Harry Potter: DH2 Review

So we went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Long story short; we wanted to go to the 9:15 show, we ended up at the 10pm show. Years ago that wouldn't have made a difference. Now... I felt old trying to stay awake and did some long blinking. Yeah, i know.

Upon 3 days of reflection, it was a good movie. It really was. And I'm sure as time goes by, I will learn to love it. That being said, if you have read the book recently, or have a photographic memory for the written word - wait a while. Get the book out of your head. Forget your favorite parts as much as you can. (I didn't wait long enough. And I Do have the photographic memory of the written word.)

***Spoiler*** Turn away now if you don't want to know!!!***
My favorite part of all the HP books are the Weasleys. I love this family, I love their dynamic. I love how they have absorbed Harry and Hermione as if they were always there. I love the humor of the siblings. And ok, I love the twins, Fred and George. I think that Fred and George have some of the best scenes in the books. And I am always disappointed that Fred and George are not included in the movies as much as in the books. In Deathly Hallows, it's the twins who provide a much needed break from the doom and gloom of Harry's life. And the Director cut it out!

My favorite part of the book was during the fighting at Hogwarts. Harry and friends had killed the 6th Horocrux, and were heading back to the fight. They ran into the Weasleys... including Percy Weasley who has been disconnected from his family since he chose the Ministry of Magic over the truth about "You-Know-Who." During the fighting, Fred was giving Percy crap about coming back, and Percy responded in kind. It was a really funny. And heartbreaking when Fred was killed in an explosion minutes after Percy's joke - with a laughing grin still on his face.

This entire scene was left out of the movie! These family scenes - viewing the bodies of Fred, Lupin, Tonks, and little Collin Creevy in horror, seeing his family, the Weasleys, huddled in grief... this is what made Harry accept his fate in the Forbidden Forrest, not entirely the memories of Severus Snape in the pensieve.

Other things I wasn't thrilled by:

1. Snape's death in the boat house instead of the Shrieking Shack. add to that, Nagini not being in a protective bubble. I was looking forward to seeing Snape's death in the bubble.
2. Dobby not being buried in the garden of Shell Cottage, but instead far away on a sand dune.
3. the changes made solely for the benefit of 3-D: Harry and Voldemort fighting in the rafters and not the Great Hall; Nagini fighting with Hermione and Ron (never happened); the order change of Neville killing Nagini at the very end, and that being the reason Voldemort wasted away. (Where did the wasting away come from anyway? that was just... eew.)
4. the Herbology group throwing mandrakes, etc. and Prof. Trelawney throwing crystal balls at the Death Eaters. that would have been cool, even in 3-D.

Things I really enjoyed, even if some of it was pure imagination:

1. Having Ollivander retell the story of the Deathly Hallows at the beginning, even though he had no idea of the Hallows in the book, only of the Deathstick, aka Elder Wand.
2. Only calling the Elder Wand by that name and not the 4 or 5 other names it had in the books - way to keep it simple for the non-readers!
3. Hermione and Ron's escapade in the Chamber of Secrets. big kiss here, but i still missed Harry telling them to basically get a room after the fighting (in the book.)
3.a - Ginny and Harry's big kiss in the middle of the chaos, then running in opposite directions to kick ass!
4. Molly Weasley calling Bellatrix a "Bitch" in a PG-13 movie! It.Was.Fabulous!
5. Snape's Memories. They were beautiful, even if some were missing.
6. The end with the Big 3 disposing of the Elder Wand and reflecting and being together on the bridge to Hogwarts, nice ending.

