* You sir, are the greatest character in this series. Not black, not white, but absolutely grey. "That awful boy" who grew up to become the hero of the series. How horrible to have to live the life he had. His worst memory looks a whole lot more terrible this side of OotP. The mistake that drove his true love away from him and probably eventually into the arms of the man he loathed. Then to know that it was on his information that she was killed. Oh it must have been painful to see the eyes he loved looking back from the face he hated. When ever Harry would get snippy with him, I have to wonder who he saw sniping back at him, James or Lily.

Other things I loved:
Hermione's purse of doom! Every girl needs a portable pocket dimension
All the cameos. We saw Wood again!! In fact, I think the only person not to get a cameo was Lockhart.
Action, action, and more action!
"She is like a sister to me...I love her like a sister and I reckon she feels the same way about me. It's always been like that. I thought you knew." (pg 378, Amer) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Suck on that Harmonians! Not quite the hope of getting a "delusional" comment in there, but just as effective.
Pottercast!! Radio Jordan!
"His Holiness" George
Dudley's apoligy. A very nice touch.
Alot of mirroring back to other events, Hermione's "Are you a wizard?!" comment to Ron, Bellatrix's death harkening back to Sirius's, James's comment about being in Slytherin mirroring Draco's about being in Hufflepuff. Harry being forced to once again call Voldie "You-Know-Who," something he hadn't done since the first book. Lovely.
Hee hee, Barny Weasley!
Each Horcrux was destroyed by a different person. Very nice touch.

Before I go further, I would like to point out that I do realise this is JK's book and she is allowed to do whatever the hell she wants. It is impossible for her to get her own story wrong. But these are things I just wish she had put in.

Bill's condition. Besides liking his meat rarer, what was the fallout of being bitten by a non-transformed werewolf
The careers of the kids? What are they all doing now? I mean, couldn't she have thrown us a bone?
Did the Malfoys get no comeuppance at all? Other than being scared shitless? Granted, worrying to death about your son is no picnic, but they were nasty from the start. Hell, Ginny got possessed because of these people? Anything....

And with that, we come to...the Epilogue. It was so sweet...my teeth decayed whilst reading it.

First of...Scorpius Malfoy?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....*breaths* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA

Ok now that that is over....no wait...it's not...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Ok, I'm calm now.

Albus Severus....Albus Severus....horrible name aside, (they just don't fit together, I always believe that names should fit together, have a flow so to speak. Those...don't), once I had read the whole book (yes, I had been spoiled on this) I thought it a nice touching tribute...till I found out that not only was "Al" not their only kid, but not even the first son!!! I have a much bigger problem with James and Lily than I do with Albus Severus. It was such a big deal to Harry to honor the two headmasters...that he waited till his second son?! WTF!!! He wasn't even guaranteed a second son. And did Ginny have any input into naming these kids? They fell out her body, she lost a brother in the war too, ANYTHING! No, it looks like Harry solely got to name the kids. Holy shit... way to be a partnership there.

Hugo and Rose...aww and inverse of Ron and Hermione. Excuse me while I gag. And why is Ron taking a Muggle Driver's exam?

Teddy Lupin. So sorry you lost your parents. But I can totally see you are the by product of Lupin and ~~Sirius~~ Tonks. Speaking of that, I thought it was funny that when Harry used the Resurrection Stone, it was Lupin and Sirius who showed up, but Tonks was no where to be seen. Because Lupin ~~had totally ditched her and was re-united with his snogpuppy~~ was connected to Harry and Tonks wasn't.

And as I stated earlier, I'm still disappointed to learn that Malfoy still has clout. But I do wonder...was that a Muggle he married? I thought it odd that no-one recognised her.

As for those we lost:

Charity Burbage - Who? No seriously...who? Even though we knew nothing about her, woah for creepiness factor. Her spinning and begging Snape set the tone for this book.

Hedwig - OMGWTF! Wha...why....o_O And on top of that, Harry never got to bury her. third saddest death.

Mad-Eye Moody - A warrior's death if ever there was one. Can't say it surprised me too much.

Rufus Scrimegeour - Another valiant warrior. Totally redeemed himself by refusing to reveal Harry's position.

Ted Tonks - Again...who? I thought you were a muggle.

Gregovitch - Yikes. Don't mess with Voldie, huh.

Dirk Cresswell - see above

Gornuk? - don't care

Bathilda Bagshot - Ewwwww! The description of death and decay...it was all too real. And then to find out Nagini was inside her...Ugh!

