Tracy Claxton for hire

Well, I can officially add it on my resume. This past saturday I was the Childbirth Educator for first time moms-to-be hosted through the Worldlink Clinic. After months of speculation and holding one's breath, I finally gave up in early December. Then on New Year's Day (ie when we were buying Will a fakie Tag watch, Alice (manager) texted me out of the blue and asked if I was interested in teaching the prenatal class on Saturday. Of course I'm such a sucker and didn't want to negotiate over the phone and she was out of town (Hong Kong) - so we met on Friday for lunch. She is trying to twist my arm to take a full time position (this time as the outpatient unit manager) - she actually admitted - you know, it might be nice for the foreigners that come to the clinic to see a white face - AAAAHHHHHH!!! Okay, so I'm still not holding my breath and I now know that this place needs some serious help. The MDs great, the equipment great, the nursing staff - just not good enough - and it is not their fault. They are not trained the same way and its a different culture.

However, after the prenatal class, one of the women came up to me and asked if I had thought of being a birth attendent/patient advocate (those that I worked with all know what an pain in the ass advocate I could be!!). I definitely had thought about that (Patty and I both had) - but being on call 24-7 - but then again, more flexible hours, .... and I know if Worldlink did offer me a full time gig - it would be more than a 40 hour work week. So long story long...I've made some business cards, my friend Robert is helping me put together a website, and I've emailed a couple of the expat associations and maybe I can make a living teaching prenatal classes and helping write up birth plans and how to find the MD that is right for you.

Geesh..I think if I go back and read what I just wrote I admit to myself how scatter brained I've been about all these decisions and what would be best for Will and I. I pray, I sit and try to do my worry beads, I've started up yoga again - now all I need is a Eureka moment to come down and wack me on the head. So I'll keep you posted.... and my Chinese lessons start again on Tuuesday!! Maybe I'll graduate to kindergarten chinese versus just being stuck in pre-k. ;)