Dear readers - From now on, I am only going to post at:
http://kittytime.wordpress.com
SO bookmark it and forget this site!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Exposing myself
Dear readers -
As I considered the various things to post about today, I carefully weighed the pros and cons of each of my ideas, but felt that something was missing from each of them. And so, I thought more. What stroke of genius can I bring to KT fans today? What other way can I mock someone, expose myself or ridicule the President?
I decided that exposing myself is the way to go. I've done enough of it already, so why stop now?
For any other fellow mommy's out there, I think we can all agree that we have very little left to hide once we've birthed a child and breastfed for a while. Really - where has the privacy gone? The reality is this: There is no time for modesty in motherhood.
And so, for your amusement, I will reveal that my obsessive desires to stalk and control every ounce of my daughter's day, in my absence, have peaked to an all-time high. My watch level is higher than the government's useless terrorist alert color coding system that no one understands but just creates panic and hysteria in the streets. I'm like a liberal, sane, attractive and not psychotic John Ashcroft up there, people, declaring the alert level is now higher than red. It's like neon orange. (and for the record, I allow statues with a woman's exposed bosom to stand behind me when at the podium).
Is it because she's mobile now?
Is it because she's more curious about the world and communicating more clearly? Not only can she point out a hat or something that is hot, she also is busting out in Spanish, asking for aqua when thirsty. Clearly she is a baby genius, right?
And so, my obsessive desire to make sure her day is fulfilled, challenging, adventurous and encouraging of her creative spirit, is spilling over into new levels of insanity.
Over the course of the last two weeks, I have found myself second-guessing, questioning and doubting my nanny at every turn.
Fortunately, KT is not stupid. I know that the nanny is the most important person in my life after my child (and my husband, of course. yeah right) - and so I treat her with the utmost kindness and friendship (example: three big gifts for her daughter's 4th birthday yesterday).
But when she leaves - you better believe I am left wondering, why wasn't she out in the playroom with darling daughter AGAIN tonight, why is she giving her so much cheese, is she pumping her with cookies instead of fruit, did she read her a book, why was darling daughter crying when I called, she NEVER cries when we are home (yeah, right), and so on and so forth.
After a year of having her come every single day, why have I found myself more obsessed with how she plans out my daughter's days? I've even retired the baby tracker. And yet, I find myself considering a nanny cam (don't worry, I would never) and encouraging my mom to drop by on unscheduled and ambush style visits.
Where is this coming from?
Is it rooted in my ongoing desire to work less and be home more? And so, the only way I can compensate is by overly obsessing over what happens when I am gone?
Is it stemming from the fact that my darling baby is clearly a toddler now - one with a voracious appetite to learn and explore - and I want to make sure she is being challenged enough?
I really have no idea.
But you can bet your bottom dollar, I am obsessed. It's sad, but true, dear friends.
As I considered the various things to post about today, I carefully weighed the pros and cons of each of my ideas, but felt that something was missing from each of them. And so, I thought more. What stroke of genius can I bring to KT fans today? What other way can I mock someone, expose myself or ridicule the President?
I decided that exposing myself is the way to go. I've done enough of it already, so why stop now?
For any other fellow mommy's out there, I think we can all agree that we have very little left to hide once we've birthed a child and breastfed for a while. Really - where has the privacy gone? The reality is this: There is no time for modesty in motherhood.
And so, for your amusement, I will reveal that my obsessive desires to stalk and control every ounce of my daughter's day, in my absence, have peaked to an all-time high. My watch level is higher than the government's useless terrorist alert color coding system that no one understands but just creates panic and hysteria in the streets. I'm like a liberal, sane, attractive and not psychotic John Ashcroft up there, people, declaring the alert level is now higher than red. It's like neon orange. (and for the record, I allow statues with a woman's exposed bosom to stand behind me when at the podium).
Is it because she's mobile now?
Is it because she's more curious about the world and communicating more clearly? Not only can she point out a hat or something that is hot, she also is busting out in Spanish, asking for aqua when thirsty. Clearly she is a baby genius, right?
And so, my obsessive desire to make sure her day is fulfilled, challenging, adventurous and encouraging of her creative spirit, is spilling over into new levels of insanity.
Over the course of the last two weeks, I have found myself second-guessing, questioning and doubting my nanny at every turn.
Fortunately, KT is not stupid. I know that the nanny is the most important person in my life after my child (and my husband, of course. yeah right) - and so I treat her with the utmost kindness and friendship (example: three big gifts for her daughter's 4th birthday yesterday).
But when she leaves - you better believe I am left wondering, why wasn't she out in the playroom with darling daughter AGAIN tonight, why is she giving her so much cheese, is she pumping her with cookies instead of fruit, did she read her a book, why was darling daughter crying when I called, she NEVER cries when we are home (yeah, right), and so on and so forth.
After a year of having her come every single day, why have I found myself more obsessed with how she plans out my daughter's days? I've even retired the baby tracker. And yet, I find myself considering a nanny cam (don't worry, I would never) and encouraging my mom to drop by on unscheduled and ambush style visits.
Where is this coming from?
Is it rooted in my ongoing desire to work less and be home more? And so, the only way I can compensate is by overly obsessing over what happens when I am gone?
Is it stemming from the fact that my darling baby is clearly a toddler now - one with a voracious appetite to learn and explore - and I want to make sure she is being challenged enough?
I really have no idea.
But you can bet your bottom dollar, I am obsessed. It's sad, but true, dear friends.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
I've been tagged
My sister tagged me with some dumb game - http://coffeebreakrevolutionstudios.blogspot.com/
And while I generally ignore such games, I am otherwise uninspired on this cold February morning, so I will play along. The purpose of the game is to reveal three things about moi that you might not already know. Yes, I am a woman of mystery and many secrets, surely you know that.....so first let's review what you do know about moi:
1. I believe the President might be one of the dumbest people walking around town and am embarrassed that he is occupying the White House.
2. I want to lick the screen whenever I see Bill Clinton on the TV.
3. I get borderline homicidal when I have to wait in traffic or in line.
4. I procrastinate all of my work until the very last few hours before a deadline and then work like a maniac to get it all done - and get super pissed off if my friends or family dare interrupt me during this time (meanwhile, you better be accessible to me when I want to play!) 5. I love food.
