I’m back, the marking is complete, the semester is over.

I am back blogging; I have been so busy with clinical work, marking papers and off course fitting in the family social life. November and December has been consumed with marking and at last it is all completed, hence the blog.

I have also had to make some changes to my working life, a decision had to be made as my work load was too great and I was finding I had very little work life balance.
I have decided to move totally to university life and maintain possibly one clinical shift a week or fortnight. This had been a difficult decision to make, however to maintain my sanity and family life something had to give. Maintaining two high level positions within different intuitions’ is difficult, it is a balancing act and 0.5 in each place equates to 1.5 in the real world. I am hoping now that I will have more time to devote to one place and more time to promote midwifery.

This has been a challenging year in more ways than one. We had our major trip to Europe which incorporated the ICM conference a fantastic experience for all of us. I also went to Singapore teaching again.
Our family has grown this year with three more delightful grandchildren and our youngest daughter has finished her first year of University and is starting her first real relationship – all big steps, oh I remember it well, oh so long ago!
We now have 7 grandchildren (ranging from 8 weeks to 4yrs old), believe me it keeps us on our toes.

I also feel have achieved much this year in both work places. In my clinical area we have introduced the self directed fetal monitoring package which I feel will enhance the midwives knowledge should she/he need to use a CTG and it will be a way of maintaining knowledge if you require it.
Through the Australian College of Midwives (WA Branch) we have disseminated information relating to the ANMC updated Codes, also keeping members updated on information relating to National Registration and we have conducted several seminars throughout the year.
My university work has progressed in leaps and bounds this year, I have updated my unit and have had raving reviews from my students regarding this, which is always good. At the end of each year I have a look at how to move forward in the New Year.... I will soon have to make a decision relating to my PhD as it is on hold until May 2009.....
I am pleased with my blogging; however, I have found it difficult to maintain the pace over the last two months as my work load has been so great. I will have to review how I proceed with my blog in the next few weeks.

I am enjoying my break now (hence the blog) and looking forward to Christmas and reading a couple of novels.

I will take this opportunity to thank all my readers for your support and wish you all a very happy, safe Festive Season and the very best of health & happiness for 2009.