Bubbly Belle

The Day I Turned Neon Green

2015-09-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I voluntered at the 5K Color Vibe Run in Greensboro. I would like to confess that in the beginning, when I had to wake up at 5:00 on a Saturday, I was not happy.

With the help of my friends and the new ones I mad, I ended up in this condition:

I had the blast of a lifetime throwing green powder at strangers. I know that sentence sounds super weird, but it was therapeutic in a way. Everyone was so happy to either run, jog, or walk the race. We had music at our station so that automatically made things 1,000% better.

Before the walk

My lovely green war powder

When you try and take a picture that's Tumblr worthy, but it's clearly not

I was finally able to get another color! Even if it was a just a smidgen

Before and after!

Update from my last post:

So I told the guy I like how I felt. It was a little awkward, and the information had to be pried out of me, but I did it at last. Just as predicted he doesn't feel the same, but that's okay because now I can move on since I officially know the facts. Him and I have actually decided to work on our friendship, so that's cool.

Until next time!

xoxo,

Ciarra

Guys: Can't Live With Them... Can I Try and Live Without Them?

2015-08-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've never had a real boyfriend. No one to ever awkwardly pick me up from me house on our first date. In high school I was never asked to prom. I've actually never been on a date either, so that means never getting all cutesy, then having your date pick you up and he also brings you flowers etc.

Story Time
It's time to get up close and personal.

"So there's this boy." This is the phrase that is equivalent to "once upon a time" in my little slice of hectic heaven.

There's this boy and I can't seem to get him out of my head. My friends don't see what's so special about him. I used to be able to describe to them what made him, him, but I'm not so sure anymore.

Five months ago he had me wrapped around his finger. I was tightly fastened into the roller coaster of his choice. We would go round and round, up and down. It wasn't all his fault though, I had many chances to get off the ride, but I couldn't seem to figure out how to unbuckle the seat belt.

So today I feel the after affects of a one sided relationship (I have a chronic issue of liking guys who don't like me back). So currently I'm battling my leftover feelings and new feelings of jealousy.

My biggest issue is trying to figure out how to maneuver our friendship. I'm also questioning if our friendship is even real, because for our entire "friendship" I liked him, so I was never able to gain solely platonic feelings towards him. And to him I was always "the girl who liked him." Currently it feels like our friendship is even one sided too, I mean what exactly are the requirements of a friend? Should I constantly have to hold him accountable? I know some relationships need work and effort to continue on, but when should you stop trying? When is it not worth it anymore?

So now I'm deciding whether or not to end our friendship, and if I do decide to end it do I: tell him I want to end our friendship and have us get into a big conversation or do I ignore him until my feelings dwindle away then try to be friends? But the biggest question is: do I tell him how I feel?

It terrifies me to think about letting him know what my feelings are, because I know he won't feel the same way. But will the pain of rejection at this current moment be greater than the pain of regret I could feel 1,2, or 5 years down the road because I never told him how I felt?

Now since my life really should be a lifetime movie, or a mini reality show on HBO, I must inform you that there is one last factor to my equation. Thanks to an anonymous source I know that he likes someone else. Apparently he fancies her a lot. And this she is not me. When I found this out my heart broke all over again for the 50th time. I was in a numb pile of shambles. I was learning to cope with him not liking me, but I'm no where near ready to see him be with anyone else. My sadness soon turned into anger and frustration and now it's simply "I hope to avoid him and never see him on campus" and so far I haven't seen him since this news was dropped. Thank God.

Part of me wants to be very confident and be like "yeah you might like her, but I'm Ciarra, hear me roar!" Yet the fear of rejection is literally consuming my entire body. I guess I have to face rejection more in order to overcome my fear, but must I overcome it today?

The funniest part of this entire blog post is that I'm not even sure why I like this guy. He hasn't done anything to positively change my life for the better. Literally nothing. But here I am, still pining over a guy who hasn't given a damn about me.

I know this blog is public and that he who shall not be named might see it, but I'm not worried, because I know he won't, he doesn't care about me enough to look at what I care about.

