As stated in my previous journal entry, I participated for the second year in a row National Novel Writing Month. From November 1 to November 30, I had one month to complete a 50, 000 word novel. Since I already participated and won last year, it was a piece of cake for me this year. I do, however, admit to wanting to give it up due to personal reasons and an overwhelming overload of homework given at mucho ridiculous lengths, but I managed to pull through. Then there was the issue of my computer not wanting to log in, so that really put a damper on my spirit, as I didn't think I'd be able to upload my novel on time. Thank goodness for college and their free internet.

It's funny how most people hear 50, 000 words and think it's a lot. And for some people, non-writers I suppose, it is a lot. But I find that I had to close my story early, having so much more in my mind than what I've written down. But I completed it and fit the ending so that it worked well, and after these last two weeks of college, I will start to edit and add the rest on the Christmas break.

I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping for the past week. In about six days, I've gotten maybe a whole six hours of sleep. I've been living on coffee and Arrowroot cookies. Trust me, it hasn't been very fun. But at least I only have two more weeks of school left, and then finally a well deserved break. I'm hoping to have some more things uploaded at that time, when I'll actually have the time to do it.

So, as many of you writers may know, this month is National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo), and yours truly is at it again! This is my second year participating in it, and I feel a lot more confident about it now than I did when I first started last year. I know what to expect, I know the workload, and I am more than prepared for it. I've got quite a bit written so far, and I'm really pleased with everything that's come out. I know that I have improved immensely since last year, which is giving me great confidence to try again this year. Wish me luck!

Also, I've just recently added some photos from a shoot I did with and my amazing boyfriend a few months back. I did, however, take a couple pictures down per my boyfriend's request, but I did receive a lot of positive feedback, so thank you for those who commented, critiqued and favourited. Sorry to disappoint.

In other news, in just over two weeks, I'll have been with my boyfriend for 11 months. To some people that isn't really a lot of time. For both of us, it is. And I have to say, this has been the best year of my life. For once, I've actually been happy. Genuinely happy. And I owe it all to him.

Anyways, I might post some bits and pieces from my NaNoWriMo novel in a while. I can say that I will not be updating this account frequently for the rest of the month, but don't worry, I'll be back. I've got to keep focused and keep writing.

I just went to the best concert I've been to in a long time. Lineup:

Taking Dawn: the opening band whom I have never heard of before, but they were amazing. For an opening band, they were great. Tons of energy, splendid stage presence, and a lot of interaction with the crowd. They only played about a half hour set, but it was the best opening act I'd seen in a while. Use of lights in sync with the beats was nice, and the lead singer/guitar player even came out onto the floor and ran through the crowd while playing a guitar solo. They were indeed a pleasure to see.

Sonata Arctica: the whole reason why I was at the concert in the first place. Mike introduced me to their music when we started dating, and I've loved them ever since. Being a Finnish power metal band, they have a great mix of hard and soft music. The man behind the vocals is pretty much the knew love of my life. Tony Kakko can sing! High, low, in between. And all with this absolutely adorable Finnish accent. They aren't the kind of band with a singer who screams so much you can't understand him. Tony sings with grace, with pride, and with an even more unbelievably adorable smile. Great stage presence from them at all, and the lights really set the mood to the songs and the imagery behind them. I have to say, I couldn't stop bouncing to the beat. And when I heard the piano intro to my favourite song, Full Moon, I was completely overjoyed (listen to it here [link]/watch). They did exceptionally well, not that I excpected any less from them anyways.

Dragonforce: the headlining band, also Finnish power metal. I had actually only heard one song by them (which they played) but I was blown away. They, too, were incredible and put on quite a good show. The singer was really animated, the band as a whole was very crowd oriented, and the keyboard player of both Dragonforce and Sonata Arctica did a keytar solo (and that blew my mind!)

Overall, the concert was amazing. I enjoyed every aspect of it. Just to note, though, that most of the band members from all three bands had long, curly/wavy hair. I'm a sucker for long hair (good thing Mike has long hair, too!). I guess that's just the image of power metal. Or maybe just power metal from Finland. I have no clue.

(On a side note, Finnish men are SMOKIN'!) I'm seriously. They are all ridiculously good looking. I think I may have to take a trip to Finland.

Sadly, though, it is over. However, Taking Dawn will be touring again soon at the Sound Academy with All That Remains and Lacuna Coil, and Sonata Arctica will also be back. So I am quite excited for that. Anyone that has any spare money and wants to have an amazing time, I suggest looking into going to one or both of these concerts. I guarantee a good time.

So, Marilyn Manson was awesome last week! My boyfriend and I had a great time seeing him. He put on a fantastic concert, really got the crowd involved. I'd definitely go and see him again.

Mike's mantises are growing up so fast! Good thing I have a camera handy. Indian Flower Mantis (now named Hannibal, since we've determined the sex is male) has wings! They're so pretty. The Ghost mantis's sex is still undetermined at this point, but perhaps after a few more sheddings it will be confirmed. So there's some new pics up of them both now.

I'm working on a novel idea, and when I have something good and solid I promise to share with you. That's about all for now!

Yet even more good news brings me back to Deviant Art. Two concerts are coming up pretty soon that I am greatly looking forward to.

1) Marilyn Manson While driving to the mall with my boyfriend, Mike and I were listening to the radio. A commercial came on about Marilyn Manson, and how he was going to be at the ACC (that's the Air Canada Center, big concert hall) in September. So when we got home that day, we ordered tickets right away.

2) Sonata Arctica/Dragonforce Good ol' Facebook kept me updated, saying that Sonata would be here October 2nd at the Sound Academy. Unfortunately, they aren't the ones headlining the show, Dragonforce is. However, I am equally happy to be seeing DF with them, so it will be a good show. Mike and I were going to go to London to see Sonata headline, but it's a couple hours away and I have school the next morning.

So, Manson on Sept. 17th and Sonata Arctica/Dragonforce on October 15th. I can hardly wait!