Alya’s first trip to the dentist today left me with a bad taste in my mouth. She doesn’t like invasions of her personal space. At all. She has put restrictions on kissing and hugging, even by her parents, and we do our best to respect that and inform other people about it (i.e., “Alya doesn’t …
I just finished “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg yesterday and was pleasantly inspired by it. I had heard a few things that made me think I might not like it (perspectives on children, HR practices, an emphasis on careerism at the expense of family). My reading was a good reminder not to rely on the …
After some comments from friends and family, I realized that I probably should clarify one important point in my last post. I guess I was not 100% honest with you, my wonderful readers. I wasn’t fired. I was terminated. Or rather, my position was eliminated and my employment with the university was terminated as a …
Earlier this week I had a miscarriage. Yesterday I was fired. It hardly seems worth adding that they found 2 cavities at my dentist appointment. It is a lot in a short time, and I’m a bit amazed that I’m still standing. But I am, and smiling, and kind of excited about the future. I …
Post dictated by my daughter\- Notty tickty mittmee kit mip me. Yeth. Heyyo. And “I love you” and “my mup moo” and “si sup soo” and “dai dup doo” and “Nai nup noo” and “sai sup.” Eee. For A. E for A. E for A. E for A. E for A. E for A. E …
Pleasantly, I received a fair bit of positive feedback for my “intervention” the other day. I was thanked and congratulated, and actually got an email from the presenter reiterating her appreciation for my intervention and “solidarity.” I also saw the villain in this scenario again, on the second day of the conference. He seemed to …
Have you ever done something big and dramatic and embarrassing and public? And laughed at yourself? And realized with a soft smile of acceptance that it’s a pretty good commentary on your true self, while still shaking your head at your weirdness? Today I was in a workshop at a teaching and learning conference. The …
Our family is moving through two major developmental developments this past week:1) We have stopped supplementing baby or using bottles. 2) She is now almost entirely diaper-free. I know! Major changes! We’ve supplemented practically since she was born since I simply could not make enough milk (yes, I tried everything). Since I believe in nursing …
Being a mother is hard. It has joy, definitely, and is the best thing in the world, and maybe that’s why it’s a never ending project. Children keep growing; needs keep changing; personal circumstances keep evolving, and with each change, the intensity continues. I had a small mothering shift a couple of weeks ago. I …
Dear writers and editors: Please note that there is no such word as “wallah” (alt. sp. walla, wala). The word you are looking for is “voilà.” Voilà means “Check out this thing I’m showing you here.” In case it helps you remember, I’m going to take a stab with my limited French and guess that …