Karen's Journey

Hi all

Well what a week it has been in this household! I have only been at work twice this week... Monday was sick leave (both for myself and Rachel), Tuesday I worked, Wednesday was Annual Leave (prebooked) for Rachel's 12 mth Plunket check and to spend the day with her, Thursday I worked (but went down hill quite rapidly) and then today was sick leave (just me)!

I just can't seem to shake this damn cough and it is really becoming a pain in the flaming arse now! And trust Mum to tell me of a friend of hers who got a cough who couldn't shake a cough for 7 weeks!!! God I hope I am still not coughing in 6 weeks time!

I was at the Drs for a review of my PND medication on Wednesday so got him (a silly locum) to do a check on me but according to him my chest is clear, as is my throat and ear (had a major ear ache)! So according to him, if I am still coughing etc next week or I get worse then I just go back to him!

Today, after dropping Rachel off at Daycare, I came home, went back to bed and slept until midday!!! And felt so much better for doing that but it did feel really strange having a shower at that time of the day. So while home today, I took the opportunity to do the groceries this afternoon since we have such a busy weekend ahead of us.

Tomorrow, we have Rachel's godparents wedding at 3pm and I can't wait to put Rachel in to the dress we have bought for her to wear (and yes Photos will be taken) and then we will come back home, and "big" (and the ever shrinking) Rachel will come around at 4.30pm to look after "little" Rachel for the evening. Am getting quite nervous as no one has done the evening routine with Rachel before (not without us around that is) so hopefully all will be ok but am sure the two Rachel's will have a ball. We probably won't be too late due to me feeling yucky but will see how things go.

Then on Sunday morning, we have our Antenatal Combined Birthday Party at a local park/playground. Weather forecast is looking good for that and am hoping that we all manage to be there at the same time about 11ish for a group photo of the kids!

So thats whats been happening in our place... have downloaded some photos too so will share some with you all... but before I do here, I will share an email I got from my mum this week which I thought you would all like :)


POSITION :
> Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
> Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
>
> JOB DESCRIPTION :
>
> Long term, team players needed, for challenging
> permanent work in an
> often chaotic environment..
> Candidates must possess excellent communication
> and organizational skills and be willing to work
> variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
> and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
> Some overnight travel required, including trips to
> primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
> Travel expenses not reimbursed.
> Extensive courier duties also required.
>
> RESPONSIBILITIES :
>
> The rest of your life.
> Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
> until someone needs $5.
> Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
> Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
> pack mule
> and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
> in case, this time, the screams from
> the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
> Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
> such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
> and stuck zippers.
> Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
> coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
> Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
> for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
> Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
> an embarrassment the next.
> Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
> half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
> Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
> Must assume final, complete accountability for
> the quality of the end product.
> Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
> janitorial work throughout the facility.
>
> POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
>
> None.
> Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
> so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
>
> PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
>
> None required unfortunately.
> On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
>
> WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
>
> Get this! You pay them!
> Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
> A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
> of the assumption that college will help them
> become financially independent.
> When you die, you give them whatever is left.
> The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
> you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
>
> BENEFITS :
>
> While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
> no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
> no stock options are offered;
> this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
> and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
>
>
> Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
> letting them know they are appreciated
> for the fabulous job they do....
> or forward with love
> to anyone thinking of applying for the job.
> ** AND A FOOTNOTE ?
> THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! **
> If you are fortunate enough you will become grandparents!


Butter wouldn't melt in my mouth...


The morning of my birthday with presents from Mum and Dad...


The day care birthday cake


Party at Daycare


With Nana as we are singing Happy Birthday


Yeap not as many taken at her party as I would have liked - and no family one either! But that's life and we learn from our mistakes for future parties.

Right, time to hang out the next load of washing... then off to bed for me. Hope everyone has a great weekend.