JUNE

I had this post written but I forgot to post it. T_T

End of Year Show

So to explain the Harry Styles doll in my room...

I had to display my final University dissertation coursework as an installation piece in a gallery. This took place as a show called FIN. Family and friends were all invited for the opening night, which exhibited various work of all final year Media, Film and Journalism students. My dissertation was about Fan Culture (“The Transformation of Young People’s Identity through Popular Culture and Social Media” - to be exact) so I created an installation piece about how popular media texts can influence how a teenage girl can present themselves in offline spaces (their bedroom walls) and online spaces (their tumblr blog). I focused particularly on two popular fandoms of the present day - the Directioners and Wholock fans, and my goal was to compare and contrast how these fans behave through a case study and analyse the media's representation of the two groups. Basically my installation piece was the bedroom spaces of these two fans and the two computers represented their online presence, which demonstrated their behaviours (my findings) to others through visual arts practice.

I created two flash based mock-ups of Tumblr profiles for guests of FIN to interact with, shown above. There’s so, so much more I could talk about regarding the project, but that’s the basic outline so you have a general idea. I had a blast collecting objects to decorate my installation with, and it turned out sooo much better than I was expected. A lot of people complimented it, so I’m really happy! It was a great evening and worth every second of the hard work!

Comic-Con Belfast

Wayhey MCM Comic Con FINALLY made a stop in Belfast this year. And it was awesome. There was so much merchandise, but I’m afraid to say I bought very little - a Loki helmet shaped ring and a Thor keyring. I didn’t cosplay but I got quite a few photographs with others. All the cosplayers there were really nice, even when we felt so silly asking to get a photo taken with them! I spent the large majority of the afternoon hunting down a Doctor cosplayer who wasn’t 12 years old. (I found one, he was cute and from Australia!)  It was a super fun day out with Emma and Jared. Roll on next year!!

Dublin

To celebrate our results, Emma, Rebecca, Paige and I headed down to Dublin on the train for a spot of retail therapy and sight-seeing! Well, mainly shopping. Dublin seems so cultured and it was marvellous going somewhere new that we weren’t familiar with. Emma’s friend Rosa took us to a delish pizza place and secret cocktail bar - both places we would never have found on our own. It was actually class. We had so much fun!

CONCERTS IN MAY

OKAY IT’S BEEN TOO LONG, and I have no excuses.

The last few months have been hectic so here is a short summary since my last update. It started when I procrastinated writing a blog-post about P!ATD gig I attended in May, then it escalated. I'll probably break these posts up into different parts, so I give you all permission to shout at me if I don't write up June's post.

Panic! At The Disco

If you are ever offered the opportunity to see Panic! - take it. Brendon Urie live is so, so much better than what I was expecting. His vocal range is simply incredible, and he puts on one heck of a show: highlights included backflipping on stage, playing the drums and ripping off his shirt (cue many screaming girls). Surprisingly, Emma and I were some of the oldest in the audience. I just assumed our other 21 year old nostalgic ex-emo fangirls from 2007 would also be present at that show. However, recent releases (Miss Jackson (2011) onwards) have undeniably pushed Panic! back into the appreciation of teenagers today, which may suggest why the fans there were still 13-17 year olds in the Mandela hall. I felt old.

Regardless, he was fantastic, and I now love the album Too Weird To Live, To Rare To Die! after he opened with Vegas Lights. Give it a listen. He also performed the old favourites too - The Only Difference..., Lying is the Most Fun... and, of course, I Write Sins Not Tragedies. What a show. Oh! And the support act was King Charles - LISTEN TO HIM TOO, I’m now obsessed with Loveblood.

Rend Collective Experiment

We accidentally booked two concerts in the same week, so on the Thursday of that week, Emma and I were back at the Mandela Hall to see a completely different (probably the complete opposite of Panic) concert. Rend Collective is a Christian band from Northern Ireland but have found global fame within the worship music scene, with catchy folk rock tunes appealing to an even wider demographic. After Panic, honestly I felt a bit Meh about this gig, but man I was so wrong. Their support act was Tenth Avenue North and when I learnt of this, I was thrilled! They’re probably the only Christian band that I really, really like to listen to on Spotify, so I was super happy. They were fantastic!! The crowd went wild when Rend arrived, and their set-list was just wonderful. They interacted with the crowd and it was clear to see they felt very comfortable performing back in own city - ‘good craic’ as they called it. It’s smashing to see a band from Northern Ireland do well internationally, and create awesome God-centered music. It was so spiritually encouraging, just what I needed!

