PAUSE

Hello! Short break from the meme thing to update y’all on my happenings in my pathetic little life. Okay not really, life has been alright.

University and Summer

In the middle of May I finished my exams and handed in my final pieces of coursework, which meant I was free for the summer. Hooray! Yes it’s nice to have a break however I was worried I wouldn’t have anything to do because I have 132 days off until I’m back again! (That’s quite a lot, compared to the 60/90ish days we had in school.) Therefore I devised a list of people I need to meet, places I need to go and things I need to do. So far these lists are flourishing, with a few things crossed off already - including baking, painting and sunbathing! Good stuff.

Granny

Despite my fun expectations for the summer, sadness crept it’s way into the Green family household this week. My Granny Green was battling with cancer for over three years, and alas, the condition was triumphant where on Sunday 10th June, she peacefully passed away in hospital. Although it was expected, it was still an upsetting and shocking occurrence for all of us, especially Dad. Being one of the eldest of the grandchildren, I was invited to read a few verses from Proverbs 3 at the funeral. Not an easy thing to do, but she chose the verses herself so I knew I had to make her proud. It gave me great comfort because it was some of my favourite verses. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Wise words to live by methinks. Granny was a very special lady - greatly missed, but now in the arms of Jesus. 

Mural

A few weeks ago, the community’s two Primary schools got involved in painting a mural which will be placed on one of the ugly walls within the village. It’s part of a scheme to make our area more attractive. (Unsure how successful this scheme will be, but supporting Mourne none-the less) The team required volunteers so they invited me to assist the kids. I LOVED it! I forgot how wonderful it was just to sit down and paint. Surprisingly, the picture only took 4 days to create and in my opinion it looks pretty sweet. The mural will have it’s big unveiling on Wednesday this week at 1:45pm, so you are all invited to see the masterpiece!

Olympic Torch

As you all may be aware, the Olympics are being held by London this year! Although I’m not a big fan of sports, I think it’s pretty awesome that the country has this opportunity to host such a big event. The big gold Olympic torch is currently traveling round the U.K, which included Northern Ireland. One of these stops were in Newcastle, so we had the chance to travel down at 6:50am on Wednesday 6th June to see it run by! It was a really lovely atmosphere and worth getting up so early to see. 

London

Woooah, I think I’m transforming into a different person lately because Emma and I have booked a weekend away to London! If you know me at all, this isn’t something I would even THINK about never-mind carry out. (Although Emma threatened to get my sedated when going through the airports, man I hate airports...) However!! I have turned my life around - I’m making the most of my opportunities when I am young and have the chance to do something fun, yada, yada, yada...

OH yeah, so the reason we have decided to undertake this mission is because Korean pop groups called EXO and 4MINUTE are doing a concert in the O2 arena. Heck, it was cheap so we booked it - plus we organised tickets a broadway show! We shall also shop and sight-see. So we’ve made a mini-holiday out of it. I’m VERY excited! 

It’s also stroking “See a K-Pop concert” off my bucket list. Oh, and I’ll have to learn Exo’s names before I go, just incase we run into them there - I only recognise Kai! 

Look here we all are in Piccadilly Circus. These babies aren't anything compared to my presh presh BIGBANG but it’ll be fuuuunnnn!

MOST WANTED

Autographs that would be awesome to have...

In no particular order...

• David Tennant - because he was a beast of a Doctor.
• Rupert Grint - because he's my Ron-Ron.
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt - because nobody looks better in a jumper than him.
• Johnny Depp - because he's probably the best actor in the world.
• George Clooney - because he's a very attractive old man.
• Ashton Kutcher - because he's an sweeeet guy.
• Daniel Radcliffe - because he's HARRY POTTER.
• Michael McIntyre - because he's the funniest man in the world.
• Gaspard Ulliel - because he's smokin' hot.
• Ben Barnes - because his face looks nice on photographic paper.
• Michael Cera - because he's an absolute wee dote.
• Paul McCartney - because he's my favourite second Beatle.
• Take That - because they rule the world.
• Bradley Cooper - because he's a hunk!
• T.O.P - because this one goes without saying.
• Tim Burton because he is a fantastic director.
• G-Dragon - because he breaks my heart.
• Zac Efron - because he is the music in me.
• Bi Rain - because he's the only type of weather I like.
• Tom Felton - be my big boy, Draco Malfoy.
• Lee Byung Hun - because he's amaazzzing.
• James Corden - because he is a hilarious man!
• Russell Brand - because he's very intelligent and amusing.
• Taylor Lautner - because if I had to choose I would be Team Jacob.
• Alan Rickman - because he plays the legendary Snape.
• Lee Min Ho - because he's my favourite Korean actor.
• The Wanted - because they are one of the few British boybands I actually like.
• Jared Leto - because what girl doesn't love Jared Leto!
• Black Eyed Peas - because I love their music.
• Nicki Minaj - because I love her clothes/figure/attitude.
• Emma Watson - because she's a perfect lady.
• CL from 2NE1 - because she's the baddest female Seoul city ever had.
• Katy Perry - because she's very stylish and cool.
• Lady Gaga - because she's one of few genuinely talented musicians out there.
• Ellen Page - because she's a good actress.
• James and Oliver Phelps - because it's time to get sleazy with some Weasleys.
• Taylor Swift - because I actually do like her.
• Anne Hathaway - because she's sooo pretty and very talented.
• J.K Rowling - because she gave us a magical childhood.
• Helena Bonham-Carter - because she's one of my favourite actresses.
• Meryl Streep - because she is classy.

