Beyond Babedom
We're (way) over 40. Deal with it.
Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Where Did These Apples Come From?
Thursday, February 7th, 2013
Most of us wait until we’ve lost someone to reminisce about how wonderful they were. This time, I’m not going to wait and I’m going to tell you all about my mother. And while everyone waxes philosophical about how lucky they were to have their own mom, I can honestly say I’m luckier than most. She’s almost 92 and other than her using a walker (at our insistence), you’d never believe she was over 70. But, to me – and the rest of my sibs – even 70 was a huge gift. You see, all of us expected Mom to be gone long, long ago. (more…)
Tags: mom, mother, remembering my mother, Rosa Parks, women over 40, women over 50
Posted in Family | 13 Comments »
Is There Anything Worse Than Losing One’s Maid?
Monday, January 28th, 2013
Ah, how I love Downton Abbey! (I’ve just finished Season Two, so no spoilers, please!) Yes, the upper classes providing for the lower classes by creating jobs for them as servants. How civilized. Talking with he-who-doesn’t-want-to-be-named, I was marveling at how it must have felt to have someone do everything for you: cooking, laying out your clothes, cleaning, laundry. And then it struck me.
It’s not all that different for about half the people in this country. For while Lord and Lady Crawley and their family had scads of footmen, maids and valets, so do many American men. Only instead of being called servants, they’re called “wives”. (more…)
Tags: division of labor, household chores, housework, men, women over 40, women over 50
Posted in Family, My Pet Peeves | 6 Comments »
Independence Day
Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
Independence. When you’re on your own, making your own decisions and living with them. That’s what it used to mean. But now in the world of helicopter parenting, it has a whole ‘nother meaning. In other words, independence means having your own room that Mom and Dad aren’t allowed to go in while they support you, fill out your college applications and make sure nothing bad happens to you.
Real independent, huh?
Tags: dependent kids, helicopter parents, independence, kids paying their own way, parental support, teenagers, teens, women over 40, women over 50
Posted in Family | 6 Comments »
