Pottermore Sorting Drama

Sometimes it amazes me how little, silly things affect me. Especially things like labels. Especially since I absolutely HATE labels and being categorized, and personally believe that the application of labels to human beings is the root of most of the issues in the world.* But I suppose it IS different if you apply a label to yourself. When it is a category you sort yourself into. And when you find out that maybe (just maybe) that label DOESN'T apply...well, it's hard to handle.

For years** I have described myself as a Ravenclaw.*** Not that the other houses don't have redeeming qualities, but I am a Ravenclaw to the CORE. Nerdy, smart, possessing a healthy love of learning, putting school and learning above most other things? All me. It's easy to see why I fit in the Ravenclaw common room. Or so I thought. Then again, when it really comes down to it, I have some Slytherin traits. Not the elitist attitudes, or the cruelty, but I can honestly say that I'm snarky and sometimes mean, and when things don't go my way I am a force to be reckoned with. I'm resourceful, cunning, and I'm ambitious. I like to be competitive and I like to be right/the best that I can possibly be. I'm also sarcastic and tend to correct others.

I've never really identified with Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. And that seems to be where I made my mistake. After receiving my Pottermore email I was VERY excited to rush home and be sorted. FINALLY a test by J.K. Rowling HERSELF that would confirm what I already knew. I'm not going to lie, I had some reservations, but I was determined to answer each question honestly (even though I considered answering the questions in a way I KNEW would lead to a Ravenclaw sorting)**** so that my sorting would be true. And that led to me being sorted into Hufflepuff. Now...don't get me wrong...there are many, MANY wonderful aspects of being a Hufflepuff...it's just that I've never felt like a 'Puff. EVER.

So now I'm adjusting. And I realize that there is a SLEW of you who may not understand where this post comes from. And that's okay But I can list on one hand the things I've loved longer than Harry: my family, books in general, The Beatles, and the BFFs. So it IS kind of a bid deal. There are also people who think it's just a classification on a website, but it's more than that. This is a test that JKR created...the criteria that she used to sort every single person in the magical world. It's a big deal to me. Rumor has it that when the site is open for everyone in October that we can resort...but I'm not sure I can handle not being sorted into Ravenclaw a second time, so I'm not sure if I'm going to take that option or not.

Anyway...enough of the ANGST! If any of YOU are on Pottermore feel free to add me: WillowSword50. Just leave your user name in the comments so I know who sent the request. I'll be back with a non-HP related blog tomorrow!*****

*I realize that labeling isn't always a bad things, and that listing attributes is a form of labeling, but I think focusing on negative traits or putting people down by categorizing them is an issue. Feel free to disagree, but be respectful of others please!
**YEARS
***In case you haven't figured it out...this is a Harry Potter-centric blog post.
****SEE! Slytherin!
*****Because I promised fourteen September blogs and there are only 13 days left! YIKES!!! BEDATHEOS (Blog Every Day at the End of September which could also be BEDES) anyone?

Updating the TBR List and Packing Extravaganzas

I spent my long weekend doing a lot of random things. I hung out with BFF2,  I did some paperwork, I drove a total of eight hours to pick my uncle and cousin up after their two hour flight "home," I watched fireworks, and I did laundry. I mean a LOT of laundry. A ridiculous amount of laundry really. And since I hate laundry with a burning passion I decided that I would go ahead and pack for my upcoming vacation. In six VERY SHORT days BFF2 and I will depart for Florida. I am EXTREMELY excited about this trip. I haven't had a real vacation in several years. I went to Chicago earlier this year to visit a friend but it was just over a long weekend. THIS is going to be a seven day trip that includes a road trip, a theme park, and HARRY POTTER! And my best friend of course.

While packing the books I plan on taking with me I came to a startling realization. When I made my Summer TBR List I picked several books that are the first in a series. This is a problem. I don't actually feel like I can add MORE books to my list to accommodate the series books, but I know myself well enough to know that I won't be able to just read the first book in a series. THEREFORE I am going to have to spend some time rearranging the TBR list. I spent the day pouring over my shelves and making a list of possible alternate choices.  I realize this seems silly, but honestly having that list and knowing which books I've set a goal to read has really helped me stay on task this summer bookwise. It's been nice to just read through the list without worrying about shifting through my shelves (and piles) in order to choose a book. Soon I will update my TBR tab and you can see what I've decided to read!

