so on an HP related note, i'm not going on the trip to England next summer. for one, i don't have the $3000 to spend on the trip itself and the airfare. let alone all the souvenirs and whatnot that i'd wanna buy.

instead, i'm settling for Las Vegas.

http://www.lumos2006.org

it's a 4 day "Harry Potter Symposium" in Vegas from July 27th - July 30th. lots of discussions, workshops, cool activities (water Quidditch!), "great hall" banquet, pub outing, etc. basically like wizarding school for adults. plus i'll get to gamble and drink (one of the activities is a trip to "Hogsmeade" aka the Vegas strip lol). and it's WAY cheaper.

i had been thinking about going out to Vegas for my birthday this year, but i think i might just take a trip within reasonable driving distance. maybe to Canada or something. or depending on the weather, maybe i'll head south. i've requested 4 days off from work for the weekend of my birthday, so we'll see.

and speaking of my birthday, it's less than 3 months away. the thought of turning 23 seriously scares me. i feel so old! :P

for my own reference (or for anyone who feels like being nice and buying me somthing cause they love me lol), things i want:

- Quidditch sweater from wizardknits.com (i will seriously love someone forever if they'll get this for me. ask me about sizing tho!)
- Quidditch robe (there's a bunch of places to find them. the costuming section of wizardties.com has some info. same absolute adoration goes with this one, like the one above)

fyi, the 2 above items take 6-8 weeks to make/ship.

- broom (preferably the Scarlet Falcon from alivans.com)
- Quidditch goggles (alivans.com)
- replica golden snitch
- any HP posters (i've got a couple but i'll take just about anything)
- ANYTHING Full Metal Alchemist (i've already got the messenger bag). i would love anyone that would get me the Alchemist pocket watch or Ed's outfit (they're reasonably cheap on ebay)
- blank DVD+R's (Sony, Verbatim or Fuji. must be at least 8x)

if anyone has any good anime they'd be willing to donate, that would rock as well. i'm putting some serious effort into my collection now :D