Do you answer the phone during the night?

Just as much as I hate getting calls during the night, I also hate making those calls. When you are pulled from your sleep by the ringing of the phone, it always sounds urgent, and I always fear the worst. I mean ... who doesn't? People don't usually call you at 3am to chat. Not to me anyway!

So, I got hubby to make the dreaded 3am phone call. I could see the pain in his face that said "Please, don't make me do it". My hands were tied, Master 5 was hanging off me - Literally!
We had already administered a dose of Paracetamol which had eased his earache enough for him to go back to sleep. This only lasted a bit over an hour though. He woke up screaming for Mummy. We tried to comfort him, but he was having none of that. "Do something Mummy!" was his demand.

What were our options? With the After Hours Dr closing their doors at 10pm, which is the same time the last Chemist in the South of the State closes, we were considering a trip to the Emergency Department in the city. Knowing that an Earache would be listed low on the Emergency list, though, with a possible all-night wait, while my son screamed and thrashed around on my knee, I was not at all tempted. Our only other option was to administer another medicine, of which the only sort in our possession which would have any effect on the problem was Phenergan. At best, this would only make him drowsy, possibly allowing him and us a bit more sleep, but it would not take away the pain.

So, the time had come to make the call. Thankfully we have a great support system of family and friends living close by. Hubby logged into Facebook first, to check if anyone was online to whom he could plead assistance. Not so lucky! That call just had to be made.

With Hubby's brother and family living close, and the possibility of them having a suitable medicine, hubby made the call while I tried to subdue Master 5. We held our breath until the call was answered. With confirmation that help was only minutes away, Hubby was out the door and back relatively quickly while I distracted Master 5 with games of Angry Birds. The dose of Ibuprofen did the trick and Master 5 was lulled back to sleep, in the comfort of our bed, no less.

The knowledge that he was no longer writhing in pain was a huge comfort to us. We are thankful that we have reliable support close by. We are thankful they are always willing to answer that dreaded call, and help if able. To us, this support is more valuable than any view a change of address could ever bring.

Maybe I should lower my expectations?

As if exercise comes naturally for everyone. As if I want to venture out on a cold night. Wouldn't you think that if a group of people are going to sign up for something, they would make an effort to know what time to turn up?

Having organised our dinner earlier than usual so I could digest before going out, I dressed in my netball gear that I had put on the airer in front of the heat pump to make sure it was dry in time. I checked the time once again and made sure that my bag was by the door, money ready, and drink bottle full.

I received a message from a team player on Facebook, letting us all know that, beyond her control, she was too sick to play. These things happen. It is team policy that players let others know if they can not play. Luckily, we had recruited more players than needed for a team for the Winter Roster, knowing that people get sick, as well as having work and family commitments.

The time had come to leave, so I psyched myself up to firstly, go outside in the cold to the car, and then, drive to the Sports Centre to play an hour of Netball in a t-shirt and skirt. This is the commitment I have made. A commitment to my health and fitness, to my team-mates, and to the group of ladies that make up the Winter Roster, including the umpires, the girls scoring, and the Vice-president who opened the Centre and set-up.

Imagine not only our disappointment, but also our frustration that only 3 members of the opposing team had turned up.

To me, this is inexcusable!
Sure we all make mistakes from time to time.
It is quite easy to mix up times.
We have all been there.
But when everyone else goes out of their way to make sure that rosters are distributed, that team members are kept up to date, that Social Media is used wisely, that baby sitters are arranged for children, that time is allowed for travel, that uniforms are ready to wear .... it is hard to smile nicely and forgive a team who have done this several times now.

Am I expecting too much? Do I need to lower my expectations of people? Do you notice more and more disrespect for others lately?

Back to basics - The Unplugged Version

Technology certainly has become a way of life, and I love my gadgets of convenience. I remember, back in the ol' days, when I might have fired up the home computer once a week. Now, I couldn't live without it.

Well ... except for this Saturday 28th April, 2012.
I am joining in the 24 hour switch off Challenge. Everything I do on Saturday must be done the old fashioned way, and I must admit, I'm quite looking forward to it.

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THE CHALLENGE

On Saturday 28^th April, we want you to disconnect for 24 hours.

No online blogs or posts.
No Facebook.
No tweets.
No phone calls or texting.
Nothing.
Nada.

So you won't see a post on my blog, not even a pre-scheduled one for Saturday. Don't bother ringing me 'cause I won't answer. And don't send me an urgent message on Facebook, as it will be a waste of time. When I commit, I take it seriously.

Normally, if someone else said you have to go without technology for 24 hours, I would get a little shaky just at the thought, but if you know me or have read my blog for a while, you will know I love a challenge.

So what do I plan to do whilst I am technology and gadget free? I am sure there will be plenty of catching up to do with the family, and even a book or two to read. I might even give the Saturday newspaper a good going over. If I get stuck I can always do housework. Actually, I have not made any solid plans at this stage, as I am looking forward to just winging it and doing whatever I fancy (within my limitations, of course).

I wont be in this alone. In fact, there’s already some great Aussie bloggers that have signed up to take the 24 hour vow of disconnect! You could check them out too, and go into the draw to win yourself a holiday in the dream switch off destination, Kangaroo Island:

Nikki at Styling You

Mrs Woog at Woogsworld

Sarah at A Beach Cottage

Caz and Craig at YTravelBlog

Catch you all on the flip side, possibly on Sunday, unless I convert to being Tech-free (somehow, I doubt it).

Now I have kids, I know I can!

There was a time (pre-kids) when I did less, expected less of myself, pushed myself less.

image source

It's amazing the things I have discovered that I am capable of since becoming a Mother.

I can still function on a few hours sleep.

I can do many tasks with a heatpack clenched to my body.

I can carry a child capable of walking and multiple shopping bags.

I can step strategcially around toys covering the floor, with coffee in hand and not spill a drop.

I can fully strip, wipe down, and re-dress a screaming, sick child on the side of the highway in no time at all.

I can cope with 4 in the bed. (if absolutely necessary)

I can tune out irritating, high pitched screaming.

I can get the toughest stains out of clothing. (again and again)

I can get medicine into a distressed child without it coming back up and covering me.

I can be imaginative and creative with play, cooking, discipline, and excuses.


I can mop the whole bathroom from floor to ceiling after every bath.

I can nurse a feeding baby, whilst surfing Facebook and interacting with the outside world.

I can have my camera ready in a split second.

I can pack bags for 2 children and 2 adults for a weekend to the beach in half an hour.

I can host a birthday party, make cake, decorate entertain and clean up. All before collapsing in a heap.

I can feed, dress and groom 2 children, drop them in 2 different locations with appropriate attire and lunch, say my loving, encouraging words, and get to work with 5 minutes to spare.

I can kiss a graze and make it feel better, wipe away tears and put a smile on a face, and remove the worst grime with a little "mummy spit".

I can, I have discovered, do many things I would have even dared pre-kids. I have learned some tricks along the way. I've also discovered many ways that things should not be done. It's a work in progress, but I know I have have a go.