Peter Pettigrew - HAHA!! Roast in hell you traitorus scum. F-ing coward.

Dobby - OMG...I never liked you. You drove me up the wall. How could your death be so sad then?! I literally cried at the description of you looking up at Harry as the last image. I just...*is tearing up now*

Grindenwald - Ok...that was weird. I never realized it was you till after the fact. Not much invested in you unfortunately.

Fred Weasley - It's been well known that the twins have been my favorite characters. And seeing as I opened with Fred's death, I think I've said all I can say. :-(

Remus Lupin - Totally expected it. Didn't expect to not see it though. But at least he and Sirius are re-united ~~to make sweet, sweet doggie love.~~

Nymphadora Tonks - Didn't expect it. Also shocked that we didn't see it. Sorry for Teddy.

Lavender Brown - I think she's dead. It sounded that way anyway. I hope they have good snoggers on the otherside now that Won Won is totally with Hermione.

Severus Snape - Totally expected it and by Voldie's hand. Didn't think it would be so graphic. His death, while tragic, was meaningless till that back story. And then...wow. Oh..and yes to all you denying...he IS dead!

Colin Creevy - Another sad one. So young, and so eager to help. War is a bitch.

Nagini - HAHA! GO NEVILLE!!!!

Bellatrix Lestrange - You totally deserved that. Don't ever mock the death of my favorite character again!

Voldemort - C'mon. Who didn't see this coming? Ok, except for the Rebirthers...but really...who didn't see this coming!!

All in all...despite it's flaws, it was still a great book. The series as a whole, is wonderful. And I will need to re-read at least one more time. Even though Harry got out of dying, it worked. The only reason death seemed appropriate was because of the "what next" aspect of the story. And it appears JK didn't work that out either. All she could forsee her hero doing was breeding poorly named children.

But I thank you for everything JK..even the bad names. Thank you for a wonderful series that has kept us intregued for many years.

Now...let's all go ship AS/S!!!

Time to say farewell...

2007-07-20T14:58:03Z

Ok, before I start, I want to put up a disclaimer. I HAVE BEEN SPOILED. While I did NOT read the copy or alot of the finer points of the plot, I do know some of the deaths and such. And I do know parts of the Epilogue. That said, I still wanted toput up my predictions. I had these written up last week, and was going to post them today as my way of preparing for the finale...but then the spoilers hit. So yes, I am totally wrong on some of these, but well, these were honestly what I thought was going to happen before Wednesday.

So without further delay..

Harry - Yes I'm going there. I've been calling for his death for years now. Why? Because it just makes sense. What kind of life do you live after vanquishing the greatest evil ever at 17? You just can't be normal after that. He is a brash and reckless person, and people like that don't normally get long lives. Just as his father and Sirius before him, he should go as well.

Voldemort - Duh. Main villian...deader than a doornail.

Lupin - He is the last connection to Harry's father. Sorry, gotta go. I'm amazed he made it through HBP.

Pettigrew - See Lupin. Plus, he's got that life debt thingie.

Greyback - Werewolf + Silver handed Pettigrew + life debt = dead

Percy - Will he make up with the family before he bites it? That's really the only question in my mind.

Lucius Malfoy - Will be killed by Voldie for something. Impetus to getting Draco to turn and help Harry.

Snape - DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD!!!!! But he will redeem himself in such a way that we will all be wetting ourselves in anticipation of watching Alan Rickman chew all the scenery he can with this scene.

Ginny - Not because I hate her, I just think if she makes it through, Harry makes it through. I can't see her as the "weeping widow". Besides, if she goes, Harry really has nothing left. Oh sure, he's got Ron and Hermione..but they get to be the survivors.

Hagrid - Just because I'm sick of his pet of the book. Please JK?

(BTW, I know I have some of these wrong...like I said, these were my predictions before I got spoiled. I just wanted to get them on record so I could brag :))

As for the survivors' fates:

Ron - Keeper for Chuddley Cannons. It is revealed he and his wife (Hermione) are telling the biography of Harry Potter to that writer who showed up in HBP at Slughorn's Party that offered to write it for Harry.

Hermione - Some kind of activist. Probably dealing with House Elves. I don't know, Hermione's never been my favorite character. I just wish for once, she is wrong in the series. We get it JK, she's you as a kid. Please don't tell us you were ever wrong.

Neville - Herbology Professor at Hogwarts (I think everyone has this one). But I do think he'll get his shot at Bellatrix and while he'll defeat her, he'll let her live.