I'm quite perplexed and anxious so please give me any advice you have, because my little slice of heaven is cloudy this week.

xoxo
Ciarra

College Round 2: Sophomore Year

2015-08-20T10:00:00.001-07:00

If you ever ask me if I'm ready to go back to school the answer will never be a 100% yes. I mean, who's ready to go back to school after the summer I've had!? Now if you ask me if I'm excited to go back to school I'll give a pretty decent yes. I'm ready for the football games, Wii tournaments, and to get all of these 16 credits out of the way.

I'll have a job on campus too, along with my positions on three different e-boards, so it's safe to say that I will learn the skill of multitasking this year.

My Classes

I'm a Journalism and Mass Communications student with a concentration in multi-media. Since I'm a sophomore now I'm taking more classes directly in my major, which is kind of a scary thing. It's scary because taking these classes kind of represent what I could possibly be doing in the future and what happens if I don't like the work that I'm doing? So this is a little fear of mine that I have, but I'm just gonna wait and see what happens. My journalism classes are: Reporting & Writing, Inter Com in the Digital World, and Practicum-Print.

My other classes are:

Elementary French 1: I actually took one year of French in high school, so I kind of know what to expect and I'm thrilled to learn more of the language because I actually really love it. One day I want to visit southern France.

Survey of Humanities: I attended my first day of class and the first day is always the most boring day of the year. While we did briefly go over the syllabus, we went straight into this video called Why Man Creates . We only watched the first five minutes, but it was an animated historical composition of major creations in the world throughout time. I personally loved it and found it fascinating. The short was created in the 1960's so it doesn't have inventions after a certain date and I would really love to see the short updated to accommodate new creations. It is safe to say that I really think I'm going to enjoy this class, even though I already have a reading assignment.

Fundamentals of Algebra & Trigonometry II: Math is math so I'm ready to simply knock this class out of the way. I'm looking forward to the day where I will never have to take a math class again.

Dorm Room Inspiration

I got a few of my favorite decorations from the thrift store. I found a wooden sign that says 'Girl's Just Want To Have Fun' it's super duper cute. I also found a painting that mirrored the image of palm trees and a sunset. These two items are in the lounge of my suite. In my room I have string lights, a picture hanging device, and a piece of digital artwork of Circular Quay that I got in Sydney. I ordered a poster from Shutterfly recently too. I would've used Walmart Photo Center but their online system frustrates me so I decided to go with Shutterfly, even though they're more expensive, I hope it's worth it.

Random food for thought: Choose your color scheme wisely.

If you decide sophomore year or senior year that you don't want orange and pink as your color scheme anymore, you'll have to buy all new decorations and linens. And that can be an expensive hassle.

I have this issue with continuously keeping my room clean, so currently my room is not clean and actually not fully decorated because my Shutterfly poster hasn't come in yet and my stupid command hooks keeping falling off my wall. So this is my lame, but real, excuse for not having any photos up yet of my room and suite. But one day I shall post them!

Uh-oh, I have to head to class soon so I better jet!

xoxo,
Ciarra

Concert Tips & Tricks

2015-08-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to my fourth One Direction concert in 4 years. Besides seeing this lovely group, I have seen: The Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry, Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball (twice), Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown, Little Sea, and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Ticket Purchasing Tips

It's important to research and be on the lookout for presale codes. These will give you access to tickets before they go to the general public. Sometimes if you have a certain bank card, like Citi Bank, you can get early access to tickets.
Sign up for alerts with Ticketmaster and/or Live Nation. This way you'll always be updated in case an artist of your interest comes into your area.
Always buy tickets when they go on sale for a show that you're interested in, even if they go on sale a year before the show date because you can always sell them later.
Use the Ticketmaster app if you're not close to a computer when tickets go on sale. I once did this to buy tickets during one of my classes last year.
Have the seat map for the show you want to buy tickets for handy.
Try and open two browsers when you first try to buy tickets when they first go on sale. That way you can compare seats and see which seats are better.

