Hi everyone! Just thought i would pick up the topic! i hope that I summarized it well. I can't let this forum go! I like it to much!
I was reading Azkaban again and I wonder was it Snape who tipped off Dumbledore that Voldemort was after the Potters? I wonder if this will come out in the final book?
Sorry wasn't I the one who said that I wouldn't theorize about the final book anymore! Old habits die hard!
So my dilemma with my HBP book is that my firend is a nurse who works shifts and Lives in Shakespear ( near Stratford for you theater buffs) which is in the country and is a 30 minute drive from here and they are never home anyway! So my book is effectively gone... for now! Its hard cover...... I am getting it back! I have the suspicion that she has read it anyway. So My son asked me if we could go to the library for books on sharks, so I will get acopy from the library today!
Talk to you later. My post is scatter brained today I have no concentration today!

Tracy

Erm, actually I think Pix meant that it would be a good thing if someone went and summarised what was said in the previous topic, post a new topic and then let a mod pin the topic for you to continue the conversation where you left off. And it would be a good time to state the purpose of the thread for newcomers.

The thing is just that we'll be deleting the other thread soon, so you'll have lost track of what you were saying last time, that's all. If that isn't a problem to you all I guess it's fine to continue from this point onwards, but let me just say something about the thread then:



This thread is a place where older HP fans can talk about anything they like, actually. It started out as a thread on, as mother put it, the trials and tribulations of the older fan, but seeing as it's now in the Quidditch Pitch, y'all have free reign to talk about anything and everything - as long as it's PG. Forum rules on swearing and being polite and all that still apply, and we ask that you please be considerate towards other members. That's all! Have fun!

I had a read through the last few posts to get a handle on recent topics. Thought I'd post them here to save everyone the trouble of going back to the old thread.

Capricorn has quoted the original post that basically sums up what this thread was originally about. Being an older HP fan and how you and others feel about it. Do you get teased or do you not care one way or another?

This thread is also more recenty, a place for older fans to chat about whatever interests you. Recent subjects have been.....

The Classics/ contemporary literature being taught in our schools, such as Moby D.ck and Huckleberry Finn. How does this come across to the kids? Do they willingly read them? Would they be better off reading the HP series instead? Are the classics more attractive once you get older?

Another subject recently discussed was the appearance of various fan written Deathly Hallows fics, being passed off as JKR's work. Total hokum we all know, but a couple of people have taken the time to read them.

I hope this summarises a bit where we were at!!

Wow, this is the first time I have been involved in a thread that has actually gotten past 1000...awesome what we talk about in here huh?

Anyways, this is going to be so short and random but I was remembering Tracy who had loaned her HBP hardcover out to a friend and hasn't gotten it back when I was at a garage sale this Saturday.

I usually never look throught the books because often I find such junk like Kama Sutra for 70 year olds or something... But on a whime I decided to check. I found a hardcover HBP for a $1.00!!!! I was a little bummed that the previous owner wrote her name in permanent marker but what could I expect for a dollar? I am so happy!!!

Hope everyone had a happy Memorial Day Weekend. (USA) I got tons of sun as we went to the beach and my daughter ate sand...it was too adorable.

Talk to you laters
~Amanda

Wow, sorry for the misinterpretation. Like I said scatter brained. If anyone doesn't like this new thread ,We can probably change it!
Sorry!
Tracy

Hey All - wowzers! A brand spanking new thread...we are a chatty bunch, aren't we?

Tracy, your poor, poor book! I'm still rooting for you...you'll get it back!! I've also wondered about who tipped Dumbledore off...I would think Snape is a good guess. It may have been when he came back to the good side. I didn't realize you lived not too far from Stratford (great shopping!). If you happen to be in the Maitland Vally Watershed - watch out! I might be coming to GPS your water well...if you have one, that is!

Amanda, I can't believe that you found HBP for only $1...I realize that at garage sales people are just normally aiming to get rid of stuff. But seriously!! They could have put a $10 sticker on it, and someone would still have bought it. Good find!

It's shaping up to be another beautiful, summer-like week in Ontario! My freckles are popping out! And....I leave for the UK in just two weeks and three days - getting rather excited!!! Have a great week everyone!

Abs

Do you know, that is so freaky...I live near Stratford.....upon Avon in the UK, and what is weirder is that a few weeks back I was walking through a flea market when I started to look at the books and found a hardback of GoF for just a couple of pounds.

Anyway, I hope I didn't miss anything in my summary of the old thread. I'm sure those in the know will remember anything missed out.

I went to see Pirates 3 today. I really loved it, it was sad that it has come tyo an end. I had kind of got used to seeing Capt. Jack every year, and watching the gorgeous Orlando literally bloom in front of my eyes!

My son has been trying to convince me to take him to Pirates 3. I am not convinced because i took him to Pirates 2 in the theaters and we left half way through because it got to scary for him! It is never hard to look at Orlando or Johnny is it?

OOTP is out on July 11 Yay! I hope my movie dates are still free or I am going without them!

Fawksey I am in Kitchener maybe you'll come my way for something else!

A buck for a book! The paper cost more that that! what were they thinking! obviously they are not literature buffs ! I guess it is true one persons garbage is anothers treasure!

Well i must start applying for some part time work to work down some debt from my school year. I have to work it down so that I can rack it back up again!

Stratford is beautiful! Many famous actors got their start there.... unfortunantly the only one I can think of now is William Shatner!

I am glad to see that they fixed my boo boo with the thread!
Tracy

Hello All!!