Luna - Editor in Chief of the Daily Prophet. She got there after a hostile takeover by the Quibbler :)

Fred and George - The most successful perveyors of magical pranks ever. Plus, they will be the official supplier of Aurors everywhere, of effective Defensive spells around.

Bill - Still not a werewolf. But gets fuzzier around the full moon. Helps discover the cure for werewolfism, because of his half-ness of it all.

Draco - Poor and penniless Gameskeeper of Hogwarts. Because of his family's association with the Dark Arts, his clout will be completely gone. And he'll be a better person for it. :)

Bellatrix - Yes, I think she'll survive. Why? Because what could be crueler than being a fanatic who's lost her master, and knowing she probably caused it.

Horcruxes and locations:

Hufflepuff's cup = Gringott's
Slytherin's locket = Grimmauld Place
Ravenclaw's tiara = Room of Requirement
Harry = wherever Harry is at the time

Misc.

We will see Olivander again. He fled to hide from Voldie to avoid having to make another wand for him
DD's portrait will be dolling out advice.
McGongall will kick mondo ass
We will see babies (Most likely Ron and Hermione's)
I do think Snape loved Lily. It just makes the most sense. He probably hates Harry because he is the product of the woman he loved and the man he loathed. That would be enough to piss anyone off.
Dudley's dementor vision was him in the real world, not being able to bully anyone.
Hogwarts WILL re-open (it has to, Harry has to get Ravenclaw's tiara :D)
The final line will involve a toast to Harry Potter, "The boy who with the lightening bolt scar."
We WILL get a glimpse of Harry in the afterlife. Yes, we will see Sirius, his parents, and DD one more time (also Ginny).
Sirius's mirror might offer us a glimpse of the afterlife, but I'm not sure...
The last chapter will end with Harry's death, and the beginning of the Epilogue will make it appear as though he could have lived, only to reveal he didn't. It may start from Ron and Hermione's POV, but switch to Harry's in the afterlife. Or just be from Harry's the whole time, he's just looking in.

So you have them. I know alot of these are wrong, but these are honestly what I thought at the time. Everyone, enjoy the series...and be prepared to cry...alot.

All done!

2007-07-15T21:48:29Z

Give me the flubbing book NOW!!!!

I had forgotten how much I loved this book. It gets so maligned by certain fandoms, but it really is quite an incredible book. I mean, we find out Lord Voldie's back story, more background on Snape, Draco gets alot of screen time, and we meet a *good* Slytherin in Slughorn. What's not to love about this book ~~if you're not Harmonian~~?

BTW, Harry is definately going back to Hogwarts in DH. If you have seen the spoilers for the chapter titles, you'll see what Ravenclaw's item was. And it is definately in the Room of Requirement. In fact, there are two mentions of this specific item...well, the exact item is mentioned only once. But another item of this type is mentioned at another point in the book. Also, she keeps bringing up that Room, so something is going to happen in there at one point.

Other thoughts, does anyone think that Lockhart was on Felix Felicis? I just ask because as Slughorn said "...if taken in excess, it causes giddiness, recklessness, and dangerous overconfidence." (pg 187, American) Just wondering.

Speaking of Lockhart, I wanted to save this for my predictions, but I truly think Bill will allow for a cure to werewolvism to be re-discovered. They can see how the bites affect things in much tamer conditions. It should be interesting. I mean, it didn't quite seem like a throw-awy to me anyway.

Very limited on the Hagrid's dangerous pet subplot we usually get. Aragog was dead and Gwarp was mostly off screen. It's kinda a nice change.

This book, you can tell, is moving towards the end. Yes DD died, Voldie gets thoroughly explained, ships start coming together, it's a grand sense of closing. And this book is definately the first half of a larger book, with DH being the second half.

And so now, we wait. At midnight of this Saturday, the answers will be known to us. Take us there, Jo.

One week!!!!

2007-07-13T17:38:39Z

I swear if someone doesn't give me that flubbing book NOW...I am going to explode.

Yup, just got back from seeing it

2007-07-12T02:44:26Z

That was fun. Heh heh...my twins rocked!! Although, I wished it had gone on for a little longer, but seeing what else they cut, well.

I am glad I had read the book though, because my-never-read-the-books-husband was highly confused. He got the gist of it, and I agree, they had the gist of the book.

Did anyone else hear Harry call Ginny "Lily" in one of the DA scenes? I could have sworn I heard that.

