20 Facts About Me Tag

1. My name is Giovanna Branco.
2. I was born is September 3rd, 1996.
3. When I was little, I wanted to be Hermione Granger, and one day I actually cried my eyes out when I realized I couldn't be her.
4. I play tennis, and I've been playing it since I was a tiny little girl.
5. I want to be an actress.
6. I've always dreamt of living in New York, and one day I definitely will.
7. I have a thing for rings (my mom says I'm compulsive about it-ALL LIES)
8. I grew up listening to Elvis Presley. My father has always been a fan, so we would listen to Elvis the entire time when we were traveling and stuff. My favorite song of his is The Wonder Of You.
9. Lana Del Rey and Marilyn Monroe are my queens, and I have this big framed picture of Marilyn on my bedroom wall.
10. I love to take pictures and write, but I've been always too insecure so I've only started to post it all now (and I'm loving it btw).
11. When I was 9, I won a contest for "best custom made t-shirt" for a little music festival. A CD gift card was the award and it made me the happiest kid ever as I was freaking out to buy Avril Lavigne's album. 
12. I used to be (well, I still am) really shy, and  I'd mostly avoid conversation with people specially my age.
13. Nutella is my favorite chocolate in the entire world. Tastes like rainbow and unicorns to me.
14. When I was little, I was one of the only girls in my class who liked to play football. I always played it with my boy friends.
15. I am insecure as f*ck, so it only takes one little bad comment for me to break down.
16. I play the guitar.
17. My bestest friends are named Alexia, Victoria, Fernanda, & Julia.
18. My first celebrety crush was Daniel Radcliffe.
19. Tumblr is my life.
20. I went to my first concert in 2009, and  it was the Jonas Brothers - Burning Up Tour. My sits were so far away that I coudn't see a damn thing, but it was the most amazing experience. I couldn't stop crying the day after it.

I hope you guys like it. A bit different from what I usually post here, so I enjoyed writing (:

Graduation & No More School

    
    I've made it! Yesterday was finally my graduation celebration! It was so fun, my friends and I got to watch little movies about ourselves, throw our hats up and say goodbye to our teachers. I received that little Texas trinket -so cute-.  Although I'll miss everyone, I'm so excited to go uni and meet new people... 2014 is going to be really good! Also, 7 days until Christmas! Who's excited?

John Green & Coffee Day

   

   I've got this little post today because it's been so long since I've last posted here, so let's get to the point shall we?

   Today was officially my first day of summer vacation (yep, it's summer in Brazil). By the new format of GinnysLamp title, I guess you can all see that I am feeling very festive right now. Christimas is definitely my favorite time of the year. (: After doing millions of school tests this week, it's finally over! So nothing like some coffee and a bit of John Green to brighten my day. Also... 13 days until Christmas!! I'm going to be posting everyday a random picture until xmas, just like this one up there (just like vlogmas, but without the vlog thing haha). Well, I hope you enjoy this mini christmassy edition, and I'll talk to you very soon.

      

                                                                                    

Depression & Self Harm

   

     Dealing with depression is one of the most challenging and i guess cruel situations you could ever imagine living with. I've wanted to do this post for a while now, because I think a lot of people have and get the wrong idea of depression and especially self harm. It's really important to grow awareness and spread information about those topics, because a lot of people suffer from it (lot more than you could ever imagine), and trust me, they need support.

    

   When you're depressed, you simply have no motivation. You feel sad, tired, and there's nothing that you feel attracted to or excited for. I've heard from a lot of people "If you're depressed, than why are you having fun? or "why are you laughing and smiling?" Just because someone's depressed, it doesn't mean that they will lay in bed for the entire day, crying and sobbing about how hard is life. When you're depressed, you'll have moments of fun and laughter, but at some point, the sadness will knock on your door suddenly, with no real reason or explanation. It doesn't have a reason for you to be sad or feel miserable about yourself but you just do. This is what makes depression such a peculiar subject to talk about, because no one can really understand or explain it. It's really important not to hesitate on seeking help when you're depressed. It's very serious, and it can escalate really quickly, leading to issues like self harming.

   A person who self harms, can do it for many reasons. 

1. Physical pain is a lot "better" and fulfilling  than psychological pain, and when you're depressed (you heart is in pain. The emotions you feel make you miserable) you just want to feel alive again, get away from the numbness and darkness, so you're willing to do anything it takes to actually start to "feel" again, even though it can destroy and hurt yourself. 

