For the health of girls everywhere

OK, so i've had an epiphany!

I don't think women have learned anything about dating or relationships over the years. I mean really, if they had I think some of these basic questions would be covered by now.

Example: What to do when a guy doesn't like you back

what to do when you fall for a friend

what to do when your friends don't like your boyfriend

what to do when your boyfriend is too nice (rare, but believe me it happens)

what to do when you can't tell if a boy is being nice or flirting

I think the only thing we know, is that after a breakup sweets are amazing. But even that isn't a good solution considering we then get fat and break out...

Let's be real here- when you are going through one of those awful situations that you rant to your best friend about the first thing that goes through their minds is, “sucks for you...”. Then, “I'm so glad that's not me!” And finally, “Aww I'm sorry!(insert platitude here)”

So really, where are us girls to turn to when it comes to advice? I mean, I'd like to think I give good advice, but I'm actually the kind of person who says “Take my advice, I obviously dont use it.”

This is a major dilemma. We can run for president, but can't deal with a break up? Not good, people.

Here's what need to happen:

Us girls need to nominate a few individuals who are willing to take one for the team and find out for all the rest(hence less broken hearts and tear filled eyes) what is going on, then report back with the cure.

Now that is a cause I support 110%! (:

It's Time

There are campaigns all over the place that promote and support strong women. I personally love it and think these things need to be continued. However, There is one thing we need to improve-
Teaching our boys.

See, it's the last part of this that we are having trouble with. It's time to change that.
Lil Wayne's song "How to Love" points out how hard life is when you are surrounded by people who have no respect for you.
Boys these days are more vulgar and disrespectful than ever, that's why when you find one who isn't, he seems like a gem. Because he is, He's a treasure. I applaud all the parents out there that have raised these types of boys into men. It's obviously not easy or they would all act like that.
So to parents I say, Keep your values in mind.
To everyone else, set a good example.
And to all the girls out there, don't settle for anything less than the best.
There are still some out there, I know it.
It's time, step up your act.

ThE UNwRiTteN RuLE of tHE InTErNEt

Stop. Just stop, alright? I realize that in 2005 typing with an extensive amount of capitalized and lower-case letters in incorrect places was all the rage, but it is SO annoying! In 2005 we also thought that Myspace, gaucho capris, and corduroy jackets were cool. As you can tell, most of us have realized that these are things of the past and need to be left there until some idiot digs up a time capsule that no one wants to see or the 30 year fashion trend cycle is once again set in motion. As for Myspace.. well the only way that one's ever coming back is if Zuckerberg comes up with an even more aggravating version of Facebook. Sorry Tom, but it's not likely.

Here's a reality check for all you retro typers out there- THiS Is nOt An AcCEpTaBle wAY oF WrITing. It looks like a ransom note and frankly, it's hard on the eyes. Not to mention no one can tell the difference between a lower-case "L" and an upper-case "I". I don't mean to go overboard here, but it really should be illegal, or at the very least one of those unwritten, yet accepted rules like not wearing white after labor day (though I'm slowly starting to see this rule revoked and I thank society for my expanding closet), and no hooking up with your best friend's ex under any circumstance. Ever. It's wrong.
Is this your way of trying to get your tweets recognized by your favorite pop star? You may want to rethink your approach because if I'm going to be truthful, having your exotic tweet read by the person you must adore, based on the fact you are willing to embarrass yourself to this extent, will probably make them think you are committable.

I'm not saying this to be mean. I'm simply doing this for the good of typography everywhere. Leave creative typing to the professionals. Now, if you really have that much creativity, make a scrapbook, okay? Look, I even picked out convenient ransom note letters for you! Just don't show me the finished product.
I am very afraid that you will mention something about this hobby of yours under "special skills" on your next job application. It is NOT okay. But never fear, I am here to help. Remember that the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. Oh, also I think apologizing to everyone you harmed with your problem is in there somewhere too.

MoVE oN PeOPlE! (I'm talking to you, redneck grandma who thinks she's being "hip" and 26 year old community college drop-out living with her parents.)
Post one last status on your Myspace page to get it out of your system, then be done. It will be greatly appreciated, I assure you.

