Sunday 29 September 2013
Playtime Is Not Just for Kids
Camp counselors Doug (Lucas Connelly) and Sally (Grace De Morgan)
Remember when you were a kid, and the world was your playground? You had no fears and no inhibitions. Having fun was not an option, it was a necessity, and lets face it, your biggest worry was whether there was going to be fairy bread at the upcoming party.
Well at Camp Super Happy Sunshine Fun, camp counselors Doug (Lucas Connelly) and Sally (Grace De Morgan) wind the clock all the way back. Set in the Newtown Neighborhood Centre as part of the 2013 Sydney Fringe Festival, they aim to restore your childhood memories and experiences by recreating an outdoor camp scene (fake bonfire and all) where adults of all ages immerse themselves in activities that they took part in when they were kids.
Camp founder and director, Maya Sebestyen, got the idea to start this “adults only summer camp” whilst she was working as a camp counselor in the US.
“All the other camp counselors were really childlike. The kids would go to bed and we would be like thank God they have gone to bed, but then we would be like so dodge ball?”
Camp Super Happy Sunshine Fun runs for one and a half hours. During this time all of the participants take part in various games and activities that you would have done at summer camp including dodge ball (with marsh mellows rather than big heavy balls), tunnel ball, pirate hat making, potato Olympics and of course reciting camp cheers and chants around the bonfire. And yes, at the very end there is an honorary medal ceremony rewarding those who performed exceptionally well.
“I guess I thought that we stop doing this stuff when we are kids but it never actually stops being fun, Sebestyen says. “I think it is those teenage years where you try to grow up as fast as you can, and then you are grown up and you forget what it is like to actually be a kid.”
Kevin Acquard, a 25 year-old camper admits that when he initially realised what he was in for at Camp Super Happy Sunshine Fun, he was displeased and on the brink of turning around and heading out to the nearest bar instead.
“I was dragged to come and at the beginning I was thinking to myself what was I doing here. I just wanted to leave and go drink next door. But as soon as it all started I really got into it. The team structure of the games made them really fun and competitive and I found myself lost in them because I wanted to win. I forgot how fun they were. I had not played for years.”
There has been much sociological research on the importance of childlike play for adults, especially in today’s fast paced world.
“Our society tends to dismiss play for adults,” says psychologist and associate editor of The Importance of Play for Adults, Margarita Tartakovsky M.S. “Play is perceived as unproductive, petty or even a guilty pleasure. The notion is that once we reach adulthood, it’s time to get serious. And between personal and professional responsibilities, there’s no time to play. But play is just as pivotal for adults as it is for kids. Play brings joy. And it’s vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships.”
“It is really fun to play and I think it is really important,” continues Sebestyen. It comes really naturally to me but I know it does not come as naturally to other people but I think if you put people in this kind of environment they latch on really quickly. Even Kevin (Acquard) was like what is this, but once he got in there he was in the zone and it all totally comes back to you.”
Caroline Geroyan
Families Of Homicide Victims To Receive Nothing
At 4:30am on the 30th of May the NSW government forced through legislation, replacing the existing “Victims Support And Rehabilitation Act 1996.”
Families of some of NSW’s most gruesome homicides have been waiting for up to 2.5 years to receive the compensation amount of $50,000 that they had applied for under the NSW Victims Support Scheme. But the change of policy and new criteria means that some of these people have been caught up in the “retrospect.” A few are only eligible for a mere $15,000, whilst others stand to receive nothing.
Speaking on behalf of the NSW Homicide Victims Support Group, counselor Denise Day verifies the strife and anguish families of homicide victims are further experiencing as a result of this decision.
“We look like liars. We advised these families, in good faith, and they made decisions in good faith. Now we are forced to explain that there is no money coming and there is not a thing anyone can do about it. This good faith stands for nothing, and that is the issue.”
The new scheme offers compensation only to family members who were financially dependent on the victim. It also allows for the re-imbursement of immediate expenses directly related to the crime, such as travel costs to and from police stations or court houses, but as Denise states, applying for this is timely and many people cant even afford the initial monetary outlay to produce the invoices.
“In the old scheme a lump sum of $50,000 went to the immediate family members and dependents. It covered things like funeral expenses and travel costs. They decided how they were to spend the money. In the new scheme you need to send in invoices which means things need to be paid for upfront and some families just don’t have that kind of money. Funerals, for example, can cost up to $15,000 which is a large amount for most families.”
Sylvia Minas, whose nephew Marc Zatarian was killed by a knife wound to the heart in May 2011, had been promised a compensation amount of $50,000. After waiting two and a half years to now learn she is to be awarded nothing, Sylvia is convinced that the government has deceived her.
