DECEMBER AGAIN

Hello, remember me?

I’ve missed blogging. Coursework got the better of me. I’m now half way through Final Year, and wow, it has gone so fast. I had a great few months and now I will share...

University

I’m really settled at uni this year, as I mentioned in my last post. I realised how important my friends are and feel I’ve got a lot closer to them this year. Work has tightened up for third year but I really enjoyed what coursework I was working on. You can see here and here where my time has gone during the 12 weeks of Semester 1. In late January I’ll be starting my dissertation (8000-1000 word essay) on a topic I’m interested in, and will also produce a final practical project which will be on display at the End of Year Show in May. Yikes! Although it seems daunting, truthfully I'm excited to working on a topic that focuses on my interests. I think I know what I’m working on, but an assigned supervisor helps me along who I meet once a week to discuss how I'm getting on.

Friends

Home and University life was weird due to a couple of my friends not being at home. Rebecca, Kerri and Emma were studying/working abroad but were coming home for Christmas. I was counting down the days until I saw them again so December was an exciting month! 

Christmas

Christmas is so wonderful I felt it should have it’s own section. Lots of festivities at University, including the Christian Union and my course Dinners. As well as shopping, films, Starbucks, days out with friends and sorting last minute presents.

Remember in my last post I fell in love with a jacket? I am excited to announce my Mother picked up on my many hints and bought me it! (shown above) I think I’ve worn it everyday so yeah I was delighted. I got lots of other awesome pressies too - perfume, an amazing laptop bag from Emma and an external hard-drive. It was nice spending time with my family and chilling for a few days. Hope everyone had a nice Christmas! 

- Claudia

SUMMER-ARY (JULY/AUGUST)

I’m actually dying of the cold right now and have been up for 3 hours feeling restless. I feel disgusting but since I’ve been a slob all summer, I might as well write a blog post.

Usually I would write posts late at night but to be honest I haven’t been staying up as late as I used to, I’ve also been busy during the day and kept putting it off. So here you go...a SUMMER-ARY of my holidays. 

Aaron and Diane’s Wedding

Highlight of my summer was of course, Diane’s wedding. Diane is like a family friend/sister to me since we were both young, and I was privileged to be asked to be her bridesmaid back in July. This past year and a half, you’d soon see the wedding was all I talked about - it was fun having days out for bridesmaid dress shopping and the like. The wedding itself was superb - it was wonderful to see so much planning come together so beautifully. 

The couple got married at our church, a lovely service complete with flowers which coordinated with our dresses and a pretty little bicycle outside.

The weather was perfect, probably the warmest day of the summer. We went to the Silent Valley and took photographs there. Then we headed to the reception in a LIMO! (One of my favourite parts) And enjoyed a delicious meal after more photographs at Canal Court Hotel in Newry. After a video and slideshow, we danced the night away. I can’t seem to put into words how perfect the day was. Many congratulations to Aaron and Diane!

Fused

I took part in Fused Summer Scheme again in Newcastle this year. This is the 3rd year I’ve been a leader and I was involved working with P.4 - P.7 age group. It was different than previous years due to having no American team from Lexington, Kentucky, so it was originally meant to be made up of Northern Irish leaders. However God provided us with a team of 11 Americans from Washington and Oregon. It was really fun to work with different people, plus a bonus was that some were Doctor Who and Sherlock fans! As usual it was wonderful working with the children, some familiar faces, and also some new people too. A great way to spend two weeks of my summer.

Art

Remember last year I worked on a mural in my local village? Well this year I helped create a big fish at our Village Fete. Ashley and Susan created the structure beforehand and during the fete, we encouraged children to glue tissue paper and get a photograph of themselves taken to stick inside the fish. We only had a few hours to decorate this one, so it was rewarding to see the fish ascend down the steps and around the fete. It was so much fun, I love working on creative projects like this!

Friends

I’ve had a number of awesome days spent with some incredible people. Rebecca and Emma came to my house for a sleepover and tour of Mourne. A group of us also celebrated Hannah’s 21st birthday on Cranfield beach with a BBQ and singalong. I met with Seb, Dave and Becca in Belfast for a catch-up and Cosmo. I had a housemate meet-up and saw Uncle Gordon a few times too. I also caught up with James last week and had many, many Container Parties.

It’s been excellent, however I’m losing three of incredible people - Kerri, Rebecca and Emma! Kerri and Rebecca have headed to U.S A to study for the year and Emma is leaving for Spain in a few weeks! I shall miss you all dearly but good luck and have a wonderful time. :D

- Claudia x

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012

Best Moments of 2012

• Zumba Container Party (yes, that was January!)
• Meeting The Wanted after their concert in Belfast
• Seeing The Dark Knight Rises (twice)
• London with Emma to see EXO-K, Baker Street and Andy Warhol paintings
• Singstar Container Night - reliving the golden days!
• Learning how to create Motion Graphics and my Doctor Who website
• Leading two girls to Christ during Fused Summer Scheme
• Art Night at Kerri's house!
• 'Thorsdays'
• Roadtrips with the IMAmates listening to Mentallll Breaakkkkerrrrr
• Seeing BIGBANG in London!

