Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A Cold New Phase

Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of our move to Melbourne and coincidentally, the day we collected our 2nd car as well. This latest purchase was made necessary as we adjusted to new circumstances in our lives.

For 2 years, we've enjoyed the luxury and flexibility of Hubby working from home. However, starting from last Monday, he started a new job. One that is based locally and that required him to commute to work every morning, joining thousands of others during the morning rush hour.

His change in circumstances of course had a direct impact on the family. For the whole of last week, when we had only one car, I became the dedicated family chaffauer, doing twice a day shuttles to the train station and school. It didn't help that last week was extremely cold. So cold our car had ice on the windscreen on two mornings and the steering wheel felt like an icy-pole. Getting up early is one thing, getting the whole family up early and ready on a freezing morning is not funny.

After a week, I have now kind of gotten adjusted to my new routine. I have a nice and peaceful morning with XX after returning from my 'morning delivery'. On days when it was too cold, XX and I would hibernate in my heated bedroom. I cook a warm lunch for both of us and we have it picnic-style, on blankets on the floor. We basically have our activities and kept warm and cosy inside the room. On non-rainy days, I go a bit early so XX gets a few minutes of playtime at the school playgrounds before picking KK up. It is a way of incentivising XX to leave the cosy house and brave the chill with me. In the evenings, I try to cook dinner earlier. Not sure if it's due to the cold or the simple lunch, Hubby is usually starving by the time he comes home. Eating early also means we can clear up and get the kids to bed earlier.

With our 2nd car, it would be more convenient as Hubby would be able to leave the house anytime he likes without getting me and the kids involved. He also has the flexibility to drive to work instead of relying on the public transport. Finally after two years, we have inevitably joined the ranks of many Australian families with mulitple cars.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Time Goes By

Gosh, it's the middle of June already! Where have I been? Time gushes by so quickly, I don't even have time to write down some of the happenings. What have I been doing?

Busy keeping warm is one. The autumn season has arrived in full force and winter is right at our doorstep. The nights comes early (abt 5pm) and there're plenty of clouds that bring rain and block out whatever precious sunlight we have. Washing clothes is now a problem for me. I don't have many hours of sunshine and have resorted to using the dryer and hanging the clothes indoors. My fleece coat and leather boots are part of my wardrobe now and everyone bathes with the heater on in the bathroom.

I've been rather invisible recently in cyberspace - email, Facebook and blogger. That's because I've moved my focus to a new patchwork project. May has also been a busy month of celebrations. First there was Mother's Day, followed by my birthday. It was a low key celebration for me this year, but nevertheless, there were 3 days of feasting in my honour. A friend from Singapore came in early June to visit and we have spent some time with her and her family. Otherwise, I'm busy as usual with the children, cooking, baking, cleaning, coupled with reading and watching drama movies/serials, my 'after-hours' relaxtion.

I did find time to try out a few new recipes during this time. They were interesting experiences in my baking and cooking journey. Took some pictures and meant to blog about them. But as time goes by and new events come up, I'm not sure if I'll eventually post them up....;-p

Well, that's all for now. Just a little note to anyone who might be concerned that all's well and good down here in our liitle corner of the world. Hope everyone is keeping well too. My computer has just been reformatted, so all my archive of pictures are not very accessible right now, though they are safe. Will post up some pictures next time!