6. I used to mock emotional people until I had a baby and now I cry at anything.
7. Borrowing the words of a dear readers' mother, my daughter fills my soul.
8. I love all things French.
9. I am a compulsive Internet shopper..and subsequently, I return almost everything.
10. I hate to drive.
So now, three things you might not know about me - let's see if I can surprise any of you with these:
1. When emotional about anything, my stomach pays the price.
Story: When I was 6, I puked the entire flight to Orlando and the entire bus ride to Disney World and then chowed down on fried chicken and ice cream when we reached the Disney Characters buffet. Anyone surprised?
2. I think Girl Scouts are the devil -neck and neck with the Vice President.
Story: I know they only come out once a year but I cannot control myself. If you have a box of Samoas around me, I will eat the entire box in one sitting and cannot stop. It is like a magnetic force pulls me to them and nothing can get in my way. If you dare reveal the fat count to me, I will abruptly end our friendship and disconnect you from my blog.
3. When I was almost 9 months pregnant, I yelled at an old man for cutting in front of me in line. He might have had a cane, but I was carrying a baby. And yes, he did get booted to the back of the line.....
Is anyone really surprised?
And while I generally ignore such games, I am otherwise uninspired on this cold February morning, so I will play along. The purpose of the game is to reveal three things about moi that you might not already know. Yes, I am a woman of mystery and many secrets, surely you know that.....so first let's review what you do know about moi:
1. I believe the President might be one of the dumbest people walking around town and am embarrassed that he is occupying the White House.
2. I want to lick the screen whenever I see Bill Clinton on the TV.
3. I get borderline homicidal when I have to wait in traffic or in line.
4. I procrastinate all of my work until the very last few hours before a deadline and then work like a maniac to get it all done - and get super pissed off if my friends or family dare interrupt me during this time (meanwhile, you better be accessible to me when I want to play!) 5. I love food.
6. I used to mock emotional people until I had a baby and now I cry at anything.
7. Borrowing the words of a dear readers' mother, my daughter fills my soul.
8. I love all things French.
9. I am a compulsive Internet shopper..and subsequently, I return almost everything.
10. I hate to drive.
So now, three things you might not know about me - let's see if I can surprise any of you with these:
1. When emotional about anything, my stomach pays the price.
Story: When I was 6, I puked the entire flight to Orlando and the entire bus ride to Disney World and then chowed down on fried chicken and ice cream when we reached the Disney Characters buffet. Anyone surprised?
2. I think Girl Scouts are the devil -neck and neck with the Vice President.
Story: I know they only come out once a year but I cannot control myself. If you have a box of Samoas around me, I will eat the entire box in one sitting and cannot stop. It is like a magnetic force pulls me to them and nothing can get in my way. If you dare reveal the fat count to me, I will abruptly end our friendship and disconnect you from my blog.
3. When I was almost 9 months pregnant, I yelled at an old man for cutting in front of me in line. He might have had a cane, but I was carrying a baby. And yes, he did get booted to the back of the line.....
Is anyone really surprised?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Love Moi
Dear Readers -
Kitty-Time is blushing over all the tokens of love and affection her beloved fans sent her on Valentine's Day! All the notes, the dark chocolate, the beautiful flowers - you really shouldn't have! I know you think I'm pretty and smart, but those of you who called me "Beauty Queen Yoda," you really went too far. We barely have any empty vases left chez moi.......
And so, on this day of love, should we discuss all the ways you love moi? All the reasons you love moi? Mais Oui!
Or....shall we discuss being smart in love.....because Kitty-Time readers are not silly, naive women. Mais non! KT readers are savvy and sexy....
I was inspired by Sunday's Modern Love column in the NYT. Any of you catch it? The columnist covered all the standard mistakes people make in love. My two favs were as follows:
1. People who want to keep a childless marriage although they have children
2. People who believe they should make love like porn stars.
SO let's get started, kittens.
First up - those of you who are still in denial that your life and marriage is the same, even though you have children. Darlings. Gather round - not only are your life and marriage different, but so are your floppy boobies and flabby abs. I'm making your body sound like bunny characters out of an Easter tale, I'm sure you love it.
But Yes. Yes. Of course you had perfectly round and perky bosoms before. And yes, we all know you had rock-hard Jessica Biel abs. Of course you did. It's good that you believe that. But you don't anymore.
With the right bra and the right clothing (think SPANX, girls), you can still give off the impression that you have these things - and that, my dear readers, is what counts! Feeling sexy makes you sexier to anyone around you. It's all about attitude, cats, so work it! And the more you believe that your boobies look like Jessica Simpson's and your tummy like Jessica Biel, the more this will become your reality! There's nothing wrong with that.
But back to your life and marriage. It's different. Accept it, deal with it, find a routine and a system that still gives you time for each other, don't fight it and you and your partner will find yourselves lucky in love like you were on your wedding night. If you keep denying the fact that your life is different, if you keep resisting the change that this beautiful babe has brought to your world..well then...sorry......Cupid's got his golden arrow pointed right for your ass.
Now, as for having a love life like a porn star.
That one makes me laugh out loud.
Kitty-Time is a believer in playing to your strengths and playing to your partner's strengths.
Has your partner shown that he is like Casanova in the boudoir before?
Do you have all kinds of XXX trixs up your sleeve that you can pull off like a natural?
If so, well then, you do make love like porn stars and it sounds fun!
If not, then quit your crying and wishing he'd become Casanova and instead, focus on his strengths. And yours.
Does he surprise you by making coffee and doing the laundry without you asking?
That's my kind of Casanova.
Does he remember to get milk on the way home without a whisper from you? Does he just make dinner and take the initiative?
Now you're talking dirty. It's getting hot in here.....
Seriously kittens.....KT hopes her dear readers don't set themselves up for disappointment. If your beloved doesn't have a track record of surprising you with gifts and flowers, well then, he's not going to start now. So don't be disappointed, be realistic on what to expect - and if you're looking for that white dress and busily planning your wedding....and he hasn't started those things yet, he sure as hell isn't going to start once he tears that white gown off you.