❐ Biggest Achievement of the Year:

Learning to swallow tablets!
❐ Biggest Failure:

Missing an exam.

❐ Happiest Moment:

BIGBANG coming on stage at Wembley Arena.

❐ Saddest Moment:

Funerals - Granny Green and Great Granny Gordon.

❐ Biggest Shock:

Hearing Gangnam Style by PSY on UK Radio for the first time.

❐ Best Purchase:

2 pairs of Moschino jeans on sale!!

❐ Greatest Musical Discoveries:

Josh Groban and Hans Zimmer.

❐ Best Song of the Year:

The Chaser by Infinite followed by Mental Breaker - Block B in a close second.

❐ Best MV of the Year:

Fantastic Baby - BIGBANG
❐ Best Film of the Year:

The Dark Knight Rises, of course!

❐ Greatest Discoveries of the Year:

Sherlock and Sweetcorn.

❐ Biggest Addiction:

Buying and selling stuff on eBay over the summer.

❐ Favourite Celebrity Figures:

Matt Smith and Alex Day.

That was fun!
- Love Claudia x

SUMMER TO-DO LIST

In case I lose the note Kerri created, here is the list of Summer activities and events we have planned. Add more in the comments if you can think of any!!

Oh, and Mary-Jane vandalised the sheet by adding her own ideas. (I don’t even know what Dothaki is!)

• Kilbroney Forest Park 
• Pudding/Baking day 
• Cinema Crawl (MayJay edit: Illegally watch films) 
• Get Arrested (?) 
• Bonfire on the beach 
• Ultimate Game 
• Beauty Night 
• Make a Youtube Video 
• Picnic 
• Coneing 
• Beach at Dawn 
• Geocaching 
• Come Dine With Me 
• Movie Marathon at Home 
• Disney Day 
• Arty Night 
• Carboot Sale 
• Fancy Dinner 
• Take part in a Photoshoot 
• Play old Birthday games 
• Singstar 
• Dye someone’s hair (??) 
• Play with fire 
• Learn Dothaki 
• Theatre 
• Hobo Night (??) 
• Road Trip 
• Go Camping 
• Fishing/ Rock Pool 
• Stone Place 
• Learn a new skill 
• Send a random person post 
• Teach a new skill 
• Typography 
• Break into someone’s house (May-Jay once again) 
• Knit something 
• Make bracelets 
• Feed ducks/birds

SUNNY APRIL

Helloooo,

I can’t believe I only have TWO weeks at uni left! Where has the year gone? It makes me sad - wish it could go on until June like school - I find summer long, tiresome and boring. Hopefully I’ll get a job sorted or else it’s going to be as unproductive as last year’s. Yes it’s lovely to have a break - but I like having a focus on something too, and I desperately need money.

Titanic Sounds

This month marks the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic - as you all should know, the Titanic was built in Belfast and the anniversary being marked as an opportunity to celebrate. I think the reason as to why it is being celebrated was because it was a magnificent and beautiful ship that Belfast men built, not the thousands of lives which were lost in it’s sinking. 

Belfast and MTV organised a small concert for the opening of the Titanic Quarter. This was called MTV Titanic Sounds and was held on the 13th April. Pixie Lott, Rizzle Kicks, Katy B, Sean Paul and Olly Murs performed. 

It was a great night and the atmosphere was fantastic. MTV were there recording the show because it is going to be featured on MTV World Stage later in the year.

Coleraine Holiday

I was back at university last week, but I didn’t mind because I had guests! From Wednesday - Friday, Emma, Kerri, Elizabeth and Amy stayed over - it was lovely to see them since we didn’t see each other much over Easter due to work, study and other commitments. 

When they arrived around 2pm, I gave them a tour of the campus and we went for a walk to the Daffodil Gardens. (I honestly didn’t know the place existed?!) They called the campus numerous names, including a train station, hospital and mental institute - but they admitted they liked the place. (Queens students...*rolls eyes*)

Elizabeth made the best spag bol ever and then we went to C.U.

After my seminar on Thursday, we took the taxi to the Strand in Portstewart. The weather was beautiful and we took some photographs. 

We walked to Morelli’s and got ice cream - yummy! 

That evening we went to the Jet Center and had a go at bowling - I didn’t do as well as I hoped. We had a wee meal after that but we were stuffed. However everywhere we went, even on campus, was incredibly empty - where was everyone?

