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Snapshots of my Melbourne Month

February 20, 2014 by Stacey 35 Comments

Screen Shot 2014-02-19 at 2.34.35 pmSo last Saturday marked a month since I moved to Melbourne. It has been SUCH a good move. I can’t imagine living anywhere but here (except maybe overseas), so while I feel brand new and fresh-eyed, I also feel right at home.

I’ve been thinking back over all the things I’ve done in these early days, and I’m so excited to do more. It’s a slow start while we all find our feet and get into a groove, and once the girls are settled at their new day care, I can see there will be a little rhythm to our days. I’m excited.

Here’s my Melbourne month in snapshot form.

Dinners out: One. Matt and I went to the Vegie Bar with his brother and fiance. I ate noodles. Matt thought he saw someone famous but since none of us watch TV, nobody could be sure.

Takeaways in: Three pizza orders, one Indian. Thumbs up in every case.

Friends seen: I’ve caught up with Ruth, Louisa, Ro, and Raynor; and I’m seeing Carly, Matt, Christina + Jim, and Kate this evening. Gin will be involved.

Shops I’ve massacred: Daiso (x2 because obsessed), the Bonds kids outlet store at the DFO (my two are woefully in need of warmer clothes like RIGHT NOW), Morris and Sons (for amazing yarn), Target (to buy a GPS, which I swore I’d never buy in my life), La Manna Direct, which is an amazing supermarket, and Casa Iberica on the Ro‘s recommendation. I bough chipotle peppers and manchego cheese and homemade tortillas and tabasco chocolate.

Donuts eaten: Three. Two Mr Donut chocolate donuts because they taste like my childhood, and one Krispy Kreme which came with a side of apologetic man and domineering wife (long story).

Parks played in: Three different ones, but the same three like, a million times.

Daycares been to: Two. The orientation for the new day care went so well, and it was a wonderful change strolling along rose-lined streets in the brisk breeze rather than sitting through three sets of light changes every time I moved 500m. Abby had just started to warm to the old day care, making a best friend and getting familiar with the carers, and of course now she has to go. But the first thing she said when she walked into the new day care was “oh this is wonderful!” so I suppose she’ll be happy there too. Good feelings all round.

Coffees had: Five. I know! Only five! The coffee capital of Australia, and I’ve hardly had any. To be fair, it’s difficult to get two toddlers in and out of a car, sit quietly in a cafe (or even for five minutes while we wait for a takeaway), and then back into the car, and I also can’t get the double pram in anywhere within walking distance of home, so I’ve not had too many. The lovely Louisa keeps bringing them to me, and I suspect she’s getting her kids out of the car every time. She deserves my undying love and respect!

Sleep had: Minimal. Although MUCH better since my last itemised account. Going to bed earlier has been the best thing, and some nights Pepper has even slept through until just before 5 (WHICH IS AMAZING), but of course I still keep waking up at the usual times. I think my body needs some time to get used to it, but then she’ll wake up 10 minutes after I fall asleep at night. Keeps me on my toes, but I’d much rather be passed out in bed.

Beauty treatments undergone: One. My sister-in-law sanded my sagging face off with diamonds (or some kind of diamond-tipped microdermabrasion machine), and I walked out of there with baby-soft skin. Still wrinkly, but so soft and clean and renewed and lovely. I’m going back tomorrow for her to burn several layers off with a chemical peel. I expect to look nine months old by the time she’s finished.

Cafes frequented: I have been to one that has already shut down at the time of writing (was it something I said?!) with the wonderful Cormac, who I’ve been dying to meet for a couple of years now (dude is a legend, possibly the nicest, smartest guy that’s ever spoken to me with an Irish accent), and one with the equally lovely Kat, who regaled me with stories of dating in her 30s and wild nights out managing bands. Oh to be young again! travelling, unlined faces, unlimited time to drink coffee with old ladies. I also went to Ceres and let my coffee go cold while my child attempted to walk up the steepest hill known to man. She pretty much just kept rolling back down into the sandpit.

New friends made: A lovely family around the corner, and finally got to meet the beautiful Ruby Hoppen. There was also a very chatty lady at the park who gave me a rundown of the shops in the area.

Emails answered: about one-quarter of what they should be. Sorry anyone who has tried to email – I’m getting to you!

Driving infractions/amount of other drivers I’ve inadvertently pissed off: From memory, about four. Lanes just stop when you least expect them! and I also apparently don’t turn FAST ENOUGH OH MY GOD. So that’s three angry beeps for me.

Blinds washed: Four. Nine to go.

Things I’ve burned because my house is now so big I am no longer notified by smell alone: lovely organic beetroot, and some lovely organic kale. Ended up just being lovely organic charcoal.

Times I’ve avoided walking up the giant hill I live on: Twice. It’s impossible to push the double pram up (my face almost touches the ground), so I walk allllll the way around the block.

Newspapers bought from the corner store: Six. I’ve read about two of them.

Crosswords completed in said newspapers: One half of one. Oh no, wait – there was a little one I got done. But one of them had clues like “who was the president of Micronesia in 1456?” and, you know, my 15th century Micronesia knowledge is a bit thin in some parts.

Here’s hoping the coming month features more coffee and less driver douchebags!

Filed Under: Life

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teresa says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Yay for Melbourne! And we should totally line up a tea or something in the future?!

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 20, 2014 at 10:54 am

      Ooh yes please, I’d like that! I promise I won’t watch you putting a litre of milk in your cup.

      Reply
  2. Liz @ I Spy Plum Pie says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:48 am

    Oh yay, I’m so glad to hear you’re loving it here! Hope you find that routine soon so you can try more of our delicious coffee places! (and the tea shop on Smith St, you don’t want to miss that!)

