Harry Potter 7.2–It’s All Over

Disclaimer: If you haven’t watched the movie or read the book, and you don’t want to learn what happens, DON’T READ THIS POST!  If you do, solemnly swear you’re up to no good.

On Friday, Lauren and I went and saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. We left work a tad early to ensure we saw the movie in a less hectic theatre, which worked out perfectly.

Now I have a strict Harry Potter rule not to read the book within 6 months of seeing the movie.   Per usual I am so glad I didn’t because I did not get caught up in the details of “well the book did it that way” and “why did they do that??”. But you better believe I am going to re-read the book in the very near future.

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We opted not to see the movie in IMAX 3D and I am glad we didn’t. While there is a time and a place to see a 3D movie, I felt that since all the rest of the Harry Potter movies weren’t in 3D, it wasn’t necessary to see this one any differently. After watching my brother’s review, I am wondering if I should splurge and see it again in 3D (especially if I get HP 3D glasses).

While I agree that this movie would stand better with its prequel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, I did really like how they started the movie by picking up exactly where they left off at Dumbledore’s grave when Voldemort steals the Elder Wand.

The next scene that stood out to me was the journey in Gringotts. Like many avid Harry Potter fans, I had a magnificent mental image of that scene from the book, and while they did not portray it exactly as I imagined it, I approve of their approach.  With that said, I agree with my friend Lauren that the dragon seemed a lot sadder than he did in the book. I also loved watching the Hermione/Bellatrix character mix-up. Emma Watson/Helena Bonham Carter did a great job of portraying Hermione’s uneasiness with the situation.

The next scene that stood out to me was the one where Harry, Hermione and Ron are in Aberforth (Dumbledore’s home). In the book this scene is vivid and builds a lot on Albus Dumbledore’s character. As much as I loved this scene in the book, I completely understand why it was cut from the movie.

My next favorite scene is of that in the Room of Requirement. The filmmakers literally brought my imagination to life. This is one of the scenes I have created a vivid imagination for, so I was very happy that they portrayed it well. My only complaint is what happened  to Crabbe? I realize why they cut the actor, but they couldn’t find a fill in who looked more like Crabbe??

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The final scene that impressed me was the Epilogue. I hated the Epilogue in the book. I thought it was very corny and unnecessary. In the movie, I thought the filmmakers did a great job of closing the book. Maybe it was because I was so down on it in the book or that I just loved the last frame of the film, but it really pulled the entire series together wonderfully.

Besides my favorite scenes, there were a few interactions that I loved. I thought the filmmakers did a great job portraying the relationship between Harry Potter and Snape. I felt that they picked just the right amount of material and memories to portray Snape’s love for Lily and eventually for Harry.

The other interaction I loved was the one between Narcissa and Harry. It was great that she backed out on the Dark Lord to protect her family. And maybe I am a softy, but I truly believe they switched sides in the end, even if they are perceived as awkward at the end of the movie.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film as the movie version of the book. I agree with my friends that certain scenes were played down a little too much in the movie. Also one thing that I did not notice until Lauren pointed it out is that in the 2D movie you can tell where the 3D parts were.

The Harry Potter book series has a very special place in my heart, and that special place is kept far away from the special place in my heart where the movies are kept (they wouldn’t get along).

Below is what my brother thought.

What did you think of the last Harry Potter movie?

*All images are courtesy of The Internet Movie Database unless otherwise noted.

The 4th of July–DC Style

It pays off to live in the Nation’s Capital on the Nation’s Birthday. After our long run and shopping trip, Jay and I refueled and relaxed before heading downtown at 6 p.m.

To refuel, I made us some Turkey Mozzarella Burgers. I find burgers to be the perfect 4th of July food. Now, please excuse the lack of pictures. As you can imagine, after the run I was more concerned about filling my belly then taking beautiful step-by-step pictures for y’all.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Ground Turkey
• Dash of Oregano, Garlic Salt and Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 egg
• 4 pinches of Mozzarella Cheese

*I serve my Mozzarella Burgers on Sandwich Thins smothered with Pine Nut Hummus and Lettuce.

Directions:

1. Place Ground Turkey, Egg and Spices in a bowl and combine.
2. Form the meat into four balls. Press your thumb in the center of the ball and fill with a healthy pinch of Mozzarella Cheese. Close the meet around the cheese and press down to form the patty.
3. Cook burgers on high for about 5 minutes a side. The patties are done when they no long ooze when you press down on them.
4. Serve on Sandwich Thins smothered with Pine Nut Hummus and Lettuce.

Besides the excitement of running and refueling, our big plans of the day involved the 4th of July Celebration on the Mall. There are usually a few concerts on the Mall for the 4th of July. Jay has never seen the fireworks on the Mall because he didn’t live here 2 years ago and last year we went to Boston. We decided to take the opportunity to have a nice picnic with friends near the Capitol building, where one of the main concerts is held.

Unfortunately, when we got there we realized that you can not view the concert from the Mall, you have to be on the Capitol steps!! Instead, we opted for a nice spot on the Mall near 7th street. This gave us great access after the fireworks to many of the yellow metro stations.

As you can see, we were not the only ones who decided to show up early with a picnic. Our picnic included Jenna’s Buffalo Chicken Dip and Celery, Chips for Wholly Guacamole and Mango Salsa, Blueberries and Watermelon.

We also brought along cards for entertainment. I don’t think Harry Potter Uno will ever get old!! But before long, the fireworks started and we were enjoying America’s Birthday in the Nation’s Capital.

