A million words and almost as many memes have been written about 2020. A year so nice it was named twice. Accordingly, a year which is better left forgotten clearly calls for reflection and reminiscing. This infamous year was Ash and I’s second in Melbourne, our third(ish) being married and our first global pandemic.
It’s difficult to reflect or find any reasonable sense of introspection on a year that’s such a blip. An outlier for which no one was prepared. Come January, all plans and new year’s resolutions were tossed out the window and the world descended into an unpredictable mess. The primary goal became simply staying on our feet. It wasn’t so much about progression as it was survival. Forwards, backwards, it doesn’t matter. The main direction was upright.
The bars, the sport, the city, the food — all the things we love about Melbourne were scratched out in 2020. A ruined carcass of deserted streets and quiet rooms. Void of heart, Melbourne was a shell of it’s former glory. Like the Bulls without Jordan, or any of the latest Star Wars trilogy. But if anything is to cement your feeling of home, it’s literally staying at home.
So, while at home, we dusted off the to do list. You know the one. We all have it. That one filled with all the things you’ll “get around to” — Fix the back fence, clean out the back of the pantry. Ours was filled with a number of similar small items.
- Inform the government you no longer live in WA.
- Buy a car.
- Adopt a dog.
I’m happy to report all items are now struck through. The last one particularly was rife with anguish. I’m basically still a kid inside and my instinct is to flee quickly whenever faced with the prospect of adult responsibility. Thus, the plunge into pawrenthood was not taken lightly. Especially for someone who grew up without any pets at all (except for my baby brother).
Over the years of living with Ash I’ve learned some basic rules for a functioning and happy home life. With the arrival of Indi, I was concerned her presence may throw off the delicate balance of our household dynamic. As it turns out, Indi is basically the animal version of Ash. So fortunately for me these rules for happy living are applicable to both of them:
- If she whines, be sure to give prompt and sustained physical affection. Either cuddles or light pats on the top of the head.
- She always prefers to be at home. If needing to leave the house use the lure of food to get her to come out.
- Any small change in diet will upset her stomach. No matter how much she begs be sure to limit treats to small doses each day.
Ash and I have come to love and enjoy Melbourne. From a bar crawl in the ‘Scray to footy finals at the ‘G. Even to being stuck in our apartment where the only respite is some daily banter with the local barista. I relish complaining about the weather and I’ve even come to grow fond of the traffic. However, fret not, I also enjoy reminding people how much I miss Perth.
In our second year in Melbourne we discovered a surplus of time. A rare discovery which I doubt we will ever find again. Or anyone will ever find again. The extra time gave me 300 more km’s in the runners than last year and it gave me small talk with the delivery guy because we recognised each other after a while. The extra time gave Ash’s mind some relaxation and her lungs some much needed recovery. It also gifted us a great appreciation for video calls, online games, Uber eats and neighbours who will share a beer with you over the fence.
In a year where everyone complained about boredom I can honestly say I don’t think I ever was. Maybe I’m good at entertaining myself, or maybe I’m just a simple man who doesn’t need much. A wife and a dog and I’ve got the world (plus a dog). Regardless, I feel fortunate to live in a world where the options are not only limitless but extremely accessible. If the world can be captured from your bedroom, how much more can be achieved when you step outside? But that’s just one man’s quiet, annual reflection.
Happy Melbaversary.