2. A person who self harms, can also do it as a form of punishment (which is really common), or a form of telling yourself how unsatisfied you are about either your looks, or your life and so on. Low self esteem and insecurity are the main reasons that lead a person to self harm.

 If you've considered self harm as a way out of this unknown mind blur, just know that there are many other ways out. Trust me, once you've started it, it's REALLY hard to stop. It will become an addiction in a matter of a time, and will complicate everything even more. 

   If you're dealing with any of those issues, look for help. The best way of getting yourself free from depression is having someone to talk to you and understanding your pain. A person who can see this whole situation from the outside, is more likely to help you and support you (that's why therapists are so important in the whole proccess).  Don't hesitate on seeking help, don't be ashamed of needing help. And always remember that you ARE good enough. Don't you ever make yourself small or let someone make you small. If things are bad, have patience and give time a little time. You're not alone, and will never be. So next time you feel miserable about yourself and contemplate self harming, just think "Oh, Giovanna is counting on me, so I better get my shit together and start to believe in myself and in my potential. I'm capable of doing everything that I want, and I'm certainly good enough". 

   If you need someone to talk to, or just a friend, you can either leave a comment below or contact me by email or tumblr (all information on the "Where To Find Me" bar). You're not alone in this journey. 

Have a blessed, joyful day!

                  

    

5 Awesome Videos You HAVE GOT to check out

-20 Things We Should Say More Often.

This little kid presents 20 things we should say more often, so we can turn this world into a better place. 

  

-1st world problems read by 3rd world people. 100% of accuracy. 

-Giving $100 to homeless people.

Those guys are AMAZING, they have a channel on youtube called Give Back Films. You should check 'em out, all of their videos are brilliant. 

             

  

-Homeless Veteran Timelapse Transformation

Watch how they managed in 3 minutes, to change this homeless veteran's  perspective about life and himself. 

Extraordinary.

   

-No Arms, No Legs, No Worries. 

This is the most inspiring video I've ever watched. This guy is named Nick Vujajic and will teach us all a lesson about courage, hope, and strength.

                                                                                                         What's your favorite one? 

                                                                                                                 

Fuck you, Cancer | Helping Institutes

     5 years ago, back in 2008, I've lost a dear friend of mine due to cancer. Her name was Mariana, and she was the most amazing and the strongest girl I've ever met. It's still too overwhelming that she's gone... Well, I'll try my hardest to make it quick, or I'm gonna start crying and won't be able to finish this post! She was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia and fought for 6 years against it, passing away in 2008 (she was 12). I was at school when I got the news of her passing, and it's safe to say that this was one of the worst news I've ever gotten in my entire life. She will always be missed and loved <3

      This is still quite a difficult topic to talk about to me, and I mostly avoid talking about it, but I feel that we all need to spread love, and help in any way possible the ones that are having to deal with such a powerful disease as cancer. So, If you want to help Cancer Institutions, and help to make a difference in the life of children that are dealing with this motherfucking disease, there are here a few institutions for you. 

      You have no idea the impact that you can cause in the children and families' life by helping with a dollar or so those institutions. Thank you so much.

  
        Here is where you can help:


        IF YOU LIVE IN THE USA
 
        Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon 

        To support all children with cancer and their families through securing funds to:

• Have access to the latest treatment disregarding the parent’s ability to pay.
• Excellence in psychosocial services to help fight the disease
• Education to create better understanding and awareness

         

         American Cancer Society

       American Cancer Society (ACS) has worked relentlessly to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together with millions of supporters worldwide, they're helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures, and fighting back against cancer.  

        Stand Up To Cancer

        Fund collaborative, translational cancer research to bring treatments from the bench to the bedside faster, and save lives now. 100% of public funds go directly into research grants. A portion of the funds that are raised from major donations and third-party fundraising go towards administrative expenses and overhead.

        IF YOU LIVE IN BRAZIL

      Casa Hope 

   Oferece apoio biopsicossocial e educacional a crianças e adolescentes portadores de câncer, transplantados de medula óssea, fígado e rins juntamente com seus acompanhantes, de baixa renda, procedentes de todo o Brasil.

A entidade oferece serviços de moradia, alimentação balanceada e acompanhamento nutricional, medicamentos, vestuário, transporte para hospitais, aeroportos, rodoviárias, serviço social, assistência psicológica, terapia ocupacional, escolarização, recreação dirigida, cursos de capacitação profissional, passeios culturais e recreativos e festas comemorativas, entre outros, durante o período de tratamento nos hospitais onde são assistidos.