And so, dear readers, keep all the mementos of your affection for me coming. I might be blushing, but I love it.
Have a fabulous day of love. Love yourself, love your babies, and remember - play to your strengths and Cupid's Arrow will keep hitting your home and your heart.
Kitty-Time is blushing over all the tokens of love and affection her beloved fans sent her on Valentine's Day! All the notes, the dark chocolate, the beautiful flowers - you really shouldn't have! I know you think I'm pretty and smart, but those of you who called me "Beauty Queen Yoda," you really went too far. We barely have any empty vases left chez moi.......
And so, on this day of love, should we discuss all the ways you love moi? All the reasons you love moi? Mais Oui!
Or....shall we discuss being smart in love.....because Kitty-Time readers are not silly, naive women. Mais non! KT readers are savvy and sexy....
I was inspired by Sunday's Modern Love column in the NYT. Any of you catch it? The columnist covered all the standard mistakes people make in love. My two favs were as follows:
1. People who want to keep a childless marriage although they have children
2. People who believe they should make love like porn stars.
SO let's get started, kittens.
First up - those of you who are still in denial that your life and marriage is the same, even though you have children. Darlings. Gather round - not only are your life and marriage different, but so are your floppy boobies and flabby abs. I'm making your body sound like bunny characters out of an Easter tale, I'm sure you love it.
But Yes. Yes. Of course you had perfectly round and perky bosoms before. And yes, we all know you had rock-hard Jessica Biel abs. Of course you did. It's good that you believe that. But you don't anymore.
With the right bra and the right clothing (think SPANX, girls), you can still give off the impression that you have these things - and that, my dear readers, is what counts! Feeling sexy makes you sexier to anyone around you. It's all about attitude, cats, so work it! And the more you believe that your boobies look like Jessica Simpson's and your tummy like Jessica Biel, the more this will become your reality! There's nothing wrong with that.
But back to your life and marriage. It's different. Accept it, deal with it, find a routine and a system that still gives you time for each other, don't fight it and you and your partner will find yourselves lucky in love like you were on your wedding night. If you keep denying the fact that your life is different, if you keep resisting the change that this beautiful babe has brought to your world..well then...sorry......Cupid's got his golden arrow pointed right for your ass.
Now, as for having a love life like a porn star.
That one makes me laugh out loud.
Kitty-Time is a believer in playing to your strengths and playing to your partner's strengths.
Has your partner shown that he is like Casanova in the boudoir before?
Do you have all kinds of XXX trixs up your sleeve that you can pull off like a natural?
If so, well then, you do make love like porn stars and it sounds fun!
If not, then quit your crying and wishing he'd become Casanova and instead, focus on his strengths. And yours.
Does he surprise you by making coffee and doing the laundry without you asking?
That's my kind of Casanova.
Does he remember to get milk on the way home without a whisper from you? Does he just make dinner and take the initiative?
Now you're talking dirty. It's getting hot in here.....
Seriously kittens.....KT hopes her dear readers don't set themselves up for disappointment. If your beloved doesn't have a track record of surprising you with gifts and flowers, well then, he's not going to start now. So don't be disappointed, be realistic on what to expect - and if you're looking for that white dress and busily planning your wedding....and he hasn't started those things yet, he sure as hell isn't going to start once he tears that white gown off you.
And so, dear readers, keep all the mementos of your affection for me coming. I might be blushing, but I love it.
Have a fabulous day of love. Love yourself, love your babies, and remember - play to your strengths and Cupid's Arrow will keep hitting your home and your heart.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Fashion Confessions & Insanity is Global
Dear Readers -
Kitty-Time just arrived to work.....more than just fashionably late (can I blame the weather?) only to discover a big break - someone beyond just my inner circle of friends is reading Kitty-Time! And she likes it!
Now..as a true KT reader, we're all thinking, OF COURSE she likes it, KT is funny, sarcastic, fresh and well..cute, right? But seriously, what a fun way to start such a gloomy day.
And, our friend Rachel, DC's newest fashion critic, makes a good point in her response to my Ann Taylor critique....we all have it in our closets, and it's about how we mix it. C'est vrai. She is right (also - there is nothing ever right about Chicos). So, I will begin today's entry with a confession....as I read her entry: www.projectbeltway.com and then looked down at myself, I realized that I am wearing an Ann Taylor turtleneck and pants today. Lordy lordy - am I the pot calling kettle, or what?
Does bad weather give us the excuse to dress poorly?
Mais non! Because I added in my sweet new purchase from www.annereagan.com - anyone been to this store in Boston? I've only shopped online and as a true sucker for compliments, was sold when I received my purchases and found a tag on the inside that reads "You are a stylish girl."
Flattery will get you everywhere avec moi.
So, about those accessories. We all have pregnant friends. As they get bigger and bigger and the months pass, they begin to realize that all those "models" in preggo clothes - well, they're really not preggo models. They're just regular thin models with a fake bump. Maybe SOME of them are pregnant but honestly - they're like 4-5 months pregnant. And if you've given birth - you know that you ain't seen nothing yet at 4-5 months pregnant. Here's an example of what looks good on a model but not on a really pregnant woman, so don't fall victim ladies:
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/io/Shop?DSP=30100&PCR=1:200:2000&IID=TP18
Now, what can you do as a preggo?
ACCESSORIES!
Jewelry - necklaces, earrings, scarves, purses, shoes (unless your feet are growing), these are your new best friend. Personally, as I grew larger, I realized that I hated large accessories. Anything too thick or heavy just made me feel thicker or heavier. And while we are all confessing, I will say that I've found some of my best jewelry purchases at Banana Republic. I just noticed that JCrew is now selling jewelry and then, let's not forget, the fabulous Super Hero Designs: www.superherodesigns.com
All the women in my family wear her jewelry and they really spruce up an otherwise dull outfit.
So go forth, dear readers, and accessorize, you can never go wrong and it will only disguise the inner-Ann Taylor in you.
Now, let's turn our attention away from fashion and towards a worldwide problem: preschool.
I bet you never knew that the insanity that ensues from preschool is, in fact, a global phenomenon.
