Happy Trailer Day

Happy Trailer Day, to all Harry Potter fans out there! The latest Deathly Hallows trailer to totally awesome that no word can describe it!
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Epic is too mild a word for it. Woohoo! This is fantastic! It's so dark and angsty that I'm sure I will cry each time someone dies. The music is just great!
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I sincerely hope that this trailer will be played during the Eclipse movie this Thursday and it will be the best of both worlds.
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Speaking of which, I am terribly disappointed by Golden Village who fails me a regular patron. Perhaps, it's time to look for an alternative? Seriously, what is wrong with them?
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I heard that the Eclipse movie companion is out and if the movie is as good as fans put it, I'll be getting one myself simply because Eclipse is my favourite book.
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Oh boy, I have long given up on having high expectations when it comes to these movies. If I hate it like Twilight the movie, then I won't watch it again.
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I haven't not yet finished re-reading Eclipse! This is not acceptable at all! What can I do though? I'm so tired everyday and projects are killing me slowly. It's a wonder I'm not bonkers yet. Despite all these, there is a bright sun ray in my bleak horizon, at least I have something to look forward to.
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And when all projects end, that's when I will truly be happy again. Of course, I must be sure that I can do well.

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Dawn of an Eclipse

I can't attend last night Eclipse premier at Los Angeles. I can't attend the grand opening of the Wizarding World at Orlando. I'll be darned if I can't even booked good seats for Eclipse the movie for Thursday.

Sighs. Golden Village better step up on its act. I only go to Golden Village for my movie outings yet it never fails to disappoint me each time. Everytime I want to book tickets for a movie event of the year, I'll have to wait forever to book.

This time round, it leaves on the edge of seat for something to fall. In the midst of waiting impatiently, I emailed Golden Village with a simple question. And they replied saying that only certain cinemas will have advance booking sales. I emailed again, this time asking a straightforward question that can either make or break my days.

I sure hope that Marina can have advance booking. Please, I beg of you. I really want this. Perhaps I have a mild form of OCD but when it comes to something I love enough, I will make a fuss to make sure things goes well.

All I want is to book nice seats as soon as possible for Thursday's showing of Eclipse. Is that so freaking hard?

C'mon, Golden Village, get it right.

In Which We Cheer & Lament

"What if being good is not enough anymore"

So, I have 2 As as of now.

It's not much, seeing it's just a small hurdle passed. But, a hurdle, no matter how small or easy, is still a hurdle passed. And if I can make a leap over that, why not? It's only going to help me pick up momentum.

I have an A for Special Interest Tourism test which a lot of people didn't do well so I was quite proud of myself. I have another A for Managerial Accounting. That paper was quite easy though. Still, at least 20% is secure with a high A.

Sometimes, I wonder if what I am pushing myself is worth everything. But, I guess it does, even if it is for myself more than others.

The desire for excellence is no longer a want, but an obligation and a need. Eyes are on me to see a tumble and I am not going to do that, not at this situation. I needed those grades.

There is only a path for me as of now and that is to do well and get As. I am literally trying to make both ends meet.

I can't believe I can't get the scholarship money from the clan association this time. It's so stupid actually. I didn't fill in the form properly, they sent it back and I sent it back after filling it. I can't believe the deadline went past!

Yes, there is nothing to do about it, but I can't help but lament the money lose. It dropped down for me and I didn't manage to catch it. It's $200+, I can do so many things with it!

I can only pretend it doesn't hurt. Next year won't be so great, would it? Let's see. Well, at least, this time, I have the DHL certificate to be content with. Just like last year I had the money to be content with. Sighs.

