Five Things I Love About Being a Mom

1. 4:00 am feedings. The only people awake on the planet are the two of you in the still of the night.
2. Year after year, the pictures on the front porch as they set out on their first day of school and the way the spruce tree in the picture gets bigger and bigger as the years go by.
3. Visiting the 6'++ son in first year residence and having a big swinging hug right there in the lobby in front of his friends.
4. Having the world-traveling daughter return home after two years and need some good old-fashioned Mommy-love.
5. Waking up each morning knowing you have given two wonderful new people to the universe.
   

Afghan Women's Rights

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) calls on the
Government of Canada to continue efforts to eliminate proposed legislation in
Afghanistan that threatens women’s basic human rights. The legislation contains
articles that would prevent women from leaving the house without their
husband’s permission, awards custody of children to male relatives only, and
that legalizes rape within marriage.

Of the law, CFUW President Patricia DuVal echoed the concerns of UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay: “This law is an affront to Afghan
women, and risks seriously undermining the small steps Afghanistan has made
towards compliance with international human rights norms.” Mindful of Canada’s
continued role in Afghanistan, she called on the Canadian government to
“involve Afghan women as leaders in peacebuilding efforts and increase support
for Afghan women’s groups who are working to improve gender equity.”

CFUW is committed to continuing its advocacy work at home to ensure that
Canadian actions in Afghanistan support women’s human rights in a culturally
sensitive manner.

CFUW urges members and supporters to sign a petition protesting the law
developed by our partner organization CARE Canada at www.care.ca.

Comic credits to: wonderfactory.org.

International Women's Day

It is the 98th anniversary of International Women's Day.

During International Women's Year in 1975, IWD was given official recognition by the United Nations and was taken up by many governments. International Women's Day is marked by a national holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. But not in Canada ... yet.

Valentine's Day in Vegas

Okay, so it wasn't ever my idea of paradise, but if you have to be in Vegas on Valentine's Day (and at a WPPI convention, to boot) it's nice to be there with your husband.

And even nicer if he gets tickets to a Billy Joel concert.

Yes, I am unashamed to STILL be a Billy Joel fan. Yes, I'm proud to say that when he finally played Piano Man at the very end of the evening, I was one of the many thousands who sang it back to him. And yes, I do admit to loving Piano Man from the first time I heard it in my first year of university and, yes, that was a long, long time ago. If only the good die young, what does that say about us - the long-standing Joel fans still thrilled to hear the piano man do his thing?

Happy Valentine's Day to you. I hope you got to spend it with someone special.

Best Complaint Letter Ever

I just came across this and couldn't resist posting it. What a way to start a new year.

Complaint Letter to Richard Branson

Merry Christmas

and all the best of health and happiness in 2009.

Cheers,
Anne