All in all, this was a good movie, no matter what I've said. And I think as I move away from the books a bit, I will enjoy this movie a lot.
And if you are wondering at which part of the movie I did some extended blinking? Well... it may have been when the dragon was flying away from London and deciding where to land. There. I said it. I'm sorry, Harry. :)

my current obsession

Right now I am re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, aka Book 7. I've read it twice before, but I am now reading it again in preparation for Part 2 of this movie.
I love Harry Potter. He is an endearing character. Even more endearing are Harry's Friends. The development of these beloved characters throughout these 7 books is just outstanding. I have grown to love them as much as Harry. I cry when they die. (Ok, that just may be hormones that never went away from pregnancy, but still - I cry.
Deathly Hallows Part 2 opens Friday. I will be camping and not able to go. I'm pretty bummed. And I like camping. But this? This is Harry Potter! The end of a decade's worth of movie magic.
These characters have fought for so much. And it's finally over and things will happen that will surprise the viewers who haven't read the books. I can't wait to be in the theater when these people gasp over the revelations. The shared excitement is something to behold.
I spent the weekend having all sorts of Harry Potter movies playing on ABC Family (ch. 32 in DSM.) Weston watched a bit with me. You see, Weston was born on July 31st... the same day as our hero Harry. I tell him this all the time. I hope it encourages Weston to read all of the books, which I, of course, have.
These actors will always be known for Harry Potter. They have grown up as these characters right in front of our eyes. I wish them continued success in whichever field they choose - Acting, modelling, continued education. But surely the choice is theirs! And their future is bright.

a little bit of what's in my brain...

And now it's July. I swear this year is flying by faster than ever before. Weston will be 3 years old 3 weeks from today. It's crazy. He's brilliant and vain and ornery as hell. He exasperates me 80% of the time. He has perfected the temper tantrum. (Much to my dismay.) What is it with toddlers? I'm not sure what's worse: a toddler or a teenager? I'm sure that one day, scientists will discover that human beings going through hormonal and emotional changes (toddlers and teenagers) have the same chemical imbalances and brain patterns, etc as some bipolar patients. Then again, maybe they already have and I'm just unaware. That wouldn't be anything new.

So... what have we been up to? Well, we have season passes to Adventureland in Altoona. Weston's free, so that's nice. We don't feel guilty for going for a few hours and riding the rides or just going to the water park and then leaving early. We've been 3 or 4 times, enough to pay for the passes. And Weston loves it. He loves the rides that make me sick to my stomach. He's mad that he's not tall enough for the roller coasters, but he loves the water rides. He's such a "boy."

We celebrated the June birthdays with a big family "to-do" in Cedar Rapids. Picnic, pool party with the kiddos, and a nice dinner at TJ's in CR (try it, you'll like it!) Then we followed with some family pictures outside, and they turned out great! We moved Shannon from the Southside to Ankeny on the 11th. By "we" I mean the movers she hired (thank god.) But it still took the whole family to get everything done. On the 24th, Shannon joined us for a trip to Kansas City to watch the Cubs play the Royals. The Cubs lost, but we had a great time. The Royal fans were so nice, and Kauffman Stadium was just beautiful. We sat in the outfield by the waterfalls. And I have found a new love for the Map App on my iPhone. It saved us a few times when i got turned around. And yes, I am admitting that I got lost. And that I am not a nice person when I have a back seat driver or get lost.

So... that brings us to July. We had a nice Independence Day weekend. Shannon and I visited the Des Moines Farmer's Market for the very first time. I swear, it's like a carnival for adults! So much fun. Scott and Weston and I traveled to CR to visit our friends, the Knights, back from Delaware. Enjoyable time with the kids, etc. Reaffirmed my dislike in Red Robin. Home by 6pm. Mom and Dad stayed with Shannon for the weekend. They brought dinner over and we took Weston to see the fireworks. Scott stayed home to rest. He's been putting in ridiculously long hours (like 20 hrs straight and back at work less than 6 hrs later.) for weeks. He is still recovering. Monday, Aunt Linda & Uncle David came up from CR and we all celebrated our Independence with a traditional American Summer past time: grilling and picnicking! Loads of fun and great food! this was at Shannon's new duplex in Ankeny. It's coming together so nicely for her, and she has a great back yard, nice and flat. Perfect for Weston to learn how to play golf!