I didn't mean that to be as perverse as they came across as....I found two of the Harry Potter ones online. And some of them were terribly boring because there weren't really reasons why I wanted them apart from just liking the person. Blah.

The word BECAUSE has lost ALL MEANING!

because because because because because because because because because because because because because

because because because because because because because because because because because because because

because because because because because because because because because because because because because

because because because because because because because because

CAN'T NOBODY

I apologise for the last post, I am so nasty, it’s a sin for me to say such things.

Shall I post some cool pictures? It’s late but I am wide awake, I cannot sleep.

Let’s blog something a little more light hearted.

A White-haired T.O.P

Woho, what's this? This guy has white hair! What Korean guy bleaches his hair? T.O.P does, that's what. Because he's so badass and so daring and so damn gorgeous he looks good no matter what he does or wears. I even make an exception that he drinks and is a total pimp: because he's so so lush.

Stella Star

I found this adorable picture on Tumblr, and immediately thought of James, who told me in CFC the other day that he had a dream that we met up in a decades time or so and I had a child called Stella who was dressed as a Christmas star. Of course, this little thing isn't a star exactly, but it's so cute I had to steal it and put it up here.

Cute kids

Men. Women. Children. Doesn't matter what, I love glasses. How CUTE is he? What age can you adopt at? I can't wait to have children so I can buy them little designer outfits and spoil them rotten. I think I'm feeling broody.

The very desirable Joseph Gordon-Levitt

After watching Inception on Christmas Eve and 500 Days of Summer on Boxing Night I have overdosed on Levitt. Can't get enough of this guy. Even the way he dresses, so spiffy! *swoon*

A stunning Emma Watson

James sent me this gorgeous photo of Miss Watson earlier, don't think anyone else appreciates this than us. She's such an icon. I do believe I get to see Harry Potter this week! :)

2NE1

Okay, last one. This is a girl band, basically a female version of Big Bang. And even though most people hate them, I love them! After downloading their whole album I realised their music is brilliant and their style is wicked. They have such an attitude and although I have a strong feeling it's all put on, it totally works because they look so cool. Kudos to you four.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

“Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of”

Do you remember that? Think really really hard. When did you last hear the lyrics of that song?

That’s right! It’s ‘What Dreams Are Made Of’ from the Lizzie McGuire movie! Y’know the one where she goes to Rome and performs that on stage.

The last time I remember hearing that was around 9 years old at a Primary School friend’s birthday party. We sung it at the top of our lungs! Good times.

Back when the Disney Channel had a good reputation for showing absolutely amazing films that most of us can remember vividly!

Now I’m looking up old child actors that I can remember: why do they look so old?? And why are they all older than me? Even the Sprouse twins are older than me! How could they be 18!

Here are some brilliant shows I used to watch as a child.

3. YOUR PARENTS

Dear Mum and Dad,

Okay, I know you will probably never read this, which is maybe a good thing. I want to thank you for always being there for me, I’m glad you didn’t divorce or die or anything or I’d be even more messed up. I know I owe you a lot, something I don’t think I could ever do. (Unless I won the lottery or something)

Without your influence in my life, I know I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. You gave me the chance to grow up in a Christian home. This was something to build my morals, decisions and personality on. I don’t even want to think what I would be like if I wasn’t raised this way. But today I have an amazing relationship with God and I’m so so thankful for that.

Thank you for encouraging my love of art and broadening my creative talent: I understand if you were bored when I trailed you round art exhibitions all those years. I also want to thank you for accepting my passion for art and supporting me as I discuss choosing it as a course in university, even though I’m fully aware choosing art could get me no-where in life. I really value your opinion about making decisions for my future. It’s so helpful having someone older and wiser to guide me along, especially when you both know me so well.

I’m very grateful for all you have given me. Materialistically yes, but also the love and the memories we have had together. It’s hard to remember that sometimes. Especially when I’m cross. I’m sorry I always get so cross. But I always feel bad afterwards.

I probably have disappointed you in rows and I’m sorry about that. But I do think we get on very well usually.

I know you’re proud of me because I study well, I know you’re proud of me because I look after myself quite well, I know you’re proud of me because I’m a good child. I hope you’re proud of me in everything I attempt to do, especially in the future, which you know I’m terrified of. But I’m certain you will help me through it.