Of Beautiful Nights

Last weekend was superb! I've never had so much fun for quite a long time.
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On Saturday, the family went to Night Safari! It was actually a spontaneous decision.
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We left house around 5 plus to go for dinner. In the end, we ate at Night Safari itself. Woah, the price is atrocious! One dish of grilled stingray and a bowl of rice cost S$17. By right, we shouldn't have gone there to eat, but we can't find any parking spot at other eating places.
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The tickets with the tram ride cost us around S$100 plus. And despite being excited in going inside, I felt a little guilty for spending so much.
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Night Safari as usual was chock-full of tourists from everywhere. It's bad for us but I guess, it is good for the attraction and Singapore in general. We can't stand waiting in the snaking queue, in this humid condition, for the free show so we just left for the leopard trail instead. Besides, don't get me started on the queue for the tram ride.
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After walking the whole trail in the twilight hour, we were perspiring due to the moisture and lack of breeze. It was a good walk though. Too many animals were sleeping and my particular favourite creatures are the mewing otters and a very tiny mousedeer.
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The queue for the tram ride was still quite long so we went out for snacks and drinks first. I bought ice-cream from Ben's and Jerry's and sat at Bongo Burgers where my brothers and parents drank S$5 per cup of ice peach tea.
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These tourists' spending power must be so great that they can afford all these highly-price items. I shake my head in disbelief and in awe.
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By now, the queue had shorten somewhat and so we joined it. The tram came and we hopped up. -
If there is one thing I can change, I will change the freaking attitude and lack of consideration of some of these people. What is wrong with them?! The rules said "No flash photography is allowed" and still they go on flashing away. If it was up to me, I will ask them to leave the premises for not following the common sense.
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It was still the fun ride I loved and enjoyed over the years. Night Safari is my favourite because of its air of mysteriousness and concept. Now, if only the the weather is a little cooler and dryer.
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On Sunday, to celebrate Fathers' Day, the whole family went to Bosses at Vivocity. It seems that the "children" can't get enough of the dishes there. The parents said that this will be the last time in a long while before we eat at the restaurant again.

My parents and I, together with my Aunt who was sharing the car ride with us went to Vivocity earlier as I wanted to get black covered heels. I need new black heels for the DHL ceremony.

After browsing through a few shoes shops, I finally settled for a pair from Everbest. Well, they are not exactly cheap but there was a 30% discount. My mother too bought a pair of shoes from there.

I decided to buy a Montagut polo shirt as a Fathers' Day present and he accepted.

The others came and we ordered almost the same dishes as the last times. I still like the dishes there. We enjoyed ourselves tremulously, laughing and eating. It is moments like this treasured most with my family.

There was cake after meal, made by my other Aunt and cousin. It was good.

Monday was the start of the school term for me, so we went home without staying back further.

So You Want to be a Wizard

http://www.grandopeningwebevent.com/

Let's us, Harry Potter fans, rejoice in another milestone in the Harry Potter Universe! Nothing else can come close to this!

Today, 18th June 2010, is the grande opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter located at Universal Studios Orlando! The stars from the films were there to welcome the first wave of visitors.

3 years. It has been 3 years since Universal Studios Orlando first announced of the plans and blueprint to build a wizarding world for muggles. I'd been stoked then. Now, it's officially open to muggles all around the world!

The first thing I want to do when I am there will be to soak and breathe in the sights. It's going to be so awesome! I'll send letters home via owl post. All letters passing through will be stamped with a exclusive motif only found inside the theme park.

I want to get myself a wand, lots of goodies and merchandises and literally spend till I drop. I want to try butterbeer too! The reviews are good, from what I heard and seen.

Before that, I must get on the Forbidden Journey ride first. I need to see what it is like inside Hogwarts and experience it. The Forbidden Journey ride is going to take a lot of courage to get on because it is almost a roller-coaster of sorts. I'll have to do it at least once because this is once in a lifetime experience!

Oh boy. I can't wait till it's my turn to go! Even though the means to the end will be very tough, it will be worth it, won't it?

Some people think chasing after something fictitious is silly and stupid. But, from one Harry Potter fan to another, only we will understand what the buzz and fuss is about. Besides, the more for us.

You know, salivating and staying awake in the wee hours watching men chasing after a ball is silly to naysayers too. In fact, every other hobby in the world will sound silly to some. "One man's treasure is another man's trash", the saying goes.

"To each his own", I say. Fishing and stamp-collecting is boring to some, yet others love it. So, don't judge me for what I adore and love. Everyone is different and the world don't revolve around you.

Live from Orlando

I'm so glad I can be part of this glorious moment!
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This morning, which is Florida's Wednesday night, there was a live feed from Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter grand opening kick-off event. I'm so thrilled that I can be part of this, despite living halfway across USA and sitting at home viewing via telecast.

