the lucky penny
I left work early yesterday to go to the movies with a friend. While waiting for her in the book section of a store, I looked down to discover a penny on the floor. It was heads-side-up so into my pocket it went. If it had been tails I would have kicked it until it flipped and then picked it up; I believe in making my own luck. :)
I was looking at the books and overheard two women in their twenties discussing the Artemis Fowl books. I politely interrupted to ask a few questions explaining I hadn’t read this series yet. We had an interesting discussion about books as we discovered similar reading tastes. One had just returned after living in England for a while and recced His Dark Materials. I had recently read (and loved) these books and my only regret was buying them in paperback rather than hard covers. I got a pen and blank index card from my purse and wrote down my recs of Inkheart/Inkspell, Airborn/Skybreaker, and Twilight/New Moon. I told them if they liked the Harry Potter books they would love these. They said they loved HP. I asked how much. After hearing Snitch tattoos, trip to The Witching Hour, and the word ‘fanfiction,’ I took my index card back from them … to INCLUDE my email address. When one said she had downloaded a story from The Sugar Quill and had it bound for the other as a Christmas present, I knew which way the conversation was headed. Yep, I was asked if I was a Harry/Ginny shipper. I shook my head no and told them they weren’t going to like what I had to say. They screamed (in unison, it really was like talking to the Weasley twins at times :P) and they said “No, no, don’t say it.” I said it. Proudly. Harry/Hermione. They collectively groaned. That’s okay though; I think I may have grimaced when they said H/G expectantly. :P I told them this wasn’t a deal breaker for me. And it’s not. My online HP friends like their various ships and my son’s girlfriend even ships R/Hr, and that is the one that makes my eye twitch. ;) I explained my viewpoint that if everyone’s shipping preferences makes them as happy as H/Hr makes me, then it’s all good. I don’t have to like something or understand it, but I do respect other’s choices in politics, religion, etc. and yes, even shipping. Diversity rules. So I’m hoping the H/G duo (Lynn and Lisa) feel the same because it was so nice meeting people who ‘get’ HP. My wanting-to-go-to-the-movie friend wandered back at some point during that exchange and was completely baffled by the HP talk.
I think my lucky penny continued to do its thing last night. Right after meeting the HP fans, I found the Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmets for the clearance sale price of $7.00. I bought several. My friends’ kids will be getting them for their birthday presents this year. I’m keeping one of course, FOR ME! It’s too irresistible, making Vader say whatever I want. :D
Then, after picking a checkout line randomly since all had long lines of customers, everyone in front of me left the line I had chosen for various reasons. My path was miraculously cleared. Huzzah!
My friend and I had shopped longer than we expected and then only had 40 minutes before the movie to get some dinner. Our plans to try a new Italian restaurant were changed because of the limited time. We headed for a Mexican restaurant near the theater but I remembered a closer Chinese restaurant with a buffet. So, great food with no waiting was the obvious choice. My friend, who had been insistent the lucky penny would conjure a man for me as well, gave me a subtle nudge as a man dining alone sat down at the table next to us. Conversation ensued, and contact info was exchanged. This penny has a knack for networking. :P
We saw Eragon at 7 pm and then on impulse went back in to see The Holiday at 9:25 pm. My friend was pleasantly surprised when she discovered Jude Law was in that second movie. I gathered this from her yelling Yippee! and throwing a handful of popcorn in the air like confetti. *raises brow* There were a lot of movies we wanted to see but neither of us was in a mood for anything remotely serious. The lines from the movies that struck us funny: Eragon’s ‘astride the mighty dragon’ and Jude Law’s line in The Holiday, ‘I know my package may not look that great in the daylight.’ Nope, no pesky serious thoughts troubled us.
I got home at 1 am last night and had to get up early for work. My friends who have been home for the holidays have been keeping me up and/or out late way too much the past couple weeks. I’ve got to get back on track for sleeping. *looks at clock* I should be in bed now.
I donated blood today and took a book because there’s usually a bit of a wait. Sort of ironic to be reading a vampire genre book in the bloodmobile.
I’ve been remiss in posting my inane ramblings. Expect the next one to be a recap of the holiday highs, lows, stress, and woes.
