Chapter 20

***More Spoilers***

So, obviously I did not get very far reading HP 6 last night. From the three chapters I read:

I think someone took polyjuice to imitate Tonksor she is being controlled be a curse. She seems very different now. She's not morphing her features and her patronus changed. And why would she be at Hogwarts looking for Dumbledore? It doesn't make sense.

Why can house elves apparate at Hogwarts? Does the spell that Dumbledore casted over Hogwarts to prevent apparation on campus only include people?

Still don't know what's up with Malfoy, but, I think Snape is the Half-blood Prince. He's so good at postions. And the irony would be amazing. Harry and Ron are always defending the Prince.

Chapter 18

***Spoilers***

I just finished the first 17 chapters of HP and "The Half-Blood Prince." So far, I think:

The romance is hilarious. I didn't like the idea of hooking up characters before, but the way Rowling has done it is fantastic-must read the middle of page 313!

I'm definately worried about Dumbledore's hand. Are we being shown signs of his weakness to prepare us to realize his mortality. (If he does die, I don't believe he will show up as a ghost because of Nearly Headless Nick's statement in "The Order of the Phoenix" regarding ghost sort of being to afraid to die. However, I wouldn't put it past him to have some way of coming back or at least speaking to Harry in book 7.)

Slughorn reminds me of so many people. I love how each character is so distinct! Slughorn likes to be around the up and coming. Definately, describes some people I have run across in my life.

What is up with Snape? It is really getting hard to see how he is not with the Dark Lord. However, he may just be putting on a show for the Death Eaters to gain information. Still, this Unbreakable vow thing is getting me. And exactly what is Draco upto? If it's killing Harry, obviously he will not be killed and Snape would end up dying because he would have broken the vow. So maybe that's not the case. I suppose he could be trying to get his dad out of prison. Or, maybe he's going to kill Dumbledore and Snape ends up doing it! (gasp!)

Off to read some more!

In Mourning

So, my student worker, Nicole, came into work today somewhat upset and told me she was wearing black because she was in mourning. She had just finished "The Half-Blood Prince" last night and was upset about the character who died. I told her that I am now on chapter 18 and I plan to finish tonight. She told me that I will not be having a good evening. NOOOOOOO!!!
So, here's my list of characters I don't want killed off:
1. Dumbledore (The blackened hand thing has me a bit worried and he has a huge role in Harry's life. This, I believe would be most devistating to Harry. It's like losing Yoda all over again!)
2. Ginny (This would just be sad. She's connected to so many characters)
3. Fred or George (They're just too funny)
4. Dumbledore
5. Snape (Yeah, I don't know why I like him. I think it's the mystery of not knowing if he is really good or not. It's really hard to tell.)
6. McGonagall (A more minor character, so I am doubting she will be killed. I like her b/c I think if I ever teach someday, I will be just like her. Scary, huh?)
7. Dumbledore

I don't really see any of the other Weasley's dying. Nor do I see Harry, Ron, or Hermione biting it. I'm not the biggest Hagrid fan in the world...

A little more about me

At work Thursday, a couple of my coworkers had been assigned to take the Meyers-Brigg test because of some serious personality clashes (though they seem to be one-sided...). Anyway, we all ended up taking a "like the Meyers-Briggs Test" online.


Your Type is
ISTJ
Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging
Strength of the preferences %
56 25 50 78

You are:

* moderately expressed introvert
* moderately expressed sensing personality
* moderately expressed thinking personality
* very expressed judging personality

Now, as to this being completely accurate, I don't know. When I took the test Thursday, I apparently was much less introverted than I am today... And several years ago I was ISFJ. However, I still think the test is mostly accurate.

Profile of the ISTJ:
Inspector Guardians look carefully and thoroughly at the people and institutions around them. Making up perhaps as much as ten percent of the general population, Inspectors are characterized by decisiveness in practical affairs, are the guardians of institutions, and if only one adjective could be selected, “superdependable” would best describe them. Whether at home or at work, Inspectors are nothing if not dependable, particularly when it comes to examining the people and products they are responsible for—quietly seeing to it that uniform quality is maintained, and that those around them uphold certain standards of attitude and conduct. Yes, this I agree with...I take responsibility and have some pretty high standards when it comes to morals and such.(Also known as "Legalistic Nazarene"- though I am much harder on myself than others)

