The important thing to remember is that it is the journey that counts, not the destination..

"Most of our lives are a series of images, they pass us by like towns on a highway. But sometimes a moment stuns us as it happens and we know that this instant is more than a fleeting image. We know that this moment, every part of it, will live on forever."-Lucas Eugene Scott [One Tree Hill, Season Three]

My posts will be about life, influenced by all the moments and memories that inspire, challenge and touch me..

Showing posts with label kooklah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kooklah. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Thought of the Day 26/03/13

26/03/13

This was sent to me by a friend last year, at a time when I really needed to read this. It was also really lovely to know that someone believed in me and was there for me. Today I am putting this up as a sign of hope, faith and love for someone I am worried about. Who I carry close in my heart, always.

I was given this life, this path, this journey because I AM strong enough for it. In life you stumble and fall, but what counts is that you get back up, keep fighting and keep moving.

Kooklah Xx

Thought of the Day 25/03/13


Have you ever read a quote and just thought 'Wow...yes!' I certainly did today. I am aiming to post a 'Thought of the Day' everyday or if not as often as I can. Here is the one for 25/03/13:


Life is all about the journey. Every single step you take, person you meet, conversation you have, place you go and action you do plays a part in getting you to the person you will be. Creates your story, when we are young we all just want to grow up. But why? We should not rush to the end, enjoy the journey, create a memorable story. Make your life, your story, your very own legacy. The highs, the lows, the greatest and most exciting moments of your life, the challenges and struggles all play a significant part in how you will be remembered. So open the book, grab the pen and start LIVING.

This quote was so inspiring for me today, for more of what inspired me today (and the start to my week), look at For the Style Seeking Girl's post Inspire Me Monday

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Thought of the Day 24/03/13


Today's Thought of the Day (24/03/13)...



I am all for helping other people and doing selfless acts... you just need to make sure that you do not repeatedly go without or put yourself last. Sometimes you need to come first. If you surround yourself with people who just take and take -  you will end up feeling empty, lonely and totally worn out. Make sure that you make time to enjoy your own company, refresh and be happy.

After two hectic shifts at work the last few days I plan on putting aside time to do just that tomorrow.
I am thinking:
*Watch some more NCIS episodes (re-obsessed with the show and currently watching them in order)
*Washing my hair - those of you who read 'sister-blog' For the Style Seeking Girl and have read a post about hair washing and work would know that I HATE washing my hair in between shifts unless absolutley necessary (plus had a fundraiser on last night so had no time to do so). Read "The Go-to for needs-to-be-washed hair" for more information!
*At least an hour at the gym
*Lighting my favourite vanilla candle

What will you do? (P.s - I have more widely touched on the concept of treating yourself kindly and attending to self-care in "Making time...for Self Care")
Kooklah Xx

Thought of the Day 23/03/13


Loving posting a quote of the day!
Here is the one I chose for 23/03/13 ... a bit of a funny one from Grey's Anatomy Series One.
"Oh my God, you're falling for him! ... you poor girl"

I think every person has felt this at some time. Either as the friend or as the person falling. It isn't always wanted when you start falling - which is always exciting and exhilarating.. but sometimes you may have made a decision within yourself to be single for awhile, to just BE. To do your own thing, march to the beat of your own drum if you will. What is that saying? Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans? Yeahhh..


So you start to fall, go with it. Maybe it is meant to be - or at least will be a fabulous adventure, or maybe... it won't. He might stop texting or calling, seem distant or the connection you thought was there fizzles. That is OK. Try not to take it too internally or personally.... more often then not it is less about something you 'have done' and more about the other person.

What happens after you fall for someone has the potential to be the greatest and the worst moments... the beauty is, you just don't know which it will be until you have fallen.

Kooklah Xx

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Thought of the day 21/03/13



This is a new idea that I have had. I used to post a quote a day onto my facebook feed and found my friends really enjoyed it. I would often get facebook messages about them. I have decided to add this element to Kooklah, and upload a quote a day.

21.03.13 Here is a quote that sums up what I am thinking and feeling right now...

I love this quote. It is so true. You have one shot, one chance at life. Do not waste it by getting caught up in all the negatives, all the set backs and bad times. Instead use these moments to light your fire - you know the one that spurs you on and motivates you to change, experience, explore and take risks.

