Nerdy McNerdisons

Remember that scene from Star Wars: Episode III when Anakin Skywalker finally gives into evil?  The Emperor takes a deep breath through his nostrils, as if enjoying the smell of his own midichlorians, while he names his new apprentice Darth Vader.  Well, that's sorta how I feel...except about a completely different nerdy pop culture icon.

After years of ignored suggestions, dropped hints, and numerous viewings of the movies, Eric is finally reading Harry Potter.  In fact, he's read books one through four in less than a week.  It's safe to say that he's come over to the dark side.  I'm the Emperor to his Vader.  The Gandolf to his Frodo.  The Dumbledore to his Harry.

I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter series.  I was one of those people who waited in line at midnight to buy each new book.  I participated in online debates theorizing about Snape's true nature.  I looked into Potter-themed weddings.  While playing the Newlywed Game at my bridal shower, I was asked where I'd like to visit most: Harry Potter World....obviously.

I was pretty sure Eric would give up after the first book.  I still didn't get my hopes up through the second, but when he enjoyed those enough to move onto the third, I started getting excited.

I suggested we start a Harry Potter book club.  Finally, we could share our love of wizardry together.  He looked at me like I was a Crumple-Horned Snorkack.  I offered to write up a series of questions about the book for the two of us to discuss.  We could drink butterbeer, or maybe even some firewhiskey, during our meetings.

He told me he'd stop reading if I pressed the book club issue, so that dream was dashed...at least for now.   In a few years Madeline will be ready to read the books.  Then we can have our own homemade version of the Triwizard Tournament.  I've got plans.

Downton Dish Week 2

For this week's episode, I made crumpets with clotted cream.  They turned out awesome.  I also had some orange marmalade and jasmine tea on the side.  Nom.  Might have to start the Downton diet after this...

I was a little "meh" about this season's first episode.  Of course I was glad to see everyone back.  Lady Mary was a perfect combination of charming and raging bitch as always.  Branson was dreamy as always. (Except when he got roofied.  Um, what?)  Matthew was whining over Lavina to fuel his own ego...sigh...as always.

I asked Eric to watch it with me, and he didn't even make too many snarky comments.  I got the usual about Master Bates, but that's to be expected.  He did shout, "Damn, can't you afford to buy a jacket, you old bag?!" at Matthew's mother at one point when she was rushing to the carriage in her wrap.  But overall, it was pretty lackluster.

I did like the bit at the end about Bates and his cellmate.  Did he say that because he was trying to seem tough...or is he actually guilty?  I'd love it if he turned out to be a complete ass hat in disguise because he's always been such a white knight.

Any Downton fans in the States out there?  What did you think of the first episode?