Barack Obama and the dual souls of Black Folk
First of all, the goddess is not “up” on politics, world history or physics. Don’t expect her to enter into a debate about the Iraq War. This is the woman who thought the Hanoi Hilton was a real hotel, ok? I’m not ashamed to admit my ignorance about certain events, but I do know how to change a two prong outlet to a three prong with the grounding wire, so back off my political ignorance!
This is the first time I have taken time out of my very busy day (see preceding posts) to actually think about Barack Obama and the effect his campaign is having on America’s conscience. Let me first say that I did like Mr.Obama, but was truly put off by his wife’s comments about ‘this is the first time I was proud of my country’. Then the comments by the pastor – while some of his comments may have some truth (who can deny the horrible Tuskegee experiments, Scottsboro Nine, Emmet Till, Bull Connor and his dogs, the Little Rock Nine, ugh, must I go on?) let’s just say that while I do believe the CIA did help to incite riots during those tumultuous times, I don’t believe that the ‘white man’ invented AIDS to kill the ‘black man’. Some black folks are killing themselves w/out the help of the white man….and many of the medical personnel involved in the Tuskegee experiments were black. Just as some Jewish people were involved in the holocaust – no one race can be held blameless for the trouble in this world. Shoot, I LOVE America despite its faults – I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. (Do you know what the bath tissue is like in European countries – no Scott tissue, no goddess.)
Well, goddess, what’s up with the dual souls of black folk? Tell us!
Dear readers, for those of you who know about W.E.B. DuBois, know exactly what I’m writing about. From Mr. DuBois: One ever feels his two-ness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.
As black people (I can’t stand the term African-American – I am from New Jersey, folks and since my family/married name is Irish-English, whoa, do I have a problem or what!!) we are equal, yet not equal. There is still the old boys club. There are still job interviewers who see us coming and imedialty make their decision before we open our mouths. I went to a nearly all white prep school and Yale College in the 80s and in my experience….well let’s just say some folks of the “other” race are less than enlightened. (and the goddess is being VERY nice.)
This is what I see in Barack Obama. Not only is he bi-racial, he is part of the black upper class. His speeches about unity and understanding and change, I feel are a very personal cry - all of his life he has been plagued, in a very real sense with his duality…the feeling that he had to pick a side. Tell me if that came out more obviously when he referred to his grandmother as a ‘typical white person’. I don’t know about you, but what a thing to say about your blood relative!! (Remember folks, this is my personal opinion). Unfortuantely, that is how it is with many black people who “make it”. Do you go “white” , or do you go so “black” (rev. wright black) or do you hover in the middle?
I remember attending a dinner with my husband who had done some work in education about the Holocaust. We were the only black folk there, and there was this old man (80s) who talked to us. Now, the man was old and I bear absolutely no ill will toward him at all, in fact, my husband and I joke about it now. When he found out that I had graduated from Yale, he thought for a moment and said, ‘you know this may interested you that black women at Princeton….blah blah” Now, was that racist? Or was it an attempt by a man, separated by two generations, interests and race trying to make me as a black woman feel more comfortable? Who knows and you know what, who cares? The man was nice and I did him the favor of talking to him about things that I thought would interest him. Certainly we weren’t bosom buddies at the end of the night, but we did have a civil, if somewhat stilted, conversation.
I hope that I have made my point. It’s been so long since I’ve written something serious for this blog (in between answering requests for juice and Word World) that I certainly hope my words and/or my message is jumbled.
Let me know what you think.
Showing posts with label black. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black. Show all posts
Friday, March 7
Mr. Mookie is FIVE
Well, dear readers, the goddess has passed yet another test of moms all over. The birthday cupcakes. Last year, I passed the test of providing SNACKS so this year, while not a breeze, at least I knew what to expect.
