Posts Tagged ‘mothers’

Poor poor Ann Romney, apparently she has been abandonded by the people who follow around her and Mitt and tell them what to say. Or maybe the person responsible for Ann’s words was sick a few days ago when Ann said this:

“I love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids. Thank goodness that we value those people too. And sometimes life isn’t easy for any of us.”

Links to this gem are here, here, and here (this article includes more of the quote). If you google it, the list of articles about this is long.

“I love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and still have to raise the kids…”

When she adds that, “thank goodness that we value these people too” I lose it. Because we, as a society, do not honor those moms who have to work to survive. We pay them less. We strip away their rights. The Republican and Tea Parties are more concerned about the possibility these women might reproduce and protecting that non-viable, unborn embryo than protecting the living woman and her children that are already born.

Why else would social programs that help these families survive be cut? Insurance for kids? Affordable day care? Early education programs? These are always the things that get cut in the budget. Yes, while a majority of our elected politicians are pandering to the wealthy in our country, they are letting the common people slip away.

I wish Ann Romney could come to one of the day cares where I was a consultant. I wish she could spend some time with those parents. These are the people who have no choice: they need both salaries to survive. When I was working with homeless people, the statistic we quoted a lot was this: It takes a person working 120 hours at a minimum wage job to afford housing in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. This was years ago, so I know it’s changed. I’m guessing not for the better.

These mothers were tired. They weren’t working nice cushy office jobs. They were the hotel maids, factory workers, and any blue collar job they could find. These are the moms of kids who were unprepared for kindergarten according to current standards because they weren’t being taught to read, count, etc. at home. When did these parents have time for such frivolous things as reading to their children?! They were working multiple jobs!

Does Ann Romney truly “…love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids.” What is there to love about people who are truly struggling?!

This is why someone needs to give the Romney’s a reality check. There are three kinds of working women in America: women who are truly devoted to their careers, women who choose to work so they can have more Stuff, and women who have absolutely no fucking choice!

I’ll take all politicians seriously when one of them comes out and says, “It makes me sad that women miss out on the joy of raising their own children because of money. It will be the primary goal of my campaign to end this madness.”

Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I thought I would make some suggestions for purchasing just the right present for the woman in your life. Since I know most about married women with children, I will tailor my suggestions to this population. Maybe a young, single woman will chime in with some advice for her demographic!

Grown women don’t need stuffed animals. Not even as a cute present. Stuffed animals are clutter and are dust magnets. Eventually they require work when they need to be disposed of.

Grown women don’t want flowers. We know how much they cost. You can use that money to buy us something we really want: something for our hobbies (for me, yarn or Itunes gift cards), a massage, a manicure. Flowers are disposable and if we don’t pay attention to them they get eaten by pets and rot on the countertop.

Shaped stones are for children. Honestly, if you are looking at a pair of heart-shaped diamonds as a present, step back. Unless your wife–the mother of your children–has specifically said she would love a pair of Mickey Mouse shaped diamonds, stick with a classic cut. Emerald cuts are nice. Square is good.

Unless it is a new iObject, electronics are again out, unless specifically requested/hinted. Kitchen appliances are not presents, no matter how much she’s been groaning about needing a new mixer. Unless you’re getting her a state-of-the-art KitchenAid, don’t bother. Vacuums are never presents. They are a household necessity. Although, a craft electronic might be acceptable if your lady is into that. For example, a Cricut would be appreciated.

Self-improvement gifts are not appropriate. Even if she’s been moaning and groaning about getting back to the gym, do not fall into this trap unless she specifically asks for a gym membership. That means personal training sessions and thigh masters are also out.

Sexy gifts are great ideas. But if you spring for the lingerie, make damn sure it’s in her size. Look in her drawers, find something she regularly wears, check the size, and approach the ladies at Victoria’s Secret with that information. Unless she’s plus-sized, because nothing at VS is going to fit. Head to a store that has plus-sized lingerie. No one needs to be reminded that they will never fit into the sexy lingerie you got them.

Chocolate is good. Cora Lee Toffee is perfect. High quality, dark chocolate is perfect. That stuff someone is selling for their kids at work for $1 a bar is not good. A $2 box of chocolate from the drug store with a cartoon character on the front is not good.

Hand-made anything will earn you big points. Are you a writer, how about a love letter? A musician, how about a song? A craftsman, how about a special piece just for her? Even a well-thought hand-made card will earn extra credit points.

Of course, the most perfect presents of all are your actions and words day by day. Tell her how much you love and appreciate her. Let her know you would do it all over again. Tell her you’re proud of her and of your family.

I hope this helps! If I missed something, ladies speak up! Men, I want to know if you took my advice and it was your best Valentine’s Day ever!