Truth Is Thursday--Emotional Dweeb, Yoda Dale, & Random Life Stuff

Truth Is:  I read something that suggested meditating on feelings as a way to de-stress.  WTH?  Feelings are the things that send us into orbit!  How the frig can that calm me down? See, a little irked right now…

Truth Is: Dale Jr. ripped it up in the Duels today, finishing second. 

Truth Is: Dale Jr. ripped it up in the Budweiser Shootout, but was unfortunately collected in a foolish wreck.  And, I gotta say, I think Jeff Gordon’s a great driver and all, but he seems to get a little wobbly-kneed when Dale pushes him.  During the shootout, radio communication reports said that Jeff asked Dale to back off.  Thing is, when Dale was pushing him, they were up front.  If the Yoda of restrictor plate racing was on my rear end, I’d let him Jedi my butt all the way around the track, no questions.  If there was ever someone to trust, it’s him.

Truth Is: Very happy that the two-car tandem stuff seems to have diminished at Daytona.  Give me pack racing any day. 

Truth Is:  Dad.  Sigh.  Yeah, he apparently decided to “lightly drizzle” queso (cheese/salsa) on tater tots. 

My response to Dad: “E. R.  I. C. U. Do those letters ring a really loud bell, by chance?” 

Dad, totally playing coy: “Huh, can’t say they do at the moment.”

*Shakes head*

Truth Is: I love my Mavs.  Just had to say that.  They fight so hard.

Truth Is:  Harry Potter better bring home an Academy Award this Sunday.  It will be a travesty in the film world if this series doesn’t have an Oscar to its name. 

Truth Is: Moisturizer update!  The smell—same.  The result—vast improvement already.  I’m shocked.  Obviously, I’ll need to give it more time, but the drastic difference in my skin has me cautiously optimistic that this stuff will abolish the dryness entirely.  

Truth Is:  AMC is showing Sleepless in Seattle later today.  I should have added it to my top five movies.  Anything Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan, I adore, and this is one of my favorites.  Cry every single time.  I know, I'm a romantic dweeb. I accept this.

Channel Your Inner Bookworm!

This super fun book survey comes from Jay, who always finds the most interesting questionnaires. Thank you, Jay, for tagging us!

1. Favorite childhood book?

I loved the Boxcar Children, Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Green Gables, The Babysitter’s Club, and the Nancy Drew books.  The bookstore rivaled the toy store when I was little.

                                                                                                               
2. What are you reading right now?

On recommendation from a friend, I’m reading The House of Night series. It’s a vampire series, but it’s pretty different from the others. 
 
3. What books do you have on request at the library?

Oh, it’s awful, but I haven’t been to the library in years.  I do love library books, though—the crinkly covers, the mysterious musty smell.

4. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

*hides head* Nothing.

5. Do you have an e-reader?

Nope, not interested. I mean, they’re cool little gadgets, but I’m a total traditionalist—I like holding a book in my hands and actually turning the pages.  I even like seeing a book sitting on my nightstand.  Plus, I love bookmarks—seriously, I kind-of collect them.

6. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I’ve read two at one time before, but I really prefer to read one book at a time. I enjoy getting lost in the world for as long as possible.    

7. Can you read on the bus?

Oh, sure. I read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on a drive across country.  It was so much fun—I actually got annoyed when the sun had the nerve to set.

8. Favorite place to read?

My bed.

9. Do you ever dog-ear books?

No! Never! lol Bookmarks, people! Bookmarks! Lol

 
10. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

If I need to make notes, I use pink/blue/yellow post-it notes and stick them on the pages. 

11. What makes you love a book?

Characters.  It’s so important to have a main character who “speaks” to the reader, someone the reader can connect with.  I hate it if by the end of a novel, I feel like I never fully “knew” the main character.  Voice goes hand-in-hand with characters that jump off the page.  If the characters/voice are interesting, then I look for a world/story that will let me escape reality.

12. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

If it’s something I can’t put down or want to read again, I’ll absolutely recommend it.

 
13. Favorite genre?

What can I say, I love the fantasy worlds.

14. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

Ugh, awful.  People who write take such pride in what they do; their works become as precious to them as their loved ones.  Maybe the best review is one that is constructive.

15. Favorite Poet?

I don’t really have one.  I love reading poetry, including poems by fellow bloggers.
 
16. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?

Since I don’t really check out books anymore, I can’t really answer this one. Um, I’m feeling so guilty over these library questions that I think I’ll make a trip to my library this spring and check out a book, any book.

17. How often have you returned books to the library unread?

Oh, well, I never did that.

18. Favorite fictional character?

So many.  Elizabeth Bennett, Marianne Dashwood, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Brandon, Dracula, Sookie Stackhouse, Nancy Drew, Harry Potter (and all HP characters, really, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Tonks, Lupin, Snape, Sirius, Dumbledore, McGonagall, etc.).

19. Favorite fictional villain?

Dracula.

20. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?

Probably something new and an old reliable, like Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or True Blood.

21. The longest I’ve gone without reading.

Um, I don’t think I’ve ever gone any appreciable amount of time without reading.

22. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

I don’t think there is a book I didn’t push through, but there is one I had to skip through.  I hate to say this, but I skipped over large chunks of New Moon in the Twilight Saga, particularly the times Bella kept talking about the large, gaping hole in her stomach.  I loved the end of the book, though, when the Volturi came into play and wished more of the novel had taken place in Volterra, Italy.

23. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

Nothing.  When I’m in the world, I’m in the world to stay.

24. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Gone With the Wind.

25. Most disappointing film adaptation?

Honestly, none can compare to the original novels.  Some try very hard to capture the aura of the original works, and they do a phenomenal job.  Still, if you’ve read the original work, it’s nearly impossible not to compare. But, I just enjoy the films and know they’ve done the best they can to bring the written word to life.

26. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
 

I usually read from beginning to end, although it might take me longer to finish if I’m not enjoying it.  Even if I want to stop reading, I try not to.  Not getting a good read on the main character and a very specific type of redundancy can be distracting.

27. Do you like to keep your books organized?

Usually by series.  If it’s a stand alone novel, I’ll organize by theme/genre. 

28. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

Oh, I’m so a keeper of books.

Okay, now it’s your turn to reveal your inner bookworm! If you want to be tagged, then…TAG, you’re it!!!

One Lovely Blog Award & Fun Facts!

That Twenty Something Virgin was sweet enough to pass me this award and I couldn’t be happier. She’s adorable, witty, and an absolute sweetheart.  Thank you so much for this award, darlin’!

There’s so much to answer with this one, so let’s get started!

Rules:

1. Link back to the person who gave you the award (see above)
2. Complete form below
3. Tell 7 random things about yourself
4. Nominate 15 bloggers

Questionnaire:

* Name your favorite color: Pink is my signature color. (Thank you to Steel Magnolias for this line).  

* Name your favorite song: When You Wish Upon A Star—my mama used to sing this to me when I was little.

* Name your favorite dessert: Chocolate Cream Pie

* What pisses you off? Mean people

* When you are upset, you:  Clean, then curl up, watch a fun movie, and eat cereal.

* Your favorite pet: My puppy from when I was little. Miss him so much.

* Black or White?  Black—it’s elegant, flattering, and so versatile.

* Everyday Attitude: Cautiously optimistic with a gallon of hope, a sprinkle of cynicism, and a dusting of pessimism.

* Your best feature: Reckon my heart.

* Guilty pleasure: Watching Dance With Me or Cocktail while indulging in chocolate milk and Captain Crunch (or chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream).

7 Random Things About Myself:

1. Much like with clowns, I have a completely irrational fear of zombies.  The whole concept gives me the creeps.  And, yet, I watch that show The Walking Dead because of my True Blood withdrawals. 

2. I usually like to cuddle up in a blanket, even when it’s warm out.

3. Um, I have a secret desire to ballroom dance *hides head* Think it would really bring out the sexy.

4. Oh, I love organizing things! It’s thrilling to see something that needs organizing because then I can unleash my skills.