        ITACI 

   Propiciar tratamento adequado para o maior número possível de crianças vítimas de câncer e doenças hematológicas. Voce pode ser voluntario, ajudar financeiramente ou fazendo doaçao material.

  

      Instituto Mariana  

     A mãe da Mariana, Claudia, criou o Instituto Mariana, onde voces podem vir a olhar toda a historia, fotos e informaçoes sobre o cancer que a Mari tinha e que afeta muitas outras crianças. 

   

      IF YOU LIVE IN THE UK

  

      Teenage Cancer Trust

         Bring young people together so they can be treated together, by teenage cancer experts, in the best place for them. Educate young people about cancer and work with health professionals to develop their knowledge so we can improve the speed and quality of diagnosis. And by funding research and working with partners in the NHS, government and organizations both nationally and internationally, strive to improve survival rates. It's amazing, you should definitely check 'em out.

      

     IF YOU LIVE IN ANY OTHER PART OF THE WORLD

     

     World Cancer Research Fund 

    World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF International) leads and unifies global network of cancer charities dedicated to the prevention and control of cancer by means of healthy food and nutrition, physical activity and body weight.

    Thank you so much for taking some time just to read it. Spread the love! Have a blessed weekend <3

                                                   

Let's Help The Philippines

   Instititutions from all over the world are pouring into the storm-battered Philippines, where Supertyphoon Haiyan, also known as Yolanda, inflicted widespread devastation. 

     Families have lost their home, there are children starving, and right now we need to take action to help them.

       HELP HERE

      - UNICEF: call 1-800-367-5437 or text RELIEF to 864233. 

      THEY ARE HELPING DISPLACED FAMILIES TO FIND ACCESS TO SHELTERS, FOOD, CLEAN WATER. You can also donate online here!

     - The World Food Programme: is mobilizing 40 metric tons of high-energy biscuits and additional relief supplies, but it is also accepting donations online or by calling 1-202-747-0722 (if you live in the U.S).

+39-06-65131 international calls!

    - CARE: is accepting donations on its website and has deployed workers to the Philippines to ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF.  You can donate by phone at 1-800-521-2273 !

 +1-404-681-2252 for international calls!

   - ChildFund International is distributing clean water, food, blankets and other emergency aid items. Staff members are also setting up child-centered spaces in evacuation centers to offer counseling and relief for children and their families. Donate online here!

   - PMA ( Programa Mundial de Alimentos) or WFP (World Food Program) is promoting a campaign to raise money for the victims of the disaster. You can pay with 20 different options of "money" (dollar, yen, euro, etc) (BRAZIL: REAL NAO DISPONIVEL AINDA)

If you have any doubt about the institutions, payment methods or about the Philippines situation, just write it down on the comments and I'll make sure I'll reply to you!
___________________________________________

Se tiver qualquer duvida sobre as instituiçoes, forma de pagamento ou sobre a situaçao das Filipinas, voce pode escrever nos comentarios que eu responderei o mais rapido possivel!
___________________________________________

Se tienes cualquier duda sobre las instituiciones y formas de pagamiento, puedes dejarme una mensaje en los comentarios  y responderé una por una a todas las preguntas que me han dirigido.

       

Thank you for your time!

Giovanna x

         

Music, Pizza & Videogame Evening

As I've spent my entire day doing exams at school, my cousin Bruno (who's sleeping over my house today) and I, decided to have more of a chilled night, full of videogame, internet, tumblr, music, and of course... pizza.

 There's nothing better than some ice cream after 387892891 slices of pizza lol

  That's Bruno, my hipster cousin (:

        

                                                                                                                 How was your weekend?

Playlist #2 | October Favorites

                          


    I cannot believe how fast this year has passed! I've been listening to a lot of varieties of songs, and I thought why not to put some of them on a playlist? Those are the songs that I've listened to the most this month, and well, I hope it can boost your energies like those boost mine!  Enjoy (:

PS: I'm going to make a Halloween Playlist very soon, so get ready! x

     TRACK LIST

1. Far Away - Nickelback
2. Madness - Muse 
3. Backseat Serenade - All Time Low
4. Naive - The Kooks
5. Hey Jude - The Beatles
6. You Need Me, I Don't Need You - Ed Sheeran (this one was captures in the Live Lounge, so it's like 11 minutes of pure eargasm).
7. Suspicious Mind - Elvis Presley
8. Royals - Lorde

Supernatural Day | Giovanna

          I didn't want my Monday to be such a boring day as it always is, so why not to take a day off just to relax, and watch a bunch of episodes of Supernatural? Sam and Dean never fail to make me a bit happier! I've been watching it since day 1, and I can't even describe my feels right now watching this motherfudging season! Season 3 was my all time favorite but I've got to admit that Season 8 is the best one. If you can get your hands on it, I will strongly suggest you to, because it's AMAZING. 

