I am about to make a confession. It might show a little hypocrisy in my post about reading, but I am going to tell you anyway: I have never read a Harry Potter book. Before yesterday that is.
I know, I know! I love to read. Go read my post about reading if you don't want to believe me after the confession I just made. Let me tell you a little back story:
The first time I heard of the Harry Potter books I was in 8th grade. Some girls were talking about how amazing the books were in my honors english class. I remember thinking that it was an odd topic for a book, kid wizards. I laughed a little and blew it off. Later that month I saw my mom reading said book! She was obsessed from the moment she opened the first book. She was mesmerized by land of Hogwarts and all of the characters that the book portrayed. She read the books every night before she went to bed. She told me that it was "one of the best books she ever read". I was told that it was a must read. I, of course, was at that stage of school now where I was only reading for educational purposes, (I blamed it on having no time, which was partly true). I had not read the books yet.
Then the movies started coming out. Being an avid movie goer and having a mom who was beyond excited to watch her favorite book come to life, I went and saw it. Loved the first movie and understood why everyone was so into the series. But for some reason, I still did not start reading! I kept telling myself that I would, but just did not make time for it.
The last book had come out. By this time, I was in college and had other things to worry about. I told myself that I would start from the beginning one summer and read through all of them. I started finding other books, that did not have 7 in the series, and got caught up with those. I put the thought of reading Harry Potter in the back of my mind.
Working at a movie theatre has allowed me to be there for all of the Harry Potter movies since the 3rd one in 2004. Crazy, I know. I have watched all of the movies and continued to love Harry. Whenever anyone talked about reading the books and comparing the movies to them, I would just get quiet or walk away. I even would pretend that I had read them! How can I say I am going to be an elementary teacher and never have read the biggest book of the decade? I am ashamed!
The last movie came out this last weekend. I was dreading it mainly because I was going to have to deal with the busiest crowds the theatre has seen in quite a long time. I was also a little sad for a couple of reasons. Obviously I was sad because this was the very last movie of the series, and even though I had not read the books, I thoroughly enjoyed the movies. Secondly, I was sad because my mom was not here to be able to see it. I know that she would have loved watching this movie, and for the series to be wrapped up the way that it did, on such a high note. Luckily, she was able to read the last book before she passed away, and that makes me happy.
After feeling a lot of emotions about the end, I have finally started something I have been putting off the last decade. I started reading the books. I am about to start the 3rd one. I have got to say, I am in love! It makes the movies make so much more sense. Books are always better than the movies, I know. But I cannot believe I have waited this long to read them. The bad thing about starting this, is that I cannot put the books down! They are so addicting. After I finish each book, I am watching the movie. It has a complete different meaning.
I cannot wait to finish the series, and finally join the rest of my generation and say that I participated in this decade long phenomenon. I gotta say, my mom would be so proud I am finally listening to her recommendation. Better late than never :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Catching up with a decade old trend- The Boy Who Lived
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Looking for something new to do on a Friday night?
I am going to share a secret with you. There is actually something really fun that you can do on a Friday night that does not involve a ton of money, is healthy, good for the soul, makes you feel good, meet new people, and for all ages! Ballroom dancing at Paragon (click name to access link).
Here is how Friday nights work:
$5.00 with a student ID. $7.00 without. You come at 7:30pm for a dance lesson. The type of dance changes week to week. Example: one week a waltz, next week a cha cha. At 8:30pm, open dancing begins. They turn down the lights and it becomes a dance club, disco ball and everything! They play all types of ballroom dance music: cha cha, rumba, jive, samba, salsa, west coast swing, waltz, tango, fox trot, quick step, etc. They play new and old music, so everyone can find something that they enjoy. The room is huge so there is a lot of room to dance. There are leveled dancers there from professionals to it being their first time ever dancing! Age ranges from about 18-90. It is fun to meet new people, bring significant others, or just a group of friends!
I wish that I knew about this place when I was in high school. My friends and I were always looking for something fun to do that we actually could get into at any age! I have been going for years, and absolutely love it.
I have been unable to go for a while because of school and work. I used to be so involved in the ballroom dance world, taking lessons, social dancing, doing competitions. For those of you who don't know me, I even danced on the Dancing with the Stars Tour! It is my dream to actually do that again- best experience of my life.
I finally went back tonight and it was like riding a bike. I was able to go out there and dance like I hadn't skipped a day (except for it was probably a bad idea considering the diet I am on does not contain enough calories to do that extensive exercise!). I am home now and am feeling great about myself!
So if you are looking for something fun and new to try, check out Paragon! Don't be shy if you can't dance either- there are plenty of people there willing to help and no judgement!
