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

On the Road

Dear Aunty Grace,
Today is such an overwhelming day for me. I finally got my drivers license!!!

After calling mum and dad raving about the good news, your name came up into my contacts as the third person whom I would call with news like this. As always, anything exciting that would happen to Meagan or myself, you were next in line to call after our parents so we can scream and celebrate together and most likely plan a Breakfast or Macca's day. After reminding myself that you are no longer here, I want to be able to tell you in some way or form.

Your youngest niece is on the road legally driving. After commenting on everyone in the family's driving, I hope you will be impressed with mine, and that I don't scare you as much as others have in the past. 

I miss you, and although I know your super proud of me at this point in time, I want you to know that we all miss you so much. Saturday night, the first birthday Meagan I and I experienced where we didn't get a phone call before school with you singing happy birthday to us was not the same. Although there were so many people to help us celebrate this occasion, we all knew that there was someone missing. I can speak for myself, Meagan and Josh to know that the first family function without you was indeed difficult, and they're not going to be ever be the same again. 

I Love you so much 

From Claire 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

MY NEW CAR!

Today ladies and gentleman, I am proud to announce that I have bought something that I have been working towards for three years now.

I am a proud new owner of a 2008 Ford Focus. It's a beautiful titanium grey colour with five comfortable seats and a spacious boot to put all of my expensive shopping bags in.

That is correct.

All of those ugly days working at a supermarket have FINALLY paid off. In just one month (pray to God) when I pass my driving test, I will be a free soul driving around my beautiful little car.
(Oh how much I just want to sleep in it, tuck it in and make sure that it's not too cold sitting outside.)

I feel as if I have no taken upon the responsibilities of a small child.

Dear Lord what have I done?

Claire Louise xxx

Grace's Mills and Boon

This is just a HUGE appreciation post to the company of 'Mills and Boon' novels, and how great the Australian company have been towards myself and my family this past week.

My Aunty Grace has been sick for a little while now, and spent her birthday in the hospital. I wanted to do something for her that I know would put a huge smile on her face.

I contacted her absolute favorite book company asking if they were able to put in some sort of dedication into one of the novels. 

Now when I say her 'favorite' type of books, she is obsessed with these books, they're all she reads. Her house has these small romance books cluttered everywhere.

After I had a response saying that it was not possible to put in a small message into one of their books, I accepted the fact that I had tried and I had to think of another way to brighten her mood. 

However yesterday whilst a friend of mine was over, we were chatting away attempting piles of school work, the postman rang the doorbell with an oversize box addressed to myself and my Aunty.

Inside this box is around 20 'Mill's and Boon's' novels from all different authors, and a small note thanking Aunty Grace for being such a dedicated and loyal fan for all of these years. 

My Aunty is beyond sick at this point, she is non responsive at the moment, but she can hear us. I know she can. Despite the fact that I will never be able to give her these books to enjoy and read, they are something that I will keep forever, and look at them as a memory of her and all of the times she attempted to write one of her own novels, and tried to get me hooked on them.

I would like to thank the company of Mills and Boons from the bottom of my heart.

The generosity you all have shown towards myself and my Aunty is outstanding and I will be forever grateful for the troubles you have traveled to send out these books to me. 

Thank you so much, although it is only such a small doing, I will never ever forget how you have brightened my day and how much you influenced my Aunty's life with these soppy love story novels. 

Aunty Grace, I know you will love each and everyone one of these novels, one day I will read them all too and we can talk about them together. I thought that I could surprise you with this gift, with all of these new books I wanted you to enjoy them just as much as I did when I received it from the postman. I will keep them nonetheless, just for you. 

Claire Louise xxx

ED SHEERAN

My goodness Ed Sheeran everyone...

At 2:25pm myself along with my best friend arrived in an ongoing line, waiting for the door entry to Ed Sheeran's concert.
After waiting in the hot sun for multiple hours, the swarm of people were allowed into the Arena, everyone pulling out the big guns, elbowing and exciting shouts.

We were released into the mosh pit standing area, were we were told to sit down and wait in anticipation for this beautiful red headed man to come out.
And boy was he worth the 5 hour wait. Ed walked onto the stage with nothing but his guitar and his loop pedal.

