You don't need a maid. The dangers of DIY housework.

You don't need a maid. No-one needs a maid. I don't have one. You don't need one

Hmmmm, one may hear this sort of comment from friends and family back home, who have not experienced living in Asia with home help. I have been inspired me to write this. Last week our maid informed us that she has a 'swollen heart' and needed to rest (and visit the hospital again) so she has a month off.

Being so close to the Lebaran holiday, which is not dissimilar to Chinese new year in that the entire country all go to their village homes for a week it is next to impossible to get a temporary maid.

So up to us to do it ourselves, both of us work, so Sunday was a big housework day. The Mrs mopped the floor with gusto, perhaps too much gusto, by early evening she was complaining of a sore lower back.

Not surprising really.

Yesterday, she could not get out of bed. So I took her to the local hospital thinking we'd visit the local GP and get some anti-inflammatory's and painkillers till it got better.

We got that, but we also pretty much spent the day in the hospital, her in a wheel chair she needs help walking, sitting and simple things like dressing and going to the bathroom.

She also needed some X-rays, and the specialist said yep, she's actually done some real harm, her muscles are holding her spine rigidly straight, the natural curve of the spine is gone right now.

We also had to visit a physiotherapist and needs to return each day for a week and lots of bed rest.

I took the day off yesterday and fortunately her mother is coming over to visit today to assist.

Poor old driver has been given the job of mopping today...

I pray he doesnt bladdy well do the same thing to his own back.

So, there you go, we do need a maid! Tis no laughing matter!