Friday, March 13, 2015

A Few Good Ducks


As I said on Facebook, I am getting my ducks in a row. I've talked to those for whom I babysit, gone for a drug screening, found and established myself with a new doctor, and had blood drawn for several titers. We're checking for immunities to measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and hepatitis B. Fun stuff.

I had chicken pox when I was 2 months old. My brother Dan kindly shared the virus with Tim and me. Tim was "plastered" according to my dad's diary. Mom said they were in his mouth and down his throat as far as she could see. I was blessed with a light case and it was said that I'd be sure to get them again, but when my sisters and friends were down, I stayed healthy. The same was true when my own children broke out in spots.

When I was a few months shy of four years old, I came down with the mumps. I actually remember my mom feeling the sides of my throat and neck, and talking about "the mumps." Because of the memory, I asked her about me having them once but found she had forgotten all about it. Yet there it is on the back of my birth notice in Mom's handwriting, "Mumps- January 10, 1968" right under "Chicken Pox- May 21, 1964."


My brothers both had the measles before I was born. I had the vaccine but Mom hadn't written the date, and when I was in kindergarten in 1969, they herded us all upstairs to the nurse's office a class at a time where we were injected with the German measles vaccine. I remember it well because, not only did it feel weird to be taken upstairs in a line and given a shot, but I jumped when they put the needle in the first time, so I got a second dose.

I think I'm all set to start my class on Monday morning. Rearranging my sleep and rising times should be interesting, but having an actual reason to be up and out of the house early will be a great incentive. I'm trying to be calm and not stress out. Breathe deep, exhale... breathe deep, exhale...

Anyway, after this morning's appointment I came home to a quiet, empty house and wished for someone to meet for lunch. My wish was granted a short time later when the phone rang and I heard My Darling's voice on the other end of the line. The sun was shining bright, it felt like spring, and was a beautiful day to go out together.

13 comments:

  1. Martha, I am so happy for you, embarking on a new adventure! You will be FINE. You have raised seven children, so you already know how to be a doctor AND a nurse. Being in a classroom again...phew, I would be having those wearing-pajamas-to-school nightmares:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Della! I do appreciate everyone who has encouraged me along the way. It's been a completely different kind of week already and I haven't even started yet.
      :0)
      Do kids still think wearing pajamas to school is a nightmare? (To my complete horror and dismay, as a second grader I once found I had worn my baby doll pajama bottoms to school under my dress. I just had to take them off in the bathroom and hide them in my desk!)
      :0)

      Delete
  2. I'm so happy for you too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. If you're going to get ducks in a row, I think they should be good ones! ha. Sounds like you're all set!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm feeling ready this evening. Everything that needed to happen this week did and I was very comfortable with the doctor's office I ended up going to.
      The ducks are quacking. :0)

      Delete
  4. Oh Martha, I couldn't be more excited for you. A new adventure...new things to post about...I'm so glad to be your follower. Sending love and hugs, and prayer for this new chapter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Wanda. I'm expecting my bedtime is about to change drastically. I am appreciative of all the love and hugs, and prayers. Yes, new things to post about, if I can keep my eyes open.
      ha ha!

      Delete
  5. Sounds like everything is coming together beautifully for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I has come to together absolutely beautifully. I'm sure there will be more bumps and challenges along the way, but seeing how everything has worked out so has been really encouraging.
      :0)

      Delete
  6. Golly Martha.....where have I been?
    Oh yeah.....driving like a maniac! Hahaha!
    So happy for you....
    So perfect for you....
    All the luck in the world to you!
    You will be awesome!
    Keep us posted.....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooops! Forgot...
      Love the new fresh look....header is pretty!

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Linda. It all happened so fast, I hardly had time to think! ha ha!
      Thanks on the header. I figured it was time to put the snowflakes/snowmen away.
      :0)

      Delete