I just came across this thread. What is the definition of older HP fans? I'm 28, does that count?
I'm enjoying some quiet posting time today, because as of tomorrow at noon, my son will be out of school for the summer, and even though I still have 2 at home (who are fairly quiet), things seem a little more chaotic when my son comes home from school. Maybe because he's only in the first grade!
I'd be thrilled if I found a HP book for only a buck. Maybe you could take green....or is it purple....cardstock that matches the inside cover of the book and paste a piece over the name. I'm not sure what color the inside of HBP is, I don't have mine with me at the moment. I found a hardbound copy of POA for $8. I thought 'hey that's better than over $20".

Welcome firefly!! So glad you found us...you definitely count as an "older" fan (I'm 25). We have quite an age range on this thread, so I guess you could maybe say we are the more "experienced" HP fans - all at different stages of life! We hope you enjoy it here!

Oh, I'm so envious of you who have gone to see Pirates 3...my schedule just hasn't allowed it yet...but I'll get there before too long! And I can't believe they moved the date for OOTP - although, it makes perfect sense money wise. Hmmm...I'll have to see if that day will work...middle of the week isn't the best time for me. Oh well, I'll cope!

Tracy...ha! Who doesn't love William Shatner?! I think Christopher Plummer also got his start there. My dad saw him in Hamlet (I think) in his pre-Sound of Music days! I haven't been for a few years, but would like to get back to the festival...always a lot of fun.

Another hot one here today...31 C (around 90 F)!! Wish I were at the beach...

Abs

Hi Firefly! welcome! Im 31 so your in good company! I am at home with my 2 almost 3 year old and It is a lot more quiet with one at school isn't it?! As soon as my son comes home he starts the pestering and then she starts the screaming and whining! I can't wait to get back to school some days!

Last night I had had enough! everything that i did went wrong the entire day! Including my entire McDo'snald Coke spilling all over the passenger side floor! I had to slam on the brakes to avoid a car that had just slammed on its brakes! Fantastic! So when my husband came hoem I said i need to get away and I left and saw a movie! I saw Pirates of the Carribean 3. Now.... not to burst anyones bubble but It really was not that great! I found some of it a little weird and some of the jokes were a little lame! There are however some good parts! It lacked the same feel that the other 2 had. The ending was pretty good.... I don't want to give anthing away!

Christopher plummer wow that is pretty good! I know that there must be more like Donald Southerland? I havn't been there since High school i love the theater but married someone who could care less ... matbe I can convince him to go one day!

On the OOTP topic I wonder how they are going to edit this film! There is so much to cover what are they going to cut ! I thought that they butchered GOF. I hope that this one is better. I hope that they cut Grawp. I never understood that whole thing.

Talk to you later,
Tracy

Me again... I guess I always come here when I run out of other excuses for not doing something useful. Like reading the 400 pages on entrepreneurship I copied today for example *lol* Like I had any interest in starting a business.

Anyway: I'd like to ask etphonehome something about Stratford. Is it always that crowded with school classes as when I went there last October? I consider myself somewhat used to gazillions of tourists with my parents living in Nuremberg which is usually terribly crowded every december and myself living in a classical vacation area by the sea but that was definately a bit much for my taste. Well, I admit my mood was a bit low that day as it poured and my shoes were not exactly waterproof but I kept on thinking "oh my God is there a place without school classes?" I don't even think I had the feeling of so many tourists on a single spot when I worked in London this march.

Misto ~ The only time that Straford isn't heaving with school age children or tourists is in the middle of the night That's not strictly true, there are certain times of the year when things quieten down a bit, and it's usually midweek in February! But even then it's a popular place. I love it though especially for the school kids. It always amazes me that just visiting the area can encourage a thirst for information about Shakespear and his writings.

Tracey ~ I heartily agree with you about GoF, what a hatchet job they did with that movie. I have no doubt that OotP will be butchered to bits, but hey, I'll still go see it

Elaine

ya i'll be there too full of remorse about how much I spent on the ticket and candy and popcorn etc! I mean if you are going to go to a movie you might as well go the whole way! Get the artery clogging food and the swimming pool sized drink! Now with taco bell and New York fries, Pizza Pizza you might as well add another nail to the coffin! OOOOO..... was that just a rant? Sorry!

Stratford here is busy too not so much like your original Stratford Over there, its just a copy! The oldest thing here is about 200 years old! That is just a youngin to Europe standards!
I know what you mean about tourists though! Here we have the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany! The entire area has a strong German back ground! if your Geman this is the place to live in Canada. Oktoberfest is a huge drinking and family festival that brings in tourists from all overthe world. There are fest halls with Polka music , tonnes of food and cultural activities etc. It is a really big deal here. You must do the chicken dance here... its like a right of passage when you move here. I came here when I was 7 and though every one here was nuts!

Well i really must do some work ,my husband has been wondering what I have been up to all week ... the house is a mess!
I m on vacation foowy on him!
Tracy

I feel so left out...could someone post a link about Stratford? I have no idea of what you guys are talking about? *sad face*

Yeah, I agree about ootp. I will be there most likely opening nite with a stomach ache when Im done. I can't tell you if the tummy ache will be because of all the junk food I ate that tasted so yummy or if I will be disappointed with the chop-job they did on the movie? *grins*

Laters,
~Amanda

This is a link to Stratford upon Avon in the Uk. Brithplace of our beloved baird William Shatner I mean Shakespear

This is a link to Stratford Ontario Canada.

Ofcourse we have all the authentic buildings that are hundreds of years old, but I think Canada has more sunshine

Talking of old buildings, I'm hoping to go Woodchester Mansion, this weekend. It's only about 5 miles from my house, and it's supposed to be haunted! There are always things going on there and I feel really naughty that I've never been before. I'd give you a link but for some reason the page won't load!

