My father and step-mother foster very small children who are in need of emergency, short term care. They currently have three little ones from one family - 6mths, 2yrs and 3yrs old. The youngest is relatively easygoing, but the two older ones are running rings around my poor step-mum! She asked for some help from the agency in charge of the situation, and was provided with access to a nanny a couple of times a week. The nanny is about 20, great with the kids, but yeah, back to that bit about them being 6mths, 2yrs and 3yrs, removed from their family, two weeks into foster care - they are certainly on the chaotic side.

So one afternoon the nanny comes over and takes the two older ones to a nearby park. The 3yo runs straight for the equipment at the other end of the playground, but the more timid 2yo is overwhelmed by the activity and the other kids running around, grows roots and starts wailing her desire to leave. As the nanny tries to smooth it over with the 2yo a nearby middle aged man comes up to her, starts waving his finger at her, and says to her “You shouldn’t have had a second if you couldn’t cope with the first.”

Its my birthday this week, so last weekend I took myself off to visit my good friend Ms. Indigorayz, who lives in Melbourne now. She has just finished a degree in acupuncture, moved house, started a business, and it was her birthday back at the end of March. I was missing her and needing a dose of hanging out with her, so I decided to treat myself to a weekend in Melbourne. We didnt get up to all that much while I was there, but there was a bit of shopping in Smith Street, hanging out at home, going out in Brunswick Street, wandering around, hooping and general catching up. It was great, a good little adventure and I don’t know why I haven’t done it before. I have gotten out of the habit of traveling I think, but now I’ve “broken the seal” and I foresee future weekends in Melbourne! Thank you for spoiling me while I was there, Ms. Indigo!