“The law sucks. They simply do not want to pay. Victim’s families are being hurt and being victimized even more. We have been hit with expenses and were promised money to compensate. It is not even about the money. A member of our family has been killed and this money is help for something that was not anticipated. My sister and her family have had to travel overseas numerous times to be at Marc’s funeral and court hearing, spending over $20,000 that they do not have.”
As another example of people caught in the retrospect, Executive Director of the HVSG, Martha Jabour, explains how only six families out of the eleven people of who were murdered in the 2011 nursing home fires were paid the full amount of $50,000. Because the remaining five was caught up in the backlog they now stand to receive nothing under the new scheme.
“One incident, one perpetrator. They all had their forms in at much the same time. Some families were paid in the old scheme and others have been caught up in the new scheme and get nothing. Exactly the same murder. How ludacris, how absolutely ludacris.”
“This is the issue of the retrospectivity.” Denise says.
“On the expectation of an official form that was part of the attorney general’s department, people signed it following the information they had in front of them that this will be the outcome, but with the change of government this is not the case and they have been left stranded.”
carolinegeroyan
caroline geroyan
Families of some of NSW’s most gruesome homicides have been waiting for up to 2.5 years to receive the compensation amount of $50,000 that they had applied for under the NSW Victims Support Scheme. But the change of policy and new criteria means that some of these people have been caught up in the “retrospect.” A few are only eligible for a mere $15,000, whilst others stand to receive nothing.
Speaking on behalf of the NSW Homicide Victims Support Group, counselor Denise Day verifies the strife and anguish families of homicide victims are further experiencing as a result of this decision.
“We look like liars. We advised these families, in good faith, and they made decisions in good faith. Now we are forced to explain that there is no money coming and there is not a thing anyone can do about it. This good faith stands for nothing, and that is the issue.”
The new scheme offers compensation only to family members who were financially dependent on the victim. It also allows for the re-imbursement of immediate expenses directly related to the crime, such as travel costs to and from police stations or court houses, but as Denise states, applying for this is timely and many people cant even afford the initial monetary outlay to produce the invoices.
“In the old scheme a lump sum of $50,000 went to the immediate family members and dependents. It covered things like funeral expenses and travel costs. They decided how they were to spend the money. In the new scheme you need to send in invoices which means things need to be paid for upfront and some families just don’t have that kind of money. Funerals, for example, can cost up to $15,000 which is a large amount for most families.”
Sylvia Minas, whose nephew Marc Zatarian was killed by a knife wound to the heart in May 2011, had been promised a compensation amount of $50,000. After waiting two and a half years to now learn she is to be awarded nothing, Sylvia is convinced that the government has deceived her.
“The law sucks. They simply do not want to pay. Victim’s families are being hurt and being victimized even more. We have been hit with expenses and were promised money to compensate. It is not even about the money. A member of our family has been killed and this money is help for something that was not anticipated. My sister and her family have had to travel overseas numerous times to be at Marc’s funeral and court hearing, spending over $20,000 that they do not have.”
As another example of people caught in the retrospect, Executive Director of the HVSG, Martha Jabour, explains how only six families out of the eleven people of who were murdered in the 2011 nursing home fires were paid the full amount of $50,000. Because the remaining five was caught up in the backlog they now stand to receive nothing under the new scheme.
“One incident, one perpetrator. They all had their forms in at much the same time. Some families were paid in the old scheme and others have been caught up in the new scheme and get nothing. Exactly the same murder. How ludacris, how absolutely ludacris.”
“This is the issue of the retrospectivity.” Denise says.
“On the expectation of an official form that was part of the attorney general’s department, people signed it following the information they had in front of them that this will be the outcome, but with the change of government this is not the case and they have been left stranded.”
carolinegeroyan
caroline geroyan
Children's Health Up In Smoke
Cooper Cruize has been smoking since year 7. Now in year 12, he explains how he walked into the same convenience store before school every day and buying packets for himself and his friends. No questions asked.
“They knew how old I was. They knew I was a kid. It was never a hassle.”
According to ASH Australia, over 100,000 Australian school children smoke regularly and majority of smokers take up the habit well before they are adults. In response, the anti-smoking laws in Australia have been designed to make buying cigarettes impossible for people under 18. So how are so many so many kids taking up this deadly habit? Where are they getting the cigarettes?
Cooper recalls how the shopkeepers would deviously sell to him, even though they were well aware that he was an underage school student.
“They gave the cigarettes to me in a brown paper bag, like a lunch bag. The shop was in the middle of a big shopping centre and I guess they didn’t want people seeing them sell to a 12 year-old kid in a school uniform. I used to go in so often that every time they saw me they would quickly get it ready or sometimes ask me to come around the counter so that I can put it in my pocket before I walk out.”
