cousins come in dozens

I grew up surrounded by a pack of cousins, with my brother, the eldest, at the helm. He was our fearless leader, babysitting a dozen of us at a time, and his creativity knew no bounds. Whether it was inventing games or orchestrating epic role plays, he always kept us entertained and close.

I always dreamed of my daughters having a similar experience, but times have changed. With family scattered across the globe, the close-knit cousin group I hoped for didn’t quite materialise. Even so, some of my cousins remain my closest friends, and I wanted my girls to have that same lifelong connection.

Though my sister’s family only visits Australia once a year, and the time is fleeting, it’s heartwarming to see how our children’s bond remains unshaken. Despite spending just a fortnight together each year, they pick up right where they left off, their friendships as strong and natural as ever. The dynamics between them, the way they interact, and the deep-rooted ties they share are a testament to the enduring power of family.

a tail of two sons

I once pictured a life filled with sons, but God had other plans and blessed me with daughters. So, I decided to adopt two male dogs to bring a little balance to the mix. I had even chosen my favourite boy’s name long before any pregnancy, Anakin, but my husband vetoed it, worrying our child might be teased at school. Little did we know, it turned out to be the perfect name for a dog, earning compliments on every walk.

As for Logan, he was named after a TV character I had a major crush on from Veronica Mars. True to his namesake, Logan is a reformed bad boy, charming, mischievous, and with a soulful gaze that helps you forget he’s ever been naughty. He’s got that undeniable charisma that makes it impossible to stay mad at him, no matter what trouble he stirs up. 

And so unfolds this unexpected tale: of a girl mum who found her sons in two furry companions. These two are my boys, and I love them more than I ever thought possible.

1 degree hotter

When my peers learn that I’m pursuing a Master’s degree, they often say, “I can’t imagine studying now; my mind has retired at this age.” For me, though, it’s the opposite. I’ve never been more intellectually engaged in my life. It’s as if my brain didn’t fully mature until I reached my thirties, or perhaps I’m just less distracted than I was in my teens and twenties. Back then, I remember feeling overwhelmed with work, juggling my social life, fretting about the future, and searching for a husband while also trying to find myself, which made studying feel impossible.

I remember RD asking me, back when we first met, what I would do if I had financial freedom. Without hesitation, I told him I’d dedicate myself to studying. Little did I know, he would be the one to turn that dream into reality.

fortnight

Taylor Swift’s double album defied expectations, surprising fans who anticipated a deep dive into her six-year-long relationship. Instead, Taylor chose to explore a whirlwind romance that lasted merely a fortnight. While some fail to understand, I see a profound truth in her focus. Fleeting relationships, though brief, often leave a lasting impact precisely because they lack closure. There’s a particular intensity in the abrupt end of something that feels like it’s just beginning, it retains a sense of perpetual newness, never fully realised, and leaves behind a haunting sense of unfinished business.

In contrast, long-term commitments, which have weathered birthdays, holidays, and countless shared milestones, allow for a gradual detachment. These partnerships often end with a slow fade rather than a sudden stop, giving both parties time to adjust and process the separation. But the short-lived romance? It cuts off before it even seems real, leaving a trail of what-ifs and might-have-beens. 

This stark juxtaposition in Taylor’s latest tracks speaks volumes about the complexity of human emotions and connections, emphasising how deeply we can feel for someone who has barely grazed the surface of our lives compared to another who has been firmly entrenched in it.