What To Bring

NO water, it's never allowed.
I personally don't wear heels to concerts unless I plan on sitting during the entire show or I'm okay with having my feet hurt a lot. So my advice: don't do heels
Tissues, napkins, headache medicine, basic wallet necessities.
If your show is in a stadium you should check the forecast because you might have to bring a raincoat, waterproof phone case, or sunscreen.
External battery
Phone Charger

What To Wear

If your seating is general admission (GA), don't wear open toe or white shoes. Your feet will get stepped on, which will only lead to dirty shoes and hurt toes.
If your show is during the winter make sure to wear layers because you will get hot in the arena and wish you had worn a short sleeved shirt.

During The Show

Try to look up the set list to see what songs they are playing that way to can know what songs to record because most of the time someone else will be recording the show and will post it online.
WATCH THE SHOW. I hate it when I see people on their phone for 80% of the show. You're here to make a memory and live in the moment. So sing your heart out and dance like no one is watching.

General Tips

If you don't like crowds then leave during the last song because you will escape the massive amount of people trying to exit the show.
If your seat is not GA then there is no need to wait outside for the doors to open at 4 if the show doesn't start until 7. The only reason to go early would be to buy merchandise. You can actually just get merchandise during the opening act, the line will be much much shorter.
If you bring a sign be weary that they might take it, some arena's don't allow them inside and I wouldn't want all your hard work to go to waste.
I suggest eating beforehand because arena food is expensive. I paid $4.75 for a bottle of water this weekend...

Lastly, have fun. Don't care about what the stranger infront, next to, or behind you thinks.

3 years worth of One Direction concert tickets

I didn't take this photo but I absolutely love it. It's at a One Direction concert of course.

Pre-concert bagel bites and Polaroids

When you get to hang out with friends you met on Twitter and randomly met in the airport when you all were waiting to meet the same artist

My view when I saw One Direction in Baltimore

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda

2015-08-05T14:58:00.003-07:00

With fall semester right around the corner I am deeming this piece of inspiration as my go-to phrase for the semester. I'm starting a new job and new executive board positions for a few organizations so I know things will get hectic.

I challenge you to try to actively relieve some of your stress within the next few months. Let me know how things go!

The Last, But Not Least, Sydney Post

2015-08-04T11:06:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone!

This post is long overdue. Between finishing up my classes in Sydney, enjoying my last days there, traveling back home, then getting ready to move back to school, I haven't had time to post and I'm very sorry.

I'm writing to you from Virginia/North Carolina, so you know what that means: I'm no longer in Sydney *cue sad face*. I had to come back to reality at some point, but I wasn't ready to leave such a beautiful country with all of the new, and might I add, amazing, friends I made.

I loved singing along to Stacy's Mom with my roommate Shannon during karaoke night in the pub near our house and when Shannon got attacked by a cockatoo, it was actually hilarious and not dangerous at all.

I was only home for one week unfortunately and because I had to go back to school for training because I have an on campus job as a Peer Mentor. I only wish I had more time to reflect on my time in Sydney before going back to college, but alas, life waits for no one.

I'm partially writing this post in the wee hours of the morning because jet lag has become my newest enemy. Therefor I'm not quite sure at this moment how to articulate exactly how much I loved Sydney. A picture is worth a thousand words so I will take this moment to post picture after picture in hopes that you might catch a glimpse of what I experienced.

My view of Hyde Park from the Sydney Eye Tower (previously known as the Westfield Tower)

Another beautiful view from the tower

In between the buildings you can make out a few shells of the Opera House and the bridge is on the left

I saw this alleyway on Pinterest when I first started researching Sydney so I finally found it in my last week. It's called Angel Place and bird cages hang along the street as you can see.

We gave flowers to one of our coordinators at our farewell dinner and I felt the urge to take a picture with the bouquet

Our place setting from Steel Bar & Grill

My delicious salmon meal, it melted in my mouth. The best salmon I've ever had!

My 3rd and final meal of pancakes from Pancakes on the Rocks

Left to right: Me, Andrew, Shannon

Left to right: Me, Kelley, Andrew, Shannon

Shannon and I

Sarah and I (She wouldn't smile in any of the photos we took)

Top left to right: Sarah, Emily, Kat, Katie M, Katie W, Dorianne
Bottom left to right: Shannon, Kelley, Liza, Morgan
Missing: Addie

This was taken at Bondi

A pool right next to the beach at Bondi

Taken on a Bondi to Bronte beach walk

I took this on a cliff at the Royal National Park

Delicious ravioli at Mama Teresa's, a restaurant near our house

Devon Cafe in Surry Hills

French toast and chai at Devon Cafe

This bird sat outside our house all the time

The Great Outback

2015-07-14T17:43:00.002-07:00

Hi!