It was like a holiday for me too despite being back at work - I hoped they enjoyed it as much as I did - Thank you for visiting! I’m glad you came do do do doo doo do do... ♫

MOTION GRAPHICS

Hello friends,

Okay super quick report because I’m tired.  My aims were to finish my Motion Graphics before the end of this week. (Friday) I worked like a bulldozer to get it done and successfully completed it today. Wanna see?

I’m pretty pleased with it - there are a few wee tiny mistakes but if you all saw how they looked before you’d settle for it the way it is too. 

I done all the illustrations - drew them out, scanned them in and coloured them on Adobe Photoshop. Some were more difficult than others. (Benedict Cumberbatch may or may have not been traced.)

I wish I could have included everyone - because I know there's some people that should have been in it - but alas, it could not be.

Thanks to all who have liked and commented on it on Facebook. It can be used for feedback in my Visual Diary - which will commence operation next week.

Wow, this sounds incredibly serious doesn’t it? Let’s finish this post of with a celebratory waaayyyyyhheeeeeeyyyyyyyyy!!

Happy Easter everyone!

P is for...

Presents.

Today I am Santa Claudz. It is not Christmas. I am not rich or have excess to unlimited wealth. But I shall grant gifts to all who have been fortunate to be in my presence this past few years. I’m feeling generous so I will give presents to my friends who I may not see as often now that we have left school so they can enjoy for their rest of their existence.

Emma:

Today, Emma Thelma Louise Hanna, you have been given the gift of a massive castle where you can live happily with all your medieval stuff you are interested in. Knights, horses, wizards..merlin.. etc. Yes, since you’ve been my friend longest you get the biggest present!

I do not understand all this medieval nonsense so I will give you the opportunity for you to refurbish this grand castle in any way you wish. You do not have to work, because you have worked enough for 4 A-Levels which accounts for enough work for the rest of your life. You don’t have to do anything at all, and that suits you. There is a horse and carriage which Caspian drives about the large pollen-free land around your castle to prevent hay fever. You have a large library stored with your published fanfiction and every book you have ever read.

You also have slaves: one from each country of the world: which you can speak to in their own language. In the dungeon there are many Korean boys that are trapped there because that’s what you keep them after capturing them during hunting. Occasionally you throw some leftover rice down there to ‘keep them going’ but there isn’t really any need for feeding them or holding them under capture either! But you do because they are so pretty. And sometimes they teach you dance.

Lastly, you get one more present: a big grade C. You’ve never had a C before so now this has tainted the perfect A’s you have received. (C is for CLAUDIA. So that makes it good.)

(Sorry that was much longer than I thought it would be... got carried away when I got into the dungeon bit.)

Amy

Amy Grace, I will give you the gift of nothing other than, a car! It doesn’t seem fair that you work so hard and you are not rewarded! In this car is a big Scottish man with a beard and an accent. You’ve always said you wanted one of them. (Sorry I’ve got the K-Pop Cd jammed in the player...with glue.) I’ve also went to the trouble of moving Dundee to the coast of Annalong. Now you don’t have to travel too far but you will still be in Dundee, except just not in Scotland!

May-Jay

Lady MaryJazzleyJane, today you receive the gift of usefulness. Throughout all my years knowing you, I’ve never seen you do anything worthwhile. Well, apart for your skills in the use of graphic design. I shall give you a beautiful solid gold graphics tablet which you must use everyday, or it will disappear in a puff of smoke and you won’t get it back again.

You also do not have a car of your own, so I will buy you this straight from Japan. I can imagine you driving round this already. You would look so cool. Inside this car is nobody else but Adam Young!! Cos you like that guy.

I saw during the art exam your Skull Candy earphones didn’t really fit you right, so I’ll get you these to match your car!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, today you receive the gift of a beautiful white cloak! This cloak has a hood and little holes for ey...wait..you already have one of these? Why...?

Naomi

Naomi dearest, I understand you are a bit uptight about next year and what you are going to be doing. Today I give you the present of not being worrisome. I can see you will do better than all our friend group put together: better than Kerri in Law, better than James in mirotics or whatever it is... Yes you will! I give you a ticket for a trip around the world which would be so much more fun than university. You can meet Kellen Lutz and lots more hunky men. I will also give you a recycling center that only recycle Ribena, Barney and Plein Sud drink cartons and you can rip away at the cardboard too. You’ll have a blast!

Kerri

Kurry, today I grant that the act of polygamy is now legal in Northern Ireland. You are scheduled to play Adrianna’s half sister in next month’s 90210. I also have got in contact with Derren Brown who has predicted this week’s lotto numbers so you should be safe with that one too. When your winnings are confirmed, I will call Camelot to send your winnings in cash in several Louis Vuitton suitcases. Lastly, I will fly big smoker face Gaspard over and you can play to him with your big ass golden cello.

