I almost lost my life to Depression.

Me, happy and loving life.

 In the media TODAY! Check out this article It made me realise that it was time to speak up.

I almost lost my life to Depression.

Yes, I'm talking about that word that is avoided by the media, labels people as selfish and creates a tsunami effect for those left behind.

Suicide.

Me.

Same sentence.

Shock. Gasps. Disbelief. Tears. Many tears.

And me? I don't remember a thing. Not the lead up, not the event, not being rushed to the hospital and certainly not being in intensive care.

Nothing. Zilch.

I'm one of the lucky ones who is still here today to tell my story hence why I created my blog.

Insanely lucky.

Why?

Because it's about time suicide is given a voice. For too long it has been kept quiet. Brushed aside. Swept under the carpet. IT HAPPENS. And more regularly then you think. We need to start talking about it. It validates a life.

THE FACTS from the Australian Bureau of Statistics

There were 22,526 suicide deaths registered in Australia over the 10 years between 2001 and 2010. Suicide accounts for 1.7% of the 1,357,537 deaths due to all causes which occurred over this period. This chapter contains summary statistics on deaths registered in Australia where the underlying cause of death was determined as Intentional self-harm (suicide, X60-X84, Y87.0). 

How did I almost die?

A prescription medication overdose.

What was I thinking?

I wasn't. Nothing. Numb.

Depression had taken over my body and controlled my thoughts. 

Am I crying while writing this? 

Bawling would be the word. My heart breaks. 

BUT I am determined to create awareness about the seriousness of mental health.

I am no longer ashamed of my illness. 

I AM ASHAMED THAT WE AS A SOCIETY, DON'T TALK ABOUT IT ENOUGH!

Maybe we need to change the wording. Maybe we should say that DEPRESSION CLAIMS LIVES. NOT suicide. It's not the person who commits the act. It's the illness.

Does this change your perspective on the matter?

Depression. It can happen to anyone at anytime.

Please seek help. PLEASE speak to someone. Anyone. It doesn't have to be someone close to you. Please pick up the phone.

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxxx

My rock and the kid that keeps me smiling :)

How can I get urgent help via Beyond Blue?

If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or someone else it is important you get help immediately. You can take the first step in doing this by:

• Speaking to your doctor (GP or psychiatrist)
• Calling the Psychiatric Team at your nearest hospital
• Calling Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Helpline (Victoria only) 1300 651 251
• If the person is threatening to harm you call the police on 000 (triple zero).

Some tips for getting urgent help include:

• Express the urgency of the matter without becoming aggressive
• Speak clearly
• Give the health professional specific examples of concerns
• Give a brief history of self harm or harm to others
• Ensure that you listen to their advice
• If they are unable to help, ask them why and who you should contact

   

The pros and cons of owning a house!

The first house that my partner and I have bought together!

Owning a house is the 'Great Australian Dream'.

"The Australian Dream or Great Australian Dream is a belief that in Australia, home ownership can lead to a better life and is an expression of success and security." Via

The Great Australian Dream has been drummed into us by the Australian Government ever since World War II. The Government used advertising campaigns to make people believe that in order to own a "stake in your country", you had to own a home. This belief has been passed down from generation to generation.

How do I know these random facts? Because I studied a course at University called Urban Futures.

The subject made me question why many people believe that being successful means owning property, why many opt to buy over rent, why we think rent money is dead money and why many people aspire to be home owners.

My lecturer, who clearly earned more money then most of us could ever dream of, openly admitted that she'd never own a house. She was quite content renting her two bedroom unit in Dulwich (a lovely little suburb in Adelaide that is walking distance from the city).

Why? Because to her, interest money is dead money. And despite her rent paying off someone else's mortgage, she had more money in her pocket each fortnight then someone who would be paying a mortgage. In other words, she'd rather spend her hard earned money travelling the world, wining and dining and living the high life, then busting her guts to pay the mortgage, repairs, and bills like council rates that come with owning your own home.

I had never thought about NOT owning a house. I just thought that it was the thing to do. To work full time, save for a deposit, buy a house with a white picket fence and gorgeous blue shutters with a balcony, giant bath tub and all of the works and perks (okay so I've probably watched The Notebook one too many times!).

