Television and breaking news

Yesterday my wife reminded me that "this is only the second TV we have bought together in 18 years"

As I ride the train towards the city now it strikes me just how long that is. If our relationship was person, it would now have matured to the point it could legally drink alcohol and vote. (Some would say a necessary combination). It also now strikes me that i do neither of these vices...

During our time together we have been there for each other, survived a 5 year engagement, got married and had kids (but not in that order) and purchased two televisions. Between us, we share a couple of bank accounts (spread thinly), half a house and 1 car. Many years ago, I tried this driving fad that all my friends were getting into but never caught the bug. I like to say I resisted the peer pressure, more likely, I chickened out. Never comfortable behind the wheel, one near miss with an oncoming bus and I was done. My learners permit expired and I never went back. To make matters worse, I also don't drink so have also failed to provide the designated driver duties my dry nightlife would normally end itself to.

This also means that, with my new found interest in triathlon and endurance sports, my wife finds herself behind the wheel a lot of extra time, driving me to an event, dropping of gear so I can participate in training for an event, or picking my sorry ass up after I have found myself stranded upon finding the limit between my ambition and ability.

We are a team, she and I, our first born is in her first year of high school, and The Boy is on his way to graduating from Primary at the end of this year. Though I may have assumed some credit by claiming us a team, these achievements I put largely down to the dedication of my better half.

She commented just yesterday that she worries that the things I do for our family may jeopardise m y chances of completing the mission I have set myself. She voiced this concern as we were babysitting her sister's three children and I was reluctant to leave the task solely to her in lieu of another epic late-night windtrainer session. I dismissed it at the time but, as I sit here at Flinders Street station awaiting a connecting train, I reflect back on the our time.

Since I began trying to get my fitness back, I have asked a lot of my wife. Sure, it is me out there in various weather conditions, battling heat, wind, exhaustion, sore and tired muscles and more chafing than I care to mention, but it is also her. It is she that keeps the home functioning, she that looks after the kid's needs and ensures my need for gear does not exceed our modest budget. And it is she that endures an empty bed whilst I am out chasing a dream. She must have broad shoulders as she deals with this load and my continual sarcastic quips in her stride.

She is my number one fan and my biggest supporter.
She worries that trying to help her out will hinder me... I didn't say it at the time, add that to my failings, but, without her, I wouldn't have been able to achieve all I have so far.
Missing a session here and there will be OK, we are a team, and we will get there together or not at all.

I am fine with that.

So, here I am, I am currently a riding the second train of the evening. I had no plans to leave the house tonight. By the time I reach my destination I will have been out for about 3 hours. This unplanned adventure was prompted by a phone call I received as I began preparing dinner. My number one fan, my rock had been visiting her sisters to celebrate a nephews birthday and as she was leaving the house she has taken a tumble and has a suspected broken ankle.

Tonight, I get the opportunity to begin balancing my side of the ledger by offering some support to her. I do, however, wish she would give me less painful reasons to be in her corner! (and just quietly, the irony that it is her driving ankle is not lost on me)

Waiting in the emergency room to see my wife and hold her hand, rub her back and reassure her things will be alright. I hear they have good drugs here too.

Thank you for all of these years JoJo, we have faced some obstacles and we continue to buck the trend and remain together and happily so.