The Sorting Hat Says

I am not ashamed to admit my love for Harry Potter. I received the first book when I was recuperating from surgery when I was eleven. I therefore claim being one of the original Potter fans, not a follower. Yes, this is important when reading books. :)

I'm already getting excited to watch the last HP movies...even though the first part is still months away. It's time to re-watch the first six movies. (Even now, as I write this, I am watching the Sorcerer's Stone.) Once again I question, if I had been lucky enough to receive an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which house would I have been sorted into?

I always wished, so much so, that I would have been cool enough to be in Gryffindor with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. But, alas, we know this not where I would have been. I'm certainly not the bravest person, with great daring and nerve. Thankfully, no one would even consider Slytherin for one such as I.

The logical choice for me would always have been Ravenclaw.

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind.

"For Ravenclaw, the cleverest would always be the best." That's where, I am certain, I would have been. And, don't misunderstand, this is not boasting. It's just that growing up, I was always considered the "smart" one. I spent countless hours doing homework, just to get those straight A's. I really didn't hang out with friends, outside of classes. I think my parents should be grateful for having such a motivated, quiet child. I had been labeled, and the label was stuck with super glue.

And, I hated it.

As much as I felt a kinderance with Hermione while reading the books, I wanted to be known for more than my ability to get good grades.

I remember once for a Family Home Evening, we passed around a paper with each person's name on it. We were to write something good about everyone. When my paper came back to me, it was filled with words like "smart", "A+", and "motivated". I remember being very upset about this, even though I don't think I ever said so. Those weren't words that described me as a person, or my individual personality.

And, in eighth grade, at Middle School "graduation" night, we were given awards for the "Most Likely to Succeed", "Most Funny", "Most Popular", etc.... I was saddled with "Most Serious", along with one of the strangest boys in the class. I wanted to cry. I certainly did not view myself that way. I knew I was a fun person, and it bothered me that no one else could see that.

So, when I came to Logan to go to college, I made a conscious choice to try and reinvent myself. I was NOT going to get straight A's. Stupid goal, I know. I was GOING to play more. I was GOING to make friends. I was GOING to learn to be more sociable.

I've come to realize, that I have succeeded, in many ways, in achieving this goal. Even though I know I still have a ways to go. I have been trying very hard for the last five years. And, I have been blessed with great relationships in my life, and I have gained a new understanding of myself. Although, I still know that I am a smart person, that loves to learn, that is no longer all that defines me. I feel that I am a more rounded person, more capable of making life decisions. I know how to make friends, and I am able to relax around new people, where that was never possible before. Most people don't even know that I was a valedictorian...I feel I finally have shed my label. And, I am happy with that.

I was still curious, however, as to which house those around me would place me in....So, I asked them. Those people who know me best still placed in me Raveclaw...over half of those asked did. But, because I have grown in self-awareness, this no longer bothers me. I feel comfortable in my skin. Being thought of as smart is certainly not a bad thing when one is also known for more qaulities than that.

I got a few votes for Hufflepuff. After first thinking "Don't they know how smart I am?!" (because apparently I can never be pleased), I was actually kind of glad.

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil.

I used to think that Hufflepuff was the kind of the lamest of the houses, kind of a dropping place for those without another house to go to. But, I have come to realize that some of the greatest qualities define this house, like love and friendship and a willingness to help others, something that everyone should strive for.

Know, too, that Hufflepuff's are still know to be hard workers. ;)

What suprised me the most was that some people thought I belonged in Gryffindor.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart.

Apparently, some people see things in me that I cannot. I still do not see how I would ever belong there, but maybe there's just one more qaulity for me to improve upon - my daring. ;)
 

One of my friends did say I would do well in Slytherin, if that's what I chose, hahaha.

One day at a time

Or rather, one day that goes on and on. I feel like all of my days presently are blurring into one nonstop, repeating slide show. Work one job, work the other, maybe play a little, and sleep. Next day, the same. I feel like my life is in a standstill. I’ve been in Logan for a long time, doing the same things.

I am finding that I miss going to school. Is that sad or what? I see all of my friends getting into the swing of classes, playing on campus, and I miss being there with them. I can't even go to a football game now, without paying. Sad day! I think what I really miss is working towards one set goal on the horizon.

I don’t know which way to go from here. I’m not really progressing into anything new. It’s a rather sad boat to find one’s self floating in, when there’s no wind to catch the sails. I guess I have to dog paddle until I find that fast current…I know it’s out there somewhere.

Not that I am complaining, don't misunderstand! I had a great ward. They completely changed up the singles' wards in Logan two weeks ago, so I am now in a ward with complete strangers. But, even that will be a growing experience. I have awesome friends. People look out for me. And, I am terribly grateful to even have a job. I have an apartment, a car, and food to eat. I have no reason to be unhappy, and I’m not. But, I need to feel a little more purpose or direction.

So, in the meantime, I think I need a hobby. What’s something I can do in my spare time? Fun things? Even just something new for me to learn or do?

Shall we play the dating game?

I think not... it's far too much of a pain in the butt. Lol. :)

Yes, I think that I may use this blog to write about some of my dating experiences as they come around... if I consider the situation interesting anyways. After all, besides work and play, it is my life right now... And, who knows, I may even get some advice from people with experience in this area. ;)

You may wonder why I all of a sudden decided to share....Well, I was talking with a friend a few days ago, and he told me that I was going to marry this other guy...one that he has never even met. And, I wondered where the heck this sudden inspiration came from. And, what gives him the qualification to determine my life's course? The guy in question, the one that I am supposed to marry apparently, is just a friend...a good friend...but just a friend nonetheless.

Plus, people are constantly asking if I happen to be dating "this" or "that" particular guy, all based on the fact that I sat by them at church or said "Hi" to them in the hall. Well, that just isn't the case.... It's okay to be friends with guys and not date them. Singles' Wards have a life and society all of their own. One which I find fascinating... maybe because I am still not used to how people think in Utah.

I DO go on dates. I've had multiple dates in just this past month. Mostly by well-meaning matrimonially-happy friends, who deem that is my turn to join in wedded bliss, setting me up on dates. Or, by friends in need of a wing man on a first date. Or, by nurses at the hospital who decide that I would be the ideal candidate for a daughter-in-law and send their son out to find me. Yes, that happened.

All I need to really say here is that dating is hard work! It can certainly be fun, and I've had many a good times on dates, but it's still hard. You never know what the other person is thinking. Plus, I firmly believe that dates should be a time to get to know someone...one date, or two or more, doesn't mean we're going to get married! But, I am sure that is why boys are too timid around here to actually ask girls out, on a REAL date, of their own free will, rather than it being forced on them by a busybody matchmaker. They are afraid we'll grab them and suck them in before they're ready. Well, that's just not my personality, as you all can attest. I move through the dating scene about as slow as a turtle in molasses.

There's my vent. Stay tuned... there will most likely be more. But, just so you know... I am young. Only 23. I'm happy with my life. I have good friends. I have no rush to hurry and get married. If it happens, hey, I wouldn't stop that development from occurring, but for now I'm just riding free and easy down the road... and I'm happy right where I am. :)

Besides, who needs boys when I can have cats. :-D