The fact is, I did buy a house. I started working full time, saved madly for a deposit and lashed out and bought a house with my partner that ticked all of the boxes for us.

Do I regret it? Sometimes. Well, no. I don't regret buying a house but sometimes I'm left scratching my head and contemplating is it really worth it?

The backyard when we first bought our house!

The pros versus the cons of owning a house

Pro- You can see where your hard earned money goes. I have been that person who processes my tax return and is left puzzled over how on earth I managed to earn so much yet burn so much. Now, I don't have that problem. I can see where my money goes...to my house loan. I know that I'm working towards paying it off so that I can truly say that I own a house (at the moment the bank does!)

Con - The bills. Without a doubt the constant bills make you frightened to open your mail box! If you think paying electricity and rent is difficult when you rent a property, try adding in Council Rates that cost $1000 + a year, house insurance, income protection, water, gas, electricity bills, emergency services levies the list goes on. Without a doubt we pay at least $100 a week of bills...and that's not including the cost of repayments which are roughly around $1000 a fortnight for a $300,000 loan!

Pro - You can renovate, paint and decorate. This is definitely one of the most exciting things about owning a house. You can change the colours of the walls with your moods if you like. You can hang posters and photos wherever you want. You can plant a herb garden and flowers and fruit trees. You can add an outside area, or decking or mirrors. You can make it all girly or blokey, whatever floats your boat!

Now after 10 months of renovating!

Con - If something breaks...you have to fix it. This in itself can be expensive. I must admit the first time that something broke in my house I went to ring the real estate agent to realise...we are the ones held responsible! GAR! Repairs can be costly. You learn to invest in things like DRAINO to try and block the drains before calling in a plumber. HINT...invest in a handy man partner (haha)

Pro - It's rewarding owning a home. Nothing beats kicking back on YOUR couch in YOUR lounge looking out YOUR window at YOUR garden. You own it. It's YOURS.

Con - Paying interest. My partner and I worked out that we pay over $20,000 a year interest. Yup, that's right. INTEREST. NOT CAPITAL. $20,000 dollars of our hard earned money. That's an around the world trip EVERY YEAR. You could go on an amazing shopping spree for that! Rent money may be dead money but interest is also dead money. The only difference? One pays off someone else's loan and one goes into the greedy hands of the banks!

My favourite place in the whole entire world...my couch, with my laptop, and my magazines and candles and glass of wine!

Pro - It's a long term, stable - ish investment. Any type of investment is a gamble. I guess owning a house is less of a risk or gamble then shares and owning your own business. Owning a house can pay off in the long run if you invest wisely. You definitely don't want to over capitalise to purchase something out of your price range. If you are smart, then one day, you will make your money back and hopefully a little more :)

Con - Owning a house DOES change your lifestyle. Even if you're determined for it not to. Trust me. We tried to buy a house that was affordable. We can make the payments easily, it's adding on renovations, the bills and the cost of fixing things that tightens our budget. It does mean having to say no every now and again to going out for tea. You learn to replace expensive restaurants for a BBQ or webber at your house and you learn to swap going to the movies for watching a movie on the couch.

Making our house homely!

Pro- NO MORE HOUSE INSPECTIONS! You are the one who does daily inspections to make sure that it's neat and tidy.

Pro- You have something to pass on to your children. Hopefully by then the loan has been paid off!

I guess the important thing to ask yourself is why do you want to buy a house? Is it for long term or short term investment? Are you going to live in it forever or are you going to rent it out? Are you aware of all of the added costs? Are you prepared to give up some things to enjoy the comfort and knowledge that you OWN your own little patch of dirt?

I LOVE our house. It makes me SO happy. Nothing is more fulfilling then renovating. Nothing is more satisfying then knowing where your hard earned money is going and NOTHING beats having a bubble bath with a glass of wine in your BATH and then hanging out on YOUR couch watching TV in your LOUNGE ROOM!

But, like everything, there's pros and cons.

Often taking a step forward for your future means sacrificing things from your past.

You may also enjoy my blog, 10 things I wished I knew before buying a house.