Gather round kittens, if you have children, then you already know this. If you don't, you might think, once again, that I am exaggerating. And sure, I do love to exaggerate to improve an otherwise dull or mundane story, but sadly, this time, it's true.
It turns out that getting your snot-nosed twerp into preschool is a process that must begin when you see a positive result on your preggo test. And this extreme problem has crossed the pond and is reaching new levels even in London, if you read a recent story in the WSJ:
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB117125131394905531-lMyQjAxMDE3NzExMjIxNTIxWj.html
If only the French are also doing it, then I'll feel much better and almost fashionable, when I begin stalking my daughter's future preschool on a weekly basis in April. Stay tuned to find out if being cute, well dressed, willing to grease a few palms, and obsessively calling, helps her get in any sooner....
Kitty-Time just arrived to work.....more than just fashionably late (can I blame the weather?) only to discover a big break - someone beyond just my inner circle of friends is reading Kitty-Time! And she likes it!
Now..as a true KT reader, we're all thinking, OF COURSE she likes it, KT is funny, sarcastic, fresh and well..cute, right? But seriously, what a fun way to start such a gloomy day.
And, our friend Rachel, DC's newest fashion critic, makes a good point in her response to my Ann Taylor critique....we all have it in our closets, and it's about how we mix it. C'est vrai. She is right (also - there is nothing ever right about Chicos). So, I will begin today's entry with a confession....as I read her entry: www.projectbeltway.com and then looked down at myself, I realized that I am wearing an Ann Taylor turtleneck and pants today. Lordy lordy - am I the pot calling kettle, or what?
Does bad weather give us the excuse to dress poorly?
Mais non! Because I added in my sweet new purchase from www.annereagan.com - anyone been to this store in Boston? I've only shopped online and as a true sucker for compliments, was sold when I received my purchases and found a tag on the inside that reads "You are a stylish girl."
Flattery will get you everywhere avec moi.
So, about those accessories. We all have pregnant friends. As they get bigger and bigger and the months pass, they begin to realize that all those "models" in preggo clothes - well, they're really not preggo models. They're just regular thin models with a fake bump. Maybe SOME of them are pregnant but honestly - they're like 4-5 months pregnant. And if you've given birth - you know that you ain't seen nothing yet at 4-5 months pregnant. Here's an example of what looks good on a model but not on a really pregnant woman, so don't fall victim ladies:
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/io/Shop?DSP=30100&PCR=1:200:2000&IID=TP18
Now, what can you do as a preggo?
ACCESSORIES!
Jewelry - necklaces, earrings, scarves, purses, shoes (unless your feet are growing), these are your new best friend. Personally, as I grew larger, I realized that I hated large accessories. Anything too thick or heavy just made me feel thicker or heavier. And while we are all confessing, I will say that I've found some of my best jewelry purchases at Banana Republic. I just noticed that JCrew is now selling jewelry and then, let's not forget, the fabulous Super Hero Designs: www.superherodesigns.com
All the women in my family wear her jewelry and they really spruce up an otherwise dull outfit.
So go forth, dear readers, and accessorize, you can never go wrong and it will only disguise the inner-Ann Taylor in you.
Now, let's turn our attention away from fashion and towards a worldwide problem: preschool.
I bet you never knew that the insanity that ensues from preschool is, in fact, a global phenomenon.
Gather round kittens, if you have children, then you already know this. If you don't, you might think, once again, that I am exaggerating. And sure, I do love to exaggerate to improve an otherwise dull or mundane story, but sadly, this time, it's true.
It turns out that getting your snot-nosed twerp into preschool is a process that must begin when you see a positive result on your preggo test. And this extreme problem has crossed the pond and is reaching new levels even in London, if you read a recent story in the WSJ:
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB117125131394905531-lMyQjAxMDE3NzExMjIxNTIxWj.html
If only the French are also doing it, then I'll feel much better and almost fashionable, when I begin stalking my daughter's future preschool on a weekly basis in April. Stay tuned to find out if being cute, well dressed, willing to grease a few palms, and obsessively calling, helps her get in any sooner....
Monday, February 12, 2007
A new blog, someone else to judge
OK fellow inside-the-beltway readers.....Kitty-Time can't spend all day feeling haunted by yesterday's NYT story, so I am adding another entry for today.
In case you aren't aware, a new fashion blog for DC has launched...and before I logged on, I had so much hope.
Naturally, the first thing I wondered was - would I make it on there? Will I log on one day to see a pic of myself in the "Do" category for fashion in Washington? Mais Oui! It will surely happen. And of course, Kitty-Time challenges her other beltway readers to find themselves in the "DO" category of this new fashion site.
But - quelle horreur! I logged on with so much hope and anticipation...and the most recent entry features a "fashionable" woman wearing........
ANN TAYLOR.
Isn't this what we are trying to NOT be known as, people?
I mean - if DC is ever going to get away from its hideous fashion reputation, then DC's first blog on fashion CANNOT be posting a picture of a woman in an ANN TAYLOR SWEATER.
MON DIEU.
Fortunately, there are some other fantastic dresses posted:
http://www.projectbeltway.com/
In case you aren't aware, a new fashion blog for DC has launched...and before I logged on, I had so much hope.
Naturally, the first thing I wondered was - would I make it on there? Will I log on one day to see a pic of myself in the "Do" category for fashion in Washington? Mais Oui! It will surely happen. And of course, Kitty-Time challenges her other beltway readers to find themselves in the "DO" category of this new fashion site.
But - quelle horreur! I logged on with so much hope and anticipation...and the most recent entry features a "fashionable" woman wearing........
ANN TAYLOR.
Isn't this what we are trying to NOT be known as, people?
I mean - if DC is ever going to get away from its hideous fashion reputation, then DC's first blog on fashion CANNOT be posting a picture of a woman in an ANN TAYLOR SWEATER.
MON DIEU.
Fortunately, there are some other fantastic dresses posted:
http://www.projectbeltway.com/
Is hope the only thing left?