These quiet, no-nonsense Guardians have a distaste for and distrust of fanciness in speech, dress, and living space. True, I figure they have something to hide... Oh, I am so judgemental- been working on that for years... Their words tend to be simple and down-to-earth, not showy or high-flown; their clothes are often homespun and conservative rather than of the latest fashion; Hey! I really do try to avoid the homely look! It's just that it is hard for me to justify spending loads of cash on the latests fashions! I'd rather have something that will last and that I can wear in different situations. and their home and work environments are usually neat, orderly, and traditional, rather than up-to-date or luxurious. That would go back to the whole "spending loads of cash on the latest fashons" thought again... As for the orderly; that depends on when you stop by. I like stuff in place so I can find it, but while I'm working on something I only care about getting the current project done. When I am finished, I clean up. Anyone who lived with me in college knows I can create a pig-sty in a very short time. However, my current living arrangements (I think the word "organization" is an expletive here) have forced me to change my ways to keep my sanity. In their choice of personal property (cars, furnishings, jewelry, and so on) price and durability are just as important as comfort or appearance. Classics, antiques, and heirlooms are especially valued, having achieved a certain time-honored status—Inspectors prefer the old-fashioned to the newfangled every time. Even on vacation, Inspectors tend not to be attracted by exotic foods, beverages, or locales. Yeah, that's all pretty true about me, except that I have no trouble tossing an antique that has no use to me... I'm horrible non-sentimental.

Their thoroughness and orderliness, combined with their interest in legality and standardization, leads Inspectors to a number of occupations that call for the careful administration of goods and services. Inspectors feel right at home with difficult, detailed forms and columns of figures, and thus they make excellent bank examiners, auditors, accountants, and tax attorneys. Managing investments in securities is likely to interest this type, particularly investments in municipal bonds and blue-chip securities. Ummmm... BORING!!!!!
Inspectors are not likely to take chances either with their own or others’ money, and the thought of a bankrupt nation, state, institution, or family gives them more than a little uneasiness. Or just ticks me off that people can be so irresponsible... However, I do understand certain situations such as unemployment and circumstances beyond control such as medical issues. It's the idiots who blow there cash on alcohol, fireworks, and big entertainment purchases that they cannot afford and then declare bankruptcy that gets me! The idea of dishonoring a contract also bothers an Inspector —their word is their bond—and they naturally communicate a message of trustworthiness and stability, which can make them successful in business. With their eye for detail, Inspectors make good business men and women, librarians, dentists, optometrists, legal secretaries, and law researchers. High school and college teachers of business administration, home economics, physical education, civics, and history tend to be Inspectors, as do quartermaster officers in the military. How about some cool jobs here?! When I was teaching, my personality was ISFJ. I am wondering if it changed slightly to conform to my job.

Other Profiles

Walmart at Midnight

So, we went to Walmart at midnight last night to get Harry Potter 6. I think everyone in the store picked up a copy of the book. We did our grocery shopping too...
I've just finished reading chapter 5 and so far:

***Beware of Spoilers***

I still want to say Snape is a good guy. Chapter two is spent with Draco's mom and aunt talking to Snape about the Death Eaters. His aunt fully convinced that he is with Dumbledore. However, Narcissa (Draco's mom) begs Snape to do an Unbreakable curse with her regarding what Voldemort has told Draco to do (Though unsaid, I'm thinking it's killing Harry). Snape vows to watch over Draco and even fulfill Draco's command from Voldemort if Draco fails. Plus, I'm really not sure why Wormtail is living with Snape, but I am sure the reason will come to light soon enought.

This Slughorn fellow I'm not really sure about. He's seems to be a bit of a nut to me. I did notice the Dumbledore never did mention the he would be the new Defence of the Dark Arts teacher. He just told Harry that there was another vacancy at Hogwarts that needed to be filled. Harry assumed it would be the DADA. I still think Snape would be an interesting DADA teacher. Plus, Harry just got his O.W.L.S. and did not score an 'Outstanding' in Potions. Therefore, he will no longer be taking Potions now that he will be a N.E.W.T. student.

***End of Spoilers***

Off to read chapter 6 +

My Run

I've been working out about 5 times a week since January trying to get/stay in shape. I haven't had any weight problems since Jr. High school, but I wouldn't say I was in fabulous shape. In February, I was running a 18 minute mile. Not too good. In fact, I was doing 13 in third grade if I recall...
So, now that Aaron is planning on joining the Marines, I have really made an effort to get into shape. Honestly, I have always wanted to join the military myself. I am still thinking about it. I am not completely sure how well a couple would do in the military, but I would be determined to make it work. At this point, Aaron is considering the Reserves and is hoping that he would be commissioned as an officer. This is what I would like to do as well. I'm just not sure about how my employer would feel about me leaving for 13 weeks for Basic Training. I know that they cannot fire me, but I think they would be less than thrilled. At this point, it's just a dream of mine. But I would love to challenge myself and serve my country as one of the few and the proud.
Anyway, to my run. I am now at 28:30 minutes for 3 miles. My current goal is to move that to 27 minutes. I can do the Flexed Arm Hang for 35 seconds and do 80 crunches in 2 minutes. I really want to work on my upper-body strength. I definately could use some help there.
The Marines have a point system to rate a soldier's fitness level. I definately could do better, but I am not completely out of shape. I can't believe that I have cut my time in half in only 6 months! My friend Nicole has been running the same plan I have for just 2 months now and is making some awesome improvements! Here it is:

