I'm really enjoying life with time. I can do what I want to. Omgosh, what a concept.

I'll admit: it took me a while to get into the swing of things, but I get it now.

I've written about 25,000 words of my new book. In four days. Hurray for free time!

My goal is to finish it this week. That seems feasible to me. Sure, I've put aside a bit of my music time, but it's only for a week, right? Hugo Wolf can wait. Besides, I don't have my next audition until August. That gives me plenty of time. :) Still, my crazy practicing self is whining, but sometimes you need to ignore yourself, you know? Well, that's what I'm doing: ignoring myself. hehe It seems mischievous somehow...

Besides, I AM getting things done. I fixed my grandparent's computer today. It couldn't find the primary drive (aka it lost itself). I had it fixed (with the help of some really great tech support) in about an hour. Wipe the sweat away on that one! I'm glad it's over. My aunt was crabbing about it yesterday at Father's Day festivities. Well, she can't crab about it anymore!

Speaking of Father's Day, my computer battery stinks on ice! It died in 20 minutes with one program running and the screen luminosity all the way down. It's my third battery only because Dell kept making me send mine back because it was liable to blow up or something. Well, I liked my old one better! This is making me kind of mad. >:|

I had a really fun time at Kelly's party on Saturday. I got to see some people that I hadn't seen in FOREVER. Happiness! Also, I've made an agreement to go see Wall-E with someone. Yay! I LOVE ROBOTS! They're so cute! I don't even know why I love robots so much; I just do! I guess that's why I adored Bicentennial Man when I saw it last month. I had to buy it and I never buy movies!

Ok, I've blabbed enough.

Oh, a Narnia update. I really love the PC soundtrack (especially A Door in the Air). I've listened to it in earnest now. I really wasn't so into The Call at first, but now I am. :) Yay. (I just had to erase the Susan/Caspian image from it. hehe)

So, until I'm sane!!

As I said in my last entry, I had completely confused feelings about the Prince Caspian movie. Here's the deal:

There were things that I really liked and there were things that I really DIDN'T like. The intensity/frequency of those opposing things evened out. There were moments when I was like, "Yes, this is Narnia!" and I loved. There were others when I cringed or just got annoyed. So, I think I'll have to see it again to have a real solid opinion on it.

Things I liked:
-moments from the book that were done right
-the transformation from England to Narnia (amazing!)
-Lucy and Edmund - their characters were perfect!
-special effects - the minotaurs, etc looked great
-Aslan's effects - he looked amazing
-added scene with the White Witch
-music! (of course!)
-costumes, photography, overall directing
-fact that they used the last line of the book as the last line of the movie :)
-portrayal of the waking of the trees and the water - very cool!
-basically good plot restructuring (there are some exceptions to this, explained below)

Things I DID NOT like:
-Susan and Caspian - that was just lame
-Susan in general - completely out of character (thumbs down!)
-Peter - somewhat out of character
-Caspian - why was he so old?
-Caspian and Peter - their relationship wasn't true to the book
-overall dark mood - I understand that this one is a bit darker than LWW, but they made it too dark
-diminished nobility of Narnia
-excessive amount of fighting/violence/death
-lessened power and influence of Aslan
-blowing of the horn - Aslan brought them into Narnia, not the horn; it fit well into their plot, but it severely impaired Aslan's character

That's about it. I don't feel like doing into too much more detail. It's too much to say, and I want to see it again.

I saw the digital presentation of it. I'm really glad I did because it was amazing! What a difference!

*sigh* All that waiting. Only another few years until Dawn Treader. They should have an easier time sticking to the book (and therefore making an amazing movie) with this one. Good luck to them!

Ok, so I saw the sun for the first time in a long time. This weekend was absolutely perfect. Kirstie was home (I missed her SO bad!) so I spent pretty much the entire weekend with her. My hair smells like her house. I guess that means that I was there a lot!

