Mommage

An Anniversary of Sorts

"Dear Mr. Parks:

Since the first anniversary is paper, I figure the enclosed gift certificate is appropriate.  It's been a year full of learning, brand-new experiences, and confusion (at times).  But I wouldn't trade it, or you, for any other attorney.  Thank you for a great first year and I look forward to many more.

Debbie

P.S.  That bourbon walnut pie was amazing!  Thank you so much for thinking of me,"

A year ago today I started my "new" job.  Sort of a combination secretary, legal assistant, associate attorney position at THE law firm in town.  Mr. Parks called me, created the job for me and pays me far and away more than any other staff member is paid.  I very soon found out that he has had a bit of a problem keeping staff members; he went through 5 in the last 4 years.

Being Mom-in-Chief to the "First Kids"

Imagine living under the same roof with an all-weather tennis court, a grand piano, your own private pastry shop, swimming pool, bowling alley and movie theater complete with popcorn cart.  Now imagine you're a kid!  Those are some of the things Sasha and Malia Obama can look forward to when they move into the White House on January 20th.  It may sound like a dream come true, but their new lives will also include the burden of being under the watchful eye of the Secret Service and the scrutiny of the media.  Their private lives will be compromised in exchange for the perks of being the First Kids. 

Michelle Obama knows that raising children is a hard job and that it's about to get even harder, but she intends to monitor her daughters' White House experience and is determined to be active in their lives.  She will now have to be their protector more than ever before.  Growing up in the White House can't be easy, but former First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Hillary Clinton succeeded in raising their children with the least amount of disruption.  I'm sure Michelle has the same intention, and it appears she's off to a good start.

Lipstick On A Pig

I keep seeing the headlines all over - including on MSNBC just yesterday:  "Palin sparks debate on working moms."  There it is again.  That phrase.  Working Moms.  As opposed to Moms who, apparently, don't work.  (Aside - we even have that listed as a category here at Mommage.  Hmmm... who do I see about changing that?)

Now if you are a mom, have one or just know one, you know that this phrase is insultingly redundant.  And highly irritating as a matter of fact.

Working Mom, indeed.