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The Dogmother

'Just' a Mum?

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A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office,

was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation.

 

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

 

'What I mean is,' explained the counter clerk, 'do you have a job or are you just a ..?'

 

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mum.'

 

'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' Said the clerk emphatically.

 

 

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Medicare office.

 

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

 

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

 

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.

'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

 

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

 

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

 

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

 

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,

'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't)

In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).

But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

 

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she

completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

 

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.' Motherhood!

 

What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door

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Of all the jobs and careers I have had it been the worse paid, the longest hours, the least thanks but the most rewarding :wink::D:D

 

I've had one of those days Pam. Picking up, cleaning up, tidying up, repeating myself, little rest, little to eat, little monster to be honest - all with the most unbelievable pelvic pain at this late stage in my pregnancy. Yet, at the end of today at bedtime I got a great big hug and a kiss and a "nigh nigh 'uv you mummy".........................and it was all worth it.

 

It's easier to go to work.

 

I had no idea just how hard being a Mummy would be. There is no preparation, no guide book, no set of instructions and somedays, no holding back the tears. It is all worth it.

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Of all the jobs and careers I have had it been the worse paid, the longest hours, the least thanks but the most rewarding :wink::D:D

 

I've had one of those days Pam. Picking up, cleaning up, tidying up, repeating myself, little rest, little to eat, little monster to be honest - all with the most unbelievable pelvic pain at this late stage in my pregnancy. Yet, at the end of today at bedtime I got a great big hug and a kiss and a "nigh nigh 'uv you mummy".........................and it was all worth it.

 

It's easier to go to work.

 

I had no idea just how hard being a Mummy would be. There is no preparation, no guide book, no set of instructions and somedays, no holding back the tears. It is all worth it.

 

What a sweetie :D OH calls them "melt moments" :oops:

 

You are right Gina, nothing can prepare you :roll:

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They're all different and challenging in their own way Gina.

 

20 years ago, I nannied for some friends who had 3 boys... roughly (my memory's not too good) 5, 2.5 and 6 months when I joined them. I nannied on and off for the for a couple of years, going on hols with them (they were loaded :roll: ) and each boy was different. My friend sent me some pictures of them the other month... they've grown up to be gorgeous and are now dating themselves.

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It's easier to go to work.

 

I had no idea just how hard being a Mummy would be. There is no preparation, no guide book, no set of instructions and somedays, no holding back the tears. It is all worth it.

I have always said it's easier to go to work!

I love the cuddles we get in the morning when Ethan climbs into bed with us :D

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Children...ah bless them :lol:

 

When a little sanity is required in the eve when all the children are asleep....Omlet forum :D

 

OMG...can't remember the last time I went to the loo on my own :shock:

 

DH...30 mins minimum in the library...on his own :roll:

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:lol: A book...what's one of those :lol:

 

My husband even bought me two books for Christmas...heaven only knows when I will get a chance to open the cover :lol: He has a 'booklist' on our computer system for anyone who wants to take a look and buy him one...he gets at least an hours reading in every day without fail :lol:

 

In my next life I want to be a male labrador :lol:

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I always get told that my OH needs some quiet time as he's been working all day.. like I get to sit down all day, watching telly or doing the crossword and the housework fairy does the cooking, cleaning and gardening. I've even been told that it's not like real work

 

When I was sick at Xmas and I stayed in bed for a couple of days, he lived on takeaway or tinned soup, fed my son on cold jars of food and did no washing or ironing but was still totally exhausted :roll:

 

I supposedly had a demanding job before becoming a mum - I had no idea!!

 

One day mums will be appreciated for what they do everyday but I think it's something you just don't understand until you are a mum yourself so no chance of men every really getting it

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30K? :shock: , Mums deserve more than that. My 3 are all in their 30's and late 20's. All have their own homes now, but I look back at the times when me and DH was working all the time ,I worked a lot, had to, but did not work many nights, and I used to go to bed about 8 or 9 exhausted, with the 3 of them in our bed. We would all read together, and I used to have a box of Malteesers to share, really unhealthy but good fun. DH used to come home in early hours and peel sweaty kids off me and put them in own beds. Best time in my world!!!.Even though 1 of them had a problem and I used to have to change the bed sheets at about 4 in the morning muttering under my breath. Being a parent is great, you get sooooo very tired, but it is very rewarding and fun. I look back on those days and sometimes wish I was back there. My kids had worms, nits, ringworm, measles, Mumps, Chickenpox etc.,nothing to do with hygeine, I hope, :lol. Anyway just enjoy your kiddies while you can. Now have 2 grandaughters and they want to stay with us. Taking them on holiday Sunday for a week. :D

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:lol: They are great aren't they?

I've just had three days off - I've been working and OH has been in charge. He keeps asking when he can retire and become a househusband. :wink:

 

There are three baskets of clean washing in a pile in the dining room (where does it go now?) The fridge is full of milk because no one spotted it wasn't being used and cancelled it, there are 4 used frying pans on the hob (they are self cleaning). I love it :lol: He's ready to go back to work now for a rest :twisted: He's just gone for a shower accompanied by two small children - don't you just love it. :lol:

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