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This is most awesome news ever for the Harry Potter franchise! Ever since 2007, when Universal announced that they will be building the village and Hogwarts, I've been eyeing to go. I lost track of its progress for a few years and suddenly, in late 2009, coverage of the construction and wondrous promises reached my ears and I decided to make it my graduation present.

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Voila! The quest for earning enough money to enjoy myself fully is born!

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June 18th 2010 is the grand opening day for the Wizarding World. Today's event had actors and J K Rowling herself attending.

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At 9.10pm, J. K Rowling was on the red carpet. And the Hogwarts frog choir led by Professor Filtwick (Warwick Davis) started off singing the Hogwarts March and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

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John Williams, composer for a few Harry Potter movies, directed the Orlando orchestra. Haunting notes from Hedwig's theme floated around. My heart clenched a little because it just brought back memories.

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The Knight Bus arrived to the scene with the Harry Potter stars: Tom Felton, Oliver and James Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived in the Ford Anglia. Cheers rose as they went on stage.

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With a swish of the wands, led by Dan Radcliffe, shouts of Lumos were heard. Then, the most spectacular sight and memorable moment appeared. Hogwarts was finally revealed! It was aglow with lights; a light show and fireworks set the atmosphere nicely for those who were present.

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Even for viewers across the globe who have managed to catch the live feed on the official website, this is the moment to be savoured.

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Of course I would give anything to be there, right here, right now. It's my greatest wish to attend the grand opening! Sighs, the chance is nada unless someone offer me a ticket to Orlando.

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I couldn't be there this year, but never fear, I'll be there the next. This is my promise to myself. I will spend all I can there, to bring back memories I will always look back with love.

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Oh, what I would give for the year 2010 to speed by.

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They promise that the Wizarding World will meet the expectations of Harry Potter fans and we will get a completely immersing experience once we're there. You breathe Hogwarts, you live Hogwarts. Now is the chance to see what the other world live like.

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For a day, you can pretend you are a student, destined to graduate from Hogwarts, buying and eating wizard goods. Oh, I can't wait to get my hands on some Slytherin merchandise.

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Director's Honours List 2010

Ho Ho Ho! Finally! It's a dream come true for me!

Last year I was disappointed I didn't get into the Direct Honours List. Guess what?! I got in this time round!

Wow, I would say I can't believe it, but in truth, I can. I work hard for one whole year, semester 2.2 was extremely gruelling but I pulled through with all As and distinctions.

Yes, now my efforts paid off and instead of the more subtle results slip, I can have my parents attending the ceremony.

I've to say this is my and their first time attending such event. This is the moment of glory and pride for me. I am going to treasure it like no other. One more happy moment to add into the list.

In all my school life, I didn't get close to getting awards. Recognition for my yearly efforts is practically close to none. Sure, I was first in class once in secondary school and that was it. Nineteen years later, this came and I was ecstatic.

The Director's Honours List is awarded to students in the top 10 percent of the whole Diploma in Business cohort.

Now, the last year for me. I don't think this chance is going to come to my doorsteps again. It's just too difficult with the way things are going. With luck and help from divine powers, may it be that I can grace the doors again.

This is extremely helpful in giving me the boost I desperately needed in this godforsaken term. Hopefully, I can get back on my feet again and be the best that I can.

Memories

In my other life, I seem to have remembered these familiar faces. The faces of teachers who had taught me and whom I esteemed.

However, with the pass of time, my memories of them become fuzzy. I cling tightly to these memories because they are of the best in my schooling life. The upper secondary period is something I treasured most, now that O levels was a thing behind.

It's not that I don't like my school life now. It's just it is not up there on my list. There are some aspects which I like. I guess that when graduation comes, I will only look back with fond memories.

On another note, holidays, even short ones, are enough to make you forget about your other life. Other life being the life in school with dreadful projects.

Oh gods, I heard that people received their Direct Honours List already! I sincerely hope that on of these days, when the letterbox is opened, lo behold, the invitation will be waiting for me. Please, please, please...

GSS

Yesterday, my father and mother took the day off and we went shopping since it's the Great Singapore Sale season. My brothers went for a cycling session with my cousins.

First we went for lunch. After that, we went to CentrePoint's Robinsons to look for clothes. We didn't manage to get anything from there though. This is just typical of us. We left for OG across the road and my mother bought a blouse after a long time. I bought a shirt and 2 shorts.