Do you own a house? What are the pros and cons? Do you regret buying a house? Do you enjoy renting? Do you think rent money is dead money? Do you think people get into too much debt? Do you think the "Great Australian Dream" is outdated?

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxxx

Why girls love all things romantic.

Mick and I enjoying a candlelight dinner the day that he popped the question!

Girls really aren't that complicated.

Honest.

I know most guys must scoff when they read this. I know that sometimes we may come across as super complicated, off this planet creatures (haha depending on the time off month and crazy busy life), but here's the secret...

I think the number one thing that girls appreciate is THOUGHT.

Take for example flowers. Girls love flowers. They don't have to be a $200 bunch of flowers delivered to your office by the local florist (although that would be muchly appreciated). Picking a bunch of flowers from the next door neighbours garden, or popping in to Woolworths on your way home from work and grabbing a $15 reduced bunch that you quickly rip the sticker off, is equally as appreciated.

Why? Because there was thought involved. The fact that you were thinking of your partner and then went out of your way to act upon those thoughts and buy her some flowers, which you know she loves, for no reason but because you love her and wanted to make her feel special, is what counts for a lady.

My gorgeous blingy bling!

Romance can mean different things to different people. Romance for some people could be going somewhere that has a special meaning or memory attached to it. For others it could be having tea cooked for them, or being given a back rub, or taking the time out of your busy schedule to take the dog for a work or to visit family.

Romance doesn't have to be expensive. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It could be hanging fairy lights in your backyard and cooking a candlelight dinner if you know that will be appreciated by your loved one.

Anything with preparation requires thought. Time and money is invested into special occasions to make sure that everything is perfect and special.


I guess that's why girls love romantic proposals (or anything romantic for that matter) because there's thought involved.

Our celebatory drink!

Mick outdone himself with a romantic proposal that I still brag about to friends and family!

My partner and I were together for 8 years before he popped the question.

We had been dodging the normal phrases and questions for years. "Always the bridesmaid, never the bride". "When are you going to make an honest woman of her". "So, you'll be next to walk down the aisle?"

The fact was, it took 8 years for us to become engaged because before that we were never ready. We always had other obstacles to jump first like long distance, living together, my Depression and buying a house.

Mick proposed on the 7th of January 2012.

A lovely Saturday drive from Cairns to Port Douglas for breakfast turned into the best day of my life.

I was wondering why Mick kept looking at his watch all morning and wouldn't let me eat a HUGE breakfast when we were hanging out in Port Douglas. I was starved. After complaining that I was still hungry after breakfast, Mick tried every distraction possible to take my mind off of it.

Mick suggested popping in to a resort just out of Port Douglas that his parents had been talking about to go for a swim BUT I wanted to go to the markets. The coax of pina coladas soon changed my mind. The resort it was.

Do you like Pina Coladas?

We slurped down our cocktails and then Mick suggested going for a walk down to the beach. Alarm bells started to ring. It wasn't like Mick to want to leave a bar to go for a walk...I got nervous butterflies. I quickly tried to sweep them aside. Don't be silly Kirst, there's no way he'd have a ring or would've organised anything. Just enjoy the day.

The gorgeous scenery in Far North Queensland!

I raced down to the beach and starting taking photos like the snap happy tourist that I was. As I was capturing the gorgeous palm trees, beaches and waves, Mick started to say some pretty nice things...I turned around to find Mick bending down on one knee!

The next couple of minutes included many "Oh my gods!" "And arrrr it's really happening" as well as many hugs, tears and nervous excitement.

Mick moments before proposing with the ring in his POCKET!

When he produced a ring that I had pointed out in a jewellery store I bawled my eyes out. It was perfect.

Pretty chuffed!

I quickly found out why he was constantly checking the time. A picnic had been set up on the beach for a 12 o'clock lunch. The picnic consisted of delicious prawns, crayfish, cheese and fruit platters and a bottle of wine that wasn't even Passion Pop (a super cheap wine that I was used to drinking!)

Our picnic and bottle of champers!

Mick and I were shaking from adrenaline.

Mick then further surprised me by dangling a key to a tree top bungalow overlooking the rain forest. He'd sneakily packed an overnight bag include some nice evening wear clothes so that we could go out in style and enjoy our first candlelight dinner as newly engaged love birds!

