A new start to everyday living
There’s something depressing about being in my late 40’s and living in a flat on my own again. But that’s the situation I find myself in, my life reduced to a couple of suitcase and a few boxes. I stand in my near-empty flat and think about all the things I need to make this home. Fortunately Albany Mega Centre is just down the road and they have everything you need for everyday living.
We’d been drifting apart for a while. It wasn’t one big thing but a string of small things that reduced us to nothing more than housemates. We both just started doing our own thing and for the last few years, it's felt like we’ve been co-existing – coming together occasionally for the kids. The thought of leaving her started to surface a couple of years ago and I kept telling myself that I couldn’t do that to our kids. The honest truth was I was too scared to leave. The thought of being alone at my age was terrifying.
A few weeks ago, sitting alone in the house feeling sorry for myself, I realised that I was already alone. I made the decision to start again and told Maggie when she got home (before I chickened out). She was shocked and concerned about how the kids would take it but, at the same time, I suspect a little relieved. Our teenage kids took it in their stride, showing a moment of concern, before going back to being engrossed in their own lives.
And now I’ve found a semi-furnished flat, not too far from the family home. I walked away with nothing, saying I wanted a fresh start, but really just feeling too guilty to ask for anything. Looking around, I realise that this isn’t really the new start I had in mind. No time to feel sorry for myself, I quickly make a list of the many things I need and drive down to the Albany Mega Centre.
I start at The Warehouse. I hadn’t realised just how much stuff they have for the house – I’ve just not needed to take notice before. I fill my trolley with sets of four: plates, cups, coffee mugs, and cutlery. I realise that it's wishful thinking, hoping the kids and friends will visit. I find a jug, a frying pan, a small saucepan and a set of basic cooking utensils. It’s a good start. Eating and drinking sorted.
The next stop is Briscoes for bedding and bathroom. They’ve got a huge selection of items and there’s a sale on. I start with a duvet, sheets and pillowcases. One set for now but good hygiene suggests I’ll need to grab at least one more set later. I find a selection of towels and a few other things for the bathroom. It’s those little everyday things, like toothbrush holders, you don’t think about until times like these.
The next stop is the Storage Box. I go in specifically for a brush and dustpan set to keep the flat clean but, walking around, I quickly realise how much more I need. A clothing rack, hangers, coat hangers, a dish rack, a toilet roll holder, a toilet brush, storage containers for the kitchen and laundry, a laundry basket – the list goes on and on.
I load the last batch of everyday essentials into the car and head home. I put everything away, make the bed and then make my first cup of coffee at my new place. It seems to me that I’m on my way to getting this new life started and I don’t feel as down as I did before going shopping. There’s so much stuff you need to get on with everyday living but thankfully Albany Mega Centre has it all in one place. All I need now is a couch and a TV. That will be tomorrow’s trip back to the Mega Centre.