We were quite tired by then and had ice-cream at Haagen-Dazs. I ordered strawberry ice-cream on a waffle while my parents ordered one ice-cream creation with 6 mini ice-cream.

We bought a pendant from Simont as a birthday gift. In the end, we saw another pendant that looks good and got it it. The design is very unique, a triangular-shaped piece, with swirling blue and black glass.

We made a trip up to Esprit. I managed to get a dark blue dress which cost quite a lot. I love Esprit designs but why does the clothes they sell cost so much?

My father and I went back to Robinsons to get me a new pillow and we had this $5 voucher for spending more than $50. My father actually wanted to throw it away since it only last till end of the month. I suggested spending it on something small and trivial. In the end, we got a mug. It originally cost $9.90, after discount and using the voucher, it was $2, which is worth it.

It's a great day! It's been ages since we did something like that.

World Cup Season

"The world stops turning when the World Cup is on"

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The World Cup season is here again! This time it is held in South Africa.
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I still remembered the good old times of past World Cups, my brother and I would childishly cheered our favourite teams and jeered the others at home. Sighs, I even wrote out a list of teams I like, determined by how I love the country.
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This year though, we would be only able to watch the opening, semi-final and final matches on free-to-air TV. For one, we are not huge enough fans to subscribe that highly debatable price the Telco charges.
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I, personally, can't wait for the World Cup 2010 despite not being a soccer fan in the first place. No, I don't chase after the English Premier League or other significant games. But, World Cup is a must-watch, isn't it?
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And isn't the World Cup's goal to bring together people, be them fans or not, to get them excited for their countries? In me, they have achieve that purpose, because I am excited and geared up for it.
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Productivity will go down, absentee rates will go up, sleepless nights are bound to be, cheers bound to be heard in the various pubs. You know it's World Cup season when these happen.

Shrugs

Despite my own misapprehension, I would like to think that I can work wonders too. I would like to give myself the benefit of doubt too.
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I should think everyone desires that. I may be sceptical of what they say, but deep inside, I would like to think that it will truly benefit me.
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I want to see results in the long term. The way some lecturers put it, the subject we are taught now will have great cause to our future. Don't be mistaken, I've no doubts that things will work out, if you truly put your heart into it. I guess I'm just worried that I can't work it out now.
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And whether it will be of use to us next time, let me just get pass this round first.
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I'm, of course, talking about Strategic Entrepreneurship.
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Blah, blah, blah, the lecturer goes. Nonetheless, I don't deny he has good intentions in mind. Perhaps I can't feel it now, but when I look back in the future, I would want to think of fond memories. Let's not make things worst the way they are. I want the memories to be of goodness.

A Peek into an Incoherent Mind

Questions, questions.

Have I been thinking too much so much so that I can't even form a coherent thought in my mind now?

What prompt me to think that going back to school on holidays is a good idea in the first place?For goodness sake, I don't even feel like leaving the bed.

There could only be one bad thing about holidays and that is this: holidays with responsibilities!

Holidays in mid-term is a very bad idea. The idea of having a holiday but having to work on your projects is a torture with the capital letter T. It's a tantalising thought complete with torture devices.

I welcome holidays with open arms but this is a little bit sadistic. You get holidays but have to use the time to work on so many different projects. Is it little wonder that my brain is mush?
Update: My Muse is back, it seems. I just hope it doesn't go away too soon this time.

Alright, there are lots of thoughts swirling around now. I'm not exactly the most eloquent person around. I think a lot, and when I don't put them on paper there and then, I lost them. It gets really frustrating.

It's a good thing I'm not an aspiring author because this is a bad habit to have.

You know what? I want a beta reader to proof-read my projects. Not necessary to correct but to see whether it works and flows properly and put in their 2 cents. Hmmm, if only I dwell within the fanfiction world, since the authors are always looking for a good beta. Too bad, it's just a thought.

Eclipse Posters

-Eclipse official poster-

-Fan-made posters-

Disclaimer: None of these posters belong to me.

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Now, let's see. I figured I would do a "New Moon" and put up an entry on posters (fan-made and official) for Eclipse the movie.