The Cancer Council NSW is aware that tobacco retailers, especially those near schools are cashing in on the health of children like Cooper.
“This is a problem because we know from research that more people are likely to smoke when there are more places to buy tobacco. Tobacco retailers near schools make it more likely that kids will smoke.”
Ken Lin, a senior student who began buying cigarettes in year 8, describes how there is a “smoking culture” at his prestigious Northern Beaches private school.
“All the kids get their cigarettes from the same newsagent. Everyone at school knows about this place. It is so close and very convenient and very accessible. They never ask about our age even though we wear our uniforms and blazers with the school emblem on them. And the kids who buy the most are the young ones, the ones in year 7 and 8, the ones who reckon smoking is cool.
Lisa Kruize, Cooper’s mother, is undoubtedly shocked at the way these convenience stores, especially the ones near schools, are exploiting the health of children to increase their profits.
“I can’t believe it. I didn’t know Cooper smoked so young. I thought that the laws would stop him from buying cigarettes, and I don’t smoke so he couldn’t get them from me. The fact that anyone would sell to a 12 year old is beyond belief, and highly illegal!
caroline geroyan
carolinegeroyan
Tuesday 3 September 2013
Ugly Alexia
It is bad.
Real bad.
It consumes me,
becomes me.
The thoughts become words,
the words become people,
and the people revolt...
And I become helpless.
"You are not good enough."
The words are loud.
"You are fat and ugly."
The message is strong
My stomach begins to churn,
sweat on your forehead.
The mirror looks back at me,
that girl looks at me
She looks like me,
but its not me.
She is only a remnant of myself.
I am the ugly girl.
I am the chubby girl.
The "good for nothing" girl.
I just want to stay home,
nobody can notice me,
nobody can judge me
and my imperfections.
I do not feel inadequate at home.
I can be me.
I can be sad.
Nobody is around,
and I like that.
I don't want anyone,
I dont desire noise.
Just me,
and she.
The loud girl
who puts me down.
I don't like her, really,
but she keeps me company,
and it is not so lonely.
But when she is loud,
it is hard to breathe.
My stomach hurts,
and I feel dizzy and numb.
I just want to scream at her,
but I believe her words.
What she tells me is true.
I wish it was not.
I believe her.
I wish I did not,
but she is so loud.
Her name is Alexia.
She used to visit occasionally,
but now she comes often.
She knocks when she is not wanted,
but I let her in.
She stays,
so i do not go.
I cannot.
Alexia is strong.
Too strong.
Real bad.
It consumes me,
becomes me.
The thoughts become words,
the words become people,
and the people revolt...
And I become helpless.
"You are not good enough."
The words are loud.
"You are fat and ugly."
The message is strong
My stomach begins to churn,
sweat on your forehead.
The mirror looks back at me,
that girl looks at me
She looks like me,
but its not me.
She is only a remnant of myself.
I am the ugly girl.
I am the chubby girl.
The "good for nothing" girl.
I just want to stay home,
nobody can notice me,
nobody can judge me
and my imperfections.
I do not feel inadequate at home.
I can be me.
I can be sad.
Nobody is around,
and I like that.
I don't want anyone,
I dont desire noise.
Just me,
and she.
The loud girl
who puts me down.
I don't like her, really,
but she keeps me company,
and it is not so lonely.
But when she is loud,
it is hard to breathe.
My stomach hurts,
and I feel dizzy and numb.
I just want to scream at her,
but I believe her words.
What she tells me is true.
I wish it was not.
I believe her.
I wish I did not,
but she is so loud.
Her name is Alexia.
She used to visit occasionally,
but now she comes often.
She knocks when she is not wanted,
but I let her in.
She stays,
so i do not go.
I cannot.
Alexia is strong.
Too strong.
Friday 21 June 2013
Destiny - A Wonderful Stroke Of Luck
Destiny.
Some call it “fate”, others label it as “purpose” and fewer describe it as “providence”. There are a myriad of words and phrases one could use to describe this phenomenon, but to me it is the belief that a higher power (or force…whatever) has pre-decided your eventuality, and no matter which road you take, you will be lead directly where you are “meant to be.”
How true or viable is this theory – who knows? And who is to say that this thing called “destiny” really exists? Maybe the reality of it all is that we just live, and the things that happen to us just do because we were “there” at that particular moment, or because we took that route or answered that call.
And maybe we die when we just stop breathing. No destiny, no fate, no pre-determined eventuality…
We just are and it just is…
But who wants to live in a world where there is no hope, little faith and a rejection of purpose?