And yes, I realize that I'm a nerd who just spent an entire blog entry talking about a Harry Potter themed vacation and a reading list!

Choose Your Own Adventure

BEDA Day 4, so far I'm doing pretty well. Of course, I wrote three blog posts this weekend and scheduled them to post, but that's beside the point. I'm not really sure what to blog about today...honestly, I feel like this summer has resulted in my IQ dropping several points, my brain melting and running out of my ears, and my stress level to skyrocket. I hate it, mainly because i don't want to whine and moan all the time. I mean, I have a great job, I get to work in my chosen field, I never work weekends, and I get to improve the lives of children. Those are all fantastic things! All those things make me INSANELY happy. So why do I feel like doing nothing but whine and complain? I'm just tired and in desperate need of a break, which I won't get until CHRISTMAS! So, instead of dwelling on all of the things that make me want to curl up in a ball and cry, I'm going to take a page out of my therapeutic manual and focus on things that make me HAPPY instead.

So what exactly makes me happy? Well, there are things I've talked about on here before. Generally my job makes me happy. Not this summer, but during the school year I absolutely love what I do. My family also makes me immensely happy. Whether it is watching Jeopardy with my grandmother, walking with my aunt, or hanging out with my cousins, I always enjoy the time I spend with my family. I went on vacation with my auntie, The Clone*, and Jerry this year. We went to Nashville, and the trip consisted of a seven hour road trip. We sang High School Musical songs, we played car games, did a scavenger hunt, and played a version of "Name That Tune" with the radio's scan button. It was one of the best things that happened this summer.

Other things I enjoy, things that can make me happy regardless of what is going on in my hectic crazy life? There are several things. Never fear faithful readers, I will list them for you!

1.  Harry Potter. Oh, Harry. You are always there for me. When I feel down-trodden or lonely or I need someone to share my joy, I can ALWAYS count on you. Need to be reminded why friendship is worth it in the end? Harry has the answer, be it trolls, merfolk, or Dumbledore's Army. Wonder if the fall into love is worth the pain that may follow it? Harry can answer that too**. Need to know what the ultimate weapon is? Clearly, Harry has taught us that the weapon is LOVE, whether it is familial, friendly, or romantic...love makes the world go 'round.
2. Books. I have a sick obsession with books. I love holding them and owning them and going to a bookstore and just looking at them. They fascinate me. I love the way the smell, the way I can loose myself in a story, the way my heart races when I read a book description that I just KNOW I will love. I just LOVE books.
3. Reading to Doodle, reading with Erin, and sharing books with The Clone. All female cousins ages 2, 8, and 13 respectively. I share my absolute love of reading with these girls. To see them pick up books, to hear them ask me to read to them is a wonderful feeling. With The Clone it is a whole other story. With her it is the "OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!! WHEN DOES THE NEXT BOOK COME OUT??? ARGH!!! I NEED IT NOW!!!!!!" phone calls that really make my day. Talking about books we love, or even just books she is required to read for school is so awesome. Watching her blossom into a critical reader, who will say "this book was great, even if it was just fluff, it made me feel good" is so fantastic. After all, we don't have to just read Hemingway now do we?
4. Baby Neville. This is BFF2's new baby. He's all tiny and sweet. I am his godmother, which is a scary amount of responsibility, but Auntie Chelle is so ready for it. Just seeing him makes me all tingly and gooey inside, so he is definitely on my "happy list."
5. My pals. BFF1 and BFF2 make my day. Whether it is discussing Harry Potter*** or trying on nail polish. Watching Disney movies or riding around town. Talking about serious world issues like poverty and war or trying to figure out if pink eye shadow makes you look diseased. No matter what we do spending time with one or both of them is relief for my soul. We can have total snark sessions or laugh until we cry. BFF1 and I are in almost constant communication with each other. We have worked together for the last four years, and it has been great, even if the last year we have been in different buildings. This summer has been so much fun, and I will really miss her when school starts again. Which is silly because she is the first and last person I talk to each day. We have an almost unhealthy attachment. =) 
6. Anything John Green has written. Alaska when I need strength and renewal, Paper Towns when I need to remember it is okay to be different, Let It Snow when I need to remember not to let the asshats get us down, and Katherines and WG/WG when I need a lighter reminder that things turn out okay. John Green's books are similar to HP in that they teach me, renew my spirit, and make me a better person for having read them.

