19

Sooo this weekend I celebrated my 19^th birthday with a few of my favourite people, drinking waaay too much alcohol (do not recommend kids) and danced until our feet could take no longer.

I began the morning with some smashed avocado (YAS) and a scrumptious apple, strawberry and orange juice from Common Galaxia in Seddon. Such a good breaky/brunch location. I surrounded myself with my family throughout the day, oh and cake, very important not to forget the cake.

Saturday night we hit the town, painted it red (do people still use that saying anymore?)

Claire Louise xxx

Relay For Life

This weekend my family and I participated in the Cancer Council's Relay for Life. It is a 24 hour relay to raise money and awareness for those who are suffering or are no longer with us due to Cancer. 

The idea surrounding Relay for Life, is that hopefully in years to come, our generations children, and those after them, no longer have to hear the words 'you have cancer,' due to the money that has been raised towards helping create a cure. 

Together as a community, approximately 98 teams had registered, and over 1300 registered participants walked from 12pm Saturday afternoon, and some into all hours of the night, until 12pm Sunday. 

The weather didn't wash out the smiles and music as team members walked on reaching their goals. 

I sucessfully walked 50 laps on a 400m athletics track, with the help of my sister and best friend. Together we walked for hours on hours. Although we are all run down and extremely sore today, the day after. It was all worth it. 

If you would like to donate to the Cancer Council, all proceeds, not matter how big or small are appreciated. 

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/ 

Claire Louise xxx

2016!

2015 you have been an unbelievable roller coaster ride and I want to thank you for the amazing accomplishments that I have mastered this year, however I gladly open my arms to 2016 looking forward to what the future holds.

2016 begun successfully spending the night with my closest friends celebrating the greatness and challenges we together shared throughout 2015, and I could not have asked for a better night. 

Promising yourself a 'New Years Resolution' is something that I do not quite believe in, however, I do believe in a clean slate. I believe that since entering a new year, opens the door to new opportunities and unfortunately challenges which need to be overcome. It is the chance to change whatever you were not entirely content within the previous year and is the chance to focus on all of the positives which you experienced throughout your journey. Those who you wish to eliminate out of your life, 2016 is a clean slate, they do not need to enter the new year beside you, however, can stay with the memories that you shared with them. 

After the welcoming a new member to my family, completing my schooling career, meeting and taking in an exchange student for 12 weeks, experiencing the thrill of becoming a 'Beliber' losing someone who I never thought I would have to say goodbye to, and making new friends however rekindling the older friendships 2015 was a year that I thoroughly enjoyed and will never forget.

I wish everyone the best of luck for 2016, may we only focus on the positive and uplifting events throughout the year and grow from the negatives that come our way.  

Claire Louise xxx

I AM LEGAL WOO

This week has been such an enjoyable and overwhelming experience for me. I am officially an adult!!

Woohoo!!!

On Thursday I turned 18 years old and had my VCE theatre studies performance during the day, and again during the evening. It was such a beautiful day filled with not only nerves, but so many laughs and cheers. Our class performed the Greek Tragedy 'Medea' with such confidence and sass, every single person in my class performed to the best of their abilities, it was outstanding to be apart of. The amount of cake I received that day could have possibly fed my entire street. 

Last night along with my sister who celebrated her 21st birthday, I celebrated my 18th birthday with all of my closest family and friends. It was not until last night that I realised just how lucky I am to be surrounded by the most beautiful people in this world. I had such a beautiful night with my friends and family reminiscing about what has been a crazy 18 years.

I received so many beautiful gifts, I don't think I could ever express my gratitude I am feeling at this moment.  I am a legal adult who can legally drink, drive and vote, and cannot express my excitement throughout these past few days. 

Thank you so much to every single person who has helped me celebrate my 18th birthday, I would not have been the person who I am today without the help of the people I am surrounded by. 

Claire Louise xxx

Aunty Grace

Today has been just over a week since the death of the most inspiring and courageous woman I have known to this day.

After saying our goodbyes on Wednesday night at the hospital, on Thursday 2nd April, my Aunty Grace left us, free of any pain and distraught.

This past week has left my entire family in such a pit of emotions, I can't even begin to explain. Family get together's are now left empty, your contagious laugh isn't alive anymore and the candle burning next to your picture frame is left to light up the room in memory of your lively spirit.

Although at times it was painful travelling to the hospital multiple times a week for a few months, those times will be remembered for years to come. 

Yesterday we said goodbye, and celebrated the short life in which you lived. It was a beautiful service which had such a high and touching response from everyone who paid their respects. All of the nieces and nephews stood up to speak of memories shared with you and how you touched each and every one of our lives in a different way. 

Aunty Grace was the woman who looked after us when Mum and Dad were unable to. She was the woman, that if watching Hannah Montana made us happy, then she would sit down and watch it with us usually singing louder then the both of us just to make us laugh.

Aunty Grace took on the role of our second mother. She loved us as if we were her own children and did everything in her control to make sure we were always okay, even if she was unable to be with us.

I have no idea how spending every Saturday morning with pom poms entertained you at all of my netball games, but somehow, you made it a priority to be there. All of my dancing concerts, despite I was only in two or three dances, you were always there cheering me on.  

So many things have already happened in the past week that Meagan and I wish that you were here to gossip and laugh about with. The small things that happen between Meagan and I you would be the first person whom we would call. 

I don't think any words would do justice what you meant to Meagan and I and how much you effected the both of our lives. 

Although you are gone, you will never ever leave our thoughts. 

Claire Louise xxx

Happy Christmas Eve Eve

Happy Christmas Eve Eve Everyone. 

I hope that during the next few days, you are spending time with the people you love most, and you are laughing until your cheeks ache. 

Be nice to your family, thank them for everything they have done. Kiss them, hug them, shake their hand, show affection towards your family, as Christmas is a time of coming together. 

Love one another, and stop for a second before you unwrap your present and think of the kids who are just happy to be in a home, happy to be healthy, happy to be alive.  

Claire Louise xx 

Fundraising

Throughout the year, my family have been contributing in many fundraising events in order to raise money for bowel cancer. 

Bowel Cancer is an illness which has been floating around in my family for man years now, and has hit close to home on too many occasions. A staggering 13,000 new cases of bowel cancer every year is noticed in Australia. If one family can raise money to create a difference, the term 'bowel cancer' will never have to be talked about again.

Today was our final event for the year, the walkathon. This was a 5 hour event which consisted of walking around an oval. There was a delicious gold coin donation BBQ for lunch and cheeky lolly snacks to grab along the way. 

The weather was at it's peak during the walk but all in all was a success day with many smiling faces and sore feet leaving the oval. Spending the afternoon with all who matter was indeed a fantastic day.

To donate to an amazing cause, I have posted the link below, every cent counts, so please spare your change.

https://doyourownthing.everydayhero.com/au/fastuca-family-fundraising

Claire Louise xxx