I left my Mums place at 8.00 this morning and caught a bus and then 3 trains and arrived at my destination at 12.30pm. The whole trip cost me 40 pounds (the pound sign doesn't work on my computer) that is R600 for the girls back home.
The area where I am working is very beautiful and certainly one of the places to be in England. The lady lives in a sweet little neo-Georgian house that she retired to 15 years ago. The present 'carer' met me at the station to 'fill me in'. I had one big lump in my throat, I was sooooo scared, of what I don't know just an overwhelming sense of home sickness. The carer was also visibly trying to fight back tears. Phew, what can I say, just scary. I was informed about my 'charge' and that she could be spiteful, tell lies to make herself pitied etc. etc. apparently normal stuff for her 'condition' mild dementia. She speaks with the proverbial hot potato in her mouth and when she asked me about myself and my children I mentioned that Erin rides. She replied, oh I used to ride well I loved to go on the hunt. Okay, so we wont go down that road. She is still pretty active and informed me that I would have to prepare for a Conservative Party meeting on Monday morning but would have to go to my room or out during the meeting as I am not a member. Bring it on, being paid to go out or to my room to blog, I can handle that. I will try to post some pics tomorrow cos I am sure to have some treasures from around here.
Oh I nearly forgot, I just put a plug onto my computer cord! I have never changed a plug and I have never been shown but I followed the instructions and I am pretty chuffed with myself.
Here to my first night. Hugs to all.
14 hours ago
16 comments:
YOu are utterly amazing Jo. Your courage and determination coupled with your sense of humour leaves me speechless.
Well, clearly not literally speechless....
Please send me your email addy as I dont have in on my new pc. MIne is melody@global.co.za.
There are some things better left UNSAID in the comment box. LOL
Hi Joanne! I'm with Mel---you're amazing! I'm so sorry you're feeling a bit sad now but wow! who wouldn't be overwhelmed by what you've taken on? I really admire your courage and determination.
I hope everything goes well for you with this first assignment. Your client sounds, um, a little difficult, but interesting, too. I think you should immediately start telling her that you find Gordon Brown oddly attractive, that his Scottish accent is way more sexy than that of that posh toff David Cameron. Just kidding, she'd hate you! Tell her you like the Queen. :-) We're thinking of you, Jo! Take care of yourself.
Homesickness sux - it hits you so powerfully and it doesn't matter if you are 4or 40, it hurts just as badly.
The "I-can't-breathe" type lump in the throat feeling.
Ew.
Shame, man
But gosh - you are brave: you just go out there and do it.
And congrats on doing the plug thing!
Although its small potatoes compared with all the other MAJOR first time accomplishments , I must say.
We miss you
Thanks girls, this is becoming my lifeline so please hang in here with me. x
Well done to you Jo for taking this all on. Sending you lots of positive vibrations to deal with the old lady and any challenges that she might throw at you.
My inlaws have just started with their new client (after returning to the UK on the 1st) on the 4th. He apparently has calling-out syndrome, which basically means if he's awake, he's trying to shout out. My MIL told me that she's cared for him before (he requires two carers - so they've been placed there together - nice for them), and that she's always said, she doesn't mind anything provided she doesn't have to deal with dementia, and diahorrea...and last time she got both in one go, with him. Anyway, she said she learned a heck of a lot, and this time apparently it's easier, because he's partially sedated.
HOnestly I think you are doing the most amazing thing, being away from your kids, and helping to pull in the dosh. It's bloody hard work, and only a carer will understand what you're going through.
Best of luck :)
Hang in there Joanne - it could be an interesting couple of weeks for you! Love hearing what you are doing though.
Can mild dementia be any worse than teengers?
I'm rooting for you - even when I don't know what to say.
Love ya too.
Just spoken to you on skype. the bloody delay made me think you were going to I said bye. And then you thought I was going. But I wasnt and I am sorry. Right now I hate skype. Lets try again later.
xxx
I wanna hear about the fridge gadget!!
The fridge magnet is a huge cupcake with a cherry in the middle and when you press it it says 'fridge pickers wear big knickers' cute heh?
wow Joanne. What a great adventure. I knwo you are going to miss your family and home but enjoy what you have at the time. !!!
hugs
Sam Ellis
Jo, you are one ballsy lady {in the nicest possible way of course!!}. I so admire your courage & spunk in taking on the unknown & that includes your first ever plug changing experience, lol!!
Whenever you get homesick or have to bite your tongue a la the "hunt" comment {that must have killed you!}, just remember that the upside is that you are going to have some awesome stories to entertain us with for a long, long time!
Hang in there :o)
PS: Had to laugh at Stefanie's comment - you've had some great training in the teenager department, so this old duck should be a walk in the park...
OH boy! That fridge magnet gadget sounds super cute.
One things for sure girl....can you see how many people miss you? 13 comments and only going up!
incredibly hot and windless today. just put kids in 'quarantine' for an hour or so so I can laze on my bed and take a breather!
xxx
Candice - I am soooo missing my dogs any dogs, the neighbour here has a BC puppy, well I nearly fell over myself to get at it, now I have to pluck up courage to ask if I can take it for walks.
Sam - Hi great comment that is exactly how I need to see this experience you are always so wise. x
Hey my friend!! It is great to see you are blogging so often....I am such a bloody slacker I know!! I will try & be more consistent I promise.
Eeesh! girl you need a medal! Your courage is quite something...& your patience...wow! I wouldn't have been as 'generous' as you were...but I remember how it was with those old dears; they clinging to what pomp-&-ceremony they can at their age, to hide their embarrassment at needing a carer for basic tasks.
I hope things improve.
Hugs!!
Well done, never changed a plug in my life! Shows you what we can do when we have to hey!
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