I don’t. I find solace in believing that things happen for a reason, even if the reason is not always in my favor. I like thinking that there is order in anarchy, there is motive in action and intent in thought. Even though I do not have control, the strings are being manipulated by an intangible force, controlling my thoughts and actions, so that to ensure that I lead the life I was destined to. And sometimes I will suffer, and in other times I will succeed, but this is my path, my story, my destiny, and I am slowly learning to embrace the beauty of everything (and everyone) that comes my way.
I had a thought. A terrible thought. It frightened me.
What if your destiny was (or is) to meet somebody? Perhaps they end up being your life partner, or maybe they are just meant to teach you an important lesson. What if their destiny does not unfold as it should and sends your fate off course?
Does that mean you miss out?
Or does it mean it was not ever your true destiny to begin with and you must persevere with your own fate?
“Your life is defined by all opportunities, even the ones your miss.”
I read that quite recently and truly believe it.
Missed opportunities determine your fate as much as the ones you embrace.
The job you did not take paved the way for the one did. You would not have met the people you are working with if you took the other job, and you would have met different people if you were granted the position. Perhaps they would have affected your life and you would be in a different position, or maybe, just maybe, they are not part of your destiny, and you were never meant to know them or meet them.
…And if you were, you will.
Sweet serendipity.
Your fate was etched by the missed opportunity.
Would you call that luck (or lack thereof)...?
Oh Boy! Don't even get me started...
Some call it “fate”, others label it as “purpose” and fewer describe it as “providence”. There are a myriad of words and phrases one could use to describe this phenomenon, but to me it is the belief that a higher power (or force…whatever) has pre-decided your eventuality, and no matter which road you take, you will be lead directly where you are “meant to be.”
How true or viable is this theory – who knows? And who is to say that this thing called “destiny” really exists? Maybe the reality of it all is that we just live, and the things that happen to us just do because we were “there” at that particular moment, or because we took that route or answered that call.
And maybe we die when we just stop breathing. No destiny, no fate, no pre-determined eventuality…
We just are and it just is…
But who wants to live in a world where there is no hope, little faith and a rejection of purpose?
I don’t. I find solace in believing that things happen for a reason, even if the reason is not always in my favor. I like thinking that there is order in anarchy, there is motive in action and intent in thought. Even though I do not have control, the strings are being manipulated by an intangible force, controlling my thoughts and actions, so that to ensure that I lead the life I was destined to. And sometimes I will suffer, and in other times I will succeed, but this is my path, my story, my destiny, and I am slowly learning to embrace the beauty of everything (and everyone) that comes my way.
I had a thought. A terrible thought. It frightened me.
What if your destiny was (or is) to meet somebody? Perhaps they end up being your life partner, or maybe they are just meant to teach you an important lesson. What if their destiny does not unfold as it should and sends your fate off course?
Does that mean you miss out?
Or does it mean it was not ever your true destiny to begin with and you must persevere with your own fate?
“Your life is defined by all opportunities, even the ones your miss.”
I read that quite recently and truly believe it.
Missed opportunities determine your fate as much as the ones you embrace.
The job you did not take paved the way for the one did. You would not have met the people you are working with if you took the other job, and you would have met different people if you were granted the position. Perhaps they would have affected your life and you would be in a different position, or maybe, just maybe, they are not part of your destiny, and you were never meant to know them or meet them.
…And if you were, you will.
Sweet serendipity.
Your fate was etched by the missed opportunity.
Would you call that luck (or lack thereof)...?
Oh Boy! Don't even get me started...
Tuesday 7 May 2013
Marc
“Your son is going to die.”
The most painful words a mother could hear.
Just as the knife pierced his heart, those words broke hers, and I am certain that she has felt, and continues to undergo more agony and pain than he ever did. He is the victim of the crime, but we are left to suffer, bearing the burden of the pain and perpetration.
I am never one to feel sorry for myself. Self-pity and wallowing never help you overcome the pain but this situation is, and will always remain, a chain around my heart. And every time I am overcome with sadness I think of his mother, the woman who brought him into this world, brought him up and watched him leave, standing there helplessly, as his casket was placed carefully deep into the ground.
“Hey cuz, you know my sister is in Lebanon, so here you are my sister. I love you like a sister and I will look after you like a sister.”
I wish I took him up on that. I wish I let him in a lot more. I wish I connected that Internet and phone line like I promised I would. I wish I were more patient with him. I wish he never met her. I wish his mother could see him again. I wish she could hold him. I wish he could be there for his sister on her wedding day. I wish his mother could feel that satisfying feeling when she fixed his favourite dish and he devoured it with delight once more. I wish he could walk in the room and make everyone smile. I wish he never met her. I wish he could dress up as Santa Clause again and hand out the gifts to his aunts, uncles and cousins. I wish he could have another motorcycle accident. I wish he could come over so mum can lecture him about settling down. I wish he could wish me Happy Birthday and then call me “twin” because we were born four days apart. I wish he could smash his newest BMW. I wish mum and I could have breakfast at his latest bachelor pad. I wish we were waiting for him because he was running late. I wish he never met her.