A Letter

One of my favorite OTH scenes

Meeting Austin Nichols

Dear Sophia Bush,
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU! One Tree Hill has changed my life and because of it, I found you. You have encouraged me to become the person I am today& continue to try to be better. That is a gift alone that has no price. I'm 15 and to be so fortunate as to have you as my role model is a miracle. Everyone around me notices how much of an impact you make on my life and I'm sure they thank you as well. 
You're class and self-confidence is inspiring. You're involvement with organizations such as Love is Louder teach me to fight for not I only what I want, but what I believe to be right. My life has turned around. I use green products whenever possible (I'm loving my water bobble AKA the Bush Bottle in my house, & all of my lovely Yes To products!) and never tolerate hatred.
Since I was little I've always loved performing. My parents grew up in Glendale/Pasedena and went to USC just like you! (Look at how awesome our boys are doing this season! As always!) I grew up in Dallas so you can imagine that in my family I've been around creative people my whole life. At first I thought I wanted to sing. Music has been my escape since I came down with a chronic illness when I was nine. About two years later I was invited to watch a filming of Hannah Montana and there realized that acting was my passion. When I was able to go back to school for a few short years after that and involved myself in everything "theater". When my illness resurfaced, I was in bed all day with nothing to do so I started watching boxed sets of Tv shows. Then along came One Tree Hill and I was hooked. Everything from the writing to the way music was incorporated on the show to the location of filming intrigued me. I've watched religiously and even gotten my DAD addicted. I sit in my room and memorize monologues from the show or listen to all of the music. 
Last spring a miracle happened. My family has traveled across the country for my medical treatment and other patients have become family for us. We met a women who had contacts in Wilmington. I was able to go to NC with my dad and visit the set for two days during the filming of Flightless Bird, American Mouth. When I walked into the sound stage for the first time I cannot describe the sensation I felt. I was shaking and my legs were buckling under me.I remember on the drive there I was explaining to my dad what an amazing man Greg Prange is. . . I sat behind him for the next two days. It's an experience I will never forget because those were the best days of my life. I met Austin, Rob, Jana, Jackson, Lee, Lisa, Stephen, Michael, James and some amazing crew members. But I think my most vivid memory was when I Beth Crookham walked me toward the offices and said "Let me see if someone is here." She walked out with none other than Mark Schwahn. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He asked me who my favorite Character was and I said "Brooke." He said to make sure I got a piece of your wardrobe before I left. (It's now being framed for my room) They had just brought the Brulian wedding dress back from the cleaners when I went into wardrobe. When I saw it I almost fainted. Things became so real to me then. I am forever grateful to so many people.
The only thing I wish could've happened was to meet you. Though, Im not complaining about eating lunch with three of the hottest guys in hollywood(; I am so very lucky and I know it. 
For my 16th birthday on Sept. 27th I have asked to go back to Wilmington. I know that it won't be the same, it was a one-time experience, but I don't care because just being in the town brings me a joy I thought I had lost while being sick. My wish is that I meet you though. Even if it's 10 years from now, I want to meet you. You have helped me overcome so many things and I can't thank you enough.
I don't know how else to express my love and gratitude.
You have saved my life. You have made me fearless and because of you, I am a strong young woman. (thanks for taking the time to read this) <3
Much Love, Caroline(:

October is...

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. 

But don't just be aware, be knowledgable. It is your duty to the people around you.

Did You Know?

- One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

- An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. 

- 85% of domestic violence victims are women.

- Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.- Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.

- Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

Physical abuse is not the only kind, sand it's almost never a 1 time thing.

It is never okay to be treated this way no matter who you are.

For more information or to get help, please call:

THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE at 1-800-799-7233 

THE NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE AT 1-800-656-4673 

THE NATIONAL TEEN DATING ABUSE HOTLINE AT 1-866-331-9474 

This is a very serious issue that is often not addressed. This is very close to my heart and not anything to be taken lightly. There are people that care about you. Please Speak out against Violence. If you or someone you know is a victim, please seek help. Everyone deserves better, and you are not alone.

Don't Ban the Bracelets!

There is an article I came by on one of my favorite blogs that was written by a twelve year old about the popular "I <3 Boobies" Bracelets.
Click HERE to read it.
This is my response.