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've really been exploring around the city and my two classes are picking up a bit because we have papers due in about a week. So this post will mostly be photos, but when things calm down I'm going to add more details about my trip to Central Australia!

From the top of Anzac Hill with Alice Springs below

Cute restroom

These next photos are all together in a series of Uluru at sunset. Dan provided us with sparkling wine and nibbles. I'm not a fan of wine so I passed and spent the entire time at sunset eating all of the nibbles.

A nice group photo before sunset fully began

Let the sunset begin!

My silhouette at sunrise near Uluru

Our tourguide Dan

The Garden of Eden

This represents my life in a photograph

Doing cartwheels on a dirt road

Week Three in Sydney

2015-07-03T06:03:00.001-07:00

Sunday

I took the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach, it was about a 20 minute ferry ride. Before we took the ferry we chilled around the Opera House for a bit. The beach area was super quaint. There were trees right next to the beach, it felt like a fairy tale for some reason. I want to go back during the day and bring the Frisbee I bought at the mall above Paddy's Market, it has watermelons on it! I ate various foods all around Manly, so it's safe to say that I felt like one of those cute penguins in my last post when I was waddling around.

Botanical Gardens

On the way to Manly on the Ferry

Monday
I got all dolled up with three other students to catch a show at the internationally known Sydney Opera House. Before the show we grabbed a drink at the Opera Bar, they were pricey but delicious. Then we went inside for the 7pm show of Tchaikovsky's Manfred. I can proudly say that I stayed awake throughout the show's entirety from out seats in the back of the theater. By "back" I mean literally the last row, but it honestly wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. When someone says the word 'concert' to me my mind automatically goes to arena concerts, and being in the back for those is the absolute worst.

Left to Right: Me, Andrew, Katie, Shannon

Our seats with no zoom

After the show we went back to the Opera Bar for dinner. I ate Yellow Thai Curry Chicken and it was amazing! Except for when I swallowed the seed of a pepper and I thought my mouth was going to catch on fire... I don't do well with spice.

Tuesday
I didn't do anything particularly fascinated on Tuesday. The highlight of my day was going to a Thai restaurant for their lunch special. I always love a good deal!

Excuse my messy plate

Wednesday
Our history class took a trip to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. I've walked through Hyde Park a few times since being in Sydney and I've never been inside this building or even knew that it was a memorial. Our tour guide, Ryan, was very knowledgeable on Australian military history. Like I didn't know that Australians and New Zealanders fought in the World Wars.

Thursday
Since I don't have class on Friday's I found it necessary to go clubbing for the first real time since I've been here. We went to The Ivy and I had the best night of my entire trip by far! I looked good so I felt great, having confidence can do wonders for you, maybe I'll try having it more often now. My friends and I have already made plans to go back next week and I'm too stoked.

Thursday's are nights with no cover charge so it's not surprising that the club was packed, but this didn't stop me from dancing my night away. My dogs were beyond barking once I made it outside into the cool Sydney air. (Random tip/ Tangent: My heels were too big for me but they're the only heels I brought with me so I had to make due. Thanks to YouTube I learned two tricks. 1. Put cotton balls in the front of your shoe 2. Spray the bottom of your feet with hairspray AND IT WORKED Tangent Over)

I will be in Uluru from Saturday until next Wednesday so I will be MIA, but it will be the good kind of Missing In Action. This also means that I will be back with amazing pictures of the Outback!

xoxo,
Ciarra

Week Two in Sydney

2015-06-28T20:13:00.002-07:00

I started my week off with a little beach action on Sunday at Bondi

Monday
My roommates were making tacos and we set the fire alarms off twice.. oops. So we had to open all the windows and the front door to let the smoke out because this one guy (let's call him Jeff) was randomly cooking chicken on our stove, and he was causing all of the smoke. So of course I ate 3 tacos and had a marvelous time doing it.