Dad, I want to thank you for allowing me to inherit your genes. I have lovely brown eyes and a round face (which I’ve been told I will appreciate when I am older) I am also thankful for crude sense of humour and interest in technology I have. I also enjoy the craic with you, us roaring mindlessly at each other can be lots of fun. However, you do have faults: I hate ‘Two and a Half Men’ on repeat 24 hours a day, and I despise having to watch it after you fall asleep snoring on the sofa at 9.30pm every night. It’s not fair. And I also don’t like how lazy you can be. Fair enough, you have to work lots but I don’t like cleaning up eggs after breakfast or cleaning the bathroom. Speaking of work, YOU WORK TOO HARD. You are all stressed usually and you pull your hair out. If you’re not careful you will die of a heart-attack, then how will ‘the business’ cope? We will all be screwed, just because you won’t sit down! And I don’t understand how you procrastinate so much, that just makes work worse. By the way, I may have to join Green Electrical if my art career doesn’t work out.

Mum, I want to thank you for all the good talks we have late at night. I feel like I can tell you anything and I usually do, because I don’t understand the concept of kept secrets or barriers between us. I want to give thanks also for my soft heart and awesome sense of style. You allowed me to freely develop my own style until I found what suits me. I’m glad you are not old. Like, really old. I also like how you’re not cross at Jared and I much. I’d usually just shout back, because I enjoy a good shout. I like how you accept me as I am, and handle my obsessions and monitor what I buy quite well. But you have your faults too: you never listen properly! Even though I know I’m sure I told you otherwise, you get it wrong! It drives me mad. Then you ARGUE otherwise, just like Jared, and it cracks us both up. You also make us clean the house a lot, I don’t really mind but it’s annoying when I want to do something else. This year’s exam pressure was grand for me, (let’s just hope I done okay) but Jared’s was absurd. Sure his marks were actually good, but it gets so boring listening to it after a week.

But, flip, this letter has gotten long. But anyway, thank you for setting such a good example for me. I want to be like you when I’m older. (I’m already turning into you anyway with my desire to clean) except I’ll have a little Asian boy who can play the drums. You are so so very organised, I love how I have inherited your instinct to use a to-do list and look after my stuff so well. You need to teach me how to deal with money next, I just don’t understand that.

And Dad, thank you for having an interest in cars, because I honestly don’t have a clue. And thanks for currently paying my insurance because I’m still at school. The craic is good when we go out for a drive and to our occasional Burrendale gym days together.

Okay, I’m ending this now. Thank you for all our memories together, and I hope there will be many more. Even if it’s just sitting in the house watching a film, I’m very happy to be a member of the Green family.

I’d end with saying I love you but you already know that.

- Lots of Love,

Claudia xox

MARCH COOL LIST

1. LEE HYUK-JAE

I really do love this guy. Emma calls me biased, but he's my favourite member of Super Junior by a mile. I don't really find guys like him attractive, but he's so unusual I think it makes him adorable. He recovered from swine flu last week, go Eunhyuk!

2. LADY GAGA Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
What can Lady Gaga not do? I'm proud to say that I loved her since the release of her first album, The Fame. Her image and voice is what it's all about to be a pop star. Her individuality is breathtaking. Listen to her new song, Telephone. It's utterly fab.

3. HENRY LAU

Eeee I've fallen in love with him again since I saw THIS. He wrote and performed this song in Taiwan last week on the Super Junior tour. So catchy. Henry Lau, I love you!

FEBRUARY'S COOL LIST

Okay, time for an update on the coolness and admiration of certain men and women that have caught my eye recently.

1. MIKE CHANG

If you are a GLEE fan, you might recognise this face. This guy is a background character who has appeared in every episode I've seen in the last couple weeks. Nobody seems to know his name but is referred to as the "Other Asian." I must admit, he is one of the reasons I enjoy the show so much. After a bit of research, I have discovered his real name is Harry Shum Jr. and he has Twitter! (I can proudly say I follow him.) He can DANCE, speak Spanish and Chinese.

2. GARY MAI

This is just an ordinary guy from Brooklyn I started talking to on the ol' faithful A.C.T. I added him on Facebook for handy banter. As I flicked through his album photos I don't think I laughed as hard in my life! Yeah I'm sad. But his expressions are legendary. He has that natural funniness that is so so hard to find. I would tell you to look at the photos yourself to understand what I mean, but that would be a bit weird. Hm a cool list is weird enough actually.

3. CHARLIE MCDONNELL

Mr Coollike is still here.. I think he has moved down one? I don't know, I need to check. The reason I still adore him is the approaching London trip at Easter gives me a higher change of meeting him. haha. Plus, in his latest video he is wearing Jimmy Glasses. An automatic win in my eyes.

4. CONRAD CHOW

OOH poor Conrad has dropped from number 1 to number 4. He's still pretty cool, but he needs to put some more Youtube videos up to add to his coolness.

CHARLIE

He's still second in Claudia's Cool List. But he's so SO close to number one he could taste it.