Dear Readers -
Today's Kitty-Time entry is going to be depressing, but it's weighing very heavily on my mind. First off, Valentine's Day is Wednesday, as we all know. Any real K-T reader has already thought through what she'd like to receive this Valentine's....whether it be sparkly or have a sweet scent to it....
But again, I digress.
Around Valentine's Day, we often see attention for V-Day and the Vagina Monologues. Hopefully all my dear readers have seen this play and are aware of the V-Day campaign to stop violence against women and young girls. If not, please click here:
http://www.vday.org/contents/vday/aboutvday
But what is really haunting me is an article I read in yesterday's NYT magazine about domestic violence and women seeking asylum in the United States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/magazine/11wwlnidealab.t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine&oref=slogin
The article is a must-read for everyone. It is important that we all are made aware of just how ridiculous our government is and how abused women are cast-off. The crux of the problem, beyond just the hideous man occupying the White House, is that in order to seek asylum in the U.S., an immigrant has to show how his/her "social group" is persecuted. Well, if you are severely abused by your husband, is your "social group" just that you are a woman? Apparently that isn't enough and our legal system is taking its sweet time figuring it all out. Also - you know how the government doesn't like to interfere in the personal lives of people in their own homes.
Unless it's convenient, like, under the guise of eavesdropping for national security.
Anyhow, what is really haunting me is that the woman featured in the story left behind her children in India. I am not judging her - let's be clear. I cannot even pretend to understand the hell she was living thanks to her husband. But what I can't get past is how awful and how painful and how life-threatening a situation must be for a woman to abandon her children, leave the country, and never know when or if she will see her children again.
This is what hasn't stopped haunting me since I read the article. In my wildest dreams, I can't imagine how awful life must be in order for me to abandon my darling daughter. It is probably much easier for me to sit here and say I would rather die than leave her, but on the flip side, perhaps the only thing you have in this kind of hell is hope. And if you leave because that is all you can do to stay alive, perhaps the only thing you have left is the hope that you will again see your children.
I don't know. I warned you that today's entry would be a tough one. I guess all I have left to say is that it's important to read articles like this, no matter how difficult to get through, because at the end of the day, all that matters on Valentine's Day is that we have a lot to love and be grateful for.
I'll be funny again tomorrow, unless I'm still haunted by this.
Today's Kitty-Time entry is going to be depressing, but it's weighing very heavily on my mind. First off, Valentine's Day is Wednesday, as we all know. Any real K-T reader has already thought through what she'd like to receive this Valentine's....whether it be sparkly or have a sweet scent to it....
But again, I digress.
Around Valentine's Day, we often see attention for V-Day and the Vagina Monologues. Hopefully all my dear readers have seen this play and are aware of the V-Day campaign to stop violence against women and young girls. If not, please click here:
http://www.vday.org/contents/vday/aboutvday
But what is really haunting me is an article I read in yesterday's NYT magazine about domestic violence and women seeking asylum in the United States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/magazine/11wwlnidealab.t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine&oref=slogin
The article is a must-read for everyone. It is important that we all are made aware of just how ridiculous our government is and how abused women are cast-off. The crux of the problem, beyond just the hideous man occupying the White House, is that in order to seek asylum in the U.S., an immigrant has to show how his/her "social group" is persecuted. Well, if you are severely abused by your husband, is your "social group" just that you are a woman? Apparently that isn't enough and our legal system is taking its sweet time figuring it all out. Also - you know how the government doesn't like to interfere in the personal lives of people in their own homes.
Unless it's convenient, like, under the guise of eavesdropping for national security.
Anyhow, what is really haunting me is that the woman featured in the story left behind her children in India. I am not judging her - let's be clear. I cannot even pretend to understand the hell she was living thanks to her husband. But what I can't get past is how awful and how painful and how life-threatening a situation must be for a woman to abandon her children, leave the country, and never know when or if she will see her children again.
This is what hasn't stopped haunting me since I read the article. In my wildest dreams, I can't imagine how awful life must be in order for me to abandon my darling daughter. It is probably much easier for me to sit here and say I would rather die than leave her, but on the flip side, perhaps the only thing you have in this kind of hell is hope. And if you leave because that is all you can do to stay alive, perhaps the only thing you have left is the hope that you will again see your children.
I don't know. I warned you that today's entry would be a tough one. I guess all I have left to say is that it's important to read articles like this, no matter how difficult to get through, because at the end of the day, all that matters on Valentine's Day is that we have a lot to love and be grateful for.
I'll be funny again tomorrow, unless I'm still haunted by this.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Stop using guilt as a crutch
Hello Dear Readers -
Well.....of all the qualities Kitty-Time was blessed with - aww shucks..don't embarrass me with shouting out "Beauty," "Wit," "Brains," "That Smokin' Hot Body!" - confidence is most definitely one of them. It is confidence, after all, that gives moi the chutzpah to say what I think, which is why you love moi.
And so, while I previously declared 2007 the year of paper (hopefully you all have your own personalized paper and return address labels by now), I am also calling 2007 the year to STOP WITH THE GUILT, PEOPLE.
We are all masters of our own destiny. Each of us have busy, hectic lives - whether you have children or not, whether you work full-time or not, the demands on our schedules are very real and maintaining a balance is extremely difficult.
But, learning how to say "no" and moving on - is fundamentally important for Kitty-Time readers. We all must have a well balanced life in order to maintain our beauty and sleep well at night. We must have enough time alone with our partners, or at the gym, or having drinks with the girls, or playing with our kids, or whatever it is that you need. And so - in order to maintain that, we gotta give something up. We have to decline an invitation, we have to not go to an event, we have to just say "No, sorry, I just can't" and be ok with it.
Kitty-Time has always made a concerted effort to stand by this mantra. Right now, I am pretty unwilling to give up my weekday evenings or time during the weekend day's because all of that is my precious time with my darling daughter - and really - very little is more important to me. C'est vrai - sometimes I feel bad for a New York minute. Sometimes, I attend an event because professionally I need too, or a friend is coming in from out of town and there are exceptions - but I stand firm on keeping my balance.
But even worse than habitual offenders of being over scheduled are those who use GUILT as the crutch.
Stop doing that, it doesn't become a lady.