Tuesday
on Tuesday's we get out of class at 4 pm, which is our longest day of class because we start at 9 am. The weather was decent for the first time since I've been in Sydney so it was important that we took advantage of the weather. After taking a bus to Circular Quay we started walking to Observatory Hill, one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city. The sun was supposed to set around 4:50 pm and we didn't get to Circular Quay until around 4:30. Once we realized that we might miss the sunset we started walking at a brisk pace and soon that turned into a slow jog up the various hills in The Rocks to get to the hill. Keep in mind that all of us had laptops in our backpacks and were not wearing clothing suitable for a run. After about 15 minutes we found our way to the hilltop without any directions and going off our memory after only visiting once on our first day in the city. When we reached the hill we had just made it before the sunset ended and the run was incredibly worth it. Three of our friends brought wine and cheese with them so we sat on the hill for a little while and ate our snack and had a relaxed time. After it got a bit dark we made our way down to Pancakes on the Rocks. They have the best pancakes that I have ever had, sorry dad. I had the lemon pancakes and they were gone in the blink of an eye. They're open 24/7 so I will definitely be back once more before I leave.

My friend got Coffee with Bailey's

Yum Yum

Wednesday

I finally did what most people dream of doing: I surfed in Australia

We got a winter special at Let's Go Surfing (Only $49 for two hours) so after a quick meal at The Bucket List, which is a cute beach side restaurant. Then we strolled up a short hill to the surf lesson shop. We changed into our wet-suits and walked barefoot to the beach. After doing a few stretches and going over basic beach and surfing protocol we hit the water.

Before Wednesday I had never really gone far out into the ocean so I was a bit afraid. At one point I was far out with everyone else and I stupidly lost my balance on my board (I wasn't even standing up, I was laying on it) and I fell off and the water was probably 6 feet deep, I'm around 5"5' so instantly I began to panic. My board was attached to my ankle so my board was close to me, but still out of arms reach. Thankfully after a second I was smart enough to not panic and tread water until I could grab my board. That was my only scary experience besides having waves crash down on me.

But overall I had the time of my life.

One of our instructors, Dan, is in the background

My view of the beach from the restaurant

I love the string lights!

Thursday

After getting out of class at noon I went to Paddy's Market next to Chinatown. It was full to the brim of souvenirs and random stuff galore, from phone cases to knives. I picked up some souvenirs for my mom and dad, I'm still working on what to get my little brother. It's the go to spot for buying cheap souvenirs in Sydney. We didn't have direct directions to the market from our classroom except for a map and my faint memory from visiting the market at night in the rain. But it was fun to navigate on our own free will. After spending about an hour in the market we left to visit a small section of Chinatown. We found this little whole in the wall (literally) that only served cream puffs. They're the best things I've eaten in Sydney by far! I will be back again to buy as many as possible and eat them all on the bus ride home. On our way back to the bus stop we found a small shopping complex and met the nicest lady at a beauty salon. Her name was Sasha and she was the sweetest Sydneysider I've met. Overall my afternoon was splendid

Friday

A few of my friends went surfing at Maroubra Beach, but I wasn't up for surfing yet so my roommate Andrew sat with me while our friends surfed. I got to read my book on the beach even though there was a bit of a breeze. I had a peaceful end to an exciting week!

Honey, I'm Home- My first week in Sydney

2015-06-22T04:38:00.001-07:00

After for traveling for 24 hours and crossing thousands of miles, I safely made it to the beautiful country of Australia. I'm so incredibly proud of myself for conquering a fear that I've faced for a good deal of time. Shout out to Qantas airlines for making my 14 hour flight super comfortable! As a girl who is mildly addicted to her phone, it was a relief to be able to charge my phone in my seat.

This was taken over LA (it gave me goosebumps) and I'm still sad that my first time in California was spent in the airport for an hour.

After sleeping on and off, starting Casablanca and Julia & Julie and not finishing either of them, actually watching Penguins of Madagascar and Mordeci, I made it to Sydney.

My first week was super eventful. I visited the Opera House, The Blue Mountains, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Observatory Hill, the Harbor Bridge, and this beautiful mall I visited in the city.