ROOM (3)

Hello, I’m back!

Good news: After many long and tiresome weeks working, I finally handed in my dissertation and other final year work this week, woohoo! Bad news: It’s the end of my three years as a university undergraduate! I don’t think it has really hit me that I’m basically finished, even though most of my stuff for the flat has been brought back home. However, as tradition stands, I had to take a few photos of my flat before I moved out. I think it’s nice to have some photos to remember what it was like. As you may know, I lived in university accommodation this year (instead of a student house), and it was the best decision ever. The cosy heating, constant hot water and speedy BT internet was all part of the price and the only thing we needed to pay for was keeping the electric meter topped up (between the four of us, about £10 every other month or so) Absolutely fantastic. It was very quiet which was perfect because I was working 90% of the time and a 5 minute walk to class. Plus, my housemates were probably the nicest and coolest people ever (we spent one dinner having a in-depth conversation about Doctor Who, and another was spent watching hilarious Eurovision entries). So yeah, I was super happy living at Maple, and I’m going to miss it!

Photos beside my sink - we shared toilet/shower rooms but had our own sinks

Yes, that is a Harry Styles doll. More on that later.

My desk and shelves - never realised how handy shelves like this were before!

Close-up of shelf

My view from my window - free parking for residents, shame I didn't have my car up.

Cork board!! Very much decorated, as expected.

The final of three university bedroom posts, first year here and second year here.

- Claudia

MEME 2014

Unnecessarily detailed answers over simple questions!! I’m in a rant-ish kinda mood, and it’s been ages since I’ve blogged properly and I need a break from coursework, so here we go...

Are you outgoing or shy?

Hmm... I’m definitely not outgoing, I find it difficult talking to people in large groups. I’m not shy either, because I can talk if I need to. But sometimes I just don’t like talking, and therefore people think I’m shy.

Who are you looking forward to seeing?

I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends who are living abroad this year. I miss them, and I’m looking forward to seeing them in the summer.

Are you easy to get along with?

I’d like to say yes, because I try to be friendly to everyone, but sometimes it’s difficult, especially if there’s a personality clash between me and them.

If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?

First of all, I don’t drink and don’t intend to. But if I was, I probably wouldn’t, because they would see me in a state that I wouldn’t want them to witness. 

What kind of people are you attracted to?

I’ve discovered I’m quite attracted to unusual, excluded and quiet people. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I just feel like I’m on a similar level to them and find them easiest to talk to. In looking at the opposite sex, I tend to be attracted to confident and clever guys - but I try to avoid those characteristics when looking for a boyfriend because they become patronizing and make me feel worthless.

Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?

Going by my lack of success in prior relationships, probably not. But who knows, that would be nice.

Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

Hmm, no, not really.

Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?

Emma I think? We were in the car on our way home from Coleraine. The topic was how crap we felt that we were both single. Eh, it happens.

Do you like it when people play with your hair?

Yes I do! I remember in Primary School girls loved plaiting my hair because it was so long.

Do you believe in luck and miracles?

I don’t believe in luck but I believe in miracles.

Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Nope, some things are best left in the past.

Do you still talk to your first crush?

Haha, sometimes! Not for a long time now. I was only 6 when I had the crush so I’m not sure if it counts.

Do you like bubble baths?

I love bubble baths! I got two bath bombs - one for Christmas and one for my birthday and haven’t used either. I was going to last night, but I think there’s something wrong with the bath tap and it still isn’t fixed. The only thing I don’t like about baths is the wrinkly fingers you get when you sit in the water too long.

Do you like your neighbours?

My neighbours are my Aunt and Uncle and Granny and Granda, so yeah I do.

Where would you like to travel?

Honestly I’m not big into traveling very much, but I have always wanted to go to Paris and Japan.

Do you have trust issues?

Unfortunately I do. 

Favourite part of your daily routine?

Reading my bible notes as I eat my breakfast.

What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with?

My tummy - it’s where I put on weight. Noot.

What do you do when you wake up?

I check the time on my phone usually, then I just get up, open my window, make my bed and go eat!

Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker?

I sometimes wish it was a bit darker so I had a beautiful tan all the time!