Have a great weekend all

Elaine

Oktoberfest... don't even get me started on that topic... But I usually have a good laugh when I happen to be a t my parent's at that time of year and the actually broadcast the traffic info in German AND Italian on the radio
Talking about crowds pouring into the place you live... only two weeks to go and the whole town will be upside down again for 10 days. It's supposed to be a sailing event but as long as you don't really drive to the outer districs to see the regattas the only thing you'll notice are thousands of gone crazy drunks from whereever. I wonder which of the professors actually cancles his lectures this year. Some still keep up their hopes to see a single student in an early morning lecture during that week

As for old buildings... we don't have too many in town as it was pretty flat after WWII. Even today it's on of the biggest harbors of the Germany navy, so naturally there wasn't much left. What we do have are a lot of old little manors out in the countryside. I love them. I also really enjoy all these old buildings/manors/small castles in GB and France. I think you notice them more if you don't drive by every day.

Sorry Stratford in Canada is a theater town. It is world renouned and has spawned some really world class actors. The Stratford Festival is really great. They do Shakespear of course and many many other great classic plays. Pigmalian etc! I'm not sure how we started that topic?
Canada does have lots of sunshine but the weather changes really fast. The line around here is "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute!" We can go from snow covered ground that is 2 feet deep to sunny shorts weather within days! It plays havoc with your immune system.

I hold out a bit of hope that the OOTP movie will not be entirely bad. I hope that maybe JK talked some sense into them after GOF. You really can't change the movie like that! I went with some friends that only have seen the movies and they had to have me clarify what had just happened! GOF was just not the same they cut so much that it was only the ending and the begining that was anything like the book. Yet I still bought it and have watched it....alot!

Well I am just sitting here and sweating! Holly cow it about 30 degrees out I think it translates to about 90 in the conversion.We really need AC in this house!

talk to you later!
TRacy

All this talk about Stratford really makes me want to go see a play...I actually saw an article on one of the plays there in the paper today - coincidence? I'm not sure if I'll make it to Stratford-Upon-Avon when I'm over in the UK, but I'm looking forward to seeing some of the old buildings and charming architecture. Less than two weeks to go!!!

Canada really goes crazy for festivals. I've never been to Oktoberfest, as I don't really drink, but I know other cities go all out too. I've been out to Calgary for the Stampede a few years ago, and everyone there really gets into the mood. For two weeks everyone wears their cowboy boots and hats! Even Westjet Airlines (based out of Calgary) gets festive...the flight attendants all wear jeans, plaid shirts and cowboy hats....it's absolutely great!

I've been sweating right along with you, Tracy. I can't believe this heat wave...it's not often that we get four smog days (poor air quality) in a row in May/June! I'm very thankful that I got out all of my summer clothes out a couple of weeks ago!

As for OOTP...the trailers look pretty good so far. I'm trying to stay positive, in the hopes that it will be a great movie. As with all of them, I try to keep the books and movies separate. There's no way that any director/producer can do justice to JKR's books. In fact, most movies based on books can't do them justice...with the exception of the BBC's 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice...it's so similar to the book - they definitely did a great job on that one!

Catch you all later!
Abs

I am so looking forward to the OOTP coming out, me and a couple of my Army buds have already decided we are going to buy our tickets for the movie early, the day it comes out and hit the first show at like 5 pm, we have all decided we will be knocking people out of the way to get the best seats lol....

Speaking of Oktoberfest, whenever my father was in the Air Force we lived in Germany for 3 years and we used to go to Oktoberfest every year, it was such a blast!

Heat waves? You guys are having those too? Where I am right now, the low of the day is like 95 degrees, with the heat index it feels like it is like 120 degrees outside, thank goodness there is no humidity or we would all melt!!!

Marcey

Marcey...welcome back!

All this talk on Stratford...and those great links...everything just looks so freaking quiant! Hawaii doesn't have quiant. I am so jealous.

All the fests--like Oktober, are on such a small scale here...the only thing that is pretty huge is the Aloha Festival which lasts about a week. They select a King and Queen and a royal court and everything. It has a parade and two really big block parties...one in Waikiki and the other in Downtown Honolulu. There is lots of live music, food and give aways.

Forgive my ramblings...I went on a first date this weekend and I am still kind of school girlish giddy from it.*squee*

I absolutely can't wait for OOTP!!! I will probably end up watching it about 5 times in the theaters. Once with my son, once with my sister, once by myself, and possibly a date...(grins again) The last one is an extra that I am leaving for myself again. Silly isn't it?

Talk to you soon.

Abs ~ You are so right, there has been no better adaptation that Pride and Prejudice, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Colin Firth and a wet shirt

Marcey ~ I like hot, hots good....rains bad. We have had too much rain but with the odd bit of hot thrown in for good measure. Only 6 week Wednesday until OotP goes on release. The cinema is already taking bookings, the first show is at midday, but if I remember correctly, last time they showed it at midnight the night before, but no kids were allowed.

I went to Woodchester Mansion like I said. It's really creepy. The place was never finished and all the workmans tools are left there from when the just ....left! That was 130 years ago. Things have fallen into disrepair, so are being renovated back to their unfinished state. It's really bizarre. It was nice to go though, it made a change from going for a meal on my birthday!

Well, I'm in the process of moving into my new apartment this week. I've been house sitting for my aunt for the past seven/eight months. It's a great basement apartment...colour scheme is a little funky, but our landlords said we could paint/decorate however we want!! Woo-hoo! Anyways, I found out that my new roommate is also a Harry Potter fan...probably not as hardcore as myself, but definitely not opposed to it! This makes my so happy...I was a bit afraid that she wouldn't be a fan and I might have to tone down my love for it.

Ah, Elaine...yes, Colin Firth in a wet t-shirt...not too shabby at all! Just a note for all of you Pride and Prejudice fans, I going to be going to Lyme Park (aka Pemberley) when I'm over in the UK! I'm so excited...I don't think I'll be able to restrain myself from acting out some of the scenes...