Week 1: (run 2 min, walk 4 min) x 5
Week 2: (run 3 min, walk 3 min) x 5
Week 3: (run 5 min, walk 2.5 min) x 4
Week 4: (run 7 min, walk 3 min) x 3
Week 5: (run 8 min, walk 2 min) x 3
Week 6: (run 9 min, walk 2 min) x 2 + run 8 min
Week 7: (run 9 min, walk 1 min) x 3
Week 8: (run 13 min, walk 2 min) x 2
Week 9: (run 14 min, walk 1 min) x 2
Week 10: (run 30 min)

Midnight, Tonight!

The new Harry Potter book comes out at Midnight, tonight. Aaron and I will be at Wal-mart with the rest of the die-hards. I'm curious to see how many live in the middle of nowhere. Though, it's not like they have much else to do.
I just read a good article on MSN about what the next book will reveal. Here are some of the things I hope to see:

Who will be the next Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?
No other subject at Hogwarts has been so rough on its instructors as Defense Against the Dark Arts. None so far have lasted more than a year. Harry himself unofficially took over the post in the last book, but with Dumbledore back in charge, a real teacher will almost certainly be appointed — and assuming Rowling doesn’t plan to bring in a new character again, it’s probably about time to accede to Severus Snape’s longstanding desires and give the job to him.

I think it is about time for Snape to become the DADA teacher. Think that will really stir some things up for Harry. I want to learn more about the Snape and James Potter too. And now that Sirius is gone, I wonder how things will pan out between Snape and Harry.
And what about Dumbledore? Why is he in this mess between Harry and Voldemort in the first place? I understand that he heard the prophacy first hand, but why does he care so much? I think there is a lot of speculation that he will be killed off be the end of this book or the next. I hope not, since I find his character so mysteriously intreaging. But, I think it would definately add challenges for Harry.
And then there is Percy Weasley and the whole Ministry of Magic. I think this has some amazing political thought throughout the evolution of the story.
Ron’s straitlaced brother Percy’s love of rules and order is leading him further up the ladder at the Ministry of Magic, and further into an embrace of officious authoritarianism that just might bring him dangerously close to the fascist philosophy of Voldemort.
Finally, I would like to see more about why Harry was most nearly chosen to by a Slytheran. I think there is much more to this and his ties to voldemort.

My Love for Harry

The more I've been reading Harry Potter and reading all the press about the new book, I am realizing why I am so attracted to the books. With the obvious exception of the suspence, tight unvailing plot, and action, it's the bond between friends I enjoy. It reminds me of college. I so miss life at school. It truly is like being in another world. It's a chance to choose your own adventure without too many outside influences. It's groups of friends, eating in the cafeteria, studying in the library... together it creates that unforgettable experience of living in a dorm. And adding a little bit of drama never hurts either...
And for some reason I could stay up all night and still be fine in my 7:30 am classes... And now it's killer to stay up past 10 pm and get up at 5am... I'm not that old!

Enroll Me Now!

What was I thinking, majoring in Education...

Top 10 Odd College Courses
Information provided by Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions

College courses aren't all Econ 101 and The History of Europe: 1500-Present. A trend among many colleges and universities is to offer courses that are slightly off the beaten track. Many of these courses draw their themes from pop culture or sports, or they may be the brainchildren of professors who want to share their passion with students. They may be no less serious than traditional courses, but they certainly cover new academic ground.

Students take these offbeat courses for a variety of reasons--hoping for an easy A, to try something fun, or to explore a new interest. Underwater Basket Weaving 101 may be an urban legend, but these ten unusual courses are for real:

1) You can boldly go where no other philosophy student has gone before in Georgetown University's "Philosophy and Star Trek" course, where students discuss the nature of time travel, the ability of computers to think and feel, and other philosophical dilemmas facing the crew of the Starship Enterprise.

2) Discover how Brick really felt when Opal left him for his neighbor's best friend's sister in the University of Wisconsin's course entitled "Daytime Serials: Family and Social Roles." Students analyze the plots, themes, and characters of daytime soaps and discuss their impact on modern life.

3) If you've been longing to research how hot dogs, theme parks, and the five-day workweek have impacted American leisure culture, check out the University of Iowa course "The American Vacation." This course pays particular attention to how American families' varying backgrounds shape their vacation experiences...
MSN

The Grand Tour

Since not everyone has had the opportunity to visit glorious Nowheresville, MO, I thought I would share the joy. Have fun!

