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Being unemployed is the pits. Being unemployed and sick is even worse. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind sitting around doing nothing – outside of applying for jobs and reading an inordinate amount of news – but one eventually misses the routine provided by work. In all the chaos of finding a job and getting set up down under its easy to overlook ones birthday. But this year unlike most years I will be spending my birthday in a place I haven’t had a birthday in for almost 18 years.

I don’t remember my last birthday here in Australia but I’m sure it was spent with cousins, friends, and an inordinate amount of ice cream cake. Then versus now I had my whole life planned out ahead of me and I had the comfort of believing that I knew where the road would take me.

A year ago I found myself reliving my youth due to happenstance and an act of kindness by an ex girlfriend. This year I find myself in the place of my youth. I smoke the cigarettes sent to me by Lina and drink a tea laced with lemon and honey – I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I look back at my 27th year and see that it was filled with sadness and happiness. I look at the bucket list drawn up almost a year ago and smile. I’ve done things that were unexpected and things that have brought me joy and a greater sense of awareness. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met and the people that have shaped my life – no matter how great or small.

I may not have a job or the funds to go out and buy myself something pretty but I can do without. As nice as it would be to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe I think a cup of coffee and a meat pie will serve as a good substitute for a lack of material possessions.

As I wait for the cold medicine to kick in and rock me to sleep I realize that some of the variables in my life have changed – the places; the people; my perspective; the hairstyle – but Kenny remains.

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