Mr. C, is turning five on March 8th. Since he has all these little friends, or "his children" as he calls them, we decided to have a bit of a celebration at school. Of course, Mr. C, aka Mr. Mookie, can't just be provided with store or even bakery bought cupcakes - I mean, as a stay at home mom, how would that look? So, Betty Crocker to the rescue. Say hello to 18 yellow cake, chocolate frosted cupcakes with little sprinked on top. Thank goodness DH took them, along with Mr. Mookie to school - I could just see myself struggling with him, Princess E, and Mr. J, cupcakes, and goody bags. Talk about a diaster wating to happen. Glad I didn't have to risk it.
Of course, I waited eagerly at home for my report. "What did the children say?" (like they were the food critics from Iron Chef, right?" DH complied and said, "they said oooooooooooooooo when they say the cupcakes.?" And for some reason, that completely delighted me. Now I know just as well as the next person that preschoolers when preschoolers meet cupcakes of ANY caliber, there will be an "oooooooooooooooo" elicited. It feels good all the same. Plus, as an added bonus, after Mr. Mookie came home from school and after he talked about the whole little cupcake escapade, he asked, "Who made the cupcakes?" DH told him, "Mommy did." My little first born said, "They were so good. Thank you mommy!" And that was the best accolade of all.
So for all you moms out there who want to make a good impression on those preschoolers in your lives, look to Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines. Throw soem sprinkles on them from Party City and you've got it made!
I can't believe Mr. Mookie is five!!!
Mr. C, is turning five on March 8th. Since he has all these little friends, or "his children" as he calls them, we decided to have a bit of a celebration at school. Of course, Mr. C, aka Mr. Mookie, can't just be provided with store or even bakery bought cupcakes - I mean, as a stay at home mom, how would that look? So, Betty Crocker to the rescue. Say hello to 18 yellow cake, chocolate frosted cupcakes with little sprinked on top. Thank goodness DH took them, along with Mr. Mookie to school - I could just see myself struggling with him, Princess E, and Mr. J, cupcakes, and goody bags. Talk about a diaster wating to happen. Glad I didn't have to risk it.
Of course, I waited eagerly at home for my report. "What did the children say?" (like they were the food critics from Iron Chef, right?" DH complied and said, "they said oooooooooooooooo when they say the cupcakes.?" And for some reason, that completely delighted me. Now I know just as well as the next person that preschoolers when preschoolers meet cupcakes of ANY caliber, there will be an "oooooooooooooooo" elicited. It feels good all the same. Plus, as an added bonus, after Mr. Mookie came home from school and after he talked about the whole little cupcake escapade, he asked, "Who made the cupcakes?" DH told him, "Mommy did." My little first born said, "They were so good. Thank you mommy!" And that was the best accolade of all.
So for all you moms out there who want to make a good impression on those preschoolers in your lives, look to Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines. Throw soem sprinkles on them from Party City and you've got it made!
I can't believe Mr. Mookie is five!!!
Sunday, December 9
Christmas is just around the Corner
Dear readers, I don't have anything especially significant to say today, but just wanted to check in with everyone before the gap between posts got too large and I would have to write yet another 'mea culpa' post. Nevertheless, your entertainment in reading this blog comes first and foremost, so I will attempt to give a quick overview of what has been happening in the last three weeks.
I have been working hard on my website and am in the process of filling basket orders for Christmas. Wow! Last year at this time, I had a barely functional website, only one product and was basically giving the stuff away. Now I have more that four products (yes, I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're making the stuff by hand and testing different formulas, that's a lot!! Now I am considering going natural and totally eliminating the dyes from my product. Notice I said considering!!!I really like the look of some of the colored product, which is why I have an all natural and a nearly all natural section to my website. If you're interested, click the banner at the top of the page.
The little ones are doing quite well - no colds, no one is sick - and my oldest is taking well to his swimming lessons. One day he came home and said to me "I hate swimming." Now, swimming is an integral part of the preschool program, so I wasn't having any of that. So I used that good ol' reverse psychology on him - "Oh really. What's the best thing you like about swimming?" And he proceeded to rattle off a list of things he actually liked about swimming, so another diaster thwarted. I wouldn't want to have to pick him up from school early because he didn't like swimming.