James

Sir James, yes, that’s right, I just called up the Queen to knight you. Congratulations Sir James Mooney! You wonder why you are knighted? Why it’s because of your globally famous retail store, Half Moon! Your invention of ‘Moon’ sizes has revolutionised the fashion world completely and the whole world is going hay-wire for this new style (including Glee characters Kurt, Mike Chang and Blain mmmm Blaine) All thanks to me! I told you the Dump would be the perfect place to set up a business, and you didn’t believe me! Plus, hiring out Gaga to model was a gold idea!

Jordan

Jordon, today you receive the gift Mothman visiting for tea! Hey, don’t be insulted, that’s like the best gift ever. Lol clearly I started this post with great ideas for some people and by the end I had ran out of ideas. Sowee....Oh: better idea. Jordan, comment exactly what you want me to do for my next post in the comment box and I’ll write all about it. Need to keep blogging interesting. Anything at all! I accept the challenge. Even if it’s something gay that I don’t like, maths or whatever.

(Same goes to Elizabeth, she didn’t even get a gift. Ya’big racist.)

Can't wait for tomorrow night!!!!

- Love Claudia x

ANY QUESTIONS?

So today Kerri began a new trend spam on our Twitter accounts. The question game. Each user who plays are given the opportunity to ask another ANY question at all to them. With only one veto, you must answer these questions honestly and willingly.

See, I’m meant to post these answers to my Twitter account - but that’s far too messy and disorganised for my liking. And I can write longer answers here. So here they are!!

Naomi: What was your first impression of me? (I was always curious of this)

Heya Naomi. To be honest, not much of an impression was made.. no offense! Just you were very quiet and I thought you were very pretty. And since I was going through an emo phase I really liked your clothes so therefore visited Fresh Garbage, which you recommended to me in 4th year, but the shop scared me because I thought it sold drugs.

Mary-Jane: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Mary-Jane, I honestly don’t know at the moment. Career wise anyway. I don’t even know what I’ll be doing in 10 months, never mind 10 years. We’ll see what happens with uni and all.

Other than that, I’ll be 28 (GROSS) so I hope I’ll be married with at least one child living comfortably with a good job, or else just being a housewife with a part-time job. In the next ten years I hope I will have travelled to Asia, lose more weight and have my teeth whitened...short term goals, haha.

Hazel: Micky Yoochun or T.O.P?!

OH HAZEL WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME :(

Ahhhhhh that’s like the worst question ever, gurrl. At the minute, they are completely equal. I love both equally as my biases. :D

Not sure why I find Yoochun my favourite, I just think he’s attractive and I love his voice. (Random question, do you think he looks incredibly old for his age?)

And AH T.O.P the most gorgeous man who has ever lived!! Those eyes will eventually kill me, and that voice fcghjknbhvcfgvbhkml.

Sorry I couldn’t answer your question properly, I think you understand why!

Matthew: What are you getting me for Christmas ’11? Also, your favourite sweet which is packaged in a tube shape?

Matthew I am planning to buy you a library. It seems appropriate because you like English...books..etc. (I do not understand this, but every man for his own.) The library will be grand: with over a million books dated from the beginning of time.

My favourite sweet in a tube shape is Love Hearts. I like reading the messages on them and giving them out to people telling them the message is from me. Yes, that’s sad. But you do follow me on Twitter and you know I live a sad existence.

Emma: If you had the opportunity to go to Korea but ALONE, would you go?

Pfft! Of course I would! There’s no stopping me when I’m trying to get what I want! Yeah, it probably would be straightforward enough apart from the dangers of death and me raping someone. Yenny lives there so I’ll live with her for a week. If she doesn’t mind. Of course, I would text you first and say “HAHA, going to Korea BRB. Enjoy doing your exams.”

James: If you became a lesbian and could elope with any and only one of your friends (female of course) who would you choose and why?

Ew James, you are so disgusting. I wouldn’t want to elope with any of my friends. Look at the cut of them! The only girl I would even consider eloping with is CL. And that’s only to get to T.O.P, to elope with him. Eloping is fun.

CL and CLaudia = POWER!

Elizabeth: What is the first object that comes to mind when you think of me?

Extremely curly hair. Sorry Lizzie, boring answer...but it’s true! And when I think of you your voice always speaks in my head? Weird.

James: If Elizabeth fell preggers and told you that there wasn’t a father would you believe her?

All these questions are now about Elizabeth!? Truthfully I’d prefer if they were about me. James, what kind of question is that: does Elizabeth think she is the Virgin Mary or something!? And no, I’d probably not believe her at all. Elizabeth is the most unlikely in the world to get pregnant out of wedlock.