5. I’m totally looking forward to the last ever Harry Potter DVD.

6. I’m totally not looking forward to the LAST EVER Harry Potter DVD.

7. The trailer to the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, Part I, looks good and I look forward to seeing it…but so help me if it breaks any of the records smashed by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II.  I just don’t think the Twilight Saga comes anywhere close to Harry Potter.

Nominate 15 (and I added a couple to that):

• Furry Bottoms
• Julianna
• Jewels
• Jay
• Alittlesprite
• Lex
• LOLA
• J. Day
• Hazel
• Purple Mist
• The Crazy House
• Cinderita
• Chocolateangel
• KLo
• Anna
• Yvonne
• David Batista

Truth Is Thursday!

1. Truth is I bought a box of Lucky Charms.  Think I'm a cereal addict.

2. Truth is Dad's spider is missing.  No idea where the creepy crawler is, but, curiously, Mom doesn't seem at all concerned: "Oh, I'm sure Harry's on a little vacay visiting relatives." Dad, meanwhile, vows Harry will be back.  (My guess is Harry is somewhere outside).

3.  Truth is I'm beginning to think only the bitchiest women get the good guys.  Seriously.  It's like the bitchier you are, the better your odds of getting a genuinely nice guy to fall in love with you.  And I'm the girl in the back of the chorus waving a rose or banner or something equally lame and mocking. 

4. Truth is I just picked up my Gavin & Stacey, The Complete Collection DVD.  I'm over the moon! I LOVE this show so much! The characters are clever, funny, and endearing.  They're like family or old friends. 

5. Truth is I had a dream I was at Hogwarts last night. It was right before the big battle.  Apparently, they recruited muggles with special talents (no idea what my hidden talent was--never found out).

In the Great Hall, Snape was giving us a lecture on his magic-enhanced energy plan for muggles (yeah, the news must be creeping into my dreams now).  Just as Snape began outlining his plan in detail, Harry stormed in and told Snape his plan would have to wait--they "have a snake-face to take down." 

Snape sighed, "No one believes in my plan." I then took his hand and whispered, "I believe in your plan.  I believe in you." Yep, it seems my dream had me crushing on dear old Severus Snape.  Awesome. 

The rest of the dream was pretty random: Hermione needed to borrow nail polish remover; before the battle, I decided to rescue something from the Great Hall and hide it up in the Gryffindor common room, so it wouldn't be destroyed; and I got lost trying to find the bathrooms and ended up on a spiral staircase where I started chasing Snape to try and save him from Voldemort. Then, I woke up! 

That's it!

Flu Shots Suck

Morning: Failing Flat Iron.

Um, why is my flat iron getting too hot on setting 1? 

"I only use you for bangs! You can't be breaking!"

If it gets too hot, the bangs get all flat and springy, as in they stick out. It's like they're waving at people when I walk. So not good. 

Lunch: Flu Shot Fun

I'm not sure what's worse: the actual shot or the the part where the nurse rubs the area with a cotton pad. Just the feeling of the cold, wet, cotton pad on my arm is enough to bring the chills.

The area where they give the shot is open to passersby, so there is no privacy (i.e. I can't make faces, white knuckle the chair, or otherwise act like a big baby). 

When my mom got her shot, there was no one there. Me? Oh, well, I had a mini audience. Two little boys stopped, pointed, and laughed. Little buggers. And just when the nurse started wiping my arm with that slimy little cotton pad, an older woman quite literally STOPPED IN HER TRACKS and proceeded to smile at me. It was...odd--almost like she wanted to ask me a question or something.

Now, I'm all for smiling, but at that moment, smiles are the last thing on my mind. I managed to urge the corners of my mouth into a weak smile.

Luckily, she left, or so I thought.  She walked around me and began asking the nurse all these questions about the flu shot!!! WTH!!!!

"How does this work? Do we need an appointment? Do we need to bring anything?"

The questions just kept coming and I wanted to grab the big plastic pumpkin thing across from me and throw it at her.

The nurse finally had to end the question/answer portion of today's flu shot demonstration because the woman clearly didn't care that she was about to give a shot.