This is why Mick didn't want me to eat too much!

It was perfect.

I couldn't believe that he'd pulled it off without me knowing! And I couldn't believe how much planning must of gone in to the weekend. The fact that he had the ring, had packed my bag and later on, I found out that he'd been stashing money away into the couch for months to pay for the ring, made me the happiest girl alive.

It was the thought that went in to the proposal that made it even more special.

Excitement!

So guys, maybe it's time to add a little romance into your loved ones life. It doesn't matter if you've been dating for a month or whether you've been married for 20 years, it's never too late for a little romance.

Remember that it doesn't have to be anything BIG and ELABORATE and it doesn't have to burst your budget. Writing a little something on a sticky note and leaving it on the kitchen table, or making a nice comment on what your partner is wearing, or cooking dinner and telling her to kick back and relax on the couch, or taking her out to the movies, or going on a road trip somewhere that you haven't been before or visited in age, will make her feel special and happy and she'll brag about it to her friends for ages!

You'll definitely be in the good books and your partner will definitely have a massive spring in their step!





It's definitely the thought that counts.

(Ps girls, this isn't only for guys. Girls can also add romance into their relationship! Guys love back rubs, the movies, doing something special and being given love and affection too!)

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxx

Why CRANKING the music and SINGING loudly is THERAPEUTIC!

Via

I love nothing more than cranking the music as loud as it will go when I'm driving to my destination, winding down my window and screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs.

I feel free.

It relieves my stress.

I let go of all of the tension and worries in my life!

I don't care what people think of me. I don't care if they hear my horrible voice. I don't care if they think I'm looney. I just don't care. 


I must admit that I've even been known to crank the good old sprinkler dance moves at the stop lights...giggle!

I giggle at the people who drive past and give me odd looks.

I giggle about how they must think, gee I want what she's on!!! What's making her so happy?

I love how music can transport you back to a time in your life. A moment. A memory.

My FAVOURITE song at the moment is Don't Worry Be Happy by Guy Sebastian.

I have included the lyrics below.

I crank it every Saturday on the way to netball to get me pumped.

It puts things in to perspective for me.

 Don't Worry Be Happy lyrics

I was driving, driving, driving down the 101
Singing 'California Dreamin' at the top of my lungs
Unaware, not a care
And then he appeared

Thought he was winding down his window just to say
'hello'
But he started cussing at me, saying I'm going to slow
Then he yelled "Go to Hell"
then flipped me the bird

Is it really that bad?
Really that bad
I don't think it's really that bad
Come on, get with it

If you only think of things that you haven't got
You could have it all and still never have enough
So don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)

And if you're trying to make a move
But you're stuck in mud, under water
And you don't know which way's up
Yeah, don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)

Another day, another plane, another interview
Just trying hard to get through my list of things to do
What's the use, might fake the flu
'cos I've had enough

That's it - screw the low carbs, where's my KFC?
Ain't gonna think about the bills or the GFC
Life is short - live it up
Coz we live it once

Is it really that bad?
Really that bad
I don't think it's really that bad
Come on, get with it

If you only think of things that you haven't got
You could have it all and still never have enough
So don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)

And if you're trying to make a move
But you're stuck in mud, under water
And you don't know which way's up
Yeah, don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)

Yeah life is short
We only get to live it once
So live and love
And give it all you've got
Yeah life is short
We only live it once
So live it up

Yeah life is short
We only get to live it once
So live and love
And give it all you've got
Yeah life is short
We only live it once
So live it up

Is it really that bad?
Yeah I don't think it's really that bad
If you only think of things that you haven't got
You could have it all and still never have enough
So don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)

And if you're trying to make a move
But you're stuck in mud, under water
And you don't know which way's up
Don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)

So don't worry (don't worry), be happy (be happy)
Don't worry (don't worry), be happy
Be happy, yeah
Don't worry, be happy, don't worry, be happy
Be happy, yeah

Do yourself a favour. Crank the music. Bust the sprinkler, shopping trolley or row boat dance move and scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs...you'll feel soooo much better!

Enjoy your day.

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxxx

Depression: breaking the myth around "happy pills"

Taking Depression tablets is WAY better then drinking your pain away.