James: If you could describe yourself as a weather event which one would you be and why?

I think I would be thunder and lightening. Because I get angry randomly and shock a few people. I’m also quite moody which explains the dark clouds. Cloudia. Hahahaha.

James: If you found out you had female baldness, I died and was your only match. Would you take my hair in a transplant?

Lol no. Because if I went bald I think, (this sounds awful) that I would quite enjoy wearing wigs. It would be something else I could customise. Everyone would understand that I needed to wear wigs and then I could collect lots of different styles to match my outfits.

James: If you lost your hands in a goose attack and the only hands you could have transplanted were Mark Campbell's would you?

Yes I would. Hands are hands James. That’s a really gross question btw.

Mary-Jane: If you could change anything about yourself, appearance or personality, what would you change?

Hmm, okay I shall list:

Appearance: Weight, vision and teeth colour.

Personality: NOTHING at all. Yes, I can be rude and nasty sometimes but you need a few flaws to keep you interesting.

- Claudia (I'M GOING TO FAIL MY EXAMS BECAUSE OF THIS.)

F is for...

Friends

Being human, I do have friends, even if I don’t blog about them much.

Not in order:

Kerri Nicholson- People describe her as the cool one but I know her well enough to know otherwise, jk jk :) Kerri is awesome: she always has great ideas for things which makes her a fantastic Head Girl. Outside school she’s so much fun: wee days out to Belfast are mighty craic, even going to Newcastle Mauds for some banter is brilliant. We share some really random interests too- who else would put up with a friend who likes Suju and the JoBros?

Amy McKee- The crazy one- Amy is strong-willed..and full of spirit! She’s the one that speaks truthfully when others wouldn’t dare, even if it could get her in trouble or if no one else agrees! She’s hilarious too, her ‘rants’ about her family or R.E make me laugh so much. We never agree on anything though, but for some reason it works for us being friends. We have just one thing in common: We both love Shannon!

Jordan Minnis- Jordan is the loud one because she never stops shouting! She’s really cool though, really great at working with the younger ones through S.U and stuff. She is great craic too: she knows how to start up a conversation. We’ve had great memories on msn! Giant calculators, sunglasses at night, the golden compass and of course, NANCY! (R.I.P)

Sarah Bolton- the more unusual one, who often hangs about with the boys! Sarah is class- she’s so sweet and we have had great memories. “Hi, I’m Claudia” “and I’m Sarah.” Both: “and we’re..your STALKERS.”

Naomi Stevenson- the quiet one. Naomi is my art buddy! I like her taste in music but not in men, we discovered during the art trip. We ♥ art.

James Mooney- The only guy? Yeah James is so cool, we both love Glee! He’s one of them people that you don’t know what way to take at the start until you get used to them, then you realise how hilarious they are. We only became friends over the summer, when he somehow managed to visit my house with Amy more than anyone, we sat and drunk tea and ate delicious cookies! Viva la moth!

Elizabeth Morris- Ah Elizabeth! So gentle, so kind, so organised! Elizabeth is one of the most sweetest people I have ever met: she doesn’t get angry or annoyed even in the worst situations. She’s recently starting to use Facebook: I don’t know if you’ll ever read this Lizzie, but we all love you!

Mary-Jane McBride- MJ/Mayjay can be summed up in few words: Pokemon and Anime. I think I’m attracted to unusual people because Mary-Jane is definitely one of them. Not in a bad way though! She makes me laugh a lot, and we get along very well: even if it looks like we constantly are insulting each other!

Alison Foster- You know how there are certain people you just love? Alison is one of them for me. Not only is she hilarious, everything about her makes me laugh: I must admit I feel quite annoyed somedays if she doesn’t come in! She makes my whole morning. But not only that, she’s really understanding too. I’m so glad she moved to our school, because I’m proud to call her my friend!

Rachel Haugh- Ah! Rachel has been my friend for such a long time! One of my remaining Primary School friends. Rach is so laid back, I could shake her sometimes: but it’s probably a good thing because she keeps me from losing my cool. She just accepts things and it’s so easy to talk to her. And I get to hear all the craic on the bus and in I.C.T. Bus buddies forever!

Noelle Gordon- Good owl’ Noelle. I don’t think a lot of people really understand her, but I really do like Noelle! She’s so chatty and so nice to me, ever since we sat beside each other in French in 4th year. We’ve never fallen out either, I hope we can be friends for a long time.

No doubt about it, all these guys would be at my 18th if I plan to have one.

Thank you for being my friends!! :) x

24. THE PERSON THAT GAVE YOU YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY

Dear Emma, Kerri, Alison, Jessica, Alison, Hannah, Sheepy, Andrew and Hutch,

Hello-I immediately thought of London when thinking of my favourite memory of this year.