After having seeing him two years ago, my expectations were high, but this show completely blew me away. This man is so versatile and the confidence that he had talking to the crowd, my goodness. He is a very rare artist that shows utter appreciation towards his life and the impact shows like these does to him. There were times whilst he was singing where the man would just stop and smile. Ed would just look out at the audience and smile this cheesy grin, something that is rare in an artist.

He had the power to silence each and every spectator in the Arena, and sing one of his much slower and meaningful chords, which for me was the most beautiful song he played. He sang Tenerife Sea with such passion in his voice that I think startled each spectator. 

This man had such an effect on me last night, it is safe to say, I would pay $100 over and over again to see him slam on his guitar over and over again.

Here is a poor quality picture of Ed with my shaking hand trying to capture this beautiful moment. 

JJAMM CAMP!

Earlier this week myself and another captain from my school left for Sydney to attend JJAMM camp. JJAMM camp is something that 40 students (2 leaders from each Josephite school) all around Australia attend to. 

At 5am we were up on Valentines day to the airport so nervous and anxious what the week will hold. Least did we know, each student attending this retreat had the same mixed feelings as we did. 

JJAMM stands for Joseph, Julian and Mary Mackillop. These three iconic people were the centre of the camp. We furthered our knowledge and based our leadership around what we can do to portray the Mary Mackillop spirit in our schools. 

This camp was such an influential experience, that made me stop to think of what type of person I want to be. These 40 people who we spent five long and tiring days with have influenced my way of thinking, and made me realised what a lucky human I am to have opportunities like these.  

To the group of girls that I centred myself around for the five days, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. We created an unbreakable bond within the first day of arrival, it was amazing to get to know all of you. It was as if we had been friends for years not just days.

To the other 30 leaders, from my rad (undoubtable winners) dance group, my adorable roommates, the Uno competitors after hours and finally to the back of the bus games group, I want to thank you all so much for influencing the way I now think, and  for making me understand the person I wish to be. 

I will never ever forget the experience nor ever take it for granted. Thank you to all who made it memorable, and I have no doubt that in ten years time we will all be still the outstanding leaders we already are. 

Claire Louise xxx

Big First Day!

So today was the big day. The last first day of high school I will ever have to attend to. It was so full on and overwhelming for a Friday. 

It begun with an entire school assembly which was run by myself along with the other six college captains. Then throughout the day was filled with information, lectures, reuniting with familiar faces and jumping up and down to the fact we were put with friends in certain classes. Something kicked in however, hours after school ended, this year is going to be a BIG year.

So whilst I begun my final year of school to a level of contentment, here I was working at my part time job after school, realising that there is one more year left of high school, that is it, I will not be returning to this school next year. All of the friends you have made, the lovely teachers who have helped you along the way and shaped us as people, they are all going to be a memory. 

My advice that I cannot stress enough to everyone is just try your best this year. 

- Try your best in your studies. Create a goal now that you wish to aim for and work your butt off until you get there. When you are head set, you are mind set.

- Try your best to make sure you are always smiling. There will be crash moments, many of them, but just keep smiling, as I was told today, the sun will always rise and the stars will always be there, no matter what happens.

- Try your best to make friendships with those who you never thought you would befriend. Who knows, they may be there for your when you have no one.

- Try your best to however also keep your friendship groups this year despite the frantic studying. They may frustrate you, and you may not be invited to all of their endeavours, but they are your friends and you respect that.

-Try your best to continue your regular hobbies, continue your sport games, and your dancing. Read that book that you have been saying, 'I'll get to that when I have time.'

-That leads me to finish off by saying, always make time. Nothing is ever too important to take a step back and breathe. In the end, the score or mark you receive at the end of high school does not define you as a person. 

We can do this!

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 

KATY PERRY

Last night, along side some delicious foods and lovely company, myself along with my cousins and siser went to the fabulous 101 Katy Perry's Prismatic World Tour show. What can I say, she put on such an outstanding performance, my heart melted when she came on stage. 

At the very moment she opened the night with Roar, I new that what she was doing was something that I aspire to do someday. Perhaps not sing in front of 40,000 people, because let's be honest, I don't know too many people who would pay to watch me sing, but perform, have people look up to you and think I want to be there, that is what I want to do.  It is a powerful feeling and I hope one day, that I will be able to inspire even just one person like Katy has to follow your crazy and wild dreams, I will be happy. 

Anyhow, her acoustic songs, we hands down, leave the building, amazing! By the Grace of God and Thinking of You ugh. I think I may have shed a few tears during these songs, it was spectacular. She is an amazing performer, and to have done this very same show 101 times and still come out with that much energy, is respectful. 