YAY for book!Ron! It's about time. It's also about time they lessened the Harry/Hermione stuff. It was still there, but much less significant than other movies *coughGoFcoughcough*

Also, I had a thought regarding Sirius's death. I know he wasn't AK'ed in the book, but I was wondering if maybe they (or JK) were giving us a hint/confimation that yes, the veil is a portal to the afterworld. Especially the he kinda floated away in it. I mean, he was AK'ed to drive the point home he was dead. I could see why they did that in the movie, and Justin thought it looked like a portal gateway. I could see his point, especially since he didn't have the book exposure of it being a flapping curtain. So who knows...

As always, the adult actors rocked. Ralph Fiennes, Jason Issacs, Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson...you all rule. Alan Rickman...have my babies! I can't wait to see you in the next movie. Lady who played Umbridge...you too rule.

Why was Percy in this film? Seemed kinda pointless. Maybe he had a line that was cut or something.

Dan...you acting skills have never failed to meet my expectations. But you did the best you could.

All in all, a solid performance, but it just seemed to be missing something...a je ne sais pas...if you will

But the big news.....

9 FUCKING DAYS BABY!!!!! w00t! FOR SINGLE DIGIT WAITS!!!

Just in time for the movie...

2007-07-11T04:17:45Z

Seriously..I finished it right at the stroke of midnight...

Delores Umbridge is wonderfully written character.

No, seriously. She's probably one of the best written characters in the whole series. How else could you explain my seething loathing of her? I mean, every time I saw the words "Hem hem," I wanted to chuck the book across the room. She's sadistic, cruel, spiteful, mean-spirited...and so well bloody written. Draco is mearly annoying, Snape obviously has his reasons...she's just plain foul. OMG I want to smack her now!

Other thoughts, how is this book the Har-MOAN-ian Bible? If you ask them, they say this offers the most proof of Harry and Hermione getting together. Did they miss all the times Harry was purely annoyed by her? She is such a nag in this book. She reminded me of my mother. I would have blown up at her too. But oh no, theirloveissotrue in this book? I'm thinking of a word that begins with a "D", can you guess it? :-D

Speaking of blowups...OMG SHUT UP, HARRY!!! Thinking you are more deserving than Ron for prefect. Can't you be happy for someone else for once? Good God, the boy has lived in everyone's shadows for his entire life. Let him have some glory. Oh no, it's all let's throw a pity party for Harry.

Cho...get her off my pages. I always hated that she's the first Ravenclaw we really get to know. Yeah I know, Luna is developed quite nicely..but we met Cho in PoA.

Bellatrix..love her. She has a large part in DH too :-D

Grawp...blegh. I hated that sub-plot. I really don't want to see the payoff either. I just don't care. We get it, Hagrid likes dangerous things..STOP IT!!!

But we finally get some answers. And thus the series creeps to an end. Overall, this book did feel like a filler, but it moves the plot nicely. Unfortunately, I'm always too annoyed at CAPSLOCK!Harry to often search for clues. Thank God he got over it HBP...which is coming this weekend.

7:00 this evening! I get to see Dan Radcliffe unleash his mad "acting" skills on this one. LOL! To be fair, he's improved greatly since the the first two movies..I just like to hold it over his head.

Yeah yeah...I'm late

2007-07-08T03:35:51Z

I meant to have this done yesterday, but I found a loverly Harmonian mock site that _almagitana pointed me to and I've been too busy laughing my ass off and watching my husband lose all faith in humanity. So without further delay...

The book where the shit hits the fan.

Ok, first things first. Can someone please explain again to me how this is a kid's book? Let's see, two onscreen murders (Frank Bryce and Cedric..although it's three if you count the spider), five more off screen (Bertha Jorkins, Barty Crouch Sr, and the entire Riddle Family), someone's soul getting sucked out (Barty Crouch Jr), several cases of torture (Longbottoms, Cedric, Harry), a guy chopping his own hand off (Pettigrew), possible sex (all those kids in the bushes during the Yule Ball, pretty sure there was at least heavy petting), and the beginnings of a corrupt, powermad, government. Never saw that in "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" (although they both had a character named "Fudge")

Secondly...oh God! Ron....Harry...fighting! TOO PAINFUL!! And put that violent streak of yours away Harry. Ron is human and had a breaking point. He doesn't need to be punched, kicked, or have badges thrown at him! You hit a breaking point in OotP..and nobody kicked, punched, or threw things at you. Twit.

I loved how she got all of the elder Weasley brothers at one of the trials. I really figured Bill would be the one who settled into the background and we would learn more of Charlie in the later books. How wrong I was. Of course we also begin to see Percy separating himself from his family, I always wondered how that inquiry of his went...