You know, talk about a non sequitur, but what the heck is up with Tyra's hair? Is it me or does it look like she just put a mop on her head? That straw look does not look good on her - I hope she goes back the burgundy!!
Well, that's really it for now - pretty uninteresting, I know, but ya know, that's life....that's what all the people say.....you're riding high in April...Shot down in May.
We're going to be getting our Christmas tree soon - this is the first year that my 19 month old will really be aware of what is going on...let's see how long it take for him to rip all the ornaments off the bottom half of the tree.
I have been working hard on my website and am in the process of filling basket orders for Christmas. Wow! Last year at this time, I had a barely functional website, only one product and was basically giving the stuff away. Now I have more that four products (yes, I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're making the stuff by hand and testing different formulas, that's a lot!! Now I am considering going natural and totally eliminating the dyes from my product. Notice I said considering!!!I really like the look of some of the colored product, which is why I have an all natural and a nearly all natural section to my website. If you're interested, click the banner at the top of the page.
The little ones are doing quite well - no colds, no one is sick - and my oldest is taking well to his swimming lessons. One day he came home and said to me "I hate swimming." Now, swimming is an integral part of the preschool program, so I wasn't having any of that. So I used that good ol' reverse psychology on him - "Oh really. What's the best thing you like about swimming?" And he proceeded to rattle off a list of things he actually liked about swimming, so another diaster thwarted. I wouldn't want to have to pick him up from school early because he didn't like swimming.
You know, talk about a non sequitur, but what the heck is up with Tyra's hair? Is it me or does it look like she just put a mop on her head? That straw look does not look good on her - I hope she goes back the burgundy!!
Well, that's really it for now - pretty uninteresting, I know, but ya know, that's life....that's what all the people say.....you're riding high in April...Shot down in May.
We're going to be getting our Christmas tree soon - this is the first year that my 19 month old will really be aware of what is going on...let's see how long it take for him to rip all the ornaments off the bottom half of the tree.
Sunday, November 11
Once again....
Oh, dear, dear readers! Once again I have left you hanging for over a month without any updates to my exciting life as a stay at home mom!!
Let's see, what have I missed updating you with? Well, for starters, Mookie was sick again! That durn preschool has as many germs as that nasty Monica Lewinsky dress. I mean, really, he only is there three times a week for 3 hours at a time. I really must get on all of the little ones about the importance of handwashing. However, his sickness did not develop into the crisis it was in September(see here for the full story. Anyway, I only had to hit him a couple of times with the Xopenex, but I took him to the doctor just to be sure. Not that I'm a big worrywart, but the Goddess will NEVER let her little Mookie get to that crisis stage again, not if she can help it!
So, after Mookie got sick, so did the Diva and Squeaky. Nothing is as heavenly as wiping three runny noses at once and running back and forth in the middle of the night because the Diva woke up and her nose is stuffed up. What a drama QUEEN! "Oh, my dose, my dose my DOSE" I wanted to tell her, look honey, stop all that screaming, concentrate on breathing and you won't have a problem. But, how do you reason with a three year old? Answer: you don't!
Now, the business. I've been workign on the website, making products,taking pictures and on top of that all, trying to keep the house in some sort of working order. My husband is a saint, because he doesn't balk when I call after a particularly difficult day and say "can you stop and pick up...." He will be rewarded greatly when my business takes off!
Anyway, dear reader, that's my sorry excuse for not keeping you thoroughly entertained for the last month. I promise to be much more diligent in the future!
Let's see, what have I missed updating you with? Well, for starters, Mookie was sick again! That durn preschool has as many germs as that nasty Monica Lewinsky dress. I mean, really, he only is there three times a week for 3 hours at a time. I really must get on all of the little ones about the importance of handwashing. However, his sickness did not develop into the crisis it was in September(see here for the full story. Anyway, I only had to hit him a couple of times with the Xopenex, but I took him to the doctor just to be sure. Not that I'm a big worrywart, but the Goddess will NEVER let her little Mookie get to that crisis stage again, not if she can help it!