Abs

Ahhhh travelling! I might just do some of that when my kids are in college and have left home and maybe some debt is paid off. We always said that we wanted to go away for our 10th anniversary.....umm that is next year! I wiil not be done school yet and the det from school will definantly be up their considering I don't have a job yet for the summer.
My husband just called he is coming home! / Umm its before 6pm .... he is a landscaper ..... why is he coming home so early I think I might have a heart attack!
I was jsut watching GOF this afternoon ( its raining and the kids even watched it! ) and they kept asking me questions and questions and even more you guessed it questions! STOP!!!!! Just watch the movie! They are just like their father never watch anything very closely but when they do watch for the brief second they have questions because they missed the previous part!
I think when the movie opens I will be in line waiting for hours to get the best seats ( Not the front like last time! )I have friends whom i must tell of the early release though! If thye can't make it fine I still have my other friend who has finally read OOTP and is half way through HBP. She was into Harry before i was but life got the better of her Harry habit! I have her back on track now . She is coming with me come Hell or high water!
Talk to you later,
i actually have a hudand at home how unusual
Tracy
Weather report " its fricken freezing here Mr. Bigglesworth!"

Hahahaha! My kids are the exact same way! If we could ever get through a movie uninterrupted at my house, it would be the end of the world!

My hubby and I talk about travelling when we're older all the time! He spent some time in Africa, and he wants to take me there. I don't know......he says the winters there are like 70-80 degrees and the summers are always over 100 deg. That is too hot for me!!! What I'd really like to do, is go to England! I've always wanted to go there....and Germany.....and Ireland.....well, I guess most of Europe. But definately England.

Hello where is everybody! Don't tell me I am the only one without a busy schedual! I had my son's birthday on the 7th and then his party with his friends on the 9th ( Lego store with a race track for the cars you build , and a party room ,very cool). This Sunday is my daughters birthday ( on fathers day how convenient ) On the saturday is a friends party that they are both invited to! My husband will be a way helping a frind.......I will be .......alone for 2 hours..... what will I do?
My school wa so nice as to send me mytuition bill! How nice of them not to forget me too quickly!2900 + books and parking for our placements + adding my family on to the insurance coverage 800 more mmmmm how nice! All due july 11! how nice, school doesn't start till september how nice to have interest add up!
See you soon if i survive!
TRacy

Okay, Im back. I am so sorry that I have been away from the threads awhile lately. Dating really does not get any easier when you get older. It is still exciting and confusing except there are kids involved.

Anyways, School is out as of last Friday and I don't go back until the end of July...I am loving my vacation. This is why I work as a Teacher's Assistant...the breaks through out the year and I still get paid. LOVELY!

I will be going on Holiday to Mexico June 13-24 and am starting to get real excited about it. It is somewhat a holiday and also a mission trip to where a small group from my church is going to minister to the local children doing Vacation Bible School type activities, we are going into an orphanage, a medical center, we are holding a dental hygeine clinic, and we will Paint...I love to paint. I just can't wait to be able to kick a soccer ball around with the kids, they are supposed to really love soccer and so do I. (you can tell Im from the USA because I say soccer and not football huh? )

I am so excited because I have a five hour van ride into the heart of Mexico and I am going to put my ipod in and read GOF. I have actually made it to book four. Yea, me! Hopefully I will be done with that in my 10 day vacation and be ready to read OOTP when I get back. I know I am cutting it way close but hey, life happens. If I don't talk to you all again, Have a good start of the summer and I will check in when I get back.

Aloha,
~Amanda

Ah dating...That is a phrase that for the last seven years has been foreign to me. I'm going thru a divorce right now ( which most of my buds here on vtm know about from posts I have written on the topic) I am in no hurry to go back onto the dating scene just yet. I've got a 13 year old son and a 6 year old daughter, I just don't want to drag anyone new into their lives just yet. I was kidding around with some buds of mine the other day and told them I believe I'll hold off on dating till my daughter is 18! No but seriously, I'm 35 years old now and extremely set in my ways and I do not want any man disrupting mine and my kids' lives. And I have made a solemn promise to myself to never, ever, ever get married again, twice is enough for me. I know the old saying "third time's a charm" but not for this gal.
Hey is that Woodchester Mansion in the UK somewhere? I watched a show on "Most Haunted" the other night on Travel Channel and they were doing a special on a Mansion that was huge and the construction had never been completed on it, and it was like over a hundred years ago taht it was left unfinished...etphonehome let me know if that is the same place you went to, it was so creepy watching that show...*shivers run down my spine*

Marcey

Hi Everyone!

Well, I'm all moved into my new apartment, and everything is going great! What a busy week!

Tracy - aren't schools just lovely? They hit you up for your tuition, etc. right away. But even after you graduate they still try to get your money. They feel that since you are part of the "alumni" that you will want to contribute...well personally I think they got enough of my money for the four years that I was there!

Amanda - I hope you have a great time in Mexico. I've often thought about going on mission trips, but it's never seemed to work out. Many of my friends have gone on them to Mexico, Africa and the Ukraine. I'm sure you'll have a great time, and it will be an eye-opening experience!

I just wanted to say my own farewells for a couple of weeks. I'm heading of to Scotland/England/Ireland tomorrow for two weeks. I'm so excited and a little nervous! I'm sure I won't sleep much tonight!! I've been looking forward to this for months, and I can't believe that it's finally here! Take care, everyone...I'll be back in July, getting reved up for OOTP and DH!!!

Abs

Hello Everyone!
I was wondering if there is room for me to join the "talk"? My name is Laura. I'm the mother of two wonderful children: Holly-9 (almost 10) and Joey-2. I've been divorced once from a very bad relationship. Long story, though. I'm now married to a wonderful man whom I adore. I enjoy reading, typing on the computer, and having fun with my kids.
Anyways, if I'm intruding into an already established group, please let me know. Hope to enjoy some conversations and share some great stories.

