HARRY POTTER

Okay, I'm not going to give anything away, for all of those that have yet to read the newest one, but <sniff>. It's common knowledge that one of the major characters dies at the end of this book, and I won't say whom, but it doesn't take a lot to figure out the person, once you start reading.
I really enjoyed Harry in this book; he's more mature, more decisive, witty...a big turn-around from the sullen boy from OTF. But that's the genius of these books; we are really watching Harry grow up and learn from his mistakes. Fifteen-year-olds are sullen and easily engraged.
Anywho, I already sound like enough of a dork yapping about Harry Potter, but I really do think that once the set is complete, they are going to go down as classics of modern literature, and I can't wait to pass them to my kids, someday. I almost typed "read them to my kids", but I realized that what I love most about books and reading is that it's your own private view of a story; whatever you see in your own head is how the adventure is unfolding, and with these books, they really need to be experienced on your own.
I can definitely tell you that I am going to feel a profound loss mixed with a sense of completion as I read the last novel. To not have another one to look forward to will be quite a bummer. I wonder if she'll ever write another series?


READ THIS BOOK AGAIN

I read "Green Eggs and Ham" to my niece the other day; man is that a roller-coaster for the tongue. But it's a good read, quite fun. Go back, read it again...you'll enjoy it. If you don't you're a fascist. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW

I had lunch with an old friend from high school about a week ago, a guy that I guess could best be termed as my Crush. Everyone has one (or two), that boy or girl that filled your adolescent thoughts in and out of class with dreams of never-ending infatuation and idealistic love. The kind of "love" that remains untouchable and un-realistic in the long-run, for though they are usually nice people and worthy of your admiration, they have no real interest in you beyond friendship, despite, perhaps, a moment or two that might have given you hope to the contrary. I hadn't talked to or seen him in about nine years, so it was a real trip to get together and catch-up. We had a lovely meal, exchanging stories. He told me about his lovely new wife and his plans for the future; I told him about my days in college and the career that I am attempting to make my way in, these days. I guess I just kind of wanted to see what nine years had done to him, and frankly, I was shocked that he had responded to my first email at all, let alone wanted to get lunch. Anywho, it went well, and at the end, he said something odd and delightful. He said, "Just before we go, I wanted to say sorry for being such a dick to you in high school." I was taken-aback by this statement, because truly, I wasn't harboring any feelings of resentment towards this guy all these years. But apparently he was carrying some latent guilt and felt the need to get it off of his chest. I told him that no apology was necessary, but that I appreciated his words and his maturity for having the desire to say them.

A day or so went by, with his statement running in my head, and I finally came to realize that yeah, I kind of DID want to hear that. That what he said was one of those little Self-Esteem Validation moments that the little girl inside of me had been waiting to experience; something that I didn't even realize I was holding on to, but was relieved to let go of. It shouldn't have mattered, it being so long ago, but I guess there is still a little bit of starry-eyed youth inside of me. This was my "moment at the prom where the jock leaves his gorgeous girlfriend in the middle of the dance floor to come to me and take my hand and tell me that he really likes me, and not her, and would I like to dance with all eyes on us".

I'm a bit embarrassed to know that Chris will probably read all of this, in that he enjoys my blog, but no sense in masking the truth. I wish him all of the best in his new marriage and move to foreign lands. =) It takes a real man to own up to his past and address his mistakes and regrets. She's a lucky girl.



MY SONG FOR CARL ROVE OF THE DAY

"Sha na na na, sha na na na, hey hey hey...GOOD-BYE!!!"

AHH, LA.

I live in a crazy, crazy town. Yesterday, I saw a man dressed in full "Elvis" garb (Vegas Elvis, mutton-chops and all) walking down the street with some moving boxes as if nothing was out of the ordinary about the situation. Fantastic. And sometimes, at two in the morning when we are shuffling everyone out of my bar, a man measuring no taller than 5'1" or so, wearing a full grey tuxedo with top hat and tails, comes strolling through the establishment with a huge, white dog that is just about the same size as he. I've seen him twice now, so I know he's not a fluke. And I made sure to check that he was really there with someone else, so as to assure myself that I hadn't lost my marbles. We have no idea whom he is, but he just kind of walks through and doesn't talk to anyone, then walks back out again. I'M perplexed by him; I couldn't even imagine what's going through the heads of our inebriated patrons. Whew; I love LA.

Update on the online-lovin'-

it's going all right so far, I guess. I have talked to a few guys on the phone, am still writing to some others; I have yet to meet up with anyone yet. There are definately some interesting people out there, though. Very interesting. Part of me is distrustful of the whole experience becuse I'm thinking "Jeez, who could be on this site?" But then I remind myself, "Uhh, doi, YOU'RE on this site, remember? You're not here because you're a freak of nature and are un-dateable...you're here because you live in a town where it's very hard to meet sincere people, and the whole 'bar scene' just isn't appealing. There's gotta be some other normal people in the same situation out there; you just have to find them." So, we're still mushing along...I'll let you know how things progress.


HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES OF THE DAY

I'm not ready to talk about the political ramifications quite yet, but until then, I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those that lost their lives yesterday morning in London. We're living in a mad, mad time.