No one knows exactly how their life will pan out. When I read this quote it makes me feel like anything is possible, that I can achieve anything. You know what? I CAN. If I really want to do something, I can make it happen - you can too.

Don't let fears hold you back from what could be some of the most amazing and important aspects of your life. Make sure you grab life in both hands and create your own adventure, push your boundaries and make yourself leap out of your comfort zones.

I can tell you one thing. It will be worth it. Right now, I feel like the world if mine for the taking and I plan on jumping in and making the most of it.

Kooklah Xx

Check out our sister blog - For the Style Seeking Girl

Thursday, February 7, 2013

A New Year, A New You…


 
So welcome to 2013, by now we are just over a month in and I would say getting pretty settled into the New Year and what it could mean for us so far. I want to stop here for a moment, this year is not “just another year” but it will be, if you let it.

I made the decision before New Years Eve that 2013 would be AMAZING! I figured a few of the past years had been plagued with the kind of luck that gets written up and acted out on various television shows, so why shouldn’t 2013 be lucky? Considering the number 13 is considered unlucky, I made up my mind that 2013 is going to be lucky for me. The saying I have used of late is “if you think it, it will come…” which not only reinforces the benefits of having a positive outlook but reflects just how damaging negative thoughts and feelings (particularly towards yourself) can be.

As we all do, I have work and responsibilities, but I have decided to make this year great. Every chance I can. I started it with a bang and I am going to continue to squeeze the life out of this year, every drop – why waste life? I don’t want to look back on life and regret what I did not do.

Last year I made lists of things I wanted to achieve, a friend of my sister’s told me how much she loved it, she called it “a total commitment to living”, and I loved that description (so thankyou Odette, that really motivated me!). These lists of mine also encouraged some of my friends to do the same. Late last year, during a night of laughter, games and drinks (many many), three friends and I wrote out our bucket lists – to be completed by age 30. There is everything and nothing on these lists – that’s my way of saying big and little things. I am so excited. If we do it, we’re thinking a trip to Vegas… cause, why not right? The whole idea of these lists is to get out there and DO something. Be someone. If the list I have written doesn’t get fully completed but I have achieved other worthy things in the meantime I will be happy.

As my regular readers of this blog know, I do not write regularly, I try to just write really worthwhile posts. I am maintaining that thought, but I will be writing more. I have a lot to say. I will have a voice and I will act. To see the bucket list … click here.. and keep coming back as I update it!

Live life and make the most of 2013,

Kooklah

Friday, August 24, 2012

Sometimes you just have to...

Sometimes you just have to take a stand.
Sometimes you just can't sit back.
Sometimes you just can't stay quiet.

Sometimes you need to get up, move forward and make  some  alot of noise.
To be heard. To be seen. To be recognised or noticed.
But sometimes it is not even about yourself, it is about someone else. Someone you know and love, or a complete stranger whose story captures you. Compels you to do something. To fight for their rights.

To take a stand for someone and make people notice that something IS an issue, that you think something is not ok, is really brave. It is noble.

Not enough people do.

Today I couldn't take it, so I made some noise. I made sure people knew that I didn't like the way someone was been treated. They heard. They listened. They acted. I just hope a change happens.

Stay tuned...

Monday, August 20, 2012

Making time...for Self Care


"Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance.." (Buddhist Teaching)

I think it is really important to make time to just breathe and do something for yourself. Yes you are busy. We all are. Some people have demanding jobs, some are trying to study and work, some have families or intense hobbies. No matter what, for the vast majority of us atleast there never seems to be enough time. Time to complete all the mundane tasks or time to really let go and enjoy ourselves.

When I was completing my degree, we were always told about the importance of self care (click the link for a great article by Elizabeth Scott) which is basically setting aside time to allow yourself to relax, revitalise or rejuvinate. Self care 'sessions' do not have to be complex or time consuming and can be worked into our everyday lives. In saying this, it often becomes a rarity, or as Elizabeth discusses, something that people feel should take a backstep to the many other things requiring their attention. I am definitely guilty of this. I think in the short term, that can be fine (for instance you are working hard to meet an assignment deadline but then will relax the moment you can click submit) but continually giving up this time on a long term basis can have vastly negative effects.

Some negative effects of a daily, weekly or monthly routine lacking in self care sessions can include increased stress-physical/mental/emotional, increased chance of inappropriate emotional outbursts-tears/yelling/snapping, reduced ability to sleep well, lowering immune systems leading to illness but also minor issues like tension headaches/grounding teeth/fatigue, inability to enjoy time off and reduced ability for effective communication, concentration and judgement.