You, again, are the master of your own destiny. And so, should you feel GUILTY (unless you've physically harmed someone, or you voted for President Bush even just once), THAT IS YOUR CHOICE.
Kitty-Time's wise father would say "Don't buy a ticket on that bus."
And well, where do you think I get my wisdom from? (also my mother, of course. remember - all of you - your mother gave you life! Always cherish her! : )
And so - stop with the "guilt."
Stop with the over-scheduling.
Take charge of your life.
Strike a balance and feel good about it.
Just say no, kids. Nancy R. got a few things right so far.
Be a confident Kitty-Time reader. We all like you more when you're confident!
Well.....of all the qualities Kitty-Time was blessed with - aww shucks..don't embarrass me with shouting out "Beauty," "Wit," "Brains," "That Smokin' Hot Body!" - confidence is most definitely one of them. It is confidence, after all, that gives moi the chutzpah to say what I think, which is why you love moi.
And so, while I previously declared 2007 the year of paper (hopefully you all have your own personalized paper and return address labels by now), I am also calling 2007 the year to STOP WITH THE GUILT, PEOPLE.
We are all masters of our own destiny. Each of us have busy, hectic lives - whether you have children or not, whether you work full-time or not, the demands on our schedules are very real and maintaining a balance is extremely difficult.
But, learning how to say "no" and moving on - is fundamentally important for Kitty-Time readers. We all must have a well balanced life in order to maintain our beauty and sleep well at night. We must have enough time alone with our partners, or at the gym, or having drinks with the girls, or playing with our kids, or whatever it is that you need. And so - in order to maintain that, we gotta give something up. We have to decline an invitation, we have to not go to an event, we have to just say "No, sorry, I just can't" and be ok with it.
Kitty-Time has always made a concerted effort to stand by this mantra. Right now, I am pretty unwilling to give up my weekday evenings or time during the weekend day's because all of that is my precious time with my darling daughter - and really - very little is more important to me. C'est vrai - sometimes I feel bad for a New York minute. Sometimes, I attend an event because professionally I need too, or a friend is coming in from out of town and there are exceptions - but I stand firm on keeping my balance.
But even worse than habitual offenders of being over scheduled are those who use GUILT as the crutch.
Stop doing that, it doesn't become a lady.
You, again, are the master of your own destiny. And so, should you feel GUILTY (unless you've physically harmed someone, or you voted for President Bush even just once), THAT IS YOUR CHOICE.
Kitty-Time's wise father would say "Don't buy a ticket on that bus."
And well, where do you think I get my wisdom from? (also my mother, of course. remember - all of you - your mother gave you life! Always cherish her! : )
And so - stop with the "guilt."
Stop with the over-scheduling.
Take charge of your life.
Strike a balance and feel good about it.
Just say no, kids. Nancy R. got a few things right so far.
Be a confident Kitty-Time reader. We all like you more when you're confident!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Fat Models & Astronaut in Diapers
Dear readers -
Kitty-Time would like to apologize for the long delay in a new posting. She has been quite busy between work and other random events that have sabotaged my efforts at posting (and yes, my nanny was at it again). But gather round kittens, we have much to discuss.....
First - let's get to some old news but it's still worthy of posting on albeit a few days late.
Fat models.
What has the world come too?
Tyra Banks is FAT!
I bet you didn't know it by looking at her but apparently she is.
Yes, just when I was feeling a little better about things. Just when I was beginning to have hope that some producers and Hollywood exec's and influentials, shall we call them, were willing to hire women with healthy strong bodies - the drama about Tyra Banks and her fat body had to unfold.
I mean really.
She is a Victoria's Secret model. She might have retired. She might have decided to have some breakfast every once in a while now. Maybe she even had a cookie or two over the holidays - I know, I know - she should have been counting out her M&M's....but she really let herself go. She's really tipping the scales at 160 now people.
Jesus.
I don't know what else to say except I am quite sure we all are outraged at this notion, even though it's clear Tyra is on her way to becoming the second coming of Oprah. She's sharpening her elbows and just getting ready to shove old Oprah out of the way...and the way she capitalized on her being fat was quite brilliant.
But I digress.
So, let's instead talk about how two Hollywood mom's used to have beautiful, strong, athletic bodies and now also look like disgusting waifs.
Jennifer Garner.
Angelina Jolie.
What has happened? Why do they look almost as disgusting as Nicole Richie? Seriously?
Gain some weight, ladies. Apparently Tyra can show you how.
And now, onto the bizarre news of the day.
Female diaper wearing astronaut attempts to kill other women over some dumb man.
What?
Huh?
Don't you have to be smart to become an astronaut?
Don't you have to understand science and math and pass rigorous emotional and physical tests to go up in space? Is this another example of the Bush Administration trying to keep women down? They decided to let one slip through who is loco - just to make a public spectacle of her? It's always possible.
Maybe all that time up in Space got to Ms. Lisa Nowak, but how is it that this woman who could have been a role model for millions of little girls, has instead, validated every psycho conservative man's idea of why women don't belong in serious fields and we're all just a bunch of crazed hormonally charged killers waiting to show our true colors? All those men that listen to Rush Limbaugh are just sitting back and laughing....claiming this is what happens when a woman gets her period. Seriously.
This woman methodically planned her trip to Orlando down to the wire - let's not forget the adult diapers. She had been stalking this poor other astronaut for months and was enraged over her as a threat to another man.
In case you are confused, Ms. Nowak is a married mother of three. I mean -huh? She just gave up everything over a man?
I am ashamed, people. ASHAMED.
Let's all just pretend like this event never even happened and certainly never tell your daughters and admit that a female astronaut went awry. And if it ever comes up, blame Bush. But just in case you haven't read about it - be sure to click here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020600106.html
Speaking of darling daughters, in case any of you thought mine wouldn't have an opinion and develop her skills at expressing it at a very early age, well, then, we've never met.
So - stranger, hello. My name is Kitty-Time, and I get fired up easily, which is why you like me. No one would ever call me a doormat to step on on your way into my house.
And so, I went on to have a daughter...and even better...a red headed one. The combo is a sure sign that she will be spirited.