So, after Mookie got sick, so did the Diva and Squeaky. Nothing is as heavenly as wiping three runny noses at once and running back and forth in the middle of the night because the Diva woke up and her nose is stuffed up. What a drama QUEEN! "Oh, my dose, my dose my DOSE" I wanted to tell her, look honey, stop all that screaming, concentrate on breathing and you won't have a problem. But, how do you reason with a three year old? Answer: you don't!
Now, the business. I've been workign on the website, making products,taking pictures and on top of that all, trying to keep the house in some sort of working order. My husband is a saint, because he doesn't balk when I call after a particularly difficult day and say "can you stop and pick up...." He will be rewarded greatly when my business takes off!
Anyway, dear reader, that's my sorry excuse for not keeping you thoroughly entertained for the last month. I promise to be much more diligent in the future!
Tuesday, June 19
Rich, Black and Flunking
Link to article: http://www.eastbayexpress.com/2003-05-21/news/rich-black-flunking/4
I had the pleasure of reading an article from 2003 entitled “Rich, Black and Flunking” which centered on an anthropological study of a K-12 school district in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Both the parents and school district called in John Ogbu, the author of the study to give them answers as to why many Black students, even though they were at basically the same income level of their White counterparts, were not doing as well in school.
The findings of Prof. Ogbu, now deceased (2003) were both interesting and appalling. While I won’t claim to condense his entire theory in a sentence or two, the gist of the study was that many Black students regardless of income level, reject the educational system. If a Black student speaks Standard English, studies hard and gets into AP classes, then s/he is seen as “acting white”. Another part of Prof. O theory centers around the fact of voluntary and involuntary minorities. Since Blacks are involuntary minorities, then they reject the mainstream culture (White) because they feel “taken over”. On the other hand, racial minorities such as the Chinese are voluntary minorities because they immigrated here (emigrated?) and thus do all they can to get that American Dream and succeed.
Well, what do I think? I think that as a teacher, I have observed behaviors that play right into Prof. Ogbu’s theory. I have seen the decrease in parental involvement from K to 8 th grade. I have experience parents who won’t come to school about a child’s academic troubles but will show up at the school if a dance or prom is cancelled to complain. I have had students in my class who would not do homework, no matter how I talked, fussed or talked to parents. “Academic Disengagement”, Prof. Ogbu’s words, certainly suit this situation.
In the referenced article, the comment/theory is made that teachers treat black students differently that white students. Prof. O. retorts, ‘if the student hasn’t turned in work for weeks on end, what else is the teacher supposed to do?’ I also concur with that statement. What are we supposed to do as educators? We cannot take the place of the parents!
I am going to keep this post short, as I am still turning over many theories in my mind. Certainly, I know that there are students, both black and white, who are not getting what they need from the school system. Certainly, there are horrible teachers out there who could care less about their students. But, I still believe it is up to the individual to want to succeed and achieve. Success is not “white”, it’s green.
I had the pleasure of reading an article from 2003 entitled “Rich, Black and Flunking” which centered on an anthropological study of a K-12 school district in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Both the parents and school district called in John Ogbu, the author of the study to give them answers as to why many Black students, even though they were at basically the same income level of their White counterparts, were not doing as well in school.
The findings of Prof. Ogbu, now deceased (2003) were both interesting and appalling. While I won’t claim to condense his entire theory in a sentence or two, the gist of the study was that many Black students regardless of income level, reject the educational system. If a Black student speaks Standard English, studies hard and gets into AP classes, then s/he is seen as “acting white”. Another part of Prof. O theory centers around the fact of voluntary and involuntary minorities. Since Blacks are involuntary minorities, then they reject the mainstream culture (White) because they feel “taken over”. On the other hand, racial minorities such as the Chinese are voluntary minorities because they immigrated here (emigrated?) and thus do all they can to get that American Dream and succeed.
