thoughts on being a mama, transitioning from urban school teacher to community college professor, processing life and death, how to be a good friend and wife, the conundrum of race, and this crazy lovable city i live in.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Holiday Manifesto
Who-Whatever you believe in, I think we can all agree that Christmas is an out of control holiday of materialism. I'm sitting here stressing that I didn't get my mom a present although the cost of us flying to NC to be with her is absurd and way out of our current budget. Why should I stress? My family (specifically my daughter) is the present, but why do I feel like that's not enough? What does that say about our culture (or maybe just my family...or me?)?
Can we break from the insanity and redefine this gig?
Last night when we exchanged gifts in a late-night rush Adam and I promised each other that next year we're doing a simple Christmas at home. Small tree, homemade gifts, good food, good wine, long winter walks in the park, and whomever wants to come. Simplify it. Anyone is welcome so make your plans now to come to Brooklyn. We'll be happy to have you.
We did something really similar this year, and it was good. The crappy stuff we did not buy included for family who were not children. My guess is that adults are big enough to understand. We drove to DC to see family visiting there twice.
Love the posting about your student who left the sweatshirt during the exam. I am taking a seminar with amy stuart wells and getting all fired up.
This is my personal blog to process my life and all that comes with it. I have a professional blog (one about teaching) at www.readwriteteach.org. If you're a teacher, please check it out, pass it along, and give me some good, critical feedback. xo.
now a community college professor, teaching English (reading and writing). trying to get some stuff published. brainstorming my next research project. dreaming of owning a piece of Brooklyn to live in. mommy to an artsy and emotional five year old daughter who can walk as far as me (re: miles!)and an almost three year old firecracker of a son who eats his weight daily and is the house comedian. wife to superstar architect husband. lover of my subway commute and reading. relishing the few zen moments i get per day.
That sounds so lovely! Just think of it as you're rushing through the airport and dealing with family stress. :)
ReplyDeleteWe did something really similar this year, and it was good. The crappy stuff we did not buy included for family who were not children. My guess is that adults are big enough to understand. We drove to DC to see family visiting there twice.
ReplyDeleteLove the posting about your student who left the sweatshirt during the exam. I am taking a seminar with amy stuart wells and getting all fired up.