What happened next is predictable: I braced, she stuck, and I bought myself a bag of candy corn.

Night: Post Flu Shot Fun

My arm hurts and I'm achy.

They say flu shots can't make you feel icky. What a crock!

Well, I don't give a flying fart what they say--flu shots make me feel cruddy. 

I'm going to grab a few candy corns and watch Harry Potter.

The Cowboys play the Redskins Monday. I will likely need more candy corn...and Harry Potter. 
 

Er, huh? What? Oh...okay.

Well, this has been disappointing.  I recently found out this man I know is a L.I.A.R. (Lazy Inconsiderate Arrogant Rot).  I came up with that on a whim.  This man is a piece of work, let me tell you.  The whole thing has kind-of sent my brain into information overload.


So, what to write? Random tidbits? Um , yeah, okay.

Well, I mistakenly watched The Phantom of the Opera.  *insert tears and stuffy nose* When they sing All I Ask of You...well, just hand me the Kleenex 'cause I'm gone.  Definitely a film to watch solo.

Oh, I saw two earwigs getting it on.  At least, I think that's what they were doing.  Two bugs were having sex on my porch railing.  I mean, bugs? Really? The whole world is just get-it-on-central! Like I really needed a reminder in the form of bugs. 

I think my teeth are claustrophobic.  A single bristle popped off of my toothbrush and practically cemented itself in between my teeth.  Let me tell you, this is not a fun experience.  It hurt like all heck! As the discomfort increased, so did the panic.  It took far too long to dislodge the dang thing.  Fair warning--have floss and tweezers handy.

So, this weekend is the Brickyard.  I've got my trusty new AMP t-shirt (sans Dale's name and number as to avoid any possibility of a jinx) ready to go.  No doubt he'll give it his all--he always does.  Lady Luck better back off or I'll...I'll...well, I'll shake my fist at her and call her a name! *yeah, that's so not intimidating*

Did you hear the drumbeat for HBO (or equivalent) to make a series out of Harry Potter? I read an article where someone thought it would be cool to do a Game of Thrones with Harry and explore more of the books than the films did.  It seems to be gaining ground with fans.  What do you think?  Good idea?   Gotta tell you, I'd watch.

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Harry Potter's Alternate Ending?!?!

Greg Palast, an investigative journalist, claims J.K. Rowling told him of a rather interesting alternate ending for her beloved Harry Potter series.  He revealed this ending on his website (see link below).

Here are the highlights:

* The climactic showdown would have taken place in the Forbidden Forest when Harry makes the journey to face Voldemort. 

* Rather than Harry's parents, Lupin, and Sirius walking him to his fate, Tom Riddle's parents appear as his protective, ghostly guides. 

* Meanwhile, Voldemort found a way to, in essence, collect hundreds of Dementor's kisses within his wand.  Once unleashed, the power of the kiss would forever freeze Harry in place; he would be a cold reminder of Harry's defeat and Voldemort's ultimate triumph. 

* Voldemort becomes enraged when he sees the spirits of his parents and immediately sends his spell hurling towards a defenseless Harry. 

* Voldemort's ghostly parents soar towards their son. He begins to grow younger and younger, until he becomes a little child once more. 

* The curse struck Harry's scar; excruciating pain ensued before the curse turned back towards its sender. As the curse neared, Voldemort's parents placed their arms lovingly around their son. Now, forever more, there would be a monument to three souls: A young Tom Riddle, his protective father, and his loving mother.

Harry Potter, 2130:

* On his 150th birthday, Headmaster Potter knew he would soon fill the empty picture frame alongside Dumbledore and headmistresses McGonagall and Chang. 

* Rather than growing old, Ginny transformed into a bird of paradise (and, yes, she can talk).

* After the Dementors escaped Voldemort's spell, the existence of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was erased from everyone's memory...except Albus Dumbledore's portrait-self and Harry Potter.  No one even wondered about the little entombed family any longer. 

* Before Harry attended his 150th birthday celebration, he decided to keep a watchful eye on his great, great grandson. 

