Spending my weekend in bed with Harry...

A long long time ago... I read the first 5 books of the Harry Potter series. I loved the adventures and lives of the young wizards and witches and waited eagerly for each book to be published. I loved the characters and enjoyed the escape to Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. For whatever reason however, I did not read the final 2 books.

In the penultimate book, it was rumoured one of the favourite characters was going to die (though I did not know which one). And I knew the final 2 books had been read by millions and reviewed and discussed by thousands. I lived my life avoiding all discussions or HP related articles so as to avoid ruining the story. And yet both books remained on the shelf unread.

About 2 months ago now, I decided it was time to complete the series. And I grabbed a copy of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince from the bookshelf and began. And I read. Slowly. And I struggled to get involved. I am disappointed to say, I found the story dragged. Perhaps I was impatient, but it seemed to me Ms Rowling was determined to draw the story out. I got about a third of the way in and decided I couldn't do it. Her pace was frustrating, there was no enjoyment and eventually I lost interest and abandoned my quest... and waited for the movie.

Not my normal style, but I just could not be bothered. Sorry. To all the fans. To J K Rowling. And to Harry and friends. I apologise. But the movie was the only way I was going to make it to the final chapter. And now I have seen the movie and some more of the final mystery has been exposed and left me wanting for more.

And so as my Friday night precedes a quiet weekend, Harry and I are reunited. I will be spending my time in bed with Harry. Right to the very end. See you Sunday.

Do I get sent straight to hell for beeping an ambulance?

I know I know. It was not one of my prouder moments... but before you shake your head in despair and disappointment, please let me explain.

Firstly. The ambulance was NOT in a hurry.

The lights were not flashing, nor were sirens blaring.

Rest assured, had this been the case I would have been completely out of it's way to allow it's hasty passage. As it was, until it was beside me (having come up from behind me), I was unaware it was more than a big white van. It was raining and visibility was not good. He (like me) was struggling along in traffic. And traffic was slow.

I drive a mini. I do my best to ensure I can see as far in front as possible and I also try and ensure people can see me too. Believe me, I know if I am behind a truck or a 4WD I disappear in their rear view mirror. And so I drive so that I can be seen... Of course this still relies on other drivers staying alert too and especially TAKING THE TROUBLE TO LOOK OVER THEIR SHOULDER to see if the road is clear... BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO CHANGE LANES!

SO. It's raining. I'm in traffic. Beside the ambulance. Visibility is poor. And before I know it, as the traffic slowly eases forward, I realise the ambulance is moving into my lane. Not in front. Not behind. But right on top of me.

And, because I figure he didn't even know I was there, I beep.

It's a quick 'warning' beep, not a blaring blast... enough to let them know I was already in the space they were planning on filling. It possibly saved us a bingle. And yet, as he moved back into his lane, leaned out the window and glared at me (looking MOST unimpressed that he had been 'beeped') and I mouthed "Did you even LOOK?" I couldn't help but wonder if this is just a little black mark against my name...

It's a sad sad day when no-one tells you that there is white paint in your hair, because they think it's your natural colour...

Painting white walls and ceilings and I manage to get white paint in my hair. Not just a splash, a decent streak.

And not one person noticed.
Not one!

Except me.
After a trip to the shops and dinner out.

hmmm...