playdate

Why This Mama Don't Fake It

guest post by sex kitten

I had a discussion lately with some ladies about those times when doing it is, well, not doing it. And what they do. A couple of them said that their way of hurrying things along was to throw out a few noises. You know what I'm talking about. Some moans, some groans, maybe even a shriek or two among the heavy breathing. Sure, that works. Or at least, I'm guessing it does. Because this mama don't fake it.

Happy New Year!

I always thought having the new year in the fall made much more sense.  As a student and/or a teacher for most of my life, the fall brings a new school year.  New pencils and books, new classrooms, new students.  A fresh start.  The Jewish new year, Rosh Hashahah, has just passed, and this year it is more significant to me then ever.

My oldest son, at not quite 3 years old is at an age where he wants to learn, and explore.  This is the perfect time to start teaching him about his heritage, and the traditions that go along with it.

Community Centre "Closures"

On Monday, community centres across the city of Toronto were sort of closed, and some libraries saw reduced hours of operation courtesy of efforts to reduce the city's operating budget. Toronto is currently facing a $575 million dollar budget shortfall for 2008, and has explored several options to make up the difference. Some of those options include: attempts to receive additional provincial or federal funding (refused) and supplemental fees and taxes (deferred by council) in addition to the service cuts.

However, since the full-time staff are still working in the centres, and permit holders are allowed access to the building, the City is still paying for operational costs at many community centres.

Swimming Upstream with Floaties

Some parents want to do things a different way, a way that feels more like them. Not with an OB and an epi and maybe a c-section, but with a home birth, perhaps. Some parents want not a bottle, but a breast. And sometimes, it can feel like swimming upstream, because while breastfeeding is more and more widely promoted and supported, it isn't considered mainstream by everyone just yet. So how do you talk about these things with your child, especially if you have a new one coming along? How do they see their family reflected in the picture books they read, if most don't show things this way? Indeed, most books don't really address these things one way or another, but I have tripped across a couple of books that don't skip over this stuff, and these can be used as a lovely support in your inevitable discussions to come. It's rare, still, to be sure, but here is a start.

Don't Be a Fool, Cover Your Tool

by hot mama

I did not like being pregnant one bit. I felt like shit, and looked like it too. I gained far too much weight. My hair didn't grow lustrous; my face didn't glow. But one thing I did enjoy (besides huge knockers) was not thinking about birth control for nine months.

Keys in a Bowl

by Racy Red

The hubs and I have been together half of our lifetimes. We've been boinking like bunnies for almost as long. Nowadays, things aren't as exciting as they once were.

I mean, there are only so many times I can put my ankles behind my ears and moan out "Oh ya, Big Daddy," before it ceases to be surprising.

Census Data: Redefining "Family"

The 2006 census data is out, and everyone is talking about it, although it seems everyone is seeing something different:

• The number of nuclear families has declined while other unions (same sex, common law) have increased.
• More lone parent families involve a single dad than before (although single mothers still account for about 80%).
• There are triple the number of same sex couples as there were five years ago.
• Half of all Toronto families are traditional nuclear families.
• Over 40% of adults in their twenties still live at home (in Newfoundland and Labrador the number is over 50%).

Canada is a changing landscape.  What was once a standard definition of a family (mother, father, one or more typically biological children) no longer represents a large number of the families here.  Traditional marriages are happening less and less, while alternative approaches (common law unions, single parent homes, grandparents raising grandchildren) increase in number.

Mamaleh

Toronto is a melting pot of cultures and religions, each with their own rich traditions and history. As an egalitarian Jewish mom of 2 boys, I endeavour to teach them about our own traditions. In our secular world, this presents lots of challenges. This column will address these challenges, including suggestions and ways to integrate some of our traditions for learning, both in and out of school, for members of all faiths.

lard 'tunder

Okay so as I mentioned in my previous post, things have been a bit hectic these past few weeks.

And when things get hectic, one of the best things to do is eat out. Who has time for chopping, dicing, grilling and reducing? unfortunately not me- at least not at the moment. But I am planning on getting reacquainted with my kitchen once the fall really kicks in and it's all about cooking delicious comfort food.

Celebrity Sightings: Mommy-Blogger Style

It's that time of year when veritable celebrities flood the streets of the Big Smoke:  The Toronto International Film Festival.  Considering my background, this should be the most highly anticipated time of year for me, but no matter what I do, I just can't seem to get my act together to attend a film.  Maybe it's because you have to plan months in advance if you want to see any of the good shows, and I have difficulty planning what I'm going to have for dinner.  Maybe it's because I refuse to wait in long lines to see some random show, only to be turned away at the door.