I wish he were still alive.
I do not know what happened on the night. Nobody ever will. And she is so diluted that through all her lies I doubt she remembers.
He did not deserve to die. And she did not deserve to be let off without consequence. I have heard her say that she and her family have suffered and since being acquitted is looking forward to moving on.
“There are no winners, and what happened happened, and we can move on from this from now.”
This is what she told the media upon her acquittal. She has that option. We do not. His family does not. His parents do not. His siblings do not. We will always be haunted by his death, his unjust death. He died in vein, without any justice. So, I think there is a winner here and it is she. The woman who killed him walks free. There are no consequences for her actions, just memories. Memories of him, memories of what she did, memories of her arrest, trial and all the accompanying tribulations. But she can write all these memories off as a bad experience, a hurdle in her life, and keep moving forward. We will never shake this off. Not ever. He will never come back – we cannot move on because he will never be undead.
I come from a big family. He had 17 other cousins, first cousins who were even closer to him than I was, so I do not know why I am so affected.
The most affected.
Is it because his mother lived at my house during his passing, funeral and trial, so I was directly faced with the effect that all of these events had on her? Or is it because I knew she would wait for us to leave so that she can cry loudly, yelling his name and talking to him for hours. My house became a place of sadness, the residence of gloom. Home is where the heart is, but what if all the hearts sheltered there are broken?
This experience feels like a dream…a nightmare. I will never awaken. Nor will anyone else. It has been two years - he could have been 35. What else could he have been? I wonder all the time. You cannot fight destiny. The sad thing is this was his fate. So wasteful.
And her destiny? Well so far being acquitted of murder charges and being a finalist for Miss Australia. I am excited to see what else is in store.
The most painful words a mother could hear.
Just as the knife pierced his heart, those words broke hers, and I am certain that she has felt, and continues to undergo more agony and pain than he ever did. He is the victim of the crime, but we are left to suffer, bearing the burden of the pain and perpetration.
I am never one to feel sorry for myself. Self-pity and wallowing never help you overcome the pain but this situation is, and will always remain, a chain around my heart. And every time I am overcome with sadness I think of his mother, the woman who brought him into this world, brought him up and watched him leave, standing there helplessly, as his casket was placed carefully deep into the ground.
“Hey cuz, you know my sister is in Lebanon, so here you are my sister. I love you like a sister and I will look after you like a sister.”
I wish I took him up on that. I wish I let him in a lot more. I wish I connected that Internet and phone line like I promised I would. I wish I were more patient with him. I wish he never met her. I wish his mother could see him again. I wish she could hold him. I wish he could be there for his sister on her wedding day. I wish his mother could feel that satisfying feeling when she fixed his favourite dish and he devoured it with delight once more. I wish he could walk in the room and make everyone smile. I wish he never met her. I wish he could dress up as Santa Clause again and hand out the gifts to his aunts, uncles and cousins. I wish he could have another motorcycle accident. I wish he could come over so mum can lecture him about settling down. I wish he could wish me Happy Birthday and then call me “twin” because we were born four days apart. I wish he could smash his newest BMW. I wish mum and I could have breakfast at his latest bachelor pad. I wish we were waiting for him because he was running late. I wish he never met her.
I wish he were still alive.
I do not know what happened on the night. Nobody ever will. And she is so diluted that through all her lies I doubt she remembers.
He did not deserve to die. And she did not deserve to be let off without consequence. I have heard her say that she and her family have suffered and since being acquitted is looking forward to moving on.
“There are no winners, and what happened happened, and we can move on from this from now.”
This is what she told the media upon her acquittal. She has that option. We do not. His family does not. His parents do not. His siblings do not. We will always be haunted by his death, his unjust death. He died in vein, without any justice. So, I think there is a winner here and it is she. The woman who killed him walks free. There are no consequences for her actions, just memories. Memories of him, memories of what she did, memories of her arrest, trial and all the accompanying tribulations. But she can write all these memories off as a bad experience, a hurdle in her life, and keep moving forward. We will never shake this off. Not ever. He will never come back – we cannot move on because he will never be undead.
I come from a big family. He had 17 other cousins, first cousins who were even closer to him than I was, so I do not know why I am so affected.
The most affected.