Sleepy koala

This kangaroo posed for me

A group of penguins waddling along

I don't know what kind of bird this is, but I couldn't resist taking this picture

Albino kangaroos, even their eyelashes were white!

Wombat just chilling in the clay dirt

Three Sisters rock formation

Some of my study abroad students in front of a waterfall in the Blue Mountains

I wasn't sure if I was in a mall or a castle

Me, Myself, and I

2015-06-15T02:11:00.002-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while but after a week of craziness: I'm finally in Australia! I will be posting a post hopefully shortly on my journey so far, but for now an inspirational post will have to do.

While I'm away I'm living with the other students in my program and taking my classes with them. They're great people, superb really, but I have an issue with doing things to please others and/or not speaking up so my opinions are included. In some situations I find myself doing things I would honestly rather not, but I don't speak up because I am held back by having the need to please others.

Do it for yourself (not for them)

This is going to drive me for the next 6 weeks in hope that my inner voice can grow and prosper.

So I encourage you to speak up and do what makes you happy!

I'm A Ship

2015-06-05T10:16:00.001-07:00

In a few days I'm embarking on the first big journey of my life. (excluding college)
I can't lie to you guys: I'm scared, but this piece of inspiration is what is going to keep me moving every time I feel myself becoming fearful.

I was not build to be stagnant, but to be a ship that uses its sail.

Gratefulness Pt. 1

2015-05-31T21:42:00.001-07:00

I live in a world where it is easy to constantly complain. Complaining brings negative energy into the soul, which can lead to toxicity. Instead, pour yourself a cup of positivity, not every once in a while, but all the time. You deserve it.

That is why for the last 8 months I have been writing down one good thing that I am grateful for that has happened each day.

I am going to start a series of posts where I reflect on where I was in that particular month and give insight into who I am. Also I am going to pick one day each month and deem it as the top thing I am grateful for in that particular month. So now I give you...

October 2014

1st- Beautiful sunset Can't go wrong with Mother Nature
2nd- Got an 89 on my first English paper and an 92 on my personal health test My first semester in college... I have so far to come
3rd- I'm returned home today This was the beginning of our Fall Break
4th- The play my mom and I went to was so so funny We were in this beautiful theater in DC, it was mother daughter bonding time I dreamed about
5th- WWAT (Where We Are Tour) ended, it's sad but the fandom came together, and that... THAT was incredibly beautiful One important thing to know about me is that I love One Direction
6th- I got my birth certificate and new clothes I needed the certificate to apply for my passport
7th- We made it back to school safely It was a five hour road trip
8th- I got a lot of compliments on my hair
9th- I have an A for my biology midterm grade I strive for good grades (I guess that makes me a nerd)
10th- Good girl music video came out I also love a band called 5 Seconds of Summer
11th- I painted my nails I wonder if it is possible to become obsessed with nail care
12th- The packers won their game against the dolphins I have never stepped foot in Wisconsin but GO PACK GO!
13th- I came so so close to winning jingle ball tickets ozjaisnsua I live for radio contests. There's nothing like the thrill of dialing and dialing and then finally it starts to ring and you have no clue someone will answer or not
14th- It really felt like fall outside
15th- LIAM PAYNE FOLLOWED ME This day will never be forgotten... After years of trying and battling millions of others I am one of the few (one of about 17,000 people out of 20 million)
16th- I won an iTunes gift card As a girl who loves music, this was quite valuable
17th- I got a free planner Organization is important for a messy girl like myself
18th- Put a new poster on my wall I was (and still am) determined to make my temporary dorm feel like home
19th- I'm a published journalist I am apart of an organization at school that gives students the chance to post articles on an online journal and I made it! I kept beating myself up about it because I didn't believe in myself
20th- My history class got cancelled This class was my first one of the day so that meant I was able to sleep in (a college kid's dream)
21st- Got a 100% on my history quiz
22nd- One week anniversary of my Liam follow I told you One Direction was important to me