Well, what do I think? I think that as a teacher, I have observed behaviors that play right into Prof. Ogbu’s theory. I have seen the decrease in parental involvement from K to 8 th grade. I have experience parents who won’t come to school about a child’s academic troubles but will show up at the school if a dance or prom is cancelled to complain. I have had students in my class who would not do homework, no matter how I talked, fussed or talked to parents. “Academic Disengagement”, Prof. Ogbu’s words, certainly suit this situation.
In the referenced article, the comment/theory is made that teachers treat black students differently that white students. Prof. O. retorts, ‘if the student hasn’t turned in work for weeks on end, what else is the teacher supposed to do?’ I also concur with that statement. What are we supposed to do as educators? We cannot take the place of the parents!
I am going to keep this post short, as I am still turning over many theories in my mind. Certainly, I know that there are students, both black and white, who are not getting what they need from the school system. Certainly, there are horrible teachers out there who could care less about their students. But, I still believe it is up to the individual to want to succeed and achieve. Success is not “white”, it’s green.
Friday, June 1
Ah, success!!!
A great big thank you to Trula, who advised me on how to take a different route through my issues with a new website (see Oy Vey!). Thanks to her, I got a much different mindset and using a template, went about things on my own. As a result, I found a whole bunch of great free resources (see www.grsites.com) as well as learned a WHOLE lot about Microsoft Front Page. I am in the process of learning Dreamweaver, so didn't want to waste a whole bunch of time learning as well as tweaking.
Well, what does your site look like? Ok, well it's not really ready yet, but if you like, you can take a look www.neosoulessentials.com. It is in its infancy stages after a revamping, so there are some adjustments that still have to take place.
Either way, it's done for the most part. Now, to put make and insert the products.
Take care all!
Well, what does your site look like? Ok, well it's not really ready yet, but if you like, you can take a look www.neosoulessentials.com. It is in its infancy stages after a revamping, so there are some adjustments that still have to take place.
Either way, it's done for the most part. Now, to put make and insert the products.
Take care all!
Tuesday, May 29
Sick, Sick, Sick
This is one of the times that I start to seriously consider home schooling. My oldest lovely son brought home a cold from nursery school that has plagued us the entire month of May. Now I've got it and it's a doozy. Stuffy sinus, dizziness and a hacking cough - you know those kinds of coughs that make your chest tubes hurt. It's terrible.
I'm not the type of person to take a lot of medication, but let me tell you, honey, I was swigging that cough syrup. I could not sleep Monday night and ended up watching some special about the Star Wars legacy on the History Channel that was pretty interesting. Maybe I'll be able to catch it later when my head and chest are not swimming with mucous!!
At least the weather is nice. There is nothing worse than having a bad summer cold with that gross, sticky rainy humid days hanging over your head.
Hope you all had a great Memorial day weekend - it was really nice here in good ol' NJ!
I'm not the type of person to take a lot of medication, but let me tell you, honey, I was swigging that cough syrup. I could not sleep Monday night and ended up watching some special about the Star Wars legacy on the History Channel that was pretty interesting. Maybe I'll be able to catch it later when my head and chest are not swimming with mucous!!
At least the weather is nice. There is nothing worse than having a bad summer cold with that gross, sticky rainy humid days hanging over your head.
Hope you all had a great Memorial day weekend - it was really nice here in good ol' NJ!
Wednesday, May 23
Writing a Business Plan
Yes, like many stay at home mommies I do have a business. Yes, it is legit, registered with the state and everything. And, I have insurance. No fly by night operation here!! What's the problem then? NO BUSINESS PLAN.
Sure, it was okay the first few times out, but when I found myself ordering supplies for stuff that I never concocted, then it was time to sit back and not re-evaluate (because I never evaluated in the first place) but to evaluate where I'm going with this whole thing. Which is, right now nowhere.