Well where do I start? Firstly, I was worried that because I was looking forward to it so much it wasn’t going to live up to my expectations. But boy, I was wrong! It was so much better! I think because we were 6th year and basically could do what we wanted. Freedom is good.

The second thing I was worried about was who was going. I wasn’t sure if we all could get on. Again, I was wrong. I think we were all so excited it hardly mattered. We all helped each other, especially the boys carrying our heavy luggage. The train journeys were great craic too!

Okay, let’s see, what all did we do? *flicks open diary on days 30th March- 2nd April*

Well I wrote here that we left school at 5.45am on Tuesday 30th March. We all were going to different airports so I was with Hannah, Alison, Hannah and William. The flight was around 8.30am and we got the train then tube to the hotel. Easy peasy. We were the lucky people. 3rd years in our group weren’t booked for their flight so they had to get a later one. And the other group’s train journey was an absolute disaster. Someone jumped in front of the train, supposedly!

So we had time to have a wee look round Wembley, which was pretty cool. Others arrived then, with their suitcases! But people were still missing.

Okay skipping through, that night us 6th years went to see WICKED! In the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Wow, just thinking of it makes me cry because I want to see it again so so badly! It was immense!

Fast forward to the next day, we had our first breakfast in the hotel. Thistle Marble Arch, again. Same as we went to in 3rd year, but it’s a really nice hotel. Anyway, this is where Emma and I discovered waiter Henry Chang! Well we named him that. Bless him.

It says here, we done ‘a bit of shopping’ so was that the day Emma and I got lost finding Hamleys? Maybe it was the day Jessica went to Pandora and Superdry and we saw the hottest dressed Asian guys on earth at the bank machine? Funny I didn’t write that down...?

We also went to Harrods, which was good. Then we went to the V&A museum which was interesting.

Oh! And we met Emma’s friend Erica from sking and her friend Lauren. Jessica didn’t believe we were actually meeting up with someone, but even though it was awkward at first it was super fun at the end. Starbucks and talking about our culture and stuff is so interesting. We were ‘jamming.’ :D

Later that night we went to the cinema and saw ‘The Blind Side.’ This film was amazing, and at first I wasn’t keen on seeing it. But it’s out on DVD now, so go buy it. Ohh but there was a problem at the cinema? With the woman who supposedly was manager didn’t understand group tickets or something? Mr Cunningham was going to kill her, but to be honest I felt sorry for her! I’m guessing from my bad memory that we went to Pizza Hut before the cinema. Andrew’s pizza didn’t arrive and he got it for free!

Thursday, we started the day with Madam Tussauds! We had a wee chat with R’Patz and Johnny Depp and the boys met their idol, the Pope.

Then we went shopping to Covent Gardens. We ventured into a cute wee shop called Octopus and that’s when I discovered I lost my Audrey Hepburn brooch! :(

For a quick cuppa, we went to a little place called Candy Cakes that sold the most adorable cupcakes.

Aha! According to this, today was the day we ‘saw the most stylish asians ever! :)’ LOL. And duh! Emma and I got lost in Picadilly Circus that day! When we asked for directions this stupid man made us go the wrong way! Ah it was awful looking back on it, but it was fun exploring the place. Emma’s feet nearly fell off though! By the time we met up with the others, it began to rain, so we headed back to the hotel to get ready for...

THE LION KING! Two theatre performances in a week! I think we would have enjoyed this performance if we saw it before Wicked. But it was brilliant anyhow.

On our way back, us and a couple of third years observed a show on the street. This little Asian guy was doing magic tricks and used Sarah Tompkins to help. He wasn’t that good, lol, but he did make a table float! And he was from South Korea, so at the end Kerri, Emma and I went over and blithered some Korean to him that we had been learning. And Emma said she loved him.

To continue, Emma and I got lost for the second time that day, probably because we were so past ourselves. THANKFULLY Emma knew what tube to take to catch up, because I was having a mental breakdown already.

Also this day was April the first, so Kerri joked that her and John broke up the night before. The thing was, we ALL knew, but we thought we were pulling a joke on each other so we all played along. It worked very well! Very smart, Kerri...

Then, in a flash, it was Friday. Good Friday actually. That day was my least favourite, just because it wasn’t as epic as the rest. It rained a little while we were in Windsor. There’s really not many shops either. We went to the Good Friday service in the church. After we got food and Kerri decorated her fish. However the train journey home was excellent, squirrels! And the man behind us tutting, LOL.

So then, before we knew it, we were home! It all went too fast. And I can’t even remember all the fine details. It was absolutely brilliant and wish we could all go again.
Thanks all for making it as great as it was!