And as she's facing down her 15 month birthday, I am here to tell you, feisty and spirited, she is. Kitty-Time is bad at math, unlike the psycho female astronaut, so I actually lost count of the number of temper-tantrums my darling daughter had yesterday alone. It might have been enough to make the most level-headed female astronaut go off her rocker.
As I'm getting more used to these ridiculous..and fake, I might add, temper tantrums, I've been mistaken in thinking that perhaps I, too, could win an Oscar like Jennifer Hudson. I actually think my darling daughter could win an Oscar because she's quite believable in her temper tantrums...unless you ignore them for about 30 seconds. By then she's already forgotten what enraged her so. Apparently she also inherited my memory.
Anyhoo...my point, I'm beginning to find pleasure in her temper tantrums. It's actually quite funny.
Check back with me in the future. I'm sure the charm will have worn off by then.
Kitty-Time would like to apologize for the long delay in a new posting. She has been quite busy between work and other random events that have sabotaged my efforts at posting (and yes, my nanny was at it again). But gather round kittens, we have much to discuss.....
First - let's get to some old news but it's still worthy of posting on albeit a few days late.
Fat models.
What has the world come too?
Tyra Banks is FAT!
I bet you didn't know it by looking at her but apparently she is.
Yes, just when I was feeling a little better about things. Just when I was beginning to have hope that some producers and Hollywood exec's and influentials, shall we call them, were willing to hire women with healthy strong bodies - the drama about Tyra Banks and her fat body had to unfold.
I mean really.
She is a Victoria's Secret model. She might have retired. She might have decided to have some breakfast every once in a while now. Maybe she even had a cookie or two over the holidays - I know, I know - she should have been counting out her M&M's....but she really let herself go. She's really tipping the scales at 160 now people.
Jesus.
I don't know what else to say except I am quite sure we all are outraged at this notion, even though it's clear Tyra is on her way to becoming the second coming of Oprah. She's sharpening her elbows and just getting ready to shove old Oprah out of the way...and the way she capitalized on her being fat was quite brilliant.
But I digress.
So, let's instead talk about how two Hollywood mom's used to have beautiful, strong, athletic bodies and now also look like disgusting waifs.
Jennifer Garner.
Angelina Jolie.
What has happened? Why do they look almost as disgusting as Nicole Richie? Seriously?
Gain some weight, ladies. Apparently Tyra can show you how.
And now, onto the bizarre news of the day.
Female diaper wearing astronaut attempts to kill other women over some dumb man.
What?
Huh?
Don't you have to be smart to become an astronaut?
Don't you have to understand science and math and pass rigorous emotional and physical tests to go up in space? Is this another example of the Bush Administration trying to keep women down? They decided to let one slip through who is loco - just to make a public spectacle of her? It's always possible.
Maybe all that time up in Space got to Ms. Lisa Nowak, but how is it that this woman who could have been a role model for millions of little girls, has instead, validated every psycho conservative man's idea of why women don't belong in serious fields and we're all just a bunch of crazed hormonally charged killers waiting to show our true colors? All those men that listen to Rush Limbaugh are just sitting back and laughing....claiming this is what happens when a woman gets her period. Seriously.
This woman methodically planned her trip to Orlando down to the wire - let's not forget the adult diapers. She had been stalking this poor other astronaut for months and was enraged over her as a threat to another man.
In case you are confused, Ms. Nowak is a married mother of three. I mean -huh? She just gave up everything over a man?
I am ashamed, people. ASHAMED.
Let's all just pretend like this event never even happened and certainly never tell your daughters and admit that a female astronaut went awry. And if it ever comes up, blame Bush. But just in case you haven't read about it - be sure to click here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020600106.html
Speaking of darling daughters, in case any of you thought mine wouldn't have an opinion and develop her skills at expressing it at a very early age, well, then, we've never met.
So - stranger, hello. My name is Kitty-Time, and I get fired up easily, which is why you like me. No one would ever call me a doormat to step on on your way into my house.
And so, I went on to have a daughter...and even better...a red headed one. The combo is a sure sign that she will be spirited.
And as she's facing down her 15 month birthday, I am here to tell you, feisty and spirited, she is. Kitty-Time is bad at math, unlike the psycho female astronaut, so I actually lost count of the number of temper-tantrums my darling daughter had yesterday alone. It might have been enough to make the most level-headed female astronaut go off her rocker.
As I'm getting more used to these ridiculous..and fake, I might add, temper tantrums, I've been mistaken in thinking that perhaps I, too, could win an Oscar like Jennifer Hudson. I actually think my darling daughter could win an Oscar because she's quite believable in her temper tantrums...unless you ignore them for about 30 seconds. By then she's already forgotten what enraged her so. Apparently she also inherited my memory.
Anyhoo...my point, I'm beginning to find pleasure in her temper tantrums. It's actually quite funny.
Check back with me in the future. I'm sure the charm will have worn off by then.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Machismo Challenged
Ahh... imagine the amusement and enjoyment Kitty-Time felt as she read this article in today's Washington Post about former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi's wife, Veronica Lario, publicly berating him for disrespectful behavior.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013102438.html
Such public humiliation coming from a woman in one of the most machismo-filled societies in the Western World? C'est Vrai!
What satisfaction millions of women around the world must be feeling when they hear the news. Many of them can live vicariously, I'm sure. After all, if the wife of the former Prime Minister berates her husband on the front page of his nemesis newspaper, well then, surely, we all can find the courage to do it in the confines of our own homes!
What is most significant to me is that it happened in Italy. Isn't this the place where adult men still live with their mothers and expect their laundry to be done, their shirts pressed and warm meals waiting for them when they return from work? We are talking about 30 year old's, people.
And so, in this very machismo-laden culture, publicly berating her husband for humiliating her and disrespecting her is a beautiful thing. If you read the article, you will see that Ms. Lario has had enough after 27 years and felt it was important to challenge her husband's behavior to teach her children that women must be respected.
Have we found a new hero for all women with obnoxious husbands?
I'm thinking yes.
Also, Kitty-Time is intrigued by the way Ms. Lario handled this situation. Clearly she has been embarrassed by her husband innumerable times over the last 27 years. Was this just the straw that broke the camel's back?