I had a couple of curious questions. Both times Harry has a dream, he is seeing it from an unknown point of view. Supposedly, this is because of his link to Voldie, but the Frank murder is all from Frank's POV and I have no idea who the one regarding the murder of Barty Crouch was supposed to be from. He's riding an eagle owl, then seeing a discussion of a murder. The hell? Am I missing something?

Speaking of the eagle owls, have you always noticed they show up before Death Eater communication? Kinda a neat trick.

Here's another point I was wondering, how is Barty Jr able to be pissed at people like Lucious, when he was denying Voldie at his trial? That always confused me too...

Hee hee, when we first meet Bellatrix, she is "sitting in the chained chair as though it were a throne." (pg 594, Amer ed). God I love her, such a lovely freakchild. From what I've seen of the previews of OotP, Helena Bonaham Carter may be competing with Alan Rickman, Jason Isaacs, and Ralph Fiennes for most scenery chewed. (I mean we all know Rickman wins that competition hands down, I mean he chews it without saying a word...but still..) Bring it baby! Be the insane Voldie support we all know and love!

Cedric...poor poor Cedric. I remember when I first read this, I just stopped and had to re-read it to make sure I was sane. Now that I've seen the movie, I just have that picture of his father walking down from the stands, crying. God, it's a horrible image. As Bane said "always the innocent are first" and Cedric had a unicorn hair for his wand core...hate you Malfoy!

So now, I'm off to read OotP. Got tix to Wednesday's showing, so I must be done by then. Thankfully, MLB is being nice and having an All-Star break, so I have plenty of time to read with no baseball. :)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2007-07-05T03:53:34Z

Or....

LOL!!! The hippogriff is a symbol of love overcoming all the odds to be together, and since Harry and Hermione rode Buckbeak, this is proof of them being the ultimate pairing.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Ok, so what about Sirius? He rode it too. So does this mean Hermione/Sirius, Harry/Sirius, or....Harry/Hermione/Sirius will be the final relationship? I'm just asking based on their logic?

OK, I admit it, I've never been a "shipper." I realise I'm weird, because this is apparently something females are supposed to obsess over, as opposed to what is actually happening as far as the plot goes. It's something that has always pissed me off in both the HP and Lost world. Why are we wasting all this time figuring out who gets Hermione/Kate, when we could be spending time figuring out the overall arch. I read the books and said, "Oh, Hermione and Ron will hook up, that's cute. Now why are Lily's eyes important?" I don't know, maybe I'm biased because Justin and I acted alot like Ron and Hermione did all through high school and were just friends for the first 13 years of our relationship. Although that never stopped people from thinking we were dating alot earlier....

Anyway my point is this, Ron and Hermione spent alot of time alone in this book that Harry is never privy too. Since we see things from his point of view, and seeing as he's as dense as a black hole at times, it wouldn't register to him that Ron and Hermione might be moving towards each other. They were together in Diagon Alley to shop together, they went to Hogsmead together at least twice, and there were although extra Quidditch practices that drug Harry off away from them to "work" on homework together. The Harmonians have a contrived theory that stretches logic like taffy. The Herons have Mt. Everest. (Not in this book, but the groundwork is there). I just have to wonder. It also seems to me that alot of Harmonians seem to think it will be them because Harry's the main character and Hermione's the main female. Ugh...that and I've watched too much anime to think that is a good reason.

One thing that has always annoyed me about this book, how the hell did I miss Sirius Black black as the giant black dog? I have a freaking astronomy background! Sirius is one of my favorite stars, what was I thinking? Sirius = dog star, black dog star. I mean, I saw Lupin and immediately said "werewolf". So again I ask, how did I miss Sirius?

But that said, I absolutely loved this book. Sirius was, of course, the first real character introduced somewhere else, only to be pushed to the forefront. We get our first look at Capslock!Harry, and see his anger issues. I was amazed at how angry he was in OotP, but upon re-reads, yeah it was always there. Read the Aunt Marge blowup for more proof. It just got pushed to the forefront in that book. Also, just how was he planning on killing Sirius? He didn't know Avada Kedravra yet.

I again saw another mention of Ron "getting" Draco at some point. I'm so totally calling Malfoy losing it all in DH and having to be a caretaker, poor but redeemed.

*sigh* I miss Oliver Wood. Please let us see him one more time before the series ends. I know there won't be any Quidditch, but just once...please?

As far as Evil!McGonagall, really didn't see much this book, other than her seething hatred of Trelawny.

Off to the dark side...Goblet of Fire.