* Baby Tom was happily playing with a chocolate frog when he exploded in a fit of rage and crushed the candy frog.  Harry watched, knowing the wizarding world would face dark times once more. 

So, there you have it! Personally, I'm glad she went with the one we have.  This one certainly held my attention and I can totally see Harry as a future headmaster of Hogwarts, but I'm not sure I can completely gel with the Riddle clan being this loving, happy family, given their backgrounds.  Bird Ginny didn't quite feel right to me, either.

If this indeed was an alternate ending, what do y'all think?

You can read the full write up on Mr. Palast's site here: Harry Potter, Jo's Other Ending.

Harry Potter and Mama

Well, it isn't really goodbye...the books and films will never truly disapparate from our lives. 

In just a few days, the final film will undoubtedly break box office records, but it will also break millions of hearts, young and old, who simply don't want to see the series come to an end. My heart is one of them. To not have something Harry to look forward to will be a dreaded adjustment.  At least after the novels, we had the films.  Now, we have to say goodbye.

I was the last among all my friends to even know what Harry Potter was--I thought it was a new toy. People kept calling me "Hermione" in class and I thought they were calling me some derogatory name. Even my professor spent a good ten minutes at the beginning of each class all excited about something called Harry Potter coming to film...all I wanted to do was get to that day's assignment and lecture.

My mama introduced me to the Harry Potter series at a time when I truly needed a little magic in my life.  You see, I was struggling with the pressure to do what everybody else was doing--what everybody else expected me to do--and the dream of writing a story about a world I created when I was five years old.  Though I was writing my story whenever I could, people kept telling me it was a childish thing to do and that I needed to grow up. Couple this with my decision to wait for love and I was a right mess.  I spent many nights sad, confused, and lost.

Then, my mama brought me Harry Potter.  It's a moment I will never forget, and something I will always share with her.  Since then, I have forever captured my childhood world in writing--a world that, at times, was my only escape. 

Once completed, I gave the book to my rather surprised mama, who, after reading it straight through, said with tears in her eyes, "This book is my baby girl's soul, and it's absolutely beautiful. What an incredible gift and what an unforgettable story."

I couldn't have heard any greater words than those from my mama.

This is how I will remember Harry Potter.  

In the words of Professor Lupin: So, now, I'll say goodbye, Harry. I feel sure we'll meet again sometime.  'Til then...mischief managed.  

Dating Sucks...Oh, And New Harry Potter!!!

Dating is a boil on the butt of humanity. It's the hair wad clogging the drain, the monster under the bed.  Ever worn a pair of tall boots and had an insane foot itch? That's dating.

Oh, but a good date can be magical, you say? Well, I suppose it can be magical...as magical as any of the Unforgivable curses. Crucio! 

Speaking of Unforgivable curses...how many of you are ready to see Voldemort taken down by one Harry Potter? Well, place an undetectable extension charm on your favorite bag, pack it full of spell books, and don't forget your wand as you make a date with the final Harry Potter film--a date that won't disappoint.

Prepare for the most incredible Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II movie trailer yet--people just can't stop watching it! 

J.K. Rowling To Launch "Pottermore"

Do you hear them? The owls? They're flying all around the world, delivering some mysterious, yet exciting news to Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff hopefuls!

J.K. Rowling is set to launch Pottermore.com. Representatives for the beloved author have said the site is not a new book, nor is it related to the final film.

Many are speculating the site could include a vault of stories, character backgrounds, and possibly alternative plot lines never before seen in print.

All I know is this: I can't wait! I love the Harry Potter series and always will. Now, we have something to look forward to, as the magic lives on.

To view the upcoming site, simply wave your wand and click here: Pottermore.com

Mavs, Please Win & Monday Awards!

First and foremost, I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday!!

Now for the hard part: I must acknowledge the mind-numbing collapse of my Mavs in Game 4 on Saturday. *deep breath time* Just say it and get it over with.  Okay. With my Mavs up by more than 20 late in the game, Portland came back to win. Oh, Lord, that was hard to think, much less type. While watching what many are dubbing the "ultimate choke," I sat very still, much like the eye of a category five hurricane. By the end of said game, I was left wondering how on God's green earth the Mavs just coughed up a win and a 3-1 lead in the series.