- Claudia :)

PRETTY;

I would like to move to Livejournal, but I feel that Blogger gives me more privacy. However, I was a bit taken aback when James bounded over on Thursday declaring he read all my blog the night before. This means I need to be more careful what I write, or remove the link from where ever he found it. Hello James.

I changed my blog layout again, it's all vintage. Quite pretty, apart from the big orange banner at the top. Them coders are getting better at hiding them stupid things in the html.

I have study leave from school now, which is great: 24 access to tea and henry, and some revision can be done too, I guess. :) I only have three exams, not counting 15 hour practical ICT next week. Art needs to be completed too, but I can manage that okay.

BONAMANA was released- Super Junior's new track, and now their album too. (Mine is on it's way) I have a constant need to talk about them, I even use them as a study aid. I was giving off earlier that I'm too old to be like this, but I was talked out of it by Kerri. (who is now head girl, go her :D )

I wonder when it will end?

and what will I move onto next?

UPDATES

Super Junior comeback in a number of days. I'm so excited!! :D

On Friday past I got tickets for Lady Gaga on 2nd November in Belfast. Kerri, Emma and I are going, shall be amazing. :)

My exams start in 6 weeks, SIX WEEKS!!! *dies*

Seven members of Suju now have Twitter: Donghae, Shindong, Henry, Heechul, Sungmin and Siwon. Yay :D

I've lost 31/2 pounds at Slimming World. :D

Ahh I have to go, I'm in a rush.

DREAMS

Hello,

Haven't blogged properly in a while, well that's the way it feels. I've been busy, but at the same time I haven't done much. I really need to start preparing for my art exam in school, but I just can't be bothered.

I have dreamed like every night this week, I do like that. I look forward to sleeping now. I think last night was the best night of sleep I've had in months. But I wonder why it has started. After asking Kerri and Emma, they said they were dreaming a lot too. And Jared tells me his silly dreams every morning when we are walking down the road to get the school bus, so he has been dreaming too. Let's hope it continues.

During the day I've been in a good mood for no particular reason, especially today. I was at the gym this morning, then Jared, Mum and I went and got coffee. Now I'm home and the house is peaceful.

I can't wait for London! We had another meeting on Thursday and every time we do I get even more excited. We are only there for like 5 days, but our schedule is jam-packed.

Darn, Mum just appeared from nowhere and decided she wants to help clean out my wardrobe. I must leave. More later.

-Claudia

HALF TERM

Ello.

Hooray! It's half term. That means I have 5 days off including the weekend! (thumbs up)

But I also have 3 essays, one coursework updating, 6 art sketches and Great Gatsby annotating due for when I get back. (thumbs down)

Paul's Missionary Journey 3 Essay

Pliny and Trajan Essay part B

Compare and Contrast English Essay

Great Gatsby Annotating

I.C.T Coursework Updating

6 Art Sketches

Hmm I need to work more this evening. But today is FUNFRIDAY ONCE AGAIN.

Emma invited Kerri and I down for my minor late Birthday Party. Emma's made me a present and Kerri has brought something so I'm excited. ^_^

Yesterday was the Careers Day at school. We got out a period to walk round some stalls with people telling us more about universities and crap. It was very good actually. I think I know what I want to do in uni. I want to go to University of Ulster in Belfast to do an Art and Design course. I know it's silly to do art but I might as well do something I like. The woman suggested that I should do a foundation year to experiment with different art, then the year after I can choose what route to go down- like that could be fine art, textiles etc.

I have been to that University before at a gallery of student's work last June. Wow it was amazing. It looked like so much fun, and the student life looked class. But I still have another year of school- so I'll put it to the back of my mind for a while.

Creepy.

I'm currently drinking tea and eating a yoghurt. One of my favourite things to do, even though Kerri once said it was gross that I was mixing a hot drink with something cold.

Yay, I know what I want to do for my art exam. I don't think I said my theme was PROGRESS. Which really sucks. But I know what I'm going to do: The Progress of TECHNOLOGY! Then I can draw iPods, Computers and YOUTUBE STARS. = Charlieissocoollike :D

Haha I know how to get my own interests squeezed into my art. ;) Hmm.. I wonder how I could get Super Junior in there too...

By the way, I have been converted to a GLEEK. I can't wait til next Monday.

THOUGHTS

My Blogger layout is so gay.
Everyone else on the site has the "Minima" layout. They could do with making some different ones. I searched the whole internet for a new one, but unfortunately my Macbook can't download the templates, so I had to make do with the HTML ones, which are rare. I found this cool Heechul one, but it was too skinny for my long rants and big pictures. So I gave up after two days searching and went back to using Minima. =/

Um yeah what else.. I was at the gym tonight. The Fit Chinese Man was there. I've named him that. He's not exactly attractive, but he just walks about looking fit. Somedays he works really hard on the weights and the machines, but tonight he just sat about and chatted to the other fellas. They didn't do much either. It's fun to watch.