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 20, 2014 at 10:54 am

      I know, I feel like there’s a whole world outside these walls! But we’re getting there. Like a kitten whose eyes are shut for like, six weeks. Soon I’ll be a tiger!

      Reply
  3. Lila Wolff says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:12 am

    You almost make living there appealing! As for the drivers they are quick on the horn down there and probably just need a cup of tea and a hug. But at least they aren’t Adelaide drivers (I truly thought I would die on the roads there).
    Have you spotted doughboys doughnuts they have some amazing combinations that I’m dying to try if when we head down there again.

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 20, 2014 at 10:53 am

      Nah, they need a whisky and a punch in the face.

      Reply
  4. Zanni Louise says

    February 20, 2014 at 8:09 am

    Sounds like you are settling in…blinds are a good place to start! It’s funny, I read the title initially as “Snapshots from My Melbourne Mouth” and was very intrigued to know what you meant!

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 20, 2014 at 10:53 am

      I will think of something. Maybe tonight after all the gin, I’ll have a Melbourne mouth!

      Reply
  5. Eva Iezzi says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:37 am

    Oh damn, CASA IBERICA, I will never forget you!!! <3 <3

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 20, 2014 at 10:52 am

      Sah good, dude!

      Reply
  6. thelifeofclare says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Sounds like you’re having a wonderful Melbourne experience! I really should get up there more often (I’m only in Geelong).

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 20, 2014 at 10:52 am

      IT IS GLORIOUS! And yes, we should play sometime. I have family in Geelong 🙂

      Reply
  7. Dannielle says

    February 20, 2014 at 11:00 am

    I’m so glad you’re settling in well. (and meeting people under the clocks like a pro!) Melbourne drivers are a cranky bunch, so don’t worry about them too much. 😉

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Haha I figured that. And I was told the clocks were part of my initiation 😉

      Reply
  8. VickiShoppeGirlsBlog says

    February 20, 2014 at 11:17 am

    I just love Melbourne. I lived there for two years when I finished school. I visit at least 1-2 times a year as I have family there.

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Yeah it’s the best! I used to come as often as I could 🙂

      Reply
  9. Reannon Hope says

    February 20, 2014 at 11:40 am

    Dude your one month in Melbourne sounds better than my almost 7 years in Perth!! I seriously gotta stop being a hermit & get outta the house!!!!

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      I really did like perth when I was there 🙂

      Reply
  10. Angie@TheLittleMumma says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    That went so quickly!

    And now you’ve officially seen more of Melbourne than half of Melbourne! So glad you’re loving it. You do seem Melbourne-y, for sho.

    Birdie Num Nums playdate sooooooon. xx

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Yes please!

      Reply
  11. Lily (A Rhubarb Rhapsody) says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:49 pm

    I’ve been living here for almost 3 months now and am so completely desensitised to the beeping (not at me). It’s just not driving in Melbourne without everyone beeping at everything. People are generally crankier here, but for some reason I love it. When you walk past people they often try so hard to not acknowledge your existence. I like to say “Good morning/afternoon!” and grin just to see the shocked reactions. Friendliness?! We’ll have none of that. Mind you, cafe staff seem to be the happiest people on Earth here. It’s odd, but great seeing as I’m out buying coffee every single day without fail. Freaking love this place so much.

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:36 pm

      Hahah I don’t mind the angry people or the people who don’t want to acknowledge I exist. it’s the people who drive like maniacs and then hate me because I don’t drive like that. Settle down, bro! You’ll still get to where you’re going! Can’t wait to have more coffee 🙂

      Reply
  12. MotherDownUnder says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    Ha ha…I was just thinking about the days when I had the NYT Crosswords app on my phone and would spend hours nutting out a good Sunday puzzle! I am pretty sure I deleted that app two years and nine months ago!
    It sounds like you are having the best time…so glad that the move was the right decision for you all!
    You aren’t missing anything up here. It is hot and humid and generally revolting. I escaped to Moffat today to sit in the lagoon with Bettina and drink an iced coffee from The Pocket.
    Good luck with the sleep and the blinds and drinking more coffee!

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Oh that sounds like a lovely morning! I could do with one of those.
      I have the Crosswords app on my phone still, and it gets the NYT puzzle. I did one on the plane on the way down. I still prefer doing it with pen though!

      Reply
  13. suburban sandcastles says

    February 20, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    Welcome to Melbourne, so happy you feel so at home here!

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:37 pm

      I luff it so much 🙂

      Reply
  14. Tina Lacy says

    February 21, 2014 at 10:26 am

    Great to hear you are settling in well. I loved Melbourne when i visited my favorite thing was the Lindt Chocolate shops we don’t have them here 🙁

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:37 pm

      I went to one the other day! I had profiteroles.

      Reply
  15. katepickle says

    February 23, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    You need to check our Crafternoon ( http://crafternooncafe.com.au/) you’ll get to drink at least three coffees and eat yummy food while your kids play play dough or draw or paint… very cool!

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 24, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      I saw that on Vanessa’s blog! I’ve been meaning to go, as my kids would love it. The little one is finally big enough for something like that 🙂

      Reply
  16. Louise says

    February 24, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    Sounds like an amazing month! Ceres is a great aspect of inner-north living 🙂

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 26, 2014 at 8:52 pm

      That coffee was amazing, even cold!

      Reply
  17. Rebecca Zacher says

    February 25, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    oh to live in Melbourne, not sure it will ever happen but would be pretty awesome stint to do! Enjoy

    Reply
    • Veggie Mama says

      February 26, 2014 at 8:52 pm

      DO ITTTTT!

      Reply
  18. Lisa Mckenzie says

    March 4, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    I am so glad your having the best time Stacey I think Melbourne is your place xx

    Reply

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