JOY

2005 was probably the worst year of my life. I fought with a lot of people; ruined good friendships; was perpetually stressed with juggling my honours thesis, work and ECAs; felt isolated from my family; lived in a place where I found no solace or comfort; was completely lost with where my life was heading or what my future plans were and as a whole, I felt miserably unaccomplished. Just when I thought my life was heading downhill, came 2006...

Which strangely turned out to be one of the best years in my life. I'm not sure if it was because of a conscious decision on my part to be happy and do things right or whether the forces were on my side, but things changed. It was a drama-free and issueless year. Even with distance working against me, I managed to strengthen my relationship with family and close friends; I managed to forgive and let go of the issues I had with people who I felt wronged me; I began to take ownership for mistakes I made; I've made great new friends; I've learnt how to let go and have fun again; I've rediscovered my passion for traveling, reading, acting and watching movies; I've re-learnt how to just let go and enjoy myself. 2006 was a year without regrets. It was a year where I used to wake up in the morning with a warm fuzzy feeling and feel overwhelmed by God's love and gratitude for the unwavering support and love of the people in my life.

Completing NS was a huge milestone for me. Unlike what a lot of people said, disrupting NS was not a bad decision. Although it seemed like a silly decision at that time, if I had not done it I would not have met some of my closest friends like Michelle and Pramod and I probably would not have met Saras either. I realise now it was all a part of God's bigger plan for me. However, the fact that I had to go back someday and complete it was always bothering me and just getting it out of the way this year was a huge relief. Uprooting to the Gold Coast was also a decision which unexpectedly turned out to be a good move. Can I just say it is one of the most beautiful and therapeutic cities in the world with perfect weather on 350 days a year. Although I did initially miss Brisbane and my comfort zone there, I now feel that this city is my new home.

All in all, it has been a great year. Which was why, I was getting quite upset when it was all ending. I started getting paranoid that there was some sort of a pattern in my life and the disasters of 2005 were gonna repeat themselves. Well, too early to tell now I suppose but the first week of 2007 has proven to be a really lucky period so far...Announcements time!

I Passed my Driving Today!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm hysterical. I've just been laughing to myself like a mad man the whole day and I've been searching for people to share the news with...but alas, it is a Saturday morning and everyone is still asleep. It took me a long long time but I've finally made it. May not be a big deal for many people...but for me it is a HUGE deal. I finally feel more like a validated adult...hehe


Driving test results!











And the second good news is...I got my results yesterday and I am delighted to say that I got High Distinctions in every single subject and I've been placed on the Vice-Chancellor's list again!! For the first time in my life, I've gotten perfect results and seeing a perfect GPA of 4.0 on my transcripts is just...BEAUTIFUL. I've just been thanking God non-stop since yesterday. Such things don't happen to me!!!

As you all can tell, I've not been this elated for such a long time. So many good things have not happened to me in such a long time. I'm truly truly thankful for the love, prayers and best wishes from all you guys. You make my life complete.

Off to celebrate in Brisbane!

cheers,

Kartik