Lessons I Learn From Women #7: Krystle Miller "Be Yourself".

Krystle Amanda Renee Miller. Sister. Younger.  First two names came from the old lady's two favourite characters off the TV Show, Dynasty.  We have the same Mother, different Dad; however, to me she’s a fully-fledged sister. Younger siblings will never feel the absolute joy of describing you as a nappy-wearing toddler, especially those who are at least 15-16 years apart as Krystle and I are.

As a toddler Krystle loved chocolate, answering back and dancing. She would dance to Ready To Roll, shaking that ass in her cloth nappy, which was almost always damp, or carrying a brown cable the size of a python. Even at 12 months she was just being herself and she never stopped doing that, for anyone.

She was always immaculately dressed in the latest trends and had her first blonde streak in her brown hair when she was four.  There were many times her ears were definitely painted on, especially when you were calling her to get off the swing and she ignored you.  People look at you sideways when you are attempting to put a screaming child into a car and the child pretends they don’t know you. I stopped taking her to the park.

When Krystle was about nine or ten I took her to the movies and ¾’s of the way in she said she wanted to leave.  I patiently coaxed and cooed, got her more lollies and another drink, but she point blank refused to stay for the ending so we left. I never took her to the movies again.

I’ve watched Krystle go through so many life-changing moments in almost three decades. From the premature passing of her Dad Smokey 15 years ago, to a horrific car accident where she sustained unbelievable injuries. I remember getting the call from the old lady, and as I headed into the ER I could hear all this yelling of “f***” this and c*** that and sure enough, there she is, Krystle Miller lying on a gurney, blood every where and telling the Doctors and nurses “eff off you mother effers”. I walked straight up, looked down at her calmly said,“Hey – these people are trying to help you you egg, knock it off”. She’s instantly calmed down, looked up at me and said in the sweetest Krystle voice, “Tarsh…….is Mike with you?”.  Swear to god I didn’t know whether to laugh or cut her catheter.  (She was referring to my good friend Mike Puru, who, sadly for Krystle was not with me that evening.)

She’s tough. Everyone who knows Krystle will attest to that. She’s a fighter. She’s sentimental and fiercely loyal. If someone attacks her or anyone in her life that she holds close, she will fight for him or her.  She’s incredibly sentimental and holds her family close – particularly the old lady.  Krystle also wears her heart on her sleave, openly and unashamedly and I really admire that.

What I love about her the most is she is so much fun. New Years Eve 2012 and the Boyfriend and I spent a great night out with Krystle and soon-to-be Mr Krystle and it was a great night, speed bumps and all.

I have watched Krystle grow into an absolute babe whose infectious spunky attitude means anyone who is related or friends with her is in for a helluva good time.  My heart warms when I look at what this chocolate loving toddler has grown into.  A successful loving woman that is just as comfortable on the couch as she is in heels as a club. She is her own woman and I know her Father will be so proud of his girl.

Krystle Amanda Renee Miller, showing the world being yourself is the only way to go since 1986. 

Lessons I Learn From Women #6: Imogen Waters "Embrace Your Inner Child!!".

Imogen Waters. A pocket-rocket. Fun. Bubbly. Positive. Someone told me once that you should only ever hang around with people your own age – it showed maturity, it proved you weren’t trying to act anything other than your age.

Well sometimes – in fact a lot of time - I don’t want to be representing a 41-year-old half cast woman and be surrounded by other 41-year-old women.  If that were the case I would have an entirely different life. Friends come in all ages and this gal is one of my favourite friends and one of my youngest. I love having fun and Imogen Waters regularly reminds me that you still need to embrace that kid inside.

Remember what it was like not to care about what people thought of you? Remember not thinking twice when you went to jump into the pool or openly show affection by running to your Mum or Dad, and jumping up and down when there was a surprise for you? As we get older we tend to mask all of our emotions, to appear more “vanilla” with our reactions – why? Because we care too much about what people think of us and how we will be judged.

Imagine actually running towards your lover when you haven’t seen them for weeks or jumping up and down on your own birthday.  I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and I’m sure it makes me more vulnerable, however I don’t know any different.

Imogen Waters is a must-have in everyone's life. Labour Weekend 2012, the proverbial had hit the fan and I was in "Sad and Down" Town with my good friend Chardonnay and sidekick Marlboro Lights.

Coincidentally Imogen had contacted me for a catch up. Within two hours she swept into this little Bach at the beach armed with more wine, Tim Tams, freshly baked bread and a massive smile.  Imogen put music on YouTube as we sat sipping wine, discussing and overanalysing my mini trauma, gossiping about everything and....she sang. Imogen is blessed with the most beautiful, clean, soulful voice that envelops you in warmth and happiness. It’s like sitting in the warm sun on the world’s most comfortable couch, completely relaxed. She let me mope and cry and drink and smoke for the whole night, but the next day she ordered me out of my pajama's, into the shower, then out in the sun for a good walk, coffee and a kick in the arse. I felt great, and I'm pleased to report that everything worked out due to my attitude change at the hands of Imogen. 

I am so fond of this gal – fond of her because at 23 she is capable of letting shit go, of moving forward, of seeing the yellow in everything.  She loves big and she celebrates everyone in her life with the same amount of enthusiasm and finesse that makes you feel special.

But most importantly, Imogen knows the balance, how to be serious when needed, and how to have a great time, a good laugh and embrace your inner child.  This gal who has been through her own downs in life seems to balance them out perfectly with her ups.

And she has grabbed her inner kid, embraced her courageous nature and gone to Melbourne, where her warmth and friendship will create more friends like me and open many doors.  And I hope Imogen’s inner child will also give her the confidence to showcase her amazing singing talents.

I miss my friend, my youthful, adventurous and fun friend who giggles after a few wines, goes bright red after a few more and shows you the real world can handle you skipping occasionally, and jumping up and down just because it really feels good.