If you had a really bad cold then you'd take antibiotics.

If you had life threatening cancer then you'd undergo chemotherapy.

If you had a horrible headache then you'd take Panadol.

If you were suffering from Depression, would you take Depression tablets?

If you answered no, why not?

What makes your answer different from the rest? Are you scared about the stigma? Are you worried that your head would be in the clouds and you wouldn't feel anything? Are you worried that you'd be seen as weak to those who knew? Are you worried that you'd be happy all of the time and feel no other emotion?

I must admit that when I was younger, I was against Depression medication. I honestly thought that if you exercised, ate well and kept a positive attitude, then you wouldn't need to take Depression tablets.

I want to go back and slap my younger self. Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh on myself. I was young, naive, and wanted to believe that you could control everything in your life.

I must admit that I get quite defensive now when people talk about Depression medication. When I hear people call them happy pills, when I hear people comment on having your head in the clouds and when I hear the tone in some peoples voice that indicates their sceptical attitude towards Depression, my heart breaks.

They do not know what it' like to suffer from Depression. They do not know that you'd do anything to stop the pain. If that means taking medication, then so be it.

How Depression Medication Works

"Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that medication can correct. According to the chemical imbalance theory, low levels of the brain chemical serotonin lead to depression and depression medication works by bringing serotonin levels back to normal" (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm)

 

The problem isn't taking Depression medication, but the medication does have some flaws...

Many Depression medications take 4-6 weeks to take effect. Let me tell you, when you are suffering from Depression 4-6 weeks seems like a lifetime. It's not like Panadol. You don't pop a pill and instantly feel better. You take a pill and still feel low. You swallow a pill and still have no energy. You take a pill and still feel like there's no hope in those first initial weeks. But if you hang in there, then things DO get better, it just takes time.

Just like any medication, sometimes it takes awhile to get the right Depression medication for the sufferer. If you are lucky enough to find one that works for you straight away then SCORE! It takes a little while longer for some people to find one that helps to balance the chemicals in their brain.

Swapping Depression medications means weaning yourself off of one, before starting another. This can take quite some time.

Depression tablets have many side affects including: weight gain, headaches, night sweats, increased suicidal thoughts, headaches and many more! But trust me, these are nothing to feeling the symptoms and pain of Depression.

The positives that come with taking Depression medication.

The positives of taking Depression medication WAY out weighs the negatives. Weight gain DOES NOT MATTER compared to having your mental health back. Depression medication saves lives. I have absolutely no doubt about this.

The problem isn't the Depression tablets themselves, it's the stigma attached to them that stop people from seeking the help they need.

Depression tablets allows the sufferer to stabilise their moods. The tablets allows the person to think clearly and rationally and to be able to filter negative thoughts.

Depression tablets brings control back into the sufferers life. They allow the person to get on with life.

Medication and TALKING to a Professional MUST go hand in hand.

I strongly believe this. Medication helps to balance out the Serotonin in your brain, but it does NOT help to realise how and why you became Depressed in the first place.


It's important to speak to a psychologist or mental health worker to learn about therapies that may help, strategies for managing and reducing stress in your life, speaking about your anger, grief, frustration and things that are bothering you.

You need to get to the bottom of things so that you can move forward and STOP Depression from defining you.

To STOP Depression from CONTROLLING your life.

To STOP Depression from PREVENTING you from taking life by the balls.

To LOVE life and not just live it.

Depression tablets don't make you "happy" all of the time.

Trust me. I take Depression tablets. I am NOT happy all of the time. I still get sad, I still get hurt, I still get angry and frustrated and emotional.

I am definitely NOT in la la land. I can stand up for myself. I can be assertive. I can be in control of my emotions (most of the time unless I'm incredibly tired or peeved off!).

I am not in a dazed medicated world, that's for sure.

Depression medication makes me NO sillier then I usually am! With one of my favorite colleagues, Leanne.

If you had a really bad cold then you'd take antibiotics.

If you had life threatening cancer then you'd undergo chemotherapy.

If you suffered from a horrible headache then you'd take Panadol.

If you were suffering from Depression, would you take Depression tablets?

Depression tablets could save your life, or the life of someone that you care about one day.

