Moving beyond the dress designer

A recent article in Newsweek discussed how reporters were trying to draw comparisons between Jackie Kennedy Onassis and soon-to-be First Lady Michelle Obama. The article points out how different the two women really are and showcases the inane attempts by the media to connect the dots, particularly in terms of fashion.

Obama has pledged to focus on complex social issues, such as support for military families, once she gets to the White House. Still, most of her recent headlines have been about her clothes, such as the mixed reviews she drew for her election-night Narciso Rodriguez number.

Seriously? This woman has a master’s degree and a law career and we’re talking about her clothes? I have yet to read anything about Barack Obama’s ties or suit selections.

Let’s move beyond looking at women as little more than Barbie dolls. The First Lady will be representing one of the most powerful countries in the world as more than just a fashion accessory to the President. How about reviewing and critiquing her policies, thoughts and strategies rather than her choice of handbags and dresses?

Lessons from men

I know, I know, the title of this posting leaves you scratching your head. What could we possibly learn from men? (ha, ha to my male readers). Well, we moms could learn a couple techniques for squelching our mommy guilt.

If you've never experienced mommy guilt, then you a) Don't have children or b) Don't have children. At some point or another, all moms feel guilty about something - feeding Child a Happy Meal; putting Child in playpen or swing for the fourth time in one day; not reading enough to Child ... and the list goes on.

Here's a particularly interesting article from American Baby magazine targeted at new moms and how to cure five new mom guilty feelings. But what I found most interesting is the "Father Knows Best" tips.

We can learn a thing or two from dads about kicking the guilt habit. Granted, it's easier for them because they don't have the societal expectations that we moms do. If a man changes a diaper, he's a hero. But, for whatever the reason, fathers have got their thinking right. Here are three good manly lessons.

Dads don't try to do it all. "Men don't expect to work full time and be the primary caretaker to their kids, a great cook, sexy for their spouse, and a good friend," Rosenberg says. Yet women do.

Dads don't feel guilty about taking time for themselves. Does your husband think twice about heading out to the gym? Enough said.

Dads don't blame themselves for everything (er, anything). Your child didn't bite the other toddler at the playground because you didn't breastfeed him or you fed him too much sugar. Kids act out, and they get hurt...just because they're kids.

Excellent.

Green Office Blog

Last week I scored a new freelancing gig: updating a company blog about making your office more green. I'm posting twice a week and my first post goes up tomorrow. Check it out here. You also can be a fan of this blog on Facebook and follow updates on Twitter.

Over the last year, I've written several stories about the green movement, including stories about green building and profiles of businesses that are offering green products/services. It's become an interest of mine, so I'm looking forward to writing about how companies are going green.

One catch to the blog, it's technically based in San Diego so many of my postings should be related to San Diego. I love San Diego and wish the company that hired me would bring out for a meeting!

Check out the blog and follow me on Twitter and Facebook!

My first textbook

In July, I mentioned in this post that I had contributed a chapter to a textbook called "Understanding Media Convergence." Well, last week I received my copy in the mail. So exciting! Journalism students everywhere will be falling asleep to my words - what a thrill! You can read more about the book here.

MomMinute with ... ME

Hey, Check it out - I was profiled on The Organizing Mama blog as the MomMinute. While you're at it, nose around the Web site - lots of cool stuff there.

I say, whatever works

Plenty of businesses are offering specials related to Election Day. Check out this story about how offering freebies for voting is a violation of the law. As the story points out, "Leave it to the law to spoil all the fun."

Most businesses figured out a way to get around the law by offering general Election Day specials and not requiring people to actually show their "I Voted" sticker.

Truly, how many people are motivated solely to vote based on getting free coffee from Starbucks or free ice cream from Ben & Jerry's? I'd like to think people are voting because it's their duty as U.S. citizens, but, I guess, whatever works ... I am, by the way, going to Starbucks this afternoon for my free coffee (but I would have voted anyway!) :)

A good mommy weekend

I'll be the first to admit motherhood has been so hard for me. The last nine months since my daughter was born have been pretty tough. But this weekend I had a great time hanging out with Katherine. It was a much-needed reminder that she is a precious part of my life.

On Saturday, we ran to Wal-Mart and then stopped at the new Petco so Katherine could check out the birds and other creatures. Later that day, Clint and I took her to the Coastal Carolina Fair (in the South, fairs come late in the year so you don't die from summer heat and humidity). We walked all through the animal barn, with Katherine squealing at the sight of piglets, chickens and cows. She even had the chance to pet a rabbit. And by pet, I mean grab a fistful of fluffly fur and pull. (Eek! Don't think the bunny can win many prizes missing a clump of fur! Sorry to the nice man who tried to let a baby pet a rabbit.)

Even on Sunday, we went to church, took an afternoon walk through the neighborhood and just hung out. It was a quiet, fuss-free weekend.

I tried to soak it in so I could summon those memories on a day when Katherine is sick, teething or just in a general grumpy baby mood. Or maybe I'll think back to that trip to the fair when she gives me a 14-year-old, "Whatever, Mom! I'm going to the mall."