Below are five catergories of self care options and some ideas to achieve self care. There are of course, a very large amount of ways to complete self care- I am only aiming to highlight some simple, easy to achieve ways to get people started. I will also state what my favourite ways are!

Physical- do something with your body, pamper it, move it around...
*Book a treat for yourself, such as a massage - be it soothing, remedial (my favourite). Anyone in the hunter valley should look up Emily Jane Massage Therapy, I can personally vouch her, or have a DIY pamper session (I love to take all my makeup off,use my at home facial kit and then paint my nails)
*Hot shower with nice body wash, or soaking in a bath with candles and/or glass of wine
*Going for a quick walk or exercise (20-30minutes can do wonders)
*Have a rest, put on some calm music (or your favourite) and have a nap

Environmental- Do something with the elements! Use nature how  it was intended...
*Sit in the sun- read a book, play with a pet or just look up at the sky
*Go to the beach- walk along the shore, dip your toes in the water and sit with your hands sifting through the sand, listen to the waves
*Go for a walk through a garden or park, look at animals and enjoy some quiet
*Dance in the rain, lie on a blanket and look at the stars, watch a sunrise/sunset

Mental-take care of or strengthen your mind...
*Create a list of things to do/things you want to achieve. Can be a bucket list (things to do before you die), a cradle list (things to do before you have children), or any other timeline (I currently have one going for things I want to complete before 2013).. Make sure you don't just focus on serious things but also fun things e.g. fingerpainting/karoke/hot air balloons
*Take some time to read a book or magazine- could be five pages, a chapter, one story
*Complete a puzzle/sudoko/crossword
*Watch a few episdoes of your favourite tv show (or one you have wanted to catch up on)

Emotional-express, reflect on or recognise your feelings...
*Write someone a letter (write to a friend, an organisation to support something you believe in or even write one to yourself)
*Think about your fears, can any be conquered or attempted in a positive way? If so, go DO it!
*Reflect on your feelings and then think about where you want to be and what you want to do in life. Think/find some affirmations to repeat to yourself on a daily basis-especially when you are stressed. 
Some of mine include: 'She believed she could, and so she DID', 'Everything will be ok in the end, if it is not okay, it is not the end', 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you are right'
*Spend the day with some kids (if you don't have any mind your neice/nephew/cousin/friend's children), children are great therapy! They find joy in so much and th sound of their laughter or the wonder in their voice at something new can really lift your spirits. My little cousins have saved my mindset on many occasions and treating them makes me feel positive!

Spiritual-take some time to focus on your own beliefs or to re-determine what you do believe in.
*Light a candle and say/think a prayer/blessing/hope/affirmation (you don't have to follow a religion to do this). I light a candle whenever I am in need of hope, or when I am remembering those beautiful friends of mine that I have lost. Candle light is so soft and soothing, even in the day time.
*Think about your safe place, a peaceful place. What does it look like? Are there people or animals there? What can you hear/smell/taste/feel? Next time you are stressed, faced with your fears or upset. Take a second, breathe, close your eyes and take yourself to that place.
*Meditate-to music, an actual meditation tape or piece of writing, or sit down somewhere comfortable and breathe deeply, stretch and concentrate on your breathing. Five minutes can change your day. My aim is to have meditated for atleast 60 minutes every week (either broken up or one whole session)
*Do something for someone else. Donate to charity, spend time listening to a friend, volunteer, do a good deed each day- whatever it is, it can help put into perspective that we are not the only ones with issues, and that by helping others we can help ourselves.

As I said, the above points are just brief examples or ideas... Mainly used to inspire those who may not have known where to start, or what to do. Writing a list of things you'd like to include in a self care session of your own can be a great help. Ensures lots of variety!


Some examples from people I know (just basics)..
L- takes walks on the beach, plays with her dog and when she sees her mum they share champagne
M- lights candles, plays music, treats herself, goes to the gym
E- takes time to draw, sketch, think, spend time in nature

My favourite things to do are- the pamper routine above, spend some time in my pjs watching a tv show, think about my peaceful place, write short stories/work on my novel, play music and focus on my breathing, take a walk, look up at they sky, create lists of things to achieve, spend time with people who make me laugh; who let me be myself and who support me, spend time with the little children I am lucky to know, wash my hair and have a hot shower, remedial massages.

"Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Lucille Ball

I would love to read what other people love to do! Happy self-caring, Kooklah Xx.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Inspire Me Monday

Some days just need a bit more spark. Something to lift the spirits, keep the mind focused on the plans and dreams yet to come. Give you a secret smile that will have others captivated and wondering what you are thinking about. So here goes, my list of five things that are inspiring me at the start of this week, something to make Monday not-so-blue.



Smelling of daisies...
 I have long wanted to own a bottle of 'Daisy' by Marc Jacobs, one of my friends once bought it a few years ago and I have always loved the smell. It is so fresh, light, girly. Perfect. I finally own it :)



Fashion in Colour...
The last few days I have been drawn to this colour combination (see below) and I crafting an outfit in it. I love the clean, fresh, minimalist and summery feel that using white, gold and turquoise acheives, it is also effortlessly stylish. Makes me feel like I should be sunning on the Greek Islands or sipping Sangria in Italy looking at good-looking Italian men. One of my summer style picks for sure!






Travel Inspiration...
We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, lovers igniting a war between families, by William Shakespeare. This balcony in Verona, Italy is the balcony used as inspiration for that very story. Due to this, I have always wanted to spend a few days in Verona, looking up to that balcony and imagining Juliet looking down, to see the wall of love letters and to write my own.






A Light Laugh, or Two...
My brother and I are watching Seinfeld, in order. We have seen nearly every episode previously but not in the order they were first screened or released. It has become one of my favourite past-times and we are halfway through (goal is to finish it this year). Kramer-the hilarious, scattered and intriguing neighbour of Jerry is a brilliant creation whose madness sometimes makes your mind marvel.






Shoe-spiration...
I was shopping the other day and found a fabulous pair of shoes at one of my favourite shops ZU. They are called 'Sunrise' -white lace with silver sparkle, 14.5cm heel and 5.5cm platform which elongates my legs. They are beautiful shoes, a work of art. I am considering wearing them in Vegas.



What has inspired the start to your week? Kooklah Xx

Monday, July 2, 2012

Inspire Me Monday

Hi lovely readers! I love sharing this post of all the things inspiring me at the start of a week.
Sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue.
Here are five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

WANDERLUST- let's go on a journey...
People have always told me that once you go overseas, the travel bug gets you. I already have it... All I can think of are ways to get out of here and go explore another land. And so it is....




Only as old as you feel...
I love this picture below, the two elderly people going about their day, their spirits inside are young, dancing, joyful. Though we get older with time passing on, we can still have a free, fun seeking spirit.




Sparkle* up the Ordinary...
I love some sparkle, and especially if you can add it to a piece from everyday life.




Team Tartan
Ever since I was a little girl with my tartan dress I have loved the pattern. These days I have a much beloved vintage jacket that is tartan and would love to master these nails one day....




A Blast from the Past
Lately I have started to re-watch Veronica Mars, I used to love it when I was a teenager and it first aired. Her quick wit and super sleuthing powers, all mastered whilst in school. Plus the main character's own mystery which drives most waking hours had me hooked.



What is inspiring your week? Kooklah Xx

Sunday, July 1, 2012

82 days and counting.

82 days.

82 days and counting. I have exactly 82 days left before I get to take my suitcase and run off with one of my closest friends on an amazing adventure to America.

I am so excited, I cannot wait to get on that plane and fly away, to the future, to excitment, to hope, to wonder (and wander), to fun, to learning, to experiences I will remember for the rest of my life.

It will be a whirlwind trip I am sure, blink and you will miss it. But I am going to make sure that I make the most of it. Live each and every moment or experience I am lucky to be presented with, to the absolute full. The flying, the new food, new places and people.

I am so thrilled. My whole year has been inspired by this holiday. I look forward to sharing the experience with my friend but also to making many more on the Contiki tour.

Where are you (or have you) already travelled to this year?
Kooklah, Xx

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Inspire Me Monday

Inspire me Monday-that time of the week again (missed last week due to some personal stuff but this post should more than make up for it). Sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue. Five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

Shoe-spiration
"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world" Marilyn Monroe... These shoes are amazing, a clever take from Jimmy Choo on the gladiator sandal by turning them into classy heels with a touch of glitter, for all you Aussies, click here for an amazing discount from the Manolo Blahnik Australian Outlet.





