The Nerd Strikes Again

Do you remember that moment you first discovered something truly amazing? That magical moment that freezes the entire world around you forever. For some of you, you'll talk running or babies or husbands. Me? I have Harry Potter.
I remember when I was teaching in Korea, back in 2000, all the students were obsessed with this crazy little paperback. They tried to read it in class, behind the pages of their workbooks. They read it on the bus and subway. They sat on the couches in the Internet cafes reading instead of playing computer games. And I was so skeptical. Scoffing actually.

Then I needed a book for the flight back to the States when my contract expired. And there, on a rack in Seoul was an English copy. So, I took the plunge - with much hesitation. And you know what? I freakin fell in love! When I got back to Oregon, I moved into my friend's house and slept on her couch for about three weeks. During that three weeks I did nothing but read the next three Harry Potter books - laying out in the lawn in the middle of summer. It was good stuff.

Subsequently, every time a book was released, I was one of the manic pre-order folks. I never dressed up - I'm not that out of control, but I secretly wish I had the drive to do it. I went to the midnight book release for the Order of Phoenix and drove straight to a dive bar and read til 2 am. I was in China when the Half Blood Prince came out. Yes, I had my book ordered and waiting for me when I got home. But my boss surprised me by having his son personally bring me a copy when he flew to visit us mid summer. I sat in my tiny little humid Chinese room and cried all the way through it. I was living in Boise when Deathly Hallows came out and I stayed up two days straight reading it. And then cried for a while then too.*

The movies are good. I like them. I own them. I had a Harry Potter marathon with my nieces and nephews last Christmas vacation. And last night, I was the nerd standing in line for two hours to watch the 6th movie. Guys, it's hilarious. I laughed so much! I cried a little bit. It's perfect. The best part - I got to go with my friend Sharon who is moving to New York City this weekend. We've been great friends almost ten years now and we both totally have love for the crazy fantasy world that is pre-teen literature. It was a good way to say good bye to her.

I got home at 4 am. I had a 2 hour nap. And I went to work. It's all worth it.

Good luck, my friend!