Credit to Portland, of course, but I simply do not understand what happened.  With the series now tied at 2-2, I'm guessing the Mavs will have to battle themselves more so than Portland if they are going to win this series.  They can do it...I know they can. Next game: tonight. *copious amounts of Cadbury Eggs will be consumed*

Monday Awards:

How nice is it to awaken to awards on a Monday? Thank you so much to the wonderfully sweet, funny, and supremely talented PencilGirl, who added some sun to a really gloomy day, actually (hey, sun, where are you? Tired of the cold, now!). Please take a moment to visit her blog and be prepared to stay--it's that enjoyable. :)

The first award is one she created for anyone who has commented on her blog--how amazing is that?! I would like to pass this award to every single one of you! You might already know this, but it's worth repeating: your comments are like the white gravy on chicken fried steak--without the white gravy, the chicken fried steak wouldn't be nearly as good. *Hugs*

There are no strings with this award, except to bring smiles. :)

The second award is the Versatile Blogger Award!

For this one, I did not see any rules posted, apart from passing it along to 7 fellow bloggers.  But, just for fun, here are 5 random factoids:

1. Not a fan of clowns. Overall, they creep me out. My mom dressed me as a clown for Halloween one time.  Admittedly, the costume and makeup looked unbelievable.  However, when I looked in the mirror, I wigged myself out. Never told her that, though. The only clown I ever really liked was Ronald McDonald. Why? Because he's the one with the fries and Happy Meal toys. Duh. Still holds true today, truth be told. ;)

2. Diverse Music Selection: One minute I'm singing Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback, and the next I'm chillin' to La Vie en Rose.

3.  My favorite James Bond movie is The Spy Who Loved Me with Roger Moore as Bond--it is the very first Bond film I remember watching with my dad. It's a special-memory-movie. :)

4. Sean Connery, however, is my favorite Bond. Each actor to play Bond has brought his own unique flare to the role, but Sean Connery was just...sigh.  I could never quite gel with Timothy Dalton, however.

5.  Dobby: I loved Dobby from the Harry Potter books. I know he annoyed some, but I thought he was such a true, honest friend to Harry. And, um, I cried like a baby at the end of Deathly Hallows, Part I. There, I said it.

As always, I would like to pass this award to everyone reading (I'm such a softy)! ALL of you deserve these awards! Hopefully, they will make you happy. :)

True Blood Tuesday: Harry Potter Comes To True Blood???

Sort-of.

Petunia Dursley, Harry Potter's awful aunt, is coming to True Blood! Muggle-no-more, Fiona Shaw, who has portrayed Aunt Petunia throughout the Harry Potter series, will play Marnie, a homely palm reader and medium who succumbs to the spirit of a powerful witch.

Looks like Aunt Petunia will finally get to be a witch and wave a wand...True Blood-style.

Harry Potter: The New Deathly Hallows Trailer!

Tonight, the final teaser trailer to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I premiered online. If you thought the first trailer was good, take a look at this one. I can't believe it is all coming to an end--at least the magic will forever live on...

Harry Potter Makes Things Better

Sometimes, a wonderful, magical world makes the one you're living in a little better.

*I can't get the video to work...is it working for anybody? This is so fitting with this day. :o(

Harry Potter or Twilight?

With every new film release in these wildly popular franchises, the big debate always fires up: Which is the better series, Harry Potter or Twilight?

I'm not even sure if it's a fair debate, but let's do it anyway just for the heck of it...and I'm bored.

I'm a Harry Potter girl myself, but I do like Twilight as well. I guess the Twilight films can feel one-dimensional. My favorite part of the story was the interaction with the Volturi at the end of New Moon. Seeing other aspects of the vampire world is interesting.

Harry's world, on the other hand, is so expansive--you see every nook of the wizarding world; you feel like you've been on a journey.

If there is anybody out there who comes across this lonely little blog, I'd love to hear your opinion because right now, I'm only hearing crickets...and one annoying fly.