23rd- All my classes were cancelled because of GHOE Add no class and the Greatest Homecoming on Earth and you get me doing a little jig (yes I used the word jig)
24th- Went to the step show with my mommy More bonding (:
25th- Got to spend the day with my family Since it was my first semester away I really valued being able to see my dad, mom, and little brother
26th- Found a church I like in Greensboro It's hard to go find a church where you feel comfortable being yourself because picking a church, or any religious sanctuary, is not an easy task
27th- My Calum tweet reached 500 RTS Calum is the bassist in the band 5 Seconds of Summer and I have a tweet directed at him that is dear to my heart and thankfully 500 people decided to help me try and get noticed by him
28th- Made my passport appointment Baby steps towards my study abroad trip!
29th- I'm alive What I am the most grateful for this month
30th- Ate pizza with friends Yum yum yum
31st- I've got a phone interview for next week! Seeing as that I love bands, I love to attend concerts, but concerts cost a lot of money. Hence the job search.

Angelica

2015-05-20T10:27:00.001-07:00

Sprinkled across the floor

bathed in dulcet silence

lips cracked like December

split ears only hear the

muffled cry of past dreams

palms shattered to powder

merging with ruined bits of eyelashes

creating pieces of shard skin

broken at every angle

no longer a cynosure,

but a barren being

brought to its knees by greed

So sleep pretty my dear

your sweet silky smooth hair

evaporated tonight

along with a life that will

be forgotten

Limitations

2015-05-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago when I was deciding whether or not to study abroad I was faced an issue. I had a fear of flying, so when you're up against a 14 flight to Sydney, Australia, you question whether or not you will set forth on a new journey in life.

Fear is a state of mind. Now I refuse to let it hold me back, even though flying still scares the life out of me, I'll still push forward.

So I encourage you to do some thinking, what limitations have you mentally placed on yourself?

5 Things I Learned Freshman Year of College

2015-05-08T19:09:00.002-07:00

1) Go out and enjoy the things available to you. There is free stuff everywhere. Join at least one organization, it's the easiest way to make friends besides talking to people in your classes.

2) Try your best to not be afraid. I spent so much time not doing certain things because I was afraid of what others thought of me, so I wouldn't putting myself out there. However, being afraid for your safety is another thing though. If your gut is telling you not to do it. Don't do it. My friends would want to go to parties off campus in a sketchy part of town and I would decline their invitation every time because it didn't sit right with me.

3) Talk to professors, they're the ones who give you the grades. Most of them also have random, yet helpful, life experience. Don't just talk to professors, talk to new people, you never know what they know or who they know. Talk to everyone even the cafeteria workers (they'll give you extra food, it's great).

4) I shouldn't have to tell you this but in case you forgot: Be kind. Everyone is going through something in life, no matter how cliche the statement is.

5) Be bold. Start a club. Wear whatever you like. Take the good sort of risks.

My personal advice: don't fall for someone who lives in the same building as you because if things go bad your chances of seeing them drastically increases and avoiding them will be hell. Plus it'll be awkward when they bring a new lover up to his/her room and you awkwardly bump into them in the elevator (unless you swear off the elevator to avoid this very scenario).

xoxo
Ciarra

My room the first week of college in August 2014

As you can see I had to make some decor changes by the end of the day

Glowstick

2015-05-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

I believe we all glow and shine in some sort of capacity. Some of us are stars who shine all the time. Some of us are street lights who shine when things get hard and dark. Then there are those who are glow sticks. I am beginning to think that I am a glow stick and that it really isn't a bad thing.

So I ask you: in what capacity do you shine?

I can't wait to read your comments below!

Weekly Inspiration

2015-04-16T21:33:00.001-07:00

I will be happy with this blog while I strive for dreams.

First Blog Post

2015-04-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging universe!

My name is Ciarra, but enough about me already, we can save that for later.

The first thing I want to talk about is giving credit where credit is due! So I have to thank The Dutch Lady Designs for my beautiful layout. You can purchase her work here.

Secondly, as you may have noticed, this is my very first blog post, on my very first blog ever. So please bear with me as I navigate my new blog life, and I hope we can all have fun throughout my new journey! I don't have a ton of things planned yet, except for one large event that will be taking place this summer: my study abroad trip to Sydney, Australia. I have exactly 58 days until I leave, so I can't wait to share all of that with you guys (I'm smiling just thinking about it).

Well I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, until next time,

xoxo,
Ciarra