The small things.

Over the past 3 years or so, I've come to learn it's the small things in life that often mean the most.  The small things are often the things most missed. 

Let me backtrack; let's journey back to June 27th, 2008.  How many people remember that day?  Well, I do.  I even remember it was a friday.  It was the day someone very close to me lost their life.  It was my best friend; Hamish.  He had just turned 20, and I was 6 months off being 18. 

From that day, I realised, it's the small things that are the ones I liked most of all, but, at the time, weren't thought of as something to be grateful for or something to show appreciation towards.  It's made me think, lots of "first's" are clearly remembered; for instance, the first time Hamish and I hung out as friends, or, the first time we shared a laugh (usually at either his or my expense).  But, it was never even suggested about the "last's".  Say, the last conversation we had ended in "See you tomorrow".  Would that have been different if we knew it was the last time we'd talk? Most probably!  If either of us knew what was to unfold that night; and that the meeting the very next day would never eventuate, appreciation of the small things would have probably been shown.  Or, even the appreciation of the friendship we had built over the years. 

The trouble with the small things is, that they often pass by rather quickly and often unnoticed.  It's not until later that one realises it's been and gone.  It takes time and patience and often a realisation to become aware how important the small things can be and that they should be not only noticed, but cherished. 

I remember getting that phone call on that friday night 3 years ago and after the initial shock, grief and utter misbelief; the next thing to flood my mind was 'Did he know what a great friend he was?'  Inside, I know of course he knew what an amazing friend he was, and, most probably thought the same of me; but my thought was about the small things that we never really acknowledged.

From then on, I've been more aware and thankful for the small things!!

RIP Hamish (May 21st 1988 - June 27th 2008)...I miss you...I love you...always!!! xxx

Two little words; One huge meaning. Or is it??

I was in a situation earlier today where things were said which I found incredibly hurtful. The other party (who I should point out was an uncle) was clearly not remorseful; there was sniggering happening across the table and, of course, facial expressions which weren't so 'friendly' or even apologetic.  But, even so, he said "I'm sorry".  Even when it was clear he wasn't sorry at all, he still said those two words.  I later found out; he apologised after being kicked under the table.

It got me thinking about the phrase "I'm sorry".  In my opinion, it's one of the most overused (and might I add, wrongly used and underappreciated) phrases in the english language!  Don't get me wrong, "I'm sorry" should most definitely be used, but, only when it's honest and the person feels sorry.  Not just as a peace offering. 

In today's situation, I appreciate the thought behind him being kicked under the table as to say "come on, play nice".  But, people shouldn't need to be prompted to say sorry!  If people need a prompt; in my opinion, they don't mean it!

It infuriates me when people apologise when all they're really doing is using hollow, unmeaningful words just because they can!  I don't quite know why it annoys me so much; maybe because I prefer things to be meaningful and well thought.  It just seems wrong to apologise because of a kick under the table or just because the words "I'm sorry" are in a persons vocabulary.  Apologies should be from the heart and meaningful. 

I didn't appreciate today's apology at all.  It was forced and fake; yet, I was expected to accept it and move on with the day as if I wasn't hurt at all...No thanks! I don't need (or want) anyones fake apology. 

I admit, I'm not perfect.  I've made mistakes, I've done things that I probably shouldn't have and I've most definitely had my fair share of arguments with people who I love.  I however, before I apologise to anyone I take time to calm down from the emotions of the argument and come to a point where I am truely apologetic for what I have done.  I then go say "I'm so sorry for *insert reason*"

Am I the only one who thinks like this??  Is "I'm sorry" really over-rated or am I thinking far too much into things??

Totally excited; pumped; shocked and many other things!

I didn't quite have plans to blog again this soon...but, it's been a fantastic day and I have super good news!

With my final semester at uni; which starts July 4th, I also have the opportunity for some work experience to complement my study.  I had been for a few interviews the past couple of weeks but to no avail.  Today however, I went for an interview this morning and...

They said yes right away!  The lady who interviewed me (who was lovely) didn't even need time to think it over and reflect on the interview; she asked if I wanted the opportunity and when I told her I'd love the chance to gain experience with them; she said right away then, she'd love to have me on board. 

The woman who would be supervising me is a friend of mine from uni too.  She graduated earlier than I did and she's been in the job since January and now she's my supervisor and said she'll teach me as much as she can and give me a wide variety of experience and have a few laughs along the way!

I'm super excited, however, at the same time, it's slightly daunting.  I can't wait to get on the job and learn as much as I can, while having some fun with a great bunch of people.  I'll be there 2 days a week (Monday and tuesday) and start the week of June 27th!!! :)

How'd it get to this?

Ah, so here I am! The world of blogging.

I've been thinking for days now, how my life got to this.  How I got to where I am, because it's definitely NOT what I envisioned my life would be when asked "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Well, now I'm grown up (well, basically grown up anyway!) I'm happy with the life I've started, and even though it's not always what I thought I wanted; I know now it is what I want!

Going through school, I had many ideas what I wanted to do; from primary school teaching, to child care and professional musician and various other things. 
Now, to reality, I've finished school, I'm in my final semester at uni studying marketing!  Yes, very different from teaching and musician! But, I love it!!!!  I'm not entirely sure how I got into the marketing, but, it seems to have all worked out well so far.

It's worked out well from the beginning, I got accepted into the uni I wanted most.  I applied to 5 just to be safe, but really only wanted the one.  Over the course so far, I've written some fantastic reports and had many ideas that industry professional lecturers have loved and all this from the person who's been told "You don't have a creative bone in your body"...well, apparently somewhere I do! It just occassionally goes on an extended holiday!

The next step is to finish this final semester and graduate and then enter the "real world"...fulltime employment!!! I'm sure that's when the excitement will start!!  Such an exciting yet daunting prospect!

This uni/making life decisions process hasn't always been easy. I've had a few setbacks and hurdles along the way. But who doesn't?!?!  Seriously, life is like a hurdles race sometimes!! But, it's been my journey. I've learnt alot, both in the marketing world, a few personal lessons, but also learnt alot about myself.  I imagine that will continue over the years and I just hope that life just keeps 'working out' the way it should!