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August 1999

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In sickness and in health
Monday, 23 August 1999

These past couple fo weeks have not been easy - if it wasn't one of the kids not well, it was the other.

First, Thomas had a fever resulting from an ear infection - he was literally burning up one night so much that I had to get a damp cloth to cool him down.

Then the next week, Kathryn started getting mysterious sores on her lips - a trip to the doctors determined that it was a human form of "hand and mouth" disease. (I said, "If you were a cow, we'd have to shoot you") She got a few days off school even though the contagious part was over - she needed to rest and be away from curious and, at times, hurtful opinions of others. Our doctor is a delightful fellow - goes by the name of Murphy - always cheerful (makes you laugh even if you are depressed and in agony), and positive. Its a pity he is leaving at the end of this month - thats an occupational hazard in these remote parts - many don't want to stay here long (us included).

Then this weekend, it was Thomas again. Late last week he began having diarrhea, then vomitting. I took him to Murphy this morning - probably a stomach bug of some sort. Still it is hard on the poor little chap going through this - he can't even hold down water too well. I have to watch that he doesn't de-hydrate too much.

I was just putting him to sleep a while ago and he didn't want me to go away - he clung to my fingers as if to prevent me leaving him. I love him so much, but there is little I can do but tend him and make sure he is comfortable. Its such a helpless feeling.

And for some reason these illnesses seem to happen when Leonie is not around (not that there is any link - its just an odd coincidence!) She is off up bush on a work trip. Last night he made a mess of our bed, so I ended up sleeping the night in his room (he has a double bed in our study - we don't have anywhere else to put him!) He was such a brave little boy - after heaving his guts up, he could still smile and snuggle into me as I lay there with him.

He has developed such a cute little click with his tongue - its almost like communication.

We went down to Perth the weekend before - just a quick trip to visit the family and do some shopping. It was Leonie's birthday on the 16th. I bought her a bread maker - we'd tried some homemade bread at a friends place and absolutely loved it. With everything thats happened since though (work and just plain living) - its still in the box - waiting for a free day to be used!

Last Friday, Kathryn had her first swimming time trials. She has joined a local kids swimming club - great for developing her style and strength. She has been competing with a friend about the same age. Kaitlyn, her friend, is a stronger freestyle swimmer (by several seconds over 25 meters), but Kathryn is stronger backstroke, and breaststroke. Not that we are pushing her to perform, but a little competition can help encourage her to keep it up and to develop her strength. And to build her confidence.

And me? - Well its the usual struggle to get work done, lectures prepared and so forth. At least the job situation has eased with two of the tenured staff in our section indicating interest in early retirement. The outcome may be only as serious as more work for the rest of us... Joy Oh Joy!

Clouds
Thursday, 5 August 1999

Remember last entry I hinted at some big changes going on at work? Well, it doesn't seem to be getting any better...

The Campus here is in real financila trouble with some rather large debts accumulated over the last few years that just don't seem to be going away. A recent review of operations here has recommened a cut of thirty staff (both administrative and academic).

So, as you can imagine, I'm not sitting very easy about having a job by the end of this year 8^(. At least they are approaching it fairly - calling for voluntary early retirements first - apparently some have indicated they are interested in that option. About the middle of next month I should know what is happening. Thats when the review of each School's workload and the decisions on redundancies should be know.

In the meantime I just have to carry on and not get worried about something that might not happen. Even though there are metaphorical clouds looming on the horizon.

So what else has been happening? Not much really - trying to keep on top of work, and family takes just about all my time. I have had some great time with the kids - especially Thomas. He is starting to get quite strong now - both physically (like sitting up and stuff) and also his own will. When he doesn';t want to go to sleep - well, he won't. Even if he is dog tired and rubbing his eyes red. What makes things so hard is he is still regularly waking up at night. Which means either Leonie or I are up to him to settle him back - maybe thats the problem, he relys on us settling him and can't yet do it for himself. Its just that is very hard to ignore him when he cries. Parental thing I guess.

August is a busy month for birthdays - friends, relations (brother) and Leonie. Gotta remember to make sure I don't forget...