Post fireworks, the crowds mobbing the street were a nice flashback to our Boston trip last year. And to top it off we passed Little Richard riding in an SUV! Ok, I am not really a fan, but it was cool to see him!

Jay, Mary and I were very impressed with the DC metro. We were home within an hour of when the fireworks started!!! We walked with the masses through the streets of DC to Chinatown where we literally had the metro to ourselves.

All the major stations within the city were packed but not crowded beyond belief. Anyone on the platform would make it on their desired train if they wanted to.

Overall, we had a great weekend hiking, running and relaxing!

How did you celebrate the 4th of July?

My ABCs

Happy Friday!!! Tonight Jay and I are enjoying a quite night in with some Costco pizza. Ahhh the life! Enjoy my ABCs, I hope to be back tomorrow with a successful recap of our long run!

A. Age: 24 (almost 25!!!)

B. Bed size: Double, Jay and I like to snuggle

C. Chore you dislike: dusting, it requires you to move too many small things

D. Dogs: none

E. Essential start to your day: coffee and oatmeal

F. Favorite color: purple (except when it comes to college football, then garnet (Go COCKS!))

G. Gold or silver: gold

H. Height: 5’8”

I. Instruments you play(ed): cello and viola

J. Job title: Manager, Informational Resources

K. Kids: none

L. Live: Arlington, VA

M. Mom’s name: Anna

N. Nicknames: Boogie (my dad called me that as a kid), Sag (my initials), Gizmo (from my last name), Gizzy (my new work nickname (from my last name). At Conference, my Auction Chairmen had “Gizzy” embroidered on Minnie Ears for me. It was really nice!), Jay and I call each other Pookie and Jay calls me Princess (I call him Charming).

O. Overnight hospital stays: none

P. Pet peeves: when people pick at their finger nails

Q. Quote from a movie: “The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with caution.” or “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

R. Righty or lefty: Righty (both my brothers and I are Righty’s even though both my parents are Lefty’s).

S. Siblings: Jim and Joe

T. Time you wake up: My schedule is soo thrown off right now!!! In the summer 6:05 to run, in the winter 6:45 and 5:45 for Tuesday morning Yoga.

U. Underwear: I have a nice variety. My mom used to buy/send me holiday underwear for every holiday! I miss that!

V. Vegetables you don’t like: raw Cauliflower (that is why I only buy it frozen)

W. What makes you run late: my eyebrows, I can always find something wrong with them!

X. X-rays you’ve had: my teeth, my pinky finger (I broke it) and my foot when I sprained it.

Y. Yummy food you make: Chili, Chili, Chili

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Elephants (They always stick out in my mind because my little brother was obsessed with them as a kid.)

Did you learn anything new about me?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Last night I went to go see the midnight showing of Harry Potter in Georgetown. Of course, the midnight show is somewhat precious to a die hard Harry Potter Fan like myself and is not a true midnight showing without costumes and Butterbeer.

Last night's Butterbeer came from a Yahoo article on the Top Ten Butterbeer Recipes. As an avid Harry Potter Fan I have tried the traditional soda recipe, so tonight I tried Recipe #3 which is milk based. If I had decided to do this prior to yesterday, I probably would have tried one of the more "complex" recipes.

As you can see from the above picture, I was planning on making the homemade Butterscotch flavor. But, I don't have Vanilla in my cabinets! Blasphemy, I know. My former roommate was more of the baker and therefore had the Vanilla. Plus when I bake I usually substitute Dark Rum for Vanilla. I figured Dark Rum probably would not go with this recipe, so I opted for the Butterscotch chips instead.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups of Milk
• 1/2 cup of Butterscotch chips

Step One: Heat the milk.

Step Two: Add Butterscotch chips and Stir until chips disolve.

Step Four: Almost bring to a boil.

Step Five: Serve.
This recipe was only alright, in my opinion is just tasted like Butterscotch flavored milk. So, Jay and I added some Coco to give it a little pizazz.

A little better. I will definitely be trying to perfect the Butterbeer Recipe prior to the final Movie this Summer!

Now, on to my classic Harry Potter Costume, my Hermione costume!

It all starts with a lot of French Braids all day! I take damp hair and make three braids all leading up to the center of the back of my head and then loop the three braids into a bun.

Then, the costume! This costume has been evolving from High School! I am sorry to say this morning I could only find recent pictures, but I'll try to pull out more pictures from the Finale this Summer.

My Fall 2007 Cotsume for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween:

And with Jay (he was Ron), look how young we look?!?!?!?

In my current costume I sport the same skirt and tie (which is actually my serving tie from working in the USC restaurant) from 2007, my original knee highs!!! and a watch necklace my mom wore in the 70s (Have I told you how much I love old costume jewelry?)

Plus, my Doc Martin's from High School!! I forgot how comfortable they are! I did not wear these ion 2007 because I found them to be too much for the Magic Kingdom.

And, here is the whole outfit together! Do I look like Hermione?

Of course, jay and I were not the only ones to dress up of our group! Pictures below are (from left to right) are Hermione, Luna, Hagrid, Lupin and Bellatrix.

So, now you all know how crazy I am :)

As for the movie, it was well worth the midnight showing. As one who has read the books, I think they did a great job of cutting out extraneous details. Walking into the movie I assumed the ending would be earlier than it was, but I appreciated and liked the ending they choose. Seeing this movie just makes me even more anxious for the next movie!!!

Are you going to see Harry Potter this weekend? Are you a die hard fan (aka read all the books and maybe even guilty of a few midnight book parties) or do you just go and see the movies? If you see the movie, e-mail me (goingongoals @ gmail dot com) and let me know what you think!