Is it because his mother lived at my house during his passing, funeral and trial, so I was directly faced with the effect that all of these events had on her? Or is it because I knew she would wait for us to leave so that she can cry loudly, yelling his name and talking to him for hours. My house became a place of sadness, the residence of gloom. Home is where the heart is, but what if all the hearts sheltered there are broken?
This experience feels like a dream…a nightmare. I will never awaken. Nor will anyone else. It has been two years - he could have been 35. What else could he have been? I wonder all the time. You cannot fight destiny. The sad thing is this was his fate. So wasteful.
And her destiny? Well so far being acquitted of murder charges and being a finalist for Miss Australia. I am excited to see what else is in store.
Sunday 28 April 2013
2012...The Year That Was
Such a slow Sunday. I have done nothing but lose myself in thought.
The fork in the road is still prevalent in my life, although only recently, and by recently I mean in the last week, I have decided which path I will travel down.
Sure the future looks bright, but I can’t help but think of what was. What brought me here? What was on that road? What led me to this eventuality?
The answer to these questions are infinite, but I will start by looking back at the year that was – 2012.
It began by my trip across the US. Deciding I would be travelling exactly 8 days prior meant that I did not have time to anticipate the trip – it just happened – and I think for this reason I enjoyed it immensely. No planning, no thinking…just living!
New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. My heart fluttered as I walked the streets and concourses of these amazing cities. Breathing it all in, taking it all in – I never yearned to travel to America but I am so glad I did. My life changed. Some of these changes have already taken effect and others, well, I guess I am yet to experience. Oh, and I had no idea “San Francisco” was spelt the way it is. I always thought it was an “s” after the “n” – as in “Fransisco.”
Heartbreak city. I ended a two and a half year relationship in April. This was a direct result of some of the “growing up” I did in the US. I wanted more from the relationship, and could not foresee my desires becoming apparent. I am not talking about being engaged or anything like that – more an intangible sense of emotional security and trust. I wanted to know that the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining a relationship would pay off.
Working in retail - something I never thought I would do. Then again it is my mother’s store, so nobody can condemn me for helping out in family business.
September. A dark month.
“Not Guilty”.
The tears, pain and anxiety will never be forgotten. It was worse than when he was killed because although he was gone, we believed some justice would be served.
Nothing.
She walked out of the courthouse, free, and he remains in the ground with his family eternally bound to the pain of losing him – a son, a brother, a cousin, a loved one, a friend. The pain will forever imprison our hearts.
Days of blackness.
Days of sorrow.
Days of tears.
Losing faith, but still praying. Losing hope but still yearning.
I still await the true results of her actions, the true consequences only to be handed down by The Lord. No warning will be set. I will not receive an email by the law enforcers of NSW telling me the date of the hearing and explaining where the nearest train station to the courthouse is. It will be when He decides is best.
I never lost faith, although everyone around me did. Justice shall be served. I guess this experience allowed me to realise that my faith is strong. Only when it was truly tested and challenged did it shine through.
Today Tonight. What a tough interview! Hearing my aunty trying to voice to the entire country her feelings in a language she cannot speak. Even if she was fluent in English, which words could appropriately describe the pain of losing her son, and having his killer walk free? Do such words even exist?
We thought the interview was solely to voice our “side of the story”. We discovered, after shooting, that they had also interviewed her, the killer. We accepted to air both interviews as one story, and it did on November 5th, 2012. We felt extremely anxious and unnerved watching the trailers as we did not know what to expect.
The result was…okay. Not good and not bad. They showed her side and they showed ours, although they brought up the fact that her “story”, the fable about him hitting her over the head was probably fiction seeing as though no scientic evidence was concluded. Of course she would have made up a story – it is human nature. Even children do it in the playground when they think they are going to get into trouble. The court system just failed to see that.
The year was turbulent. It started off great but ended roughly. There were a lot of pain and a lot of tears. 2012 has scarred me but the one thing that has not changed, and never will, was my support system. My best friends and my family were always there.
The road that is “2012” was broken, but I am starting to find my happiness, so perhaps the tough journey is needed for the destination to shine. Yes I know, too many metaphors in this piece, and a tad cheesy, but hey, its true.
Here is to a great 2013 – hit me with your best shot!
The fork in the road is still prevalent in my life, although only recently, and by recently I mean in the last week, I have decided which path I will travel down.
Sure the future looks bright, but I can’t help but think of what was. What brought me here? What was on that road? What led me to this eventuality?
The answer to these questions are infinite, but I will start by looking back at the year that was – 2012.
It began by my trip across the US. Deciding I would be travelling exactly 8 days prior meant that I did not have time to anticipate the trip – it just happened – and I think for this reason I enjoyed it immensely. No planning, no thinking…just living!