Laura, Welcome. We are established in that we are a faithful bunch of 'older' people posting here and have been for a while but we LOVE people to join us.

We like to talk about what is going on in life and we have such a varied life from each other. Most have kids, as you can tell by the past few posts we are in different stages of relationships.

We used to give regular weather reports from our persectives on the planet but it is probably the same everywhere now...mostly - hot.

School is out for me and my family. We are all home and in need of something to do. We are at each other's throats. I have gotten to the point with my 13 year old boy that I wrote up a contract and had him sign it. It gives him until Sunday to complete and maintain an attitude adjustment or he will be shipped off someplace for the entire summer. It will be a place where he will be expected to behave and do work. Possibly my mother or brother's houses.

He is still going to Amsterdam for the People to People program but I have also put him on notice that, even though I would lose some money, I will cancell the trip if he continues to be MR ATTITUDE.

I told him that his selfish, I'm the only one that matters in this house, attitude will not ruin my and my family's summer. We will send him away so that we can have a good, productive and fun summer. (He had told me he intended to do no work this summer (including chores).

He has calmed down and knows what I expect. He is still being mouthy - but doesn't realize it until we point it out. We might get through this.

I wont bore you with the whole of it, which included him fighting with his father in the front yard, swearing and all.......

I was looking forward to summer......

Cris

Wow, Cris. Sounds like you have your hands full. I love the contract idea, though. Wish I had thought of that a couple of years back when my daughter was going through a "phase". One particular incident stands out vividly in my mind.

I was about 7-8 months pregnant with my son at the time. We were grocery shopping and got to the frozen section. My daughter wanted to get one of those Kid Cuisine frozen dinners. I told her no because we already had other plans for dinner at the moment and maybe next time. Well, she wouldn't take no for an answer. She went from begging, to screaming and crying, to getting on the floor right in the middle of the store throwing the biggest temper tantrum you have ever seen! I was sooo embarrased I didn't know what to do with myself. Here I was pretty pregnant with a 7 y.o. I couldn't very well pick up or do anything, so I had to get it. It was the only way to make her stop. When I got home, I let my husband handle it from there and threw the dinner away! That was the last time she throw a tantrum like that in a store.

After threatening her last summer to send her away to live for awhile somewhere like at my parents house, she has since straightened up. It's been about 6 months since she has caused us grief. She's taken on more responsibility and in return we have given her more freedom.

I've been a stay-at-home mom since my son was born. As a result, I have been homeschooling my daughter since then. It was tough the first year. She didn't want to do her work so she sat there for 10-12 hours straight fighting me all the way. This second year was much easier. She has finally started to mature (and the threat looming over her) and realize that getting it done quicker resulted in getting to have fun sooner. Imagine that. I've only been telling her that since day one! It's also helped that her friends have told her how lucky she is to be homeschooled and wished they could be. Now she loves it! I guess it makes her feel special (which she is).

I don't blame you if you cancel the People to People trip. That might be what it takes to make your son wake up and realize that he isn't in control. I don't envy you at all. I'm not that far away from having a teenager myself. She might have me wishing for those temper tantrum days!

I'm sure you'll still have a good summer one way or another. Good luck with it! Here's a big hug of support.

Cris, I feel a bit lost having gotten wound-up in my summer here. I miss you! I've wondered (and not PM'd) did you get your cars fixed? How is your son's eye healing? Should be all healed save for the scar....? Hopefully that is teeny.

Have you heard from Jude? I see her post now and again, but I miss the days of us meeting on the computer to brainstorm. It may have been crazy, but it was soooo much fun!

My road-trip is fast approaching and I cannot believe it is almost here after six months of planning. ...and then the new movie and DH. I almost can't stand the anticipation!!!

Stick head around the door and *waves* ...Hi all, how are you all doing?

Cris, I hear the kids and teachers alike complaining when it gets to this time of year in the UK that we should have longer summer breaks. When I read what is going on in your house, I thank whoever decided that the six weeks that we have off is plenty.

I have my eldest still trying to figure out what he wants to do for a living and he turn 21 in less than 2 weeks, and my eldest daughter is coming to the end of 2 years studying art at college. She is about to take a gap year (to work) then go to university next September 2008. The youngest being only 10 would go mad with boredom if she had more time off school. All her clubs close down for the summer as well, and apart from specialised camps that cost the earth, there is very little for her to do. By the time she returns in September, we will have made dozens of cakes, found a million uses for a lemonade bottle and built a few castles along the way.

I wish I had been tougher with the older 2. They are far too comfortable with their lifestyles and because of this are bone idle. Some short sharp shocks are in order. So Cris, do it now while you still can!!

Hi! I am not jealous we are still in school here until June 28th! I am going crazy! How am i going to entertain 2 little ones for a summer! ( 6 and 3 for the new girl....... Hi )
I can't find a summer job as i don't have child care for the summer! Anyway child care is so expensive i wouldn't make any money .So I can work evenings and weekends but no one is biting so far. The bills are mounting and my husband is stressed because he can't make enough to handle all this. Thank the banks for over draft!
So we wanted to take the kids away for a little trip but I really don't think we can with the financial situation. I hate this ! i an even debating leaving school for a semester to work and try to pay bills for a while. That is not what I want to do but what are the options. Student loans people say my husband makes too much money. Ha!
On top of all this I have a family that fains deafness when I bring up the topic of money. Everyone says they will help you..... until you ask. We have no family that can watch our kids for free becasue they are either to old , don't live near here or are working at the wrong times.
i would love to have family to rely on! We really have no one!We have borrowed money from Robs family in the past but his dad made such a big deal about it we paid him back with a line of credit to get him to shut up! my mother who just spent 15 000 on a trip to hawaii seems not to hear me when I mention that I need help with school financing. My dad has about 6000 to his name Im not even going there. My brother can't keep 2 cents to save his life! it seems my parents want to brag and be proud of me but don't want to help me get to my goal.
Sorry just venting maybe a little personl but i don't care i have a headache!
Hi Laura Im not so much of a downer normally! i be better later when i have relaxed a little.