Retreat Memories
Mentoring on my old high school's retreat (for the third year), supporting the students through highs and lows they have experienced as well as providing them with tools for the future. Three days. Unbelieveable memories. This was our outdoor thinking spot, a place to go, be still. I am thankful for the people I was lucky enough to meet, the moments shared, the way they have changed my life and made it better... Whenever I am stressed or upset, I will look back on this and breathe. My own little solace, my own piece of heaven.




Words for Thought
The way we think really impact on how we feel, how we act and the kind of life we have. The three days on the retreat really reinforced that to me, especially when the people I was working with kept telling me that they viewed me as positive, determined and supportive... It really showed me that the internal conflict I sometimes put myself through, really is worthless. If I keep my thoughts and outlook positive it should translate to my life.




Notice ME Nails
I love nicely painted nails, and lately I have been really obsessed with brightly coloured nails. They can add a pop of colour to basic or monochrome outfits (including a work uniform if your job allows it). Once I have finished my no shopping challenge, I think I might buy a bottle or two of Revlon's new Colourstay Longwear Nail enamel, in the theme of gelbased nail polish Revlon have released a product that is affordable, long lasting with bright and intense colours. Looking forward to trying it! (colour pictured is Stormy Night)




A Journey to Jane's World
I have always wanted to read the works of Jane Austen, not just the six main novels but also her short stories and works collected after she died. One of my favourite movies is The Jane Austen Book Club (click the link for the trailor). So today I have started 'Pride and Prejudice' so far I am loving it. Have you read any of the novels?



Here's to another week, looking forward to a midweek break when one of my best friends and I are heading to the coast to eat good food, watch dvds, snuggle under bankets and enjoy each others company.
What is inspiring your week? Kooklah Xx....



Friday, June 15, 2012

Life's Small Pleasures...

Sometimes, after a busy few days, I like to have some 'me-time'. A chance to unwind, release stress and just relax for an hour or so.

Tonight, i came home from work, showered and got into winter pjs...then I settled into bed with a small bar of hazelnut chocolate to watch some episodes of "The Secret Life of Us".. I haven't seen it before, I was too young when it was first on tv. But even years later, the show resonates... the feeling you get with great friends-like tge world is yours, how great it is to have a male best friend, complicated or unsatisfying love lives and struggling to excel and enjoy your job.

With the plot and characters playing in the background, my room softly lit with the light of the lamp..life feels pretty damn good right now. There is so much coming up on the horizon. And I can't wait.
Kooklah Xx

Monday, June 11, 2012

Inspire me Monday...

Inspire me Monday, because sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue. Five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

(This is a 'co-post' with my Style blog- For the Style Seeking Girl Check it out)

Get Lost in the Music- Trial Kennedy, the Final Tour
(One of my favourite indie bands on the Australian Scene, saying goodbye at one last show)



Hairspiration- Braided Topknots
(Such a cute, fun and original take on one of my favourite hairstyle the topknot.
Check out my post on topknots: The Carrie Bradshaw Bun)



Wanderlust- New York City Calling
(Have a trip booked for September in New York City is one of the destinations!
So excited, cannot wait to explore the city I've been dreaming of all these years. Getting butterflies everytime it's mentioned! See this post on NYC as my money saving inspiration)




Look at ME Legs- Embellished Stockings
(A trend full of style, individuality and Sparkle... Click here for more)





Guilty Pleasure Read- Sugar and Spice
(Third novel in the L.A Candy Series by Lauren Conrad)



What is your favourite OR what is giving you inspiration at the start of the week? Check out my style blog For the Style Seeking Girl, or look me up and follow me on Pinterest. Hope your week started good!


Kooklah Xx

Saturday, June 9, 2012

This is your world.

You have the power to create, change and improve your own life. You have to take charge, this is your life- make sure that you are in control of it. Everyone else has their own life to lead, their own choices to take and sometimes even their own mistakes to make. Don't let someone else change who you are, that can only be done if you let them, if you give up and let them take over. Decide who you are. This may be done through mistakes, experiences and challenges... But you will get there. Every single thing that happens to us in life helps shape our world. It is up to the individual to decide if you let it overcome you or if you take the pain, the hurt, the confusion, the challenge and USE it.
To Improve.
To Change.
To Grow.
To Learn.
To Let go.
To Move on.


