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Third Millennium Mom

Combining 50s home-goodness with today’s work ethic – is this a realistic expectation for women?

By Rita Fiorentino

I think about this every day.
First, I've given up the title of housewife. I prefer "free-agent" since it reflects that since you are not on the clock and time is your greatest asset. It also points out that what you do with your time is your own business.
I've been both a scientist and a housewife. Teach your girls to be who they are and to make their own decisions. Don't force them into any mold. Teach them to value people and do what is right. They will find the path that is right for them.
Don't diss boys. Their path isn't easier. You should've seen my son's face when he read a book for his 2nd grade homework on the Titanic. "Women and children first" in the life boats. You should have seen his concern that the Dad wasn't going to get to be in the lifeboat. There was a sort of horror to the whole thing that perhaps the Dad was expendable. Feminism doesn't discuss whether or not we women can claim a place in a lifeboat anymore.

Posted by: hblue | Dec 20, 2006 15:36

Try Annie's Cheddar Bunnies. No hydrogenated oils-or artificial flavors- and they're made with organic wheat flour. You can buy them in some stores or online. And you get free shipping for orders over $100. They even have canned cheese ravioli (organic).

It took me a few years of mastering the "quick, easy, nutritious, tasty, and cheap" meals. But sadly you have to be an experienced cook to do it. Many women I know were never taught the benefits of fresh garlic versus garlic powder. And if you mention "deglazing", they think it has something to do with frosting falling off a cake.

And the ease and benefit of having a few potted herbs in the window sill cannot be discounted. They're easy as hell to grow, and it teaches kids about botany.

Our own mothers failed us in many ways. They had one foot in the June Cleaver era and the other in the Gloria Steinem(sp?)era. Nowadays, you can do it all. You just make it your own.

With a good cutting board, a good quality knife, olive oil, and good ingredients, you can get dinner on the table in 30 minutes. And it doesn't include cream of gloppy, squishy, cream of "mushroom" soup.

So you can eat your nutritious cake and have it too. Then you'll have free time to teach your kids about surviving in this sexist world.

Posted by: Michelle | Jan 15, 2008 13:39

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