Who are you most comfortable around?

Emboooooot. 

Have any of your exs told you they regret breaking up?

Nahh

Do you ever want to get married?

Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t. When I was 16, I mapped out my life: I wanted to have found the man of my dreams by the age of 20 - then we would date for a few years and wed by the age of 24. Now I am 21, and I couldn’t imagine anything worse than getting married.

Do you play sports? What sports?

No I don’t, haha. I really am not the sporty type. 

Have you ever liked someone and never told them?

Haha yes, many times! Most times actually. I am spotting possible reasons as to why I may be single...

Describe your dream guy?

Goodness, where to I begin! Curly hair, gorgeous dark eyes and/or a killer smile gets me every time. Bonus if they wear glasses. Brilliant sense of humour and able to laugh at my lame-ass jokes. Gentle and kind. Christian of course. Not too romantic. Able to embrace and accept me the way I am. (Please send applications to.......)

What are your favourite stores to shop in?

I love ZARA, T.K Maxx (bargains yeooo) and River Island (sometimes). 

What do you want to do after you graduate?

After I finish my undergrad, I’m hoping (God-willing) to do a Masters. After that... I’ll probably geta  job somewhere or if that’s not available, I’ll keep doing various design freelance work.

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

I guess it depends on the situation and what destroyed the first chance.

If your being extremely quiet what does it mean?

Ohh! Good question. I go very quiet if I’m in large groups, with people I don’t like, if I’m tired or if I disagree with what someone says.

Do you smile at strangers?

I try to smile at strangers - I actually made it as one of my New Months Resolutions last year (trying out something for a month) but it’s actually really hard because you don’t want to look creepy or give guys the wrong idea, haha.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

Lots to do! I am a morning person. The earlier I wake, the better I feel. I know that goes against the norms of most people my age, but if I wake any later than 11am, I feel there’s no point getting up because half the day is basically over.

What are you paranoid about?

I fear people think I’m overweight - even though I’ve lost a lot of weight since school. Still, I’m afraid of looking fat and I’m very self-conscious about it. 

Ever wished you were someone else?

Definitely not. While I’m sometimes unhappy with my appearance (who isn’t, I guess) I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.

One thing you wish you could change about yourself?

I wish my metabolism worked quicker. Doesn’t matter how well I eat or how much I exercise, I could stay the same weight for three weeks solid. Then I give up and eat crap and immediately gain 3lbs.

Ever been in love? 

No I haven’t.

Facebook or Twitter?

I’m saying Facebook because everyone is on it, and if you need them, they’re probably there. Plus you know what’s going on with other people.

Twitter or Tumblr?

Tumblr is wonderful but a terrible time-waster. (http://claudbeans.tumblr.com/)

Names of your best friends? 

Should I answer this? I have lots of wonderful friends in different places and I don’t like ranking them. Emboot has been my best friend for 9 years though.

Favourite animal?

Ooh, I can’t just choose one. I love dogs, zebras and alpacas.

Do you tan a lot?

Unfortunately I don’t! I used to tan a lot better when I was younger, but I think the many years spent as an ‘inside’ person ruined my tannable skin.

Have any pets?

I have three dogs: Toby the Westie, Mikey the Labrador and Bennie the Collie thing.

How are you feeling?

Honestly I’m pretty good, while I’ve loads of dissertation coursework to do, I’m pretty positive about it all at the minute. I got a job which should span into the summer so I’m over the moon about that. With my end of year show, graduation and holiday coming up, things are looking promising.

Do you type fast?

Yes I do - I’ve been told that quite a few times. 

Do you regret anything from your past?

I try not to think about the past. I think anything bad that has happened to me before has defined me as a person, so I wouldn’t change anything. NO RAGRETS.

Do you miss anyone from your past?

Yes, so many people. It’s one of those things you become aware of when you get older, particularly when you leave school. People move on. You want to hold on, but it’s impossible. Life gets in the way, new friendships are made and old ones are neglected. It’s really hard.

Ever broken someone’s heart?

I hope I haven’t. If I have, I’m really sorry. Let me know if I have and I’ll make it up to you..somehow.

Have you ever been on a horse?

I recently learnt I’m actually VERY afraid of horses. They are really big and could crush you! I honestly don’t know how people think it’s okay to get on top of it!

Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt?