That bring us to now. A relaxing weekend at home. We took Weston to Cars 2 yesterday. I love going to movies with him. He's so funny to watch. Weston didn't want to go anywhere today, so here I am, blogging, searching the net, getting ready to start dinner. We're camping in Paullina next weekend. And then Weston's birthday party is the 30th. Pool party. tons of fun!!!

Alright, it's 5pm, and i need to start dinner. I hope to be better at this. sometime soon. :)

Photo Book

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it's been a while... April is gone, and May is on it's way out too.

Sorry that it's been so long.

Let's put it this way, you know it's been a while when my sister asks when I am going to blog again. :(

I'd blame Facebook, and while that's partly true, it's not exactly true. I just haven't had any urge to be on the computer. I'll be doing something or just sitting somewhere and a great blog idea will come to me, and I'll be working it out in my head for while. Then when I'm ready to put it into words or start writing or whatever you want to call it, I just can't bring myself to get onto the computer. I have this fabulous little netbook that I used to be so in love with. Absolutely in love with. And on occasion, I am still in love with it. I love that I can use it in bed or at a campground if I choose. But, after spending all day on the computer at work, the last thing I want to do is "work" at home. I even Facebook on my phone to avoid the computer. (Though if you ask my sister, it's because I am a "tech-whore." Her words, not mine.) So, that's my reason - I hate acting like work at home. Freud it all you want, I generally feel the same about work too.

I heard about a study on the news a while ago... you live longer if you like the people that you work with. I love the people that I work with. It's the reason that I have stayed here even though times are so bad that I have nightmares about this place. I spend 9 hours a day around these people, and I truly like them all and love some of them. (Just some, not all.)So... what's been going on in the Land of Erin?

Weston turns 3 in about 10 weeks. I've reserved the room for his birthday party and need to work on the invites so I can get RSVPs since it's a pool party. Underwater theme. Something different than Cars or trains. And speaking of, Weston is very much into CARS 2 and Thomas the Train, and suddenly Curious George. He's getting to the point of being a little mouthy and definitely a toddler. He seems to be eating rarely, though if he's hungry, it's a thunderstorm of "Mom!!!!" But he's such a "little boy" now. Oh, and he's in love with babies.

Which brings on our next topic. Baby #2. It's not that we don't want another baby. We very much do. It's the affordability of another baby. Can I afford over $500 every 2 weeks for daycare? And where would we put it? And will my job work with me? Will my job still be here??? So many concerns. But I am definitely feeling the baby fever. Scott is feeling it. And Weston? Well, if you ask him, he says no. He has Baby Elle (our friends' little girl) and he's good with her.

And on the note of another baby... I was standing next to my husband the other day, and I was pretty close. I was shocked to see that without shoes that I barely come up to his shoulders. And it made me blush. Sometimes the way Scott looks at me reminds of when we started dating and I just giggle. Yes, girlish little giggles. I wish I could have more of these moments. I wish that Scott and I could have more of these moments together. I loved how we were at the very beginning. In the "new" time. I loved how we were when I was pregnant and just after Weston was born. We were so good as a couple. We were so loving. Now... we're tired. Constantly tired. I think it's mostly my fault. I'm so stressed lately. And I've been battling some wicked spring headaches. But in general, I'm quiet. I've got so much going on in my head, that I just don't want anything coming out of my mouth. So I don't say anything. But I am trying. During those "good times" I noticed something... we touched. A lot. Nothing naughty, well not all the time, but in general. He'd play with my hair, I'd lean into him on the couch, we'd hold hands. So, I am trying to do that. I want to do that. It's an effort that I can make. And I think it's helping. It makes me happier. And anything that does that is a good thing, right?

