idealogicalmom-blog

[idealogicalmom-blog]

First of all, thanks for responding, and you’re right, feedback can be helpful in most any endeavor - whether writing a blog or choosing what movie to go see this weekend - Deadpool was awesome BTW, just don’t take the kids. But there’s a marked difference between getting feedback and allowing others to define who you are, or conversely, defining who others are.

As to the assumption about my readers’ gender, of course I hoped everyone would read it, but this post was written for women, not because men can’t be feminists (they can and I’m married to one) but because I wanted to address a dialogue I’m seeing repeatedly these days: “if you’re not voting for Hillary you’re not really a feminist” and I felt I had to point out the irony in this thinking. Hopefully I did.

Are You a Good Feminist - Take the Test!

There’s an little debate these days about what makes a good feminist, so I figured the easiest way to settle the dispute was to have every feminist hopeful take a test to see how she measures up. 

So, do you measure up? Let’s find out!  Take the test, keep score as you go, and find out whether you’re a Super, So-So or Sorry Feminist!

QUESTION 1: Do you support other women, even if they are competitive in your field? 

Yes (1 pt) 

No (0 pts)

QUESTION 2: Do you read fashion magazines? 

Yes, but at least I’m reading something, right? (1 pt)

No, I’d never read that tripe. In fact, any woman who reads that should be ashamed of herself (1 pt)

Yeah… but I also read Wired and National Geographic, so what’s your point? (3 pts)

QUESTION 3: When asked to smile by a man on the street do you: 

Just smile and get it over with (1 point) 

Ignore him (1 point)

Run away crying (0 points). 

Offer him a deal. Suggest that if he can do something worthy of making you smile, he shall be rewarded with one up close and personal view of your spectacular pearly whites. However, should he fail to amuse you he must sign a contract (that you just happen to have in your bag) swearing that he will never again suggest that any woman should perform any action purely for his amusement. Should he fail to honor this contract he may be visited with a fresh tattoo Lisbeth Salander style. (5 points)

QUESTION 4: Did you/Would you take your husband’s name? 

Yes, he’s my husband, that’s what a good wife does (1 pt). 

No, I am no man’s possession (1 pt). 

No, I like my name, and his… not so much. Personally, I think he should take my name (2 pts).

Yes, because either way I’m using a man’s name, my father’s or my husbands, but I like the simplicity of sharing one name with my husband and children, and besides, our names sound good together.  (2 pts)

QUESTION 5: Did you/Will you give up your career to be a stay at home mom?

Yes, a mother’s place is at home with her children, not at work letting someone else raise the most important thing she’ll ever do. (1 pt)

No, a woman’s place is at work, being a productive member of society and an example to her children that women shouldn’t just give up everything they’ve been working for their whole lives just to stay home and watch talk shows all day.(1 pt)

This is really none of your business. Whatever I choose to do will be because it’s the best choice for me and my family. (4 pts)

QUESTION 6: Who are you voting for?

Hillary (5 pts)

Bernie (5 pts)

I don’t vote (well, you also don’t get any points - 0 pts)

GOP all the way! (2 pts - don’t complain, with this year’s lineup you’re lucky to get the two points you got)

Now add up all your points.

Did you do it?

Yes? Then you failed the test, because no self respecting feminist would ever let any other person determine her value, no matter what their pedigree or what is (or isn’t) between their legs.

Check yourselves ladies. Either you believe and trust in a woman’s right and ability to make her own decisions, or you don’t. It’s that simple.

[idealogicalmom-blog]

Are You a Good Feminist - Take the Test!

There’s an little debate these days about what makes a good feminist, so I figured the easiest way to settle the dispute was to have every feminist hopeful take a test to see how she measures up. 

So, do you measure up? Let’s find out!  Take the test, keep score as you go, and find out whether you’re a Super, So-So or Sorry Feminist!

QUESTION 1: Do you support other women, even if they are competitive in your field? 

Yes (1 pt) 

No (0 pts)

QUESTION 2: Do you read fashion magazines? 

Yes, but at least I’m reading something, right? (1 pt)

No, I’d never read that tripe. In fact, any woman who reads that should be ashamed of herself (1 pt)

Yeah... but I also read Wired and National Geographic, so what’s your point? (3 pts)

QUESTION 3: When asked to smile by a man on the street do you: 

Just smile and get it over with (1 point) 

Ignore him (1 point)

Run away crying (0 points). 

Offer him a deal. Suggest that if he can do something worthy of making you smile, he shall be rewarded with one up close and personal view of your spectacular pearly whites. However, should he fail to amuse you he must sign a contract (that you just happen to have in your bag) swearing that he will never again suggest that any woman should perform any action purely for his amusement. Should he fail to honor this contract he may be visited with a fresh tattoo Lisbeth Salander style. (5 points)

QUESTION 4: Did you/Would you take your husband’s name? 

Yes, he’s my husband, that’s what a good wife does (1 pt). 

No, I am no man’s possession (1 pt). 

No, I like my name, and his... not so much. Personally, I think he should take my name (2 pts).

Yes, because either way I’m using a man’s name, my father’s or my husbands, but I like the simplicity of sharing one name with my husband and children, and besides, our names sound good together.  (2 pts)

QUESTION 5: Did you/Will you give up your career to be a stay at home mom?

Yes, a mother’s place is at home with her children, not at work letting someone else raise the most important thing she’ll ever do. (1 pt)

No, a woman’s place is at work, being a productive member of society and an example to her children that women shouldn’t just give up everything they’ve been working for their whole lives just to stay home and watch talk shows all day.(1 pt)

This is really none of your business. Whatever I choose to do will be because it’s the best choice for me and my family. (4 pts)

QUESTION 6: Who are you voting for?

Hillary (5 pts)

Bernie (5 pts)

I don’t vote (well, you also don’t get any points - 0 pts)

GOP all the way! (2 pts - don’t complain, with this year’s lineup you’re lucky to get the two points you got)

Now add up all your points.

Did you do it?

Yes? Then you failed the test, because no self respecting feminist would ever let any other person determine her value, no matter what their pedigree or what is (or isn’t) between their legs.

Check yourselves ladies. Either you believe and trust in a woman’s right and ability to make her own decisions, or you don’t. It’s that simple.

[idealogicalmom-blog]

[idealogicalmom-blog]

Listen Up: I Love Audio Storytelling

Forget binge-watching, we are binge listeners in this house. If there was a rehab center for audible/podcast listeners, my husband I would probably need to drop our kids at grandma and grandpa’s and check ourselves in. 

We are obsessed with them, gleefully calling or texting each other after having listened to the latest episode of Serial or upon finding a great new podcast. Naturally our love of audio storytelling is amplified living in a city where we spend half our lives in a metal box on wheels, but even if you aren’t likewise confined in your daily commute, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them on your treadmill, bike or even in the aisles of the grocery store. 

If you’re already a podcast junkie, check this one out. It’s a podcast called ON BEING by Krista Tippett, but this episode in particular checks so many boxes for me, I had to share it with you. It’s for science nerds, health and wellness nuts, mindfulness gurus and people who are just looking for another book to pique their interests. Krista interviews James Doty, a Stanford Neurosurgeon who has a lot to say about how mindfulness can change not only the quality of our own lives, but also the world we live in. Give it a listen, you won’t regret it.

If you’re a total newbie to podcasts, here’s a list of our favorites to get you started: 

Serial - which must be accompanied by the Slate’s Serial Spoiler Specials, Undisclosed and Truth and Justice podasts.

Presidential - a history of our presidents, one podcast at a time.

The Black Tapes - a fictional spooky, paranormal story - great for roadtrips.

The Message - more fiction, this time with a sci-fi spooky twist.

Detective - not for everyone, it gets pretty dark at times, but if you’re into true crime, this is a MUST.

Good Job Brain - a fun and funny quiz show that fills your brain with lots of goodies.

Surprisingly Awesome - our hosts try to out-do each other and take the most mundane topics and make them interesting. 

And if you just want some great storytelling about real people in the real word, try Radiolab

If you’ve got a favorite I haven’t mentioned, please share it in the comments - maybe I can beat the hubby to a new find for once!

[idealogicalmom-blog]

Who has the best husband ever?  That’s right, I DO. This amazing man, that I was smart and lucky enough to marry, knew that I was working on re-launching my blog, so what did he do? He commissioned Ashleigh Beevers (a ridiculously talented artist who’s work you can see here) to do a portrait of me.  Best Valentine’s Day gift, perhaps the best gift, I’ve ever gotten. Not only that, but he encouraged me to take a look at this Tumblr thing the kids are talking about, and I did, and henceforth this is from whence you all shall find my blog. Over time I will repopulate some of my favorite posts from the original blog over here, but unless you’re craving the good ol’ days of slow and clunky, hard to follow Wordpress blogging, just find me here. Have a very happy Valentine’s day, and if you’re even half so fortunate as I am, I know you will!