Yes, oh wow it’s such a bizarre feeling. If I really, really like someone I lose my appetite (that’s about the only time that happens...ha.)

Are you mean?

I used to be. I actually was really horrible to some people and I didn’t even care. I’ve softened over the years. People being mean to me allowed me to see perspective of how I treated others

Is cheating ever okay?

No it isn’t. Like some people already feel super insecure, the thought of their partner cheating on them makes it even worse. It is dreadful.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I don’t know. It’s never happened to me. 

Do you believe in true love?

I do believe it exists. But it hasn’t happened to me either.

What makes you happy?
I’m really happy when I’m laughing at really dumb jokes with friends, snuggled watching T.V with family on Sunday afternoons and that feeling that it’s going well when I’m working on graphic design stuff. 

TWENTY ONE

Evening all,

Already into my fourth week at uni, boy time is going fast! Currently working on my dissertation - focusing on Identity and Fan Culture, I hope you aren’t surprised about that. At first I thought it was super cliché to write about Fandom, but hey it interests me and current, so I’m having a blast to research it. However books are a problem, since most I’ve looked at are 2011 and onwards. Fan Culture is quite a new topic, so books relating to modern fandoms like Doctor Who or Supernatural are a clean fortune. I paid £55 for one book, broke the bank and broke my heart! 

Anyway, University has been fun this year - it’s been busy but I’m happy. I had my 21st on the 6th Feb. It was quite low-key but I didn’t want to do much when my friends were away, so I had a little family gathering instead. I had a tea-party and cake night for my granny, aunts etc. It actually was really nice. Plus Mum got me THE BEST CAKE EVER. See the pictures!! I also went out bowling and cinema with my classmates which was really lovely. Good fun indeed.

I received dollars mostly as gifts, which was appreciated for New York in July! I’m very excited. But before that I have my End of Year show (presenting my work) and of course, my Graduation! Also other fun things are booked, including Panic! At The Disco and Comic Con in Belfast. The next few months be a hoot! 

So yeah, I’m sorry this has been brief but life has been good! 

- Claudia x

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013

❐ Best Moments of 2013

• Meeting Liam Neeson and appearing on T.V!
• Andy Warhol Exhibition
• One Direction
• Hen Party in Manchester
• ‘Sim Thursdays’ with Sebastian
• Media Formal in May
• Seeing Josh Groban in Dublin!!!!!
• Diane and Aaron’s wedding - when I was bridesmaid
• Taking part in FUSED summer scheme again
• BBQ at Cranfield beatch
• Emma and Rebecca sleepover and fun day in Newcastle
• Helping out with art projects (The Giant Fish!)
• Making Mary-Jane’s 21st Birthday BOX!
• Laura’s Segway Birthday
• My Photography Project
• Doctor Who and Sherlock comeback
• Awesome days spent in Belfast
• Making Candy Canes for the IMA dinner with Seb and Emma.
• The best NYE ever. Ever.

❐ Biggest Achievements:

1st and 2nd place for my coursework at the Ulster Media Show 

4th place in a worldwide competition for Josh Groban’s ‘In The Round’ tour

❐ Biggest Failures:

2nd Year in general. It had it’s good moments yes, but it mainly sucked.

❐ Happiest Moment:

Waving at people out the window of a limo on Diane and Aaron’s wedding! Seeing Kerri and Emma when they came home for Christmas. New Year’s Eve - Otamatone and Jewish song dancing. 

❐ Saddest Moment:

Thankfully nothing particularly bad has happened this year, the worst was probably that My Chemical Romance broke up. :/ And that the Jonas Brothers are too?? 

❐ Biggest Shock:

Peter Capaldi?!

❐ Best Purchase:

My Graduation Dress - SALES FTW and my green Henry Holland coat.

❐ Greatest Musical Discoveries:

Alex Day and Marina and the Diamonds

❐ Song and MV of the Year:

This is Gospel - Panic at the Disco

❐ Best Film of the Year:

‘Star Trek - Into Darkness’ and ‘Frozen’

❐ Greatest Discoveries of the Year:

Gel Nails and Community!

❐ Biggest Addiction:

Youtube, Korean Drama ‘Heartstrings’ and Snapchat.

❐ Favourite People Award:

Paloma Faith, Captain America, Dan and Phil and ‘the fine strapping young lad’ Josh Groban.

Happy New Year everyone! 

- Claudia

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