Sunday was pretty much the most perfect day ever. It was about 70 and sunny. Kirstie and I went for Chinese food. We sat out on the hammock and made corn over the charcoals. I passed Corn 101; I've always wanted to know how to make roasted corn ever since I saw Annie. Don't know why. I'm weird. After dinner, we made smores. They were perfect! We planted flowers and played with the dogs and caught up. I heard all about her new boyfriend. I can't wait to meet him! Allison and Pat (her bf; I'm still the token single in our group) came over and we played a hysterical game of Pictionary. It was interesting playing with two art students and two anti-art students (aka my brother who draws atrociously and his friend). We attempted to watch "We're Back" (the tape had died many eons ago) and we watched some crazy Japanese show where everyone falls on obstacles courses and the spotters do nothing. I love those shows; they're wickedly funny. I also got to see a lot of Allison's art (which always makes me happy).

Today was equally as wonderful. We watched the parade and dragged coolers for the marching band people (since I have no other suitable noun for them). I always seem to get duped into manual labor, even when I go somewhere just to GO there. *sigh* Whatever. Kirstie says it's because it looks like I'll do anything. I guess she's right. I'm too nice to be obnoxious and say no. I saw my favoritest teacher, Ms. P/Mrs. S (she got married and it makes me confused). I got to tell her about my latest escapades. She found me! I was so surprised. I can't wait for her to hear me sing. Hopefully, I'll get into the opera in Jan and she'll hear me then. :) After, we went to Friendly's and had their AMAZING new flavor - Mud Pie Crush. Oooooo! That's the first time that I've said, "I'll come back here JUST for this flavor!" Outstanding. Then, we terrorized Target (I got the Prince Caspian soundtrack!) and went back to her place to hang. Then, I got called home to be in my brother's video. I bade Kirstie farewell (it's back to Binghamton for her!). I miss her already!

Justin did a video for his history class. It's a remake of "All in the Family." What that has to do with American History, I have no clue. It was fun. I got to be a housewife from 1960 with a weird voice. I enjoyed it.

Then, I saw the digital presentation of Prince Caspian. I have super-mixed feelings on the movie. Let me process and get back to you on it.

I'm tired. Only 5 more days until my competition! I have my dress, so I'm set. I might want a different pair of shoes...I'm not sure. We'll see!

Until soon!

I'm supposed to be studying right now, so I'll be brief.  I'm a bad girl, I know.  I'm over it.

Tomorrow is going to be INSANE (but, then, what else is new?  It's seems to be my lot in life.).  At 10:55am, I have preliminary auditions for next year's full opera (at my school).  I was told about these...three(?) days ago.  Wonderful.  Beck and I went over my audition piece today (and good riddance that we did!  I had no idea my tone was so covered.  I guess I was trying to be Hakan Hagegard.).  It should go well.

Right after that's over, I have to race over to the train station and get into the city for a 1pm show of La Clemenza di Tito at the Met.  I actually had to ask for an early audition (because they were starting at 11 with auditions and I had 2 people ahead of me).  Dr. Ramael is letting me come in early; heis so wonderful. :)

I CANNOT wait to see Clemenza.  I've seen the Glyndebourne version on DVD.  That's about the only version on DVD since it's a rather obscure opera.  Critics don't really like it, (and honestly, it's not my favorite Mozart opera) but I really can't wait to see it.  Do you know why?

ANKE is singing!  I absolutely adore her!  This is her last show at the Met.  Then, she's going back to Deutschland for at least a year or two.  I want to see her before she goes!  I saw her in Nozze at the Met back in the November.  That was her Met debut and I was there!  I have a lot to say about Anke, but I have to keep it short now.  I'll rant more when I have time.  But, to make it really short: she makes me proud to be a mezzo.  I didn't know what a mezzo was until I heard her sing and I was elated to find out (about a day later) that I'm also a mezzo.  I'm so honored to share the same voice-type with such a wonderful, vibrant musician.

So, I'm psyched.  I plan on waiting outside the stage door (which I recently discovered existed thanks to Renee's book) and trying to get Anke's autograph.  I'm going to have her sign my Nozze program, since that's when I first saw her.  I really hope that I get to meet her.  That would make my life.  I'm doubtful that it will happen, but I will try!