Most significant, I think, is that she chose to do it publicly and set an example for him.
It is a breath of fresh air to see a scorned woman give it to her husband, particularly in the public arena. I don't know about you, but I have grown a little tired of watching women stand by their husbands when they don't deserve. Stand up for yourselves, women!
Two that come to mind are: Hillary Clinton and wife of former gay New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. I can't say that I fully respected how quietly Hillary stood by her husband after he publicly humiliated her not just once, but twice, with his torrid affairs. And did anyone else find themselves wondering why in the hell McGreevey's wife stood next to him as he announced to the world that he is gay and was having an affair with a male staffer? Why was she there? WHY?
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/12/mcgreevey.nj/
So - hat's off to Ms. Lario for handing it to her husband and teaching her children that women must receive and demand respect from their husbands.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013102438.html
Such public humiliation coming from a woman in one of the most machismo-filled societies in the Western World? C'est Vrai!
What satisfaction millions of women around the world must be feeling when they hear the news. Many of them can live vicariously, I'm sure. After all, if the wife of the former Prime Minister berates her husband on the front page of his nemesis newspaper, well then, surely, we all can find the courage to do it in the confines of our own homes!
What is most significant to me is that it happened in Italy. Isn't this the place where adult men still live with their mothers and expect their laundry to be done, their shirts pressed and warm meals waiting for them when they return from work? We are talking about 30 year old's, people.
And so, in this very machismo-laden culture, publicly berating her husband for humiliating her and disrespecting her is a beautiful thing. If you read the article, you will see that Ms. Lario has had enough after 27 years and felt it was important to challenge her husband's behavior to teach her children that women must be respected.
Have we found a new hero for all women with obnoxious husbands?
I'm thinking yes.
Also, Kitty-Time is intrigued by the way Ms. Lario handled this situation. Clearly she has been embarrassed by her husband innumerable times over the last 27 years. Was this just the straw that broke the camel's back?
Most significant, I think, is that she chose to do it publicly and set an example for him.
It is a breath of fresh air to see a scorned woman give it to her husband, particularly in the public arena. I don't know about you, but I have grown a little tired of watching women stand by their husbands when they don't deserve. Stand up for yourselves, women!
Two that come to mind are: Hillary Clinton and wife of former gay New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. I can't say that I fully respected how quietly Hillary stood by her husband after he publicly humiliated her not just once, but twice, with his torrid affairs. And did anyone else find themselves wondering why in the hell McGreevey's wife stood next to him as he announced to the world that he is gay and was having an affair with a male staffer? Why was she there? WHY?
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/12/mcgreevey.nj/
So - hat's off to Ms. Lario for handing it to her husband and teaching her children that women must receive and demand respect from their husbands.
Spank me!
Now...how many of you have your minds in the gutter and think today's entry is going to be something provocative about the boudoir?
Heh heh.
If you do, then you are a true Kitty-Time friend.
But, c'est vrai. The purpose of this blog is not to be dirty. So go read something else.
Today we will discuss spanking. Surely by now, you all have heard that some Assemblywoman from the Bay Area wants to introduce a bill in California to make it against the law for parents to spank their children under the age of four. She views it as a form of abuse and believes her role is to protect the children.
Now - I am all for protecting children. A wise friend of mine pointed out that even seeing children hurt on a fictional TV show is more painful to watch once you become a parent. She couldn't have been more right about that.
But Kitty-Time also thinks there is a point to everything.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's all remember for a minute that California fancies itself as the bellwether state and its state politicians are always looking for ways to set the trend across the country. But this time - are they for real? Spending all the time and taxpayer's money to protect the children from their own parents? What about a parent's right to discipline their child as they see fit?
Now- I do believe the state protects abused children, and though there is never enough money or people to do the job properly - that is the role of government and what we pay taxes for. But this has gone too far.
Are we to believe that a neighbor is supposed to call the police if they see a parent spanking a three-year old? And the police are going to respond? We are supposed to pull the police away from serious crimes, like domestic violence, armed robbery, or sexual assault - to come punish parents for choosing how best to discipline their child?
Enough is enough and this is ridiculous.
Am I saying I am a fan of spanking? No. Am I saying that I intend to spank my child? I really don't think so but then again, she doesn't have the language ability to talk back. She also hasn't quite figured out how to throw a temper tantrum in public and demand what she wants. So who am I to judge?
If you'd like to read a bit more on it, here's a link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-parsons30jan30,1,3943927.column?coll=la-news-politics-california
Heh heh.
If you do, then you are a true Kitty-Time friend.
But, c'est vrai. The purpose of this blog is not to be dirty. So go read something else.
Today we will discuss spanking. Surely by now, you all have heard that some Assemblywoman from the Bay Area wants to introduce a bill in California to make it against the law for parents to spank their children under the age of four. She views it as a form of abuse and believes her role is to protect the children.
Now - I am all for protecting children. A wise friend of mine pointed out that even seeing children hurt on a fictional TV show is more painful to watch once you become a parent. She couldn't have been more right about that.
But Kitty-Time also thinks there is a point to everything.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's all remember for a minute that California fancies itself as the bellwether state and its state politicians are always looking for ways to set the trend across the country. But this time - are they for real? Spending all the time and taxpayer's money to protect the children from their own parents? What about a parent's right to discipline their child as they see fit?
Now- I do believe the state protects abused children, and though there is never enough money or people to do the job properly - that is the role of government and what we pay taxes for. But this has gone too far.
Are we to believe that a neighbor is supposed to call the police if they see a parent spanking a three-year old? And the police are going to respond? We are supposed to pull the police away from serious crimes, like domestic violence, armed robbery, or sexual assault - to come punish parents for choosing how best to discipline their child?
Enough is enough and this is ridiculous.
Am I saying I am a fan of spanking? No. Am I saying that I intend to spank my child? I really don't think so but then again, she doesn't have the language ability to talk back. She also hasn't quite figured out how to throw a temper tantrum in public and demand what she wants. So who am I to judge?
If you'd like to read a bit more on it, here's a link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-parsons30jan30,1,3943927.column?coll=la-news-politics-california
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