There are so many other things I could add to this list. The bottom line is, the good always outweighs the bad. Even when it seems like all I get are lemons, I just have to remind myself how good lemonade really is! I know that things suck sometimes, but honestly, dwelling on the bad just makes it worse. Some days I can't help but get bogged down, but I am trying my very best to stay on top of my game and remember all of the good things I have to look forward to. Such as Jeopardy with my Maw-Maw!

*As usual all nicknames in this blog are a direct result of Twitter. Feel free to follow for bursts of randomness in 140 characters or less!

**I'm not going to lie...even Harry isn't enough to make me risk heartbreak like I dealt with after the Big, Bad Breakup...but it does give me hope. Which is almost as important as love.

***All roads lead to Potter.

Harry Potter Meme

I found this at Bart's Bookshelf and I can't resist a meme or Harry Potter, so here goes!

What house do you claim to?
Ravenclaw!

Why?
Because I am a hardcore nerd! Also, because this really complicated quiz said so!

Who are your favorite characters?
Neville Longbottom (BAMF) is my favorite, along with Luna, the Weasleys, Remus Lupin, and the Golden Trio of course! Hermione is my favorite of the Trio.

Which characters do you think you would befriend?
Hopefully Hermione, Luna, Harry, Ron, and the rest of the Weasleys.

Who are your least favorite characters?
Umbridge and Lucius Malfoy

What would your patronus be?
An otter or a giraffe.

What would your favourite class be?
I have to pick one? Can't I go all Hermione and pick them all? Herbology, Runes, and Transfiguration would all be fun I think.

What would your least favorite class be?
Flying or Divination

Who would be your favorite teacher?
Sprout!

Least favorite teacher?
Snape!

What wizarding career would you choose for yourself?
Maybe working in a shop in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. Florish and Bots or the apothecary.

What kind of wand do you have?
Hmmm, no Unicorn hair core, that's for sure! Maybe holly with dragon heartstring and relatively short, maybe 9-10 inches?

Any pets (owls, cats, toads)?
An owl for sure.

Favourite magical item?
A pensive, it would be awesome to preserve your memories and go back to look at them later.

Favourite magical candy?
Sugar Quills and Chocolate Frogs

Magical drink of choice?
Butterbeer

Favourite store in Hogsmeade?
HONEYDUKES!!!

Favourite magical creature?
Nargle

Scariest magical creature?
Acromantula...GIANT spiders? Thanks, but really, NO THANK YOU!

Who would you ask to the Yule Ball?
A Weasley Twin! Preferably Fred!

Favourite magical location?
The Three Boomsticks

——-

How long have you been a fan?
1998

How did you first become introduced to Harry Potter?
I don't really remember. I know that I read the first book when it came out, but I don't know if my parents just got it for me or if it was a birthday gift. All I remember is that I fell in love with everything Harry Potter.

How do the movies compare to the books for you?
They are okay...they could be better of course, I hate wimpy Hermione in HBP, but over all I have to keep all book/movie pairs separate in my mind in order to enjoy the movies.

Do you play any of the video games?
Nope.

Favourite book and why?
I love them all, and it is hard to pick just one. Sorcerer's Stone always holds a special place in my heart because that is where it all began, Prisoner of Azkaban is nice because that's where we meet Lupin, but I really like Goblet of Fire is my favorite. That's where all of the action really starts, and we see how our characters are going to respond.

Least favourite book and why?
The Order of the Phoenix. I was so disappointed to see Harry suffer even more. Sirius, Dumbledore becoming distant, seeing the few memories Harry had of his parents become smeared, Umbridge. I knew it would be darker than the previous books, but I didn't expect it to not have some lightness.

Favourite film and why?
I love Goblet of Fire, just because I love the way that the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students are portrayed, how the challenges are shown, and the feel of the film itself.

Least favourite film and why?
Order of the Phoenix. I hate, hate, HATE it. I feel like they change so much, and they never explain so much of the important things that did happen in that book. While I don't enjoy the book, I do feel like important information was revealed in the book that was ignored in the film.

Listen to the audiobooks?
I listened to the first one and have plans to listen to them all sometime soon.

Listen to any podcasts?
Pottercast sometimes

Favourite aspect of the Harry Potter community?
That it is a community. That no matter where in the world I am, I know I will have a friend if only I can find another HP fan. I'm never alone in this epic love affair I have with Harry Potter.

Favourite ship(s)?
Changes all the time, but I have ALWAYS been Team Luna Longbottom! In fanfiction I don't like to read any cannon ships, which I admit may be odd.

Do you do any Potter related art/music/writing, etc?
Nope

Ever cosplayed or dressed up as a character?
No, but I really want a Ravenclaw scarf and tie that match the books' version of the house colors.

How many midnight releases have you made it to?
None.

List some favorite Potter-related memories?
There are too many to list.
*The fact that BFF2 and I frequently have conversations that revolve around nothing but HP, including "is Draco really evil," "Why we love Snape," "Was Ron REALLY the best choice for Hermione?" and so on.
*Going to see HBP and running out of gas with BFF1 and calling my dad saying "Don't worry, someone is coming to get me so I won't be late to see HARRY! I just need you to bring some gas and then take my car to the theater. PLEASE DADDY! I can't miss HARRY!!!" And that is what happened. BFF2 came and got us, my dad brought me gas and drove my car to the theater, and we watched HBP and loved it.
Giving the first book The Clone this summer and watching her fall completely in love with the Weasley's, the Wizarding World, and all things Harry.

Random Thoughts on 2009/2010

As the current year ends I find myself looking back more than I am looking forward. Honestly, my life is pretty settled but also somewhat stagnant. I don't really have big plans for the upcoming year. Most of my goals revolve around books/reading/alone time. I'm not really an introvert, but I live with my grandmother and our house is the watering hole for my family. I don't have a small family either. There are more than thirty people including my aunts, uncles, and cousins, and at any given time all of them are in my living room. I also have a somewhat high-stress job. I work with "at-risk" kids and I am currently in a first grade classroom. So, all of that adds up to a lot of noise. The noise leaves me craving the solitude of a good book. I started reading in large quantities again last year. Before last year I worked full time while getting my undergrad degree, then became a retail store manager, and was in a serious relationship with the wrong person who I consistently dumbed myself down for (yes, I was an idiot) so reading wasn't high on my list of things to do. I still read, and I still loved books and book stores, I just didn't read as much as I do now. I'm hopeful that I continue to read in the coming year, which is one of the reason's I am doing so many challenges.

Speaking of reading, I am also planning on re-reading the Harry Potter series. I can't tell you how many times I have read these books, but they never get old. Right now Alan Lastufka (of YouTube and Nerdfighter fame) is reading the HP series for the first time, and he is blogging his way through them. The blog is so fun and it is great for me, a serious HP nerd, to read along with him. Also contributing to my re-read is the fact that one of my librarian friends is re-reading them as well. She and I have been having a discussion the past few weeks about how soon is too soon when it comes to re-reading, and we decided that since we both finished them at the end of summer that we should maybe wait until 2010. Needless to say, we didn't make it that far!

Challenges! I did some of my challenges in the sidebars already, but I am planning a few more as well. I am going to do the Once Upon a Time Challenge hosted by Tena at Crazy Book Slut, because I absolutely adore retelling of fairy tales. Since I only have to read 5 books to complete this challenge I will review the books and tag them with "Once Upon a Time" so they are easy to find. I am also going to do the Rainbow Connection Challenge which has it's own blog. This one will go in my sidebar as well. I decided to do this challenge because I failed so miserably at the A-Z Challenge last year, and this is a nice alternative. I also really want to do an Anita Blake Challenge and a Book to Movie Challenge, but I am going to wait to sign up for them. There are two other challenges I am pretty sure I am going to do, but can't quite commit to them yet.

Well, one super long blog post later...I'm finished! So, tell me...are you doing any reading challenges? Do you think reading challenges are lame? Do you love HP? Do you think HP is lame? Actually, don't tell me if you think HP is lame...it will hurt my heart, and I just am not a fan of that =] Do you have New Year's Resolutions? I don't because I think they just set me up for failure! Have a Happy New Year!