Hi back at ya mother! I'm really sorry for the situation you are in. I can honestly say that I have been in your shoes before. My first marriage (which ended with me having him thrown in jail) was a nightmare.

I had money when we first got together, but he went through that in no time! He had bills out the rear. We couldn't afford a honeymoon when we got married and even got married in our (or his) house due to lack of finances. When the baby came, things got worse. We were both working just trying to make ends meet (which was a real stretch).

When I reached certain points when the money wasn't going to stretch far enough, I'd swallow my pride and ask for help from my family. Ended up being a waste of time and energy. I was mortified for having to ask and even more so for being turned down. Reason being is my no good half-brother was getting all sorts of help with his "situations". 90% of them were lies. Mostly he gambled money away. Although some of his "situations" involved loan sharks coming after him. Others were he couldn't pay rent, buy food, pay a medical bill, needed whatever he could think of. And they sent him the money. He must have been given six 6 cars (used not new though) all of which he wreaked and 10's of thousands of dollars. Here I was with a baby barely able to buy food let alone pay the bills, but I was left out to dry because I was considered the "good" kid and could find a way to make ends meet on my own. Gee, thanks. Most of the time I did find a way, but when I finally divorced him, I ended up having to file bankruptcy which I'm just finally reaching my 7th year since filing!!

Thankfully, things are different now. I have a wonderful man and he provides for us quite well. Although we haven't been able to go on a honeymoon yet (mainly because of the kids), we are planning on going on a cruise in October if things work out right. I'm sooo excited. Not only have I always wanted to go on a cruise, but I'll finally get the honeymoon I've never had.

Anyways, hang in there. Things will get better eventually. I know you have probably heard that before, but it's true. And when you finally do get through, at least you will have your pride at knowing you did it on your own and your family can't hang it over your head the help the gave you along the way. That is one thing I'm thankful for with them not having helped me. I did it on my own and they can't take that away from me!

Money troubles. I know all about those. I just got out of a seven year marraige with my second husband. I have never been so broke and so poor in my life! Thanks to him my credit record is ruined for life now. I have about $30,000 worth of debt that he racked up in my name and now I am going to have a "bad record" because of his idiocies. He would always spend money on pointless things and then blame me for it. I tell you guys my kids and I had to do without alot over the years. I would forgoe paying my water and electric bills just so my kids would have food to eat and things for school. But did he care that my kids did without? No all he was concerned with were his drugs and alcohol and giving money to his "friends". I am filing for divorce in August, then after that I am taking him to court and suing him for full custody of my daughter. After all the mess he put me and my kids through I'm not going to even ask for child support, I want nothing from him. He has already scarred both of my kids beyond repair.

Everyone says that things will get better as time goes on, but I'm not ready to dive into any relationships again anytime soon, there's too much involved, too much work to put forth lol. You "guys" all have a great night! Gotta get back to work.

Marcey

Wow you guys are tough! I have a lot of respect foryou being strong enough to get out and not put up with garbage anymore!. My mom was here and I casually brought up the tuition subjet and how much it was and when it was due. She seemed to want to say something but didn't. Then I found out that her department is going to be disbanded and going back to the states ( Direct energy) . So she is quietly job hunting and head hunters are after her. then she says that she ans her siblings have to pay the back taxes on my grandfather becasue he did not pay income tax for 2 years before he died! Maybe she can't afford to help me ,but to be honest i think she can afford to help a little. I just can't bring myself to out right ask .I have beaten around the bush, very obviously ( i don't know how she could miss my hints).
My family has let me down so many times that I really can't count that high. I am also the good child who can think and get themselves out of trouble. My husband and I always find a way. We rack up debt with things like buying cloths for the kids or camp for the kids or car repairs or snow tires etc. We don't buy stupid stuff. I take that back 500 bucks for the wide screen that was a coworkers brother inlaws ......it was a really good deal ....but paid in cash ( income tax return). Some times I hate being the reliable one who has a clue! My brother is a great guy for the most part but is stupid with money and reality and rarely has a clue! Just once I would like some one to help me. I never ask for help because i have been let down to many times and I really can't take it any more.I would love for someone to sacrafice for me besides my husband.
I just keep telling myself nurses make good money, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A two year away light down a really long tunnel.

It is nice to see the same troubles all over, it makes close!

30 days yay!

Tracy

Tracy, that's wonderful you are going after your nursing degree! It'll be worth it in the end.

I have another "story" for you. A friend of mine recently went through the same thing you did. Her husband owns his own business, but he is a bit of a slacker. He works only as much as he has to. My friend was the main money maker in the family, but decided she wanted to get her nursing degree.

Well, after getting all of her basic subjects out of the way, she had to quit her job in order to commit herself to her studies. She had an hour drive each way for classes plus all the rotations, studying time, etc. You know all about that I'm sure!

Anyways, her husband had to step it up a bit, but he still didn't seem to do enough. Things started getting tight. Bills started being late. It became extremely stressful around their house for that year and a half or so. By the time she graduated, they were several months behind on certain bills. She started working right away, got all the bills caught up in no time because she was making such good money, and is now able to start saving again.

Although it was tough for a while, she made it through and couldn't be happier. Things worked out great in the end. Of course they didn't have two small children at home, but she does have a teenage daughter at home and two grandkids (not at her home) she likes to spoil. I really wish the best for you, and I hope you are able to see it through without having to take time off from school. Here's a big hug of encouragement.