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The first on top of this list of Eclipse the movie posters is the official one used for the promotion.

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I've been wanting to say this for quite some time, but never have the chance of doing so until now. It's quite plain, in my opinion. Other than the colour tones used, I don't really like the poster. It says nothing of the plot of the story and they looked too photoshopped.

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The designers really need to step up on their work, as echoed by many other fans.

Showcase something dramatic, something pivotal in the plot. Asking the 3 main actors to pose like that did nothing to arouse any fancy.

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If I am someone who is not a fan, I wouldn't even bat an eyelid when I see the poster.

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The rest of the posters below are fan-made and they are my personal favourites after looking through the net for them.

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Of course, people are more agreeable and forgiving where fan-made stuff are concerned. Firstly, they are made by fellow fans who love the series enough to do that. Secondly, for all we know, they are not professionals and did them during their free time.

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Besides, these are the real good ones, even looking more professional than the official one. So, they still used photoshop, but at least these look more authentic and original.

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I'm so excited for the movie! It's my favourite book of the series and judging from the early review I read, it looks to be really awesome! Both in the romance and action parts. Wow, I hope David Slade really delivers.

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Movie Outing & Musings

Went for a movie with my friend who is back from the States on Friday.
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Too bad I had work or else we could have gone further places. But as it was, we just went to Causeway Point to catch Shrek Forever After in 3D at 11.50am.

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It is a fun film though I didn't catch the prequels in the theaters. The 3D effects are great!

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After the movie, we went for lunch at Crystal Jade before parting our ways because I had to go back.

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"Begin each day by telling yourself: Today, I shall be meeting with interference, ingraditude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will and self-fishness - all of them due to the offenders' ignorance of what is good or evil"

It's almost too easy to forget that I still have a daunting task in front of me whenever the holidays roll in. It is too easy to put the thought of school aside when you don't have to be physically there. Like the the old adage; out of sight, out of mind.

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I don't have to pretend and put on a false front everyday. I don't have to grit my teeth to go with the flow. Most importantly, is what I don't want to put here. If you think I am happy in school, you have another one coming.

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No, I'm not. Not for once. Perhaps only on a few occasions. Say, when the projects end and when I get back my good results.

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In the holidays, I can actually be happy for once. More so now.

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I'm thinking of starting another more personal blog post in another place. Somewhere where I can actually write what I want to say.

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That's that.

One Enchanted Evening book review

Finally! Montgomery got his own book! And his own ”fairy”! Besides, the cover art of Sedgewick is to be died for.
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I love all of Lynn Kurland’s time-travel romance novels and on top of that, Montgomery is one of my favourite characters since I read about him as side character in other novels. Needless to say, I am extremely thrilled to find out that he is to have his own story.
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I finished the novel as soon as I can and something hits me. As much as I love the novel, I feel that something is lacking. I guess I was looking forward to Pippa and Montgomery staying in the Future.-
For me, I don't think I can give up all the comforts of the modern life. Perhaps, because I am a Future girl and there’s no way I am giving up all I have. Or maybe, I feel that the girl shouldn’t always be the one giving up all she has to be together with a guy. But still, someone has to give in this sort of relationship.

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I would have loved it more if more emphasis is placed on Montgomery’s trip to the Future. The modern wonders and gadgets through the eyes of a medieval character should prove to be very entertaining and soul-searching if the author focuses on that.

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But, of course, the main plot revolves around the relationship of Pippa and Montgomery and so, this issue is just brought-across.-
It’s hard to have ultimate favourites when each and every novel is beautiful in its own way. My favourites are Another Chance to Dream, If I Had You, This Is All I Ask, To Kiss in the Shadows, Stardust of Yesterday. I figure that I like the ones best that have the 2 main characters stay in their Time.
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It too is getting confusing what with the number of characters appearing, visiting the Future and going back to the past. Phew.
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I can’t wait till next year for Lynn Kurland’s new book! It’s really awesome that she manages to stick to a schedule; that is to publish one novel per year. Isabelle and John’s stories are my most anticipated ones.

Deed is Done

The deed is done. My mind is blissfully blank now.

I can't think of anything of import. It's almost a poor choice to organise a meeting tonight. Sighs.

It's the end of the Mid-semester tests apparently. Let's just say we'll see when the results are out.