Going down: The stairs to the basement.


The center of our universe.


Our bed :)


More bed shots...


The view from our bed...


Our night light.


The lone window.


The computer (the center of Aaron's universe...)


Our living room.


Well, there you have it! I hope it was fun.

Tony Blair is My Hero

I'm not huge on politics, but I definately have my views. I totally agree with Tony Blair on his opinion of socialism. Peace to Great Britain.

"Some have suggested I want to abandon Europe's social model," Blair told the European Parliament last month. "But tell me: what type of social model is it that has 20 million unemployed in Europe, productivity rates falling behind those of the United States; that is allowing more science graduates to be produced by India than by Europe; and that, on any relative index of a modern economy -- skills, R&D, patents, IT -- is going down not up." Tony Blair- The Washington Times

A Sad Day for Great Britain

Chile,

Kim is old enough to make her own decisions. Terrorist want to strike fear in people. She is letting them do exactly what they want. There is no more danger of you being in London as in the US. And, correct me if I am wrong, but this attack was much smaller than 9/11 or the OKC bombing... Hmmm... Maybe you should tell Pam this. From the stats, I would say it's more dangerous to be in OKC or NYC. Plus, everyone is one high alert. If you've noticed, between the attacks in Madrid last year and this attack in London, they are very small in comparison to 9/11. I think that since we are all on high alert, terrorist are resorting to smaller/low tech sorts of ways to do their evil. It's horrible what happened, but we cannot live in fear. Plus, in the Middle East, this sort of thing happens EVERY SINGLE DAY! What courage those people have to go on!
I think that this shows just how safe the Undergroud is. Imagine only 37 people out of the thousands that commute everyday. It's very sad that these people lost their lives, but it is good that no more lives were lost.
Sorry, about your friend. In a way, you and Kim and empathize with her with the OKC Bombing. You know what it is like to have terrorists attack close to home.

Love ya,
Sarah

>Subject: this week
>Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2005 20:39:14 +0000
>
>Hey Sarah,
>Did you here about the terrists attack in London? Some bombs went
>off in the underground. 37 died and 300 injured. This is really bad
>because the the underground was a very good system and safe. Anyway
>my friend from england has had a rough week. SHe just found out her
>cousin died unexpectedly on Tues. and now this. It has been really
>hard on her. Pam is really worried about letting Kim go over there.
>I am not sure what is going to happen to tighten sucurity.
>Anyway It's been a pretty gray day today and cold. Please give me
>some news about you.
>I sent you something in the mail the other day. I made it as a craft
>with the jr. high division. It was lots of fun. Later,
>Becky
>
>

Am I out of Line?

I believe that a family should work together so that no one person should do all the work- household or outside. It frustrates me to no end when a capable adult does not pitch in when one seems to be taking on the brunt of the load. Even the simple task of cleaning one's own dish and putting it in the dishwasher or doing one's own load of laundry makes a remarkable difference and allows time for all family members to interact and have about the same amount of leisure time.
Am I out of line to think this way? I believe in being responsible. I think it is only right to pitch in when in is needed and one is capable.
(How's that for venting w/o naming names!?)

Harry Potter

I love the Harry Potter books, but stopped in the middle of the fourth book in January, 2003 because of student teaching (trust me, I didn't want to, but those were crazy busy times). I started reading them again about 3 weeks ago at the earging of my student worker, Nicole-a huge HP fan. I'm in the middle of book 5 and have to say that it's really hard to stop. I love how J.K. Rowling has kept such a tight plot. I love Star Wars, but I think HP really excels in that there aren't any (obvious, anyway) loop hole. Rowling also did a magnificent job creating an entire society. Part of what makes the books so interesting is watching the society evolve and change as outside and inside factors come about.
Right now, I am on the chapter, Dumbledore's Army. Up to this point, frightening changes have been taking place in the Ministry of magic, the magical world's governing body. From what I can tell, the setting is a capitalistic society, almost more nearly like the US rather than Great Britain's in the way the government is set up. They have a Minister of Magic, who at this point in reading, I believe is elected and there is no sitting monarch as far as I am aware. (okay, moving on... this is starting to sound like a term paper... just be glad I didn't put it in APA format.)
I do find it interesting that there is a group in the story, who would like nothing more than to purify the magical bloodlines (hmmm... pretty sure this has been tried before). And, at this point the governing body is using the media to mask what is truly going on (once again, pretty sure this has been done too).
Anyway, to conclude my book report (ack! for real, I am having the worst time blogging. I can't do simple, light-hearted thoughts... I'm doing my best to keep myself from citing sources...) I am anxious to see how this is all going to pan out. I wonder how much this will follow history.