So. To combat my blogging-avoidance-syndrome, I have decided I am going to start a lifestyle blogging series. It will be a lot less about class and a lot more about actually noticing the small details of my life – which, in a roundabout way, makes it relevant to my studies. I figure that maybe if i release myself from the limitations of writing about this specific class, perhaps this whole blogging malarky will come a little more naturally (and help me reach my 5-a-week goal!). At the very least, hopefully this self-imposed exercise will help me nurture my written communication abilities…

Today’s topic: My fish.

I’ve had pet fish for almost two years now. When I arrived home from my gap year adventures, I felt that my life lacked purpose. Naturally, I filled this void with goldfish. Eighteen months, one overzealous tank filter and a couple of Fish Funerals later, here we are: four goldfish and three black tetras thriving in aquatic harmony.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my little guys. They’re cute and fun to watch, but good grief fish-parenting is one expensive venture. On that fateful afternoon way back in September of 2015, poor little past-Gen had no idea what she was getting herself into; a life of tank cleaning, filter replacing and aquatic plant cultivating hell on Earth. And what for? A couple of quick finger nibbles before they locate the real food and I’m left forlornly standing there, ignored and dripping on the carpet.

In spite of all this, I still find myself caring immensely for the little nuisances. Sure, I put a lot of money into their existence and get little to no acknowledgement in return, but they’ve become a part of my everyday. During a recent two week trip, I even left a spare key with a friend of mine to check in on them periodically. Fish Parenting is as exhausting as having an unrequited crush – I constantly agonise over their wellbeing (Is the water temperature good? Are the chemical levels adequate? Are they all eating enough? Do Nor and Neg get along?) and am met with pure indifference.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a deceptively high maintenance, unexpectedly expensive, maximum emotional investment for minimal satisfaction pet: Goldfish are for you.

PS. PSA: Under no circumstances would I recommend naming your fish after people you care about. It just makes their deaths and funerals all the more upsetting/awkward… Rest In Peace Ryan Gosling.