New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. My heart fluttered as I walked the streets and concourses of these amazing cities. Breathing it all in, taking it all in – I never yearned to travel to America but I am so glad I did. My life changed. Some of these changes have already taken effect and others, well, I guess I am yet to experience. Oh, and I had no idea “San Francisco” was spelt the way it is. I always thought it was an “s” after the “n” – as in “Fransisco.”
Heartbreak city. I ended a two and a half year relationship in April. This was a direct result of some of the “growing up” I did in the US. I wanted more from the relationship, and could not foresee my desires becoming apparent. I am not talking about being engaged or anything like that – more an intangible sense of emotional security and trust. I wanted to know that the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining a relationship would pay off.
Working in retail - something I never thought I would do. Then again it is my mother’s store, so nobody can condemn me for helping out in family business.
September. A dark month.
“Not Guilty”.
The tears, pain and anxiety will never be forgotten. It was worse than when he was killed because although he was gone, we believed some justice would be served.
Nothing.
She walked out of the courthouse, free, and he remains in the ground with his family eternally bound to the pain of losing him – a son, a brother, a cousin, a loved one, a friend. The pain will forever imprison our hearts.
Days of blackness.
Days of sorrow.
Days of tears.
Losing faith, but still praying. Losing hope but still yearning.
I still await the true results of her actions, the true consequences only to be handed down by The Lord. No warning will be set. I will not receive an email by the law enforcers of NSW telling me the date of the hearing and explaining where the nearest train station to the courthouse is. It will be when He decides is best.
I never lost faith, although everyone around me did. Justice shall be served. I guess this experience allowed me to realise that my faith is strong. Only when it was truly tested and challenged did it shine through.
Today Tonight. What a tough interview! Hearing my aunty trying to voice to the entire country her feelings in a language she cannot speak. Even if she was fluent in English, which words could appropriately describe the pain of losing her son, and having his killer walk free? Do such words even exist?
We thought the interview was solely to voice our “side of the story”. We discovered, after shooting, that they had also interviewed her, the killer. We accepted to air both interviews as one story, and it did on November 5th, 2012. We felt extremely anxious and unnerved watching the trailers as we did not know what to expect.
The result was…okay. Not good and not bad. They showed her side and they showed ours, although they brought up the fact that her “story”, the fable about him hitting her over the head was probably fiction seeing as though no scientic evidence was concluded. Of course she would have made up a story – it is human nature. Even children do it in the playground when they think they are going to get into trouble. The court system just failed to see that.
The year was turbulent. It started off great but ended roughly. There were a lot of pain and a lot of tears. 2012 has scarred me but the one thing that has not changed, and never will, was my support system. My best friends and my family were always there.
The road that is “2012” was broken, but I am starting to find my happiness, so perhaps the tough journey is needed for the destination to shine. Yes I know, too many metaphors in this piece, and a tad cheesy, but hey, its true.
Here is to a great 2013 – hit me with your best shot!
Friday 15 March 2013
My Affirmations
I believe that everything happens for a reason.
People change so that you can learn to let go,
things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they're right.
You believe lies so you can eventually learn to trust nobody but yourself.
'
And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
People change so that you can learn to let go,
things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they're right.
You believe lies so you can eventually learn to trust nobody but yourself.
'
And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Dear Me: A Letter To My Twenty Four Year Old Self
When I was 21 I was introduced to a book titled "Dear Me: A Letter To My Sixteen Year Old Self". This book contained letters that celebrities, sports stars and "high calibre" people have written to themselves at 16 years old - pretty self explanatory from the title. This book changed my life. It changed the way I perceived situations and made me a more positive and enlightened person. I read every letter carefully, word for word, and realised that life is a self fulfilling prophecy. You should never be too worried or distressed about anything because, quiet simply, life goes on. I learnt that You will ALWAYS look back and think "wow, that was so silly and trivial", and my personal favourite "from that situation I have learnt..." You will laugh at what once made you cry.
I wrote one of these letters to myself. In fact, I am certain that I have posted it on this blog site.
Now I am 24 years old and have reached a tough spot in my life. I would not call it a "dead end" because I refuse to turn back - I will persevere. I have completed my degree and still don't know what to do with my career, I ended a relationship after 2.5 years because being with him made me realise what I do not want in a partner. I know that sounds harsh but it I suppose its one of those "learning" experiences.
I want to travel! I want to learn! I want to discover! I want so much! I want it all! I want it now!
I wrote a letter to my 24 year old self. In this letter I am not looking back I am looking in. I am telling myself what I need to hear. I put pen to paper in the hope that the words will grant me inspiration.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Dear Me: A Letter To My Twenty Four Year Old Self"
Dear Me,
Don't be so sad.
If anyone is not going to treat you right then they are not.worth.it.
