"This is it"

"The big one."

"The one we've all been waiting for"

Yes, I do know that is from The Philosopher's Stone before a quidditch match, but this just seems to fit the final movie perfectly. I wont say anything to ruin the movie for anyone out there, but I will say this: It is the most amazing, epic and perfect movie ever.
 
For the most part, I have been pretty pleased with the Potter films. Some have been beyond great, others have been flawed, but this final epic film is easily the best Potter film bar none. It's full of epic sequences, brilliant performances, and it's never short of thrilling. It's one of the most enjoyable films I've seen all summer. Ever really. I honestly believe that it will end up the best movie of the summer. Yates directs this film masterfully. It's always entertaining and completely surprising. It's a true treat for all the people who have been following this franchise since the first film was released. It's definitely sad that it's over, but this is a fantastic way to go out. Harry Potter says good-bye with a bang. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all grown since the first film. They each give their finest performances of their careers. You can truly sense the raw emotion in their performances as they act their hearts out because underneath they knew they'd never visit these characters again. The three young stars leave it all on the table and wear their hearts on their sleeves in this film and it really added a poignant feel to the film. Also, Ralph Fiennes, always chilling as Voldemort goes out with a bang as well. This is arguably his finest Potter hour as well. Everybody behind and in front of the camera were truly on top of their game. Fantastic acting, cinematography and fx. The actors have grown so much, I really think they finally found their comfort zone in this one and the result is an epic conclusion that yanks at your heart in those moments of quiet, but doesn't let you wallow there too long before using simple comedy through the acting to pull you out and back into the action.

What else can I say? If you're a big fan (or casual) of the Potter series, you will truly enjoy this epic and truly stunning final chapter in this exciting franchise. It's one of the best franchises Hollywood has ever seen and this final installment proves it's merit. The Harry Potter franchise was an enjoyable experience and they truly saved the best for last. This is a gem for the hardcore fans, they will surely not be disappointed. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part II is the most impressive Harry Potter film yet as they saved the best for last. It's the closest thing to a masterpiece that we've seen this summer. I'm going to miss you Harry Potter, thanks for a truly incredible ride!

Yes, I came home and re-read the ending. Yes, I cried when Harry was having that final conversation with his passed loved one. Yes, I cried when Snape was killed and we watched his memories. To conclude. It was awesome, emotional, perfectly-paced and there will be nothing like Harry Potter again in my lifetime. Yes, I'm a dork. And I must say, I feel sad and kind of empty now that it has truly ended...

"Electric Twist" - A Fine Frenzy

I absolutely adore A Fine Frenzy. The first album was pretty amazing, very soulful and deep. Her newer album, A Bomb in a Birdcage, is a little more upbeat. This is one of my favorite songs off this album, although really, you can't go wrong with anything this girl does.

I'm really looking forward to tonight. This week has been... Tough, to say the least. And I'm glad it's going to be over soon. Austin has told me that tonight we're going to get coffee, get a couple bottles of wine, build a blanket fort and have a Harry Potter marathon. He knows how to cheer me up. This is just one of the many reasons I love him. How many other people would be willing to drink wine in a blanket fort and watch Harry Potter? Not many.

Is college really necessary?

I am not a college graduate. I see no reason that I need to go to college. College used to be a way for the elite to set themselves apart from the rest of the workforce. Now, almost everyone has a college degree. And hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt with no real experience to show for their years of work.

From the day you start your freshman year of high school, students are told that they need to be thinking about which college they would like to go to and what they would like to major in and what they would like to do after college. Some people may have been able to answer this question, I was not one of those people. I went through high school unsure about what I wanted to do and what I wanted to major in. I was going to enroll in a state school, take out loans that wouldn't cover the scholarships I would receive, and go to school. I thought this was what people did. I thought this was the only way to make it in the world. Instead, my (then boyfriend, now husband) and I decided to move to Dallas (where he is from). We were both lucky that his parents do have a lot of connections and they were able to help us get jobs that we both love. And now, I've been working for the property management company for one of the largest buildings in Dallas. People are amazed I'm as young as I am. They are also astonished that I didn't go to college.

I've noticed that a lot of my friends that have gone to college are starting to begin their search for a job. The complaint I hear most from these friends is that all prospective employers are looking for someone with experience. Yet, none of these newly graduated people have experience. I've been at my current job for the past three years, gaining real work experience. Building my resume. Becoming a desirable employee. And, honestly, my resume is pretty awesome. And when you consider that the education you have is listed on the second page or at the bottom of your one-page resume, and the fact that the average employer only looks at a resume for roughly 5-10 seconds, most employers won't notice your education until you are actually called in for an interview. That is, if you're lucky enough to get called in for an interview with no experience to speak of.

I'm not saying college is bad or worthless. I'm saying people that feel you will get nowhere in life without a piece of paper are wrong. I know that education is important, but thinking you're not going to be as much of an asset or you're not as valuable of an employee is wrong.

And for the record, I am looking into going back to school. Just because I like to learn, not because I have to. And I think that is going to make all the difference.

Casey Anthony Trial

The verdict was just announced. Okay, I know I haven't been following the Casey Anthony as closely as a lot of people, but even I knew she was guilty! How does someone not see that she is guilty on all counts?! Not guilty of murder, child abuse and manslaughter... How?! The only thing she is found guilty of is lying to the police, with the possibility of no more than four years in prison. So, that means we all know she wont serve time. How do those jurors think that that was an innocent death?!

I'm just completely baffled by this.