This week’s ‘Cheer Up Tuesday’ is brought to you by Claire, from ‘I Think I Just Blogged Myself‘. Claire’s blog is one of those you come across when hopping from blog to blog, and then find yourself furiously nodding at every word on their latest post and getting finger ache from furiously clicking ‘older posts’ to read back through everything they’ve written. Claire’s blog is just so up my street – full of gorgeous photos and book reviews, and best of all, Claire is a brilliant writer and her posts are always such a joy to read. Over to Claire….
1. For those readers that don’t already know you, tell us a little bit about yourself…
My name is Claire, I am 19 years old, I live just outside London, and I am boring myself already. I read a hell of a lot of books, write because it makes me happy, drink masses of tea and coffee because it helps me function like a normal human being, and generally p*** about. Thank you Rosie, for allowing me a little space on your lovely blog. I really am honoured!
2. Tell me five things that make you happy…
A good book, coffee, reading a good book in a coffee shop (hang on…), my BLONDE boyfriend and pizza.
3. If ever you do feel down, what song or songs do you put on to cheer yourself up?
Anything by Ellie Goulding, but especially Under the Sheets and Human. I plan to get Ellie Goulding lyrics tattooed on me. I’m that person. She does mean a lot to me though; I’ve suffered from severe anxiety and OCD for a few years now and have always found an EG tune would calm me down when nothing else would. For that reason, they’ll always be a bit special to me.
4. What’s your happiest memory; a memory you think of that always makes you smile?
A memory that will always make me smile would have to be one involving my younger (and ginger) brother. Myself and my older brother have many an amusing anecdote about him, but he would probably punch me were I to air them on the interweb. Let’s just say they involve excessive amounts of grapes, a scorchingly hot lantern, christmas plays, the amount of sweets Granny may or may not have had in her hotel room, and laughing with (at) him. (Not necessarily all in the same story).
5. Describe your perfect day.
(It would be during the Christmas period). I’d spend the entire morning in bed with coffee, pastries, my book and my boyfriend (topless) (him not me). Lunch would be something bread and salad based, preferably in one of Brighton’s beautiful little cafes in the lanes. Followed by cake and shared with a couple of my bestest friends. In the afternoon we’d go and watch a movie, a good movie, and then go out for burgers and/or pizza. The evening would be spent at home, watching Dexter, with hobnobs and cups of tea and blankets and a fire going. And the boyfriend wouldn’t mind me lying on him (he normally does, a lot). Then we’d sleep.
6. How do you maintain a positive outlook on life?
I don’t. KIDDING! I’ve always been a naturally positive person, but boy was that put to the test when the dreaded OCD took over. I spent a lot of time watching One Tree Hill, that helped, but I did end up believing my name was actually Brooke Davis. I tried to distract myself – whether that be through books or television or just listening to a nice song – it meant that I wasn’t wallowing. Essentially though, I think the key to being positive is surrounding yourself by people who love you. They will lift you!
Thanks Claire! Make sure you visit her awesome blog here.
