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.