What does one do...

...during maternity leave? Not knowing what the done thing is, the major preoccupation at this end has been one of trying to mentally prepare self for big change. And it seems change is around everywhere.

Almost everyone I know is going through some biggish change is life, work or home related. The one that got me thinking was the big one T is getting into - marriage. For obvious reasons, chatting with her about her upcoming wedding reminds me of mine, and the changes that brought. For quite a while, I wondered if I could have better prepared myself for it. I no longer think that way. As I await yet another momumental change in life, I can't but help wonder, is it at all possible to prepare for change?

It is easy to buy baby clothes, feeding bottles, prams and cots. It takes time to develop a bond with the baby, understand her/him and treat one as an individual, not just an extension of yourself. Just as it is easy to buy new clothes, make-up, furniture and curtains before the wedding - but it is another ball game altogether to live with someone under one roof, day in and day out, understanding why they behave the way they do and arriving at a discussion pattern that might be a little less your style but much better suited to the new dynamic relationship called wife & husband. Can one ever prepare for this?

Meanwhile, women continue to be beaten for going into pubs in India, little girls continue to be harassed by policemen, Barack Obama continues to try to change the gloomy economic situation in the US and snow continues to fall over most of England, Wales and Scotland. And I have decided that before my parents arrive here (in 4 days time) I must finish knitting the baby blanket that I started making in August - there, now that I have said it, I have to finish it in time. Time to get a-knitting... Lets start with a slice of banana cake :-)