I think Mikaela’s attitude towards these bracelets is awesome. Im a teenager and the fact of the matter is I don’t have tons of money to donate to different causes. I’ve been planning to buy this bracelet the next time I saw it for a while now. The way I see it, I get to kill two birds with one stone. Im going to donate money and get a cute bracelet out of it. Now this bracelet is a way of reaching key demographics that other campaigns won’t. Most teenage boys aren’t going to wear pink ribbons, and unless someone in there family is affected they probably wouldn’t know how to go about donating. Sure they might giggle because they are wearing something that says “Boobies” but if that starts a trend getting other kids to buy these bracelets, isn’t it worth it?
I think it’s important to wear these bracelets in school for multiple reasons. One, Activism is not something that is taught in most schools or even by most parents and if it is kids aren’t encouraged the way they should be. To find something you believe in that is affects people you love and fight for it is something important we all should learn.
Two, regarding “boobies” being an inappropriate word for school, I think it’s all about context. We name other body parts in school when we need to learn about them. We read words in classic literature that aren’t otherwise allowed. This has to do with charity! How can a school NOT support that?
Another thing that many people don’t understand is that just because we are all aware that Breast Cancer exists, doesn’t mean that we know a lot about it.(especially kids!) These types of campaigns help that transition. Knowledge is power and the more diverse the knowledge we teach children, the more well rounded they will be. Awareness isn’t just about knowing it heists but being aware of the threats and being aware of ways you can prevent it. Important stuff right there.
School is a place where you should feel comfortable. Teachers are meant to be mentors; people that you can go to when you can’t go to friends or family. I know that If i needed help dealing the stress of someone I know having breast cancer I would be much more likely to go to a teacher who allows these bracelets than one that doesn’t. To me it represents that this person is open about their beliefs and is willing to help those in need and that is the kind of person I want to talk to.
If you are a teacher who has ban these bracelets, I would highly recommend reconsidering your decision. You can have rules, but limit them to not making jokes regarding the bracelets or if the disrupt your teaching, then warn the class. But as a kid myself, I am asking you to give us a chance first. And if we do make a fuss about it, it might just be our way of saying we want to know more.
As far as women getting offended, it would’t offend me. I love my body and I want to take care of it. That’s basically what this is trying to say. And in reality, choosing a controversial slogan is GREAT marketing.
That was all just my way of saying: I LOVE BOOBIES!

I Heart Target!

For those of you who are too "Posh" to ever step foot in a Target, it's awesome and you're missing out. Now I have recently moved to a town that seems to be all about the names, but Boys and Girls, Im bringing Target back.
I can get anything I need right there for a reasonable price and it's always cute!
You say Gucci, I say I can get four equally cute bags for the same price. Beat that!
I'm not saying I would cut out on Name Brands all together, but lets face it- not many people spend thousands of dollars for every room in their house.
I redecorated my bedroom and bathroom by splurging on a Duvet and Shower curtain at Pottery Barn, but everything else came from Target. And may I say, It looks great! Plus I don't have to worry about spilling nail polish on $25 towels because mine were around $8.
Target is a great mix of everything to me. From Groceries and household essentials, to clothes and furniture- Target is my favorite hang out!

"Almost"

I thought I would let you all know why I named my blog what I did.
Im not all of me yet.
I don't know who I am or where I belong.
I haven't found my place in this world.
I haven't completed my journey yet. In fact, I don't think I ever will. I'll still be learning about myself when Im 90. So that's me..
ALMOST Caroline.
Has a nice ring don't you think? (;

Never Grow Up; Taylor Swift

Sometimes I wish I never grew up. Sometimes I wish I won't grow up anymore than I already have.
Things are so complicated already and I'm only 16. Is this how things are always going to be? Everything I do contributes to this tangled web of cause and effect. There are consequences.
I mean.. well that sounds naive. I've always known that there are consequences to my actions, but lately it seems like I have to worry about everyone's feelings. It's like I am constantly walking on eggshells just so that people don't get upset.
I know what you are thinking- Im just too much of a people pleaser. I need to get over the fact that not everyone is going to like the things I do or the way I act. But I really don't think it's like that.
The people in my life are going through a lot of stuff. I know what that's like. I have found solutions to most of these problems. I take the backroads and weave through metaphorical mine fields to get to the people I love. I just can't help thinking it shouldn't be like this.
But maybe that's just part of growing up...