Use it to become the person you want to be, or to validate who you are.
This is your life, are you going to live it? Are you going to give it all you have got? I hope so.
That is my plan, for every bad day, I will be that much more determined to wake up, get up and grab life with both hands and show it what I am made of. This is my life, based on my decisions.
And it is happening now.

Kooklah Xx

Thursday, June 7, 2012

sometimes it is hard not to believe in the fairy-tale


I think sometimes it is hard not to believe in the fairy-tale.

To believe in everything that is just and good and right. To believe that our stories will end with a happy ending. To find the one, our prince or princess, the ever elusive soul mate.

We were almost raised on it, through tales of princesses who go to sleep only to be woken by a kiss, fall in love with a beast, who kiss frogs, leave glass slippers and look into mirrors. Where birds help you get ready, everyone has perfect hair and good people struggle and then come out victorious.






And I can understand how it happens, what a wonderful thing to exist in a world that is full of wonder, imagination and hope. Where the impossible becomes possible and the characters follow or are ruled by their heart, instead of their head. To live to the full making the most of every moment.


Real life, I think can struggle to live up to the expectations of this world- we become so weighed down with daily stressors of work, finances and home. Been single, while I mostly love it, can have its drawbacks-bad dates, boys who don't call when they say they will, times when all your friends seem to be matched up or in love.
It doesn't mean you aren't happy with your life for the most part, but sometimes that need, the baser instinct for human connection creeps through. Sometimes all we need is someone to laugh and share our deepest thoughts, feelings, fantasies and secrets with.

So have that moment, the one where you dream of different skies, think about wandering to greener pastures.  But don't let it define you, the search I mean. I really think that the more you look for something, the less chance you have of finding it. If you stress out about finding the perfect guy, all you are going to see are imperfections and you will miss out on all the wonderful experiences you could be having. Like wandering and exploring the world, kissing cute boys on nights out, finding yourself, making mistakes that will help you find your way, enjoying time with friends and family and appreciating getting the chance to spend time on your own.                                     

            



I think it really comes down to using the fairy-tale as a source of inspiration or motivation, something that will help move you through difficult days in the real world and keep you dreaming at night. When you find the guy, you will know... But for now, you have the chance to make your own fairytale, that resolves around one character. You. So go on, create it, be a modern day princess. Make your own happy ending.

Kooklah, Xx

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

To speak or not to speak..

Recently I was placed in a difficult and uncomfortable positon.

And yes, it was to do with a guy. I met this man last year, and we straight away had such a strong connection, alot of attraction and a spark that became evident to everyone around us, even if I hadn't told them. We worked in similar but different areas of the same workplace, but we crossed paths often. I quickly realised that this wasn't just an attraction, that it could lead to something deeper.

I was pretty sure he was the one, or at the very least a contender. I believe that someone can be 'the one' but that if the time and place isn't right, you can miss each other. As the timing wasn't perfect, he was kind of seeing someone we stayed friends but still the unspoken feelings remained. We flirted, hugged and were suggestive-things that without the complication of a girlfriend would have been considered normal and help to move the situation along but with the complication it was hard. Although I wouldn't say it stopped us from having contact, we had coffees, sought each other out. I am proud to say we never went further, despite how much we may have wanted to.

So life went on. We both moved to different workplaces, different locations for the remainder of the year but kept in touch, had a coffee every now and then. Then I ran into him this year, and he's leaving the country. In a short space of time I was confronted with the choice, to speak or not to speak.

Should I tell him how I feel? The thought made me so nervous because although I was sure (and so were many of my friends) I could still be rejected. Should I not say anything? Let him go, and see if we ever cross paths again. There was so much to consider. I had a week to do it.

I went to the farewell of his with a friend and things were the same with us even though it had been months apart, our eyes kept finding each other. We got to drinking and then it was time to leave, with all the people there I hadn't been able to find any time to talk to him on his own. So that's how it stayed. A long goodbye that left me in tears afterwards and a text message today wishing him a safe flight, to keep in touch, love kooklah. I guess only time will tell. I think I was right not to say anything, but I wish a situation had of presented where I could talk to him one on one and say how I felt. This keeps me sane: "Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not ok, it's not the end" - if he and I are destined to be together, it will happen, we will find each other. It may have been timing, or maybe fate stepped in to intervene.

Kooklah, Xx