My little Mickey "Smart And Adventurous" coffee mug, from Disney World - Orlando,FL.

(excuse my super stylish nails)

Lovely day today!

Hope you have a blessed day/afternoon/night (: 

Playlist #1 | Chill Out

                     

          Do you know those kind of days that you don't want to do absolutely nothing, and you just need to relax, have some "me time", get away from your problems, people, school...? I decided to put together a few tracks that I'm listening to the most, and hopefully it can make your day a bit brighter! I hope you enjoy this playlist as much as I enjoy it, and let me know your favorite track in the comments! (:

       TRACK LIST 

1. Bloom - The Paper Kites
2. White Blank Pages - Mumford & Sons

3. Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners

4. Find Love - Prince Of Spain

5. Asleep - The Smiths

6. Heroes - David Bowie

7. Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds

8. Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles

     

Senior Year | Problems & Advice

                                            
        Being a senior can be the best and most exciting thing ever but it can also be really scary. We are always thinking about our future, the goals we want to reach, the places we wanna live, and the people we wanna meet. However, it starts to get really mental as you realize your future is now, and you need to actually start thinking about what career you want to follow, and the choices you're gonna have to make so it can lead you to the path you want to follow for the rest of your life. It's so weird to say "the rest of your life" when you're 17 right? I feel that we're so young to be taking such a huge and impacting decision like this. Geeezzz parents, you won't let me get a tattoo because "I'll regret it later", but at the same time, you're making me choose what to do for THE REST OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. That's so clever. 

       Here in Brazil there's this thing called "Vestibular", which is a big test that everyone takes to get into an university. All universities have a different "vestibular" each, and depending on the one you want to take, it can get really difficult! I'm on my second semester, and in less then 3 months I'll be taking those tests, and hopefully I can get a good grade and be in a great university! I can't say that I'm totally calm and relaxed, because I'm not. I'm actually really nervous, but I'm trying to see this whole situation with a new and better perspective.

           Now is the moment that I start to think that maybe high school wasn't that bad, and the school wasn't such a terrible place as I thought it was (ok, it actually was, but there are things like seeing my friends everyday that I'll miss dearly). When you're at school, everything is set for you, and you don't need to think about your future, because there's this line you need to follow and it can't be different.. There's no choice. But when you are actually leaving school, it can all get a bit blurry, as you don't know what to do next. However, we need to see how beautiful and amazing is to be this free! We'll have hundreds of possibilities of what to do with our lives, and there are going to be hundreds of doors closing, but a million more opening, we can be whoever we want without having anyone trying to set our future for us (except for our parents, but we can deal with it haha). It's all in our hands, and we can totally make the best of it, as nobody can tell who we are, what we like, what we want to do. WE tell them who we are, what we like, and what we want to do.

     Embrace this moment! Don't be scared of the future, don't be scared of failing. It will all be good as long as all the choices you make, you make it for you, and not for anyone else. If you're a senior like me, and you're reading it, let's make it the best time of our lives! 

           

Awkward Introductions | Giovanna

          

     Hey! How are you today? My name is Giovanna, I am 17 years old, and I am from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I’ve always wanted to have a blog of my own, where I’d post about the things I love and enjoy doing, but I’ve always felt a bit insecure about it. I’d feel like no one would care about what I’ve got to say etc etc. However, I’ve been thinking to myself  "If I over think about everything that I want to do and start worrying that it could be a massive fail, I’ll end up doing absolutely nothing. So, who cares if it doesn’t work out the way I wanted? As long as I am happy, there’s nothing I need to worry about". So well, now here I am! (:  Oh, I forgot to tell you that I am a massive photograph lover, so expect millions of pictures! I’ll be posting lots of things related to music, movies, general lifestyle things, and so on! Well, I hope you guys join me on this new journey! 
Spread love!