Doula-la...

On January 11, I'm interviewing for this:

The Doula/Labor Assistant provides continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner, helping them participate fully in their birthing experience. This is done by offering physical and emotional support as well as information about the birth process, available technology and alternative comfort techniques. H. Hospital offers a discounted fee to become a certified doula and in return, the doula will provide availability for 8-16 hours per week for 1 year. After one year of volunteer service, the Doula may remain as a volunteer Doula if desired or may end their commitment. If the Doula stays on as a volunteer, then the Doula is expected to cover a minimum of 1 shift per month in addition to attending 6 out of 12 "Meet the Doula" nights. Hours are flexible but the volunteer Doula will be expected to rotate availability to all shifts and holidays. Training includes but is not limited to extensive reading (10-12 books), 3 full day workshops (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), 5 hours of general hospital orientation, attendance of a full Lamaze class series, successful completion of the written exam, written self evaluations of attended births, CPR certification and attendance at 8 out of 12 "Meet the Doula" nights.

Volunteer candidates should possess the following qualities and abilities: kind, caring, compassionate and respectful of the natural birthing process. Able to communicate effectively and professionally with patient, significant other and staff. Ability to bend, stretch or stand for long periods of time and an understanding of medical terminology preferred.

One step (maybe two) at a time.

photo (c) av2009

No Problem...

All dressed and heading into the City - nope - husband took my keys even though he got a ride in.
No problem, get the spare - nope - husband had those in his coat pocket too.
No problem, bring Duch's soccer uniform to school for pictures this afternoon and take the Buick - the morning's looking up - nope - raging headache, I mean really, really painful is this a stroke headache. Who took the two stinkin' Tylenol from my pocketbook?
No problem, survived morning without embarassing myself and outside for some fresh air and a ride - nope - brakes decide not to work on the highway.
No problem - pull into McDonald's, call spouse, eat McDonald's, say hi to spouse, give spouse $5 to get brake fluid - brake fluid topped off and we're good to go - nope - step on brake, hear squishy sound, bend over, get covered in brake fluid. BaLOWN BaRAKELINE. WTF ?
No problem, brake place is down the street - drive in and decide to wait - nope, can't look at it until tomorrow. But I've got a final tonight. Too bad - no car - no final.
No problem - call professor and make arrangements for Monday (acceptable, notwithstanding the 5% reduction) and eat dinner. Just starting to relax - NOPE - two inches of flooded toilet water in my mom's bathroom...hallway...laundry closet...clothes closet...
Will somebody puhleese tell me why I was at the airport when my freakin' ship came in ???

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY, DAD - YOU WERE THE BEST PART OF MY ENTIRE DAY AND I LOVE YOU.

There It Is...

That end-of-year burn to fix all that needs fixing come January lst. I think I'm going to take a novel approach this time. Not sure what it is yet, but it's brewing, and I'm going to marinate this feeling until it forms its own direction organically. WTF that means, I have no idea, but I'm ready for it. Pictures - daily thoughts - meeting deadlines - and maybe delivering a baby or two. I'll start my engines as soon as I find the key.