I woke up on the first day of the new year wondering what it says about me that I can’t choose a Hogwarts house?

Not kidding.

I was in beautiful Telluride with my family, and on the last night of the year, I read an interview in a magazine. Upon questioning, the interviewee exclaimed, “absolutely Hufflepuff.”

The apparent ease and certainty of her answer struck me.

I’ve noticed Hogwarts house references before on social media and author blurbs. I enjoyed the Harry Potter stories. When my hair is long, it can get frizzy like Hermione’s, but I had never thought about aligning myself with a particular house.

In fact, I had to look up what they were and what each represented. If you have never searched, “Hogwarts house meanings,” I highly recommend it. Set aside an hour or two and enjoy. Yet a whole other world of fandom I knew nothing about.

If you don’t have the time to wade through results like Nail Polish Colors for Every Ravenclaw Girl or Ron Weasley’s Ultimate Playlist, here is a quick rundown:

Gryffindor: Bravery and the eventual house of Harry and his friends. Hufflepuff: Hard work and dedication. Ravenclaw: Intelligence and wit. Slytherin: Ambitious and cunning.

Um… all of the above?

I am sure J.K. Rowling in her brilliance chose these houses to represent elements we all posses. Her stories unfold around the struggle to navigate all the facets. Potential and faults.

By the time we packed everything up to head home, I’d decided that I would not choose. That was my stance. I am capable of good and evil, bravery and enlightened thought.

I went into the new year just as I’d left the old— without a Hogwarts house. Once we dropped below 7,000 feet, my head no longer fuzzy from the altitude, I was content with my decision not to decide.

From the backseat, “Mom, what’s your spirit animal?”
“What are my choices?” I asked.
“You can pick anything. It is the animal that most embodies who you are.”

Good God, when did everything become so picky and choosey?

I turned up the music and considered my choice. I had no house, surely I needed a spirit animal. I tapped the steering wheel and found my answer.

Dave Matthews is my spirit animal. He gets me, speaks to me and embodies… well, maybe not that, but I picked him as my animal.

My daughter was not impressed. Her spirit animal is a fox, by the way. Does that mean she’s House Slytherin?

Five days into 2018 and I’m already confused.

My thoughts from the laundry room. Pick a Side.

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choices crazy life New Years thoughts culture Harry Potter life self expression spirit animals thoughts