Hi ,thanks! Little red! My husband is by no means a slaker! he actually works way to much! He is the foreman of a landscape company and is always working.!this makes it hard on me ! He is on salary so all the extra hours are free bees! his boss is a real cheap skate! We are hanging on by our boot straps! no late bills or anyting just mounting debt and always in over draft!
One of the job prospects emailed me as asked me to fill out a questionaire bout what type of skills I had. That is a good sign. It is for a job that helps people with disabilities live on their own. It would be a great way to gain more skills and learn how to interact with people with disabilities. I don't seem insecure but i really am. I hope that they call back. Some of the shifts are really short like 1-3 hours but there is potential for night shifts that are 8-10 hours. I think that the more you make yourself available the better off you are.I dropped of a resume at this retirement home near here and I was astonished! It looked like a hotel with gift shops and everything! my husband informed me that this particular place is where his bosses inlaws are! it cost 3600 per person a month! Can you believe that? i bet they pay well!
Life could be much worse! A little girl died at a water park near here yesterday! They were at a very popular place where lots of kids go for a end of school trip.there is a wave pool and waterslides etc. Well we are not sure if she drowned or here pre exhisting medical condition had something to do with it! She was pulled out of the pool . Anyway the mother was even helping to supervise the trip! Can you imagine! I feel terrible!
sorry about the bummer end note! I m going to give my kids a big hug now!
Tracy

Tracy, just to make sure that I didn't offend, I hope you didn't think that I was implying that your husband was a slacker. I would never do that! I was just stating my friend's situation and the stress she had to endure while trying to attain her education. I hope I didn't give off that vibe. If so, I deeply apologize!!

Anyways, that is just horrible about the little girl at the water park! That is one of my greatest nightmares is for something to happen to my kids. I'm sure that is true of all parents, though. My heart goes out to her.

Good luck with the job prospect! It sounds like a really nice place and a great opportunity. Hopefully it will work out where you can still take classes. Let us know how it goes.

Laura

Oh don't worry I didn't take it that way! ! I am in the summer mode with no classes right now! i will worry about classes and work when the time comes. Monday- Wednesday is in class 8-4pm and Thursday - Friday is clinical 7am -2pm. there will not be alot of time for work in there and family.
The funny thing is on the same day that the girl was killed at another water, ( splash park no pools of water just sprinklers) a little kid got a concussion,..... so the parent says. Now as parents we all know that kids will run and get hurt no matter what a sign says or how many times they are told. The sprinkler park has been closed temporarily! I worked at this sprinkler park and there is nothing dangerous about it! Some over protective ridiculous parent flew off the deep end and made a stink! My son's class is suppose to go there next week! i have no fear what so ever to send him there. As a former employee I can say there is nothing wrong with the place! I hate it when some parents over react! Accidents happen!! The kid had to have been running and ran into the metal structures that sprinkle the water! To have a kids waterpark closed because your kid couldn't follow the rules and he got hurt is ridiculous!It is upsetting to watch your kid get hurt but how many kids get concussions and broken legs playing sports and they don't make them stop playing the sport!
Having a waterpark closed because a kid died is very appropriate! I hope the parent feels really silly about her actions having a sprinkler park closed when a real incident happened that far over shadows her kid's bump on the head. The media is going make a big stink about child safety on field trips now and make even more nerodic parents worse!

On a better note 19 days Yay! i want the trailers on TV now! That makes a movie build up even more exciting! Maybe they won't trust Canadians to watch the trailers on TV without pirating them!

Tracy( Man I am on rant mode I need to get out more! )

I completely agree about the overreactions of some parents. This is awful, but there are those out there waiting for something to happen hoping to get "free money" from the company as a payoff to keep from sueing. Or just going ahead and sueing. I mean, if a child is running around and bumps his or her head, it's not the companies fault. It's an accident. Unless the thing the child ran into was something that shouldn't have been there, was damaged prior to the child running into it which attributed to the accident, an employee was directly to blame for the accident, or something along those lines. Even then, it would have to be severe enough to require hospital treatment for me to turn to the company. And even then it would just be to cover medical bills.

That's like people sueing fastfood restaraunts for their children's obesity. It just doesn't make sense to me. Or the lady that sued McDonald's because she burned herself with her hot coffee. There wasn't a warning on the cup stating- Caution: contents hot. Really, if she had received cold coffee, she would have stormed back in there and complained that the coffee wasn't hot. She won millions if I remember correctly. Since then coffee cups have warnings on them.

Anyways, enough of the ranting for now. I've been seeing more and more commercials for OotP lately. The anticipation keeps building up every time I see one!! It looks like it is going to be a great movie. Judging by the trailers, it looks like they have stuck to the book pretty well. Won't know for sure until it comes out, though. I'm thrilled Fred and George's fireworks and great escape made it in. Wouldn't be the same without it. Counting down the days.

I havn't seen any advertisments for OOTP! Maybe in Canada they just are not advertising! Were bad !
Here there is no need to sue for medical bills most things are covered. We have OHIP Ontario health insurance plan. It is all across Canada. Although they are slowly taking things out of the plan like eye doctors , chiropractors, physiotherapy and even alot of blood tests are no longer covered. Drugs however are not covered and if you have a medical condition that requires frequent medication you better have a drug plan.

I looked at some of the new picture from OOTP and they kept Kretcher. I wondered if they would considering they dropped Doby from GOF. He is a pretty important player in the book i guess they couldn't. it does seem that they have kept to the book alot! I really like Luna she looks great. However Tonks and Umbridge are not what i pictured. I guess you can't have everything!
talk to you later.
Tracy

I heard they kept Kreacher upon JKR's request. She had said that he would be important in the future. I agree about Tonks and Umbridge not looking like I had expected. Tonks is starting to grow on me a little. I expected her to look a little younger though. Umbridge just doesn't seem short and plump enough. I pictured her a little squatter. Like you said, we can't have it all!