So... the last thing on this agenda is Mom. You've been waiting the whole time for this part, right? Mom is doing... AMAZING!!! She is getting so much stronger! Her numbers are great and the bone marrow donated by that young man has taken control! What a wonderful young man!!! (We joke that all Mom ever needed was a Young Man inside her!!! tee-hee!!!)

So, that's it now. This is already long enough. Any topics you'd like me to reflect on next?

Have you seem our Eagles???

Well... ok, Decorah's Eagles. But Still, Iowa. Check this out!!!

unFriending

In this socially conscious world, is the death of a friendship marked by the "unFriending" of someone on Facebook?

I haven't seen The Social Network, but if you have... is the answer in there? Does the mini-Mark Zuckerburg tell us how to end a friendship for all the world to see?


Remember when you were a kid? When someone hurt your feelings, you told your Mom and they either called the other kid's mom or they said to let it go. And when you let it go, what did that mean? They were no longer invited over to your house for play dates and birthday parties. And then... it was over. Frienship ended. For about 5 seconds, because then the mean kid became a nice kid who shared their Fruit Rollup with you. And suddenly you're friends again.


Remember middle and high school? I have diaries detailing the fights that made up these 7 years. Your "group" starts out as 15 or so girls... it grows and shrinks over time. Someone told a secret or stole a boyfriend while at the skating rink, and suddenly the group is divided on sides. Fractured from the whole for a lot longer than elementary school. Then high school starts and suddenly the groups are merged and split again, mainly based on class load and interests. And while there's fighting, it's more mature. And a lot more devious. Think Gossip Girl without all the money, clothes, and grand scale. Same thoughts and plans on a much smaller stage. I mean seriously, in the 90s... the worse think I could think to call someone was a slut. And even then I would feel guilty that my mom whould find out. But... once fractured, high school friendships didn't generally grow back together. If anything, the divide grew larger and more definite until graduation. Your parents wonder what happened to that girl who practically lived here every weekend, and no matter how you explained what happened, they don't get it.


College friendships tend to last. Maybe it's the fact that the most growing up you do emotionally is from 18-25. And it's your college friends, and the ones you've kept since high school that grow with you. These are your first "adult" friends.


And this brings me to Facebook.
I refused to join this thing in the beginning. It seemed too young. Something my sister was doing in high school, and I was so past High School. (Yes, with capital letters.) So, I didn't joing Facebook until 2008 or 2009, after my son was born, and my sorority friends were dragging me (kicking and screaming) into the era of the social network. And suddenly I was "friends" with over 200 people! People I knew from elementary school and on. And it was like we've always been friends. I knew their stories, and they followed mine. It was like they cared with 100 or so characters. It was almost as good as my high school reunion. I was a mediocre follower for a while. I posted pictures and commented a few times, but after a while, I became addicted. I followed my "friends," I played a game or 2, I commented on a million things a day. And I started trying to post things to see what people would say. Facebook has come in handy, especially when I need parenting advice or general questions answered. But I think it also has a way of de-socializing us too. My sister calls me a "Facebook Whore" or "Post Whore" saying that I am being antisocial by being on my new iPhone while we're together, constantly checking Facebook. Part of me thought about giving it up for Lent. Then I realized that I am not Catholic, so I don't have to give anything up. (Yep... addicted.)
Anyway, desocialization by Facebook: So, we feel like we're super involved in our friends' lives because we read their posts and see their pictures... it's like we're always there. But we're not. Not really. And after a while, when you think about it, you realize that you haven't seen your friend in almost 6 months. And they don't seem to realize it either. And suddenly it's like you don't even know each other. And then a FB post is taken the wrong way (like a text message, but don't get me started on Text Wars.) and the next thing you know, you haven't seen any posts for a while. And when you go looking, you can find this friend amongst your friends. And when you search all of FB for them... you discover that you are no longer "friends." You have 2 mutual friends (did they unfriend other people as well?) but that's it.
Not Friends.
Unfriended.
The end of a 6 year relationship.
With the click of a button.
Is this what our society has come to?
(I hope not.)