Words, Words, Words, Words

I wasn't going to do this, because, as usual, everyone has already spoken of this more elequently than I will, but I feel compelled to add my own thoughts on the whole Dumbledore thing.

I think the one thing that bugs me is the people who say, 'if he was gay, why didn't we know it in the books?' because...hello? CHILDREN'S BOOKS. Yes, I know people of all ages read them, and they had dark themes, blah blah blah, but at the end of the day, they are books for children, and the story did not leave room to discuss anyone's sexuality - at least beyond the teenager around whom the story revolved. And even then, we got kissing and that's it. (Actually I think its mostly Americans who think 'children's books' equal fluffy bunnies and candy canes and shallow problems, and that a children's series can't actually address real issues).

Not only that, it wasn't relevant to the story. It makes perfect sense to me that, while JKR wrote Dumbledore, she discovered he was gay. I'm sure if I were to re-read book 7, I'd find lots of subtext. (Actually carlanime did just that, but it's locked, so you'll just have to take my word for it. It's pretty funny, though. Maybe she'll repost in the comments here.)

Also, as a wanna-be writer, I can totally get behind the idea of a character having a trait that never makes it into the book. Neil Gaiman talks about that brilliantly. Go check his blog, you'll see.

I suppose the only real quibble I might have is when she was asked if Dumbledore was ever in love she said 'he was gay' first, instead of just saying, 'yes, he was in love with Grindlewald.' because it almost sounds like she's saying he couldn't be in love because he was gay. However, we know from context that's what she meant, so I'm cool.

I've decided I know what Luna Lovegood did after Hogwarts. Mr Ollivander took her on as an apprentice and taught her wandlore and how one goes about making wands.

I think it would be a job that suits her; she has a good understanding of human nature, and is very smart and ( slight spoiler, I think )

Charlie is playing at his friend's this afternoon, and is having dinner there, and I should really be Doing Something Useful, but I'm in a very bad state of mind at the moment, and can't seem to get motivated to do anything other than stare at the computer.

And I'm a big coward, because the husband actually asked point blank if something was wrong, and I couldn't tell him. I just couldn't get the words out. It wasn't very fair to him at all, but I just couldn't do it. I can't seem to open that door. I'm a coward.

It didn't help that, when I asked him if he'd applied to this job he said he was going to apply to he asked me if I'd made him a resume. A)He didn't ask me to make him one when he mentioned the job and B) I had made him one awhile ago and C) Why is that my responsibility? I don't know what his skills are.

Then today my mother called and made me feel really horrible. Just horrible. Won't go into details, it will make me cry. I know she just wants me to get my life together but still.

Sorry. I hadn't meant this to get so self-pitying, but there it is, and I'm leaving it because, well, that's what I do.

What do you think of the Luna theory?

Ya know, for anyone who really thought JKR just made it up as she went along, I'd like to point out something.

There's a bit in DH where Hermione mentions something as a class B tradeable thingy, and says it is in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." I have that book, as I am sure most of you do, and naturally I looked it up and sure enough it is in there. I just think that is so cool.

So if my luck holds, it looks as though I will be a substitute teacher. I have to get this child abuse history clearance thingy taken care of, which takes about 3 weeks, but, assuming the woman in charge doesn't decide I'm horribly unqualified all of the sudden, I should be good to go when the school year starts.

She also assured us (there were about 8 of us there) we would be guarenteed work every day, should we choose to take it. The pay rate is anywhere between $75-$110 a day, depending on the school. Still no benefits, but I'll deal with that as soon as I feel more settled.

It still isn't fabulous money, but it is a job I think I will be good at, and something I believe I will enjoy, and the hours are good, mom-wise.

I'm pretty excited, really. There's a large part of me that is afraid it is all too good to be true. My luck doesn't usually tend to getting a job I like, but maybe this is it. My density. I'd planned to be a teacher once upon a time, but my grades weren't so great when I was in the program, so I switched majors. Panicked, I guess. So maybe this will open doors for me. Maybe I'll get a teaching certificate or something. Who knows. It will be nice to say, when people ask what I do, "I'm a teacher".

Want your opinion on something.

( cut for Deathly Hallows Spoilers )

Saw today's segment with the Not!Katie Coric woman interviewing JKR on the Today show. JKR was taking questions from some kids, and answered a couple of questions that I'd been asking. I'm sure others have seen this, or will do because if it isn't up on You Tube in the near future I will be much surprised, but I'm posting them here anyway.

( not really spoilery too much but has to do with what happens next so cutting anyway )

I still want to do a full review of DH. I'm re-reading it now, to get the bits I probably missed in my first reading. It happens, you want so much to know what is going on, some of the more subtle things pass you by. Plus, now that I know what happened, it's fun to see the little hints and things.

I am going to this thingy today that has to do with being a substitute teacher. I am hoping it isn't some money-making scam. Will let you know.

Well, despite my best effort, I managed to finish the book in a day. I'll probably re-read it to get the finer points, but meanwhile, it is done, and I can now talk about it, and read everyone's opinions.

I have to get dressed soon to go to a job interview, and since I was late getting on board the Hogwarts Express, I'm hoping some of you will be kind enough to give me a link to your posts that you made days ago, when I was still avoiding spoilers, so I can read them when I get back - it will save me trolling back through my flist. Yeah, I'm lazy, I know. But I really want to read everyone's opinions!

I'll post my own, lengthier opinions, I'm sure but meanwhile, here's a couple of random thoughts.

( cut for spoilers of DH )

There's much more I want to say, but I have to get ready now. More later. And thanks in advance.

My Deathly Hallows book came today, much earlier then expected. I've been in a very unhappy mood these last few days, so it is a good pick-me-up.

I've read the first two chapters already. Am planning on being completely irresponsible, taking Charlie to the pool as soon as he's home, and reading as much of the book as I can this afternoon.

I can't wait to catch up on everyone's opinions. Skipping the cuts on the majority of my flist has been very hard.

( One little opinion based on the 2nd chapter. Spoiler, obviously )

Right. Back to reading now.

I was going to post this on silverhill's journal, but decided it would be too much like hijacking her post, so I'm putting it here.

Yes, it has to do with Harry Potter.

I, once again, ordered the book from amazon.co.uk, so it isn't going to get here until at least next Friday. I can't help it, I'm a purist, and if that means waiting a week, so be it. Hopefully I'll find ways to distract myself in the meanwhile. I may have to hide from the interweb for awhile, because I tend to cave to spoilers.

Which brings me to my rant.

( no spoilers, just opinions and speculation, but cutting it anyway )

The Muggle news is, of course, reporting this as a tornado hitting a London street, but come on. A tornado? In London? Totally Voldemort.

Firstly, just want to say thanks for all the tea advice. I shall give it a go.

Secondly, thanks for the solidarity re: my second posting. Stupid real life has been getting hard lately, and it is very frustrating. I shall have to take it a day at a time, that's all.

Thirdly, I just returned from seeing Harry Potter. Wow. I think it was the best so far, and I venture to say it's because they finally got a British director.

( seriously spoilers? How could you possibly not know...okay. Cut for movie spoilers )

Anyway...I need to go to sleep. Or get drunk. I dunno.