Luna wasn't exactly as I had pictured. I thought her hair would be a little darker and bushier. But she is also growing on me.

Anyways, hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Laura

Just throwing my hat into the "older" fans ring.

I'm Tricia, 31 (almost 32), married to Patrick and "Mom" to Jack -- the Heinz 57* -- and Succotash - the Jack Russell Terrier.

Right now I'm out of work because my husband recently got a new job and we had an 8 hour move to get here. Right after we moved, it became apparent that some of my medications weren't right and I've been pretty sick since the beginning of April. Unfortunately we only have hospitalization/major medical at the moment so I'm just dealing with the pain. His group coverage will kick in in three weeks, at which time I'll be going to the doctor, getting my meds adjusted (probably after a multitude of tests which would have eliminated our meager savings if we were to pay cash) and then I'll look for a job. Hopefully at the university so I can get free tuition. I only seem to be really happy when I'm "in school."

Patrick indulges my Harry Potter fascination and I've even gotten my husband (who I don't think had ever voluntarily read a book that wasn't a cookbook) to read OOTP and HBP. (He just watched the first four movies, though.) He's not as obssessed as I am, but he is looking forward to July all the same.

(And for the record, my given name IS Tricia. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have married him if it were Patricia. I already struggled with the fact that he was 4.5 years younger than I... Patrick and Tricia is rough enough. Patrick and Patricia would be a sit-com. )

* Heinz 57 is an affectionate term for "mutt" or "mixed breed" dog. My husband jokingly calls them "The Mudblood" and "The Pureblood."

Hello there !its nice to meet you! We are a little slow around here latlely. I guess everyone is busy with kids and summer holidays!
I will reintorduce myslef! Im Tracy 31 and from the great white north ( not so white right now but brown with 95 degree weather etc.)I have 2 kids Eric and Coryn ( Corrine) and Im married to Rob. I am a stay at home Mom / Student nurse.

My husband just becomes deaf when he hears anything about HP. i took him and some other friends to see GOF and it was a disaster!My one friends husband came ..... is the guy who makes jokes all the way through the movie! At the one scene wher Voldy says" I am going to kill you harry potter." My friend says, "Well its about time!" I wanted to murder him right there of course my husband thought that was the funniest thing he had ever heard!
Tomorrow is my son's last day of school! yay! he will have officially "graduated" from Kindergarten! They gave them all a diploma to take home! it is very cute! He is so excited to go to "real school" now!

On a Harry note, how do you think Kretcher will influence book 7? i know there must be a thread out there but what do we think it will be?
See you soon!
Tracy

Aloha all!! I have been on holiday in Mexico doing mission work with my church and have only recently got my berrings back. Forgive me I have not read any back post but wanted to say a quick welcome to those who are new around here...its a great place to be and to say Im back.

Will comment more on current topic when I can...
Amanda

Wow, I've missed a lot. I don't have much time to hunt down my topics and post. I really wish they would reinstate the email notifications

Anyway, going back several pages: Thanks to al who commented about my son and his attitude. Things have gotten better...That Sunday that the 'contract' was up we were at my brother's house.

My brother turned 56 the other day and at the end of May found out that he was no longer a spring chicken. He was in the woods with a chainsaw and fell onto a rock. He managed to throw the chainsaw away but broke ribs and twisted his sternum. He was put on extremely limited activity until he heals. So he cannot do yard work or earn money to supplement the money he gets from his ministry.

Anyway, My brother also went to a military school 'back in the day'. I threatened Bud with staying at my brothers....Bud was good after that. My brother called a few days later and asked if Bud could come and help with yardwork etc. I sent him for 3 days. My poor child was scared but he worked his butt off. It also sounds like he got some counceling from my brother too. Things seem to work out. Bud had a private talk with his dad too.....

Tracy, as far as the money, I've been there. I am there. I will probably never have any kind of credit. Now that we both have steady carreers maybe we will be able to dig out someday. I have given up on owning my own house and land. But have learned that it wont happen unless God wants it to. He has provided for many things, including Bud's trip to Holland.

Keep the goal in sight and trust, if it's meant to be it will happen. Maybe not in the way you expect but it will happen.

Cris

Cris, I'm glad to hear things are looking up with your son. I just hope things continue in that direction.

Right now, I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off! On top of taking care of my 9 and 2 yo's, I'm having to take care of my husband. He had surgery on his nose today. He hasn't been able to breathe or smell out of it for years. Finally, after me harassing him about it, he decided to have the operation to fix the problem. I was worried about him because he couldn't breathe at night when he was sleeping. He was constantly gasping for air trying to breathe through his nose. He couldn't sleep soundly this way. Not to mention, he works on high-performance boats/engines for a living and he couldn't even smell gas if there was a leak. That was dangerous in itself.

So, now I am trying to help him while he is in so much pain. He keeps bleeding through his "drip pad" under his nose so I have to keep changing it. I'm waiting on him hand and foot for water, food, snacks, ice packs, whatever he needs. I'm wore out and the weekend is just beginning. The first 48 hours is going to be the worst. He's pretty much bed-ridden primarily to keep him safe from the baby. Joey loves to squeeze and twist Daddy's nose. Not the best thing for him right now! Besides, the more relaxed and rested he stays for the next 48 hrs will greatly improve his healing time and success. So, I'm running miles in my house.

But, it'll all be worth it once he heals. I wish he would agree to have one more baby so he can finally smell what a dirty diaper smells like! He doesn't know what he's missing. Oh well, Joey hasn't potty trained yet, so I'm sure he'll get to smell a few of his!

I probably won't be around as much this weekend while I'm taking care of things, but I'll pop in from time to time when I'm on "break". Hope everyone has a great weekend!