So, I am sort of starting at square one with a lot of experience. In order to grow, I have to know where I'm coming from and where I want to go. Planning has always been a downfall of mine - yes, as a teacher I had to write lesson plans for two weeks (or more) and I hated the time that went into planning. Truthfully, though, it was rewarding in the end when I could simply open my lesson plan book and everything was right there for me.
Now back to my business. What do I do? I make and sell body and skin care products. My daughter has eczema and instead of loading her up with commerical products, some of which actually contained lye, I decided to do a litte internet research and find out what is "from nature" that would work for her. Right now I've got a formula that lessens her itching and breakouts (no, I have not found a cure for eczema- I just found something that works for her) which is great and want to pass out samples. But my inventory is a mess. I don't know what I have, I don't know what I need, I mean, really, now, is this any way for a Yale graduate to run a business?? I've got great ideas (no, I really, really do) but my follow through lacks punch.
So now, I challenge myself to write a comprehensive business plan in two weeks. Easier said than done with little ones at home, but hey, that makes the challenge even better, and I do love a challenge.
Ugh! When I have an update, I'll post it, I promise, y'all!!
Sure, it was okay the first few times out, but when I found myself ordering supplies for stuff that I never concocted, then it was time to sit back and not re-evaluate (because I never evaluated in the first place) but to evaluate where I'm going with this whole thing. Which is, right now nowhere.
So, I am sort of starting at square one with a lot of experience. In order to grow, I have to know where I'm coming from and where I want to go. Planning has always been a downfall of mine - yes, as a teacher I had to write lesson plans for two weeks (or more) and I hated the time that went into planning. Truthfully, though, it was rewarding in the end when I could simply open my lesson plan book and everything was right there for me.
Now back to my business. What do I do? I make and sell body and skin care products. My daughter has eczema and instead of loading her up with commerical products, some of which actually contained lye, I decided to do a litte internet research and find out what is "from nature" that would work for her. Right now I've got a formula that lessens her itching and breakouts (no, I have not found a cure for eczema- I just found something that works for her) which is great and want to pass out samples. But my inventory is a mess. I don't know what I have, I don't know what I need, I mean, really, now, is this any way for a Yale graduate to run a business?? I've got great ideas (no, I really, really do) but my follow through lacks punch.
So now, I challenge myself to write a comprehensive business plan in two weeks. Easier said than done with little ones at home, but hey, that makes the challenge even better, and I do love a challenge.
Ugh! When I have an update, I'll post it, I promise, y'all!!
Saturday, May 12
Black Moms Push Their Kids’ Educational Aspirations More Than White Moms
Haven't had a chance to read it thoroughly,. but will write more later!
Ok, here it is:
Here is the link to the article: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/momssurvey511
Well, I finally had a chance to read the story and I am ambivalent about the results. Now, as a married mother of three, I do expect my children to complete some sort of higher education, but I do not feel that graduate or professional school is a must. Although I do have my master’s degree (recently completed), I would be perfectly happy if my children chose a non-traditional path such as contracting (building) or writing. Everyone does not have to be a doctor or a lawyer, and to be honest those two career paths are certainly not as glamorous as they may seem on television or in the movies. For one thing, the malpractice insurance that you have to carry as a doctor is insane!! All lawyers don’t dress in great clothes and drive fancy cars – some of them are like that lawyer in that move Dark Water, who has an office in his car and goes to movies alone.
Now that I have digress enough, back to the article. I found it interesting that first of all, more white women than black women answered the survey. Even in 2007, it is obvious that more whites, no matter what the income level, have more internet access than blacks. True, the gap is small ( I don’t have the exact stats), but there is still a gap. Further, many of the black mothers who answered this survey were either never married or divorced – only 36 percent of the black women, out of @293 who answered the survey were actually married, compared to 65 percent of the white women. So it would stand to reason that in this sample, black moms are the driving force behind getting their children an education because they are the only parent in the home.