You are strong, brave, smart and loyal. Anyone would be more than lucky to have you in their life.
Be strong. Be brave. Know your strength. Exude your strength. Don't let anyone stumble all over your heart. They are not worth it.
Live for yourself and believe that there are so many opportunities out there waiting for you. Thats right, get excited, smile and feel the butterflies in your tummy because it is going to be one hell of a ride.
Yes, you want to be loved, who doesn't? Just make sure they are worthy of your love and devotion in return.
FAITH.
Faith is such a strong word. But you must have faith. Have faith that things happen for a reason. Have faith in the fact that people come into and leave our lives for reasons beyond our control or comprehension - but the reasons are there, and even if you do not completely realise or understand them you just need to have faith that they do exist and that they will always play out for the best.
Have faith in timing. Everything happens precisely at the right time. Come to peace with this. I know it is hard to understand and believe but whatever happens does so because it is meant to at that exact moment.
People will enter and leave your life precisely when they are supposed to. This phenomenon is out of your control. Do not try to keep people in longer than they need to be in your life. Let them go.If they return, then you can be sure they are truly meant to be there.
Have faith in karma. Be the best person you can be, even in the worst situations. Always maintain the best intentions. You will be rewarded. Every experience is a learning curb. Take what you can and be done with the rest. Let it be history. Your history. Whatever.
Smile!
Be true to yourself!
Value yourself!
Shine!
These truths will allow karma to taste so sweet that the teeth of whoever bites into you will rot.
Do not worry about the future. Do the best you can TODAY. Do not berate your past. It's the road you took to get here. It may have been bumpy, but you're hear nevertheless.
Let yourself loose control. Let yourself be.
Whatever.
Let it be.
Let it happen.
It won't always go the way you like, and thats okay. Remember you have faith, and faith is what makes it all worth it.
Don't stop laughing.
Let yourself cry.
Feel with your heart.
Think with your head.
Never loose faith.
I wrote one of these letters to myself. In fact, I am certain that I have posted it on this blog site.
Now I am 24 years old and have reached a tough spot in my life. I would not call it a "dead end" because I refuse to turn back - I will persevere. I have completed my degree and still don't know what to do with my career, I ended a relationship after 2.5 years because being with him made me realise what I do not want in a partner. I know that sounds harsh but it I suppose its one of those "learning" experiences.
I want to travel! I want to learn! I want to discover! I want so much! I want it all! I want it now!
I wrote a letter to my 24 year old self. In this letter I am not looking back I am looking in. I am telling myself what I need to hear. I put pen to paper in the hope that the words will grant me inspiration.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Dear Me: A Letter To My Twenty Four Year Old Self"
Dear Me,
Don't be so sad.
If anyone is not going to treat you right then they are not.worth.it.
You are strong, brave, smart and loyal. Anyone would be more than lucky to have you in their life.
Be strong. Be brave. Know your strength. Exude your strength. Don't let anyone stumble all over your heart. They are not worth it.
Live for yourself and believe that there are so many opportunities out there waiting for you. Thats right, get excited, smile and feel the butterflies in your tummy because it is going to be one hell of a ride.
Yes, you want to be loved, who doesn't? Just make sure they are worthy of your love and devotion in return.
FAITH.
Faith is such a strong word. But you must have faith. Have faith that things happen for a reason. Have faith in the fact that people come into and leave our lives for reasons beyond our control or comprehension - but the reasons are there, and even if you do not completely realise or understand them you just need to have faith that they do exist and that they will always play out for the best.
Have faith in timing. Everything happens precisely at the right time. Come to peace with this. I know it is hard to understand and believe but whatever happens does so because it is meant to at that exact moment.
People will enter and leave your life precisely when they are supposed to. This phenomenon is out of your control. Do not try to keep people in longer than they need to be in your life. Let them go.If they return, then you can be sure they are truly meant to be there.
Have faith in karma. Be the best person you can be, even in the worst situations. Always maintain the best intentions. You will be rewarded. Every experience is a learning curb. Take what you can and be done with the rest. Let it be history. Your history. Whatever.
Smile!
Be true to yourself!
Value yourself!
Shine!
These truths will allow karma to taste so sweet that the teeth of whoever bites into you will rot.
Do not worry about the future. Do the best you can TODAY. Do not berate your past. It's the road you took to get here. It may have been bumpy, but you're hear nevertheless.
Let yourself loose control. Let yourself be.
Whatever.
Let it be.
Let it happen.
It won't always go the way you like, and thats okay. Remember you have faith, and faith is what makes it all worth it.
Don't stop laughing.
Let yourself cry.
Feel with your heart.
Think with your head.
Never loose faith.
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