Monday, October 26, 2009

It's The Simple Things


I had work computer issues on Friday. Our IT 2IC in Sydney is a beaut bloke, I like him a lot. He & his wife arrived from India a couple of years ago & love the Aussie lifestyle. For me, working remotely from H.O. always has its challenges, but never so much as when the gremlins reek havoc with our electronic communications network. As well described here previously, I have a very long fuse, except when it comes to computer glitches. Mr.2IC has the patience of a Holy Man, so as difficult as it is, I always try to be nice Millie instead of evil Millie when I need to contact him. I think he appreciates this, as I heard through our IT Director that he says I'm his favourite SS, too cute!!

He resolved my issues in a few minutes on Friday & I asked if he'd had a good week.
'Oh yes, thanking you very much Millie, it's been very wonderful!' his voice positively dancing through the cell phone.
'What made it so great Mr.2IC?' I asked.
'Well, I got my Driving Licence on Wednesday.'
'Oh that's great - good for you.' I said.
'Thanking you Millie, but I'm having to tell you that I failed 3 times before, so I am being very pleased that I finally passed.'
'Well that must have been a huge relief Mr.2IC. So I hope you have a lovely weekend, what are your plans?' I asked.

There was silence for a little while & then much to my surprise, his very emotional reply came.

'Ever since coming to this wonderful country I have had one dream - to be able to take my dear wife for a very long drive along the coast road on the weekend in my own car. And tomorrow I'm being able to do that.'

Afterward I just sat for a while thinking about what he'd said. Life isn't about what riches we can accumulate, how big & flash our house is, how many overseas vacations we can boast about, the labels on the wine we drink or the clothes we wear. Life is about the simple things, the things that really matter in our lives. So thank you Mr.2IC for that precious reminder. And for me, this week is about placing the simple things front & centre, how about you?

Image: Esquire

27 comments:

  1. We often get wrapped up in the details, don't we? It's pouring rain here and has been for the last 24 hours. I have just dropped my daughter to school and the trip took 40 mins when it usually takes 10. I have heaps to do and it involves driving all over the place. But after reading this I might make myself a coffee and chill out for a while instead of getting angry and frustrated at the weather. Enjoy the simple things - I like that.

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  2. Such wise words Millie- I wasn't sure where this was going- isn't it the simple things? We have only to read this and perhaps reread it to realize the simple, little things that mean the most.

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  3. Interesting story and I read your sidebar just now and found it interesting too. The area you live in and all. It just seems like a nice place to be.

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  4. Lovely post Millie, I needed to read that xo

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  5. My little family of 3 is finding this lesson out this year. With 3,000,000 Legos in his room, my 7 year old's favorite thing to do is walk down to the creek with me and my husband. Actually, we all enjoy it so much, our dog has the greatest time of all. "Happiness is inside of our bodies, you just have to find out what part it is in." That is the quote of the day from my 7 year old. Love ya, Heidi

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  6. I honestly never thought I would get my driving license. I was 25, newly married and petrified. When I passed the test, I do believe I had the most beautiful photograph ever taken of me on that license. And of all the lovely presents Jason has given me, the duplicate key of his little Hyundai was the only one I accepted with tears of joy.

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  7. Your IT man sounds lovely and he expressed that important life principle so well. I thought something similar yesterday sitting in the sun watching my children play endlessly with the boat in the pond \ creek thing we have in our back garden, and laughing when they splashed themselves and got their feet wet. I hope he has a lovely drive with his wife, and not overtaken too many times by speedy locals in utes.

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  8. that does sound divine.

    a long & beautiful drive with the one you love...
    discussing the dreams that you both share.
    and looking forward to the future together.

    pretty darn great!
    xx

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  9. Hi Millie,

    What a sweet story!
    Yes, it is the simple things in life that can sometimes make us the happiest.

    Have a great week
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  10. Same here Millie...being a Carer for JoJo has certainly opened up our eyes to a whole new World out there right within this one...it's not about how big and flash everything is...it is enjoying those very precious moments as they arise...just as your Colleague is doing here. Great post...have a lovely week, Dzintra♥x

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  11. That is such a sweet story and a nice reminder to appreciate the little things life. I sometimes lose sight of that! Deborah

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  12. I so hear you Millie. I held my little boys that little bit longer at the school gate this morning. Life flies by and we need to cherish every simple, sweet moment. A-M xx

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  13. Life truly is about the little things and about being able to enjoy them with gusto. It's not in the great details, but in the small ones and making each and every one count! Great post!!

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  14. If only we could remember that, all of the time, Mills.
    We all seem to want the materialistic things in life, and then something happens thst makes them all seem so insignificant.....but the trouble is, after a short while, we are caught up in the world of materialistic things again which really mean nothing at all.Well, thanks for the jolt back into reality. XXXX

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  15. Just a gentle reminder that life is passing us by and we all need to appreciate those simpler things in life ... well said Millie and thanks for reminding us!
    Have a great week!
    xx

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  16. Oh what a gorgeous man. I so hope he achieved his dream, wow. Makes you stop and think!
    xxx

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  17. OverthehillbutgreatviewOctober 26, 2009 at 9:19 PM

    The simplest things are often forgotten in the rush of life these days. A timely reminder. Thanks Denise

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  18. What a great post! How beautiful.

    xoxo

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  19. This is such a wonderful post to read today. Definitely puts my thoughts into perspective this morning. Thank you.

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  20. Millie,

    We all need to be reminded to take time to enjoy life, smell the roses, savor the little things....

    My favorite memories are of people, nature and good times. Not the new car, new shoes, new jewelry (except the engagement ring), or new anything.

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  21. So true...so true! Have a great week Millie!

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  22. Clever Mr 2IC....not only a life saviour but also a humble man, xv.

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  23. So true, if only we could all pause and remember this when we're racing about taking everything too seriously.

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  24. thanks for sharing this reminder, millie. happy week to you! pam

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  25. lovely Millie, simply lovely!
    thank you for the reminder!
    joan

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  26. Another reminder is always precious ... Thanks again!

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And none will hear the postman's knock
Without a quickening of the heart.
For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?
~W.H. Auden

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