It's also going to be fun, because I'm going with Andrea and she's just so cool.  I love hanging out with her. :)

After the show, I have to race home and get to my Symphony Orchestra concert.   I hope I'm on time.  : /

I'm really looking forward to the new Narnia movie.  Unfortunately, I won't get to see it until the 22nd (I'm away).  I'm a little nervous for it, but I'm not too worried because Prince Caspian is my least favorite book in the series.  It's not really movie-material, so whatever they do will probably be good.

The one thing that really gives me the chills is the whole Susan aspect of it.  First of all, she is NOT in character if she's going around like it's a shoot-em-up.  She's not some Marvel character; she's Susan the Gentle.  The Gentle.  Narnia fans will remember her distinct aversion to confrontation in The Horse and His Boy.  Lucy is more prone to be a warrior than Susan is.  I think this is a direct contradiction to her character and I don't like it.

Also: Susan and Caspian love story?  Eww, no.  Lewis is turning over in his grave.  Hollywood just couldn't resist; they couldn't NOT have a love story.  They avoided it in LWW, but they just couldn't help themselves this time.  First of all, Caspian is way too old in this movie.  He's supposed to be like 12 or something.  Not 20.  I'm sure Ben will do a wonderful job, but I'm a little peeved by this.

No matter what, I'm going to see it.  It's Narnia and that's that.  Susan is not going to be in the next movie, so this obnoxiousness is going to be short-lived.

Ok, I have to go study for real, now.  Until soon! 

Oh, P.S. The music dinner was SO MUCH FUN last night.  I just love seeing everyone all dressed up nice.  I got to do a lot of dancing and that's always fun.  I love how all the music boys don't mind dancing with you.  I've never had that before and I love it. :)  There are some GOOD dancers in the music department...

I never thought the idea would ever work, but I found this really great video and I just HAVE to share it. The artistry is outstanding. This is for all you Narnia fans out there!

    Here's a bit of fun stolen from my creative friend, mcollinknight.  Check out her journal; it's always witty and inspiring. :D

So!  Here's my week:

Two Things That Made Me Happy:
1.  Having a teacher apologize for saying something mean to me.  There is good in everyone!
2. Sitting down and watching Lord of the Rings.  When was the last time I got to sit down?

Two Things That Made Me Unhappy:
1. My Honors College Social Science midterm.  Omgosh...don't remind me!
2. The fact that I feel horrid and the doctor can't find anything wrong with me.  Typical...

Two Things I Love Doing That I Got To Do:
1. Voice acting!
2. See my Grandma. :)

Two Things I Don't Like Doing So Much But Had to Do Anyway:
1. Clean my room.  grr....
2. Sleep until 11.

Two Decisions I've Made:
1. Eowyn's freckles are adorable!
2. I'm going to try my best to take a science class next semester.

Two Decisions Yet to Be Finalised:
1. Whether I should W my Eartraining class or not.
2. Whether I should get another job or not.

Well, there's a glimpse into my week/weekend.  Thrilling, no?

hehe

The dopey World Series is on.  Now I can't see what happens to Sam and Frodo...

Much love~!
-K

RANDOMNESS (because I love random things)
<- ahhhh  (this eludes to the scene that features the best example of juxtapositioning EVER)
(icon belongs to polvodestrella)

<- um..jate is STILL fate!  (booyah!  Although! I will not deny the fact that Kate genuinely cares for Sawyer (and vice-versa).  They care for each other BUT Kate loves Jack more.  JATE IS FATE!) hehhe


^I miss them!  201 days until Prince Caspian.  Let's all cry for the lack of Mr. Tumnus!
(icon belongs to tattooedsiren)

Here's another Narnia fanfic of mine. This one takes place a few weeks after the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All credit to C.S. Lewis.

( Susan Pevensie awoke in the dead of night... )

This is a Narnia fanfiction that I wrote. I don't usually put fanfiction on here but I worked really like this one.

Warning: You should only read this if you have read all seven books (or at least The Last Battle).


( Lucy Pevensie, Queen of Old Narnia, lounged on the picture-perfect grass, an issue of consequence weighing on her mind... )