I have been holding off on posting the long-promised newsy post as we have been working through some big decisions, but I think we are now pretty clear about what is going to happen.Those readers who know us well may be a little surprised to hear this but we have decided to move back to Palmerston North. This was not an easy decision but in the end it was the logical one.
Luis has struggled to complete his degree extramurally (by distance). His headaches have not improved, and he now gets frequent migraines as well. We are waiting for an appointment with a nuerologist, but in the meantime it is really very difficult him to study when reading for more than a few minutes brings on a migraine. However he has spoken to a the disability support office on campus in Palmserston North and they have promised to help him with his studies if he re-enrols internally. He is keen to do this, it has been very disheartening for him to be so close to completing the degree and unable to do so.
The other reason we are planning to head back to Palmy is because I have been seriously considering starting a PhD. I have had some good conversations with staff in the department where I did my Masters and the doors are open to me to enrol at anytime. I have basically decided that as much as I like my current workplace, I don’t see myself being in nursing forever- it might be weird but a career in academia is far more appealing at the moment. In addition I will most likely be doing research based in Honduras as I did for my Masters thesis which means we will just have to travel to Central America again! I might be mad but a PhD it is. Roll on 3 more years of study.
In the meantime life goes on in Wellington. Luis works 3-4 days/week in the Psychiatric day ward, and I work 3 days per week as a primary health care nurse. Maya is growing up incredibly fast- she is now a 2 year old, toilet training chatterbox! We share care of Maya- along with her devoted grandma. Maya is also lucky to have her Aunty Ruth living with us, and I’m Sure Aunty Ruth enjoys the early morning wake-ups, endless silly songs and big sloppy kisses as much as we do! Check Maya’s page for more.