Who cares if it takes medication to make someone you care about happy? I sure don't. I just want them to be okay. To be healthy. To be in control of their thoughts, emotions and feelings. 
 

I just want them to be and feel like themselves.

Have you ever suffered from Depression? Have you taken Depression tablets? How did they make you feel? Are you against Depression medication? If so, on what grounds?

Look after your mental well being and the well being of those around you,

Kirsty xxxx

 Beyond Blue: treatments for Depression

Why I love living in Australia.

I don't think you ever appreciate how lucky you are to live in Australia until you have travelled overseas.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE travelling overseas but nothing beats returning home from an overseas adventure to Aussie soil. It's not only the people who make Australia great. To me, it's also the comfort of knowing we're safe, that we're unique and that we have services to help us maintain a great standard of living that makes Australia an amazing place to live.

There are many reasons that I love living in the land down under and why I think Aussies are so incredibly fortunate.

Some of my reasons may shock you. They may not be things that you have thought about when asked why you love Australia. They may be things you take for granted. They are things that I know that I used to take for granted.

After travelling to South East Asia, my view changed on what I loved about Australia. I started to think about things differently. Things that I often whinged and bitched about as well as things that I often took for granted became things that I now regularly think about and appreciate about Australia.

The rugged coastline of Australia.

1. Centerlink. I know that the mention of the word Centerlink to Australians instantly brings up the image of long lines of dole seekers, masses of paperwork and headaches. But I think we are SO lucky to have a service like Centrelink. When we are unable to find work we can apply for a Newstart allowance which provides us with cash to pay the bills and rent, preventing people from becoming homeless with empty bellies and no money for bills. Centerlink also provides financial support for those people who can't work because of an injury or disability. I know that it may not be much, but it's better then nothing. When we get to 65 we can apply for a pension which also helps with the ever demanding bills. As a student, you can apply for AusStudy and Abstudy to provide you with an allowance. When you have children you are eligable for a child benefit payment.

I know Centrelink can be a real pain, but many other countries DO NOT have a service like this. Could you imagine what it would be like to have no safety net? To be out of work, or raising a family, or studying, or injured without the financial support of Centrelink? It would make things a lot more stressful and difficult to make ends meet. In Vietnam we saw injured war vets begging for money on the street. We saw children going hungry. We saw homes made out of corrogated iron, strophone boxes and palm tree leaves. They beg for money. All we have to do is fill out a couple of forms and stand in a line when we're desperate or struggling.

An emu surrounded by the dry, harsh, red dirt and saltbush found in Australia.

2. Our Government. I know the word Government in Australia causes peoples eyes to roll, verbal diarrahea to form and flow from peoples mouths and many different opinions about what's right and wrong. The fact is, we are so fortunate to have a Government who uses some of our taxes to maintain our roads, sewage and rubbish disposal, create curbs, keep our cities clean and tidy, keep education affordable so that everyone can have an equal opportunity to learn and provides public health systems so that medical bills don't cost us an arm and a leg through Medicare. I have travelled to countries like Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand where the Government takes taxes from the people and in their corrupted worlds, keep it for themselves, and don't give it back to the people. They don't have roads, they don't have garbage collection nor footpaths or rainwater drain off. They have the bare essentials because their governments use the peoples money for other things. So yes, it sucks that we have to pay GST and tax from our wages, but I'd rather that then have no roads, decaying footpaths and rubbish laying around everyone because there's no disposal systems.

A cute little Koala which are actually quite fiesty with sharp claws!

3. Freedom of speech. I think this is one thing that many Australians take for granted. In many countries you can be stoned to death or locked up in jail for bitching about the Government. In Australia, we have people protesting about the Government right out the front of Government House. We have people setting up stalls in the mall talking about God and their beliefs. We can speak openly about things that we are passionate about. We can agree and disagree with the Governments decisions. And ultimately, we have the right to vote. Never take these things for granted. Australians are so lucky.

Sandy uncrowded beaches.

