I know, I’ve been AWOL from the blog lately. Lots going on in my world. Here’s a bit of it all.
Books
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Yeah, so the last couple of weeks I’ve immersed myself in the Harry Potter world (again). What a joy! What an absolute vacation from the world! I’ve had to borrow them from my sons (both boys have the set), and each time I got close to the end, the next book would show up on the edge of my bed. (They are SO good to me!)
I don’t know what drew me to read them this time around. Maybe a bit of turmoil in my professional life? At any rate, I’m glad I did. I needed something to “take me away”, and even Calgon can irritate delicate tissues. If you know what I mean.
Last night, I finished off Book Seven. This morning, I found myself needing to re-read the last fifty pages or so. Fred’s death is heartbreaking; Molly charging up the stairs to get at Bellatrix gives me that “yay, you GO girl” feeling. Neville, becoming a hero, warms my heart, and through it all are Harry, Ron and Hermione fighting the good fight. Even when they save Draco (“that’s twice, you git”) it’s heartwarming. And the very ending, seventeen years later (or is that nineteen)? Melty goodness. I loved that Ron had to Confund the driving examiner, lol! So that’s what I’ve been reading.
Plays
I’ve been seeing a lot of plays lately (and with the Los Angeles Fringe Festival coming up, I’m betting I’ll be seeing a lot MORE plays very soon). But I don’t review plays, generally. HOWEVER: For a glimpse into the play I saw last weekend called The Accomplice, go to Tameri Etherton’s blog for a rundown (plus photos – too fun!). She calls it “The strangest play I’ve ever ‘seen’.” It helps that my hubby is in it. Plus, hello – San Diego! Absolutely beautiful. They’re looking to run through July, so if you can, do go see it. Tameri has the details.
and Driver’s Tests
So my youngest has passed his driver’s test this week. Not only that, but he drove himself to school yesterday (on the freeway – both ways!!!) to take a final. At 19, he’s pretty steady, and I’m very glad he waited to start driving. Now both my boys can drive, we’ll see who gets out of the house more.
Cal State Northridge logo
Plus, they’re both accepted into California State University, Northridge. Which kind of takes my breath away – I have no idea how we’re going to afford it, so this will be an interesting summer as they figure out financial aid. Youngest son has a summer job, oldest is still looking, and in the meantime $2 to play the Powerball doesn’t seem like too much money when you look at the return (if you win, of course).
So, that’s been most of my month of May. Oh, and I’m planning a revamp of the blog/website, which always takes time.
What are you reading/seeing/testing for lately? Anything good? I’m in the market for new books (HA! Not really, and yet again, I’m always looking for new stuff…) so please give me your recommendations!
~oOo~
Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, cheers!
Hey, thanks for the shout out! I had way too much fun running around Little Italy with you last weekend. Oh my, your son got his license! Mine is already asking when we can show him how to drive ~ he’ll be fifteen in a few weeks. I keep telling him to simmer down, he’s got time! I don’t even want to think about college yet.
Reading, what a fabulous idea. I’m going to set aside time each day and read. Yes, that’s what I’m going to do. Starting today.
You can do it! You CAN read. I can’t get through my day without picking up a book, lol…hugs honey!
Sounds like you’re having a fine summer–reading great books, seeing good plays, congratulating wonderful kids. The college cost curse is dreadful, I know, but financial aid is a great thing, and as long as your family keeps everything in perspective it can be manageable. I do an award-winning college planner each year that goes out to all our area high schools and college fairs (we took Gold at the Parenting Publications of America conference this year, and have garnered silver consistently in the last five years. It’s focused on our state, of course, instead of yours, but it covers things like financial aid and things to do to help you fund college, along with other college-bound related topics. This is the link for the PDF of the magazine if you’d like to take a look. http://www.pageturnpro.com/TulsaKids-Magazine/43161-2012-College-Planner/index.html#1
Also, saw something earlier this week and thought I’d pass it along since you’ve been in Potter-mode. This link shows J.K. Rowling’s handwritten Harry Potter series spreadsheet. Enjoy! http://flavorwire.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rowling.jpg
Enjoy those boys!
Joanie
OOH, Joanie, thanks for the links. Will go check them out right now. They’ll be starting University in their Junior year more or less, but still a plan is always good. Cheers!
I, too, will be re-reading Harry very soon! That is a every-Summer thing. Harry Fest! This will actually only be the third Summer as I waited until I’d seen all the movies to start reading, but…
As for what I’m reading right now, I guess I’m reading Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig. 🙂
Kelli Jo, I used to re-read the LOTR books every Christmas. I like doing the HP books every summer…great idea!
My oldest son is currently rereading his Harry Potter books to help him thru the stress which is the end of Junior year in High School. And I can’t even imagine how I’m going to feel when son #2 gets his driver’s license – isn’t it bad enough that one son is off driving around? Gahh- Sounds like you’re hanging in there and smiling. It’s what moms do best 😉
Sounds like your kid is ready to grow up. Mine took a while to get there, lol!
Hmm, I am reading Revealed by Kate Noble. Just started it. She was at OCC last week with a fabulous presentation and she used this book as an example so now I must read it. Yes, yes, reading a romance books for LEARNING purposes. {wink}
Reading is a great antidote to too much going on – and the Harry Potter books are awesome. You must be very proud of your boys 🙂