Oma and my Bank Balance

Following my post on What's a good babysitter?, "Oma" (granny in German) may have some high costs (although we love our Omas dearly, all of us probably know what I mean), but they sure do help the bank balance of a working mom. Starting my new job, I will take a tripple loss financially. First, the household tax break loss, which I wrote about a few times. Second, the cost of additional babysitting that I require to cover afternoons. Third, in case of minor illnesses or trips, a significant potential loss for emergency babysitting coverage. (Fourth, I can't run around in my old snotty clothes, so will have to stock up on some decent work clothes again). Poor Omas around the world should be paid zillions for their support - mine are fabulous, willing to fly over in case they are needed (and pay for their trips). (Add-on: I'm sure Opas - granddads - are great as well, but somehow they are less keen volunteers, and enjoy their freedom...)

Wedding Dreams

I sometimes feel old when I realize that it is unlikely that I will ever get married or have kids again (who knows, though). But that's what dreams (and friends!) are for, right? I have a few times dreamt that I have been pregnant again, but last night also dreamt that I was to be married. The same husband, the same in-laws. But, just to be cliché, in my dream I realized I hadn't shaved my legs, and had forgotten to think about tights. I wasn't stressed. And an hour before the church ceremony, I hadn't even started getting dressed or ready (no hair, no shower, nothing), I also realized I hadn't remembered to get a dress either. I continued to be very relaxed in my dream. Either this shows that my priorities have shifted since my wedding 8.5 years ago, or that I have become more relaxed about a lot of issues. Or that I'm a plain old sloppy, exhausted and forgetful mom of three small kids?

When Tired - Do Not Think

Friday evening after an exceptionally exhausting week (operation of and having my youngest at home, running the usual errands) is not a good time to think about whether starting a job is a good idea. It's also not the right time to watch heavy, depressing movies instead. Note to self.
(Self pity trip: the weekend won't be easier, as I am alone with the kids).

Give Me a (Recruiting) Break

One written application, three interviews, one written test, and one telephone conversation later, one of my referees from my CV sent me the referee questionnaire that was sent to her for my job application. She had been brilliant and answered most of it, which probably took her two hours, as she had to dig up my task list and work report, compare these to the required competencies of this new job, and answer several "character" questions.

I am slowly despairing with this process, which has in time and money cost everyone involved around three future annual salaries. Perhaps they plan to recruit me and the next week offer me to run the whole institution?

Decision-making time, please...

Poor Souls

Following the Indian high-profile rape and murder case, the German newspaper I read (SZ) publishes daily short blurbs on new rape cases in India. Today of a seven- and three-year old girl (both died). Sadly, in a few days, the media hype will die out. Devastatingly, the cases continue, day after day, with or without the world taking note. Those stories that have been able to latch on to the hype will also disappear, such as human trafficking reports and condom use from today's paper, which usually don't get coverage. Rape is something I find terrible and terrifying. An industry based on this (human trafficking) is - I am at loss for words what it could be described as. And even the decision by US pornography producers to go against a law that would force "actors" to use condoms (a third of them at least have tested STDs), because it's too much effort (and cost, for an industry that makes heaps of profits) to photoshop - it just makes me a combination of angry and sad (is there a word for this other than the bland "disappointed"?).