4. The uniqueness of our landscape. Whenever I travel overseas I almost feel guilty because I'm injecting my hard earned money into another economy. Australians are so lucky to live in such a diverse country. Travelling to Queensland from South Australia is like entering another world. From a hot dry climate in summer and wet freezing winter, salt bush, gum trees, wattle and stoned fruit in South Australia to a sticky mediterian climate, mangos, avacados, rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. We have deserts in Western Australia and Northern Territory, snow in Winter in Victoria, beautiful untouched coastlines, giant rocks in the middle of no where, huge national parks, huge backyards, massive single story houses, giant cities and small quaint towns. You could spend a lifetime travelling around Australia and still not see everything. I can't wait to hook on a caravan or zoom around in a Winnebago checking out Australia's hidden secrets.

The beautiful rainforest in QLD.

There are so many other things that make me proud to be Australian, like the relaxed, friendly attitude of the people.

I love Australia. No matter how far and wide I travel, Australia will always be home.

Too often I think Australians take for granted our Government, Centrelink, Medicare and the relaxed attitude and uniqueness that makes our country what it is.



Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory.



It's easy to bitch and moan about the politicans, to roll your eyes at Centrelink and to rant and rave about not getting your rebates fast enough from Medicare, but they are things that other countries long for. They are the reason so many people want to call Australia home.

Maybe we all need to take a step back every now and again and think about how truely fortunate we are.

Yes we pay taxes. Yes we work hard. But most of all we are lucky to live in a country where we don't face the constant threat of war, where our Government isn't corrupted, and where, as a general rule, we are safe.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Have you ever been to Australia? What do you love about Australia?

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxx

Why you change when you almost lose someone you care about...

Dad and I mucking around in the hospital...love that kid.

Unfortunately, at some stage, everyone is going to die.

What a morbid way to start a blog post.

We all know that our time will come one day. I guess we just don't think about it, or choose not to think about it on a day to day basis.

It's a depressing thought.

But what happens if someone you care about has a near death experience?

What happens when death becomes a tad too close to reality for you? When all of a sudden it doesn't only happen when you're 85 and you've lived your life. It's so scary. It changes your perspective on life.

It's not that you become more morbid...well, in a sense you have a new appreciation for death. I guess you just become aware that every day is precious and that you never know when your number or the people you care abouts number, is up.

It certainly has changed my perspective on life.

My story

My Dad almost died two months ago. It still brings me to tears.

I am just so grateful that we still have him with us today.

It was a normal Saturday. I played netball and the went over to the club rooms to volunteer my time on the bar. I got a text.

"Dad's in hospital. He's had a heart attack. Don't worry."

Don't worry. Two words that cause the ULTIMATE PANIC. Don't worry.

I tried not to worry. I kept myself busy on the bar.

Then a phone call.

"It's serious. Dad's being flown over to Adelaide. They're trying to stabilise him now".

Crap. It's bigger then last time. Crap. Please be okay. Crap. Hurry up and get here where the medical support is greater. Crap. Hurry up and get here so that I can see you.

Dad arrived at midnight on the Saturday night. We raced up to the Royal Adelaide Hospital to see him in Emergency. I will NEVER forget that image. My Dad, lying still. All hooked up to all sorts of beeping, flashing and electrical devices. My Dad. Pale, lifeless and weak. My Dad. MY DAD!

I felt sick.

Dad ended up pulling through, but not unscathed. We were told that he should've been in the morgue with a heart attack the size that he experienced. The left side of his heart has been damaged for life.

What I've learnt.

Dad's heart attack made me put things in to perspective. I no longer dwell on the bitchy stuff that gets you down. I now know that as long as I'm healthy, and the people that I care about are healthy, then that's all that matters. Everything else is just a bonus.

I now know that life is so precious. I know that you have to tell the people that you care about why you love them, that you love them and that you are proud of them. Take the time to phone them, catch up with them, or at the least text them, so that they know how you feel.

Never leave things on a fight. Always resolve things. You don't want the last thing that you say to someone be "I hate you" when you were caught up in the anger and frustration of a moment and you didn't really mean it but never got a chance to redeem yourself.

Always take a step back and think about the things that are important to you. It's the simple things that matter the most.

But most importantly, don't take life for granted. Don't take your friends and family for granted.

For you never know when their number may be up.

Have you had a near death experience? Have you experienced a similar story to my own? What have you learnt? Are you slightly morbid? Why?

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxx