Category Archives: Questions

Paging Betty Friedan

This morning, I got up bright and early with the Hatchling, got us both dressed, brought us downstairs for breakfast, and then started getting ready for a morning playdate with J and M. This involved tidying up the house with the brand new vacuum I got for Christmas, after which I whipped up a quick coffee cake using my Grandmom’s recipe, and put on a pot of coffee. During the playdate, the moms socialized and caught up with one another while the two girls played with a toy kitchen and baby dolls.

Jesus. At what point, exactly, did I become a 50s housewife? Maybe I should put a roast in the oven and greet Mr. Squab at the door with his favorite cocktail when he comes home from a hard day at work. Except – GAH – he’s going to be late tonight, because he’s joining the BOWLING LEAGUE AT WORK. (That part is not even a joke.) Holy Christ. Before you know it I’ll be going slowly mad, popping tranquilizers and having a feminist conversion. Which I thought I had already DONE.

It’s not that I didn’t completely enjoy this morning. I did. And I looooooooooove my new vacuum. And it’s wonderful to be able to cook again on a regular basis. It’s just that sometimes I look around at my life and think, um, what happened? And are they going to revoke my membership in the pinko-feminist-leftie-academic club? BECAUSE I LIKE THAT CLUB. It has comfy chairs, a great library, and they mix the drinks nice and strong the way I like ’em. Please don’t kick me out. I’ll bake you some coffee cake!

Explain, please

Is there something in the male genetic code that impairs or erodes the ability to replace the toilet paper on the roll when it runs out? I mean, it’s not rocket science! Enquiring minds want to know.

Things that keep me up at night

Why do we abbreviate “combination” as “combo?” Why not “combi?”

What I’d like to know

Do babies and kids count for the carpool lane? Or is it just people of driving age?