Stereotypical Women

Recently, I have irked some people by notating that

The responses varied. One claimed that she was simply looking forward to being able to wear non-maternity clothes for the first time in a year. One agreed but had been afraid of the ire of the mommy bloggers to broach the subject himself. Another seemed to think it is ingrained in us and that is what I tend to believe as well. For the record, yes I did ask Crocs to provide me with a free pair of shoes and I would espouse their wonderment. Some seem to think this is a two-faced act based upon my statement. But I clearly put myself in the same group as everyone else, as I too am wondering if what I wear to each party will help me to "fit in".

BlogHer was rough for me last year, and I have repeatedly vowed to myself that I won't let that happen again. That I won't let myself think other's are more deserving than me, that I don't fit in or belong in their company because my blog is small. But then I see tweets and blog posts about all the new clothes and shoes and hair do's and manis and pedis and waxing that so many are doing and I think, really? Why, can't we all just be the same person we are online?

What initially started the feeling of "amazement" for me was the fact that Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame will be at BlogHer this year (as will Carson Kresley from Queer Eye). It put women into a tizzy over what will Tim Gunn think of their outfits. On top of that there is a contest on the website to put up your pic of what you'll be wearing. Again, a conference that is supposed to be empowering women, is focusing on clothing and looks.

When will women be respected for everything but their looks? Will they then feel insulted that someone didn't notice their new harido even though they praised them on the vaccine they created?

Recently, Megan was putting on makeup in my car and asked me why I didn't wear any. I told her I didn't need it. She asked if I didn't want to "feel pretty". I told her that not only did I feel pretty but I knew I was pretty. She countered with but make up makes you feel even prettier. Having that conversation made me sad. Sad that girls are still feeling obligated to "feel pretty".

Erin had a quandry not too long ago regarding shopping with her daughter, she has always taught her to be independant and know that she can do anything her brother does, that their gender has nothing to do with who they are or what they can become. However, her daughter asked to "go shopping like girl's do", and it threw mom into a tizzy. Is she failing as a feminist if she enjoys a girlie shopping day with her daughter? Does it make her a proponent of female stereotypes? No, it makes her a mom.

I guess, we just all need to pick and choose who we are and who we want to be. And if that means, you wear make-up to make you feel pretty, or play dress up to feel girlie or go for tea lunch and shopping to bond with your daughter, then so be it.

Speaking of dress up, how freaking cute is Caity?

Make Believe

I am not good at pretending. Maybe I depend too much on logic and reasoning. Maybe I am just boring. Maybe I am actually living in an alternate universe.

Caitlyn loves to pretend, her and Kathy will be Widget and Wubzy or Oswald and Winnie Dog and act out complete scenes and episodes of her favorite cartoons. I last about half a minute.

Jackson asks Erika for a story, one hasn't heard before, one that is kinda like a Mad Lib where he throws words at her and she adapts and weaves a tale. Me? Not so much.

Makes no sense to me, because I have a very vivid and wild imagination. I am to this day afraid of the dark. I can not walk past an unadroned window at night without the thought that a face will appear. I can not allow any part of my body to be over the side of the bed, for fear that someone may be under the bed. (Which is completely ludacris because the bottom of my bed is so close to the floor that not even Caitlyn can squeeze under there to reach something for me.) I can practice entire conversations with someone before I have to tell them something, so I can anticipate a reaction. I can spin a lie for years and years and not once get caught up in it, heck I can even start believing it myself.

Why then can I not pretend?

Old Grandma

Caitlyn: I need a new grandma!

Me: Huh? What? Why?

Caitlyn: You're too old

Me: I am not too old,

Caitlyn: You don't watch Wubb Gurls with me

Me: Huh? I just watched that 10 seconds ago.

Caitlyn: (with an exasperated sigh) You took a nap!

Me : (I had just worked 10 hours coming off of 3 hours sleep) I was tired.

Caitlyn: No, you are old!

Later that evening when she came to give me hugs and kisses goodnight (my favorite part of the evening btw)

Me: No, I think you should go hug your new young grandma.

Caitlyn: (taking my face in her hands) I LOVE old grandmas!

A Little Bit Farther Now

Tonight Taj was visiting so Caity and I included him in our evening walk. We also smartened up and brought a flashlight since it was almost 9pm.

Yes we still wore our sandals, we aren't into this in a serious manner yet. For the 3 mile walk I wore my cross-trainers, for the record.

This time we went over an extra block adding almost a quarter of a mile to our walk. I liked this block better for coming down hill, perhaps it is the stability of the sidewalks (not being as chunked up) that helped, but my knees fared better this evening. Of course earlier in the day I had to sit for 2.5 hours in a metal folding chair in a room with no ac and so anything after that would be a welcomed relief. (more on that tomorrow)

sometimes you just need to laugh

Anticipation

Something good is coming tomorrow. You'll have to come back and see what it is.............

She's Been Well Loved

Those of you that have had an active role in raising and loving my daughter will recognize Risa Baby.

For those that are unfamiliar with her, let me introduce you.

Risa Baby came into Marisa's life when she was about 2. I believe it was Easter of '88. She was a beautiful doll close to lifesize and the perfect friend for her at that age. risa baby went everywhere. In the dirt, in the tub, in the pool, that doll and Marisa were inseperable. As time wore on her hair became matted and beyond rasta dreads. Taj took Risa baby home with him one night and strand by strand performed a complete hair transplant.

Flash forward 20 years, Marisa has a beautiful daughter who has adopted Risa Baby as her own. This poor doll is just disgusting full of love. She has been used as a pillow (note the drool stains), as a sicky friend (note the stains of urps), her fingers and toes have been chewed on (I would like to think by the dog, but I doubt it.)

Why am I telling you all of this? Because Tara over at Feels Like Home is having a Build A Bear contest. Although Caity loves Risa Baby immensely and she is a part of the family. I would like to win a Build A Bear Gift Certificate and maybe get something for the twins that will be here sooner rather than later.

What party?

Even though I had to work on Saturday, Caity thought it would be ok to still have her bday party. Here is what I (and you) missed.

This is what 3 looks like

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAITY BEAR