It was one of the most amazing concerts I have been too, and would definitely recommend seeing someone as influential as herself. 

Claire Louise xxx

Trevi Fountain Experience

Stop and take a breath.
Release all negative feelings and take in the serenity.
Look ever so carefully at your surroundings, this may be the last time you return.
The water falls off the architecture, you begin to feel something different.
The noises around you simmer, speech is irrelevant.
Look up.
Believe in the breeze and free your mind.
Crowds of people circle around wanting to capture this moment.
When the moment of bliss arises,  you turn your back, facing the tongues of different cultures.
This brings a smile to your face, you clench your fist a little tighter, knowing momentarily it will be gone forever.
You raise your hand, over above your head.
Close your eyes, think of nothing else.
You begin to countdown in your head 3,2,1
Release the tension in your hand, let go of your fears.
The universe is now in control.
You hear the little drop into the fountain.
It's time to turn back around and face the mystery.
The water is still.
Like anyone else, your dream has fallen into the pond of mist.
All that's left is hope.
The hope for you to return one day.
The hope to change your life.
The hope that whatever you paused for, will bring you peace.
It's time to leave now, you take everything in for the last time and finally, you release that breath, turn away and never look back. 

Claire Louise xx

Friends

It is safe to say that today is a big day in my life as to speak. 

After a long year filled with laughter and tears today is the day it is all finally over. Sitting on the burgundy couches with my older sister together, once a week watching our favourite TV show, today it’s all over. 

This does seem completely over dramatic, but a ten year series, all officially over today. 

This is a completely big moment in my family’s life right now. To anyone I mean ANYONE who is bored or trying to put off studying (not that I am or anything) I can honestly recommend that this TV show is one of the best comedy series in the world. 

Every single episode has its own spice to it, they never ever fail to put you in a better mood. Ugh, I don’t know how I am going to waste my time anymore now that I have completed the series. 

What am I going to do with my life? Each character is played so well, they make the series feel real, and like you are part of the clang. Oh gosh I can feel the tears already.

Would recommend 10/10 no doubt. 

Claire Louise xxx

20 Facts About Myself

1. My Name is Claire Louise.
2. I am an Australian student aspiring to fit into societies expectation
3. My birthday is May 28th
4. I have an unhealthy obsession with change.
5. I cannot wait to finish school to be able to travel the world, sit at unique little café's beside rivers and bridges and drink sweet juices whilst reading a book.
6. I have an intolerance to Gluten, which I don’t completely understand to what extent as it at this moment.
7. My greatest talent is the art of procrastination. Possibly one of the only things I will master in this lifetime.
8. I was lucky enough to travel to Italy earlier this year with my school. I can honestly say it was the greatest experience of my life. The sights I was fortunate enough to see, and the group of friends I have made I believe will stay with me forever.
9. I met one of my best friends at the young age of 4. She is one of the greatest souls I have ever met and although we don’t see each other as we would like to, whenever we do, it’s like we were never apart.
10. Earlier this year I completed my debutante ball. It was such a fun experience dressing up feeling beautiful for a night.  
11. I have a dream dictionary placed next to my bed so I can quickly research my dreams when I wake. I believe that your dreams play a strong part in setting out your life. They are a sneaky way in telling the future. 
12. Acoustic artiest with heartfelt lyrics are the greatest.
13. I love dancing. I wish I had pursued It and continued classes, it was something which brought me full contentment and joy, despite the fact I was not very good at it.
14. I have double jointed elbows. I guess that’s a cool party trick to pull out.
15. I have a sister whom is three years older than me. - She's like my personal taxi so I cannot really complain about her.
16. Being on stage fills me with a thrill, I love the idea of performing to an audience although it freaks the hell out of me. I like the idea that you have full control of your audience. 
17. There have been multiple occasions where I will stay up till all hours of the night to finish a book I have fallen in love with. Even if that means paying the consequences the next morning.
18. I love the feeling of making someone smile or laugh. Not only does it make yourself smile inside, but is a pain release in many ways than not.
19. I am a strong believer towards the saying that goes 'everything happens for a reason'. I live by the idea that there is no such thing as a coincident, everything that happens is just a chapter in your life.
20. I love Chinese foods. Satay Chicken could be declared the greatest food in the entire world I think.