In an attempt to focus on the good things in life rather than dwelling on the not-so-good, I’ve decided I’m going to take a page out of Gala Darling‘s book and tell you a little about the things that have made me smile each week. Well, maybe not every week, that could just be a little too much positiveness for me! But you get the idea… ;)

need for speed: shift and the oh so awesome boyfriend who bought it for me · pointless lists · yesterday’s beautiful weather · new shoes! · new job! (starting towards the end of october) · muse’s new album · the big day out 2010 line up · the awesome people I currently work with. (klodi you rock) · the biscuit/cake shop at the queen victoria markets · making chicken and mushroom volauvents and them turning out deliciously · the csi bullet promo for season 10, I don’t even watch csi and I thought it was amazing · scramble for iphone · new episodes of ncis, how i met your mother & gossip girl, (yay for trashy television) · shiny new imacs in the student computer labs at uni · catching up with friends for sunday night pizza + beer + guns & roses + muted supernatural · the new black eyed peas album · small victories · and as always… chewbacca is the best cat ever

With the insane amount of rain Melbourne has received over the last few days, my feet have been getting a little on the cold side. Somehow over the past couple of months I’ve managed to destroy all my flats! My (rather large) shoe collection at the moment contains flipflops/thongs, boots and heels. I don’t really have anything very suitable or comfortable enough for every day wear.

With this in mind I went shopping today. I love DFO! Factory outlets and clearance centres are an awesome (and cost effective) way to shop.

I bought three pairs of flats for under AUD$25 at a place called Rubi Shoes. I wouldn’t call them top quality… but for an average price of just above AUD$8, who cares! I certainly don’t! They’re absolutely adorable! I got cute little blue, red and white tartan ones (pictured), a pair of tan ones and some plain black ones to wear to and from work.

As well as shoes, I bought a dress from Table 8 (AUD$15) which I plan to wear to a wedding in November. I also bought a few things in Dotti; a cute top (AUD$5) and a cute dark grey cardigan (AUD$10). Shopping on a budget here! Amanda should be proud!

I was wandering around Dymocks with D & my mum yesterday and came across a book. I can’t remember the exact title but it was a collection of advice different people would give to their 18 year old selves. Thinking about it, there’s nothing major I’d like to change about me at 18. There’s not even that much advice I could or would give my 18 year old self. If anything? Just a few friendly words of encouragement that would’ve made the year just that little bit easier…

• Learn to save your money. Otherwise you’ll get to 22 and still suck at it.
• Your ENTER score is just a number, once you get into university, nobody cares.
• It’s one part Vodka, 3 parts orange juice. Not the other way around.
• Caffeine is bad. So are most of your favourite foods. Eat healthier. You’ll feel better!

Being 18 for me, was one giant learning experience. I moved out of home, I hooked up with the boy, I got my drivers license, I lost my Grandmother, I moved to Melbourne, I started university, I got my first real job… the list is endless. I loved being 18. That year was the best (and the worst) year of my life. My life now is built on those experiences and I’m actually pretty okay with where I’m at!

In finishing, do you have any advice you would you give your younger self? Given the opportunity would you change your life dramatically, or are you happy with how everything played out?

There are things my house mates are addicted to that I JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND! These addictions don’t annoy me, well except maybe Nazi Zombies, I just don’t understand WHY they find them so exciting/interesting!

• All four of them are addicted to Call of Duty. More specifically, Nazi Zombies.
• T & K are addicted to Naruto.
• The boy is addicted to Farmville.
• The boy and D are addicted to South Park. They once watched 9 seasons. One after the other. Ugh.

Then again, I suppose I can’t really talk. I’m addicted to really loud crappy music. One Hit Wonders anyone?

Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof. – V, V for Vendetta