Friday, March 5, 2010
Thick Skin
It takes a lot of perseverance and energy to be a Mom, and I thought teaching gave me a run for my money. At least there you get a Lunch and a Prep, not that you don't work through those anyway but it's something right? After work I am really drained on all levels - physically, emotionally and most definitely mentally. Twenty-three five year olds, alone, just shouldn't be legal as far as I'm concerned. I try to play loud music and pep up while I drive home before I walk in the door, when my real work begins. Bathtime, laundry, cooking, cleaning, feedings, making bottles for the next day, not to mention days when I have to go food shopping and run errands. I complain sometimes that the women's movement hurt us more than it helped us and here's what I mean by that... the idea behind it all was that women should have choices and I'm all for that. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to be anything I wanted to be when I grew up. What kills me, is that now, I just want to be a Mom, and even though we give up pleasantries and don't even consider vacations it's not realistic to have a one family income. As far as I'm concerned the cost of living took the choice away. I am happy that I chose a profession that I can at least fully dedicate myself to my children in the summer. So here I am - living for the holidays and thinking July and August will come soon, they really will.
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I taught from Oct. 1985 into 1988. (I was a per diem substitute teacher in NYC. I held a Bachelor's degree, but did not pursue the Master's.)I was single, unmarried, no children.For me, July and August were travel months. I didn't seek work, I didn't want it. In fact, in '87 I spent seven weeks in Mexico. I treasure that time: the people I met, the confidence I gained. My Spanish improved to a point that I can still converse in it.
ReplyDeleteWe Americans are behind the Europeans in our thinking. Social entitlements scare us (they're "welfare" or "socialist")and we send women into combat zones. Child care is hard to come by, and as you pointed out, women are no longer in the workforce as a choice, but as a necessity. Joe and I could not live the life we're accustomed to without both of our salaries. Alas, he works in the private sector and he does not have my job security. I wish this recession would end, but I can see that it will be a long one.
Keep the Faith. You are truly an inspiration to all who know you! See you soon.
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