I expect my children to go to college. I don’t work, but I do have a graduate degree. I truly believe that education open doors to everyone regardless of race. I also believe that racism is alive and quite well in 2007. Therefore, I want my children to get the education they need to be successful in this world, whether they need to form their own companies or practices or what have you. This is expected and will be emphasized by both my husband and myself as my children get older.
Ok, here it is:
Here is the link to the article: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/momssurvey511
Well, I finally had a chance to read the story and I am ambivalent about the results. Now, as a married mother of three, I do expect my children to complete some sort of higher education, but I do not feel that graduate or professional school is a must. Although I do have my master’s degree (recently completed), I would be perfectly happy if my children chose a non-traditional path such as contracting (building) or writing. Everyone does not have to be a doctor or a lawyer, and to be honest those two career paths are certainly not as glamorous as they may seem on television or in the movies. For one thing, the malpractice insurance that you have to carry as a doctor is insane!! All lawyers don’t dress in great clothes and drive fancy cars – some of them are like that lawyer in that move Dark Water, who has an office in his car and goes to movies alone.
Now that I have digress enough, back to the article. I found it interesting that first of all, more white women than black women answered the survey. Even in 2007, it is obvious that more whites, no matter what the income level, have more internet access than blacks. True, the gap is small ( I don’t have the exact stats), but there is still a gap. Further, many of the black mothers who answered this survey were either never married or divorced – only 36 percent of the black women, out of @293 who answered the survey were actually married, compared to 65 percent of the white women. So it would stand to reason that in this sample, black moms are the driving force behind getting their children an education because they are the only parent in the home.
I expect my children to go to college. I don’t work, but I do have a graduate degree. I truly believe that education open doors to everyone regardless of race. I also believe that racism is alive and quite well in 2007. Therefore, I want my children to get the education they need to be successful in this world, whether they need to form their own companies or practices or what have you. This is expected and will be emphasized by both my husband and myself as my children get older.
Wednesday, May 9
Whoa, I'd better catch up~
I just took a look around on blogger as well as myspace (you know how clicking links can take you far, far away from where you began!) and realized how far behind I am in actually working towards making a true web presence. Plus, there are soooo many black resources out there that need to be advetised. So I'll start here:
Check out http://beingfamilymagazine.blogspot.com, www.blackmomsclub.com, and www.blackliving.com. There are much more, of course, but too much for my little fingers to type right now, especially since my little ones are begging to go outside.
sigh..... Seriously, check out those sites!
Check out http://beingfamilymagazine.blogspot.com, www.blackmomsclub.com, and www.blackliving.com. There are much more, of course, but too much for my little fingers to type right now, especially since my little ones are begging to go outside.
sigh..... Seriously, check out those sites!
Thursday, April 26
Ahhhh...Freedom
On Wednesday, I had the distinct pleasure of spending a total of three hours away from everyone in my family - don't get me wrong, I do love DH and my three dear children, however, day in and day out contact can wear a bit thin. I took the time, with the help of a lovely friend who gave me a gift certificate, I visited the Skin Deep Day Spa in New Providence. What a lovely experience! I had a great mini-facial - who knew that someone else washing your face could feel so wonderful!
The ladies who work there are were very nice and the spa atmosphere was simple and calm. I almost fell asleep in the skin treatment room and the pedicure stand chairs were massage enabled. I felt refreshed and rejuvenated when I left and would certainly visit again - I am looking forward to the hot stone massage!
The ladies who work there are were very nice and the spa atmosphere was simple and calm. I almost fell asleep in the skin treatment room and the pedicure stand chairs were massage enabled. I felt refreshed and rejuvenated when I left and would certainly visit again - I am looking forward to the hot stone massage!
Monday, April 23
Well, well
I can't beleive that I forgot about this blog. I suppose finishing graduate school (yay, me!), starting an at-home business and taking care of three children and a husband and a dog certainly makes time fly.
