Sleep has always been tricky for me. Even as a child I can remember lying awake for hours in the silence of night contemplating the size of the universe, the existence of God, and the presents I might get for my birthday. It didn’t happen every night and my energy levels during the day were largely unaffected, so this occasional insomnia was not a crisis in my life. A crisis it became though, once my post-baby sleep deprivation dragged me into the depths of depression and sleep was my only lifeline.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Breadwinner
During my first 18 months as a mother, being a mum was my job. Sure, I had part-time work outside the home when I wanted it and I had opportunities to pursue my career and intellectual pastimes at my leisure, but for that first year and a half it wasn’t my income that put food on the table, it was my partner’s. My job was to raise my son, and I loved it. But there were those times when I ached for the freedom that Ian still had in his life and I was truly envious of his autonomy in going to work each day, collaborating with friends and colleagues, advancing his career interests and interacting with the world at large. I often wondered, “When will I have my chance again?” Well, I’ve just had it.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Risk vs. Reward: The Grand Finale
The skiing we should have had :( |
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Risk vs Reward
Taking calculated risks is an inherent part of life. Some are extraordinary risks such as taking part in an extreme sport or hazardous occupation while others such as boarding a flight, driving a car or crossing a busy road may be more mundane but are risks just the same. As we age, our awareness of risk becomes more acute and our tolerance for certain types of risk adjusts in response to our shifting values and priorities in life. So what about motherhood? Does motherhood change our perspectives on risk? Are there things you used to enjoy in life that you have since eliminated because of the perceived risk to yourself or your family?
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Personality of Motherhood
Extrovert or introvert: which one are you? Although we all exhibit characteristics of each from time to time, most of us would identify more strongly with one personality trait over the other. For me, although I certainly have my extroverted moments I have always been the most comfortable and happy in my introverted self. From the shyness I felt as a child to the awkwardness of my teenage years and continuing into adulthood, I have never relished being the center of attention, never sought out leadership or management positions and would much rather observe group dynamics than participate in them.
Now here’s the next question: has motherhood changed your introversion or extraversion tendencies?
Now here’s the next question: has motherhood changed your introversion or extraversion tendencies?
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Tigress Within
It is a wondrous force of nature and it awes me: the lengths that mothers will go to protect the interests and happiness of their children, often to the detriment of their own comfort. Even me; despite my tendency to be uber-attentive to my own needs over those of others, I am no exception to the rule when it comes to my child.
Having recently completed a harrowing airplane journey half-way around the world with my partner and 19-month old son, I had ample opportunity to discover precisely what measure of discomfort I would shoulder in order to relieve that of my child’s.
Having recently completed a harrowing airplane journey half-way around the world with my partner and 19-month old son, I had ample opportunity to discover precisely what measure of discomfort I would shoulder in order to relieve that of my child’s.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
My Weight is Over!
I’m faced with a most unpleasant situation.
About a month ago Bode finally weaned himself from breastfeeding - exactly 16 months and one week after he first began. My feelings were mixed. On one level it was a relief to have my body returned completely back to me for the first time in over two years. I can now eat whatever I want, drink whatever I want and be wherever I want to be (within the bounds of practicality and familial harmony of course) at any time of the day.
About a month ago Bode finally weaned himself from breastfeeding - exactly 16 months and one week after he first began. My feelings were mixed. On one level it was a relief to have my body returned completely back to me for the first time in over two years. I can now eat whatever I want, drink whatever I want and be wherever I want to be (within the bounds of practicality and familial harmony of course) at any time of the day.
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