Sunday, February 5, 2012

14 days of loves: day 4 {I don't know how she does it}

The latest Sarah Jessica Parker movie I Don't Know How She Does It {based on the bestselling novel by Allison Pearson}  falls under the category of: "Movies That are More Fun to Watch Alone than Make Hubby Watch With Me."  Here is a taste, if you haven't seen it {remember to pause my music player at the bottom of this page before you hit play}:



While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece - more like a fluffy chick flick - I really enjoyed this movie.  I think it has some interesting messages about the modern role of "woman as mother."

I guess as a stay-at-home-mom I could be insulted by this movie.  It humorously pokes fun at mamas like me, painting a picture of SAHM's as rich, self-centered, and annoying.  As gym rats, yoga junkies, organic cookie-baking "Momsters" with posh lives of ease.

"Working moms" {an interesting term in itself...pretty sure we all "work"} are depicted as  "Jugglers" - women who "do it all."  They have high-powered careers, plan elaborate birthday parties, travel,  and create to-do lists in their head while laying awake at night.  Sure, they rush around, forget to pluck their eyebrows {because SAHM's have soooo much time to do that} and miss out on things with their kids (ie first haircuts) but they manage do be great moms and great employees.

I loved this movie -- simply because I am a new mom and it made me think about these stereotypes.  I don't really believe them, as I think whether you "work outside the home" or are "stay at home" or "work from home" you are still "working" your most important job: "Mom."   Each version has it's own challenges and perks.

I stay at home.  I miss my paycheck.  Having extra money for vacations and clothing and home furnishings was kind of nice.  I miss the peace of my office, the adult conversations, and having time in my car when I can listen to the radio and not have to sing "You are My Sunshine" over, and over, and over to prevent my baby from screaming.

Then again,  sometimes I get to stay in my pajamas until noon.  I make my own schedule, have time to keep the house clean, and really don't have to miss any moment of my baby's life.  Oh, and I am able to work out, whether it is a yoga class at the gym, or running with the baby in the jogging stroller.

Sure, I have a huge Rubbermaid bin of cute Express work pants and tailored button-down shirts that I will never wear again. Also, a ton of sassy high heels that, now, hardly get worn.  Oh, and the only time I get a latte that doesn't get cold before I'm able to finish drinking it is when I am grocery shopping on Sunday nights sans baby, which I sip while I shop.


Like I said, no matter what type of "working mama" you are - there is the good and the bad.

The important thing is that you are happy with the choice you make.  A happy woman makes a happy mama.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! 
This was a day late due to the nasty cold I've been nursing the past three days...ugh.

PS -- Would love to hear other mamas' reactions to this movie/book!  
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