Thanks to everyone who sent me cards and ecards for the holidays. Thanks for thinking of me.
Bed now.
I was looking at the books and overheard two women in their twenties discussing the Artemis Fowl books. I politely interrupted to ask a few questions explaining I hadn’t read this series yet. We had an interesting discussion about books as we discovered similar reading tastes. One had just returned after living in England for a while and recced His Dark Materials. I had recently read (and loved) these books and my only regret was buying them in paperback rather than hard covers. I got a pen and blank index card from my purse and wrote down my recs of Inkheart/Inkspell, Airborn/Skybreaker, and Twilight/New Moon. I told them if they liked the Harry Potter books they would love these. They said they loved HP. I asked how much. After hearing Snitch tattoos, trip to The Witching Hour, and the word ‘fanfiction,’ I took my index card back from them … to INCLUDE my email address. When one said she had downloaded a story from The Sugar Quill and had it bound for the other as a Christmas present, I knew which way the conversation was headed. Yep, I was asked if I was a Harry/Ginny shipper. I shook my head no and told them they weren’t going to like what I had to say. They screamed (in unison, it really was like talking to the Weasley twins at times :P) and they said “No, no, don’t say it.” I said it. Proudly. Harry/Hermione. They collectively groaned. That’s okay though; I think I may have grimaced when they said H/G expectantly. :P I told them this wasn’t a deal breaker for me. And it’s not. My online HP friends like their various ships and my son’s girlfriend even ships R/Hr, and that is the one that makes my eye twitch. ;) I explained my viewpoint that if everyone’s shipping preferences makes them as happy as H/Hr makes me, then it’s all good. I don’t have to like something or understand it, but I do respect other’s choices in politics, religion, etc. and yes, even shipping. Diversity rules. So I’m hoping the H/G duo (Lynn and Lisa) feel the same because it was so nice meeting people who ‘get’ HP. My wanting-to-go-to-the-movie friend wandered back at some point during that exchange and was completely baffled by the HP talk.
I think my lucky penny continued to do its thing last night. Right after meeting the HP fans, I found the Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmets for the clearance sale price of $7.00. I bought several. My friends’ kids will be getting them for their birthday presents this year. I’m keeping one of course, FOR ME! It’s too irresistible, making Vader say whatever I want. :D
Then, after picking a checkout line randomly since all had long lines of customers, everyone in front of me left the line I had chosen for various reasons. My path was miraculously cleared. Huzzah!
My friend and I had shopped longer than we expected and then only had 40 minutes before the movie to get some dinner. Our plans to try a new Italian restaurant were changed because of the limited time. We headed for a Mexican restaurant near the theater but I remembered a closer Chinese restaurant with a buffet. So, great food with no waiting was the obvious choice. My friend, who had been insistent the lucky penny would conjure a man for me as well, gave me a subtle nudge as a man dining alone sat down at the table next to us. Conversation ensued, and contact info was exchanged. This penny has a knack for networking. :P
We saw Eragon at 7 pm and then on impulse went back in to see The Holiday at 9:25 pm. My friend was pleasantly surprised when she discovered Jude Law was in that second movie. I gathered this from her yelling Yippee! and throwing a handful of popcorn in the air like confetti. *raises brow* There were a lot of movies we wanted to see but neither of us was in a mood for anything remotely serious. The lines from the movies that struck us funny: Eragon’s ‘astride the mighty dragon’ and Jude Law’s line in The Holiday, ‘I know my package may not look that great in the daylight.’ Nope, no pesky serious thoughts troubled us.
I got home at 1 am last night and had to get up early for work. My friends who have been home for the holidays have been keeping me up and/or out late way too much the past couple weeks. I’ve got to get back on track for sleeping. *looks at clock* I should be in bed now.
I donated blood today and took a book because there’s usually a bit of a wait. Sort of ironic to be reading a vampire genre book in the bloodmobile.
I’ve been remiss in posting my inane ramblings. Expect the next one to be a recap of the holiday highs, lows, stress, and woes.
Thanks to everyone who sent me cards and ecards for the holidays. Thanks for thinking of me.
Bed now.