He's in every Tuesday evening I see. (sounds stalkerish) Unless there are TWO Chinese Fit Men... maybe he has a twin?! So many questions...

But anyway I want to have more nicknames for my fellow gym companions. It could turn into a fun game.

I am also worried about the future of Super Junior. I know it sounds silly, but when you feel so attached to a bunch of Korean guys you feel a pang of sickness that it could end. Like, a 13 member band can't go on forever.. can it?

I often wish I could blog inside my head and it would automatically post online when I wish. When I sit down and decide to write an entry it never is as effective typed out as in my head. I think about things I could write about during the day, but when I get home I usually forget my good ideas.

I feel so stressed at school recently. Art needs to be done for Friday, and this week I'm getting a pile of essays to do from every class. It scares me so much. I'm getting a sore head from trying to get everything done and I feel exhausted. I hope university is better. University. Another thing to add to my worry list!

It's my birthday on Saturday. (The 6th) It's the last thing on my mind, as I went out to Belfast with Emma and Kerri on Saturday past. So there is nothing to look forward to. My provisional license arrived in the post last week. That doesn't excite me either.

Stay healthy,

-Claudia

UPDATES

HELLO

I haven't blogged for a while. I've actually forgotten about it because I've been so so busy.

Updates...

TUESDAY: I went to Slimming World, which I had wrote about in my last entry. My diet is going really well. Oh! I also watched GLEE for the first time. I'm still not a fan yet. I don't see what's all the fuss about.

WEDNESDAY: I borrowed a Vibroplate from one of my Mum's friends. All you do is stand on it and it basically shakes your fat about. It helps you to lose weight the lazy way.

THURSDAY: I got my R.E results. I done really badly and was quite annoyed. Only got 50% in my exam. Aw well. It's only mocks. Jared didn't do so great either. Mum wasn't impressed.

FRIDAY: I went on an English trip after school to Belfast til late. Jordan, Kerri, Emma, Laura, Mary Jane and I went to Blue Pizza Co for our tea. (diet ruined) Then we went to the Lyric Theatre (which is across from Queen's University) and saw the worst play in the world. It was called The Caretaker by Harold Pinter. Lethal.

SATURDAY: I cleaned all day. ALL DAY. My container has never looked so good. I woke up at 10am and cleaned constantly til 6pm. I was exhausted. That night I went to Rachel's 17th Birthday party and we just caught up on the craic and watched "Legally Blonde." Seen it about a dozen times, but still really funny.

TODAY: Church as usual. Then after Sunday Dins I went out driving round the yard in Mar's car. It was awful. I HATE DRIVING.

Blast this entry. Time for a new one.

UPDATE

I took a day off school today to revise. I never do that. It's weird.

I haven't started yet.

But I have started to IRON! I hate it.

Okay, here is how the New Year's Resolutions are going:

Be crazy and adventurous:-

• Go out in the weekend
• Try new food- Mum gave me lamb chop for dinner yesterday and I was near sick.
• Wear different clothes
• Go different places
• Listen to range of music-Started to listen to more K-Pop, love it!
• Learn new language-Learning Korean.
• Watch movies- I have Transformers to watch.
• Plan events and carry them out.- Currently planning LONDON. My Birthday party too, less than a month.

Meet new people- hmm, I don't know if I have done this one yet or not.

Become closer to God- I should really have more quiet time.

Learn to drive- STILL not behind the wheel. But I sent my provisional away yesterday!

Save money- I put money into my bank account there on Tuesday. Desperately trying to save for London at Easter.

Become nicer to people- Temper? Okay I guess.. but I have been moody round the house, possibly exam stress. And I don't swear as much, that's good. I think I have been more polite, but I forgot about this resolution so these are all guesses.

Lose Weight- die die die die die die die

Exercise- woo! I was at the Gym on Tuesday evening and I think I'm going again tonight. I wonder will the fit Chinese man be there...

Become more creative- fail fail fail!! I haven't done any "fun" art yet, just school stuff. Actually quite proud of my school stuff though...

Volunteer- No, still lazy and useless as ever.

Pass exams- Well this isn't going to happen if I don't start revising!!!

WILLPOWER

WILLPOWER

WILLPOWER

Emma and I saw Kerri dance to "It's You" last night. It was amazing. I scorn my foolish younger self for refusing to go to ballet when Mother asked me to.

The many faces of Claudia and Kerri: Part 1

grrrrr

smiles

the constipated look

grin...

"konichiwa!"

"Sophisticated..?"

Emo Fail.

*happy*

yay