On a somber note, my companion of the last ten years, Sheba, my rottie shep mix passed away on April 15th. She was a great dog, had great personality and will be sorely missed. I can't beleive I knew her before I even knew my husband. I am glad though that she was able to die at home and not given the lethal injection, although she was a bit difficult to move, being as that she weighed 130 pounds. However, my husband did a wonderful job of transporting her gently to the vet to be cremated. No, I didn't keep the ashes - I could just imagine me coming from the basement or wherever and seeing the children with the over turned urn running their trucks and cars through the ashes. Yikes!
My oldest started nursery school recently and it was much more of a shock to me than to him. I couldn't beleive that I was dropping off my little one, who I distinctly remember changing diapers and feeding baby food, at school to be in the care of someone else for two hours, twice a week. He, of course, went into the room and didn't even look back. I bet he was simply sick of being home with us!!!
Well, it's time for the dinner bell.
On a somber note, my companion of the last ten years, Sheba, my rottie shep mix passed away on April 15th. She was a great dog, had great personality and will be sorely missed. I can't beleive I knew her before I even knew my husband. I am glad though that she was able to die at home and not given the lethal injection, although she was a bit difficult to move, being as that she weighed 130 pounds. However, my husband did a wonderful job of transporting her gently to the vet to be cremated. No, I didn't keep the ashes - I could just imagine me coming from the basement or wherever and seeing the children with the over turned urn running their trucks and cars through the ashes. Yikes!
My oldest started nursery school recently and it was much more of a shock to me than to him. I couldn't beleive that I was dropping off my little one, who I distinctly remember changing diapers and feeding baby food, at school to be in the care of someone else for two hours, twice a week. He, of course, went into the room and didn't even look back. I bet he was simply sick of being home with us!!!
Well, it's time for the dinner bell.
Friday, November 3
Tough times for black stay at homes?
Where are all the black stay at home moms? I live in central New Jersey, and it seems like there are only white stay at home moms in the area. Not that I have a big problem with the white moms, but anyone reading this knows that there are sometimes a few differences between child-rearing practices between the two races.
I have gone to school with white people since high school, and the honest impression that I get from them is that they are afraid of black people that dont' fit their stereotypes. In addition, it seems that these same folks are surprised that black people also have high standards for their children. I absolutley despsie when white people come up to my children in the store, or other public place and ask them to give them a 'high five'. I smile to myself whenmy children look at them blankly becuase the only thing they know how to do is shake hands. High five, yeah right.
On a recent visit to a playgroup - which was moslty white, just like most of the playgroups in the area, my son, who was 2 at the time, ran to greet another little boy his age. He was stopped by the mom who told my son, "oh you should be so rough." Rough? He never even touched the child! What the heck was that all about?
I have often been the only black mom at events such as story time at the libraries and other event held during the day. The other moms, while some are very nice, some often look at me as if to ask why I am not at work. They are also often surprised that I can actually speak standard English and have a working husband.
Times are tough for black stay at home moms - especially if we want to hang with other black moms with the same vision and mission for our children. What do you think?
I have gone to school with white people since high school, and the honest impression that I get from them is that they are afraid of black people that dont' fit their stereotypes. In addition, it seems that these same folks are surprised that black people also have high standards for their children. I absolutley despsie when white people come up to my children in the store, or other public place and ask them to give them a 'high five'. I smile to myself whenmy children look at them blankly becuase the only thing they know how to do is shake hands. High five, yeah right.
On a recent visit to a playgroup - which was moslty white, just like most of the playgroups in the area, my son, who was 2 at the time, ran to greet another little boy his age. He was stopped by the mom who told my son, "oh you should be so rough." Rough? He never even touched the child! What the heck was that all about?
I have often been the only black mom at events such as story time at the libraries and other event held during the day. The other moms, while some are very nice, some often look at me as if to ask why I am not at work. They are also often surprised that I can actually speak standard English and have a working husband.
Times are tough for black stay at home moms - especially if we want to hang with other black moms with the same vision and mission for our children. What do you think?
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