Still on track

Wednesday: 5 miles (on treadmill...very tedious)
Thursday: 3 miles (on treadmill while watching So You Think You Can Dance)

--MM

Backing the breast

An advice column I saw in the paper today really bothered me. A woman wrote in to "Ask Amy" saying her daughter-in-law would not respect her wishes to breastfeed her baby in private at family gatherings. The woman said even if her daughter-in-law covered up, it was not appropriate.

This really bothered me as a woman who often breastfeeds in public. I always cover up, mostly because I am self-conscious, but don't feel like I should have to. And in this instance, the woman was not even in public. She was in her mother-in-law's home and just wanted to be part of the conversation and not banished to the back room.

What is offensive or gross about breastfeeding? It is the most natural thing in the world. We are mammals for god's sake. It is more strange to feed our babies cow's milk, if you think about it. You don't see bears feeding their cubs sheep milk or something. It is not sexual or ugly. Also, you never can perfectly predict your baby's schedule. When he is hungry, he lets you know. Should you just let him scream in hunger while you wait to find an isolated location?

I am so proud of myself for breastfeeding despite the challenges. I know it is the best choice for my children, so I am willing to make the sacrifices. This woman should be celebrated and congratulated for persevering rather than being made to feel ashamed by her own family. I thought it was especially poignant that the offensive incident happened on Mother's Day.

--MM

Playing catch up

I am reading Barbara Walters' memoir Audition right now, and it is very thought-provoking. She made great strides for women in broadcasting and paved the way for women like me. It is alarming to hear the criticism and doubt she faced even from her co-anchor Harry Reasoner. So many people thought that just because she had two X chromosomes she was somehow deficient. She crushed those stereotypes and quickly rose through the ranks of broadcast journalism. However, she writes of her constant feelings of self-doubt during her lifetime and how she felt that she was constantly auditioning.

Decades after the height of her career, women in broadcasting have come a long way. Now women outnumber men in journalism school and newsrooms around the country. Still subtle forms of sexism remain. Often when I would be working on a project with my husband, people would assume I was assisting him instead of the other way around. Also, when I was pregnant on-air, a man called the newsroom saying I should be "put out to pasture." That particular incident was absolutely sickening to me. I am lucky that those occurrences are rare and not an everyday challenge like Walters and other women faced, but that man showed that women still occupy a lower rung of society in many people's eyes.

I publicly remain neutral in politics because of my career, but a large part of me hoped Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic nominee for President and eventually would win the White House. Though she has accomplished more than any other female politician in history, there were still shades of sexism during this campaign. It is so disheartening and frustrating.

I can't even comprehend the opinion that women (or other races for that matter) are somehow inferior. One reason I am glad I am the mother of sons is that I will have the opportunity to teach them to utterly respect and appreciate women.

I think our country missed a great opportunity this year. I only hope a woman will rise to the top again very soon for the benefit of all of us.

--MM

Belly-aching

Poor R does in fact appear to have acid reflux or GERD. Poor little guy. I took him to the doctor today, and he got a Zantac prescription. Hopefully that will soothe his belly and maybe even stem the flood of spit-up.

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T was gone today from 8 a.m. till 9:30 p.m. A long day for him means a long day for me. He has an even longer day tomorrow. I can't wait. (Note sarcasm)


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I have to say I am pretty bummed that Hillary Clinton lost the nomination tonight. I know Barack Obama's nomination will be a historic moment, and I am proud of that, but a major part of me was hoping for a female president. It's about time.

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Tuesday: 3 miles (on treadmill)

--MM

Weird

This is very odd.

-MM

Ant update

The Terro traps work! I came down this morning and was not greeted by a swarm of ants for a change. I have heard they just kill off that particular colony, and a new colony will soon invade. But I will take the brief break, and we can always get new traps if we must.

I am ashamed to admit today I watched Denise Richards: It's Complicated and Living Lohan. Sad I know, but I didn't leave the house today until T got home. Why do celebrities feel like reality shows will set the record straight? They just look pathetic. Somehow though, it is still intriguing. I guess that makes me a little pathetic too. That's OK. I'm comfortable with that.

Right now, I am watching TMZ. Like the aforementioned reality shows, it melts my brain I am sure, but it is entertaining nonetheless.

Here's a new picture of R. He's full of smiles these days.


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Monday---rest (my favorite)

--MM

Irritations

I want to scratch my eyes out. My allergies are absolutely killing me. I actually never even knew I had allergies until I lived in a valley. Apparently all the pollen gets trapped and tortures you. I am constantly sneezing and wiping my nose. I could rub my eyes nonstop all day if that wasn't socially frowned upon. They are all pink-rimmed and bloodshot. I look like a coke fiend. I really feel for people who have severe allergies. They must want to jump off the nearest tall building this time of year.

Our toilet is leaking, and we have a huge ant problem. This is when you wish you still rented and could just call the landlord. We thought we were the only people with a disgusting ant problem, but apparently most everyone around here has the same issue. We have new traps called Terro that the ants are drawn to. They then coat themselves in the poison and carry it back to their nest wiping out all the little bastards! Bwahahahaha! I hope it works.

In more pleasant news, we had a wonderful weekend. While T was in class Saturday, I took the boys to this kids' museum where we have a membership. A university chemistry club was putting on a kids' chemistry day. Q loved seeing the Alka Seltzer rockets and Mentos-Diet Coke volcanoes. It was neat. We picked up Daddy for cappuccinos and cupcakes afterward. That night I went to a Mom's Night Out with my moms' group and had two vodka tonics. Haven't been able to do that in awhile!

Sunday I did my first long run of eight miles. It was a bit hard at the end but mostly felt great. That night we had friends over for dinner with their two little boys. I made pasta and salad, and we had cheesecake and strawberries for dessert. I feel so free to indulge after a nice long run. That is the very best part of running I think!

This Friday T's parents come in to town to meet R. Next Friday, all four of us are headed to Wisconsin for two weeks! T has business, and I have family. The plane ride strikes fear in my heart, but it will be worth it.

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Friday-rest---ahhhhhh
Saturday-cross-training: six-mile bike ride and quick weights
Sunday-8 miles 1:16:45 (beautiful day for a run and felt pretty good throughout)
147 pounds

--MM