Harry Potter Mania!

As a self-proclaimed Harry Potter geek, I was so excited for the next book to come out. I left my house around 11:40 last night to head to Barnes & Noble and claim my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. You see, I reserved my copy ahead of time and wanted to purchase it when it went on sale at midnight. I did that a couple of years ago when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released. It was so much fun and well-organized then, that I knew I wanted to do it again for this last installment of the series. Two years ago, it was definitely crowded. But it was well organized as I mentioned - we lined up in our specific area inside the store and the lines moved really quickly. Well, this year, there were so many people that we lined up outside, in the huge lot in back of the store. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. As I drove in, I saw that the parking lot was completely packed. I couldn't believe how many cars there were. You know how it is around Christmas by B&N, Dick's, Circuit City and Best Buy? Well, multiply that by 10. Two years ago, I got a spot by Dick's, which is right next to B&N. Not so much this year. I didn't even find a spot at Best Buy! I had to park at Carpetland! As I walked up, those of us who had wrist bands were directed around the back of the store (I picked mine up at about 4 p.m. that afternoon). As I turned the corner, I was in awe. It was absolutely nuts! I would estimate that there were at least 2,500 people there. It was madness! I was #29 in the pink line. Too bad the pink line was about the 7th color to go. Nevertheless, you find some interesting people to talk to to pass the time. I found myself in the company of a teenager and an older man. There we were, teenager, new mom and old man all discussing our theories on which side Snape was on and whether Harry will really die or not. There were truly all walks of life there. Things were very well-organized again this year. I finally purchased my book at 12:59 a.m. and was home, in bed, reading by 1:15! I wanted to read all night, but I have that little 2 month old that I knew would be waking me up in a few hours. I've managed to read 5 chapters so far - it's bittersweet; I really want to read it all right away, but knowing its the last book makes me want to take my time with it. I may have to take my time whether I like it or not. Two years ago, Ross hadn't yet caught the Harry Potter fever. He has since read all of the books and is just as eager as me to read it. We are going to attempt to share it; no giving anything away to each other!! And now, since my baby boy is occupied in his bouncer, I'm off to read chapter 6!