What do SAHWs do?

[aliki]

Note: NOT stay-at-home-moms but rather stay-at-home-wives.

I think I posted a rant about this a few years ago, so I wont rehash how I feel that people, regardless of their gender, need to find something productive to do with their lives, something they feel passionate about, something that enriches their community. I cringe at the line: "well, my husband makes enough for us to live comfortably on one income" because is that what a job is to you? Shouldn't you feel excited to go to work? Aren't you disturbed that you haven't found something in your life that makes you wake up in the morning and just want to go out and do it? Don't you feel inadequate by being defined as simply "a wife"? Don't you want to volunteer with a non-profit organization, take up a hobby like photography, become a mother? JUST SAYING.

The whole "Real Housewives of Whatever Town" is the epitome of how lethargic (not sure that's even the right word to describe them) and pointless their lives are: endless days of facials, pedicures, shopping, and gossiping. Is that what a whole generation of girls envy and look forward to when they become SAHWs?

This workaholic actually went to work yesterday. (I defensively said to Brian: "Just for 30 minutes, and it was sort of on the way to the beach with the dog!").

Today, I started cooking the Sauerbraten in the crockpot. I got a pedicure. I walked the dog for an hour. I went to four different stores and bought six outfits for Peanut off the clearance racks for $10. I ironed Brian's work clothes. I watched hours of daytime TV.

I miss work. I really love teaching. I miss the students. I miss being productive.

I can't wait to be a mother.

My mom arrives from Taiwan on Monday night! (She'll be here for two months to help me and Peanut out.)

Comments

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Yes, it just seems such an unfulfilled life. And life is too short to be stuck doing something you hate! Take the leap, go try something new, pursue your dreams!

[aliki.livejournal.com]

I don't dread them-- I actually love to grocery shop and cook, and cleaning makes me feel accomplished. However, I firmly believe we are all put on this planet to contribute to society. Our existence on this planet is more than just about surviving the day-- it should be about consciously choosing to live-- to give back to our communities when we can and be charitable to our neighbors. That we are all blessed with different talents and skills, and we should do our best to help others less fortunate than us.

And I can't help but feel that people who are capable of, but choose not to, are as petulant and selfish as the teenagers I see on MTV.