HAPPY 8th MARCH

[Occhidiangela]

International Women's Day



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The lyrics you linked to are just a bit much, a parody of one of John Lennon's worst pieces of tripe. Made me want to burn my bra, but I don't wear one. :P Really, how is it that John David Chapman fired six bullets at point blank range, and none of them hit Yoko? Who rolled the dice on that enounter? (Thanks, DL)

As to the photo: Atlas was a guy. :P

Woman, you're hard to ignore ~

you're a wife, you're a mother,

and so much more.

The up front combinatino is a challenge to get right. Funny, have any of you noticed those who try (or get stuck with having) to add father to that list and all the rest can morph into that stressed out "supermom" who needs therapy?

My mom: one hell of a woman. Raised 4 kids: yes, what a concept, raised her own kids, did not delegate it to THE STATE, THE COURTS, GRANDMA (who ws dead) or anyone else. Ran a household on a budget. Knew how to say NO. Put research into deciding on our family's diet, and we ate what she put in front of us, or nothing. Guess who got enlisted in preparing and serving all that? And learning by doing . . . the kids. Phi Beta kappa grad from college. Gave a gift money could never buy: herself.

Coached us in a variety of school subjects when we hit the brick wall in elementary school. Was a master at providing inexpensive craft projects for us to work on. Knew how to say "Turn off that TV" and mean it . . . and get us to obey.

Yeah, those first two are a career.

Once we were able to stand on our own feet, when my younger bro left 6th grade, she eased back into the professional workforce: half and for a couple of years full time in a small business a friend had started, to help pay for the other sibs' college and to put some dough away so Mom and Dad could get that house for just them: Which they bought the year my youngest bro entered college. She is 70+ and still works occasional part time with one of four different high tech firms who she's worked for over the past 20+ years . . . but on a light schedule, since she prefers to be basically retired and still enjoys being in love with, and around, and travelling with, and just being with the guy she married 50+ years ago.

A woman: much more than yet another body for the state or the corporate labor pool. But gee, that is such an old fashioned concept. Mrs Occhi and I are having a hell of a time filling Mom and Dad's shoes (her own mom and dad have a similar track record). Their achievements appear more godlike with every passing year: yet they are mere mortals.

So who is it who wants to keep piling so much more onto what they expect a woman to be? When I find them, maybe I can set them straight. Crap, Jonh Lennon is dead, maybe I'll pay someone to abuse Ringo Starr.

And to all of you women who aren't my Mom: here's to ya. :D

Men and women are different. Vive la difference. :D

Occhi